Chapter 4. Wolf on the hunt
Gavin looked around as the building shook. The explosion sounded close as the dust began to settle. Students screamed in fear as the teachers and staff tried to keep everyone calm. Gavin and Helena walked over to Jackson's table nearby. He didn't have the chance to take his turn at the test yet, before the explosion went off. He looked around in confusion as everyone began to panic.
An alarm sounded in the building that only fueled the hysteria of the students. Some panicked and tried to make a run for the nearest exit, only for a staff member to block them and guide them back to the rest of the group.
Principal Shepard spoke loudly and in a calm voice. "Please everyone, do not panic. The staff are trained to handle any issues that come up. For now, everyone must follow the professors to the secondary arena. There is a panic shelter built under the floor that will keep everyone safe." Principal Shepard's words did wonders to calm the quickened heart rates of everyone present.
If Gavin didn't know any better, he'd swear the principal infused some type of magic in his words to get that effect. The students no longer tried running around and stopped screaming as they listened to the old man's words. They gathered around the staff while they waited.
As various teachers began to take the students away towards the secondary arena, Gavin, stayed behind with Jackson, Helena and Erza. Gavin walked over to his grandfather, who appeared to be talking on the phone with someone.
"It's probably that damn hate group making its move. Begin the lock down procedures and ensure the safety of the students as a top priority," Principal Shepard's voice was a deep growl that broke no arguments as his eyes started glowing a vibrant red in response. His body trembled slightly as he gripped the phone.
"Sir," Gavin said as they approached. Veronica, we have to do something.
Agreed, but you must be careful.
I always am partner. Besides, I have you to bail me out don't I?
Veronica huffed in response but said nothing.
Principal Shepard looked down to see Gavin and three other students walking over to him. "What is it, boy?" Principal Shepard's harsh tone would have normally bothered Gavin. But he understood the pressure and the stress the old man must be under. Gavin noticed his eyes were glowing red and he hesitated for a moment before he continued.
"Sir, whatever is going on. Let me help. You know I have the strength to do so," Gavin said as he stared down at the principal.
Principal Shepard lifted one eyebrow as he considered it. It was true, his grandson did have the strength to be a major asset in this conflict. But the last thing he wanted was to risk losing him after only discovering he was alive. However, he had a job to do. Protect the students at all costs.
"This isn't some practice fight, boy. This is life and death. Are you prepared to kill to stay alive and protect the students?" Shepard's tone held authority and conviction as another explosion boomed. Several windows shattered and rained down glass upon the arena and Shepard growled low.
"Fine. On one condition. Guerilla tactics. Hit-and-run style. You are to only stall for time, do you hear me?" Principal Shepard said as he pointed a finger in Gavin's face. "No being the dumb hero. That's what the adults are here for," Principal Shepard said in a warning.
Gavin gritted his teeth as the others tense. Gavin turned to his friends and said, "Jackson, you go with the others to the safe room. You haven't taken the test yet and haven't learned any magic." Gavin instructed his roommate. "No offense, but right now, you wouldn't be much good in this fight."
Before Jackson could protest, Gavin turned to Erza. "I need you up high. Observe their actions. Watch for patterns or weaknesses we can use. But stay out of the fight." Erza narrowed her eyes at him.
"Before you try to argue, I need someone I can rely on up on Overwatch. You heard him, we are stalling for time only." Gavin replied as he squeezed her hand.
"Fine. This one time. With luck I can pick some of them off with magic." Erza relented and nodded.
Jackson protested as another blast shook the arena. "Alright fine. But you had better come back. I just got used to you as a roommate. Someone new and I'd have to start all over again," Jackson said as he relented. He gave Gavin a comradely first bump and took Helena's hand. Together they joined the students, making their way to the second arena and the safe shelter.
Erza got the directions for the rafters and kissed him quickly before she took off towards the nearest stairway.
