At the Medic room:
"Oh? Do you have a wound?" the nurse asked.
"Yes," I replied as I lay down on the bed.
"Well, I don't see any," she said while scanning my entire body. I knew my leg wound had already healed. Thanks to what Storm did. Even though that jerk's saliva was disgusting!
"I have a wound here," I said, pointing to my heart. "Can you heal it?"
She suddenly laughed. "Do you need someone to talk to? You can just tell me directly. I won't judge you."
Then she sat on the chair next to my bed. I sat on the bed and leaned against its backrest.
I took a deep breath. "Why do they seem heartless when it comes to killing others?"
"You see, Eveline, almost all the students here have deep-seated issues. Some seek revenge. Some are just protecting themselves. And some are just doing favors."
"Huh? I don't understand."
She chuckled softly. "Here's how it is. Some students seek revenge because they are often targeted by other students here. Sometimes they are brutally beaten, some are repeatedly raped, others are tortured. It's because those things aren't prohibited in this school. There are no rules here. Students can do anything, except for killing within the Academy itself."
"Huh? But they do kill, don't they? And I've seen that for 24 hours."
She laughed again softly. "Only during combat are the students allowed to kill each other. That's when the bullied students find the opportunity for revenge. That's why they are heartless when it comes to killing. Because every student has a story. That's why we can't judge them; they all have their own struggles."
"What about the students who do favors, what's that again?"
"Some students do favors for others. There are students who simply ask for the favor of being killed by other students. Those kinds of things."
I didn't understand her. The only thing I understood was that some students seek revenge because they are bullied, while others are just protecting themselves. But I didn't get the part about students doing favors.
"Like the seven council and the seven elites," she suddenly mentioned.
"Huh?" I looked at her, confused.
"The seven council and elites. They kill weak students. Weakness is not allowed here. That's why they do them a favor by ending their lives."
I burst into laughter at what she said. "Hahahahahaha."
"Why?"
"Because...," I tried to stop myself from laughing. Woah~
"Because it doesn't change the fact that they are killing others. Sure, they may be doing favors, but it still isn't justified. Okay, let's say they are weak. But that doesn't diminish the fact that having a life is a gift, right? Every life is a gift, including us, being cursed. We should still be grateful for being alive in this world! And taking someone's life is a big SIN. No one has the right to kill!"
"Calm down," she said as she gently stroked my back.
I sighed. "Oh, by the way, why are there only six elites? I thought there were seven?"
Denise, Jen, Lucille, Loremae, Junave, Diane. Only six. So why are they called the SEVEN ELITES? When there are only six of them???
"Do you know Zenia?" she asked, changing the topic. Okay, she ignored my question.
"Yes, she's the girl who was killed in the forest."
"How did you know that? Maybe she was possessed."
"No one possessed gets their tongue cut off," I said with a smirk. She quickly covered my mouth. I gave her a 'Why?' look.
"Don't say that. Someone might hear you," she whispered in my ear, then released my mouth.
"Why?"
"Just don't. Anyway, she's the seventh elite."
"WHAT?!"
"Shhh. Yes, she's the seventh elite. Shadow chose her. But the other six elites didn't accept her. That's why she's not included when the elites have tasks."
______________________________________________________________________
I walked silently toward the dormitory, lost in thought. Zenia. One of the seven elites??
When I entered my room, there was a letter on my small desk.
"Go to my office. - Your Headmaster, Shadow."
What does Shadow want from me?
@ Headmaster's Office
I felt goosebumps as I saw the dark aura at the door of the headmaster's office. Why did he summon me here? What does he want from me?
As I stood there, hesitant to open the doorknob, a sudden shadow formed words,
"Come in?" I read the words written in the shadow. I hesitated. Trying to overcome my fear, but to no avail. This office feels like a door to death.
My hands were shaking as I opened the door. I couldn't see anything but darkness. After a few seconds, a force suddenly pulled me inside, and the door closed behind me.
"I did not expect you to win," Shadow greeted me. But I couldn't see him. The entire room was filled with darkness and emptiness.
"But I won! And what's the big deal?" I snorted.
"Yeah, you won. But you haven't killed anyone just yet."
"Because I don't want to. I don't want to become a criminal!"
"I'm anticipating the time when you'll become a criminal."
"You must not, because that's next to impossible."
"Hahahaha. Let's just wait and see then."
"What do you want? Why did you call me here?"
"First, I must congratulate you for winning the first combat."
"Then?" I asked irritably. I needed rest, yet he wanted to see me just to congratulate me? That's nonsense!
"I want to take this opportunity to ask you, 'What do you want as a reward for winning the said combat?'"
"Anything?" I asked with a smirk.
"Yes, anything. What do you desire?"
"I want you to bring back the life of a deceased cursed individual," I said with a wide smirk on my lips. My friends in Quilak, as well as Zenia, who was killed without mercy.
