Vol 1 chapter 2.2: Shadows and Mirrors

I was currently in the hallways of the school since we only had two hours till school started. So it doesn't hurt to explore a bit no?

"It doesn't seem anyone is here…" I said as I made it to Class F and saw no one in there.

The real reason I was here extremely early is because one of the enforcers of the engineer's strategy could be in either of the classes to discuss what they should do next. I am certain that either of the influential students from Class E or Class F are having a meeting here in one of the classrooms.

Now one would ask, 'If they wanted to meet secretly, then wouldn't it be better to do it in the dorm room or perhaps somewhere else?'

A question like that is understandable, something I would take into account.

But I believe that both of the enforcers, or even one of them won't break their commitment to their acting if they are trying to conceal themselves. This could explain why only 45 people requested a matchup against me and not 50.

So if they are meeting here because they saw I declined their requests, then they are most likely gonna have all the students from both of their classes send a match-up against me.

"Excuse me," a male voice with a British accent although the way he spoke was formal as I left Class F and saw his appearance and instantly recognized him.

He had black hair with a length that reached his shoulder as it had a yellow gradient, his eyes were black but with a bright soul within them as he had a charismatic smile.

He was James Mosley, he was in Class A since he was 15th ranked.

However, Mr. Mosley is the son of the British prime minister as well.

I wonder if Mr. Beckham is acquainted with Mr. Mosley?

"I didn't mean to interrupt your exploration of the school. But I recall that you are Isaac Mahoka right?" He asked out of curiosity and his intentions didn't seem to be bad.

I can guess he remembers who I am from the ranking list, or the word of me being the 'King of trash' has spread so rapidly that it even reached the students of Class A.

"A-ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am James Mosley." He said he looked nervous as he extended his hand out.

For someone who is the son of the prime minister, he seems nervous and a bit socially awkward like me.

Perhaps he isn't a people person?

Or he could be some form of a rebel against his father who most likely wants him to join the British political world and become the prime minister.

Another thing could be he was shut off away from the world and was simply home-schooled for most of his life until now.

No from that charismatic smile, he is sociable and hasn't been home-schooled. This means he just likes to be formal, and from the looks of it he is slightly clumsy or a bit forgetful.

I shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mosley."

We then stopped shaking each other's hands as he put his hand inside his pocket.

I still find it strange that he came to talk to me at a convenient time when I was trying to spy on Class E and Class F.

But it could still be a coincidence that he could be coming in early at school and just so happened to have spotted me.

"So then, I am correct to assume you are going into a few specific classes to see who spread that reputation status of yours?"

After hearing his question, I marked him off the suspect list, which leaves 192 more to go.

"Words get around fast it seems."

"Unfortunately, it's so scum of them to spread a name like that about you," He said as I saw in his eyes pure anger, an anger that is directed at those who show no remorse for treating people like garbage. Could he have a strong sense of justice? He composed himself. "Sorry about that… a-anyways, from what I recalled, I only saw the students mostly being from Class E and Class F spreading this name around. So I am correct to assume you are searching for anyone in those classes?"

His intuition is pretty good, and he has the right idea of the surface intention of what I am doing, however, his reasoning isn't on point. But still a good reasonable assumption.

But it should be good enough to hide my actual intentions with his reasoning.

"You'd be correct. I believe it to be a form of social pressure to get me into recklessly challenging the students here to try and move up without thinking straight and making me look desperate." I came up with a good lie.

"I see, I suppose you are planning to eavesdrop on them to get more information I presume—"

I felt my ear twitch as I instinctively looked in front of Mr. Mosley as I pulled him into Class F.

I motioned him to hush and he seemed confused but quickly understood as we kept quiet.

As two minutes went by I looked out the window of the door and saw the person I heard from the distance.

The moment I saw the person entered my vision.

She was from Class F, Kim Yeong-Hwa, rank 138, her appearance was fierce, to say the least. She had a pierced red-eye gaze that surpassed Leonid as she wore an emotionless expression. And had black long hair in a ponytail. Her arms which give off a chiseled-like layer, add more to her presence of her being strong and intimidating.

And from how she passed her class….

….She's likely heading to Class E since someone is already there waiting for her, which would mean she must be the secondary enforcer from Class F who helped execute this strategy against me.

I took a glance at Mr. Mosley as he was surprised to see her.

