Chapter 272
KA KA KA
IAM reviewed everything several times, going over each choice in his mind until he was certain.
Once he was satisfied, he nodded to himself.
If it were framed like a status screen in a game, it would look something like this:
Base Methods:
Attack Base Methods: [STOP] [PIERCE] [STAB] [BREAK]
Defense Base Methods: [STOP] [DODGE] [BLOCK] [COUNTER]
Special Methods:
Special Attack Methods: [REDACTED] [empty]
Special Defense Methods: [DODGE] [empty]
Combo Methods:
Combo Attack Methods: [empty]
Combo Defense Methods: [empty]
Trump Methods: [empty]
Healing Methods: [HEAL]
Death Method: [empty]
Now IAM wanted to practice — to see how this actually worked in a real fight or situation.
He leaned back in his chair and glanced at the other books stacked on the table. With his new understanding that speech was more than the words themselves, he knew theory wasn't enough; he had to put it into practice.
Before, he'd tested how words could influence people — make them angry, solemn, calm, or sad — and he would continue those experiments. But this time he wouldn't rely on speech alone. He'd pair words with posture, tone, gestures, and timing — every small thing that enhanced his words.
He would set his intent, and act according to it with all of his being.
He quickly packed everything up, making sure each book and note was returned neatly to its proper place before leaving the library. The air outside felt cooler, brushing softly against his skin as he stepped through the tall doors.
The faint hum of distant chatter and the low whir of passing mini-cars filled the space.
He walked down the quiet path that led toward the parking area. But as he drew closer, the atmosphere seemed to change. There was a figure ahead—someone leaned casually against one of the cars, half in shadow.
IAM's steps faltered. His eyes narrowed, and for a moment he wasn't sure if he was imagining it. Then recognition struck. He stopped completely, his body going still while his mind raced.
With a sharp intake of breath, IAM turned his head slightly, pretending to glance elsewhere as he carefully pivoted away. He didn't move too fast—as if he had suddenly remembered something and decided to head back.
He hoped they hadn't seen him. Maybe the person was just waiting for someone else. Maybe it wasn't about him at all. But even as he told himself that, a quiet unease crawled through his thoughts.
Was he here for him?
He hadn't expected to see him here. And worse—he wasn't using his Avien right now. If something were to happen, if the figure decided to act, IAM knew he might be at a serious disadvantage. He swallowed hard, his eyes flicking back for just a second.
He turned away fully, as he took another route out of the parking area. He hadn't seen him in weeks—not since that last encounter—and he was uncertain of what he might want now.
Was this revenge?
His mind ran through a dozen possibilities, none of them good, as he rounded the corner—
"Boo!"
The sudden voice made him stopp mid-step, instinctively drawing a quick breath before catching himself. Standing right there, just a few steps away, was the very person he had been trying to avoid.
IAM's expression hardened. He narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
The other person tilted their head slightly, a faint, knowing smile curling at the corner of their mouth. "Isn't that a bit rude to say… old friend?"
He wore a red and white Student Council uniform, though on him it looked nothing like the dignified outfit it was meant to be.
The formal cut seemed to fight against the wild energy radiating from him—as if the fabric itself strained to contain what lay beneath. Rather than giving him authority, they only made him look more dangerous.
His hair was spiked up in chaotic tufts, dyed a deep, burning red that caught the light like a flare—warning anyone nearby to keep their distance. His broad shoulders stretched the uniform tight across his frame, every movement emphasizing the strength beneath.
When he grinned, it was sharp and predatory, his jaw flexing to reveal teeth that was almost canine-like.
And he looked absolutely thrilled to see IAM.
Before IAM could step back, Blaze moved forward withconfidence and slung an arm around his shoulder.
He leaned close enough for IAM to feel his breath against his ear, his voice dropping low, laced with teasing amusement. "Why don't you come with me?"
IAM's expression cooled immediately. He didn't flinch or pull away, but his tone was cold, "Get your hands off me. Last time you got away with it under that lame excuse of it being a punishment—but this time, you can't just attack me."
For a heartbeat, Blaze seemed genuinely surprised, then his grin widened, spreading across his face until it looked like it might split his face. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he tilted his head slightly.
"Whaaat? I am, contrary to popular belief, quite a calm soul…" he said, drawing out the before his grin formed again. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. Now come with me."
IAM's eyes narrowed. "How did you find me?"
Blaze chuckled, the sound deep and careless, as though the question amused him more than it should have. "It's not that hard," he said simply, pointing off to the side with an almost playful flick of his finger. "We have access to the cameras."
"I have no reason to listen to your bullshit."
Blaze's hand clamped down harder on IAM's shoulder, his grip was firm and rough. "Hey, I haven't forgotten the shit you pulled, ok? So come with me before I lose it." His tone had frustration bleeding through his grin.
IAM glanced at him, noticing the faint vein that had popped on Blaze's forehead. His temper was already rising. For a brief moment, IAM felt tempted—tempted to use his Avien and to strike with a sneak attack before it escalated further.
But the thought of Ari flickered in his mind. If he revealed his level now, if Blaze caught even a glimpse of it, he wasn't sure what would happen afterward.
He couldn't risk it.
He was already on guard against her.
"Where… are we going?" IAM asked, his eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to read Blaze's expression.
For a moment, Blaze said nothing. Then a grin split across his face, before he suddenly burst into laughter. "Ka ka ka…" The sound echoed with an odd mix of amusement and menace.
"Our destination is…" He leaned in closer, eyes glinting with excitement. "The combat grounds!"