"Oh? That's also next to impossible," he chuckled. "Who might it be?"
"I am talking about my friends in Quilak, as well as the seventh elite who died a few weeks ago."
"Dear, you can't bring back someone who's already dead. But you can replace them with someone who's still alive."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Do you want to become a replacement for the seventh elite?"
"Hahahaha," I laughed sarcastically. "You devil! Zenia is Zenia, and I am me. Zenia has no replacement, and neither do I."
"I'm giving you a big offer. Not everyone gets a chance like this."
"I'll pretend that this conversation didn't happen," I coldly said as I stormed out of the office.
I didn't even know how the hell I found the door. It was so dark in that room, and I was so furious! I can never be a replacement for anyone.
______________________________________________________________________
A N O T H E R | D A Y
My mind is made up. I will destroy this school. And in order to do that, I NEED INFORMATION, especially the GEMSTONE of Energy. That's what Zenia wrote on a small piece of paper. It's supposedly the secret of this Academy. But the question is, how can I find the clue?
"I think you need to become the seventh elite," Emerald said, his eyes closed in a dark room, inside of my body.
"What? Why?" I hissed.
"Zenia is the seventh elite, right? Maybe she knew all the information because she was one of the elites."
"You think it's a good idea, becoming an elite?" I replied sarcastically.
"It's not even a bad offer," he simply said and changed his sleeping position.
Yeah right!! I'm just being sentimental here! My demon itself made that clear!
Well, it's because I don't like the IDEA of being REPLACED by someone, LIKE duh~ I can't be just a replacement~!!
I returned to my room and went to sleep.
I woke up to a loud KNOCK on my bedroom door. Irritated, I opened the door. Disturbance!!! There's no class today, so why do they need to bother me?
"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" I shouted at the shadowman who was knocking on my door.
"There's a party happening at 5:00 PM, a celebratory party for those who won the combat. This is what you're going to wear." He handed me a box with a black ribbon. I accepted it, and he walked away. So that's it!! Why did he have to wake me up from my deep slumber?
Annoyed, I placed/slapped the box on my small table. They disturbed me from my slumber. Now, I won't be able to sleep properly! They really had to disturb me!!!
I lay back on the bed and tried to sleep again. But I couldn't fall asleep anymore!! I changed positions several times, but I still couldn't sleep!! It's all that shadowman's fault!!
So I stood up and left my room. I need to think. And to calm myself down.
I sighed and let my feet take me wherever they wanted to go.
I was surprised by what I saw... WHERE AM I??? Why is there a small house here?? There are signs that say "YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER" and "KEEP OUT" and "QUARTERS OF THE SEVEN ELITE."
"What the hell?! Seriously?" I heard voices talking and approaching where I was. I quickly hid in the tall grass. I tried my best not to make any noise. They might notice me.
THE SEVEN ELITES...
"Yup! She found out the secret of this school. She's so nosy. That's why what we did to her was necessary," Diane said.
"Well, I was expecting her to die much earlier. But too bad, she stayed in our group for a few weeks," Junave commented.
"Yeah. I particularly don't like her. So what we did to her was just fitting," Loremae added.
"And besides, she's too flirtatious. Flirting just to find information? Like eww, so cheap," Lucille remarked.
"Who do you think will replace her? We know that Shadow will keep looking for a replacement for the seventh elite," Lucille questioned.
"I'm sure she won't last long in our group," Jen said with a smile.
"Of course, we won't allow her to," Denise replied with a wide grin.
Fudge! Could they be the ones who killed Zenia? All the students here are heartless!!! They better be prepared!! I will become their judgment in this world. They deserve to suffer!!
I stepped out of my hiding place and saw them enter the house with a sign that read "QUARTERS OF THE SEVEN ELITES."
My fist clenched as I walked through the hallway with pictures of the SEVEN COMMITTEE members of this Academy. They are the rulers of the seven kingdoms and at the same time, the committee of this academy.
I kicked the door open and entered the dark office. "Hey, Shadow?! Are you here?! I just wanted to tell you that... I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER," I shouted as my gaze swept around. It's really dark in here. I can't see anything.
"Very well said. But what makes you change your mind?"
"That's not important anymore."
"Hahahaha. I really like you. You made the right decision. Wear this at the party later." Something cold suddenly appeared in my hand. What could it be??
And why am I outside the office now?? How did I get out? I was just inside a moment ago???
I looked at the cold object in my hand. It's a bracelet. It even says "7th Elite" on it.
The first reason I accepted Shadow's offer is BECAUSE I NEED INFORMATION.
The second reason is I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE OTHER ELITES ARE HIDING. I think they are the ones who killed Zenia.
And there's only one way to find out: BEING PART OF THE SEVEN ELITES.
