Chapter 14
This conversation allowed Masamichi Yega to see the boy’s determination. Perhaps the boy would come to regret his choice, or perhaps he would steadfastly follow the path he had chosen... Regardless of the outcome, only the future could reveal the truth.
After briefly introducing the technical college to the boy, Masamichi paused and asked if he had any other questions.
The boy shook his head shyly and smiled, “When does school start?”
“Same as regular schools... Ah, I almost forgot you’re a foreigner. Our semester begins in April. We’ll send you a text message three days in advance.”
“Do I need to prepare anything before enrollment?”
“No need. Just show up.”
“I haven’t gotten your name yet, teacher. How should I address you?”
“My surname is Yega. Unless something unexpected happens, I’ll be your homeroom teacher for the next four years.” When introducing the technical college earlier, Masamichi had mentioned it was a four-year program: the first two years were for study and assignments, the last two years full-time social practice.
The cosplayer was aware of this but had to pretend ignorance—after all, his official identity was that of a foreigner from the cold tundra... Of course, knowing the academic system of the college could be reasonably explained, but there was no need.
They exchanged contact details and parted ways at the café entrance. Their next meeting would likely be after school started.
“Goodbye, Teacher Yega.”
“Goodbye...”
Suddenly, a chilling, malevolent aura emanated from up ahead.
Masamichi furrowed his brows tightly, his unfinished words cut off abruptly. Looking up, his gaze sharpened like a hawk’s, fixating on a disheveled man staggering among the crowd not far away.
The man’s face was pale and bloodless, encircled by stubble. His eyeballs rolled back, exposing only the eerie whites. His cheeks sunken, with deep dark circles under his eyes. His limbs stiff, he staggered down the street like a zombie from a horror film, sending a shiver down the spine of onlookers. Within half a meter radius around him, the space was empty as people instinctively avoided him. Snippets of bystanders’ whispers could be heard:
“What’s going on? Is that man ill?”
“He looks abnormal, probably sick. Better keep a distance...”
“Maybe he’s filming a video?”
Some felt disgust, others curiosity or fear.
Someone even took out their phone to record the man.
A young couple approached from the opposite direction. The woman skipped backward with her hands behind her, chatting and laughing with her partner.
“Keiko, watch out behind you—” The man’s warning came too late.
The girl collided with the man and quickly turned around apologizing, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—ah!”
Before she could fully turn, a pair of large hands firmly gripped her shoulders, pinning her still. The girl looked back in terror, her eyes catching a ghastly pale face with no eyeballs, just whites. Goosebumps covered her body as she let out a sharp scream, her small frame rigid and filled with fear.
“I’m sorry! Keiko didn’t do it on purposeI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.