Chapter 5 — The War Begins
The terrace of the tallest building in the city reflected the moonlight. The cold wind blew hard, messing up Houka Vick's golden hair, as he positioned himself with his customized sniper in his hands.
But before that...
Hours earlier — In the courtyard of the elite school
Houka was sitting on a marble staircase, surrounded by several male and female students. Some were friends, others just silent admirers. All, however, were united by a greater idea — something that few would even dare to imagine.
With his traditional wicked smile, Houka stood up.
— Today begins, my friends... the great event of the First School War.
— Let's show this world that war can start where they least expect it.
Their eyes sharpened. The tension was rising.
Houka raised his sniper.
— My plan is simple:
> First, I will climb to the tallest building in the city. From there, I will aim directly at the headmaster of the elite schools, who will be giving his speech at the ball.
Then I will shoot out the lights in the hall, to leave them in the dark.
And that is where you come in—with your night vision.
Inside, it will be a massacre. They will be blind... and you will be ready.
The students, armed with hidden pocket knives, pocket guns, and even homemade bombs, applauded fervently.
"We will go down in history, even if the world calls us monsters.
Even if it is horrible.
It is necessary.
We will be prepared for the traumas that will follow us until the end of our lives.
Now is the time to face our demons.
To look at the pain... and say:
"We do not bow down."
"We are what we are."
The applause echoed like war drums.
Now — Main Building Terrace
With steady steps, Houka reached the top. The sniper rifle was assembled, adjusted, and fed with a single bullet plated in black silver—as a symbol and a sentence.
Below, the fancy ball was taking place. Teachers, principals, and elite students danced under bright lights.
The supreme principal, in a white suit, gave his welcoming speech on the illuminated stage. Around him, security guards were distracted.
Clear target.
Perfect.
Houka took aim.
(Flashback — The Preparation)
"When I give the signal…"
"When the bullet hits the principal's head… you can start the killing."
At the moment he pulled the trigger, Houka's cell phone vibrated.
He looked at it.
Call: Dina
His smile froze. His eyes narrowed. His finger on the trigger trembled for a second.
(Flashback — 10 years ago)
10-year-old Houka watched war movies with wide eyes. Gunshots, explosions, hand-to-hand combat... all of it fascinated him.
His heart beat faster, and he felt a strange pleasure in the chaos of war.
Beside him, 15-year-old Dina hugged him.
"You, Houka, are the best thing that ever happened to me.
I never expected to have a brother. But when I saw you for the first time... I immediately...
"I... what?" asked little Houka.
Dina smiled and looked away.
"It's nothing, my beloved brother."
She kissed his forehead and hugged him even tighter.
(Flashback — orphanage, adoption)
While Filipe Vick signed the adoption papers, Houka looked away from him — except for the television, where a documentary showed real images of bloody wars. Mutilated bodies, screaming soldiers, total destruction...
His red eyes reflected the brightness of the screen.
And there... he smiled for the first time.
Present
Houka stared at the cell phone screen.
Dina's name was still flashing. His mind was divided. That warmth in his chest... that feeling... memories of hugs, affectionate kisses, sweet words...
But also memories of blood, violence, war — the only thing that made him feel alive.
He made his decision.
He hung up the call.
Airplane mode activated.
The outside world was silenced.
Houka returned to his position.
He took a deep breath.
The wicked smile returned.
> — War is my passion for living.
And he pulled the trigger.
The bullet left the sniper in a straight line,
cutting the night air. Silent. Unstoppable.
Towards the director's head...
Towards the beginning of chaos.
[End of Chapter 5]