As I took another spare look out the door window, she was out of sight.

I then motioned Mr. Mosley to follow me as we snuck out of the empty class and made our way to the side of the door of Class E.

The reason why I want him to follow me is strictly a rather last-minute decision since his reaction to her intrigued me as well, and perhaps that'll give me a good idea of what he believes.

Another thing is that I would like to see his reaction to knowing they were planning this, and I am sure he'll question me if I knew this was planned or not. Since it could also give him the possibility that I might be spying because I knew their plan.

I took a small peek in the Class E window to see another person I recognized from the ranking list.

His name was Nathaniel Bennet, rank 102, not that far away from Lucico I might say. He had a dark complexion with brown hair that was in dreads, and he had an icy blue gaze as he wore glasses. And he seemed fit.

If I were to guess, Mr. Bennet was the one who initiated the idea to spread the vulgar nickname I was bestowed, and Miss. Kim was the one who most likely chipped in the idea of having most of their classmates send a matchup request to me.

"It seems our plan went as expected, Isaac declined all the matchup requests as you predicted." Mr. Bennet told the arrived Miss. Kim.

It seems they were expecting me to decline them.

"Of course, us being here simply confirms that he is already beginning to suspect that this was a coordinated move rather than. So he most likely is investigating or beginning to investigate as we speak. So I already informed my classmates and your classmates to send the matchup once more and I made sure that five of my other classmates. So that he begins to investigate those five and not deduce the two of us." Miss. Kim spoke in a cold emotionless tone as I saw her tap on her phone.

I felt my phone buzz multiple times as I counted 50, and it was a good thing I had it on silent beforehand. Since if I didn't, they would have spotted me, and most likely constructed a plan that I might have a disadvantage in.

Her next move is indeed good, if I wasn't so perceptive, I might have genuinely fallen for this move and gone to investigate the five people who didn't send me a request the first time.

But unfortunately for them, I already am hearing their plan.

"It seems you have a good idea of what he'll do, it's almost scary." Mr. Bennet complimented her but she easily dismissed it. "It's simply not underestimating your opponent, no matter what…"

I found Miss. Kim's words are interesting, it's like she is aware of something else.

No, that would be inaccurate, she's intentionally hiding information from Mr. Bennet, considering she was able to predict that I would see through their plan fast and probably investigate the moment I would decline those requests.

Then… Why didn't the possibility in her mind pop up that I could be listening in on them right now?

Did I overestimate her ability to see far ahead?

I looked back into my memory when I first saw her walk through the hallway through Class F's door window.

I didn't see anything suspicious that would make her see me or Mr. Mosley.

Let me play it a second time but slower.

Still nothing…

I'll do it a third time but twice as slowly as before.

Huh?

I caught something….

Let me play it a fourth time but incredibly slow this time…..

As she went about at the edge of the door's window perimeter, if I looked incredibly close to her eye, her pupil moved slightly, discreetly, and fast enough to look at the very small corner of Class F's window seeing me.

Her sight perception is dangerous and dare I say, quite monstrous.

Even though I heard her footsteps two minutes before when I first caught a glimpse of her.

And despite my efforts to keep Mr. Mosley and myself quiet enough to not see us, she still saw us and kept it to herself.

"…now then, I already have things set, and make sure to distribute the Requiems I gave you to your classmates. If you don't do that then I will force you into a match-up with me and that will determine who will be expelled during the match-up if one of us loses. And if you refuse to do that, then you will be expelled as per our agreement." Miss. Kim said as she took out her phone indicating she's been recording the conversation this entire time.

Mr. Bennet's smile faltered for a moment and composed himself back up. "You don't have to worry, I am a man of my word and I'll make sure to give them the Requiems as promised." 

"Good."

After that, I quickly motioned Mr. Mosley to follow me upstairs to where the club activities were so we could discuss.

Miss. Kim is a rather interesting individual, she seems pretty similar to Miss. Mussolini's presence and intellect, and also with a mix of Milicia's lack of empathy.

Getting back to her eerie perception, with something that sharp doesn't come naturally.

No, it's a honed skill that takes a lot of training, usually to decrease blind spots and increase your spatial awareness and instinctive intuition.

Training to hone those types of skills usually comes with extremely rigorous training that has a kill rate of 95% and not being able to survive.

