Chapter 1 : The Wounded Mocker (II)

More than two decades ago, the central government implemented a reclamation program for remote islands to boost the national economy, which had plummeted due to the monetary crisis. They also aimed to maintain political stability, build military bases, and provide living space to address population density issues. Kusumajaya Island emerged as one of the best outcomes of this policy.

This island, located in the middle of nowhere, became a soft target for entrepreneurs and ordinary people seeking to find a new life and embrace the saying "Living the American Dream." However, a double-edged sword lurked on the horizon, waiting for victims to fall into the deadly trap of that saying.

Nevertheless, Kusumajaya Island also held autonomous status—separating its legal entity and government structure from the nation. With a landscape reminiscent of Europe, it was no surprise that many migrants from the mainland flocked here to seize this opportunity.

As a result, this island, spanning a thousand square kilometers, has accommodated over two hundred thousand residents.

The National School of Kusumajaya is a school complex located on the western side of the Brahwana District. The location, surrounded by upscale residential areas, made it easy for me to encounter various students from wealthy backgrounds, politicians, entrepreneurs, and international students.

This school, which has yet to graduate a single student, also targets international competition, producing outstanding talents that can pull this nation from its dark age. Morality, economy, health, politics, education, culture, sports, and other aspects required me to explore it… That was one of the reasons why he chose this location before the angel of death came to take him.

 Ignoring this strategic and competitive location, he also wanted to help us experience a "normal" life. That significant debt was something I had to repay until my turn to die came by.

…

The black fence, covered in climbing plants, blocked my left side and the road from the Renaissance buildings behind it, a stark contrast to the skyscrapers in the City Center of Kusumajaya.

Through the gaps in this tall fence, I saw various flower gardens, green mazes, sports fields, swimming pools, and an amphitheater… At that moment, my phone chimed. I had arrived.

“…”

Searching for the main gate of this massive complex, I took a moment to enjoy the view of the rows of tall canopy trees shielding the dual carriageway from the sun's wrath, the colonial-style bus stop, and the various shops and stalls lining the opposite side of the street.

Soon, I finally found the black archway that read "NATIONAL SCHOOL OF KUSUMAJAYA," standing between this intimidating fence, accompanied by a woman with long brown hair in a graphite blazer sitting on a bench beneath the gate.

The way she played with her pen, the repeated tapping of her shoes on the pavement, and her mumbling face indicated that she was waiting for someone.

“Ah.”

As our eyes locked, the 25-year-old woman responded with a look reminiscent of someone dropping cooking ingredients. However, her surprised expression was quickly replaced by a slow nod and a wry smile from her pink-lipped mouth. Observing her presence next to the long bench, I decided to voice my complaint.

“Haah… What are you doing here, Kiki, under this heat that could cleanse sins? Are you alright over there?”

“H-Hey, what do you mean… Of course, I’m waiting for you, Dika! Goodness… Who told you to get off Roland’s ride to stroll around Kalimas… I have to admit, it’s a good thing you were there to prevent that woman from the worst side of humanity… The Crow Detachment reported that one of your 'justice' victims is experiencing bleeding in their digestive system.”

“…As an architect, it would be wise for me to study the terrain before this operation proceeds. It was their mistake to ruin my mood. Alright… Where’s Kochi? I think I need to interrupt him from his new job.”

“—Wait a minute, Dika.”

As I passed Kiki, I felt her fingers reach for my hand that was holding onto my black suitcase. Stopping my steps for her, Kiki began to speak slowly as if trying to calm me down. Apparently, she wanted me to address them as “Mr. Natsuke” and “Mrs. Amanda”.

Hm… I suppose that makes sense, considering they would be my “guiding” teachers. It would be odd to call my teachers by their pet names. Thumbs up, Kiki released her grip and began walking to guide me into this massive fortress.

“D-Do you even know where Kotaro’s office is?”

“Heh… Of course not.”

“…Haah. This kid is unbelievable…”

Observing that sulky face, I remembered what kind of woman Kiki really was. That fiery nature didn’t hide her caring and cuteness… You’re truly a lucky man to have married her.

…

This dark and silent room reminded me of the setting and atmosphere of a murder mystery story. Thick brown curtains blocked the sunlight, garnet-patterned walls, shelves adorned with books and thick documents, and an antique lamp standing alone on a large wooden table in the middle of the room.

Beyond that classic table was an office chair facing away from me. The tall, closed back obstructed my view of what was hidden behind it… But I quickly guessed someone had that habit when I came to see him.

“You look like a real boss, Kochi.”

The chair slowly turned, revealing a man in a black suit and rectangular glasses adorning his emo appearance. Chuckling as he met my gaze, the 26-year-old man stood from his chair to walk closer to me… He was still wearing the watch I had given him as a wedding gift on his left wrist.

“…Finally, you’ve come. Ha! Here to kick some bad guys as usual!”

“Can’t let them be. They are parasites that must be eradicated as soon as possible.”

“Haah… Even a city like Kusumajaya won’t be free from people like them. If only the central government would screen the migrants who settle here first, so that the rotten people would be separated from the quality ones. Please, have a seat, Dika.”

Pointing to the leather sofa in the corner of the room, I then allowed myself to unload my belongings before sitting on the soft cushion provided. Without any small talk, Kochi immediately asked for my perspective on the current condition of Kusumajaya under his control.

Honestly, Kusumajaya was quite interesting as the primary location for this expansion operation… However, I was more surprised by the decision of the Mayor of Kusumajaya to appoint Kochi as the principal of this institution. Was this nepotism at its finest?

“A-As the principal, I also received a position within my father’s government cabinet—Cormicus! Coordinator of Academics in Kusumajaya! Although it looks bad, it’s a good start! L-Look, Dika… All of this is a shortcut to building a dominance that will secure this nation in our embrace… The people will never suspect anything if I keep my mouth shut and carry out this great task perfectly. How about your job, Dika? It’s not good from a moral standpoint either… Why not just ask Sidorova for help?”

He was right. My current job was also far from being “moral”… But by carrying it out, I hoped it would bring good in the long run. Not only that, but this job was also one of my forms of atonement to my master.

“I’ve received a lot of support from them… There’s no reason to dirty my hands with Sidorova again at this point.”

“…Alright. Here, the key to your room during your stay in the school dormitory until graduation. You can also use the remaining time to rest or explore Ryo’s investment masterpiece.”

“…I will rest.”

Standing from the sofa, I reached for my suitcase, backpack, and the room key hanging from Kochi’s right hand. After that, I walked back toward the double doors of this mysterious room to recall the words that almost slipped from my mind.

“Nice room. It’s similar to your office in the Winter Palace.”

“Haha… Thank you—Wait! One more thing, Dika.”

“…What is it?”

“Welcome to the National School of Kusumajaya.”

“Heh… It took you a long time to say that, Mr. Natsuke the Honorable, Protectorate of the Kusumajaya Region.”

“G-Guh… It’s disgusting to hear that coming from you…”

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