Chapter 2: Marked

Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Marked

In this world, there is only one God.

Not in the sky, Not in a temple

The System. And the System gives two things: Blessings and Curses

A Blessing makes you a Good Deeder, but to earn a blessing you most be

Be kind. Be helpful. Kill villains. Earn points. Ann Grow stronger.

That’s what everyone wants. Power for doing good.

A Curse makes you a Calamity,

Kill. Steal. Hurt. Earn points through sin.

The moment the System brands you a Calamity, the decree is final.

Kill on sight, No trial. No forgiveness, that’s why most calamities hide in the underground cities. Scrambling to survive.

Some are bold enough to steal in the light. Most die trying.

Because in this world, if doing what you want makes you stronger...

isn’t that the only thing that matters?

The screen in front of Morgan flickered.

`[Type of Power Identified.]`

`[Calamity]`

The entire classroom fell silent. Then the children started backing away. One step. Two steps.

Like he was already bleeding.

"How... how is that possible?" Venezuela whispered, hand over her mouth.

Mrs. Cainten didn’t hesitate. Her smile was gone, she removed her gun and aimed right at Morgan’s chest.

Morgan was still too stunned to speak.

Only Jade didn’t move. he kept looking at Morgan

"Morgan... how?" His voice cracked.

"Jade. Come back here. NOW!" Mrs. Cainten snapped. The warmth was gone from her voice. "Your life is in danger."

"But I would never hurt Jade," Morgan said. Tears welled in his eyes up. "I swear I wouldn’t."

But It didn’t matter.

Mrs. Cainten walked backwards towards her desk. She reached underneath and slammed the red button.

*WOOOON. WOOOON. WOOOON.*

"EMERGENCY EVACUATION!

ALL PERSONNEL ARE ADVISED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL PREMISES.

HEROES ARE ON THEIR WAY."

Chairs screeched. Kids ran. Some bumped into Morgan but no one looked at him.

Before he could process it, a guard seized him with an electric chain.

ZTKT!!

Morgan hit the floor. His vision blurred.

When it cleared again,he was himself in the principal’s office.

His mother was sobbing. His father was standing rigid, talking to Principal Lou.

"How could this happen?" Mr. Liue asked, voice shaking.

"We don’t know, sir," Lou said. "It just... happened. But—"

"But what!" Mr. Liue snapped. "If the public finds out, I’ll lose everything!"

"Then set him free," Lou said simply.

Mrs. Liues went still. Then her eyes filled with rage.

"You want us to kill our own son?!"

Lou didn’t flinch. "If you don’t, a worse fate awaits him. The System knows best. It must have a reason."

"He’s just a child! He didn’t do anything wrong!" Mrs. Liues’ voice broke.

"The safest option," Lou continued, "is to take him home. And give him rest... before he becomes something evil."

She paused. "Or you can hire someone else to do it."

"Don’t you dare," Mr. Liue said, pointing a shaking finger. "You have no heart."

"Liue, we’ve known each other for years. I’m trying to help you."

"Mom?"

Everyone turned.

Morgan’s voice was small, so innocent "What’s going on?"

"Nothing, baby," Mrs. Liues rushed to him, but Lou caught her wrist.

"Liues. It’s not safe to—"

Mrs. Liues yanked free. She lifted Morgan into her arms and walked out, she past the guards, and past everyone whose staring.

At the door, Lou called after Mr. Liue.

"You know what has to be done, right?"

Mr. Liue didn’t meet her eyes.

"Yes..."

"Tonight. You have to kill him tonight .."

Mr Liues didn’t talk, a long silence pause, before yet again saying

"I understand," Mr. Liue said quietly. "It will be done."

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