Sue's Web

Victor's POV

In the end, little has changed since I've entered this school. Still the same weak individual who cannot stand up for himself. Always needing someone to hide behind. Perhaps that's why I'm so attached to Alice, there was little intention to change my bad habits from the beginning. Alice would protect me from the creatures known as man, that is what my subconscious screams out. This is why I will pursue her until I get her at last. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses changes nothing in the grand scheme of things. Everything will repeat itself all over again, just like in middle school.

As I got dressed for school, I stared at the disturbing text message along with an revealing picture on my phone. How many times now? How many times has the thought of smashing this phone on the wall crossed my mind? Reading this message is like reminding myself of my past trauma. Suddenly feeling dizzy, my head started to ache. Should I go to school today? Looking at the photo sent, losing my sanity just feels natural at this point.

"Why me?"

"Why me !?".

"I don't believe in destiny but.... it looks like I'm destined to suffer and live a painful life".

I have tried so hard to shape myself into a different person. Please Victor, don't revert back to the fool you were back then. I'm finished if that happens. The nightmare that is about to unfold is just the beginning. In order to prevent suffering I must correct my mistakes, I'll go to school today.

This text message sent by Sue Fong of Class 1C has really shook me to the core. All the confidence I have built, the bonds I have forged. All of it is in danger of disappearing with just three sentences and one photo. Of all the students from my middle to attend All Star Academy, Sue has to be the worst pick by far. There is little that this girl is not capable of at her age. Like I said, looks like I am destined to suffer.

Reading the message out loud it says " Good Morning Victor, your number was surprisingly easy to attain. In today's Treasure Hunt, Class 1C must win it all in a landslide kay. Thanks for your cooperation".

The picture she sent was a big secret of mine. It is worst than all the potential photos she has of me getting beaten to a pulp. If this photo is leaked to the public then I'm a goner. How? How did she get this photo? Only my family members should know about it.

I have blackmailed people in the past but this is the first time it has ever happened to me. Now I've become a puppet for Sue while Takeshi and two others are puppets for me. Now I know how it feels to be used.

The school campus was in the middle of expansion. Construction workers surrounded our schools like flies destroying the walls around back. I have heard news about our school getting dormitories for the students. That must be what the workers are working on, sure will be convenient if I could live on campus. I don't have to see anymore couples while I head to school I the mornings. Why did the school pick today of all days for the Monthly Challenge?

When I entered my classroom, most of the students were already present along with Mrs. Emi. They all stared at me intensely, as if they never wanted me to arrive. At least Aoi greeted me with a smile.

"Good Victor is here. Excellent you're early as always". Mrs Emi greeted me with an excited look on her face. What is she so happy about? "Victor, remember what we talked about yesterday?".

Yesterday? This morning had put me in such a bad mood, I forgot about the events that transpired yesterday. Because Alice was in earshot I told Mrs Emi that I am interested in the role Class 1A Captain. I also became a school Observer for the European Branch.

....

Sue could not have picked a better puppet if she tried.

"This is absurd Mrs Emi. Xavier is obviously the best person for the role. Who even is this Victor fella?"

Xavier laughed at his classmate's claim. "Hahaha ha, he is Victor silly. The guy who gives himself responsibilities. He is suited for the role too. You think so Sayaka?". As Xavier turned to her, Sayaka jumped and agreed.

"Have no problems here. He must be something great if he's chosen as a School Observer" she said.

Aphrodi and Fugo entered the classroom simultaneously. Mrs Emi quickly launched a question at them before they even took their seats. "How do you feel about Victor being Class Captain you two?".

"Victor? The boring guy, it's better to have Xavier as our captain". Fugo made little effort to sugar-coat his words. Aphrodi on the other hand said " Personally, I think I should be Class Captain. So that I can discipline the students here and recruit them in my ranks".

After hearing their opinions Mrs Emi let out a huge sigh. "Who cares what you guys think. He fits the requirements more than Xavier does, he scored the highest, tying with Sayaka. Only other person eligible for the title is Sayaka so pick your choice wisely" Mrs Emi told us.

....

After taking some time to think it through. Everyone eventually agreed with me being their Captain over Sayaka. "Alright boys and girls, the treasure hunt will begin as soon as the school bell rings. None of you are permitted to speak to each other during the hunt. Treasure hunt will end at lunch break, after that you are free to head home". Before she said anything else she handed every student a wristband with three bars on it.

"The Restrictive Wristband" Xavier stated.

"Yes, you mind demonstrating what it does Xavier?" Mrs Emi asked politely.

Xavier wore the wristband then turned around to Alisa. "Alisa you smell different today. Much sweeter than usual, what perfume did you buy?" He asked the girl out of nowhere.

Beep! ZAP!!

One of the three bars on Xavier's wristband lit up resulting in Xavier getting electrocuted for around three seconds. "The wristband zaps anyone who speaks and it is difficult to take off once you put them on. Only way to take them off is by the principal Mr Raihan or getting your three bars lit up which means getting electrocuted three times" Mrs Emi explains. So wearing these bands now is counterproductive, we won't be able to speak if we wear them now. "What about the treasure hunt itself. How will it work?" I asked her.

"200 treasure chests are currently being placed all around the school. Some will be in the open while some will be hidden well. Harder it is to find, the more valuable treasure it has inside. Every chests has an item that holds high value but not equal value. Some items will worth more than others so you better appraise the items you have well. You are free to steal other class's items in a non violent manner if possible, violence can be done but don't take it too far, you can even trade if you want. When lunch break arrives it will all be over, Mr Raihan will scan each class's treasure, the group with the highest value will claim the title of Class 1A".

The term value feel vague. Is it money or something sentimental or does it have a rich history. "What determine it's value? How much it's worth on the market or something else?" I asked Mrs Emi.

....

"No way I'm telling you that. You'll have to take a guess" she answers. Soon after she left the classroom with twenty minutes remaining until the school bell rings. Takeshi approached me, as soon as he did Aoi rested her head on the desk pretending to sleep.

"I did as you demanded yesterday? It was tough but I managed to pull it off somehow" he whispered to me.

"Where are the documents now?" I asked him.

"In my bag, you want them?".

"No, give them to Xavier. Let him know what the papers are for, he'll lead us to victory".

"Aren't you our new captain? Plus this is your idea, you should have the papers" said Takeshi. As much as I would love to have hands on the papers Takeshi copied, I am currently in Sue's Web. I can't afford to have something so valuable on me. "Do as I say, remember your place in our relationship" I said pointing at Aoi. Wonder if Takeshi has any plans on rebelling against me in the future? To prevent that I will have to brainwash him to be safe. Blackmail is not enough to tie this guy down for very long. Takeshi nodded at me then headed Xavier's direction. Five minutes before the school bell rings, an outsider visited our class requesting for me.

"Victor, let's have a private chat".

This soothing yet terrifying voice was none other than Sue Fong. Leader of Class 1C entered our classroom so casually, she may as well be one of us. "Who invited you!? Get out" Fugo demanded after seeing her.

"Victor, I'm waiting sweetie" she grins. An inner conflict grew within me. Deep down I know if I go out of this room with her I will end up helping Class 1C instead of my own. This is why I made sure not to look at the document Takeshi retrieved for me. I did what I could for my class, Xavier and the rest can give our class victory.

My life, what will become of it?

"Not much time left Victor, let's go".

"Ok, I'm coming"