After I was done with my meal, I was practically free for the day.
'I did borrow those books, I should probably return them today. I do have to leave for the academy soon.'
I got up and went to my room, there I picked up 2 books and headed out. I borrowed these books from the local library, I had a habit of reading books about various stuff, and it had helped me maintain a rather decent academic record.
Not that it mattered but well I tried my best where I could.
After a moment of walking, I arrived at the library and the librarian greeted me with a small smile.
He was an aged man with spectacles resting on his nose. Even though he was old, his cheeks were red and full of liveliness.
"Hello young man."
"Hello Mister Decan, I am here to return these books."
Mr. Decan glanced at the two books in my hand, "I see, is that all? Place them on the table I will take care of them."
"Sure, also I would like to cancel my library card." I said as I placed the two books on the table.
"Oh yes, sure. You have to leave for the academy, how could I forget? I am really getting old." The old man said shaking his head. Then he looked straight at my face with his aged eyes.
"I will cancel the card, don't worry about that. Just be careful out there young man."
He knew about me being an unawakened and showed some concern towards me. Out of piety or familiarity I was not sure.
I just laughed wryly and shook my head, "don't worry mister, I will not go down without a fight."
"That is the spirit. Now go champ and show them what you have got!" The old man trying his best to send me off on a high note.
I smiled at his attempts and was perhaps grateful for what he was trying to do.
After another bit of small talk, I bid him farewell and exited the library, my next destination, my home.
As I strode through the streets, the thoughts of leaving this neighborhood filled my mind and I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic.
'But what can I do, I don't have a choice.'
As I was deep in my thoughts, I heard someone call my name from behind.
"Raizel?"
Turning back to look at who had called me, I immediately froze.
'Marco and Jason? Just my shitty luck. Even thinking about them brings misfortune.'
"Hey, look Jason, it actually is Raizel, I told you, didn't I? Let us go have a chat with him, shall we?" Marco, a tall guy with a lean build joyfully expressed to his friend.
"You are right, it indeed is Raizel. Shouldn't have doubted you." Jason a blonde guy with blue eyes and a handsome face one could kill for replied softly. A wide grin was plastered over his fair face.
I looked at them and slowly retreated, "I think you have the wrong guy. My name is Tony Stark, I don't know this Raizel guy you are talking about."
I knew the possibility was low, but this was the only way out. Jason and Marco were my classmates in middle school, and they did not like weak fellows. Therefore, my life in middle school was pretty grim, constant bullying, brutal beatings and torture with words was a common occurrence each day.
God knows why but these two shit bags had managed to find me today.
'I can't run, they are awakened and can out-speed me quite easily. If this fails, a beating is coming.'
Jason and Marco both looked puzzled at my words for a moment, they turned to look and each other and then, "Muhahahahaha…."
They both burst into a frenzied laughter, one that sent shivers down my spine.
"You think you can fool us with this bullshit? C'mon Raizel, I know you are smarter than this, at least come up with a decent excuse." Marco, the red headed behemoth said with a grin. He slowly walked towards me, Jason closely following behind.
'Well shit, I am dead.'
Marco and Jason both arrived before me and Jason came around and put his arm around my neck—like we were old pals or something.
"You shouldn't be cold to your friends. I am actually hurt you know." Jason muttered in a sad tone, one that sounded perfectly genuine.
'Did this bastard take acting classes somewhere?' I cursed inwardly but maintained a polite smile outwards. I knew my old play did not work and pressing with it further would only worsen the situation.
"Haha, I was just kidding guys. Of course, I recognize you two. How can I even forget you two?"
Marco smirked, "it is good that you remember, it would have been devastating if you had forgotten us. Like we all have to go to the academy in a few days, academy life wouldn't have been the same without your company"
Saying so, the corners of his mouth stretched more, transforming into a wide malicious smile.
Just then, I felt the arm around my neck pull me down and soon I found myself lying on the ground.
It all happened so fast that I couldn't even react to what was happening.
"Since this is our first meeting after such a long time, we will let you off the hook with just a little gift." Jason said, his blue eyes gleaming.
I couldn't see what was happening as my face was touching the ground, but soon the need to see vanished as a pain so intense it felt like dying assaulted my right leg.
"Aaggghhhhhh" I screamed on top of my lungs; the scream was guttural and raw.
Then I felt a powerful kick to my right torso, making me wince.
"Shut up bitch, you know how this goes right? Marco has put a sound barrier around, no one will hear your pitiful wails." The voice of Jason pierced through my painful screams, yet I could not understand what he was saying. The pain was that intense.