The Guardians of Light

Oni-234

I opened my eyes and found that the ST was still glowing. I immediately looked at it. My combat class was about to start in a minute.

I was relieved when I realised I didn't miss any other class.

I ran to the combat class. I was late by one minute. But thank God, the combat class hadn't started yet. Everyone were taking the yellow pill. I stood in line and waited for my turn.

I took the pill and swallowed it. The Asian girl put the yellow pill inside her pocket instead of consuming it. When she noticed that I saw her, she kept staring at me. I didn't know what to do.

But I wondered why?

By this time, Master Asahi had arrived and instructed to start the warmup. I could barely feel the pains that I had yesterday.

After the warmup, all who learned defence yesterday were taught offense and vice versa. So, today I get to punch the Asian girl. Even now, I didn't know her name.   

After some training, now was the time to face off one another to put into action what we have learned.

The Asian girl had a poker face. I couldn't understand what she was thinking at all. Even though she had punched me hard yesterday, I didn't develop any grudge against her.

I went offensive on her but withheld most of the power of my punches. Since I didn't have to take any blows that day, I was free from the pain.

After four hours of vigorous training, the combat class came to an end. After two classes, it became evident that the combat class is no good place to find a friend as all we did was less talking and more working.

The only possibility for a friend is your partner because we spend hours with them practicing what we learned.

But the partner I had, appeared to be more reserved and angrier than me.

After the class, I ate a sandwich in Gyro, and then I thought to go and check the Knowledge Room. I haven't been there since my arrival.

The Knowledge Room looked vast. There were enough cabins to accommodate hundreds of persons at a time. But sadly, very few people were using it. The cabins also provided the secrecy.

I went inside one of the cabins, and as I sat, an A.I appeared.

' Good Evening. I am Oni-234, how may I assist you today? '

' Ah well Oni-234, I want to read books on combat training. '

' There are 364 references for what you have asked. Are you looking for anything more particular? '

I thought to ask Oni to show the famous ones, but I wanted to try something different. I decided to read a book that no one or very few people might have looked at.

' Show me the books with the least number of readers. '

Oni-234 displayed 5 books. I looked at the names of the book and its authors. To my surprise, one of the books was written by Master Asahi.

The title of the book is " A True Warrior. " I asked Oni to pull up that book. The Knowledge room had a mechanism that facilitated the book to reach your cabin.

I started reading the book. Master Asahi wrote about his personal life here and there. But mostly, he described how to thrust your moves and counteracting and all.   

I wondered if Master wrote about his life on the Earth. The book caught my attention, and I read for hours. I have read about various fighting styles he mentioned, but I didn't know how to perform them exactly.

Oni must have understood that I was confused, so it asked me if I needed any assistance.

' Yeah, Oni. It would be helpful if I have videos for these moves. '

' I can show you any video you require. Just ask. '

' Ok. What is stomp to heart? '

Oni pulled up several videos where that move was used.

I felt like I was a child again because I felt like I was watching martial arts movies.

I asked Oni to show various moves. Hours passed like minutes. After seeing for a long time, I looked at my ST to see if there were any classes.

It was glowing, and I opened it immediately.

Holy s**t. There was an Innovative One's(IO) class, and I was late by an hour.

I rushed from my cabin to go to the class. While running, I wondered how I would ask permission to get into the IO class in front of hundreds of students.  

Anyway, that is future Ryan's problem. My current task is to run.

When I finally reached there, I could see only nine people inside.

' Excuse me, sir? I'm a newcomer. My name is Ryan Gloom. '

' You are late to the class by an hour, Mr. Gloom. '

' I apologize for my tardiness. I will attend it at the correct time from now on. I promise. '

' Ok. Get in and take a seat. '

I thanked him for allowing me even though when I was late by a large scale of time. I took a seat, and he resumed a video that was already playing.

' Since Mr. gloom had joined us for the last video, I'm playing it again. Look closely. '

' Study through iconography. I think I'll love this class. ' I said to myself.

*Person talking in the video*

I am a monster.

Who took ten lives.

Out of which half of them were children.

