CSRL's POV

"Carl, did you notice Hyra?" I lowered the book I was holding and raised an eyebrow at Jared. Why is he looking for that woman from me? Does he think I care where that woman goes?

"Ask someone else, Jared. You won't get an answer from me," I said, turning my attention back to the book.

"Why so grumpy? If you're always like that, you'll grow old fast."

He stomped out of the Special room, clearly frustrated.

"What's his problem?"

"He was like that after what happened yesterday. He was with Hyra when that mess started, and he said Takashi suddenly came to take Hyra from him," Kevin answered, even though I didn't ask him.

"Takashi? You mean Conan Takashi?"

Kevin nodded.

"Takashi and Hyra seem to know each other because I've seen them together once," Stanley added, his face flushed.

What exactly did he see? Why is he blushing?

"I saw her with Christopher, and it looks like they are close because they left the university together in a car," Cyrus joined the conversation, piquing my curiosity even more.

Conan and Cris? Who exactly is Hyra? Why does she know those two?

"What? Christopher Salvador? Sky, what can you say about this?"

"It's not good to talk about someone who isn't here, so it's best to stop. Whoever Hyra wants to approach, there's nothing we can do," Sky responded to Joshua's question.

It was getting hot in the Special room, so I left before they killed each other.

As I walked, I couldn't get the question out of my mind. What is Hyra's connection to Conan and Cris?

"Open this fucking gate!"

I frowned as I watched a car drive out of the university. It was Brizon's car, but Hyra was driving it. How?

"But Miss—

"NO BUTS, NO NOTS, NO COCONUTS! JUST OPEN THIS FUCKING GATE!"

She looked in a hurry. Where is she going at this time? Class is about to start.

There's only one thing I can do to find out. I got in my car and followed her. This is the first time I will skip class.

From not far away, I saw Brizon's car being followed and squeezed by four black cars.

Those cars are familiar. They're owned by Stefany's father. So, they still haven't stopped retaliating against Hyra?

*BOGGSSHH*

They kept squeezing Hyra's car. We were about to hit traffic when Hyra suddenly made a U-turn.

The way she drives is like an F1 racer.

I followed them, and soon five police cars were chasing us. I lost count of how many rules we've broken.

"WHAT THE FUCK, STOP FOLLOWING ME!" She stuck her hand out of the window, flipping the bird.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

What the heck? The cops started firing.

"STOP YOUR CARS!"

So lame. Do they think they can stop those people with such threats?

I picked up my phone and dialed. It wasn't easy while avoiding the flying debris.

"Yes, boss?"

"Aron, track my location."

"Aye, aye, captain."

Wouldn't he just ask why?

"Holy shit! Boss, I see where you are. Why are the police chasing you? Did you break the law?" I could hear him gasping on the other end.

Who would have thought I would be annoyed by his question?

"Aron, make a way to stop them. Any way."

"Any way?" He repeated.

Sigh.

"Yes, Aron. Any way."

"Okay, boss. Got it."

I felt a chill. Was it right to say that to Aron?

I ended the call and focused on the road. Many cars had collided because of Hyra. She kept changing lanes, causing chaos.

What happened to her when she was away from Nathan? How did she survive? So many questions, and only one person can answer them.

*BOOOOOM!*

A car exploded, and parts flew toward me. I had to swerve, causing more trouble.

*BOOOOOM!*

Another explosion, but it came from behind. No more police cars were following, so Aron must have caused this explosion. The blast was large and affected nearby vehicles.

I could hear people screaming.

*BOOOOOM! BOOOOOM!*

Two more explosions occurred, and I saw Hyra fighting off two cars.

*BOOOOOM!*

Another explosion, and the cars chasing Hyra were gone. The surroundings were on fire, including her car. I hurried out and ran toward her.

This is bad. In that explosion, she is unlikely to survive.

The heat was intense. I couldn't get close without risking my life.

"Are you following me? Are you a stalker? Do you like me? Do you think of me every night before you go to sleep? I'm sorry, but I'm in love with someone."

I flinched and looked back to see her walking away from the fire, clutching her left eye while blood flowed from it. She was covered in wounds.

But ... what did she say? I like her?

"That's unlikely," I answered, watching her lips curve up into a smile.

How did she manage to smile in this situation? Her eyes... I need to confirm something. Is she Demon?

I took advantage of her weakness to attack, but she easily parried. She gave me a straight kick, forcing me to back off. Despite her injuries, she moved freely.

"Why are you attacking a weak and defenseless woman like me?"

"Enough with the act, Hyra. I've seen what you can do," I retorted, tightening my stance.

"Oh? What have you seen, Carl? My driving skills? My ability to flip the bird?" she teased, laughing.

