THE TRUTH SEEKERS
CHAPTER 8: Testing Begins (3) (Late)

...~I'm here to protect you~...

...THE SEEKERS 8: Exams Started (3) (Late)...

I was shocked to hear what was just said

Active Psychic Skills?

"This time you can rest. I'll handle them both. But-" He glanced at me, "Don't forget to pay close attention to what I'm going to do and learn as much as you can."

I could feel such a strong confidence just from the sentence that came out of his lips. Also how those eyes looked with a hint of crankiness. The mood suddenly changed. Delivering strange vibrations and goosebumps on the surface of the skin. When that person started to step closer to the two black figures that suddenly became even more silent. Shine laser eyes on the figure of Sir Razark is so relaxed. The sound of shoes that tread on the floor sounded knocking and seemed to spur the rhythm of the heartbeat.

The atmosphere became so tense.

The sounds of hisses and murmurs from ghosts are no longer heard. The rodents and slabs that had previously seemed to pass by hid far in the darkness. The two black figures were too silent retreating slowly with great vigilance. Dragging bare feet like grasshopper feet. The hollow chest with the former embers of the fire slowly began to close senselessly. Sir Razark stopped his steps three meters away from the two black creatures,

"Unliving level 3 is different from ghosts. They were creatures that were resurrected using Dark Matter and a number of forbidden magic. Become slaves and murder weapons for the Perverted Beings. Take Nazgulez* for example. Therefore if it does not give fatal wounds, they will continue to regenerate."

(*Nazgulez : Dark creatures resurrected by Necromancher)

ZUNGGG

YOSHH!!

A strong air pressure spread rapidly and seemed to fill the room. I was shocked and even squeezed into the wall. My heart was pounding as if it had just been stung by a high-voltage electric current.

These.. From Sir Razark!

Two black figures leapt back away from Sir Razark. Both of them stuck to the wall and hissed fiercely. It was as if condemning the intense pressure that drove the two. But I can feel something different.

They both looked scared.

Sir Razark with a fluttering coat spoke, "There are several ways to eliminate them. But the main one-"

The first black figure lunged straight at him while directing his claws. Sir Razark can easily convolve and avoid the streaks that come after it. His foot movements were so light as to be expert and extremely flexible, as if following the swirling air flow in this room. When he turned around, the second black figure had thrown the broken benches that were in the corner of the room.

"Sir-"

GREPP

I'm appalled. Stare in disbelief. Seeing what is happening right in front of your eyes.

"- You can fight using Active Psychic Skills."

All the attacks that led to Sir Razark came to a halt in the air. I rubbed my eyes. I really don't think about what I saw. The claws pointed at Sir Razark were stopped thirty centi from his body. While the benches that are directed hang in the air as if there is no gravity around!

Seriously! Floating in the free air!

"Skill is also divided into various types. The most commonly used is telekinesis. As you can see now." The benches that floated in threw back towards the black figure. The black figure easily split the benches into pieces with its claws. Continued attack. They gave successive scratches in an indiscriminate manner towards Sir Razark. Occasionally crashing by smashing the body and shrieking loudly. But no one managed to hurt him. The claws only managed to scratch innocent floors and walls. Rejected when approaching the figure of Sir Razark who did not move at all from his place. But he did not remain silent. He started to move his hand and suddenly two black creatures jolted strongly and pushed all the way to the wall.

THE DUAKK!!

KAKKH!!

"All Psychic Skills apart from requiring a strong Mind power, also required elements from outside. Therefore Active Psychic Skills could be learned even from zero. For example, telekinesis requires elements in the form of space. With telekinesis you can do this."

KRAKK!!

KYAAKK!!

I closed my eyes in horror. It was heartbreaking to see the two black creatures twist the extream and end up squeezed like a sheet of wet paper.

"Or like this."

KREKK

GRUMPUNG

The walls that nailed the two black figures suddenly collapsed and perforated. It was as if the wall was made of sterofoam. I could only be flabbergasted in disbelief. The two black figures had bounced back with a broken motion. Return the twisted limb painfully to and fro until intact as ever. They got really angry. They released a terrible pressure that was so unpleasant that it made me momentarily choke. Red eyes are burning. The sound of a slashing cry tormented the ears. The feathers of my nuduk bristled great. I felt the air so cold and horrible... As if my skin was slashed thinly.

