The school had already counted 50 bodies. This meant that it would likely take a while before it could reopen, possibly less than two weeks. Despite the high death toll and the number of missing persons, the people of New York continued with their daily routines as if nothing was wrong. In their minds, they probably thought as long as they or their loved ones were safe, they didn't care about the chaos around them. However, religious cults were growing in numbers and urging people to submit to their beliefs and ask for God's mercy. It was ironic how among them walked a future god - myself - who would soon rule over them all.
I've never considered myself a "people person." In fact, I despise every single individual who roams this earth and couldn't care less about their existence. Edel once asked me what I would do if I won and became the chosen god. How would I rule? Deep down, he already knows the answer from witnessing my true nature. Unlike the other candidates, I have no noble intentions or ambitions. All that matters to me is gaining absolute power so that I can never be beneath anyone again. After being deemed worthless by my own parents, the only humanity left in me was buried deep within, and it was slowly fading away as well. I hate them all equally, but Yugin holds a special place of hatred in my heart because his very existence has branded me as a bad omen.
Dolion is often remembered as a troubled child, someone who didn't have much sympathy for his twin sibling who suffered from heart problems. Whenever Dolion entered a room full of people, their demeanor suddenly shifted, as if he were some type of forbidden creature that shouldn't be gazed upon for too long. Despite being seen as cursed, Yugin still envies Dolion, which only serves to anger me further.
"Yugin . . . is that you?"
I was lost in thought until a gentle, melodic voice snapped me back to reality. I turned around and the sun's rays hit my eyes, momentarily blinding me. As my vision adjusted, I saw her standing there with her vibrant purple hair shimmering in the sunlight, adding an otherworldly quality to her appearance.
"Mari? How are you?"
I admit, I don't know much about Mari. In reality, I only acted like a lovesick fool for Hana. People never wanted to get close to me in school because I was labeled as a loser. But let's be honest, high school is just a hierarchy where everyone is trying to climb to the top of the social ladder, which seems pretty pointless to me. Once we graduate and enter the real world, no one cares if you were popular or not. However, Mari was different. She would occasionally talk to me, despite my lowly status. She tends to keep to herself and only talks to Karin. I've encountered some terrible people in my life, having grown up with them and becoming one myself, but there's something genuine about Mari when she speaks to me.
She hesitantly moved her head, avoiding looking directly at me as she nervously played with her hands. Our eyes rarely met during our conversations and I couldn't figure out why. Maybe she struggled with social anxiety, making it hard for her to engage with others. This was the norm whenever we talked; our conversations were short and her focus never stayed on me for long.
"I'm trying to hold myself up. After what happened that day I've been tensed. . it could have been Karin who died along with the rest, I'm so happy that she's okay…" At first, her voice was at a normal volume, but as she continued to talk, it gradually decreased in volume. She seems content with Karin being here with us, their bond is precious and it's rare to find that.
" What about yourself? Aren't you happy that you can wake up another day?"
Gradually, the look of contentment vanished from her face. Her muscles tightened and she stared intently at the grass beneath her feet. I couldn't comprehend what had brought about this sudden shift in her mood, but that very expression conjured up memories of my childhood. Memories of who I used to be before I evolved into the person I am now.
" It doesn't matter, does it?" She exhaled slowly, feeling the tension in her body dissipate as she smacked her hips to regain composure. She fell into step beside me, eagerly anticipating the view of the mini waterfall cascading down the hill. As we approached, she leaned against the wooden fence, basking in the warmth of the sun on her pale skin and gazing at the sparkling water below. "I think this is the first time we chatted more than saying how you and school work subjects."A soft giggle slipped out of her mouth as she reached out her hand, hoping to entice one of the flying birds nearby to land on her finger. But unfortunately, luck was not on her side as the birds playfully dodged around her finger, refusing to perch on it.
"I think so. Are you ready to head back to that building yet?"
She shook her head and stood on her toes to extend her finger even further. "I believe anyone in their right mind would refuse," she said. "It felt like a scene from one of those dreadful Hollywood horror films." somewhat amusement played on her tongue.
I stumble to the edge of the wooden fence, my palms sweating as I gaze down at the raging waterfall that claimed my brother's life. The same waterfall where his head slammed against the rocks, splattering crimson across the water's surface. My mind flashes back to that day, every detail etched into my memory. It was a moment that changed me forever, and it was all because of Kira - the one responsible for me to finally take action in my life.
"Thank you, Mari."
