Riko barely got three steps out of the cafeteria when he felt that familiar cold shiver crawl up the back of his neck. It was that feeling that screamed someone was watching him, really intently, probably judging every breath he took. He knew who it was without even looking. The other kids in the hallway were doing their thing, chatting, laughing, swinging their lunch boxes, but the air behind him felt thick and heavy, like gravity had decided to hang out in one spot.
Then he heard the footsteps. Quiet, controlled, too controlled for someone just walking down a hall.
Riko.
The voice was even, almost bored. It didn't need to be loud to grab his attention. That tone alone sent a jolt through Riko. He stopped dead, turning his head just enough to see Kaze standing there in the middle of the hallway. No expression on his face, hands in his pockets, like they were just having a casual chat instead of a tense standoff in the making.
Riko gulped. Uh… hey. You're… here. In the hallway. That's cool.
Kaze didn't even blink. Come with me.
It wasn't a request. It wasn't a command either. It was like he was stating a fact.
Riko shook his head quickly. That's gonna be a problem, because I should be—
Kaze started walking toward him.
Riko's words just died.
The other students didn't seem to notice anything was off. They walked around Kaze like he wasn't there, like he was coated in teflon. But Riko felt every step he took. Calm, slow, scary.
Riko took a step back.
Kaze's eyes stayed locked on him, empty but intense. Move it.
Riko hated how quickly his legs decided to listen. He tried to look cool as he turned down the nearest stairwell, but Kaze's footsteps right behind him felt like invisible hands pushing him forward. Down the stairs. Past the silent lockers. Right toward the rooftop door.
Riko grabbed the handle. You know, if a teacher sees us up here—
They won't.
That voice again–simple, sure, like he knew something Riko didn't. Riko shoved the door open and walked onto the roof. The second the door shut behind them, the school noise vanished. No chatter, no laughs, just wind, distant city noise, and the hum of the vents.
The city skyline was all around the school, with some digital damage on a few far-off towers like old scars from a battle. The sky was bright, but Riko couldn't shake the feeling of trouble brewing.
Kaze stepped past him, hands still in his pockets, walking to the center of the roof like he owned the place.
Riko crossed his arms. Rooftop. Nice. Very anime-villain of you.
Kaze didn't answer.
He stopped, turned, and looked right at Riko. The wind blew a bit of hair across his face, but he didn't move it. He just stared, his face hard to read, his eyes sharp.
Riko held up a hand. Okay, if this is about the whole city-monster thing—
It's not.
Is it about the screen?
No.
Is it about what it said? You know, the 'User Hunter' bit—
No.
Riko stared at him. Then what do you want?
Kaze tilted his head a little, like he was looking at a puzzle. Then he took one step forward. Just one. But it made Riko's heart pound.
I want, Kaze said calmly, to see what you can do.
Riko blinked fast. What are you getting at?
Kaze moved.
It wasn't a run or a dash. It was just a blur, a shift in the air, too quick to see. One second he was standing a few feet away; the next, he was right in front of Riko, arm pulled back, fist coming right at his face.
Riko yelped and threw himself to the side. The punch flew past his face.
The wind from it stung.
Riko stumbled back, catching himself with one hand. WHAT was THAT?!
Kaze didn't answer. He just put his arm back down and watched Riko with that same stare.
That was your reaction time, Kaze said. Not good.
Not good?! You almost knocked my head off!
Your move was clumsy.
Riko threw his hands up. Sorry for being HUMAN!
Kaze didn't blink. You're not.
Riko froze.
Kaze lifted his hand slowly, not like he was going to hurt him, just raising it up. A shimmer of static danced around his glove, like the air near his fingers was messed up.
You touched the system, Kaze said. You are a user. Not human anymore. Not really.
Riko felt his throat tighten up. I didn't want any of this.
That doesn't matter.
What do you mean it doesn't matter?! I didn't ask for this screen! It just jumped me!
Kaze stepped closer. Users get chosen. Not asked.
Riko backed up. Well, I want a refund!
Kaze didn't listen. I am testing how much stronger you've got.
Riko stopped moving. Testing my—what—WHY?
Because I need to know if you're strong enough to fight."
Riko stared at him, shocked. Enough to fright? Bro, you are the one beating me up!
Kaze didn't answer. He just vanished.
Riko's heart was in his mouth. NO—NOPE—STOP THAT—"
Behind him.
Riko spun around just as Kaze's fist came down toward his shoulder. He blocked with his arm, but the hit still shook him and pushed him back.
Your strength isn't focused," Kaze said. And it is bad.
Riko shook his arm out. I'm the bad one?! You're running around like some glitch ninja!
I am not running.
Sure could have fooled me!
Kaze moved forward again, faster this time.
Riko moved without thinking, letting his speed stat move his legs. He jumped back, sliding on the rooftop gravel, nearly tripping over a vent pipe. Kaze was already there, blocking him with a step that didn't make a sound.
How are you doing that?! Riko shouted.
You're too easy to read, Kaze said, his voice so calm it was annoying. Your body moves before you do.
That's just being ALIVE!
Kaze's hand moved.
Riko didn't see the punch coming. He only felt the wind as he jerked to the side.
You waited, Kaze said.
You're trying to punch my SOUL out of me!
You are still waiting.
Riko grit his teeth. What do you WANT from me?!
Kaze lowered his fist a little.
And then he said something that made Riko's stomach drop.
I want to know, Kaze said quietly, why the system picked you.
Riko froze.
Kaze's eyes didn't change, but his voice did, like this was why he brought Riko up here, not to see what Riko could do.
"You're not strong, Kaze said. You didn't train. You have nothing special. But the system chose you.
He moved closer.
Why?
Riko backed up until he was against the metal fence. I don't know!
You should.
I DON'T!
Kaze lifted his fist again, ready to strike.
I don't have anything, Riko said, I didn't do anything special! I just found the screen!
Things just don't appear to people, Kaze said.
Riko's chest got tight. Why are you even chasing Users?! What's wrong with you?! Why does the screen hate you so much?!
Kaze stopped.
Something flashed across his face for the first time. Not an emotion, just a shadow, so quick Riko almost missed it.
Then Kaze said quietly:
You can't know.
Riko clenched his fists. Then quit trying to kill me until I CAN know!
Kaze moved again.
Riko barely had time to breathe before Kaze's fist shot toward his face. He ducked, falling forward, feet slipping on the gravel.
QUIT SEEING WHAT I CAN DO! Riko shouted.
Kaze didn't stop. If you don't learn to block you will die.
BLOCK WHAT?!
Kaze's foot kicked out, knocking Riko's leg out from under him. Riko gasped as he fell onto the concrete.
Riko froze.
Kaze didn't blink.
For a bit, neither of them moved.
Then—
BZZZT—
The screen on Riko's arm lit up, acting crazy under his sleeve. The blue light flashed through, trying to warn him before he understood.
Tiny red letters flashed on the screen, shaking.
Kaze didn't look at the screen.
He didn't need to.
He watched Riko's eyes open wide as the message showed up.
The system said: WATCH OUT!