"I'm serious. Are you Demon?"

"Demon? Who is that?" She didn't flinch or look tense when I asked. Is this a sign she's not Demon?

"What is your connection with Takashi and Cris?"

"Connection? Conan is the man madly in love with me, and Cris is my dearest friend."

"Liar."

I bent and attacked again, hitting her leg to make her lose balance. As she fell, I quickly twisted her right arm.

"That hurts, it hurts hah—" Is she writhing in pain? No, she's laughing. "HAHAHAHAHA! Go ahead and hurt me, don't stop! HAHAHAHA! It feels good. Hurt me more!"

"You're insane," I muttered, struggling to maintain control.

She suddenly caught my foot and slammed me hard on the floor.

Blood flowed from my head, and I couldn't move.

Where did her strength come from? I'm like paper to her.

She approached, so I tried to crawl away. She smiled, a terrifying smile.

"Why are you crawling away? Didn't you keep attacking me before? What happened now?" Is she mocking me? Shit. I have no strength left. "It's a big shame. You're one of those chosen as a mask, but you can't defend yourself?"

*BLAGG!!*

"ARGGGGG!"

She stepped firmly on my back.

"O-th-er m-a-sks w-ill kn-ow t-h-is t-hi-ng," I struggled to speak as she put more pressure on my back.

"Do it, but don't you also have a secret you don't want them to know?"

"W-hat do y-ou mea-n?"

What secret? I'm not hiding anything, except one thing—

"Come on, let's not be confused. I know you know what I'm referring to." She leaned close to whisper, "Just keep playing. I'll join your game."

With her words echoing in my ears, I forced myself to move, pushing against the ground to throw her off balance. She stumbled slightly, giving me a brief moment to catch my breath.

"You think you can keep up with me?" Hyra sneered, regaining her footing.

I managed to get on my knees, facing her. "You're not invincible, Hyra. Even you have a breaking point."

Her eyes flashed with something unreadable, and she lunged at me again. This time, I was ready. I sidestepped and delivered a punch to her side, but she barely flinched. She responded with a swift kick to my chest, sending me sprawling backward.

"You’re persistent, I'll give you that," she said, slowly walking towards me. "But persistence alone won't save you."

Desperation fueled my next move. I grabbed a piece of metal debris from the ground and swung it at her. She dodged easily, grabbing my wrist and twisting it, forcing me to drop the metal.

"Nice try," she whispered, her face inches from mine. "But not good enough."

I headbutted her, causing her to let go of my wrist. I staggered back, panting. She touched her forehead and looked at the blood on her fingers, then smiled that terrifying smile again.

"You’re fun, Carl. I’ll give you that."

She charged at me again, and this time, I decided to use her momentum against her. I ducked and rolled, causing her to stumble forward. I grabbed her from behind, locking her in a chokehold.

"Are you Demon?" I growled into her ear, tightening my grip.

She laughed, a chilling sound. "You'll find out soon enough."

With a sudden burst of strength, she broke free from my hold and flipped me over her shoulder. I hit the ground hard, gasping for breath.

"You wanted answers, Carl. But you’re not ready for them yet."

She leaned down, her face inches from mine again, her expression serious for the first time. "Remember, this is just the beginning."

With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving me lying on the ground, defeated and filled with even more questions. I watched her retreating figure, her steps steady despite the chaos that had just unfolded.

–

I spent three days recovering in the hospital, during which time Hyra freely roamed the university.

"WELCOME BACK CARL!" The sight of a banner and confetti greeted me upon my return, and I frowned in annoyance.

"Welcome back, Carl. I hope you're in good shape," Hyra said, handing me a flower that symbolized death.

"Isn't Hyra sweet? She thought of all this, so don't get mad at her," Jared chimed in cheerfully.

"Tch! You know nothing," I muttered under my breath, stealing a glance at Hyra, who stared back with a wide, unsettling smile.

"Would you like to borrow my notes?" she offered innocently.

"SHUT UP!" I snapped.

"Hey!" Master rebuked me, reminding me of their relationship.

What if Master discovered Hyra's hidden agenda? My head throbbed with frustration.

–

"Mr. Perez, you don't look well yet. You should go home and rest. We'll meet tomorrow," Mr. Fonancier suggested kindly.

Nodding, I glanced at Master, who appeared upset—likely because of my outburst at Hyra.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance and left the classroom, sneaking one last look at Hyra, whose smile remained eerily unchanged.

–

Approaching my car, I was about to open the door when a cold hand gripped my neck, slamming me forcefully against the wall.

"Viper?!" I choked out, recognizing the assailant instantly.

"It's good that you remember me," he said darkly, holding me firmly.

"Let go! Are you insane? Why are you attacking me?" I struggled to break free.

