An almost rusted ice pick that has a sharp tip flashes in Hayden's eyes.
He saw it almost instantly even before Angelo fully took it out from the side of his pants.
That wretched grimace floating on Angelo's face was similar to the countenance Hayden had encountered.
It was indeed a look of wrath, storming inside the person's morality and tainting it with malice.
It was a hideous look.
A look with the intent of killing.
Prodding slowly towards the feeble Liam, Angelo releases his weapon. He was tightly clutching the ice pick top-side down and his hands weren't even trembling.
When Angelo got close, his friends who were bombarding Liam with their feet gave way for Angelo to kick him on the side. Liam grumbled in excruciating pain. He was already weakened by the collective beating of his aggressor so that kick pushed his dog stand to fall over to the side.
Liam curled in agony as he murmurs, "fuck~..."
Angelo laid the heel of his shoe on Liam's head and swirled it in a digging motion.
"You've meddled with the wrong person, big guy. Does it feel good being humiliated?"
Liam smirked it off. "Fuck yourself."
Enraged, Angelo gets down on his knees without removing his heel from Liam's head. Then, his ice pick rose.
It was not pointed in the body or the head.
Instead, it was directed to plunge right down Liam's neck—a soft part of the human body where a rusted ice pick will sink like a hot knife in a block of butter.
Then, without a touch of hesitation, the ice pick deliberately slams down.
At that fleeting moment, as the thing makes its way down to pierce Liam's throat, someone's heels lunging straight at Angelo's face slaps him to tumble away from Liam.
"Who the hell is that punk?"
"I've never seen him on campus before."
Angelo's accomplice grunted.
Angelo got back up, fixing his nearly dislocated jaw. "..." He remains still, looking pensive.
The guy who jumped in to rescue Liam ripped a portion of his sleeve and offered it to Liam.
"Can you fight?" Hayden asked.
Liam took Hayden's hand and anchored himself back up before taking the ripped sleeve and wiping his vision clear.
"Oh, I surely can!"
The half-dozen enemies surrounded the two as they stood leaning back-to-back.
Just then, before the second skirmish commenced, a reeking stench stung everyone's nose.
Then in the distance, a truck loaded with pigs drenched in mud is heading down the place.
Then instantly, as soon as they spotted the truck, the crowd scrambled and everyone fled in a chaotic rumble. They all ran in different directions as if the place were getting raided by the cops.
"Angelo, we gotta dip!" one of the enemies shouted to their leader.
Angelo doesn't show any response. It doesn't seem that he heard his friend, let alone the panicking crowd getting into him.
He just stood frozen with his eyes unable to blink. His hands were shaking and he was out of himself.
"Get a godamn grip of yourself, Angelo!" he pumped an awakening bump in Angelo's chest and dragged him to bounce out.
Propelled to move, Angelo unconsciously followed his friend and their squad made it out and regrouped inside the campus walls.
They were still trying to catch their breath after fleeing the place, but Angelo was still in an unsettled state.
The friend who drags Angelo away kicks the knee-tall bush out of frustration.
"Fuuuuuuck it!" he roared, disgruntled. "If only that transfer student didn't butt in."
"Actually…" Angelo's voice is frantically trembling.
Angelo never sounded like that so it attracted his friends' eyes. Their baffled gazes darted at him.
"...thanks to that guy, my life won't end in the demon realm. I… If he hadn't stopped me, I might've killed a person back there… A person."
In this world where the government is invested in demon extinction, criminals linger free in the town as if no one sees them. However, once caught and proven guilty, they won't end up in prison. The last prison or any kind of jail existed two thousand years ago. In this modern world, the norm is that any heinous crime is equivalent to a death sentence. A death sentence so grim where they will chain you and chant a spell that will open a gate in the demon realm and they will dump you in the dark abyss to be devoured by demons.
~~~~~~~~~~
"I thought I'd made it clear to not meddle!"
After fleeing to the chaos, Aubrey ends up on the side road in front of a milk tea shop.
And of course, Hayden was sticking with her like a leech.
"If I hadn't stepped in, you'd be spending your next seven days at your friend's funeral," Hayden argued in a calm monotone.
She moaned in frustration. "Urgh…! He would be fine even without your help, so don't act so boastful… the only reason you beat those douchebags' asses is because you're a demon hunter."
Aubrey was obviously wrong. Hayden could destroy those guys' faces even if he were just a normal human. At a young age, Hayden was trained by none other than the physically potent DH in the world, agent "Kangaroo", his colleague. After being mentored by Kangaroo for a year, Hayden substantially enhances his hand-to-hand combat at a rate where he could compete at an international level.
