Ch 39. Uncanny Suspect

Rosanna's P. O. V:

Exiting the interface for skills, I clicked on HQ message and the reality is, GCA are a bunch creeps with abilities.

<HQ Message²

1. Mission: Improve three talents to level three progress.

Duration: One month after the start of the Institution.

Penalty: Negative buff 50% off all stats.

2. Room Number: 406, Seton Hall. Be sure to check in before the start of your classes.

3. (NEW!) Congratulations Miss. Graymond! Keep it up and build your bond with Kairos. Don't let your target create variations ♡

4. (NEW!) Congratulations Miss. Graymond! Continue to increase your talents and unlock new skills. Hoping you like our gifted skill; 'Psychosis'. It's helped you against a demon before. Put some practice in and ward off the hoard coming in a few weeks.

>

What variation could Kairos create? Can't they be more specific? Oh, so he isn't exactly the variation but will cause a variation? Why are they confusing me? Can't they give one answer?

And hoard? What hoard, what does that- mother! The demon hoard! Level three demons! Oh my freaking pink bubblegums!

I sat upright on the bed then got off the comfort of the soft foam, pacing around the room and almost pulling my hair out in the process.

"Ohmyword, I don't know the exact timeline! When was it? When was it?? Argh! What should I do? Where should I hide? Fight? No, obviously no. Level three demons! "

I almost cried at the incoming death event that took cannon fodders like me into lalaland. How it slipped my mind a demon siege was incoming is totally abnormal.

But I guess I've been too 'busy' sorting out my relationship status with Kairos and thinking of how to preserve my life, forgetting another threat that could kill me before my mental anguish and Kairos' black claws.

I picked up my phone from the bed and began typing on my notepad, thinking of a plan to avoid the demon hoard. Time passed by while I brainstormed, ideas forming and getting eliminated after myriads of mind scenarios. It was a hectic session but a necessary action.

And I accepted the reality that fighting would be a skill to acquire regardless of what my plan was. I wasn't completely defenseless to be honest, but I am a kid wielding a sword.

I stared at the time on my phone and knew in a few minutes, it would be the start of my next class: Elem Universal Language. So without much delay and mulling over life's many tragedies, I prepared for my class session which had a better chance of helping me survive, than me being depressed and creating useless ideas.

I took my bag and wore my converse shoes, walking outside of my room in haste. Then I locked the door and fast walked towards the exit of the hall. Becoming slightly familiar and at ease with the oddity of a teleportation portal.

Walking down the stairs, I encountered Karissa sitting alone in the lounge and typing away at her phone. She looked up at me with a smile, unsurprised at my presence.

"I'll be dropping you off at your next class." She said, getting up from the couch with a lazy vibe and slouchy figure.

"Thanks." I replied, watching in silence as she stood up and walked towards the exit, with me following in tow. The atmosphere was completely neutral and cordial in our journey and it left me feeling calmer than I was earlier.

Karissa spoke up, taking a glance at my figure sideways. "Usually we have a welcome party for our newest member but I'm not quite sure if Kairos intends to give you one. And the initiation trials-- what were your scores? And how did you meet our Master?"

I looked around and half heartedly admired the beautiful layout of the mansion, something that deserved my attention each time.

"It's complicated." I said. "And I'm not sure if it's in my place to explain. You'd best ask your master."

"Huh." She emitted a small sound. Mumbling something along the lines of 'maybe **** was right'. Maybe who was right?

So we resumed a silent walk as Karissa lead me to my next class, stopping when we had arrived at zone Beta.

"See you later, Rosanna!" She gave a peace sign and without waiting for me to answer, broke out in a mad dash as she zipped through the streams of students and disappeared into the unknown.

"Oh... kay." Weird but what haven't I seen? Purple pee? Check. Alternate reality? All inclusive check.

.

Language class was as usual and somewhat interesting, with me trying to keep up with the new added terms and teachings. But Nightwalker's Documentary was a different thing.

