CH-5 Rejection

"WHAT?!"

Jessica yelled very loudly with unbelievable sorrow.

The office was empty except for the two of them. It doesn't matter how much effort she puts in. She just can't cool down herself and suddenly with a abyssal sadness, a memory flooded her mind of their childhood.

In a vast garden, five-year-old Jass crafted a flower crown and placed it on her head.

She laughed, chasing the little girl who always professed her love and shared her troubles.

Due to Jass's bloodline, everyone is horrible and spooked by her. They even couldn't have a skin contract.

Only their biological mother and Jessica, an elder brother, could play with her, and they knew nothing of her father beyond what their mother unmasked them.

Jessica maintained a cold attitude towards Jass in public just a few minutes ago, but she still cared deeply for her sister and longing of, who was a decade younger.

"How did you know that I'm your sister? Or learn your own name and everything else?"

For a moment, Jessica struggled to accept this reality.

'Yes, Jass must be lying. I doubt that she doesn't want to see my face after so many years have passed since that time. But how can I explain to her that I missed her so much.'

Although Jessica had reunited with Jass nearly seven years ago after being expelled from home.

She still harboured endearment for her and wishes their relationship to be repaired again.

Thanks to the homeroom teacher scene, they could interact with each other more frequently.

Jessica had secretly visited Jass occasionally but lacked the courage to intersect again after their mother's stern warnings.

Everyone was forbidden from contacting Jass after she bullied a cancer patient in junior school.

The family continued to provide financial support until high school was about to end. Her mother's anger intensified when Jass killed someone who had shown her kindness.

When Jass turned seventeen, Stella's family lessened their monetary aid for her because she was doing unorthodox crime.

Even if Jass's mother didn't love her, she didn't hate her either.

No parent would want their child to be cruel to a cancer patient or take lives without reason. It was just impermissible and unsuitable for everyone.

Jass brandished the book of villainess.

"I have this diary… Anyway, what's your plan? Eliminate me for being arrogant in class? Or rusticate from Nexus campus? Probably, conceptualise to punish me with survival type phenomenon?"

Jessica's heart raced upon reading the title, and she felt increasingly uneasy and uncomfortable after hearing the latter statement - she never conceived Jass would utter such words.

"If you have nothing else, I'm leaving."

Jass tucked the book into her system bag, leaving Jessica speechless. She normally doesn't know what to say that will make their prologue longer than usual.

"Have you missed me? Like from inner feelings. Or Unconditionally and unconsciously?"

"Not at all. Why would i?"

Jass replied honestly. At present, she only knew Jessica was her sister and that they had banished the villainess from the family for forever.

"... I see! You may go. Also, why not contact your mother? Tomorrow there's a battle test for every student, and all parents are expected to attend."

Jass rolled her eyes and walked towards the exit. She paused at the exit way, glanced back, and left a few parting words…

"In this world... I am the solo person where I can bargain and pivot… I have no family since my own kin forsook me at a young age."

"..."

***

At night, after an intense workout at the gym, Jass was detective for the dormitory buildings. Her residence was adjacent to the boys' quarters.

Upon entering Room 7, she encountered three roommates: one familiar face and two unfamiliar figures, And everyone fell silent at the prospect of her footsteps.

'What is Cassie doing here?'

Jass's eyebrows twitched for a few seconds but didn't let anyone react to it but she proceeded without pausing in the living area.

The accommodation was modest, featuring a hall, kitchen, two bathrooms, and a bedroom with four interconnected beds.

Its layout offered little privacy, giving a sense of security, for easy interaction between occupants.

'Are they truly impoverished?'

Jass internally muttered sarcastically.

She showered, dried her hair, and entered the kitchen.

Cassie was preparing a meal while the others sat at the dining table, engrossed in their phones.

"Um, Jass, care to accompany us for dinner?"

Cassie investigated, noticing her storing groceries and many different ingredients in the fridge.

The others anxiously awaited her response. It was their discussion and threw responsibility on Cassie to talk with Jass.

"..."

'Is it wise to associate with the heroine? She's the one who decapitated the villainess and fed her flesh to dogs.'

Evoking the information from Wikipedia and the novel, Jass's expression and hands grew cold, though not out of horror.

It was merely a physical reaction.

'My experience as a mafia leader wasn't for naught. Perhaps I should forge an alliance to ensure my safety if events unfold according to the plot.'

With limited knowledge, Jass silently took a seat at the table.

Everyone appreciated the significance of this gesture and cheerfully resumed their conversation with each other.

"The meal is ready!'

Cassie grinned as she served the lavish dishes on the table. Those two unfamiliar individuals succour her diligently while Jass busied herself with her phone.

In this brief interaction, Jass collected a considerable documentary about her roommates, unmasking that they were in the same class.

Unlike Jass and Cassie, both Avora and Muskan are from affluent backgrounds.

While Cassie's family was well-off, their wealth paled in comparison to the majority of students at this institution, who came from exceedingly prosperous families.

Avora, a human girl with blonde locks and an average build, had a good looking chick visage, is all rounder in terms of mood.

The other female, Muskan, is from the cat race.

In her hybrid human form, she sported white hair and long legs, emitting jocundity in all her actions towards others.

After consuming her fill, Jass spoke, and her orbs were unlocked to her three roommates.

"It's time I enlighten you three about some important matter. I'll procure all household necessities, including groceries and snacks, for the next three years, as long as it is under my wealth."

"In return, you'll handle cooking and other domestic tasks. But recollect that I don't wish to form any binding relationship with you all."

Muskan's lips curved into a pout.

"Why? We won't judge you based on your lineage. We two are Cassie's longtime companions - Childhood friends. We are cognizant of your past misdeeds, like bullying, but people evolve."

"She's correct."

Avora concurred, gently patting Muskan's head. Cassie displayed a faint smile and a short nod.

Jass icy stares at those three.

"Did you not hear me clearly? I have no desire for friendships. That's all."

Jass rose and retreated to her bedroom without a backward glance to study about villainess's past.

The trio was stunned, surmising that Jass had been deeply… injured in the past and now shunned personal close connections.

Unfazed, they began to work on a few formulas and many strategies to break through her defences.

***

'When is the fighting scene about to catch sight?'

Jass sat silently on the rear bench with her so-called roommates. It was the next day at 11:00 Am, the events of yesterday lingering on her mind.

Once Jessica had completed the roll call, she addressed the group after the whole attendance staff.

"Everyone. Please go with me to the arena where your families have assembled to see your contests and power."

"We're setting a small tournament, but be warned: The subpar performance from any individual will result in our entire class being demoted from A to D rank."

The students nervously made their way to the expansive arena, which resembled a colossal football field.

Upon arrival, they dispersed to locate their families in the crowded stands. As each pupil reunited with their loved ones, a buzz of excitement crazy in the air.

In the middle of the communication, Jass's gaze stopped internationally on a figure that left deep emotions within her.

The chest was very sour, and a lump formed in her throat as she somehow knew the silhouette. The woman has almost indicated a figure to Jass but in a mature way.

In the years of separation, there was no suspicion in Jass's body and mind about the identity of this figure.

Inadvertently, the tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she whispered with a caressing voice.

"Mom…"