She paused her playful interactions with the birds and stood still, facing me. I could tell from the look on her face that confusion had taken over her features. I kept her in my peripheral vision as I waited for her to speak. "I did something worth thanking?" There was a hint of uncertainty in her tone as she tilted her head in confusion, perhaps trying to figure out what she had done to deserve my gratitude.
" The classroom. You helped me leave the building when I was frightened."
"Oh . . . that." A heavy silence hung between us as we both avoided making eye contact, a discomfort that was palpable but not suffocating. "It's only fair if you return the favor." She turned to face me once more, her lips curving into a smile that reached her eyes. She extended her pinky finger towards me.
" What's this?" I could feel the confusion etched on my face, even without a mirror. Why was she extending only her pinky finger towards me?
" Pinky promise, you must promise me that you will save me in order to make it fair."
" Really?"
" Yes, really. This is the only way I can count on your word."
Seeing Mari in this light is a new experience for me. Our conversations are usually brief, only lasting five to ten minutes at most. I suppose Karin is familiar with this side of her. I am amused by Mari's actions and I fulfill our pinky promise.
"I promise I will." The true question now is, will I actually do it? I fail to see how this decision will have any impact on me. I'll only take extreme measures if it means securing a victory in this battle.
****
As the sun began to set, an unnerving chill swept over the city like a foreboding omen. The birds in the sky let out blood-curdling screeches instead of their usual melodic songs, and even the most docile dogs snarled and lunged at their owners with ferocious fury. A sense of impending danger gnawed at my insides, urging me to find shelter before it was too late. But I was stuck in the heart of Times Square, surrounded by towering buildings and bustling crowds.
" Check out X right now!"
" What the fuck is happening?!"
" Are those religious cults serious? Are we in our final days?!
Amid the cacophony of voices around me, I couldn't resist the urge to grab my phone and check out what everyone was talking about. But before I could even unlock my screen, the giant screens in Times Square suddenly went dark and then lit up with a curious image: a person wearing a turquoise mask adorned with mother-of-pearl eyes and conch shell teeth. The mask didn't appear frightening, but it begged the question - what did it symbolize?
"You should be blessed to be in my presence because I'm wasting my time with insignificant people who can't solve quadratic equations in less than two minutes." the person was sitting on a black office chair with a black sweater and long black slacks. They were hunching forward staring at the camera. Without me seeing their pupils I could tell that person was looking down at us. "I hope the other candidates like my grand entrance into the school. I'm letting the half-wittes know that I am serious about becoming the next god because the rest of you will never surpass me in intelligence. Enjoy my gift to you." Once they were finished the screen changed into a basement-like setting with the principal of our school and another person that I have no clue of. The principal sat in a stiff, metal chair, her hands and feet bound with thick layers of duct tape. Another piece was tightly pressed against her mouth, muffling any attempts to speak. She struggled against the restraints, but they held strong. But you can still hear her muffled cries.
" Your Majesty wants you dead. You dare scold him and that will cause you death it is." The perpetrator disappeared off-camera in a hurry and returned with a heated iron rod. The end of the metal pole glowed a fiery red-orange, and it was directed towards the head of the principal. Her muffled screams grew louder as she frantically struggled to escape from the chair, but she was unable to due to the duct tape securely binding her. Her eyes were a deep shade of red as she shook her head in desperation, pleading for the culprit to stop. " You shall perish for the majesty to feel peace within." The perpetrator spoke with a detached, robotic tone as if the candidate controlled his actions with a red arrow. Even as the principal pleaded for her life, the man continued to torture her by pressing a hot iron to her forehead.
As the graphic images on the screen caused those around me to gasp and turn away, I couldn't tear myself away. The principal's head was being melted by a hot iron, and it was a gruesome sight. Police arrived at the chaotic scene, trying to figure out who had control of the giant screens in Times Square. But I remained focused on one thing: I needed to know who was behind this. They were an obstacle in my way, and I wouldn't rest until they were eliminated. Give me more clues, and I'll find a way to take them down.
After the person finished drilling the hot iron pole into the principal's forehead, leaving it lodged there her body slumped backward against the chair. He then calmly walked to stand in front of the camera, his eyes devoid of any emotion or life, yet still sporting a sinister smile on his lips. "Majesty will kill anyone who doesn't fit in his world."
I take that as an insult because his world won't be a thing as I'm living. He won't even be alive to even catch a glimpse of the world I have in mind.