Chapter 2: Academy

Eis stepped through the academy gates, his chest tightening as the weight of countless stares bore down on him. Anxiety clawed at his mind, whispering relentless questions—What do they think of me? Do I look weird? Am I walking funny? The thoughts spiraled, suffocating, but he pushed forward.

At the lobby, a familiar sight awaited him—his friends, casually chatting while waiting for the morning class to end. He forced a grin and raised a hand in greeting.

"Yo! Sup, brothazz! How are you doing? " Eis called out, his usual energy masking the unease beneath.

His friends turned toward him, shaking their heads with amused smiles.

"You're still hyper as ever," Mon commented.

"Yeah, we're good," Kaden added. "Did you do your homework?"

Eis simply shook his head with a carefree laugh. "Nah, HAHAHAHA! Didn't do any tasks."

Kaden let out a sigh. "You really don't take school seriously, huh?"

"God, you're still lazy as ever," Mon muttered.

Sylian crossed his arms. "When will you ever take your studies seriously?"

"At this point, you'll never achieve anything in the future," Richie said bluntly.

Gray laughed. "Hahahaha! You're still super lazy and dumb as ever."

Eis only grinned. "Oh, come on, guys. I'm okay with that. I'll just chill all the time, hehe."

His friends exchanged glances and shook their heads. "Suit yourself."

The bell rang.

"Nooo, it's class time again…" Eis groaned.

His stomach twisted. What if the teacher calls on me to recite? I don't know what to say. What if I mess up?

His thoughts raced uncontrollably, drowning him in overthinking. It wasn't just about knowledge—understanding things had always been a struggle. The fear of speaking up, of being judged, of looking foolish, made every class feel like a battlefield.

The professor entered. The students stood up as someone led the prayer.

Then—

"You. Schattenberg."

Eis felt his blood run cold.

Oh shit. Oh god. What do I do? What do I say?

His hands clenched into fists. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.

"S-so e-everyone… l-let us pray. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…"

Snickers echoed across the room.

"Uhm, hey, shouldn't you speak clearly?"

"We don't understand a word you're saying."

"Yeah, fix your pronunciation. Don't stutter, dumbass."

Laughter erupted.

Eis forced out a weak chuckle. "S-sorry… hahaha…"

Someone in the back scoffed. "What an idiot."

"Yeah, that suits him. The trash of the school."

"Hahahaha! Stop it, yo. He might cry and get all serious, then beat you all up."

The professor sighed. "Enough. I know it's funny, but let him pray so we can start the discussion."

"HAHAHA, yes, ma'am," one of the students mocked.

Eis swallowed the lump in his throat, keeping the ever-present smile on his face. That's society for you. Show them weakness, and they'll eat you alive. You're nothing but an easy target. Even the professor didn't care. In a world this cruel, strength was everything. You have to be undefeatable. You have to prove you're superior to everyone else.

Still smiling, Eis continued, "So, um… thank you for this day, Lord God. We wish that—"

And just like that, the moment passed. The lecture went on. The professor spoke, students took notes, and time blurred into the familiar monotony of school life.

When the bell finally rang, his friends decided to stop by the karaoke bar. Eis, however, declined.

"I'll head straight home," he said, forcing another grin.

His friends didn't press him. They were used to this.

As he walked, each step felt heavier than the last. The weight of the day pressed down on his shoulders, but nothing could have prepared him for what awaited at home.

He reached the door, exhaling softly before turning the knob.

The moment it creaked open, his breath caught in his throat.

His body froze.

His eyes widened.

His mind went blank.

A cold, suffocating silence filled the air.

And then—

"Mother… Father…"

His voice was barely a whisper, trembling as an unbearable grief settled in his chest.