For the first time since enrolling, Xavier could actually focus during class. The constant tension in his shoulders had vanished, replaced by an unfamiliar sense of safety. His fingers traced the edges of his academy's device as Professor Alden droned on about quantum economics, the words actually registering in his mind instead of bouncing off his anxiety.
When the dismissal chime rang, Xavier packed his bag with deliberate slowness, savoring this newfound peace. The hallway bustle didn't faze him as he made his way to the cafeteria, his steps lighter than they'd been in weeks.
The cafeteria's cavernous space hummed with the chatter of thousands of students, the air thick with the scent of synthetic protein and overpriced coffee. Xavier spotted Oliver immediately - his friend's mop of dark hair visible even in the sea of bodies.
"Hey," Oliver greeted, sliding a tray of steaming noodles across the table. "You look... better."
Xavier smirked. "First time I haven't had to watch my back in that classroom."
Oliver's expression darkened. "You shouldn't have come today. Not after yesterday."
Xavier shrugged, wincing slightly as his healing wounds pulled. "Nothing else to do. Besides, city treatment is insane. Already feeling better."
Oliver leaned in, lowering his voice. "That hospital wasn't just any hospital. It's owned by the Zorvath Collective. Their bio-regeneration tech is..."
"Alien?" Xavier interrupted with a raised eyebrow. "I did see quite a few of them there.
Oliver nodded. "Exactly. Dad pulled some serious strings to get you in there."
The food arrived - Xavier's synthetic beef bowl steaming enticingly. He took a bite, then set down his fork. "How much did it cost?"
Oliver waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Dad handled it."
Xavier's jaw tightened. "I can't keep accepting this kindness without..."
Oliver's smile was genuine. "Just stay my friend. That's payment enough."
Xavier studied his friend's face - the sincerity in his eyes, the way his fingers drummed nervously on the table. For the first time, he let himself believe maybe, just maybe, he wasn't completely alone in this city.
The break ended and Xavier and Oliver parted ways to head to their classes. And without even realizing, the day had ended. It felt short for some reason.
The dismissal chime echoed through the academy's marble halls as Xavier and Oliver fell into step together. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, painting everything in gold and amber.
Xavier's gaze snagged on a lone figure slumped on a bench near the gates. Kael sat hunched over, his shoulders shaking slightly. Oliver followed Xavier's line of sight, his brow furrowing.
"Who's that?" Oliver asked.
Xavier's voice was tight. "Met him during sports activities."
Oliver nodded toward the bench. "We should say hi before heading out."
As they approached, Kael didn't notice them until Xavier cleared his throat. The boy jerked upright, hastily wiping at his face with the back of his hand. His eyes were red-rimmed, his cheeks streaked with tears.
Xavier's stomach twisted. "You alright, man?"
Kael's breath hitched. Then the words came spilling out in a rush: "They took us. Lucas and his friends. Took me and Mira to this abandoned construction site. They..." His voice broke. "They r*ped her. Right in front of me. Made me watch while they..." He choked on a sob.
Xavier's vision went red. Oliver stood frozen, his face pale with shock.
Oliver found his voice first. "Did you report it? To the police?"
Kael nodded miserably. "Me, Mira, her parents. They're investigating."
Oliver's hands clenched into fists. "Those bastards should be arrested. I knew they were bad, but this..." He shook his head.
Xavier turned to Oliver, his voice dangerously calm. "You said money is everything in this world. Even if they're arrested, they'll walk free in hours. This isn't justice."
Oliver's eyes widened. "What are you suggesting? There's no other way to stop them."
Xavier's lips curled. "There is."
Kael's head snapped up. Oliver's gaze locked onto Xavier's face.
Xavier's voice was ice. "Kill them."
Oliver recoiled. "Have you lost your mind? We're talking about murder!"
Xavier's eyes burned. "It's the only way to take out the trash. I don't care about the consequences."
The courtyard was silent except for the distant hum of the city. Kael's breath came fast. Oliver's face had gone white.
Xavier stood, his body thrumming with violent energy. "They'll pay. One way or another."
[Today's task completed- Gathering more information about their crime.]
[Quest updated!]
[Quest- Revenge time, baby has been updated to Justice is Due.]
Xavier's fingers curled into fists as the notifications flashed across his vision. His decision was already made - Lucas and his friends would pay. Even if he hadn't met Kael, even if he hadn't heard Mira's story, the outcome would be the same. Blood would be spilled.
The thought of carrying out his revenge alone had been a cold comfort, but now... Now he had allies. Now he had power.
Oliver's voice cut through his thoughts. "You're really serious about this? About killing them?"
Xavier's smile was sharp as broken glass. "Killing is too quick. Too easy." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I want them to suffer. To beg. To know true fear before the end."
He leaned forward, his eyes burning. "I'll start with their hands. Break every finger, one by one. Then their legs, so they can't run. Then..." He trailed off, his smile widening. "Then I'll let them watch as I take everything else."
Oliver's face had gone pale. "And if you get caught?"
Xavier's laugh was bitter. "I won't. But if I do..." He shrugged. "Money talks. And I know how to get it."
Oliver swallowed hard. "It would take billions just for bail. Do you have that kind of money?"
Xavier's gaze was steady. "Not yet. But I will."
Oliver turned to Kael, his voice businesslike. "Do you have a copy of the police report?"
Kael nodded, pulling up the digital file. Oliver made a copy for himself, his fingers flying over the screen.
As they left the academy grounds, Oliver gestured to his sleek black van. "I'll drop you off."
Xavier slid into the plush interior, the leather seats cool against his skin. "What are you going to do with that report?"
Oliver's fingers drummed against the console. "You remember the hacker? I will ask her if she could help us. She might be able to dig up more evidence."
Neither of them noticed the name at the bottom of the report - Chief Investigation Officer: Dominic Hart. Father of Maximilian Hart.