The shouts of excitement did not cease.
Kalista smiled, victorious. She had achieved her goal.
Zarathoz watched her with restrained fury, with that expression that foretold imminent violence, as if at any moment she might leap at her and tear her head off. But she did not. She remained silent, forced to watch as Kalista savored her triumph.
-well then, my master and I will be taking our leave. Thank you for your understanding, beloved headmistress.
Kalista said, making one last bow. Her smile was venomous, malicious. Then she turned around and passed by Morgan. She grabbed his shoulder firmly and lowered her head enough to be level with his ear, close enough for Morgan to feel the weight of her threatening breath.
-I'll be waiting for you tomorrow. Don't be late.
( Said Kalista, tightening her grip on Morgan's shoulder )
Kalista moved on.
Ursa stopped in front of Luzbel. Her presence was crushing, intimidating, drenched in cruel superiority. She looked her up and down and spoke with contempt.
-you'd better prepare him well, trash, if you don't want to see him die.
Ursa laughed in her face. Then she looked at Morgan and mocked him shamelessly.
-good luck, brat. You'll need it.
Morgan remained silent. He was afraid, yes, but he forced himself to keep his composure so as not to alarm Galahad and Satana even more.
Ursa turned around, but before leaving she looked at Zarathoz and gave her a smile full of arrogance—provoking, mocking. Finally, she followed her student.
Morgan watched them walk away slowly.
Luzbel began to babble.
-no… this can't be happening… it can't be… it's over… it's over… it's over…
( Said Luzbel, lost, broken, babbling )
Zarathoz stepped closer to get a better look at her. She knelt in front of her and found her eyes empty, lost, staring into nothingness. She began to shake her firmly.
-hey, hey, hey… come on, come on.
( Said Zarathoz firmly )
Morgan knelt down and took Luzbel's hands in desperation.
-miss… miss, please react… please react.
( Said Morgan, desperate )
Meanwhile, the crowd of students continued watching. Some celebrated. Others whispered. Many mocked—especially Luzbel.
-look at her, she's lost her mind.
-I don't know how that failure ever became a teacher.
-Teacher Ursa humiliated her and she didn't do a thing, hahaha. It's the least that damned kril deserves.
-I don't know how that kril is still here… she should disappear forever.
Luzbel covered her ears and broke down in tears. The situation had overwhelmed her. Morgan was in danger—one she could not protect him from—and the hatred raining down on her was too much.
-how cruel…
( Said Satana, in pain )
-hey, hey… react. Don't listen to them. Right now I need you to focus. Come on, you can't break down here.
( Said Zarathoz, beginning to worry )
-yes, miss… please don't cry. Don't worry, I can do it… I can do—
Morgan did not finish the sentence.
He was still crouched, trying to comfort Luzbel, when suddenly he stood up abruptly. The boy who looked as though he was about to cry now had a completely cold expression. His eyes were fixed on the backs of Ursa and Kalista, who had not yet fully left the area.
-why wait until tomorrow?
( Said Morgan, with an unsettling smile )
-Morgan…?
( Said Galahad, worried )
Then Morgan raised his voice, loud enough for everyone to hear.
-HEEEEEY, YOU FUCKING BITCH!
The shout was directed at Kalista.
Satana's and Zarathoz's faces filled with horror and concern. Kalista and Ursa stopped. Kalista slowly turned around; the veins in her face looked ready to burst. She was boiling with rage.
-w… wh… what did you just call me?
( Said Kalista, filled with fury )
-yes, I'm talking to you, you mangy bitch.
( Said Morgan, with a mocking smile )
-kid, what the hell? Have you lost your mind?
( Said Zarathoz, angry and alarmed )
Morgan ignored her. He began walking toward Kalista and Ursa.
-hey, hey! What the hell are you doing?!
( Shouted Zarathoz, furious )
Luzbel, still lost, lifted her gaze.
-Morgan…?
Morgan brought a hand to his neck and slowly rolled it, his bones cracking softly. His smile was dangerous, unnatural.
-why wait until tomorrow…? LET'S DO THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW!
( Morgan shouted )
His body began to shine with blinding intensity. The light exploded around him, forcing everyone to cover their eyes. Ursa and Kalista barely managed to raise their arms to shield themselves, confused, furious, incredulous.
As the light began to fade, Kalista parted her arms slightly to look.
-what the hell was that…?
( Said Kalista, irritated )
She did not finish the sentence.
A brutal impact slammed into her stomach. The punch was so powerful that her body was sent flying several meters across the academy, until it smashed violently into a wall.
-ka… Kalistaaaa!
( Ursa screamed, terrified )
Ursa turned around, overflowing with hatred.
-you, you damn son of—
The words died in her throat.
The figure standing before her was no longer Morgan.
His body had changed. He was now the same height as her. From the sides of his head emerged two gigantic tusks, curving upward in a U-shape. His skin was thick, rough, wrinkled, hard as stone. Large, drooping ears rose from his head. His eyes were hidden behind his hair.
On his face he wore a kind of mask with a trunk.
He made it sound.
The blast echoed throughout the academy like a war trumpet.
The mask opened, revealing his true mouth, still twisted into a manic smile.
Then he spoke, with absolute coldness.
-Aztlan, nineteenth representation.
Mammalia branch.
Specimen number 12500.
Loxodonta africana.
End of the chapter.
Next chapter: In the eyes of the world.