But from what I saw her arm was chiseled, and her build is that of a sleeper build, and it's clear as day she has trained her body and muscles to its peak and refined them tightly.

Her training must be considered on an inhumane level if it was the last century, but now it is more tolerable to push the human potential to go beyond.

"So… I guess you had another reason to investigate the classes huh…" Mr. Mosley hesitantly said.

I don't think I'll be able to lie out of this one. "Yes, you see, I was sent 45 requests and all of them came from Class E and Class F. And I did reject them all because it would be irrational to choose to accept them. And yes, I did come here to see if they would have a meeting about their next plan."

"But it seems like Yeong-Hwa, already predicted that you would be investigating and already have planned to mislead you." He finished.

It is true, from his perspective she has predicted me to an extent. However, he wasn't aware that she knew we would be eavesdropping.

"But since I did uncover her next move. I believe I'll be just fine," I brushed it off. "But what about you, Mr. Mosley? Hearing that conversation… it must've been unsettling for you. I mean, the way they talked about forcing people into matchups, expelling Mr. Bennet if he refused… It seems like people like Miss. Kim doesn't see people as humans but rather as pawns. How do you feel about it?"

It was rather a way to gouge out his response to see how he feels and what his motivation for justice is like.

It also gives me an idea if he is idealistic, pragmatic, or pessimistic about it.

Another thing is that he could be indifferent about it and hide behind the facade of being for justice.

But from my limited interaction with him, I don't believe he is hiding his dark nature, and he is just a vivid supporter of justice.

Mr. Mosley adopted a contemplative look as his expression got serious. 

I saw him also taking a glance at his hands as if weighing his words carefully.

"If I were to be honest Isaac… It's disturbing. I mean, I knew this school would be so practical with its cutthroat philosophy and that we students would have to adjust to this school's thinking. But hearing them talk like that like people are just tools to be used and discarded, it's… it's not right. I came here because I thought it would be a place to grow, learn how to lead, and make a difference compared to our dark world outside of this school. But if this is how people are going to act, then… I don't know. Maybe I was naive to think it could be different."

He looked at me and I saw his eyes—no I saw his soul reflecting a mix of frustration and disappointment.

Self-doubt.

I know all too well of that feeling, I recalled before my mother and I had no choice but to move to Europe from Japan.

She would always do her best to comfort me of my self-doubt, or what was considered an "inferiority complexity".

I developed that feeling after hearing the words over and over:

"She did so much better than you."

A feeling like that developed at a young age was very detrimental to me despite how well I regulate my feelings.

Of course, that feeling of inferiority went away when I turned six and when 'she' came into my life.

'She' was also someone I could consider a mother in a sense.

My real mother comforted me, and I am grateful for that and her bringing the concept of magic into my life.

But my other 'mother' helped me enhance myself, not by any bioengineering or medicine, or any other altercations like that.

No, 'she' made me feel… clear…

The feeling of inferiority went away, but with feeling clear, it made me feel everything but yet untouched by those feelings to a great extent.

Of course with that came the fact I haven't truly faced the one they saw as superior since my real mother figured out what was going on with me which led to my real mother and I being away from Japan to Europe.

I still miss my other 'mother'…

I guess I still have some feelings that touch me, but that's just how empathy is right?

A connection, although I am not sure if 'she' saw me now, would she be disappointed? Or would this be expected? That's only when our reunion comes if there is one.

"… I don't want to be part of something like that. If this is what it takes to succeed here, then I am not sure I want to succeed at all. But at the same time, I can't just stand by and let it happen. I don't know what I can do, though. It's not like I have that much influence despite just the status of being the son of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom."

Despite being the prime minister's son, he doesn't seem to leverage it here even if this school is of its world. Either he is deliberately downplaying his position, or he genuinely feels powerless.

If it is the latter, then people would find a way to exploit that.

"I understand how you feel, Mr. Mosley. It's hard to see people treated like pawns, especially when you're someone who values fairness. But you're right, this school doesn't exactly reward idealism. If you want to make a difference, you'll need to be careful about how you go about it. Acting too openly could make you a target, and that's the last thing you'd want."

I paused, wanting my words to sink into his mind as I spoke in my usual calmness but in a neutral tone. 

"Still, if you ever feel like there's something you can do, something subtle, maybe push back people that are like them, I'd be interested to hear about it. Sometimes even small actions can have a bigger impact than you'd expect. But it's up to you to decide how far you're willing to go."

