Everything seemed to have returned to an apparent normality. A week had passed since the events that had turned their lives upside down.Sakolomé stood before his students, projecting all his calm authority. The young ones listened attentively, hanging on every word he said.
Even Wendy seemed changed; more attentive, quieter, and this time she had chosen to sit next to Dan.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted the class.Sakolomé: Who could that be?He stood up and went to open it.
At the other end stood Nexura, impeccable in her usual attire, her movements precise and her gaze serious.
Sakolomé gave a small smile: "Nexura... what brings you here?"Without a word, Nexura handed him a poster and added in a firm voice:
"Read this."
Sakolomé took the poster and quickly skimmed the lines. His eyes widened slightly.
The document announced an upcoming tournament, an event where students from different schools would be tested on their mastery of the Nemesis system.
Sakolomé: I thought I was the only one teaching this system...Nexura shrugged slightly, her expression remaining impassive: "To be honest, I thought the same.
But apparently, that is not the case. I have been tasked with delivering this to you. The winning school will receive a considerable reward."
Sakolomé furrowed his brows, showing curiosity mixed with a hint of skepticism: "Oh really? And... do you think we should participate?"
Nexura nodded sharply: "Obviously. Participation is mandatory.
And besides... Mo-zus will be there."Sakolomé froze for a moment, surprised: "Mo-zus?"
Nexura nodded seriously: "Exactly. I hope you have prepared your students well. All of this will be known by next week."
A slight smile appeared on Sakolomé's lips. A gleam of excitement mingled with his curiosity. "It's still far off, but... I admit I'm eager to see what the other schools have taught their students."
Nexura nodded one last time, her features still marked by rigor: "Very well... I'll let you continue your class. I also have business to attend to."
She closed the door with the calm that characterized her, leaving behind an atmosphere heavy with anticipation.
The students, still surprised by the unexpected arrival, exchanged intrigued glances.
Wendy, lightly squeezing Dan's hand under the table, couldn't help but whisper: "Mo-zus... this is going to be serious..."
Sakolomé slowly resumed his lesson, but his thoughts were already drifting toward the tournament and upcoming challenges, imagining the strategies his students might deploy and the surprises this competition would hold.
Sakolomé paused for a moment before his class, his gaze sliding over each student. Silence settled, curious and a little impatient."Listen everyone," he began in a calm but firm voice, "you have received an important notice this week. A tournament will soon take place. It is an event where students from different schools, all trained in the Nemesis system, will face off to test their skills."A murmur swept through the room.
Some students exchanged excited looks, their eyes shining with anticipation.
Others, more cautious, stiffened, already feeling the pressure of an unknown challenge."What does it mean, master?" asked one student with a hint of worry.
"Are we really going to fight against other schools?" inquired another, hands trembling with excitement.
Sakolomé nodded, a sly smile on his lips: "Exactly. But this isn't just any tournament.
Victory will bring a considerable reward, and more importantly, you will have the opportunity to measure your strength and strategies against experienced opponents."Exclamations multiplied.
Some students nearly jumped in their chairs, fists clenched with enthusiasm.
Others bit their lips, thinking about the implications, a shadow of doubt crossing their faces."And... do we all have to participate?" timidly asked a student from the back.
"Yes," confirmed Sakolomé. "Participation is mandatory.
But consider this as a chance to progress, not just a contest.
What you learn here could be useful far beyond this tournament."Some students nodded seriously, while others exchanged worried looks.
The blend of challenge and curiosity had touched them all differently. Some were already plotting strategies, others began mentally assessing their classmates, gauging potential allies or rivals.
Suddenly, the bell rang, marking the end of classes. The students stood up amid chatter, some already discussing their plans, others theorizing about rival schools and the Nemesis combat style they might encounter.
Wendy and Dan stayed behind for a moment, approaching Sakolomé with respect but also visible determination.Sakolomé regarded them, a questioning smile appearing on his face: "What do you want, both of you?" he asked calmly.
Wendy stepped forward, her eyes shining and a hint of emotion in her voice. "Master... I wanted to thank you again. For everything you have done for us... for your help..."Dan then stepped forward, his face serious but full of conviction. "Master... we have thought it through. We want you to become our life master.
We want to learn to become Deviants, just like you."Sakolomé recoiled slightly, almost shocked.
He blinked, searching for words. "…You... want to become Deviants? Both of you, really?"
Dan nodded firmly. Wendy imitated him, head held high, determined expression."Explain to me..." Sakolomé asked, his deep voice betraying surprise mixed with curiosity. "Why do you want to become Deviants? What drives you to cross that threshold?"
Wendy took a deep breath and spoke first, her voice trembling but sincere: "Because... because we want to be like you. Like you... and become like you.
Your strength, your calm, your mind... everything you embody, we want to reach."Dan agreed, tightening his fists slightly: "Yes. We want to understand what it means, what it implies, and be able to face what you can confront."Sakolomé remained silent for a moment, his gaze lost in the void as he reflected on the implications.
Becoming their life master meant more than passing on skills; it implied guiding them in learning their essence, their strength, their understanding of higher laws and Deviations.
Finally, he sighed softly, his face serene again. "Very well... listen carefully. Come by my place tonight. I will give you an answer. But know one thing: becoming a Deviant is not a decision to be made lightly.
There will be sacrifices, trials, and you must understand what it means for you and for those around you."Wendy and Dan exchanged a look and smiled.
They didn't hesitate a second. "Yes, master! We will come tonight!" they said in unison.Their classmates continued leaving the room, but a feeling of gravity and excitement still hung in the air.
Sakolomé watched the two young students walk away, his heart a little heavy but also proud. He knew that tonight, a crucial step would open for them... and nothing would ever be the same again.
The day was barely over, but the adventure—their journey toward Deviations and the Nemesis tournament—was just beginning.
Sakolomé was walking home at a calm pace, hands behind his back, as if lost in thought. The street was bathed in an orange light, the evening air still carrying the day's warmth, but he noticed none of it.
Dan and Wendy's words echoed in his mind. Their request was heavy, almost too much for students... Becoming Deviants was not a decision made out of admiration or curiosity.
Yet, something inside him vibrated with a strange pride.He walked thus, distracted, unaware that a discreet figure was following his steps at a distance.A faint sound of footsteps, a subtle presence.Then suddenly, a gloved hand gently tapped his shoulder.
Sakolomé, startled, turned sharply. His eyes widened:
— Sa... Salomé?Before him stood a young woman with a familiar yet radiant appearance. Her yellow eyes, shining like two fragments of stars, seemed to light up the twilight street. She still wore that unique outfit that Lingyin had once made her, made of fabrics with shifting reflections that seemed to adapt to every movement of her body.Before he could react, Salomé threw herself into his arms, embracing him with all the strength of a sister reunited.
— Big brother! she exclaimed in a voice vibrant with emotion. I'm so happy to see you again... finally!Sakolomé's breath caught. He stood frozen for a few seconds, his arms hesitating to close around her.
All of this seemed unreal, almost impossible.He finally whispered, voice choked:
— But... what are you doing here?
Salomé loosened her embrace, her eyes still sparkling. She then gently grabbed his hand, as if to make sure he wouldn't disappear again.
— Come, she said with a tender smile. We'll sit down first... I'll explain everything to you.She pulled him toward a small stone bench a little further away, under the shade of a tree.
The light of the rising moon filtered through the branches, casting silver gleams on her face.Sakolomé, still troubled, sat beside her.
His heart beat fast. He could not understand how Salomé could be here, in front of him, so real, after so many years.A part of him had always thought he would never see her again.