After the school festival, my popularity seemed even higher than before. More guys were actively trying to befriend me. I’m not some national gay icon, you know. If you’ve got those thoughts, go find Billy Herrington.
“I’m back.” After lingering in the library for two hours, I returned to the Linjian Household. Nana was in the hall watching the news. It reported young women fainting from anemia on streets. Vampires came to mind first, but no bite marks were found. So, that fictional idea was ruled out.
But who can say what’s truly fictional? After all, even Ability Users like me exist. Unbelievable things could happen.
Nana stared at me with terror: “Cold Creek, could vampires be behind this?” I tossed my bag aside. “I think it’s a contagious disease targeting girls like you. You might be next.” Timid Nana’s eyes welled with tears as she looked at me fearfully. She was so cute like that. “Just kidding,” I said, gently patting her head before heading to my room.
My phone suddenly rang. Caller ID showed Yueyue Shenlian—our school’s new mature principal and the one who recruited me into a supernatural resistance group. “Hello, Principal, what’s up?” An annoyed voice replied: “Little brother Cold Creek, call me ‘Sister’ or I’ll be upset.” I sighed wearily: “Yes, Sister. What do you need? It’s after school hours.”
Yueyue Shenlian chuckled: “Can’t I call my little brother without a reason?” “Goodbye,” I said, about to hang up. Her voice stopped me: “Don’t hang up. You’re so unromantic. Seriously, come to my office tomorrow at lunch. Important matters.” Still playing coy? “Can’t you tell me now?” She laughed lightly: “I’ll also introduce our other members. Bye.”
Tch. I had a bad feeling. I tossed the phone aside, lay on my bed watching the setting sun. It felt like the calm before the storm. Whatever. I pushed worries away. Tomorrow was the least of my concerns.
During lunch break, I went alone to the principal’s office. Luckily, no sign of that bespectacled guy from last time. I pushed open the door to find Yueyue Shenlian waiting with two students. I knew them both: Student Council President Senhara Mochi and Vice President Orikami Kaishi.
Yueyue Shenlian gestured for me to sit. “Everyone’s finally here.” Senhara Mochi extended his hand: “Cold Creek, the principal and Kaishi have told me about you.” I shook it politely. “President, as the school’s top handsome guy, you’re truly unique.”
The principal coughed. “Enough flattery. You know the news about women fainting from anemia?” We nodded. She continued: “Deaths have occurred, but police covered it up.” Orikami Kaishi and Senhara Mochi gasped: “That serious?” I stayed calm. Death? I’d seen plenty. I’d even died seven or eight times myself.
Yueyue Shenlian eyed me meaningfully: “Little brother Cold Creek is quite composed.” Ignoring her, I asked: “So, Sister, your thoughts?” Orikami Kaishi giggled at my address: “Cold Creek, you and the principal are close.”
Yueyue Shenlian patted my head like a child. “Yes, I’m happy to have such a cute brother.” This was getting nowhere. I cut in: “What’s today’s main topic?”
Finally serious, she said: “It’s confirmed—an Ability User did this.” I raised an eyebrow. “Sister, do you mean to recruit him?” She shook her head. “Who’d recruit such instability? We’ll capture him as a group operation.” All three stared at me. “Why look at me?” Senhara Mochi patted my shoulder. “Only your ability is combat-oriented, so…” I raised a hand. “I get it. I’ll catch him.” They nodded. “And you?” Yueyue Shenlian pretended to think hard. “We’ll be your cheerleaders, little brother.” Not funny at all.
Orikami Kaishi spoke seriously: “We’ll support you from behind. We’ll find him. If his power threatens you, the principal will nullify it temporarily.” I nodded. “Understood. Any clues on him?”
Yueyue Shenlian gave me a pitiful look. “None.” What had they even done? I suppressed my complaint. “Then we investigate separately. Contact each other immediately with news.”
I never thought I’d fight again after over a year. But now, my purpose was different. Wishing for a world without conflict was a pipe dream. As long as humans exist, strife never ends.
With the anemia news reported, that guy had laid low. But that made him harder to find. Such a hassle.
From my experience, twisted Ability Users treat power like a drug. One use leads to addiction. Then it spirals out of control, ending in destruction.
As for me, I was once that monster. Now, I have friends to share secrets with. Even if battle drags me back, it’s not for destruction—but for protection.
I never saw myself as a good person. Protection, destruction, revenge—human conflicts stem only from differing standpoints. Nothing more.