Nothing I now say or do would not make up for unspeakable acts I committed. I guess I'll never find any salvation.

*Video ends*

' This guy is responsible for the murder of 10 people. His name is Kent. But he called himself "The Crusader." He surrendered himself after the 10 murders he committed. These were his last words. What can you guys tell about it? '

' Would it have been possible for the Protectors to catch him if he didn't have surrendered himself? ' asked one of them.

' He didn't leave any clues, and we couldn't find any solid connection between the victims. So I'd say the chances were slim. '

' Can you play the video again? ' I asked.

He replayed the video.

' Can I get the transcripts of that speech? ' I asked.

He signalled with his eyes, and another person bought me the transcripts.

I looked at the transcripts and came to some conclusions.

' He never felt any plight on his doing. All the pity that he showed is deception. '

' What made you think that? ' asked a Chinese student.

' Well, look at his transcripts. He used skip-code to convey his last message - '' I WON.'' Look at the first letters of every sentence. If you closely observe the video again, we can notice that he emphasized on the words "monster," "10 lives," "children," "unspeakable acts," and "salvation." He is taking pride in what he had done. He sees it as an accomplishment. '

' Then why go through all the drama? He could've just said what he felt. '

Before I was going to answer that, another student stole my thunder.

' Well, he relished deceiving the Protectors for one last time. '

I was angry at that guy for answering my question but was also fascinated by their minds. It's like at least one of the guys would get the same idea as you do.

They are smart people, I thought.

' We'll discuss it further tomorrow. The class is dismissed for now. '

Since I was late, I didn't know anyone. I went to the trainer to meet him formally.

' Hello, sir. I am Ryan. May I know your name? '

' My name is Phillip Hugh, and I am one of your trainers in Innovative Ones. Never be late again, Mr. Bloom. '

' I'm sorry about it. I lost track of time. '

' Anyway, good job today. We always encourage great minds. '

' I'll try my best, sir. '

I left from there and went to my room. I became happy when I saw Evelyn waiting near my room.

' I got myself a level-1 stalker, I guess. '

' Call me a stalker, and you'll never see me again. '

' Easy there, Evelyn. I thought I'll start the conversation with a pinch of sarcasm. '

' Well, I do love sarcasm, but I don't want you to get the idea that I don't have any work other than following you around. '

' Why would you possibly think that? I admire you even more for taking the time to meet me. It really feels good to talk to someone after all the classes, you know. '

' That's why I am here. So, how's your classes going on? '

' I should say great. I am satisfied with my performance. I'm sorry about my manners. I didn't even ask you to come inside. '

' It's alright. I have to leave anyway. I just wanted to have a quick chat with you. Work hard, and maybe if everything goes well, you may work with me one day. '

' I would love that, Evelyn. Let's see where the destiny takes me. '

' See you tomorrow, Ryan. '

' Take care, Evelyn. '

I went into my room, and now it was time for me to return to the Earth.

I laid on my bed and closed my eyes.

                                                          -----*-----

It is 5 p.m. I checked my phone, and there weren't any messages from Mia.

Something didn't feel right to me. So I decided to go to Mia's house and meet her.

When I went outside, my mother asked me to eat something. I told her that I would eat at Mia's house that day.

Since I never hang out with friends usually. My mother didn't stop me from going. I took my bicycle, which I haven't ridden in a while. I dusted it and started to her house.

It took about 30 minutes to reach her house.

I parked my bicycle outside and went to ring the bell. The house was dark. No lights were on. I started to worry more. I rang the bell and waited. No one answered the door.

I rang it again and again, but no one came to the door.

As I knocked on the door, the door opened. It was unlocked actually.

' Hello? Mia, are you there? '

No one replied to me. So I went inside. I searched for the switchboard to on the lights. It was so dark that it was difficult for me to locate the board.

I opened the flash light on my mobile phone. With its help, I found the board. I switched on every switch, but it was of no use.

Maybe a power cut, I thought.

Then I started to hear faint cries from a room.

I was afraid if there was a break-in in the house and there was someone in the house besides me.