Stereotype (4)

Perseus POV

"Did you seriously not hear yourself? If something can consume your soul, why do you want to seek it?"

I know that I'm right, but it doesn't look like they're gonna back off the topic, so I should try to convince them out of it while they still have their soul.

I mean, are they that clueless?! It's like they've never watched a horror movie in their life. This forbidden grimoire is practically screaming, "Stay away!" But of course, Diana, in her infinite wisdom, decides it's a fantastic idea to want to search into the secrets of the damned book.

I mean, what could go wrong, right?

I've seen this scenario play out countless times on the big screen. Curiosity kills the cat, or in this case, the human. It's as if people forget that some things are forbidden for a reason. But noooo, they just have to be the brave explorer, charging headfirst into danger without a second thought.

It's like they're begging to become a victim in their own horror story. But if this goes out how I think it will go, I'll die first, cuz sometimes, the dumb explorer survives till the end and kill the cautious and smart person first for plot convenience, cuz the story can't just end in 10 minutes.

Maybe I should just walk away, and leave them to their self-inflicted doom. But a small part of me feels responsible? Probably how Dad feels everyday raising me.

I've got to try one more time to convince them to abandon this foolish quest. If not for their own sake, then at least for mine. Because when it all goes south, I don't want to be the one saying, 'I told you so.' cuz the one who suffers the most is the guy who didn't open the book.

"Wow, I really made many mistakes in bringing you here." Diana replied

"Thank you."

"Not a compliment."

"Told you, he may be quiet in class, but that doesn't mean that he's still timid once you know him." Kiera chimed in, "Though, understandably, his choice is correct, the reason the rest of us agreed is to make sure you don't have your soul consumed, we'll just see the book and confirm its existence, then we'll go on our way, we'll pull you forcefully if we have to."

"Thank you, besides, what the hell can 4 students do? This isn't like a movie where kids can just solve and go past protected dungeons that were meant to be impenetrable with just some recently learned techniques that we miraculously mastered in the specific moment."

"Why can't you be this talkative in class?" Kiera asked

"And why haven't none of y'all stay away from this topic, you do realize why they call it forbidden, right?"

"They call Minerva the forbidden flower, and yet she's your girlfriend."

"People call her that? Wow, people really need to dial down on their imagination, she's not as great as everyone thinks."

"Are you no longer on good terms?"

"No, we're getting along great, but stop straying from the topic, what's next, do we get to all wear animal onesies and lay down in a circle with hour feet in the air talking about our crush and relationships like some sort of girls' night out?!"

"I actually do have some animal onesies." Alaine chimed in "And that plan sounds wonderful."

"Not helping. And no it does not sound wonderful." I then turned to Diana "Look, I know you're good, you have some good money and gears to probably go on a small group hunt, but for your own safety, I don't care what you offer me, you have a literal death wish."

"Why do you care so much?" Diana asked "We're not that close, I only invited you because you're the most talented person I know, you also got really keen senses, and you look useful."

"That's great, but if anyone is safekeeping that book, it's the principal, the man who can kill all of us with a literal snap of his finger like that one bald purple titan with a glove and a chin that resembles a nutsack."

*****

I spent a good hour lecturing them, but they still seem all high and mighty, optimistic even, about the grimoire being some sort of overexaggerated legend, and their families wouldn't have told them such a story if it was that dangerous.

For people who are regarded as geniuses, they sure are foolish, especially Diana, she's like the best in the class, always asking questions, attentive...why the hell is she becoming dumb all of a sudden?!

But I left the room and head back to mine and slept for the night. I woke up the next morning and do my now regular morning exercises with Shawn. As I got back, I let Shawn wash up first while I rest, my phone then rang, it says private number, so I picked it up.

"Hey Perseus, long time no talk." the voice said

"Damn it, what now?!"

"You owe us a favor, remember?"

"Yeah, are you using it now?"

"Yup."

"What do you need, Sterling?" (His picture will be available in the album and this paragraph comment.)

"Why'd you say my name? I don't want people to know of my identity."

"I'm alone, speak, what do you want?"

"Well, the boss is interested in some sort of secret grimoire that is apparently somewhere in your school, all you need to do is to confirm whether it exists or not. Simple job to repay us for saving your life, right?"

"Haah...I hate you guys."

"Well, blame yourself for going up against an angel captain, you should be surprised that you could still be saved with those injuries."

"I'll see what I can do, but don't expect much."

"Of course, if you can get the answer directly from the principal's mouth, that should be more than enough proof, I hear that he's quite watchful when it comes to you."

"Sure, why not."

"Well, see you soon."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You'll see. Goodbye Perseus Silver, your brother should be very proud of you."

And of course, I got tasked to find the deadly book, just my luck, damn these stereotypical fictional clichés, I raised a flag when I complained inwardly.