**************
I put on the gown given to me earlier by a Shadowman. It also came with a makeup set, and I applied light makeup. I was now ready to go.
Upon arriving at the venue, I was greeted by a large fountain at the Academy, accompanied by the loud sound of speakers on a big platform. There was a long table in the corner filled with various kinds of food, vibrant lights emanating from the seven school buildings, a bar counter on the other side, and tables placed beside it. People were dancing around the fountain, creating a lively atmosphere.
Not far away, I spotted the seven council members. Dylan and Klenn were wearing blue tuxedos, while Storm and Kyle were dressed in black tuxedos.
Cassandra caught my eye with her stunning attire. She wore a white and blue floral lace dress with a round neck and floral lace appliqué. The dress created a flattering silhouette that flowed into an ethereal skirt. Paired with stiletto heels, she looked incredibly hot and gorgeous, attracting attention from all the guys.
Ysabel stood out in an off-the-shoulder floral sequin dress with a flowing mermaid skirt. She accessorized with chandelier earrings and strappy heels, enhancing her beauty.
I noticed Lin sitting at the long table, enjoying her meal. She wore a black sequin beaded dress with flutter sleeves, and her curly hair was neatly styled. She wasn't wearing her thick glasses, and I couldn't help but think she looked pretty as well.
Glancing at the large glass wall of the bar, I caught a glimpse of my own reflection. I was wearing a green spaghetti strap dress with floral embroidery. The dress had delicate lace appliqué on the bodice and off-shoulder sleeves, while the falling tulle skirt added a touch of femininity. I completed the look with green pointed shoes adorned with diamond designs.
Lost in my own reflection, I suddenly felt a firm grip on my wrist. Frowning, I realized it was Belle, the Nurse Mage from the medical room. We were on our way to the bar counter when she abruptly stopped.
"Why?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.
Confused, I replied, "What is this?" pausing as she noticed the bracelet on my wrist. "What the hell, Eveline?!" she exclaimed, whispering in my ear, "Why did you become the seventh elite?"
"I simply accepted the offer from Shadow," I replied.
"You shouldn't have accepted it," she whispered again.
Perplexed, I questioned, "Why? What's the big deal?"
"I'm sure the other six elites will make your life miserable," she explained. She then pulled me to a corner where our conversation couldn't be overheard.
"The other six elites don't accept a seventh elite, even if Shadow chose you," Belle revealed.
"Okay, and then?" I inquired, eager to understand the situation.
Belle continued, "The thing is, they weren't the first elites in this Academy. There were previous sets of Seven Elites—first, second, and third. Those before Denise's group were all possessed, just like Zenia." She leaned closer and whispered, "But I believe they were also killed, like Zenia." Stepping back, she continued her story. "Due to the sudden possession of the third group of Seven Elites, Shadow immediately chose Denise's group to be the next Seven Elites. Denise, Lucille, Diane, Junave, Loremae, Jen, and the seventh member, Joyde, used to be friends."
Confused, I interjected, "Wait, I thought Zenia was the seventh elite?"
Belle clarified, "Zenia was only the second replacement for Joyde."
Curiosity piqued, I asked, "Why was she replaced?"
Belle explained, "There was a girl named Kera, a former friend of Denise. But Kera betrayed Denise. One day, Kera discovered that Denise's group became the SEVEN ELITES of the Academy. Consumed by intense envy, she severely threatened Joyde and even locked her up in the dungeon. Joyde experienced severe trauma as a result, and she was sent back to Quinto. Kera took Joyde's place. That's when trouble started between Denise and Kera. Eventually, Kera died suddenly. Some believe she was possessed, but I suspect she was also killed. After Kera, Zenia followed. Denise didn't accept her, viewing Zenia as just as bad as Kera. They tortured Zenia relentlessly, pressuring her to relinquish her position as the seventh elite. A few weeks ago, Zenia died. So, I advise you to give up being the seventh elite even now. You might be next."
Taken aback by the revelation, I contemplated the possibility that Denise might be responsible for the deaths of both Kera and Zenia.
"Could it be that Denise killed both Kera and Zenia?" I questioned Belle.
She moved closer and whispered, "Yes, it's a possibility. But it hasn't been confirmed yet."
Determined, I declared, "Well then, I'll find out the truth."
"Eveline, you might be the next target," Belle warned, concern evident in her voice.
I understood the risk involved, but I couldn't ignore the need for answers. "I need to uncover the secrets surrounding the Seven Elites and what happened to Kera and Zenia. I won't back down."
Belle sighed, realizing she couldn't dissuade me. "Just be careful, Eveline. Trust no one, and watch your back."
"I will," I assured her, grateful for her warning.
With newfound determination, I prepared myself for the challenges that lay ahead. The Academy's glamorous event had taken an ominous turn, and I was determined to unravel the dark secrets hidden within the elite circle.