"Now students, before us is a live demonstration of a grade three demon in an angry state, showing considerable damage and highlighting it's danger levels. If I zoom in, you can see clearly the depth of the bloody gash, intestines spilling at the open cut. The severed body of a level 3 Elementalist.

Grade three demons are significantly stronger than grade four demons. Being above just one transformation level. It's difference is a whole new upgrade as compared to level five and six demons who have slight differences. From level three onwards, demons become more intelligent, sadistic and angry as they fuel their desires upon their targets.

Ms. Graymond, why don't you come forward and identify the grade of demons by each wound. I assume with how you've been missing assignments, you have advanced knowledge on our studies."

Mr. Giovanni was quite pissed at my infrequent submission of assignments which happened to be heavy in this course. Though I didn't miss that much assignments.

It was after 4:00pm and my earlier break was spent alone, in the Institution's library, formulating a work schedule to increase my strength and dozing off in tiredness.

But even with my personal problems, this Giovanni dude was here trying to prove a useless point in his hour long session.

Giving an amiable smile, I said. "Sorry sir, I cannot identify-"

"Of course you can't. People without a value for knowledge often end up like you, unaware with wasted privileges." He interjected with a disapproving expression. "Moving onwards, level three demons have-"

B!tch. I could feel the funny stares from my classmates but I fought the urge to frown and kept a nonchalant expression, giving one of my deadliest passive aggressive eyes to the man.

My class session was horrible. And Mr. Giovanni fed out of my misery and loved to make me seem stupid for not knowing something he was supposed to teach. He was undoubtedly petty with personal issues.

Sigh. The reality is unprofessionalism only works in romance novels. Truthfully, unless a good sense of humor exists, it's everyone's nightmare.

I was the first to leave the class when the session ended. Because my bag was already prepared and my mind set for a fast exit.

I found a voice hated other than Kairos' calling during MST. Mr. Giovanni's 'Rosanna, Rosanna, Rosanna'. It loathed it.

Bringing out my phone from my pocket, I texted Aniysa on my way walking. Multitasking as I paid attention to my steps and her texts.

R: Heyyy Ani. Where you at? I'm at Alpha Zone rn. Let's meet up :-) and um... I see your hyperventilating anxious mother texts on where her chick has been. I appreciate the concern ♡

Not a minute passed and she started typing. It was surprising but good for me.

A: ROSANNA JAEL GRAYMOND. DID YOU NOW FIGURE OUT YOU HAVE A PHONE? My 30+ texts is gonna be how many bruises you're carrying to your dormitory.

On my part, I did contemplate texting Aniysa wayyy earlier but I don't think texts can handle what I'm feeling and the things I need to express by saying.

So I just ignored texting and buried my head in a sea of books, till I had the peace and time to have a proper conversation. In conclusion, I was mentally drained and needed space to think before I speak to anybody.

Perhaps an earlier response would've been better if I had told her we'd speak later. But... Gdjsgskgdksk. Procrastination.

R: Ani I can explain! I forgot I had social media, not you specifically. More or less busy these days and if it helps, I have juicy gossip for you.

A: If you think you can bribe me with storytelling, you are absolutely right. Gimme a headline or smth' to anticipate and get your ass over to our spot. I'll be waiting.

R: thank you Ani ^_^ title: Rosa's bf might have crazy exes and I think we'll be having a demon siege in a few weeks, how bout we run under the blanket?

A: ...you're joking ri?

R: maybe (≧▽≦)

A: ...

No way

Omg you got crazy exes out to kill you?!

Can I watch?

R: you forgot the demon part and I might tell them exes we're all acc in a polygamous relationship so they kill us both

A: awwn c'mon I'm too pretty to die young

R: are you by any chance implying I'm not?

A: and if I'm being honest?

R: well then. Every man for themselves during the siege.

A: joeking Rosa-chan, you're too pretty I'm considering.

R: considering what? 🌚

A: making a face mask outta your skin

R: I- Ani, you're white.

A: And?

R: nothing. Now let's cut this convo short, I bumped into some blue haired goth and her glare is life threatening.

