Human: Paradigm (COMPLETED)

RICHARD

The scene outside flickers in motion.

“I don’t know you can drive, master.” Changheom says beside me.

“I can.” but dad won’t be glad when he found what I’m doing.

Nevertheless, I’m unrepentant of what I’ve committed because I fulfilled my desire after all of these years.

The cheers of the masses that reverberated became evident in the entire stadium.

“Again, the winner of the Juniors National Competition, Jeon-cheon Myers.”

The light flashed at the victor as he stood in the center. Next to him was Jules. Although he’s smiling, the frown he had was undeniably obvious to be concealed.

I turned to the side. “Poor him.”

Who resided on my left was Dad. His eyes were fixated straight ahead. However, I could sense a strange element. Even his gaze glimmered ahead, its direction wasn’t at Jules, but instead, at the winner of the competition.

That kid was astounding without a say, especially since he defeated Jules who’s critically acclaimed as ’The Prodigy. Not to mention he’d never tasted defeat before too.

However, my ability would never lie. The way he showers Myers with that adoring gaze is truly odd.

“Richard, why did you do that?” dad’s voice returns in my head as if it’s just a while ago.

I’ve never seen his eyes burn in rage like that.

“I have told the reason, dad. He started the fight.” I justified.

“But you shouldn’t have paid him attention. You are the valedictorian, moreover the son of the school head, but what did you do? You broke the rules.”

“Yes, I defied the institution’s rules. I’m well aware of that, however are you aware of my motivation?”

“What are you saying?”

“... I’m at fault! Go on and comfort your student. Sometimes, I wonder who is it that your filial- him or me? Never in my life, I feel cherished if not only for my ability.”

I turned away and marched to the door.

Now that I think about it, dad and Myers have the same name. They also have the same eye color and ability. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d tell straight in my face that the boy is his first child.

“Are you excited, master?” Changheom asks.

On the far corner of the road is the green signage that catches my attention. Written in italics is the name of the place we’re after. I stop the car.

“This is the place. Let’s take them down, your majesty.”

Your majesty? How honorable.

“Just don’t adva- go yet.” I say.

He smiles. “You’re going to ask me some questions about myself, aren’t you? I’m on. Let’s become good friends.” he’s extended his hand.

I accept his offer. A string of words arises from his mouth, but I turn a blind eye to him by committing my plan.

The darkness greets is forthwith replaced by a vivid image. Pieces of information arrive in mind. Inside Ra Yeon, there are a total of 24 masses. One of them exudes an unusual aura, and it’s Cruz. What’s more, is that he’s with an accomplice.

From my back to my head- the shivers creep in a grave manner. A shrill metallic sound reverberates.

Make us invisible in their vision except for Cruz and his accomplice.

“What did you do?” Changheom’s voice tickles my ears. “Did you make a special bond between us so that you can be friends with me forever?”

He is laughable. That’s why I open the door and depart from the car.

The facade of Ra Yeon has its own patio. It goes on about a fourth of a thousand, which is enough size for us to conceal.

“Don’t rush, master. There will be enough time to kill him.”

“Follow me.”

I pave the patio. The greeneries are comprised of shrubs with distinct features. Notably, some are conical and tall while the rest are spherical. Moving further, I become aware of the identical garden tables without any customers.

I crouch on the ground.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

A purple field appears and envelops the entirety of the building.

I turn my back. “Don’t go outside the patio.”

“Will I die if I do so?”

I walk forward. “Suit yourself.”

“Just kidding. I’ll listen to you, master.”

There’s a receptionist standing at the entrance. I pass him by.

“He hadn’t welcomed us?”

“I used my ability to the people present. We should be fine as long as you don’t get out of the patio.”

“As expected of the Psionic Mas-”

A hot sensation envelopes my hand. In a moment, I sense a release.

“A close one, master. A close one.”

He must have evaded it.

The restful atmosphere prevails its saliency inside. Since it’s an expensive restaurant, the lace cloth on the tables is only comprehensible. The cutleries are accordingly arranged. As expected, this venue isn’t suitable for fighting.

Promptly, a dry force grazes my skin. I roam.

Beside the window sits a tall figure. Its face features traits from the orient, as it’s wearing a semi-formal attire, and so is the girl he’s attending. My hand pulsates. Cruz. I’m certain that you’re not able to survive this attack.

Boom!

A screen of white smoke consumes their place since of that. The explosion is noticeable alone; however, the masses pay no attention.

Eventually, the smoke fades. Cruz and his girl are sitting still as of the moment, both staring at me. How could my offense fail? It’s impossible!

I turn my gaze at Changheom. He shrugs.

“What are you trying to do with us, braggart?” Cruz raises the tone of his voice.

“What kind of memory do you have? Of a cock? I’ve told you before, didn’t I? I’ll teach you how to respect me.”

I feel my chest tighten. Then, a shudder wells up.

“Argh!”

Streaks of energy explode ahead in the air. Rushing forward, the purple aura I threw turns into an orange color.

What?

Boom!

The piercing sound instigates black smoke. Shortly, an impulse registers in my mind. Cruz has deflected my ability?

“I’ll respect you if you defeat me. Fight me.” he declares.

Stupid. I wave both my hands in the air and a pair of swords appear within my grasps. I charge forward.

The edge of my sword hit his body. Or so I thought because it seems that he’s evaded my attack. Then, he directs his hands at me. I knew it. So, I throw the swords only to jump on my left.

Each of my foot land on the ground; meanwhile, the swords freeze mid-air and turn to an orange shade. His attention is currently divided. I have an open space. I cast a blast.

Boom!

“I thought you’re the most powerful Sken in this City.” Cruz’s voice cuts through the thick screen of smoke. “Is that all you’ve got?”

“Stop pretending like you aren’t the novelty.” I say.

“But I’m certain. Still, I’m the most powerful Sken.” I say further.

By this, a warm sensation dampens my nape. It tinges. Unforeseen, the pair of dark eyes he owns changes into my shade.

“Argh.” he drops on his knees.

I land an uppercut on his face.

Droplets of sweat douse toward my face, but I throw another punch.

Promptly, he grips my arm.

A sharp sensation crawls.

In a moment, I can feel a great heat in my skin. A great heat as if it’s been set on fire. My flesh skin is melting.

“Grr... Get off!”

I manage to destroy his grip. However, he has inflicted great damage on my body because my veins can’t stop throbbing. My vision is shrouded. Then, my knees fail my weight.

I look in the distance where Cruz’s body is reposed unconscious. It reminds me of grandfather.

Your ability is the only thing you have.

I’m still the most powerful Sken, right?

You are great, Richard.

There is a stabbing pressure on my temple, and I do not take notice before but my surroundings glow vividly in the shade of my aura. I give the energy a command. Teleport directly in front of him. Secure no distance just to teleport behind him.

Heat- a comforting heat gushes from my eyes, my hands, and my forehead. Everything becomes purple.

There’s no stopping now.

“-Hey!”

Grandfather is right. This ability is my treasure because I’m still the most powerful Sken.

“Stop! Hey stop!”

I feel a force behind me. An entity promptly crawls under my skin, and somehow, I feel fatigued.

A pounding invades my chest. It hurts.

“Argh!”

Unforeseen, the purple image disappears.

The darkness remains.