"Without that advantage, they would definitely beat you to a pulp. You even tore the school uniform dad gave you. Seriously, can't you glue it in your puny brain that you don't have to take this bodyguard duty stuff seriously? I don't want your help so don't intervene. We made a covenant and you must stick your tongue out and sit like a well-trained dog. I don't expect any further disobedience, got that?"
"Understood," Hayden replied.
Aubrey grabbed her phone and as she was unlocking the password, Hayden added.
"However, just to clarify, it wasn't because you seem bothered watching your friend get beaten to a pulp."
"What?!" she groaned.
"Liam is also my classmate. I'm just trying to help a potential friend… and I most certainly didn't save him because of you."
That was a lie from Hayden. Hayden is a principled person; he will do anything necessary in order for a mission to be accomplished. In this circumstance, Hayden actually wouldn't feel any guilt if Liam ended up dead. He only saved him because he was trying to get close to Aubrey's friend, for it's easier to certify the protectee's safety by being in her circle.
Hayden is just enthusiastic about every mission assigned to him.
Aubrey's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't give a goddamn care if you didn't do that for me!" her tone is steaming.
"Okay, sure… then why do you look more irked?"
She reached her boiling point. Her fingers caught a tight clutch on her school bag and furiously hurled it at Hayden.
He didn't put any effort into avoiding it. Her bag falls to the ground after hitting him on his chest.
Aubrey wasn't actually wishing for Hayden to do that for her sake. But for some reason, she felt annoyed by that fact—she felt her ego being attacked.
As their conversation unfolds, the eyes of the curious customers inside the milk tea shop are on them. Many customers are watching them through the windowpane as they enjoy their drinks, thinking they're in a melodramatic Opera show.
"You think they're breaking up?..."
"Poor guy."
Comments sounded from the customers who think they're the audience.
Aubrey noticed it and she's embarrassed to the bone.
"Ugh!! Carry my bag!" She crossed her arms across her chest then walked out at a fast pace with her face about to erupt in vexation. "Let's go elsewhere."
She phoned her friends as they walked along the side road and they discussed having a drink at 7/11.
After a short walk, the two arrive at the place and they all meet up at the front.
There were six of them in total, two guys and four girls including Hayden. The sky is also starting to dim as the sun is half-sunken.
"Oh! It's the transferee guy!" Liam exclaimed.
He approached Hayden with an ecstatic expression flooding his face. "You really saved my ass back there…" he tapped Hayden's shoulder. "What's your name?"
Hayden secretly glances at Aubrey in his periphery, and she's growling like a cat about to scratch.
"He's Hayden. Is that right?" Camille spoke for Hayden.
"Yea," Hayden said. "And you're the girl I talked to before the fight began. You said the place was raid-free, so why does everyone flee when that truck arrives? My first impression of you would be a liar if you don't explain."
"Well… that really wasn't supposed to transpire," she reasoned, chuckling.
Liam pulled his phone close to Hayden's eyes. "Is that your account?"
"Yea. That's me."
"Great! I'm sending you a friend request, and I'll also add you to the group chat. You're awesome, so welcome aboard." "Y'all cool having him in the GC?" Liam asked the girls.
"Of course."
"Definitely."
"Sure, add him," Camille consented.
The only one who wasn't pleased by Hayden joining their GC was Aubrey. She's not saying any word, but it's written all over her face. One more push and she'll bite.
"I thought we were here to drink. Can you guys save that for later," Aubrey barked.
"Jeez, Aubrey, what's with the surly attitude," Liam muttered.
"I'm just saying that we can continue chatting when we're seated."
"Good point. Let's settle in then."
They all entered the 7/11 and were instantly disturbed by a little commotion over the counter.
There were no other people inside except the two punks and the cashier.
"C'mon dude, surely they won't notice if two packs of cigarettes gone missing, right?" a punk who has tattoos imprinted across his entire body is persuading the male cashier.
"They…" the timid cashier hesitated. "...they will charge me for that."
"Dude, what's the big issue? It's just two packs of cigarettes. Just cover it for us," the other punk said.
"We're friends back in elementary school, right? You always treated us back then, so do the same now." The punk leaned over the counter and reached for the cigarette.
"But…"
"But what?" the punk glared at him. "Are you saying we're not friends!" he spontaneously roared in his ear.
Shudders rolled down the cashier's spine and he flinched so hard.
"Nnn-no. No. We're friends," the cashier succumbed to his fear.
The punk let out a degrading smirk. "We've always been."
As Aubrey's friends stay put and watch, Aubrey herself has already made her move. She grabs two bottles of alcohol and strides over to the counter.
"Move over jackasses," she laid the alcohols over the countertop. "I'm a customer who has money unlike these two, so accommodate me first."
