Chapter 2 Danger with an Invitation
They were coming. Paul could feel it even before the alarm rang. Something was watching, something powerful, and today, it would reveal itself.
"Where the hell is he?" Ashley Stark demanded.
"I messaged him ten minutes ago. He said he's bathing," Kyle Stark replied.
"For a student council representative, he has terrible morals," Russo Hermies muttered.
Ashley snorted. "Look who's talking someone who bought the student council president post."
"Enough, Ashley. Don't disgrace yourself," Kyle warned.
Ashley smirked. "Tell that to your punk-ass little girlfriend."
Russo's face darkened with anger, but Kyle quickly intervened. "Don't mind her. You're more brilliant than Paul, anyway."
Russo nodded. "Whatever Kyle says, I believe it. And remember we have special guests today. Security must be tight. Nothing can go wrong."
"Yes," Ashley said outwardly, but inwardly she rolled her eyes. Stupid couples.
Paul glanced at the clock. A few minutes to reach school… "Drive faster, Ivan."
"Sure, but the escort has a limited speed window," the family driver replied.
"Just for his sake, speed up," Catherine added.
Ivan picked up the car comms. "All escort vehicles, speed up."
"Are you sure?" the lead vehicle driver asked.
"Yes, Madame orders," Ivan replied.
"Your face looks sad, my love," Catherine said.
Paul frowned. "I just… don't have a good feeling about today. Quiver Al didn't call it a normal morning. Helena forgot three bottles of milk. Ivan hasn't cracked a joke."
Quiver Al's voice came from Paul's wristwatch. "That's true. I'll keep you updated."
"That doesn't mean anything," Catherine said, though her heart skipped a beat. She felt the murderous intent before it reached her this time, it wasn't for her, but for someone else entirely.
Paul's voice trembled slightly. "Mom… did something happen?"
"No, nothing at all," Catherine forced a smile.
They arrived at the school. The courtyard was louder than usual.
"Look! It's the student vice president! Handsome as always!" a student exclaimed.
"Too bad we can't have him," another added.
"Seems like a lot of girls crushing on you," Catherine said. "Half-ironed uniforms, crooked ties… the morning sun is fresh, isn't it, my son?"
"Just head over to the VIP seats," Paul replied.
Riley approached him. "You're three minutes and forty seconds behind schedule."
"I know. Quiver Al, prepare my speech in a special way. I don't want to be embarrassed by Russo Hermies," Paul said.
"Yes, you can count on me," Quiver Al replied.
"Let's head to our seats. Russo asked the headmaster to suspend you after this ceremony," Riley added.
"Hmph. Whatever. Let's just enjoy today," Paul muttered.
The headmaster climbed the stage. "Good morning, students of Elseford Academy! Today marks the start of a new academic year. This year, our school will soar further into the future, guided by our brilliant students."
Paul barely listened.
"Something on your mind?" Ashley asked.
"Yes," Paul said. "I forgot to tell my mom I saw three people ten thousand kilometers in the air."
"That's impossible," Ashley said, still tired. "You should wake up properly first."
Quiver Al confirmed. "Yes. Right now, three people are hovering above the school, staring down at the grounds."
Riley chuckled. "Didn't know Al could joke too."
Catherine's eyes widened. What are they looking for here?
The headmaster continued, "Let us welcome the Student Vice President to the stage."
Paul stepped up to the podium. "Good day, ladies and gentlemen"
Above them, the three figures cast a spell.
Catherine realized instantly. Those were the eyes Paul had warned her about. The Hierarchy.
She shouted, "Everyone, run!"
"What is the meaning of this, Mrs. Stark?" the headmaster demanded.
"Something's falling from the sky!" shouted a security officer.
"Curse you, grandfather, for placing a curse on Earth Realm," Catherine muttered under her breath.
"Brace for impact!" the headmaster yelled.
The school exploded. Ninety percent of students and parents at the ceremony were killed.
The three figures landed on the school grounds.
A wounded officer crawled forward, blood staining his uniform. With great effort, he rasped:
"Wh… who… are… you…?"
Terraka smiled faintly. "That's a good question."
"We are the Hierarchy of Sector 78," Crystallous said.
"Sixth Creation was smart to place a curse on Earth," Vitalis added. "But he forgot spells transfer across dimensions."
"Search the place," Terraka ordered. "Our goal is to kill the Ninth Creation before he awakens."
Crystallous pointed toward the police officers. "You better leave before things get ugly."
"Confirmed. Ninth Creation is dead, but the rest of the Stark family are missing," Vitalis said.
"Where is the body?" Terraka demanded.
His sister had taken half his limbs and teleported but the damage had already been done.