Gavin stood at the back as the last of the students and staff made their way past him. A few of the staff stayed behind with Gavin to provide support in stalling for time. Principal Shepard took a handful of teachers to go protect the dormitory buildings that were apparently also under attack.
Gavin's heart was racing at the prospect of going into a life-or-death fight. He remembered how he felt that night in the studio. The fear, the adrenaline. The way time appeared to stand still at moments, then sped up.
His pulse was racing as he leaned against the wall in the rear hallway that led to the second arena. He could hear gunfire and explosions caused by magic at the other end of the arena. It'll start any moment. How many will I add to my kill list today?
Gavin looked to his right and a middle-aged man with dark tanned skin and a friendly face was stretching his arms above his head. He seemed unbothered by what was to come. "Sir, are you not afraid?" Gavin asked him curiously as he took note of his enthusiasm.
The professor looked at Gavin and grinned. "Absolutely terrified. This is the first time the academy has been attacked openly. I'm Professor Jason by the way," The professor replied with a charming grin on his face, his brown eyes full of excitement. A contrast to the words he spoke moments ago.
"The trick is to let the fear give you strength. But not to let it rule you. A healthy dose of fear is good for self-preservation," Professor Jason explained.
"Sir, when this battle starts. I will run decoy. Use my magic to get an idea of their numbers and equipment. Then you can attack accordingly," Gavin said as he thought for a minute. He was scared, yes. But he was faster, stronger, and more durable than a normal human. It made sense for him to be the one to do this. Kara and Astrid would kick my ass if I let this group take me out. Can't disappoint the teachers, now can I?
Professor Jason frowned at Gavin. "Do you have any training with magic kid?" He asked the curly-haired student. There wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that he would stand back and let the kid take them on alone. Even if only for a few minutes. What kind of adult and teacher would he be?
Gavin nodded. "I'm very strong and skilled, sir. I also know what it's like to take a life in battle," Gavin said as his eyes began to glow a vibrant red as he mentally prepared himself as the sounds of gunfire and magic drew closer to the arena.
Professor Jason stopped for a moment and looked, really looked at the kid in front of him. Sure, he was young, didn't have a lot of muscle on him. But he did resonate with all six elemental magic types. Despite the fear in the boy's eyes, there was a set confidence in his body language that proved his words were true. His back was straight, his gaze firm as he kept watch over the arena while he waited for the battle to start.
"Very well then. We will go with your plan, boy," Professor Jason said with his charming grin on his face. He didn't look like much, but he had a few tricks up his sleeve that ought to be useful during the engagement with the enemy.
An explosion occurred even closer this time as smoke filled the arena from the far end. The battle was about to begin in earnest.
"My name is not boy. I am nature's fury incarnate," Gavin said defensively as he stepped forward, his eyes glowed a deeper, ominous red. His wolf smelled fresh blood in the air, and he was hungry for battle. This would be the first time Gavin was able to go all out after training all summer. His blood began to pump faster as his heart raced in his chest. The adrenaline was already spreading through his body as he looked ahead.
Are you ready, Veronica? Gavin asked his partner.
Always, Master Gavin. I recommend shifting at the start, it will allow you to have the greatest chance for survival, Veronica replied as he felt her soft cooling presence in his mind.
Gavin scoffed as he hid behind one of the stone pillars waiting. He appreciated the advice from his AI partner, but he had his own plan. I want to have some fun, see just how much the damn Valkyries taught me.
Just be ready to monitor health and mana output. Gavin instructed her as another explosion rocked the far side and men began to pour into the arena.
The first group of armed men stormed the arena floor as Gavin stepped into the open. He focused on his mana flow and ignited a brilliant flame that covered both his arms. He threw out his arms and launched the fireballs at the incoming men as they took aim at him.
Explosions went off and bodies went flying as his magic connected to the targets. Screams of men burning filled the arena as he positioned himself nearby behind a stone column and took stock of the situation.