Brewing evil plans!

[That was… really good. The boss music really did its job.]

'Of course, the timing was impeccable. I nailed it.'

He looked at the unconscious boss bully and stood up.

"Are you okay?" He crooked at the poor and pathetic kid still sitting on the ground.

[That 'thing' is the most notorious cybercriminal of all time? How? How did he become the 'Blood spider'?]

'He was recruited by the villain association after the events of 'Maccaua Massacre,' which is connected to the Fenrir event, that will happen in the next two years. He saw his family being scorched by a vagabond hero who was fighting against the mighty Fenrir himself. But the Maccaua area was completely destroyed along with the death of the hero. He turned mad and sought the legion in order to destroy everything.'

"Ye-yes, thank you. I don't know how to repay you for this." He stuttered while saying it. After all, how could he not fear the crazy boy? He was even scarier than the bullies themselves.

"Well, just buy me a coffee." He replied nonchalantly.

"Okay, I'll buy you a coffee next tim—"

"Now! I'm thirsty. There is a coffee shop at the far end of the academy. Let's go there."

"Wait? Now!" Malkis's fearful words were unanswered as the crazy kid started to walk towards the door.

The room now was fully illuminated as the boss was down.

Without any other way and reluctantly, Malkis followed the boy. Which of course was very scary for him. His senses were screaming not to associate with the crazy kid, but it was now too late.

The other 8 students just looked at each other silently and watched the two of them walking away. Without even receiving a thank you from them.

[You killed him, right?]

'Yes, I was the one who got recruited to the vacant position left by the dead vagabond.'

The evening light was sweeping through the academy. Birds flock toward their homes to welcome the cozy night. There was some idle chitchatting, nothing worthwhile or deep. The boy was still awkward and fearful of his savior.

"Here." Desmond offered a recovery potion to the kid.

"No, no, I can't take it from you. It's too expensive." He politely refused.

"I insist. And besides, I'm rich. So don't worry about anything and just take it." Desmond grabbed Malkis's hand and placed the bottle in his palm.

From the very brief moment they have been known, Malkis understood the boy was someone who doesn't take 'no' for an answer.

"Thank you." He opened the potion and drank it. "Oh my god, I don't even know your name. I'm Malkis." He extended an arm.

"Desmond. A pleasure to meet you." He extended his arms and they shook them.

"Where did that music come from?" Malkis asked while walking a few steps behind Desmond.

"Oh? It's a secret." Desmond chuckled.

"Yo-you used your smartwatch to control the music which was on pause. Your timing was impeccable though. You played the music the very moment after you punched that 'John.' It was soo cool." He enthusiastically spoke like a small child describing his favorite candy.

[So, he does know his things.]

"What are you? Techy?" Desmond asked with a hint of surprise, of course, this was just part of his plan in the large scheme of things.

"Um, yeah. I do love techs." He timidly answers.

They entered the old antique shop.

The door opened with the same creaking sound.

Inside the shop, old Kelvin was enthusiastically wiping the tables with a cloth.

He looked over to the door opening and saw Desmond. His face lit up in happiness.

"Ah, you came. Good, good. And you brought a friend with you. Goo—Blimey, what happened to him? Someone did a number on him?" He hastily arrived at the two customers and looked all over Malkis.

"Kelvin, this is Malkis. And Malkis, this is Kelvin." He formally introduced them to each other. "The seniors were playing 'seniors' on the very first day."

"Oh my, I will quickly fetch the medicine. I don't wear my dimensional storage ring while cleaning. I'll be back."

"No need. I've already given him a recovery potion. It is working." Said Desmond.

"Ah, might be because of his low mana, the potion is taking its sweet time. Well, come inside, I'll quickly make you a coffee that'll wash away all of your tiredness." With that, the old man scooted to the back of the large table while Desmond and Malkis took a seat beside the window. His same old seats.

"You know, if you walk alone now, you would be snatched by the bullies, right?" Desmond asked while looking at the pond.

"Wh-what?" Malkis was a bit confused.

"I mean, you walk like you like being bullied, so it is only a matter of time before another batch of bullies come for their turn." Said Desmond.

"…"

Malkis went silent. He knows what Desmond just told him was true. He was always picked on. Even small children like to throw rocks at him because of his almost non-existing confidence and timid behavior.

"I can't change it. They just like to bully others especially if you're a techy. I can't fight them since I'm not a hero material."

"Well, that is true. You're a techy. You can't fight them with your normal strength but you can fight them with your wits and knowledge. The current you is…well useless, but you can improve over time." Desmond said with a hint of admiration.

"I don't know about that." He slumped his shoulders.

"Be with me."

"Excuse me?!" Malkis was suddenly confused with the wording choice of Desmond. That simple three letters have other meanings too if one doesn't clarify it.

"I mean, let's be friends. I could protect you and not to mention I could use some help from you." Desmond looked straight into his eyes.

"You're dangerous too. You just beat up three seniors, there surely will have retaliation. I'm sorry but…" He just slumped back and back.

"I understand your concern and I respect that but if ever there comes a time that you need my help just come to me, okay?"

Malkis weakly nodded.

'Of course, that will be today itself.' Desmond manically laughed inside his mind.

[What are you planning, trash?]

'Gonorrhea, we need to see our dear seniors once more.' An evil smile threatened to show on his face. And it would've shown off if it wasn't for the old Kelvin.

"And here is your recovery coffee." Kelvin suddenly emerged from the back of the shop and set three cups of coffee on the table and dragged another chair to sit with the children.

It was a peaceful evening. Where they laughed and smiled at old Kelvin's jokes. Malkis was also enjoying this. His worries fading away.

Little did he know, he was about to experience hell once more, not an accidental one but a planned one, from his future friend, Desmond Shepheard.