Once the trio exited the office, they made their way back to the classroom and waited out the final stretch of the school day. At exactly 2:00 PM, the final bell rang, unleashing a stampede of students who bolted toward the school gates like prisoners tasting freedom for the first time.
{A/N: Let's be real—school does feel like a prison sometimes, and that final bell? Pure euphoria. Like angels singing me the song of freedom. What about you? Ever felt that electric jolt of joy when the last bell rings?}
James looked like he was ready to bolt too, but instead, he stayed with the group. Together, the three of them strolled toward the main gate. Just as they were about to step outside, Evan suddenly stopped and turned around.
"Sorry, guys… I've gotta head home right away, and I won't be coming to school tomorrow or the day after," Evan said, eyes downcast. "Don't bother coming over—I won't be there. I'm going to meet someone important. Just… promise me you'll remember me, no matter what happens, alright? I promise I'll be back soon. We'll definitely hang out again."
His voice was steady, but his eyes began to well up.
"What are you even saying, man?" James snorted, thumping Evan lightly on the head. "It's just two days, not a decade. You think we'll forget you that easily? C'mon, blink and it's Wednesday. Besides, when you get back, the treat's on me. So quit acting dramatic."
Rey nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Evan's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll keep James in check while you're gone. You usually keep him in line, but I got this."
Evan couldn't help but smile at their words. They chatted about random things as they walked until they reached the junction where they had to split toward their homes. After bidding each other goodbye, Evan walked off in his direction.
"Sorry, guys… but this really feels like a partial goodbye," Evan murmured to himself."I don't know how long I'll be gone… or if I'll even come back at all. No—I can't think like that. I will return. And when I do, I'll be stronger. Strong enough to support both of them."
What none of them realized was that they were being watched. From the shadows, familiar eyes glinted—those of the thugs Evan had confronted in front of the factory earlier. They had begun tailing him again, silently snapping a photo of the trio and reporting back to their boss.
"To catch a mouse, one must set a trap."
Jacob was not only hunting Evan now—but Rey as well. And to catch Rey, he'd need bait. Someone close to him.
Later that evening…
After reaching home, Rey stepped into his room. He was about to kick back when—
"Rey!"
Aiden's voice echoed in his head. The spirit had been quiet all day, but now his voice rang with irritation. A ghostly figure burst out of Rey's body and glared at him.
"What now?" Rey groaned, walking to his bed. "Why do you look like I ran over your imaginary dog?"
"Young man," Aiden fumed, "You do realize that only you can hear and see me, right? Then why—why on earth—did you ignore me the whole time? I've been trying to warn you, but your lack of awareness might now endanger your family and friends!"
Rey blinked. "You're kidding, right? I can't just let a ghost pop out mid-convo. You might start chanting spells and summon a goddamn meteor! And now you're saying I've put everyone in danger because I didn't let you out in public?"
Aiden sighed but was about to retort when suddenly—his expression shifted.
"Wait... Who's there?"
He turned abruptly toward the side of the room, where a dusty drawer sat untouched. Floating toward it, he barked, "Open it. Now."
Rey hesitated, a shiver running down his spine. Even in anger, he knew better than to provoke the spirit when he got serious. Cautiously, he opened the drawer. Inside, among a few scattered belongings, lay a pendant sealed inside a small, glass-like casing.
Aiden's eyes widened. "That pendant… what is it?"
Rey picked it up gently. "Oh, this?" he said, voice soft. "A childhood friend gave it to me. It's precious."
Aiden raised a brow. "Judging by the look on your face, I'm guessing... she was a girl?"
Rey flinched. "Hey, we're getting off-topic. You said something about danger. What exactly did you mean?"
Aiden's tone turned grave again. "When you and your friend were heading home, you were being followed. I sensed a faint but clear killing intent. I'm certain those were the same thugs you encountered this morning. That's why I said your friends and family are in danger."
Rey's eyes narrowed. "So they've seen my face... and my friends'. That means they could target them."
"Exactly," Aiden confirmed. "They trailed you both for a while before retreating. I suspect they'll be watching your home tomorrow. That's why you need to skip school for the next two days. And… we need to prepare."
"Prepare? Prepare for what?"
"Wednesday," Aiden said flatly. "Your first mission. It won't be easy—you may even have to kill someone. Judging by your hesitation, you're clearly not ready… but there's always a first time. So why not now?"
Rey sat in silence, the weight of Aiden's words sinking in.
"...Understood," he said at last. "What do we do first?"
"Before anything—how much money do you have?" Aiden asked suddenly.
"Huh? I have... about 8,540 Dracins. Why?"
{Dracins – the universal currency accepted by all five kingdoms on Planet Blue Star.}{1. Dragon Kingdom, 2. Phoenix Kingdom, 3. Jade Turtle Kingdom, 4. ThunderPeak Kingdom, 5. Ice Heart Kingdom}
Aiden grinned like a devil. "Perfect. We're going shopping."
Rey paled. "...No—nooooooo! Not my money!"
But would Aiden listen?
Who knows?
{A/N: So… do you think Rey was able to protect his precious Dracins from Aiden's clutches? Stay tuned to find out! Sometimes, patience brings the best rewards.}
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