Chapter Nineteen: Summoned to the Unknown
Chapter Nineteen: Summoned to the Unknown
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Rin followed the towering man through the winding halls of the Academy, each step echoing in the uneasy silence. Students parted like waves, their curious eyes glued to Rin and his escort. His mind raced, trying to figure out who could possibly want to see him now.
"Could this be Leon's family?" Rin muttered under his breath.
The man ahead glanced back briefly but said nothing, his imposing presence silencing any further attempts at conversation.
As they exited the main building, Rin was led toward a secluded wing of the Academy that he'd only heard about in passing: the Hall of Inquisitors. The building's exterior was foreboding, with spiked arches and dark stone that gave it a sinister vibe.
"Why does it always have to be the creepy places?" Rin sighed.
The armored man opened the heavy double doors with a single push, motioning for Rin to enter. Taking a deep breath, Rin stepped inside.
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The Meeting of the Influential
The room was massive and dimly lit, with a long table at its center. Seated around it were individuals whose power and influence were palpable. Instructors, high-ranking officials, and even a few notable figures Rin recognized from the Academy's history books were present. At the head of the table sat a man who exuded authority: the Grand Marshal of the Academy.
Rin froze, his usual sarcastic wit momentarily failing him. "Uh… this doesn't look like the cafeteria."
The Grand Marshal's piercing gaze locked onto him. "Rin Park, do you know why you've been summoned here?"
"Let me guess," Rin said, forcing a smile. "You're here to award me the title of 'Most Mysterious Student'?"
A few of the officials exchanged glances, some amused, others less so.
"Enough with the games," the Grand Marshal said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Your duel with Leon has raised many questions. Questions about your capabilities, your intentions, and your role at this Academy."
"My role?" Rin repeated, scratching his head. "Pretty sure my role is 'F-rank comic relief.'"
The armored man who had escorted Rin stepped forward. "Watch your tone, boy. This is a formal inquiry."
"Fine, fine," Rin said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Let's hear it. What exactly do you want from me?"
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The Accusation
A woman with sharp features and an air of authority spoke up. "Rin Park, your performance in the duel displayed a level of skill and power that is inconsistent with your rank. It's been speculated that you're concealing something—a relic, a hidden ability, perhaps even an affiliation with forces outside the Academy."
Rin blinked. "Forces outside the Academy? What, like the cafeteria staff?"
"Enough!" the Grand Marshal barked. "This is not a matter to be taken lightly. The Academy is built on trust and transparency. If you are hiding something, now is the time to come clean."
Rin's expression turned serious. He glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each person at the table.
"Look," he said finally, "I get that what happened during the duel was… unexpected. But I'm just an ordinary guy. No secret powers, no mysterious relics. If you're looking for some grand conspiracy, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
The room fell silent, the officials exchanging uncertain looks.
"Very well," the Grand Marshal said after a moment. "But understand this: any further disruptions or displays of unexplainable power will result in a full investigation. You are dismissed."
Rin didn't need to be told twice. He turned and walked out of the Hall of Inquisitors, feeling the weight of their gazes on his back.
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The Real Danger
As Rin stepped into the fresh air, he was greeted by Aila, who had been waiting nearby.
"Well? What happened?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.
"Just the usual," Rin said with a shrug. "Got accused of being a secret agent, denied everything, and walked out like a boss."
Aila groaned. "Rin, this isn't a joke! Do you realize how close you are to being expelled—or worse?"
"Relax," Rin said, waving her off. "I'm fine. Besides, I didn't actually do anything wrong."
"That doesn't matter!" Aila snapped. "The Academy's politics are cutthroat. If someone powerful decides you're a threat, they won't need proof to come after you."
Rin's expression darkened slightly, but he quickly masked it with his usual nonchalance. "Then I guess I'll just have to stay one step ahead of them."
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Leon's Retaliation
Later that evening, Rin was heading back to his dorm when he was ambushed. Three figures stepped out of the shadows, blocking his path.
"Rin Park," Leon said, his voice dripping with venom. "We have unfinished business."
"Leon," Rin said, feigning surprise. "Fancy meeting you here. Shouldn't you be nursing your wounded pride?"
Leon's face twisted with rage. "You got lucky in that duel, but luck won't save you this time."
The other two figures moved closer, their menacing auras making Rin's stomach churn.
"Let me guess," Rin said, his tone light despite the tension. "These are your backup dancers?"
Leon sneered. "They're here to make sure you understand your place. No more tricks, no more games. Just pain."
Before Rin could respond, one of the figures lunged at him, a fist crackling with energy aimed straight at his face.
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Rin's Unpredictable Luck
Time seemed to slow as Rin's instincts kicked in. He ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack, and stumbled backward. As he did, his foot caught on a loose cobblestone, sending him sprawling.
The attacker's punch missed Rin and struck one of his allies instead, the force of the blow sending the man flying into a nearby wall.
"Whoa," Rin said, blinking up at the chaos. "Didn't see that coming."
"You little—!" Leon snarled, charging at Rin himself.
Rin scrambled to his feet and started running, weaving through the Academy grounds with Leon and his remaining ally in hot pursuit.
"Why does this always happen to me?" Rin muttered as he dodged another attack, narrowly avoiding a blast of energy that singed the ground behind him.
In his frantic escape, Rin accidentally knocked over a stack of crates, which toppled onto Leon's ally, pinning him to the ground.
Leon stopped, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Rin. "This isn't over," he growled before retreating into the shadows.
Rin slumped against a wall, catching his breath.
"Unreal," he muttered. "I can't tell if I'm the luckiest or unluckiest guy alive."
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End of Chapter 19.