Teren Hark

A few days ago, we just thought of him as another normal guy with no presence whatsoever, to the point of being push-over. Yes, he got that mysterious aura but we didn't really care. For the rest of us, he's just part of the background.

He did take a bit of our attention when he began interacting with the famed Iesa Hun. The class president takes care of everyone so we didn't mind at all. Nick... we just know he's a delinquent back then but he can't touch us, we're a group at the top of the school hierarchy. But Iesa Hun is different.

But with just one night. One night was enough for him to take over our minds and hearts. Even with the so-called contract that restraint him from harming us ever again, who's to say that's a sham?

Yet, invisible fire benders? We are not part of his team! We're bystanders, please understand!

What kind of world are we living in? Is this still Earth? Did I jump to an alternate reality without realizing it?

But whatever it is, everything that has happened so far doesn't seem like a dream or an illusion. Now that we're exposed to this darker side of the world, we, the naive ordinary students who only know its surface, can easily be endangered out here.

We all share the same thoughts.

"Why are you still following me?"

Teren finally gave us his attention. In this public area, where multitudes of people are going around from time to time, it's safe to say that there shouldn't be any scene, right? After all, if those people were to casually show their powers in public, then they would've done so way before then but why is it in the media then?

Therefore, this side of the world and that side of the world should be separated. That's what we all want to think about. If we go on our way and come back home, is private space really safe now? There will no longer be a comfort zone for each of us.

"Teren..."

Oh, as expected of one of my girlfriends, Catherine, she's like the toughest of us three!

"I want to know something."

But oy, at least try to hide your face of disgust, fear, and repulsion towards Teren when asking a question.

I don't know what this psychopath will do if you get on his nerves... actually, I don't think that. The time when I cornered him, he didn't do anything to him. I will never forget where he fucking stabbed my fucking HANDS!

...

But I don't think Teren is the one to act on his emotions. At least that's the feeling I get. He only acts with a goal in mind. Maybe Catherine realized that or maybe she learned something when Teren called her out.

None still knows what happened to her back then. We just know that her clothes were filled with blood and have slits of holes in them. She was probably stabbed but she didn't say anything about it so we didn't ask.

"What?"

Teren, as usual, is indifferent towards Catherine's attitude towards him. Right, either he's not easily offended, he's silent but keeps grudges-type of guy, or he doesn't really care.

"You won't harm us. But what if you're just setting this up to get us killed?"

Woah, Catherine, my girl, that's pretty straightforward. I haven't think of that.

To this question, Teren pondered and also seemed puzzled by her words. It looked like that wasn't his plan at all. But even I can't trust his face.

"Hm, you want to sign another contract?"

"A-another one?"

"I won't let any of you die, in exchange, the rest of them do what I say, limited to their will. Not bad, right?"

"Why now?"

Exactly

Why didn't he give us the contracts back then?

Sir Hanon said that we didn't have to be wholehearted to sign the contract. It was just his sham to manipulate Catherine, Mike, and Sir Hanon's minds, thinking that they have no doubts about it.

Ah,

Maybe because if we signed it, his lie would be revealed?

"Frankly, it's because you're now part of this, unlike before."

"But you're the one who made us come with you to that warehouse. Is that a part of your scheme?"

"Not really but I've just started taking action. It's not like I'm planning this all out for months. I just used every chance I got, especially when I saw those Dragolites..."

Hm, those people who are the same age as us. We all realized that Teren was scheming every minute. The so-called Spirits must've let him known about their existence, thus, he used us to lure them out. Did he also use Iesa then?

"Teren, I can't really understand your thinking but... if the contract is just like what you say, fine, we'll sign, right, guys?"

Catherine looked at us and we all nodded.

"Okay, but you don't have to sign anything."

What? Then-

"How will we be sure that you'll protect us without the contract?"

Catherine said my thoughts but Teren just sighed. He seemed not used to this or is it becoming a bother to him?

"None of you even trust the contracts you signed earlier, right? It's up to you to believe what true or not, however, I'll keep my word. As long as you do what I say, I'll keep you from not just dying but also, from pain."

Teren said to us with unwavering eyes

A few days ago, we don't understand this guy.

Now, we still don't get him.

He's definitely scheming every second that passes and that's why his decisions changes everytime. However, there's one thing that I'm almost a hundred percent sure about... as long as someone has value to him, he will use them. He wouldn't let his tools get damage.

The question is, can I be of use to him?

I'm not that low to please him with my body... if hell's break loose, that will be my last resort if that even gets to him.

I looked at Nick, he noticed my stare.

This guy seemed to have become Teren's right hand. His position has been solidified in our eyes, however, he's not a bad guy. What does he have to get that position?

...

I sighed.

Teren, the one who tortured me back then, I am now thinking of how to be used of him.

I don't blame myself for thinking that. Anything is better than death. Furthermore, it's not like we can do anything. He's the one who got the power and not us. Whatever he does to us, we cannot fight back.

Maybe that's what made us trust him a little bit.

He's not a man who acts upon his desire. He didn't need the contract, as long as he shows his might, we wouldn't able to say a word.

He even promised to protect us.

That may be just a lie, however, I'll cling to that lie. After all, we're just new to this. I wouldn't be surprised if we died the very next second. There's a reason why powerful people are called powerful, obviously.

They get shit done.

All of us glanced at each other, subtly nodding. It seemed like we are all thinking the same thing.

The dice have already been cast. We, the weak, have no choice from the very start.

Whether we live, suffer, or die, it all boils down to this one man.

We should definitely listen to him.