Chapter 029. Who speaks about their death so calmly?

Silence hung heavy in the room as if the world had dull all the noise since Miroh last talked. The tension is too thick that one would sense the suffocating atmosphere from the main door.

They all look like they were about to get banished outside the barrier.

“Dude? Are you out of your mind?! Who would believe you!?” Yael suddenly bellowed, breaking the tense silence and snapping everyone back to reality.

Well, she guess shock would be an understatement for the people gathered in front of her. At this moment, the quick thinker Neil cleared his throat and raised his hand slightly.

“How can you be so sure that the higher ups intended for this to happen? They can’t possibly put the lives of examinees in danger in exchange of tarnishing their credibility as the kingdom’s military academy.”

There was reservation in his tone, which didn’t outrightly reject their idea yet also didn’t accept it.

That sentiment was already expected, thus Ayla and Miroh remained unfazed by everybody’s varied reactions.

Hika swallowed nervously, taking a step back behind Ayla to hide from the piercing gazes aimed at them. He really don’t know how to answer him. He was just implicated in this as an innocent bystander!

Ayla sighed loudly in defeat as if there is no point of hiding their big secret any longer.

“I really don’t want to say it since we were trying to lay low—“ Miroh’s flustered eyes locked on Ayla as if he could guess what she’s about to say.

However, reality flew by quicker than expected as he could only stare blankly while Ayla continued speaking sincerely, “—but the truth is, Miroh was a knight from Black Winter moon before.”

“!!!”

If the statement earlier didn’t faze them, then they were definitely buzzing right now. The group made their own noises of surprise and awe after hearing such an exclusive information.

Although a lot of it was probably played by Ayla making it seem like a high-profile news.

On the other hand, the main character of their glittering eyes—Miroh was on the brink of mentally shutting down right there. It seems like Ayla had thrust him in a brand new scam…or scheme again.

Ayla inwardly grinned like a certified scammer, basking in the changes in their mood with pride. However, her tone didn’t fluctuate even a tiny bit because of their changed attitude.

“That’s why I think we can guarantee Miroh’s intuition regarding this one. There is something they are planning to achieve from us with this instance.”

“That’s crazy! I’ve never heard of an ex-knight entering the military academy again.” Satty whispered. Her eyes glisten as if marvelling at a local celebrity.

“So why did you enter as a recruit again?” Dotr asked before clearing his throat, thinking his question was too straightforward. “If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

“I was fired by my department leader.” His voice held a tinge of indignation, which made most of them lower their guard in pity.

However, Miroh was busy thinking if using fired is a better term than demoted. Keid was explicit in saying he was demoted, but it doesn’t sound very nice especially when he didn’t really do anything wrong.

“That department leader is clearly abusing his authority. How can he fire you like that?” Satty immediately reacted. Her expression clearly express her disfavor to that unknown department leader.

In a certain office, Keid scratched his ear unconsciously before flipping on a new page to sign. Maybe he should check for any bed bugs under his bed tonight.

Yael eyed Satty in disbelief. “How come you instantly sided with him? Who knows what he did wrong that he was fired from Winter moon.” He scoffed. His words clearly meant to establish a clear line on his opinion.

Neil nodded. “He’s right. Nobody would easily fire any knight in Winter moon because they are understaff unless they committed a serious military misconduct or they crossed the tyrant commander.“

The ‘tyrant commander’ lifted his chin up, staring at the back of Neil’s head deeply. From outside, he seem to be cowardly huddling in a corner since earlier, but he had been keeping a close ear of their conversation.

Neil suddenly felt a cold shiver run through his spine, rubbing his forearms anxiously. Dammit, was he seriously having paranoia at some mere words of these people?

Haedi suddenly gasped and covered her mouth with both hands, catching everyone by surprise. It seem like she had reach an epiphany. “Miroh, did you—did you attempt to desert?” She whispered in sorrow.

Miroh opened his mouth and was about to reply when Satty cut him off.

