The Children Of Thalia

Knowing Opponent

I've heard it several times, in various places. The name has a different impression when spoken by different people, at different times, in different places. For example, at work, they are hailed as great entrepreneurs. In history class, they were hailed as warriors and heroes. In class, people talk about their gossip.

Hearing that name made me gasp a little. Oh, really, I didn't think that name would come out this year. So surprised, I grinned horribly.

"Theo, DiMichelle's....." 

"CTI Owner." I continued Val's words. "really? I did know the head of CTI had a young son, but I didn't think he was my age."

"I told you you'd be interested. I can't say his full name or face, it's Helder's secret. But I'm sure you have a shadow of what he looks like."

I shake my head and raise my hand. "Well, not even a little. CreaTech Industries is completely keeping their boss secret. I worked as an intern at his subsidiary, and not a single piece of information about the successor children came to the surface. Maybe I can imagine that person is either a Proud Conglomerate Prince or a Thorny Rich Princess."

"He, interesting too. So as soon as you imagine them?" Ansel chuckled like an old man. "I assure you they are completely different from your shadow."

I know, how could that be serious, right? If what I said was true, then I decided I wouldn't approach them as long as I went to Helder school.

"Then, why is that information so important to me?" I was eating bread. However, Ansel looked in surprise.

"Oh, of course you don't know about them, huh?" Said. Then he smiled again. "Well, this isn't something I can or can explain. You'll understand later. I just wanted to give you an early warning. I don't forbid you from getting involved with them, but arguably the consequences are severe."

"Like?"

I was expecting "not to pass the test", but Ansel's reply gave me a little goosebumps.

"Wake up again in the hospital, with a completely bandaged body."

Both Val and Lee seemed to be jolted at hearing that. Just a few days before they saw me coming out of the hospital, just two weeks ago they saw me covered in blood with a gunshot wound to the chest. Hearing I'm gonna wake up in the hospital again might make them worry.

"Did they know about me?" I asked Ansel, but he shook his head while raising his hand.

"There's no information. We also had trouble contacting them, you know? Let's just say that if that guy finds out about you, maybe you'll be targeted from the beginning of the exam."

"Not strange." Sahutku short. I relax my back, resting on both hands in the back. "It's hard this way too."

Lee glanced at me. His voice when speaking sounded faint. "Theo, do you intend to cancel the registration?"

Naturally Lee thought so. This exam may be more dangerous than I could have guessed. But I've gone too far. Besides, why should I back off?

"You kidding me?" I showed a wide grin, or so I felt. "It's fascinating. Internal issues of conglomerate families. The issue concerns a child who will register with a hospital risk, it means one family is targeting another family, possibly using an intruder. For sure among the DiMichelle family wanted someone not to graduate, or someone else wanted DiMichelle not to graduate. If this is connected to me, one of the two parties might be aiming for me not as an opponent, but to become a comrade. Is that right, Ansel?"

Ansel chuckled amusedly while Val and Lee glared in surprise. Gawat, this is fun. Only Ansel understands, maybe understands more than I do.

"Excellent, you guessed the outline." Praise Ansel while clapping. "True, one of the related parties might come to you to become an ally. That's if they know about you. I can only tell you to get ready. Your fight will be against your fellow men."

"I know."

I finished the bread in hand, then sipped a drink until I emptied the bottle. It feels fresh again. I stared at the school across the street. The three years I spent there, even though I wasn't very well known at school, I missed it too.

"By the way, you guys don't have class?" Ask Ansel again.

"You alone?" My reply asked back.

"The test was sorted out last week. My work in this year's Security Division is also in order. Waiting for the new school year to begin. You guys alone?"

"Hee.... Where are you on your own list?"

"Val got a scholarship at Argon High School, Lee enrolled in Leanzea architect vocational." I replied, making Ansel gaping surprised.

"Wait, really? You guys are famous here?"

All right, time to puff up the chest. "Heh, don't you know? Val was a three-time champion of national karate, Lee was praised several times by his art teacher for perspective and building art."

"Saying like you're not famous" Val cut out my words.

"Theo, a diamond in the mud like you can't say that to us." Lee continued.

"Come on. You didn't hear what they said yesterday? They assume that a troubled kid like me doesn't deserve to be in Helder."

"Oh, is that it?" Ask Ansel again.

"Unfortunately, yes." Lee sipped some water first before continuing. "You know Theo fights a lot, right? So often, all the achievements he had seemed to be covered by rumors that he was a troubled child. Now that there's news that he's in Helder, everyone's shocked."

"Eat we're here, alone. All training Theo a little martial." Continue Val.

Ansel gasped to hear it. "You? Studying martial arts?"

Yeah, it's hard to understand, especially after she finds out I can fight.

"I know my next opponent is a human. I'm sure I'll use my hands more often than a gift. All this time my street-style fighting, I wasn't sure I could win against a really trained one."

"But it's a little troublesome too." Val chimed in, "Theo wasn't focused on power, he was focused on speed. It's hard for me to train it."

"He doesn't need to practice much. Just reinforce the basics and everything is in order." Ansel relaxed back. "There's no need to think that you'll be using your hands there more often. The effectiveness of the use of gifts is also an assessment. Considering you fight more tactics, I think you're safe."

Ansel jumped to his feet, stretching a little while patting his pants. Once again he pulled his waist up, then let out a long sigh.

"Are you leaving?" My toot.

"There's a dungeon exploration later this afternoon."

"Oh, what is it? Midgard Quests?"

Ansel was stunned, although he still tried to calm down. "You know that too?"

"Little."

"Then come after the entrance exam. Maybe I can help you level up."

"No need to wait, I'll be there soon."

"It's better to be true."

...* * * * *...