Mr. Mosley looked at me his expression showed a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

"I… I appreciate that, Isaac. You're right, acting openly here would probably just make things worse. But I don't know if I am cut out for subtly. I've never been good at playing games like this. Back at home, things were similar… but it was simpler. If something was wrong and pointed out, people would listen. But here…"

He paused.

"Here, it feels like everyone's playing a different game, and I don't even know the rules. I want to do something, but I don't even know where to start. And if I mess up, I'll just end up making things worse for myself, or others."

Mr. Mosley sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"I guess what I'm saying is... I don't know if I can do this on my own. But I also don't want to drag anyone else into it. It's... complicated."

Mr. Mosley's hesitation confirms what I suspected, he's idealistic but lacks the confidence or experience to navigate the school's cutthroat environment. His discomfort with "playing games" suggests he's not a natural schemer, which makes him less of a threat but also less useful as an ally.

His fear of making things worse for himself or others is interesting. It shows he's not entirely self-centered, which could make him more malleable if I frame my suggestions in a way that appeals to his sense of justice. If he decides to act, I'll be ready to guide him subtly. If not, I've still gained valuable insight into his character.

"Like I said before, It's not easy, I know. This school doesn't exactly reward good intentions. But sometimes, just being aware of what's happening is enough to make a difference. If you keep your eyes open and think carefully about your next steps, you might find opportunities to act without putting yourself or others at risk. And if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off of, I'm here. Sometimes, it helps just to talk things through."

Mr. Mosley's face shows absolute gratitude for my words. "Thanks, Isaac… is it okay if I consider you a friend?"

"Sure James, I'd be glad to be a friend of yours."

In truth, I don't mind making friends, regardless of who they are.

"If you don't mind me asking, how do you do it?" James asked me.

Does he mean how I was able to hit the marks of his psychological anatomy? "What do you mean?"

"Like how you are speaking to me, it's as if I am speaking to myself which boosts my confidence. Like a reflection. And we just met less than twenty minutes ago. It's like you already have a full idea of what I am, a better understanding of myself than I do of myself. It's remarkable." He admired it but also felt slightly uneasy about it but tried to hide it.

It's understandable from his perspective to think that way. After all, the most foolish thing a human being could say is that they know themselves better than anyone when in truth they have no idea what they are.

"It's not about knowing you better than you know yourself, James. It's more about... listening and paying attention to what's already there. People often have the answers they're looking for-they just need someone to help them see it. Sometimes, all it takes is a little reflection, like looking into a mirror. You see what's always been there, but maybe from a different angle."

I paused, my calm smile still the same as ever.

"As for how I do it... I suppose it's just about being present and observant. It's not magic or anything extraordinary. It's just... paying attention to the little things. And if it helps you feel more confident, then I'm glad. That's what friends are for, right?"

Although I don't mind viewing it as magic of course.

It's not real magic, of course, not the kind my mother used to perform with cards and sleight of hand. But in a way, it feels just as mysterious, just as powerful. When I look at someone and see the little things, the way their eyes flicker when they're nervous, the subtle shift in their tone when they're hiding something, it's like I'm pulling back a curtain, revealing something hidden. And when I reflect that back to them, helping them see themselves more clearly, it's like I'm performing a trick. A trick that makes them feel understood, even if just for a moment.

It reminds me of my mother's magic. She used to say that magic wasn't about deception, it was about creating wonder, about making people believe in something greater than themselves. She would smile as she performed, her hands moving with such grace and precision, and for a moment, the world felt brighter. I think that's what I'm doing when I read people. I'm creating a kind of wonder, helping them see themselves in a new light. It's not the same as her magic, but it's close enough that it makes me feel connected to her, even now.

But then there's the other side of it, the side that reminds me of her, my other 'mother.' She didn't teach me magic, but she taught me how to see people, and how to understand them in a way that feels almost… clinical. She called it psychology, but to me, it felt like a different kind of magic. A darker kind. She showed me how to peel back the layers of someone's mind, to see the fears and desires they hide even from themselves. It's no wonder I create with this kind of magic, it's control. And sometimes, I wonder if that's what she wanted all along. For me to see people not as they are, but as pieces on a board, waiting to be moved.

