The weapons class was now empty. Only Vahn and Professor Malia remained, standing at the center of the room.
She had asked him to stay behind, claiming she had an offer for him. Vahn's heart beat faster, not from excitement, but caution. A part of him couldn't help but wonder if she had discovered his involvement in the second scenario discussions. The idea made him tense.
Then she spoke.
"Honestly, this offer is more of a feeling than anything else," Malia began. "I have a hunch you'll become a great swordsman. And as a fellow swordsman... I want to help you get there. What do you think?"
"Huh?" Vahn blinked. Of all the things he expected to hear, this hadn't made the top three.
"You want to teach me the sword?" he asked, just to be sure.
"Yes." She smiled gently.
"In return for what?" Vahn's gaze sharpened, instantly suspicious.
"Well," she shrugged, "let's say... You join the alliance when you graduate."
"Hmm…" Vahn thought it over.
The alliance… The name no longer held the same weight as it did to him. After what the Major-General had done to him, experimenting with the power of their greatest enemy, the so-called heroes had lost his trust. Still, this was an opportunity he could use.
"Alright," he agreed.
He had no intention of joining them. The world had less than three years before its end. The program would last two. If he cleared the scenario early, he'd be free before the deal ever mattered.
'Just another reason to finish this quickly,' he told himself.
"Good." Malia nodded, clearly satisfied, unaware of the true thoughts behind Vahn's calm expression.
"We'll begin after the next class," she added before dismissing him.
...
On his way back from Professor Malia, 'Classes are done. Time to eat,' Vahn thought, making his way to the cafeteria.
He didn't care much for fancy food. As long as it filled his stomach and had some taste, he was content. Perhaps it was because he'd never had anything luxurious to compare it to.
But as he entered, a scene was already unfolding.
"Hey, can I have your food?" a guy said, already reaching into someone's plate before getting a response. Laughter erupted from the group behind him.
"C-Can you stop?" the bullied boy stammered, glancing around for help.
"Oi, is this bitch really looking for help?"
"Haa… does he even know?"
"P-Please stop…" The victim's eyes widened when he saw Vahn enter. He raised his voice.
"HELP!"
But Vahn just glanced at him, shook his head, and kept walking.
"HELP!" the boy shouted louder, but Vahn didn't even flinch.
He recognized that guy. He'd seen him on the day of their awakening. One of the first to mock Vahn when he didn't receive an ability. A perfect example of a hypocrite boasting when things went well, crying when they didn't.
'This is why I hate people like him,' Vahn thought.
"Why are you asking for help, you half-awakened?" the bully sneered, smacking him on the head.
Then the victim tried to turn the tables.
"B-BECAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE AN ABILITY!" he screamed, pointing toward Vahn.
Silence.
The cafeteria froze as everyone turned to look at Vahn, who was calmly picking up his tray.
'He's dragging me into this to avoid being the only target,' Vahn thought. 'Typical.'
"Hey, hey! That's a lie," a voice called out, stepping between the bully and the bullied.
"Barion?" the bully asked in surprise.
Barion glanced once at Vahn before turning back. "How do you know he doesn't have an ability?"
"I-I was there… when everyone awakened. He was the only one who didn't."
Barion stiffened.
"Wait, Barion," the bully pressed. "Is he the one who—"
"Yes," Barion said grimly. "Vahn's my roommate."
Things started to click for the crowd.
"Wait… are you saying he's the one who did that to you?"
"Yes."
"And you're telling us he doesn't have an ability?" the bully turned to the victim.
"Y-Yes! You have to believe me."
Barion sighed. "Piet… don't. Nothing good will come from this. I don't believe he's powerless."
But Piet wasn't listening. His eyes were locked on Vahn.
"It won't hurt to try," he muttered, and started walking toward him.
Barion cursed and gestured for the others to follow.
...
"Hey, Vahn, right?" Piet said, putting on a fake smile as he approached.
"Yes." Vahn looked up calmly, eyes sweeping over Piet, the approaching group, and the now-vanished victim.
"I was wondering… can I borrow your food?" Piet reached toward his plate.
"Haa...Do I look easy to you?" Vahn's eyes flashed as his hand moved.
Bang.
"Gahhh!" Piet screamed as a fork stabbed through his hand, pinning it to the table. Blood spilled onto the tray.
"Shit! Stop!" Barion rushed in, trying to lift Vahn's hand off the fork, but it wouldn't budge.
Vahn's expression didn't change. His grip remained firm.
"Can't you stop, damn it?!" Barion shouted, even using his metal ability to help, but Vahn was unmoved.
"You warned him and he didn't listen," Vahn said coldly while digging into Piet. "That's on him. Besides, this is the third time.".
Barion paused, and his eyes narrowed in understanding and asked, "W-What do you want?" It was like Barion understood his actions.
'Is he smarter than he looks?' Vahn wondered.
Slowly, he pulled the fork free.
"Ahh… Haah…" Piet collapsed, clutching his bleeding hand.
"I want information," Vahn said flatly.