A: kayy. Bye Rosa ❤️

R: ❤️

Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I couldn't help the slight smile that made it's way to my face as I hastened towards I and Aniysa's hangout spot. Under the tree, near a bench in a somewhat isolated area.

Hoping she still had her blankets in her spatial ring. We could use some rest before the simulation Class.

A few minutes passed and I arrived at our spot, the area surrounding the Cafeteria. Sighting Aniysa's red hair from afar.

Her back turned to me as she sat on the bench with a bent figure, probably reading some bdsm romance book or watching youtube videos about Noelle and Axel.

"Aniysaaaa!" I called out in an annoying high pitched voice. Trying to imitate Osborne.

She turned her body on the bench, eyes eerily latching upon my standing figure.

"Patrica." I read her lips, her little finger beckoning for me to come closer.

It seems Aniysa might be some hidden psychopath. It's a gut feeling.

I smiled wearily and moved forward, each step seeming like a growing death threat.

I closed our distance in some seconds. Then I chucked nervously. "Bae-"

"So you've been out smooching with your mate, hm? Forgetting your first love now that you've tasted some lips."

"That's a weird description." I said, taking a sit besides her. And dropping my bag on the grass.

I spoke just as she parted her lips to retort. "For your information, I've got some unknown ghost tryna kill me and my guess is, it's my mate's ex. Yh, ex."

'Not exactly sure if Natalie and Kairos are still bed buddies'.

But why was that thought disturbing?

"You're serious?" Aniysa's shocked expression came into view and I gave a tired smile.

"Some juicy gossip, eh?" I tried to joke.

"What? No. Rosa, we should call the-"

"No." I interjected her words. "It's complicated and cannot involve the... Public security forces."

"Why? You can't tell me some person is literally trying to murder you and it'll stay an undercover secret."

Aniysa's tone was tinged with worry and seriousness which made me feel better. I loved her care and I wished to also express mine.

"Just hear the entire story?" I breathed out.

"Okay." She relented, stretching her short hand out to pat my curls. And shifting closer till her small frame embraced me from the sides.

'Cuteness overload! Jael, don't. Kidnapping is illegal'.

"My sister, Corissa, used to give me hugs whenever I had any problem. Though yours is beyond normal. Still, if it can help Corry get over her newly wedded celebrity crush, it can help you. Is it working, Patty?"

"Mm." I hummed, wrapping my arm around her.

'I don't think your hug is helping, Ani. Not after what you told me. I'm paranoid as fudge right now. Corissa, you say? Corissa Campbell. Such a coincidence? Thanks for adding to my worries, love'.

"Why... Why don't you tell me about your sister Corissa? Might take my mind off my problems for a while. Besides, my attacker is quite weak."

I lied. My attacker did not seem weak. And Aniysa's words had me freaking out internally.

"Sure." She agreed. "You're safe with me. I can always conjure a spell with my equipment if any crazy ex starts running towards us. Oh wait-- I'm an awakened now! Rest assured Patty, I'll blast your enemies apart."

"Thanks." I smiled.

"But wait. You should've awakened yesterday, right?" Aniysa asked.

"I did."

"Ah, okay." She said. "Anyways, I remember mentioning Corry looked like you, did I? So picture a fairer complexion with black hair, brown eyes."

I listened quietly. Silently noting another coincidence.

"Corry... Everything was fine until four years ago when she died."

Coincidence count 3.

"I can't say it's anyone's fault but I just fvcking hate the fact Papa couldn't accept her marrying a 'commoner'. We aren't even nobilities but I guess dining with snakes for a long time makes you think you are one. I... I just hate it, Rosa."

Rather than getting comforted, I took on the comforting role as Aniysa got emotional. My stress intensifying and so was Aniysa's tears as she talked about her sister.

Series of coincidental facts popping up every now and then in correlation with the listed information of my suspected assailant.

How was I supposed to explain this to myself much more anyone?

I... I'd just talk to Kairos later today.