“No, no, nooo! This case doesn’t sound very simple. Miroh, we must take this to the headmaster. Let’s see if we can put your department leader in his shitty place!”

Satty rationalization is very simple. Miroh had readily helped her when she passed out, thus she had already recognized him as a good person and a friend. No matter what she’ll be loyal to her friends.

Miroh rubbed his sweaty palms discreetly against his pants. How can she speak these vengeful words for someone she just met!? She’s actively putting these land mines for him to step on!

Ayla watched their interaction and mentally thump her chest anxiously whether this might bite them in the ass later.

‘Ha ha…this is really not a simple case that you might think…the department leader you are talking about is really a cunning bastard…ho ho…please stop cursing the devil or he’ll really hear it from the depths of hell!’

Miroh shot Ayla an accusatory side glance. This was probably something she was planning to do at the earliest. At least with this, they will more room to be complacent with their natural behavior.

In any case, Ayla never plan on holding on to this vest too long. Thus, she decided to take away Miroh’s vest right now to establish their credibility in front of these distrusting kids.

Ayla cleared her throat to regain her momentum. “I’m sure you already had a good look of the leviaths from the hallway earlier?”

Neil nodded his head attentively. Then, as expected of someone who probably reviewed seriously for the written test, his eyes widen as realization hit him.

“Ah, that’s right! I think they are D rank leviaths? But aren’t they suppose to be one of the easiest to clean up regardless of military rank?”

Ayla had the passing impression that they were conducting a field demo right now. Thankfully, Neil seem to be pretty on vibe with whatever bullshit they’re going.

‘It’s slowly feeling like this is a test now…’ Ayla thought wearily.

Miroh nodded urgingly. “Yes. That’s why we thought that there’s something wrong with the knights’ behavior. Considering their reaction is not something typical of a serious containment breach happening in the campus.”

“Well…you say that, but does it have to be us? There could be some people who already moving ahead of us.” Dotr interjected.

The conversation once again hit a dead end as their eyes flitted across the room, reverting back to their uncertainties. The statement sent a bucket of cold water in the atmosphere.

There’s nothing wrong with his statement. Other people with ambition must have their own intentions and wants to use this opportunity to give a good impression. If they could do it for the team, then everybody will be happy.

Ayla accepted Dotr’s careful words with a noncommittal nod and spoke slowly. “He’s right. That’s why…How about killing the leviaths before others could?”

Haedi and Neil let out inaudible gasp while the rest gulped anxiously at her provocative statement.

It was then that Ayla’s languid tone once again entered their ears as they were recovering from her brazenness. “But, of course, I will respect your choice not to follow us out. The knights have also stated earlier that it is better to stay here.”

She also put up a leeway for others to decline as to not make them uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, going out there could be beneficial in their standing as recruits during their stay here. In this dog eats dog world, they have to prove their strength to everyone at any given chance.

‘But can they really do it?’

Satty let out a low squeal and enthusiastically raised her arm up while lightly jumping on her toes. She was the least bit affected by the odd atmosphere.

“Me, me! I’ll do it!”

Her competitive spirit ignited at the thought of making a good impression to the higher ups with this. This can also help boost their grades up to attain one of the top ten position!

The rest looked at each other hesitantly before quietly voicing out their agreement to cooperate.

‘What’s there to be afraid of? They are all in the same starting line. If others can do it, then so can they!’

The sound of a chair scrapping the floor, caught their attention. ‘Bob’ stood up and walked closer to their crowd as if to silently declare his intention to join them.

His alluring lips opened but before he can speak, Haedi jumped in worriedly.

“Umm…I don’t think Bob should go with them. It would be too dangerous even if it’s a D rank leviaths.”

Yael nodded seriously. “You’re right. Not all of us can go with them. They might just drag the whole team down.”

The person who will drag the team down: “…”

“Yes, yes. Bob looks too frail. So it’s better if some people can stay here. They can also report to the knights where we are once they go back.” Dotr remarked.

