Hell University-Chapter 29 - 28: Co-Leader

Zein’s Point of View

I needed to calm myself. I paused for a moment to sense my surroundings when I heard the signal. I quickly stood up and put on my hooded blazer. I glanced at Mia and Vanessa, who were sound asleep.

Mia’s right arm was still in a sling.

I carefully turned the door of our room. They weren’t supposed to wake up; I was sure they would oppose me again, and I might not be able to move.

After leaving our room, I went to the boys’ room. Even though I expected it to be empty, I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

For days, I’ve been troubled by the urge to find out what’s happening with our male friends, but only now have I found the courage to follow through with what I want.

I know that this time, it’s no longer just curiosity. I’m not driven by the kind of curiosity that usually leads to danger, but by the eagerness to help my friends. I sense that there’s something going on with them, that’s why they are taking such a risky step.

I gripped my blazer tightly as I turned the front door’s handle. My hold tightened even more as I finally opened the door. I was greeted by the cold air, the silent surroundings, and the darkness.

I carefully closed the door behind me before glancing around.

I let out a deep sigh and walked away from the dorm, making sure my footsteps didn’t make a sound. The pounding in my chest, however, wouldn’t subside.

Suddenly, I remembered what Nicky had told me: I have to break this rule to seek the information I need. And indeed, I had already done it. I broke the rule.

I stopped in my tracks, my knees weakening as I heard a rustling sound coming from somewhere nearby.

My grip on the hem of my blazer tightened. Anxiety and fear were slowly consuming me.

I quickly looked behind me just as something ran past, "A cat." I muttered absentmindedly.

Damn that cat! I was almost scared to death because of it! Ugh! I’ll definitely punish you once I see you again.

I scanned the area, checking if there was anything unusual aside from that cat. The surroundings were quiet, so I continued walking.

Dammit! Hell University is large! How am I supposed to find them in this hellish place?! At this rate, daylight might break before I even manage to cover half of HU..

I quickly hid behind a large trash can when I heard laughter not far from where I was standing. I held my breath as the voices of the men, whom I assumed to be only two, grew closer and closer.

Suddenly, the knife Supremo had given me crossed my mind. I should have brought it! I forgot in my hurry. Ugh! I didn’t have any weapons with me. I needed to be even more careful.

"What did Boss even see in him? I’m better than him."

I didn’t know whether they were deliberately talking there or if it was pure coincidence that they were having their conversation so close to me. I barely breathed, afraid to make even the slightest sound that could surely put me in danger.

"Better than him? Whoa! He’s better- I mean, you don’t even come close to him."

"Idiot."

"Bro, he’s a huge help to us. Because of him, we can defeat the Devil God Warriors."

Seriously? Did they have no intention of leaving? My body was starting to ache from my position, and I felt like my knees could give out at any second.

Shit!

"Tss. Let’s go. They might already be the-"

I squeezed my eyes shut when my elbow hit a small trash can beside me, producing a loud noise amplified by the surrounding silence.

"Who the hell is there?!"

The anxiety pounding in my chest intensified, and goosebumps rose on my skin. No-I couldn’t be caught yet. Not now! I was only just beginning!

"Meow."

My eyes narrowed when I saw the cat by my feet, staring up at me. I glared at it, whether it was a he or a she. I hadn’t forgotten how it had scared me earlier.

"It’s just a cat! Damn it!"

"Hey, you two! Do you want the Boss to tear you apart?"

"We’re coming!"

Soon, I heard their footsteps fading away. I finally let out a breath of relief, and when the silence fully settled, I quickly grabbed the cat. I expected it to struggle, but it remained calm.

As if it wasn’t afraid of death at all.

That thought suddenly reminded me of Supremo.

I shuddered slightly before shooting a glare at the black cat in my hands.

"Any last wishes?"

"Meow."

"Because of you, I almost died of nervousness. Do you have any idea about that?! Huh?!"

What the hell? Why am I talking to a cat?! What the fuck?! Am I losing my mind?!

"Talking to a cat, huh?"

I spun around at the sound of someone speaking. I narrowed my eyes at Nicky, whose presence, as usual, carried a dark aura.

"What do you want?" I asked coldly.

