Heroes to Hunted

Upon my task's conclusion, so was the "leader selection" event.

"Back to the corner," I mumbled.

I wasn't fond of crowds, and I liked being the focus of one even less.

Whenever a large gathering happened, I was always far away from it. I knew the fear was irrational, but crowds terrified me. I could never be sure what betrayer lurked in the shadows.

Silently, I inched back to my original position. "Almost back to obscurity-"

"What about him? He's clearly in the military," a girl pointed at me. "Wouldn't he be the most qualified as a leader?"

"...or not," I grumbled.

The room became still as I fell under the analyzing gaze created by dozens of eyes.

I would have liked to avoid being involved in something as complicated as social politics. Sadly, with this atmosphere, I didn't have much choice.

Noticing me, Tachibana sauntered up to meet me. "Huh, so you do look like you're in the military... Who are you, then?"

The level of informality astonished me. Maybe I was too used to military practices, but I couldn't remember being addressed so lackadaisically.

'Are all kids like this these days?' I asked myself, not remembering that I was only twenty-two years old.

Moving on, I performed the soldier's greeting just as I'd been taught.

I straightened my back, shifted my boots together, and saluted. "A Sergeant of the 31st forward platoon and a member of the Armored Deployment Corps. Sato Katsuro of the Japanese Military!"

"Woah," Tachibana stepped back, "so you guys talk like that?" For a moment, he only stared at me before resuming. "Well, whatever," he shrugged, "so…do you think you're up to the task? That you can take charge of our merry band of heroes?"

After everything I'd been through those four years, I wasn't interested in leading anyone anymore, even more so after how my last mission ended.

Though I was still oath-bound to protect these people, I had no responsibility to lead them.

"I'll do my duty," I responded.

"I see," he scratched his neck, "that didn't really answer my question… Okay, I'll be more specific: Are you willing to lead us?" He nodded toward the crowd of curious spectators within the room.

'Does he not get it?' Was I vague?

I always struggled with a communication gap when speaking to civilians. I needed to be more direct.

"My only responsibility is to keep all of you safe, and that's exactly what I'll do." I left nothing to interpretation.

His face became apparent with impatience, and his shoulders tensed up. "So, you're saying you don't intend to lead us then?"

This kid… He knew I didn't intend to, but he wasn't asking out of curiosity.

It was painfully evident he was trying to knock out a potential rival, like a regular politician, by getting an unambiguous declaration of surrender.

'Fine…' I relented. 'I'll give him what he wants.'please visit panda-:)ɴᴏᴠᴇ1.co)m

I folded my arms behind my back and exuded an aura of certainty. "That's right, Tachibana. "I said begrudgingly. "I don't intend to lead this group."

I never got along with political types, so avoiding this kid would be in both our interests.

With my forfeiture, Tachibana plastered an idiotic smile on his face.

Turning from me, he gleefully skipped back toward the others. "Welp, you heard the man, folks! Unless there is anyone else that would like to throw their hat into the ring, we should get goi-"

Interrupting Tachibana's first declaration, the punk stomped his food on the floor. "This is stupid! Like I'd let some brat tell me what to do! You all can play politics if you want," he pointed, "but I'm leaving."

"Brat?!" Tachibana exclaimed. "Who do you think you are?!" He flexed his arms for a fight.

A violent smirk containing what could only be described as bladed fangs appeared on the punk's face. Then, uncannily, he arched his neck and turned toward Tachibana.

"I'm Takagi Akio, and I'm getting the hell out of this moldy prison. Get in my way," a slicing gesture slid across his neck, "and I'll kill you."

Unsurprisingly, that threat was enough for the overconfident Tachibana to back down and make himself small.

The sight was equivalent to a fussy Pomeranian cowering after angering a grizzled Doberman.

'All bark and no bite, huh?' I chuckled inside.

Takagi then walked forward, making me the next hindrance he needed to address. "Move" were his only words to me.

pαпdα-ňᴏνê|·сóМ I stood my ground. Not only was the door locked tight, but I'd rather we didn't antagonize our captors on the off chance that he broke it.

"The door is locked, and it's exceptionally sturdy. So attempting to force it wouldn't end well without proper planning."

"It doesn't matter… move." His eyes were fixed on me with growing intensity.

I sighed wearily.

Following orders made by civilians wasn't a habit of mine, but it'd be better to let him learn from his mistakes. He wouldn't manage to tear down the door, so the worst outcome was he minorly hurt himself.

I stepped aside, prompting Takagi to continue his stroll to the immobile obstacle. Another beast-like grin appeared on his face as he lifted his right leg.

It was a very untrained and reckless way to break down anything, let alone a reinforced door. Without support, he'd kick it, the door won't budge, and all the force he exerted will reflect back on him.

I readied myself to catch the fool.

But that's when he started glowing!

Small orbs of green energy gathered in a spiral around his leg, their luminescence reflecting off every wall. The light dwarfed the torches in both radiance and size, blinding everyone.

I had no choice but to avert my gaze too.

When I looked away, the light had vanished, taking the door with it. No, the door didn't disappear…this guy sent it barreling down the hallway! The sound of wood fracturing against stone proved that.

Once the dust cleared, I was met by Takagi's proud face staring me down. There were no words exchanged. But, despite that, I definitely heard the phrase "I told you."

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