My Re-Introduction

"Who are...?"

The man's words hung in the air, suspended in a moment that was destined to remain unfinished. Before he could complete his sentence, his life slipped away, his final breath dissipating into the ether.

"Just an ORDINARY student," I stated, my voice as frigid as the unforgiving wind that swept through the scene.

With a dispassionate gaze fixed upon the lifeless form before me, sprawled in a pool of crimson, I returned my hand to its resting place in my pocket. The other hand, devoid of empathy, lifted my mask, concealing any hint of emotion that might betray my chilling composure.

Allow me to REINTRODUCE myself — Vallen Sephtis, a name that often echoes through the halls of Magic High as a lightheaded simp. In the realm of academia, I'm not one to shine in studies or command magic with finesse, all thanks to a certain reason. Despite my academic shortcomings, one particular aspect sets me apart in this hallowed institution — it's my OVERWHELMING want to live in peace.

At times, I'd wear a unique mask given by my cousin – not due to any enduring blindness; my vision was restored long ago. Rather, I employ it to conceal the fact that I've completely recovered from my once-visual impairment.

Anyway~ That's enough of this. I better make myself escape before someone from the school spot me.

Having concluded my interaction with that particular individual, I pivoted to make my exit from the scene.

"Vallen..."

The sound of my name being uttered halted my retreat, and I found myself silently locking eyes with the girl before me.

Ah... Well, this complicates things.

...

..

.

A week had quietly slipped away.

"Hey, dude, have you come across Marco? It's been a whole week, and he's nowhere to be found."

At the mention of the student's name I had dealt with, I shook my head in response. "Nope, haven't crossed paths with him lately. Although, there's some chatter among students that he had a run-in with a tough dudes from the alley."

The student's expression shifted, showing a mix of concern and understanding. "Ah, I see. Probably tangled with the wrong crowd down there. Well, good luck."

With a nod of appreciation, he bid me farewell with a parting wave before disappearing into the distance.

Allowing my hands to drop, I released an exasperated sigh within the confines of my mask.

I really shouldn't have taken that route.

Actually, even though he insulted me the other day, I didn't actually plan on ending his life. I was simply walking by without my mask on.

You see, I tend to wear a mask to obscure my face, and when Marco caught sight of me without it, he couldn't place my identity. Likely, he figured I was just some inconspicuous student from the school, a nobody.

But then, he seized the opportunity to exploit me, to snatch my remaining allowance.

In that moment, my frustration was already at a high. I had just failed to secure the limited edition action figure of my beloved heroine from a gacha game. The anger, the disappointment, it all piled up inside me. So, when he made the decision to mug me, I couldn't hold back my fury any longer; it erupted.

I mean, it's a LIMITED EDITION! Who wouldn't get angry if they failed to get that?

Somewhere along the line, it happened. I ended his life, and by the time I grasped the gravity of the situation, the point of no return was far behind me.

Don't point fingers at me... Point them at him, for pushing me during my most vulnerable moments.

Complicating matters further, there was a witness to my impulsive outburst. The specter of exposure loomed, threatening the sanctuary of my peaceful life. If that girl chose to unveil the truth, the tranquil existence I had carefully crafted would shatter into irreparable fragments.

Ahhh... Should I threaten her? I dismissed the idea; the repercussions of altering her behavior would be more damaging than silence. Moreover, I'm no one who would bow their head to get what they want. My only viable recourse was to wield my remaining savings as a bargaining chip—to bribe her into silence.

But before I confronted any of these problems, there was a moment of solace to be savored—a cake. It's been a while now since the last time I celebrated my birthday. Plus, this will be the last time I'm staying on this world.

***

Few hours later.

Upon entering my room, I ensured that vigilant eyes remained absent outside, taking a moment to close the door in a cautious silence that betrayed no hint of my presence.

"Tch! Tch!"

Utilizing the echolocation technique I had mastered back when I was blind, I surveyed the confines of my room. Satisfied that no intruders lingered within, I drew a deliberate breath and advanced toward the mirror. My walking stick found its place on the bed, relinquished for the time being. With a measured motion, I unraveled my necktie, all while retaining possession of a cake held firmly in my other hand.

Positioning the cake before the mirror, I meticulously removed my mask. My attire followed, exchanged for another set of clothes. Pushing my hair upward in a deliberate gesture, I claimed a seat in front of the mirror, my gaze unwavering.

"Happy birthday..."

My reflection stared back, my lips curving into an almost imperceptible smile.

"Dear self."