"Ah, sucks."

Just when that two black figures with bodies flaring like black flames charged towards him with a terrifying outburst of fury.

"SIR RAZARK!"

DOR'S! DOR'S!

And it all ended in a second.

"Tell your Master, I'm waiting for the next meeting."

Two black figures were crushed to nothing by the fire from the metallic barrel. It reminds me of the day I met him in the studio. As he shot the black figure to shatter into dust. There were only traces of black ash splattered on the slum floor. No traces of body parts or blood were scattered in a mess. I'm really dumbfounded.

So this is how you destroy the Unliving... What was in the studio at the time the same? And... Which I saw at the boarding place too-

"You remember all my explanations, right?"

I gasped and then turned to Sir Razark who had loomed before me. The metallic barrel gun has been re-pouched. I can't speak. My eyes were pounding and my lips were trembling. Looking at her figure so great. I can't possibly lie that I was shocked to see the fight just now. The second time I felt so impressed by her.

"This is my world. You've decided to come in here, so don't swallow your saliva again. Even if it's so scary and dangerous, this is the only way you can stay alive." He knelt before me, "Did you change your mind."

"I-" My words hang down my throat. As if held back by a painful cork. I was momentarily hesitant by my choice.

Can I really be in a world like this? A world that still feels like an absurd dream. Filled with bloodthirsty creatures that can easily kill me at any time. Will be... Can I live in a world like this?

"Is...my choice correct?"

"You think?"

"I... Don't know..." I bow my head. Squeezing cold, trembling hands. The fear choked me back, "I'm not sure I can do things like that."

The collar was on the force pull and I saw firsthand her face that looked restrainedly upset, "You think I care about that? You've decided before and become so afraid just because of the small disturbance of the black creature isn't clear?"

I bit my lips and stared back at him fiercely, "Is it my fault? I'm not you, Sir! I can't even use Psychic skills properly! Nineteen years I lived in fear of such creatures! And now suddenly I have to face them and risk my life! How could I not be afraid?!"

I really don't know what's gotten into me, but I shouldn't be this angry. I became aware of my reckless actions when I saw Sir Razark's eyes turning cold. Putting my head down, I'm so embarrassed now.

"I told you I'd teach you, right?"

I raised my face.

"Nothing is instant in this world. Everything needs a process. But whether or not you won't know before you try."

The hand took off my collar, "The source of your strength is not small. Stop worrying and be strong. I will teach you until you can protect yourself from this cruel world."

My feelings exploded. Mix it up so I can't make a sound. My lips trembled and I bit them hard. Curse yourself, though,

Why am I so weak?

"...sorry Sir..."

He did not answer and then turned around, "Wake up. There's a place we have to go before sunrise."

I just obeyed and followed in his footsteps after wiping away the tears with the torn sleeve of the sweater. Leaving the haunted school building that bears witness to the start of my new world.

.......

I stood staring, staring at the rubble of the building before me. The police line was still crossing it, but my feet were so eager to step inside. Smell the smell of fennel and smoke from burning scars that have become charcoal. Leaving a horrible and painful impression in the chest.

"Why did you bring me here?"

Sir Razark lit up a cigarette and replied while looking at the rubble, "You haven't been here since. Isn't there something you want to do?"

I touched the yellow line of the police in front of me. Cold is like a stabbing. Looking at the scene of the tragedy of a great fire that is like a worst nightmare.

My former Kos place.

"What... Can you?"

"The sun has not yet risen, no one will pass by in this rundown alleyway."

I paused for a moment before finally bending my body and breaking through the yellow line of the police.

Amidst the skin-piercing stifling air, my feet stepped slowly on the ruins that had become charcoal. There's nothing left here. Everything had completely burned in the fire that night. Everything disappeared and left only bitter wounds and memories in the memories. The things I once loved so much have been mixed into ashes with this debris.

I touched the ruins half of which had become charcoal. Like yesterday, all the tragedy happened to me. Unaware that it had been over for more than two weeks.

My life shrouded in voidness finally ended at this point. And the lives of the people who live here too-

"That's it..." I'm crimping charcoal in my hand. My feelings were so mixed and I just stared at the fist in gloom. The head moved small, looking at the figure of a man who stood aware of the car and seemed to be calling someone.

What was the reason for bringing me here to convince me more? If true... I should thank him...

