Chapter 8 Time Halts

[??? | An Unknown Organization]

Located in a foreign land, embedded beneath a section of such land abandoned and kept away from civilization, beings that operated outside of known-level of government gathered.

Sitting in a room of sleek steel, a group of enigmatic figures sat around a table. They varied in age and appearance greatly, as well as demeanor; youthful and old; caucasian, asian, or even of african descent.

"Yukio," a grizzled older man said, dressed in a wrinkless, black suit, "Now that the others are here, announce your findings in California."

The one posed with this request was a youthful man, no older than his early twenties with the same black suit that was the standard uniform for the mysterious organization, having messy, light-blue hair and a lackadaisical smile.

"Well, if ya really want to know…I found something pretty damn horrifying," Yukio leaned forward with a smile, "...Seriously, I felt like I was in danger of dying just sticking around for a few seconds too long."

[Yukio | Level 50 | Loki System]

Sitting across from the youth was a stone-faced, dark-skinned man who wore flashy, diamond rings on his fingers with standout, diamond-shaped irises, interrupting Yukio.

"We have places to be and things to do–'Respect': I know it's a far-away concept to you, but try and respect our time, Yukio," the man spoke with a deep, silvery voice.

[Jabulani | Level 54 | Unbreakable System]

Yukio seemed pleased to rile up a response, kicking his feet up onto the table as he held a joyful grin, "Lighten up, old man. Enjoy the little detours in life, would ya?"

An annoyed look was shone in Jabulani's gem-like eyes as veins pressed against his skin from the youthful member's words.

"How about I teach you a lesson or two in 'respect'?" Jabulani proposed.

"Sure thing–just don't be surprised when you get taught something in return," Yukio responded.

The two were about to stand up in direct conflict as auras of malevolence clashed, only stopping from a singular word from the gray-bearded man who sat at the forefront of the table.

"Enough."

[Elias | Level [REDACTED] | [REDACTED] System]

There was unquestionable respect held by the others in regard to the older gentleman who had a lengthy, well-combed beard and matching hair kept in a ponytail. The grizzled look he had was accentuated by the silver-inlaid eyepatch he wore over his left eye.

"Continue, Yukio," Elias said.

Yukio smiled before nodding, "He seems to have some sort of System that grants him an array of magical spells. I witnessed him heal three students from near death then he proceeded to brainwash the entire area. It was something unlike anything I'd seen."

"Brainwash? He's a danger to society then–no question about it," a scarlet-haired woman seated at the table remarked.

"I agree," Jabulani added.

Elias spoke once it quieted down, turning his gaze to the man with slicked-back, silver hair, who wore black gloves in tandem with the matching suit, "Victor, I'll leave this one to you. You may try to capture him alive, however, if you're unable…"

"I will eliminate him if I must," the silver-haired man said, adjusting his clear glasses with a tap of his fingers.

[Victor | Level 80 | Divine Armory System]

"Does anybody oppose this decision?" Elias asked, looking around the room.

Whether it was out of reluctance to hunt down the mysterious System wielder that had shown up or out of respect for their colleague's capabilities, nobody spoke up.

After that was decided, the wizened man bellowed out, "That will be all for now. Let us maintain the balance of the world that rests on our shoulders, 'Twelve Sentinels'."

–

As he arrived at school the next day, he decided to make an effort to further increase his [Charisma] stat, and indulged in his own personal fantasies by doing something that could've only been a faraway dream before gaining his System:

'I'm going to build my very own harem,' he decided.

There were some girls he already had in mind for such an objective, all of which were previously far out of his league, but such problems were a thing of the past.

Did he actually need to raise his [Charisma] stat? Truthfully, the answer was no. This. above all else, was simply him using the abilities he possessed to make the best out of his life.

It was high on his 'bucket list' of things to do with his newfound power, just short of 'World Domination' itself, though that was for another time.

As he stood there in thought within the courtyard just before the entrance to the school building, surrounded by golden-and-red trees of autumn, he was greeted by a familiar face.

"G'morning, Grays!"

Playfully bumping into his shoulder to greet him was an energetic girl one year his senior, "Akari", who had flowing, deep-red hair with prominent eyelashes and amber irises. She was somebody far out of his league once before, but now found himself warmly met by her.

"Morning, Akari," he replied.

"It's rare that I can catch you this early," Akari said with a small laugh, "You're usually swarmed by the others."

"Sorry," he half-heartedly chuckled.

Akari shook her head, "No, it's fine! I'm just glad I caught you for once."

With how high his [Physical Attractiveness] stat was in tandem with his [Charisma] stat, a simple greeting and smile was enough to get the girl's full attention, and seemingly more than that. The way Akari held her hands behind her back, constantly leaning forward when she talked to him, there was definitely interest beyond just small talk.

"So, what's up?" He asked.

Akari's smile faded as she huffed, crossing her arms as his simple question seemed to hit home with something on her mind, "It's my stupid boyfriend, Abe…"

They walked together through the promenade of the school, still having some time before the first bell would ring. On an autumn morning, a leisurely stroll was a pleasure with leaves scattering on the pavement like fall decorations.

"Oh? I thought you both were doing great together," he said, feigning a sad look.

"Well, it was going fine…I thought he was a great guy–a bit loud and his long hair bugged me, but he was nice!" Akari sighed out.

"Then what's wrong?"

"Yesterday was my birthday, and he totally forgot…I'm not that petty, you know? But, he also forgot our quarter-year anniversary, too!" Akari told him.

It was definitely something he couldn't relate to, nor did it strike him as something that should dampen a relationship, but he saw a perfect opportunity for himself as a smile subtly formed across his lips.

'Sorry, Abe, but to the victor goes the spoils,' he thought.

With a snap of his fingers, he invoked one of the spells from his Creator's Grimoire, able to manifest it instantly as he had a clear understanding of its existence.

["Absolute Freeze"]