"I'm willing to risk my life, Belle." She stiffened, maybe because she heard her name mentioned for the first time. It's my way of saying that she has become my friend. I now acknowledge her as my friend.
After a moment, she suddenly snapped back, "Why? Why are you willing to sacrifice your life just to become the seventh elite?"
"Because my purpose is clearer now. I will save all of you."
"Huh? Save us? What are you planning?"
I approached her and whispered, "I will also have to gather information about the GEMSTONE of ENERGY. Zenia said it's the biggest secret of this academy, so I need to find out about it. It might be our way out of this land, and I will find a way for the cursed and the people to live together."
"Why would you bring us out of here? Remember, Eveline, we are cursed, that's why we're imprisoned here because we're dangerous."
"Well, that's the only way I can think of to stop all this chaos."
"I don't think that's a good idea," she said, shaking her head.
I sighed. I wanted the chaos to end, but it couldn't be denied that our existence itself is a threat in this world. What can I do? If only there was a way to break this curse... My eyes widened, and I lightly hit Belle's arm.
"What if there's a way to break this curse?" Her eyes widened too.
"Huh? How?"
"The gemstone of energy. Maybe that's the key to all of this."
"How did you come up with that?"
"Intuition," I said with a laugh.
"But you're not sure."
"Well, what if my intuition is right?"
She let out a deep sigh. "Alright, find out all the secrets of this academy. But be discreet and don't get caught. Many eyes are watching you."
"I know." After all, I am the first cursed person to enter this academy from the town of Quilak.
"Mic test, mic test." We looked towards the platform. Denise was there, holding a microphone.
"I would like to congratulate all of us for winning the combat."
Everyone clapped. Shortly after, the other elites arrived behind her. "And I would also like to call someone to join me on this platform, Miss Eveline."
I furrowed my brow. Why is she calling me?
"I think they already know that you are Zenia's replacement," Belle whispered in my ear.
I sighed and headed towards the platform. Denise was looking at me sharply with a mischievous smile. "I would also like to announce that this person is the new SEVENTH ELITE."
The students' eyes widened simultaneously.
"What?! She can't be an Elite! She's not even from Quinto. She's not qualified to be part of the seven elites!" one of them complained, and everyone agreed. Almost all the students were protesting, except for the seven council members who were engrossed in their discussion.
"Quiet down. There's nothing you can do because SHADOW chose me," I said, raising my hand to show the bracelet given to me by Shadow.
They were about to come at me, so I grabbed the microphone I took from Denise and shouted, "GO AHEAD, TRY TO HURT ME!"
I grinned. There's only one thing the students here fear, and that's Storm. "Servant, come here."
Once again, I saw the chain around his neck and the change in the color of his eyes. In just a few moments, Storm was by my side.
"Servant, kneel in front of me," I said, grinning. I'm enjoying this. I can control him whenever I want. Without hesitation, he followed my command. My grin widened even more.
"See, I have your MASTER by the neck," I declared into the microphone.
"So, you can't do anything but accept me," I continued speaking. I approached Denise and whispered, "Don't compare me to Kera because first, we're not friends. Second, how can I betray you? Third, I have no envy in me. Fourth, I have no plans to take anyone's position. So, whether you like it or not, I am now the seventh elite." Then I stepped back from her and turned around. I was about to walk away when she spoke again.
"Room 146." I looked at her, and she handed something to me. I accepted it—was it a key? I looked at her with a puzzled expression. She chuckled softly.
"I now accept you, SEVENTH ELITE," she said as she approached me and whispered, "I've been observing you for a long time. You deserve this position." She then touched the bracelet I was wearing.
"Why were you observing me?"
"Because you are different from the others. You're not an ordinary cursed person, Eveline. I can feel it. That's why I'm glad to work with you." She extended her hand. I furrowed my brow before accepting it.
"Okay," I replied, feeling a bit weird. "And what is this key for?"
"It's the key to your new room."
Okay, a new room huh. Room 146? Why does that room sound familiar to me?
I was about to leave when Denise spoke again, "We have a task next week, and you'll be joining us."
"Okay," I nodded, even though I had no idea what she was talking about, and then I left her on the platform.
Belle's POV
"What? How much does she know now?" He's Louis. He used to be Zenia's boyfriend.
"The Gemstone of Energy. But she doesn't have any idea what it is yet."
"But she knows! Who told her?"
"She said she found out from Zenia."
"Damn it!" He immediately punched the wall. "I should have made that girl suffer even more!"
"Relax. She doesn't know much about it yet."
"What about Storm? What does Storm know?"
"Huh? Storm? I don't know."
"Well, find it out." He ordered. I mentally rolled my eyes.
"Why? What does Storm have to do with this?"
"He spoke to Zenia. Maybe Zenia told him something too."