I poked my hands together and prayed for a moment for the people who died in this place. Begging their spirits to be in their rightful place. I got up after my feelings improved. And when it was suddenly I stepped on something that sounded strangely. Something cracked under my feet. I knelt down, shook off the small rocks that were below and instantly my eyes were rounded.

"This-"

I immediately picked it up and grasped it tightly. My gratitude has been slow many times. Feeling a small relief that envelops the chest. I immediately got up and was surprised to find Sir Razark standing behind me.

"You look happy." Ask. I scratched my cheek and was about to reply but he suddenly said, "We should leave immediately."

"Why?"

He glanced to the side and I followed the direction of his gaze. Two mothers passed by and looked here. A coat fell on my head. I held it and looked up,

"Use that until it gets in the car."

I nodded wordlessly and followed behind him while hiding my face with Sir Razark's coat. He opened the door for me and entered from the other side

"Did they recognize me?" My toot. I completely forgot for a moment that I shouldn't be seen by the people in this complex. Because they know, I'm 'dead'.

"No. You don't have to worry." The answer. I did oh and he continued, "For notice, your new identity is done."

"Yes. I'll show you when I get home."

When the sun began to appear on the eastern horizon, our car drove away leaving the former Kos Complex on fire.

One day I'll be back here again after I finish it all.

........

The coldness of the water in the morning rejuvenates the skin. Perih felt here and there, but I still recklessly washed my body that already felt very uncomfortable. Get rid of dust, sweat, and traces of blood that stick to the skin. Biting the lips was strong when water from the shower hit the part of the shoulder that was torn by the claws of the black creature last night. Refrain from crying and stop the morning bathing activity that is so torturous.

Clean clothes placed near the porch. Sir Razark again gave me his super oversized outfit - a plain white shirt with half thigh length and shorts. I rolled his shirt up to his wrist. I will not protest. It was also my fault for damaging the sweater and trousers she gave me last night. I'm still thankful that he wanted to give me clean clothes and get me to use the bathroom. With a towel wrapped in my head, I came out after I finished changing clothes and immediately entered my room.

"Sit down."

Sir Razark was there and sitting on the bed. The box contained antiseptics and medicines complete with bandages lying next to it. I approached as the man handed me some papers and cards.

"Eh?" I looked at the sheet of paper held by two hands. Observe every word and sentence printed in it. Then I switched on the card in my hand. The photo of someone I knew so well was plastered there, making me wince between confused and strange.

Kok... That way?

"Sir Razark, this-"

"That's your new identity. You can use it."

I'm jawdrop.

I know this is my new identity but- "My name is still the same... And again-" A little embarrassed, "-why is my last name the same as yours?"

He ignored me and even rolled up his shirt sleeve, "Open your shirt." I almost punched him in the face if he didn't continue, "I'll treat you."

"You haven't answered my question!"

"What matters is that your identity has been made, right?"

"I-iya has already been. And thanks for this. But... Shiryuu..?" she...?" I asked back timidly, "You seriously put your Marga's name behind my name?"

"That's not something to be confused about."

I looked at him a little strangely. He did not look worried about it at all and was busy removing the bandage roll as well as antiseptic. I really don't know what this guy in front of me is thinking. But my new name...

Shiryuu.

The story of Erlanga and Shiryuu is named after Sir Razark.

"You can use that name from now on. But as much as possible don't tell me the last name I gave you. Just tell me if it's necessary or because it's urgent."

I don't know why, but it seems to be causing trouble. So I just nodded according.

"good. Now take off your shirt."

I immediately retreated while holding the oversized shirt I wore, "No sir. I can treat myself."

He glanced ferociously, "Quick."

I shook my head twice. Suddenly my collar was pulled, "Gyaa! Don't-"

"I'll just treat your wounds."

"Sa-I can do it myself!"

The thick eyebrows swooped sharply. He looked at me very upset and like he wanted to strangle me, "According to me while I'm still being kind."

"S-south... I am truly grateful for your generosity. But--"

"Are you worried about Rajah on your body?"

My mouth's open. Surprised on the spot.

How did this guy know about that?!

"I've seen it. If that's what you're worried about, I'll only treat the wound on your shoulder. You can cover it with a blanket."

He took off my collar and I pulled my shirt and covered my neck. I really can't look at him. Forgot for a moment that this man had treated the scars on my body after I got out of prison. Glanced at him fearfully, then lowered his head back.