"Uh, of course," the cashier said, taking the alcohol and scanning it.
"Watch your language," the punk grunted to Aubrey.
"Is your life so miserable you dropped out of school and resorted to this method of living? Did your dads leave without handing you a penny? Make sense you can't afford a cheap cigarette."
"I guess an arrogant chick is tryna pick a fight," his fist banged the countertop. "Now I'm goddamn pissed!"
Furious, they lurched towards Aubrey, cracking their fingers. However, they froze in their position when two menaces backed her up.
"Leave the cigarettes and buzz off," Liam ordered.
Thinking that they can't beat them, the punks rudely tossed the pack of cigarettes over the counter and left moping.
Aubrey faced the cashier and asked, "Are there cups we could use?"
"I'll get you some."
"They won't stop unless you fight back."
He placed the disposable cups on the countertop next to the alcohol. "I'd rather avoid fights."
Aubrey paid for the alcohol while promptly saying, "If that's what you think is better."
After that, their group settled at the table outside the 7/11 and drank for hours while having casual chats.
Hayden only drinks water and coffee, and never alcohol. But for the sake of his bodyguard duty, he forced himself to drink.
In exchange for ruining his taste buds, he gathers a heap of information about Aubrey and her friends during the drinking session.
Hayden learned that this circle isn't as bad as he thought. They split the expenses evenly and it's clear that they're not after Aubrey's wealth.
They also drink very moderate amounts and aren't wasting themselves.
Above all, Hayden found out that Aubrey secretly has a crush on Liam after backreading on the GC. It seems to him that Aubrey is attracted to strong men.
At 9pm, the group finished and tidied up the mess they'd made on the table before leaving.
They're all completely sober and no one ends up drunk, except for Camille who bawled her eyes out while cursing her ex-boyfriend.
Liam gives the three girls a lift while Hayden and Aubrey book a ride together.
Eventually, the two make it back to the mansion safe and sound.
Hayden walked Aubrey along their long yard and spotted Grace sitting serenely atop the balcony.
Upon spotting them, she went down to have a chat. Specifically with Hayden.
Aubrey proceeded to her room as Hayden remained at the front door.
"Sorry for making you work overtime," she then noticed the ripped sleeve of his uniform. "Did something happen? Are you fine?"
"The uniform is just poorly tailored. Tell Esperanza I might need a new one."
"Gotcha. Do you perhaps want to come inside? I've got something to tell you."
"Just say it now. The longer I stay on duty the more you have to pay me."
"Dad was right; you were obsessed with money," she let out a gentle giggle. "He talks a great deal about you, so I was overjoyed when I heard a mercenary of your caliber would become our bodyguard."
'If you're delighted, then that only means you didn't know enough. All the information you hold regarding me barely scratches the surface. If you know I'm a mercenary from 'Headhunter'... If you're aware I've unalive more people than you can count, will your perspective of me change? Will you despise me? Will you shed me in utter loathing? Will you still want to be my protectee? And if I confess I feel no remorse for everything I commit, will you vomit in disgust?' Hayden thought to himself as he blankly stared at her innocent face.
He stares at her with his countenance devoid of emotion.
"It's just my ill-fortune that you weren't stationed with me," Grace murmured as her bright expression mildly dims.
She then instantly waved away that gloomy look and recouped her usual effulgent guise while promptly changing the topic. "On another note, if you need financial help for your grandmother's hospital bills, just ask and I'll be willing to help."
Hayden was rather shocked but hid it with a facade.
"Where did that come from?"
"My dad blurted out that you're working hard because of her; that's so compassionate so I'd like to offer some help."
Suddenly, Hayden's phone rang in his pocket.
It was Franklin and he had to answer.
"I can manage. You better not involve yourself in my matter," he replied in a calm tone. "I have to answer this, see you tomorrow."
She courteously beamed at him. "Later then. Good night."
Hayden then went on his way as he picked up the call.
"You dickhead!" Hayden yelled at the phone as he glided down the dark walkway.
"What the fuck was your problem, brat?!" he yelled back. "Throwing tantrums again?!"
"Running your mouth on that dickhead Esperanza, huh. That information about my grandmother's situation is reaching the ears of people who shouldn't know."
"Just shut it, brat," Franklin quipped. "If you get on his good side, who knows, he might solve your problem."
"I don't accept unpaid help."
"You're still an egoistic brat as ever," he sighed. "Anyways, bring spare clothes and the wolf mask to school tomorrow."
Hayden paused, realising that it only means one thing.
"You're crazy…" Hayden uttered.
Hayden was only asked to bring his mask when he was tasked with a mission—a mission that involves killing.
But the thing that perplexed Hayden was 'why at school?'