“I can stay here with Pola! I don’t want to holdback everyone on the way.” She stated while playing with her fingers in dismay.

“I can also stay here in case of something happened here.” Dotr also volunteered to stay with them, which put everyone’s mind at ease.

Haedi glanced up at bob with a reassuring look as if saying you don’t have to worry, Carheil immediately understood that the girl had misunderstood his action as wanting to bail out from their plan but could not.

Receiving this kind of treatment as the Black winter moon’s "tyrannical” commander that was rumored as the knight that drinks the blood of leviaths was alien and terribly discomforting to him.

If the bastard twins could see him now, they would have vomited blood after he beat them up from rolling on the floor laughing.

‘What is wrong with this kids? Did his appearance before gave them a strong impression?’

Yael took a deep breathe before straightening his spine to look taller. He guess they’re really going at it for real.

“So…what’s the plan?”

…

The group of six people ran through a familiar hallway with staggered breaths. They didn’t talk since coming out of the library as they follow behind Ayla back to where they came from.

The door to the mess hall was left opened. However, Ayla didn’t spare it a glance and continued running until they arrived in front of an inconspicuous door with the label kitchen on it.

“It’s locked from the inside.” Neil stated with a sigh after wiggling the door knob.

Satty stepped forward with light hop on her feet. There was a particular glimmer in her eyes paired with a sly upturn of her lips. “Then, please step aside.” She spread her arms to make more room for herself and the door, then suddenly executed a simple roundhouse kick right at the door knob.

The poor door knob detached from the door because of the force, causing it to fly across the floor.

The door left ajar after being abused like this: “…”

“What the fuck…how?” Yael stuttered and took a small step back away from Satty instinctively.

Satty gave a small laugh, scratching her chin as she avoided everybody’s dumbfounded gaze like a shy teenage girl. “Ah. I trained a lot in the legs since I was a child. Was that too much strength? Hoho, sorry, sorry.”

Her demeanor changed to a playful, coquettish girl in an instant—not like a person capable of breaking down a door.

“We don’t have much time. Let’s go inside first.” Ayla muttered and pushed the door lightly with her hand.

Yael trudged in behind them while still tapping his uncontrollable heart with a spaced out expression. Who am I? Where am I?

“So what are we looking for?” Neil asked, observing the interior of the moderately spacious kitchen area where their breakfast earlier was cooked. The state of the kitchen was cluttered as if a brief hurricane passed by and left this mess.

This would be a pain to restore back to its original state. Fortunately, it seems like everyone had escaped somewhere.

“We need to find someone. He still should be here somewhere…” Ayla trailed off, taking a full look of the room.

Miroh realized who she’s referring to and snapped his fingers. “Are you looking for…”

“Huuughh…”

They felt their heart jumped out of their ribcage as soon as a low grumbling noise sounded behind one of the random crates stacked up in a corner.

“Wh-what was that?” Hika muttered shakily. He had been tight lipped since earlier and keeping to himself as to not make his nerves obvious, but the stutter fully gave him away.

“Th-there…” Yael muttered, eyes locked on a specific area in the crates. At the same time, thick and long fingers attached to huge hand crawled out from behind and a figure soon emerged with a strong and hardened gaze.

“Oh. You’re here. Just as I thought.” Ayla stated with a casual grin. Not the least bit surprise by Hamal’s antics.

Hamal glance at the group staring blankly at him before bending his body as much as he could in his position. “Hello, my name is Hamal. An acquaintance of Ayla and Miroh.” There came his polite greeting.

He took whiff of the room and hummed. “It seems like somebody ate the onion soup I made earlier. I hope that was to your taste.” He said respectfully.

Hika raised his hand sheepishly. “That was me…It was very good!” He added hastily after sensing Hamal’s steady gaze at him.

Hamal’s tight face looks to have lighten up a fraction at his compliment. Although it didn’t look anything like that at all for others.

“It’s my pleasure.”

They waited for Hamal get out of that tight space before talking once again.

