Alex had done whatever he wanted for the past six days. He touched everyone who had an insignia, professors, instructors, even the friends of guys who couldn't stand him.
Every boy, every girl, anyone within reach. No one was safe. He brushed past them, bumped into them, patted their shoulders, sometimes held their hands… and once or twice, maybe even copped a feel off a beautiful senior or junior. Just enough to make it look playful, so no one got suspicious.
After all, using the skill was out of the question, at least on the surface. It only worked if the person with the insignia had awakened or was officially part of the Trial.
But Alex's case was different. His ability worked halfway even before the Trial started, and once the Trial began, it would fully activate. So why wouldn't he take advantage of that? If anyone else were in his position, they'd do the same. And with the way his skill worked, it wasn't just a cheap trick. It was a goldmine of information.
Sure, the thought of using his ability to peek on beautiful girls while they changed clothes or tried on underwear had crossed his mind once or twice, but that was just a passing thought.
Right now, his focus was the Trial. The more information he had, the better. He didn't know how many others would be sent to the same zone.
That alone made it smarter to keep tabs on everyone. If someone tried to pull something during the Trial, he needed to know who was an enemy and who could be trusted.
At first, people thought Alex was just having fun before the Trial. Maybe he wanted to leave behind some memories, something for everyone to laugh about when he wasn't around. But then the rumors started, and they spread like wildfire.
Some said he was just a pervert who craved attention. Others whispered he had a thing for touching people, like he was obsessed with it.
The fact that he'd also touched a few good-looking guys? That only added fuel to the fire. People started wondering if he swung both ways, and just like that, it became the hottest rumor on academy.
"I didn't think he was into men," one guy muttered as he sat with his friend.
"He has such a beautiful girlfriend, but sometimes I swear it feels like he's staring at my ass way too much, like he's about to screw me with just his gaze."
He unconsciously tightened his butt cheeks as if Alex might be lurking behind.
His friend scoffed.
"Please. Even if he was gay, why the hell would he go after someone like you? You're not that special, jackass."
Some students claimed he was flirting with girls who were already taken. Others swore he was doing it on purpose, just to mess with them and steal their girlfriends out of spite.
Whatever the truth was, chaos clung to him like a shadow. He ended up being the name on everyone's lips at the academy.
Alex didn't care. He acted like none of it reached his ears. If anything, his actions only got bolder. There wasn't a single day that passed without someone getting annoyed, flustered, or jealous.
And now, under the scorching afternoon sun, he was being chased.
Three boys stormed across the school field. Their faces red, voices filled anger and resentment.
"You're dead today, Alex!"
"You think you can escape forever?!"
"You handsome bastard!"
"What's all this anger about? I was just making memories with everyone," Alex said, trying to sound casual.
But there were no smart comebacks this time. He ran. His heart was pounding, lungs burning, sweat sticking his shirt to his back. Still, he didn't stop. He just kept running
He wasn't running aimlessly. He knew if he kept looping the field, they'd corner him eventually. All three of them were fit, angry, and had a personal grudge.
Jealousy did that.
At 20, Alex was effortlessly attractive. Sharp black hair, smooth skin, deep obsidian eyes that made girls blush and guys look twice. He didn't have the bulky build others aimed for. His charm was quieter, more natural. He wasn't trying to impress anyone, especially not girls, at least not on purpose. But somehow, that only made him more dangerously attractive to them.
And that was enough to make everyone hate him.
What made it worse? He wasn't humble about it. He had the top beauty of the academy as his girlfriend, and he still flirted with other girls, sometimes even beautiful female professors. He had no shame, and even less fear.
But he wasn't stupid either. He knew something like this might happen, so he had backup plans. He stuck close to his female professors during school hours, excuse as wanted to now about trial, and on way back home he would go home with his gorgeous cousin Sara Morgan.
Now it was the last day before the Trial began at midnight. Most students were preparing. He, on the other hand, was out causing trouble like it was his personal mission.
Some believed he just wanted to shake things up before disappearing for good.
While hiding out after escaping the field, his phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, smiled when he saw the name.
"Hello? Mom? Are you coming today?" His voice had a soft edge, different from the cocky tone he used with everyone else. His mother had promised she'd visit.
She was stationed at the border, keeping watch for monsters, gate openings, and enemy forces. A beautiful Hunter—and a damn good one.
"Yes, honey. I'm on my way. I'll arrive tonight. I already boarded the transport."
His chest warmed. It had been almost two years since he saw her.
"Okay! I'll wait for you, Mom."
"I have a surprise for you. Be ready."
"Ooh? A surprise? Now I'm even more curious."
"See you soon, sweetheart. Bye."
"Bye." He ended the call, feeling lighter. Just the thought of seeing her made his mischief fade a little.
Then he frowned. "Damn. I forgot to ask about Dad... but whatever. That man wouldn't care anyway, even if I did. Mom coming is enough."
He slipped the phone into his pocket and walked toward the academy gate.
Alex looked at the two girls standing by the gate and smirked. Maya eyes sparkled when she saw him.
His girlfriend, Maya, was waiting for him, along with her younger sister, Lina. He had already told his cousin not to bother giving him a ride back since he planned to spend time with Maya.
But Sarah, his cousin, had also wanted a moment with him. Who knew when she'd see him again or if she ever would?
So he agreed and told her to pick him up later that evening from Maya's house.
Maya had invited him over, said she wanted a little time alone with him before the Trial began. He understood. She and her sister were all each other had. Their parents had died protecting them when a gate suddenly opened and monsters poured through. The two girls survived only because their parents shielded them until help arrived.
Just one more night before the real chaos began. Until then, I should at least enjoy myself one last time.
*****
Don't be shy, drop your POWER STONES here like it's hot. I promise they boost luck and charm.... probably.