"Think, Perez. What did you do?" he demanded.

Memories of Kevin's words about Hyra and Takashi flooded back.

"Is this about Hyra?" I managed to gasp before he tightened his grip, cutting off my words.

"Don't mention her name," he warned, increasing the pressure on my neck.

I retaliated with a punch, forcing him to release me. I staggered back, clutching my sore neck.

"So it's true? You and Hyra are connected?" I asked, trying to regain my composure.

"I expected you'd figure it out," he replied calmly, unaffected.

"What's your connection? Is she another one of your pawns? Are you planning to overthrow Master?" I demanded, my voice shaky with anger and confusion.

"Overthrow Lukas? For what purpose?" he scoffed.

"I'll expose her secret," I threatened.

With a sudden whoosh, he grabbed my face and slammed it against the wall.

He looked like a wild beast, unleashed for the first time.

"From now on, consider our ties severed. You're my enemy now. Don't harm her—remember, her life is tied to everyone here," he warned, grabbing my collar and slipping a white card into my pocket. "Be cautious. I'm watching you."

He turned away, removing his mask and offering me a sweet smile before disappearing.

"Viper, what are you planning?" I murmured to myself.

FLASHBACK

Carl's POV - Age 7

"Condolences," I said softly, approaching Shawn and patting him on the shoulder. He briefly looked at me before returning his gaze to his mother's coffin.

I could hardly recognize her. Her entire body was burned from the explosion, and the so-called Demon was the one responsible.

"Carl, I promise I will be the king, and I will take revenge on the person who did this to my mother. No matter who she is, she will pay."

Shawn turned to me, taking both my hands in his.

"You will accompany me, right? We will lead this place so that nothing bad happens."

He was determined, and I nodded. I had to guide him in everything he did. Our parents were friends, and we grew up together. I considered him a brother, and I would not let him be swallowed up by his anger. I would do everything for him.

–

After burying his mother, Shawn began training. He learned to use all kinds of weapons and studied various martial arts. It all came easy to him; he was born a prodigy, unlike me, who was weak. I might be weak physically, but I could steal the most important data files. They called me an I.T. wizard because of my computer skills. I used this talent to protect Shawn.

On his tenth birthday, one of the guests caught our attention. He was surrounded by many servants and looked very respectable.

"Vlad, I'm glad you came," Shawn's father greeted the visitor warmly, indicating they were close.

"Thanks for inviting me, Dark," Vlad responded elegantly.

"The pleasure is all mine. I also invited Troy, but he's busy running the university," Shawn's dad replied politely.

"It's been a long time since I last saw Salvador. I'll pass by once to say hello," Vlad said, glancing at us. Shawn and I both flinched under his gaze.

"By the way, Vlad, this is my son Shawn and his best friend Carl."

"Nice to meet you, Shawn and Carl," he greeted us kindly.

"Kids, Vlad is here to offer you something nice," Shawn's dad said, looking excited.

"What's that, Dad?" Shawn asked.

"I offer you to be one of the Thirteen Masks," Vlad said.

Shawn and I exchanged glances. The Thirteen Masks? We knew about them. The Thirteen Masks were the dreaded leaders of the thirteen districts. Why would he offer us to be a part of them?

"It's a big opportunity. You can do anything you want when you become a mask, and everyone will kneel before you."

"Anything?" Shawn asked.

"Yes," Vlad confirmed.

"Even revenge?" Shawn's eyes burned with intensity.

"Yes," Vlad answered.

"Then I accept your offer," Shawn declared.

Vlad and Shawn's dad both smiled.

"How about you?" Vlad turned to me.

"I accept it too," I said, trying to match Shawn's determination.

"But with one condition: you will make me king of the masks," Shawn added.

"I agree, but before that, you have to defeat the current king of the underground first," Vlad said.

–

Years passed, and we were finally introduced to everyone as the leaders of the thirteen districts. It wasn't easy; blood and sweat were our investment.

One day, while walking, I met a man about my age who was a transfer student. I was sixteen at the time.

"Hi, I'm Conan Takashi. I want you to be my accomplice," he said, extending his hand.

End of flashback

–

I held my forehead, sweating again from the recurring dream. Viper had severed his connection with me. Should I be happy or even more worried? A few years ago, I agreed to be his accomplice to protect Master and the others. I allowed him to move freely within the university, even with a weapon, in return for his disinterest in the university hierarchy. He kept his promise, ignoring the hierarchy no matter what the elders tried. He was a man of his word. But now, with Hyra in the picture, I didn't know what would happen.

This uncertainty was driving me insane. I needed to tell Master and the others immediately. No matter what happened to me, they had to be saved.

Carl Pérez (Rain)