Seated in a boring math period, I pondered upon what my goals would be. I knew what I wanted in my life , I just wanted a family a happy little family. During my continuous imaginary world as my parents were giving me food .
BAM!
I was waken from my dream as I was hit by my bench partner. "Hey, fool waky waky.". Sitting beside me was a15 year old boy , with a clear face , and a irritated look , I could still feel the pain of being hit in the head, i sit straight as the teacher lowers his goggles and gestures me to stand up , I knew I was screwed , my breath slows down becoming non- existent.
The teacher a tall, thin and handsome blonde man, rubbing his chin in a deep voice questions "Cheol, I never understand how you gather enough courage to sleep during lectures let alone while seating on the first bench? What were you doing last night?"
I rub my head in confusion , i try and muster some courage to speak up with a gulp I reply "Sir, I was ...preparing"
The teacher sighs " Alright , come here ."
I move on walking towards the board , each of my steps making tap sound in the pin drop silence of the class.
The teacher hands me the chalk "Write the three identities of exponents."
My head goes blank as i try to remember anything .
The teacher pinching his nose sighs again " Cheol, hand over the chalk and go sit on your seat ."
I return back to my seat my head bowed a little I glance over the class, all I notice were students giggling at me , but its fine not like I cared. I just go and take my seat.
The teacher the sits on his chair and explains, "Not only Cheol but all of you listen closely and burry this deep in your hearts. Most, of us here are from a humble background and some who need to create one. In this world education is important , commerce and trade might be a way , but it involves luck and connection. Of which we have none , a sure way to improve your lives is education, and math's is a crucial part of it, now in future many of you aspire to be mage, wizards , architects and what not? All of this requires math. The only way for a commoner to become a mage or a wizard is to understand and create magic circles , unless you stumble upon a ancient treasure and get access to the runic language. I want you all to understand that education is a benefit and use it to its fullest. You must have studied in your history lessons as well, those who got the benefit of education early were the ones to prosper first. ."
Ring, Ring!!
The bell rings and the teacher without sparing a second leaves the class. The students follow after as the School was over. It was evening already , the sun was shining with a orange hue in the sky , the air was cold and birds chirped as they returned to their nests.
Walking over from the last row, another student with long straight hairs covering his ears flowing backwards, eyes of a snake and a thin frail frame making a complete combo of a cunning cultivation Manawa villain, approaches me. It was my friend Gao zhi ,"Dumbas* , lets go. "
We leave the class , the corridor filled with students chattering with each other discussing , out of the gate , we leave out of the part time prison. The reason why we considered it prison was cause it was one , the campus was built on a prison made for the autumn queen, but he escaped and now the new governor had renewed it to be a school. Therefore , it was on the edge of a forest only a dirt path leading to the city , the common occurrence of wild beasts was a routine. But , what added more to its lore was the sweet, old scary rumor and urban legends among the students and today , my gang was going to go and check on one. We leave the campus and now we stood on the bustling , town road , filled with the scents of spices , this was our towns market place.
I keep my hand on Gao's shoulder ,"Gao, lets hurry home, we need to arrive again at dusk in front of the school gate again."
* * *
We both hurry to our , room, yes. You read it right we both shared a common room not at all because we couldn't afford separate ones . Its just that we were low on funds and had to share a room, the academy gave all the students who are orphans funds to live, as someone who dint have parents we both got the aid from that scheme. But they weren't much as government got most of its money from taxes and , OH! boy these rich people are so stingy about their taxes.
The point is , we arrive at room and we reach our apartment and then , I quickly freshen up and change into my casual clothing, a tank top and a roomy pant. This style really suited my muscular build.
Now , about our trip to the school. A few days prior during the recess, filled with food aroma and clatter of cutlery, my partner Remi , the same one from the morning said "Hey, Cheol have you heard about the hot topic, the girls say that there is a cannibal living in the cave east of the campus inside the jungle and it appears in front of the school to find any students."
This dude was a popular among the girls we boys naturally counted him as a girl . We envied his ability to talk to girls but couldn't help our nervousness.
At that moment another one of my friend nothing special about his appearance , just a lifeless, backbencher suggested "We , go. check."
He always talked in this way his name was khyug.
* * *
All four of the students arrive in front of the school gate, the sun almost setting the surroundings filled with darkness. The fresh earthly smell mixed with the fragrance of eucalyptus and other conifers. The sun sets and the moon casting its moon light on the ground below.
Remi , combs his hairs with his hands and in a deep tone "Lets , now begin the hunt for the cannibal." Turns the flashlight on focusing on his face and in turn blinding himself, he slips and falls flat on the forest floor.
Gao, as cold as ever not twitching a muscle . In a tone of disappointment "Cant even scare us properly."
All of them turn on their flash lights, heading east in a group. As they move deeper, the drops of moonlight become rare and their surroundings more mysterious. The surroundings become more quiet and dark. Only able to hear the sounds of their steps crushing the dry leaves and twigs on the floor.
They proceed forward and into the deep canopy . Cheol starts shivering out of fear and holds Gao's arm like a child holding that of his mother. Gao still indifferent "Dont touch me?". But Cheol clenches even tightly and in a uneven tone "I D -dont want you to be sca-ared. "
Khyug looks at the two covers his mouth letting out a suppressed gigle .
Swoosh
They hear footsteps of some one running , Cheol gets even more frightened starts shivering . His environment gets cold as all the surrounding noises cease to exist for him .
At a distance in the small , light of their flashes, they see an image , running towards them. Cheol leaves Gao's arm , perspiring "AAAAAAAAAAAAA_ " he closes his eyes and clenching his fist he runs, thinking of his life but at that moment he crashes into something solid and meat like, he opens his eyes and sees a person. Without another thought thrust his elbow into the figure front of him and smashes it into the ground with another front kick . He calms down as, he looks back at his friends .
Remi , still confused and frightened , "What is that thing down there ?"
Cheol, catching his breath looks , it was a boy young and about thier age . The others surround the unconscious boy . Gao without a change in expression kneel down and holds the boy by his neck.
Cheol holding Gao's hand "What are you trying to do ? He is a civilian."
Gao , looks up tilting his neck "After you almost killed him , you should stay quiet."
Khyug , raises his hand "What we do?"
* * *