She looked up at the sky, studying the stars, not sparing me a glance.

"I want you to know everything," she said.

"What do you mean?"

She turned to me, grinning. "Your days are numbered. It’s time you learn everything," she added.

I furrowed my brow. "Y-You know?" I asked.

"I want you to witness everything with your own two eyes."

It was only then that I noticed the black mask she was holding. I pulled back my hood and stared at her 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Just a friendly reminder: don’t let your curiosity drag you straight to hell."

She tossed the mask to me. A strange sensation ran through me as I caught it. The black mask of the Black Blood Gang.

"Follow me."

I let go of the cat I’d been holding earlier and put on the mask she had given me. I pulled my hood over it to hide my hair. Only Nicky among the Black Blood Gang members was a girl, they would grow suspicious if they saw my long hair.

I followed Nicky, keeping close behind her. There was no turning back now. I needed to find out everything on my own.

I felt a wave of uneasiness as the number of people wearing black masks around us grew. I gripped the hem of my clothes tighter.

Calm down, Zein Shion. If you want to survive until Saturday, pull yourself together, I scolded myself.

"M-Mistress Nicky. The boss is calling for you."

We turned to face a man who stood with his head bowed, seemingly too afraid to meet Nicky’s piercing gaze.

Nicky glanced at me and nodded before quickening her pace. I didn’t follow her; I continued walking on my own.

I felt the gaze of several people on me, as if they were scrutinizing every move. Even though moving was becoming increasingly difficult, I kept my composure. I should not act suspiciously.

I stopped in my tracks when a warm breeze brushed against the back of my neck.

"Whoa. You smell good, bro," said the guy, grinning.

I forced myself not to shout at him, or slap him so hard it would spin him 160 degrees. What the hell is he doing?! Dammit.

"Did you put on a girl’s perfume? Or did you just pick up some chicks?"

"Don’t talk to me," I said, trying to make my voice firm.

"Whoa! Easy! Pft."

It was only then that I noticed his red hair. Dammit! I knew this guy.

I spun around and started walking away from him. If I hadn’t moved quickly, he might have recognized me, especially since he had seen me before.

Everything fell silent as a group of Black Blood Gang members arrived. My attention was drawn to their leader, who wasn’t wearing a mask. Nicky clung to his arm, casually glancing at me.

"Tonight, we will welcome the newest member of the Black Blood Gang."

Everything was still, everyone waiting for the next words from the leader. One by one, he stared at each person present.

My heart pounded in my chest when his gaze landed on me. I met his stare, only for him to grin. Did he recognize me? No! Impossible. He quickly looked away, turning his attention to Nicky instead.

They kissed right in front of us. What the fudge?! Nazzer Lumia looked like a fragile nerd, but I have to say, looks can be deceiving. He was a total jerk inside, hiding a devilish streak beneath that nerdy exterior.

Thank goodness it was over. For a moment, I thought I was about to witness a live bed scene.

"I kind of feel like kissing too," whispered the guy next to me, the one with red hair.

Fuck! Him again! And what did he just say? He wants to kiss too?!

He suddenly looked at me with a smirk. "Your lips... seem so soft and, uh, nice lips." I quickly looked away from him.

"Y-You gay, bro?" I asked, and he laughed quietly.

Thankfully, he didn’t tease me any further. Otherwise... I don’t even want to think about it. I might not have been able to stop myself from punching him in the lips. Jerk!

"A moment of silence as I introduce the co-leader of the Black Blood Gang."

The reactions of our companions seemed reversed and whispers spread through the crowd.

"Co-leader? The boss hasn’t appointed a co-leader yet."

"He must be strong enough."

"Shit. I wish I could be."

I heard many more reactions from the members around us.

"Who is not in favor of my decision?" He spoke without emotion. Note, it wasn’t a question. It felt like a threat.

No one dared to object. Who would dare? Opposing him would surely mean death, especially knowing how evil these people are.

My gaze unintentionally shifted to Nicky, who wasn’t wearing a mask either. It felt like a warning.

"Alright. Please introduce your name in front of us."

All eyes turned to a man who stepped forward into the center. His posture, his aura, his presence, everything about him felt like a hard slap to my face.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

"Matthew. Black Blood Gang, co-leader."