I don't know which kind of magic I prefer. My mother's magic brought joy, but it was fleeting. My other 'mother's' teachings are lasting, but it's cold. Maybe that's why I don't mind thinking of my ability as magic. It's a blend of both, the wonder of my mother's tricks and the precision of my other 'mother's' psychology. And in a way, that makes it mine. Not hers, not hers mine.

I still have to thank them internally for helping me to shape who I am, even if I am still trying to find out who I am.

After all, before Lucico or Sister Claire came along….

My mother and my other 'mother' have always been there for me and showed me both the yin and yang of humanity in its truest form.

"I suppose you make a good point, but still it's exceptional." He said.

"Well, I'll take your compliment then." I feigned defeat. "Is it possible to have lunch with you?"

Considering James' nature, I am sure he might go out of his way to go further than just say yes, one that might draw more attention to me than needed.

"That's a great idea! And since I am in class A, the cafeteria has a VIP area for Class A, if possible I can try to get you in it! And I am sure my classmates won't mind since I do know a handful of them personally!"

As I thought, he would go through the lengths for a friend as long as it is within his boundaries. 

And I guess even Class A gets special privileges.

"If that is what you want to do then I won't stop you." I sighed but returned to my calm smile. "Say there is a botanical shop that's seven minutes away from here right? Is it fine with you to accompany me to pick up some flowers?"

James looked at me as he was slightly caught off guard. "Well, since classes start at eight, it should be no problem. But why do you want to buy flowers?"

"Well, James, flowers have a certain magic to them, don't you think? They can brighten someone's day, convey emotions without words, and even inspire creativity. I suppose I just wanted to see if I could capture a bit of that magic for myself."

I paused, as my tone was light but thoughtful. "Besides, it's always good to have a little beauty around, especially in a place like this. Who knows? Maybe they'll bring a bit of luck to our endeavors."

"Ah, so you're saying you're off to woo a secret lover with flowers, then? Should I be worried, Isaac? Am I about to lose my new friend to some mysterious admirer?" James grinned, clearly enjoying the lighthearted banter, while my calm smile remained intact, unfazed by the teasing.

"You're a natural comedian James."

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But we are teens, after all, so we all end up finding a love interest. And it can always be with the person you least expect."

I suppose he has a point, but I don't think I would find anyone that would love me. After all, who wants a magician for a boyfriend?

Although I do certainly hope to fall in love with someone, it would be interesting, since I never felt romantic love before.

I felt family and friendly love, but never romance.

Of course, I know what romance is by the books and from what I have witnessed, but never experienced it myself.

Perhaps I'll find someone who accepts me for… well me.

"Well, we can only hope the Cupid comes and gives us that hope," I said as we started to head out of the school and head towards the botanical shop.

The interior design of the school is so unique that I can't help but wonder what the other upper floors are like.

"You know James, I am impressed how you kept to yourself when we were overhearing those two's conversation."

"A-ah, well I was upset about them trying to pressure you and trap you. But I thought that if I decided to intervene, it might worsen you and make them try other means that could be harsher. And I guess when we were talking before overhearing them, you saw me get angry, and that must've gotten you to think I am a bit impulsive huh." He nervously laughed.

He seems to not get that many compliments.

Anyways, his intuition is good, much better than mine. "Yes, and it just shows that you can think of the consequences of your actions and make sure to hold yourself back…"

"…Anyways, I have a question about Miss. Kim, who is she?"

I saw him get slightly nervous when I asked that question. "She's part of the Kim dynasty of North Korea. And she is set to be the next leader, and from rumors I have heard, her father placed her under a program when she was incredibly young that cultivated her into being the best in everything. Since the other members of the North Korean government want to take over as the supreme leader. So she was placed in that program to have her become competent to the point that she could single-handedly show everyone that is trying to take her position in their place. They consider her a logical monster."

Ah, so she's been raised at the full potential of a human being then?

I can't help but pity her.

"…but those are just rumors. After all, you can't get that much information from a hermit nation."

"Well, still it is a pretty good insight about her."

That would also explain why her arms looked chiseled and toned, so the rumors are true considering if my mental image of her full physique is correct, and the fact that she was able to anticipate my moves before I even thought about investigating was correct.

Anyway, I can't wait for lunchtime, and to meet new friends and perhaps a ghost…

End of Vol 1 Chapter 2.2