So he's seen it? That tattoo on my back? But why--

Breath sounds heard. Sir Razark got up while slipping a cigarette in the cleft of his lips again, "I won't force you again. But try to treat the wound on your back. I'm going out."

My shirt sleeves are sambar, "S-Sir I can't... If alone.." My great-grandson is weak. Put a little faith in him. He said nothing and sat back in bed after pocketing his cigarette.

"Reverse."

I nodded and turned around and then started taking off the buttons on my shirt nervously. The pain and soreness become one when the antiseptic comes into contact with a scratch scar on the shoulder. The mementos left behind the terrifying black creature last night. The wound is not deep, but still feels painful and like burning at the same time. The moaning I couldn't hold up well and just let go. The bandages were painstakingly wrapped around my body and shoulders.

"Done."

I turned my head, looking at the neat bandages she made from shoulder to chest. Pull the shirt over the body and button it back up. I said, "Thank you Sir..."

"I'm sorry, I haven't bought you any more clothes yet."

I was surprised to hear it then looked at the shirt I was wearing.

Is he bothered by this?

"Well, no, this is more than enough. You are busy too. I can wear whatever you give me."

He went back to silence. I feel like something is bothering him. I don't know what it is, but... Why does he keep looking at me? He even apologized that way.

That's kind of weird.

"After healing, we'll start the actual exercise."

I goosebumps when I hear it and immediately feel a bad feeling, "What exactly? Wasn't that last night a rehearsal for this?"

"It was just for introduction. You haven't even really touched on the basis of the use of the Active Psychic Skill."

Some sort of terrifying training picture swirled around in my head. Will I train like Ghost Buster? Or fight against Unliving like Sir Razark did? Just scolding it makes me weak.

I could really die.

"We'll start training tomorrow. So heal your wounds before tomorrow morning."

I almost fell back, "A-you're kidding? W-wherever I may be able to recover overnight!"

"That's your problem."

Sadistic answer! I had forgotten that this person was really like this!

I looked at him in silence. I'm starting to understand how to act and think. He is hard, impressed ngawur and cynical also sucks. But everything he's done up until now has really helped me to stay alive and survive. He 'picked me up' from the bottom of the abyss of despair. Let me stay in his warm and comfortable home. Feeding me three meals a day and even letting me wear clean, nice clothes. He also gave me treatment and slowly taught me many new things.

I never saw him complain about me.

"Sir... Why are you helping me?"

The movement of the hand that was fixing the P3K box stopped, "Why are you asking like that?"

"It's not weird and... Not profitable for you? I mean-you even wasted a lot of money just to get me out of jail. You also let me stay in your house. You gave me good food and nice comfortable clothes. You even taught me a lot of new things. And... You said this so that I could live in this cruel world.."

When she got up without saying anything I held her back, "Aren't you going to tell me why?"

There was a strange lightning in those cold-looking eyes. But I can't just take my hand off. I want to know the reason.

Why is this guy so good to me?

"Didn't you ask for help before?" His word. She looked back at me, "In the studio back then and in the restaurant, weren't you trying to ask me for help?"

I'm woken. I did not expect to hear his words.

He really remembers everything....

"At first I was just indifferent because it was none of my business. But seeing you so pathetic and weak made me feel annoyed. I know why you're looking for me. This is no ordinary matter, so I'm just trying to help you. Even if you owe me, I didn't expect anything from you."

He slid his ass back in bed and pulled me closer. A little looked up and put on a face like he wasn't. The eyes behind the messy sheet pecked at me, "I'm not asking you to believe but I promised I'd help you. You are bound to me, son. The last name I gave you is a guarantee for your life. You won't know what the future will look like, but you need to know that there will be a lot of people after you."

I'm stunned, "Why?"

"You'll find out. That surname will protect you from a few things. So now you don't have to worry about it.  You just have to focus on surviving and stepping into a world like this."

I don't understand why Shiryuu's name will protect me. Then who and why am I being targeted?

What is Sir Razark still hiding?

I want to know... I really want to know...

I have to find out....

"Uncle..."

The body moves on its own. Approaching, touching broad shoulders in a white shirt. The head that felt dizzy and foggy was bowed lethargic and half collapsed,

"Hey boy, there's a--"

GRTT-

"Gahkk-"

Bite it.

...........

[CONNECTED]