The sun set above Nevermore, casting its last light over the school. Outside Viktor's room, a crowd of students had gathered, buzzing with anticipation. The news of Viktor waking up had spread like wildfire, and everyone wanted to see him, especially those who had survived the Duskfall. Many came out of gratitude, others out of curiosity, but to everyone there, Viktor had become something like a celebrity.
Inside, Viktor was well aware of the situation. He let out a long sigh, not wanting to deal with the hassle. Still, he knew he had to show his face; this was crucial to his plan.
He cracked the door open, peeked outside, then cleared his throat before stepping out completely. Forcing a smile, Viktor greeted the crowd.
"That's him?"
"He looks so different from his photos. He's way more handsome in real life!"
"Viktor… I'm just a background character, but thank you for saving me and my brother."
Voices overlapped as students pressed closer. Viktor shook hands, signed autographs, and posed for pictures. For a moment, he really did feel like a celebrity. The attention felt… good, but also exhausting. The constant eyes on him drained him more than he wanted to admit.
'So this is what celebrities go through, being swarmed by fans. How do they even handle it? This is way too much trouble…'
Viktor's forced smile faltered when he felt a sudden tug between his legs. His eyes darted around, trying to catch the culprit, but everyone just smiled innocently, which only made the atmosphere heavier. Then, someone groped him. His eyes widened as he quickly grabbed the offending hand, only to find it belonged to a young woman.
"Kya! Viktor touched my hand! I'm never washing it again!" she squealed.
'What the fuck is wrong with them?' Viktor shuddered. Thankfully, he'd gotten away before anyone noticed, except the guilty party. Breathing hard, he leaned against the wall for a moment, then made his way toward the quad to meet Jass and the others.
The quad had changed since the last time he'd seen it. It was bigger now, filled with more tables and chairs. Three food trucks lined one side, and where an old tree once stood, a smaller one with pale white leaves had taken its place.
Viktor quickly spotted Jass and the others. Sitting down beside them, he was handed a burger and fries. Glancing up, he saw Yoko smiling softly.
"Thanks," he said, smiling back.
She just nodded.
"You know, Viktor," Jass began, sipping his drink, "what's your plan after all this?"
"The same as always," Viktor replied. "Go to class, hang out, sleep. Why?"
Jass set down his cup, his expression serious. "Because after the incident, a lot of families pulled their kids out of school. There aren't many students left. My father's planning to transfer me, and not just me, but the whole Fangs too."
Viktor stayed quiet, chewing on a fry. The thought of Jass and the others leaving hit him harder than he expected. It made him sad, but also relieved. They were his friends, and as much as he wanted them here, he didn't want them caught up in danger again.
"I think your father is right. After that incident, no one really knows if Nevermore is truly safe," Viktor replied simply. In truth, he thought it was a good thing for them.
But then he noticed Jass smiling. Viktor frowned as Jass chuckled.
"I'm not leaving school," Jass said. "My father and I already talked it over."
"So… what was all that about?" Viktor asked.
"I just wanted to see your reaction. You hid it well, but I could tell you were sad at the thought of your best friend leaving." Jass leaned in with a grin. "Were you sad, Viktor? Or disappointed? Tell me."
"I'm actually happy," Viktor shot back with a laugh. "If you left? I'd be so happy I'd throw a celebration."
The others burst out laughing while Jass sulked, biting into his food and watching Viktor closely. "That face, that pause before you replied, I know you were sad."
"But what about you guys?" Viktor asked, turning to the others.
"We already talked with our parents," Yoko said. "They like it here."
They all finished their lunch, chatting until it was time for class. Viktor, however, stayed behind. Since he had only just woken up, the principal had given him an exception. Stretching, he slid his hands into his pockets and decided to wander Nevermore.
The school still looked familiar, but the grounds felt larger now, with new additions scattered around. When Viktor reached the Honorary Ground entrance, his eyes immediately caught on a gleaming statue, which was of him.
The statue, made of gold, captured every detail of his appearance with startling accuracy. He was posed holding a sword, his expression cold and serious, mimicking the moment of his transformation.
At the base, words were carved: "Dedicated to Viktor DeMille, Protector of the Outcasts." Below that was an inscription recounting how he had defeated a god, and more.
His statue stood in the center of the Honorary Grounds, surrounded by others, including one of Principal Weems, who had died protecting her students. Viktor gazed deeply at the statue. Honestly, Principal Weems had been a great leader. He would have preferred her guiding Nevermore over that fraud, Principal Dort.
"No matter how much you sacrifice, some people still die."
The voice came from beside him. A student in a wheelchair sat there, his gaze fixed on Weems's statue. He spoke slowly. "That's life, isn't it? You're a hero to everyone else. You sacrifice yourself to save others, but inside, you're the saddest, most guilty person in the world, because you couldn't save everyone."
"I guess you're right," Viktor admitted. "I do feel guilty and sad… but I wouldn't say I'm the saddest or most guilty person in the world. And you are?"
The young man smiled and extended his hand. "I'm Alessio. And thank you for saving us, Viktor."
"I just did what I had to do," Viktor said, shaking his hand. "Don't you have class? What are you doing here?"
"I'm just taking a rest. Besides, classes don't offer me anything."
"So you're that smart, huh?" Viktor asked as they strolled along.
"I'm not bragging," Alessio replied with a faint smile, "but I can confidently say I'm smarter than the teachers."
He paused, then added. "By the way, how did you do it? That transformation… You became like a completely different person, so much more powerful."
When Viktor didn't answer right away, Alessio raised a hand. "If it's a secret, don't worry about it. I'm just curious, that's all."
"It's not that," Viktor said quietly. "It's just… complicated."
After wandering the grounds for a while, Viktor yawned and decided it was time to head back. But he stopped when he noticed Alessio still staring at him like there was something wrong with him.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Viktor asked.
Alessio shook his head, sighing as he spoke softly. "If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you have questions, come find me."
"Hm…" Viktor was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"I know it sounds strange," Alessio went on, "but I want to repay you for saving us. I can see it in your eyes, you're carrying a lot. You're struggling. The first time I saw you, I could tell you were lonely. You always gaze into the distance, your shoulders slump like you're carrying the world on your back. That's not how a young man with a loving sister and good friends should look."
He fell quiet, then lifted his eyes to the sky. "Everyone has secrets. I won't pry into yours. I just hope you stay true to yourself."
"You're smart, no doubt about that," Viktor admitted. "It's like you know everything about me just by looking. I don't even know what to say, should I thank you?"
He didn't like Alessio's words, but at the same time, they struck deep. Because what Alessio said… was true.
"I just want to repay you. That's all," Alessio said simply, before rolling away.
Viktor watched him for a long moment before turning back to himself. He didn't know what was going through Alessio's mind, but he knew one thing: he would never change, or at least he was sure of that. Time would tell, but for now, all Viktor wanted was to protect the people he cared about.
"So many things to do, but I don't know where to start. I should write it down in my notes."
The sun's gaze fell on him, its warmth wrapping him in a brief moment of peace and silence, before he finally disappeared into the building.