“Why are you hiding behind there?” Miroh was the one to ask in bewilderment.

“Ah. I thought that Mi—I mean Ayla will need me because of the abrupt situation. So I waited here.”

Miroh looked like he accepted Hamal’s answer as is but others were still disoriented by the appearance of the person.

“But why are you hiding behind there?” Neil asked hesitantly. Is that a new strategy for employees in the military?

Hamal didn’t have a change of expression and answered sincerely. “I thought everyone will get scared.”

He glanced at Ayla’s unimpressed glare and added, “I guess not.”

Ayla relaxed her expression and sighed. It’s time to change the conversation. “Okay, that’s enough of dallying. Let’s talk about what we need to do.”

“Are you asking for their laboratory?” Hamal guessed.

Ayla blinked with a raised brow. “How’d you know?”

“It’s a D rank leviath.” He took a single sniff before he continue speaking, “they’re getting erratic because of the attack in their shell coverings. It’s a matter of minutes before they go berserk and kill everyone here.”

Their faces blanched at Hamal’s ominous statement to a looming future for everyone. Who speaks about their death so calmly?

“What do you mean? Are we gonna die!?” Yael freaked out.

“These D rank leviaths are actually time ticking bomb that releases a noxious gas around a specific perimeter they are in. Once the shell covering they have is broken they go berserk and go on a rampage leaving the gases in the air.”

In short, everyone in this closed campus will die if they don’t do anything.

“What they’re doing is indeed too dangerous and careless. A clean slice in the nape by anyone could solve this predicament.” Hamal remarked.

“I never read that detail in any book in the library.” Hika uttered. Shouldn’t that critical detail be printed in books?

Miroh shrug his shoulders. Who would waste a page to describe a paper-like monster? “Most probably forgot about it.”

“Right then. We need to lure the leviaths away from those troublesome Autumn blaze knights. That’s so we can keep the shell covering intact and get close for the kill.” Ayla started.

“We can push that easy job to Miroh.” Ayla added as an afterthought.

Everybody gaze at Miroh in gratitude with faces screaming like ‘you are our hero, our savior sir knight!’

Miroh’s seriously getting angry about their misunderstanding now. And the source of this misunderstanding didn’t even bat an eye in packaging him in this multi-level marketing scheme.

Hamal rubbed his nose. “We should go now. The laboratory is at the floor above us.” Hamal suggested.

On the way there, Neil glanced at Hamal in awe. “Did you memorize the layout of the entire campus already?” He exclaimed, marvelling at Hamal’s seemingly confident steps while navigating the path.

“No. I can smell a familiar scent in one of the rooms above similar to a chemistry laboratory.” Hamal replied bluntly.

“Oh.”

“Hey, hey, how is he doing that?” Yael inched close to Ayla while eyeing Hamal warily. He was afraid the person has superior hearing ability as well.

Ayla glanced at him silently.

“Ha ha ha, I guess I was too impatient.” Yael laughed airily, running away to escape the stare down. He thought Ayla had become approachable after getting through a near death experience…guess not.

“Ah. Don’t worry Hamal is like that all the time. He’s actually a very good person. You don’t know how useful his nose is at most times.” Miroh comforted Yael. He went through the same experience meeting Hamal and the rest but quickly got over his first impressions after a few days of seeing together.

“What about Ayla? He’s like a grumpy and unapproachable old guy. How did you get along with him?” Satty also joined in the conversation eagerly. Who wouldn’t want to get along with a good looking guy? Since first day, Ayla had unknowingly been earning curious stares from anyone they come across.

But the two military idiots—Ayla and Miroh—who never thought of anything but fighting, are blind to what is the current conventional beauty standards.

“Ayla…just pretend you have the thickest skin in the world.”

‘That’s…kinda harsh to say about your friend,’ they thought similarly.

“Well, I can also just admire his face from a far.” Satty compromised brightly. Who cares about their cold personality if their face is 100%!

“You…” Yael who has been in a conservative environment all his life can't help but cover his mouth in shock.