10 Decision (1/2)

World Walker and the others headed towards the track that was used for gym. A short distance away, there were 16 students huddled together. Each of their bodies was covered in solid rock, leaving them completely unable to move.

”Stone!” World Walker called out. ”I see you've kept them all nice and obedient for us.” Stone was a large man that stood 8 feet tall. His body was completely covered in gray stone. It made his body appear like a statue. He stood to the side silently, seemingly unwilling to speak.

”Ms. Willow!” One of the students yelled. ”What's going on?”

World Walker took a step forward and nodded towards Mr. Lee. A white barrier covered the students, Mr. Lee, and World Walker.

”Listen up youngsters!” World Walker clapped his hands. ”Steam Work Academy and Blood-Lust have come to an agreement. I'm allowed to try to recruit you. In exchange, you will all be guaranteed your safety.

Mr. Sai clenched his fist in anger. He could see Yuki trapped in the center of the students. Several stone spikes were pointing towards her neck. If he had tried to save her, then she would have been killed instantly.

Husky stood out amongst the trapped students. His fat body covered in stone made him look just like a boulder. ”Hey!” He yelled. ”Why bother doing all this? Nobody is going to join. If you wanted us so badly, then you could have just had Jessica kidnap us. I read about all the sinner groups. I know she can brainwash people.”

”Oh?” World Walker smiled. ”I'm sure some of these students will be willing to join me. Not everyone came to this academy willingly. As for brainwashing… we could have done that. However, we're not looking to start a full-scale war with Steam Work Academy or the Hunter Association. Neither side would benefit from that. Compromise is the key to getting along!”

Several students were surprised by his answer. Some had been blackmailed into coming to Steam Work Academy, just like Ed. Others were surprised that a sinner would be willing to get along with government entities.

”Now then.” World Walker continued. ”Allow me to introduce myself. I am the leader of Blood-Lust. We are the largest sinner organization within Steam Work city. We thrive for freedom. We don't care if you murder, pillage, or ****. You can do whatever you want outside of hurting fellow Blood-Lust members. We will protect you when you're in our territory. In exchange, we expect you to protect fellow members. Any questions?”

The students remained silent for a minute. ”I'll join!” A voice rang out. The other students turned to look. The one that volunteered was Jarrod. He was tall, wore glasses, and looked ordinary.

”Jarrod!” A girl screamed. ”What the hell are you doing?”

”Sorry Liz.” Jarrod shook his head. ”My power isn't suited for hunters. It belongs in a sinner group.”

”Excellent!” World Walker began to clap. He glanced at Stone. Stone nodded and removed the rocks covering the student. Jarrod walked towards World Walker and stood behind him.

”What's your power?” World Walker questioned.

”Lust.” Jarrod smiled. ”Women go crazy for me when I use my powers.”

”Haha!” World Walker laughed. ”You're well-suited to our organization then. Your power is even in our name! We might just have to make you our mascot.” World Walker turned to look at Liz. ”Why don't you join him? You two seem close after all.”

Liz was one of the youngest members of the class. She was a 6th grade middle school student. She was short and had black eyes. Her short blond hair had an ugly bowl-cut that didn't suit her.

”I won't go.” Liz shook her head. Tears were visible in her eyes. ”Jarrod! It's not too late. Don't do this!” Jarrod just stood there quietly. He and Liz grew up together. They were childhood friends. He was a couple years older and lived next door. He wanted her to come with him but knew she wouldn't. So, he chose to remain silent.

”Anyone else?” World Walker smiled. He waited for several minutes, but all the other students remained quiet. ”Very well then. I won't force anyone.” World Walker leaned on his cane against the ground. He turned to Ms. Willow. ”Shall we go to the remaining students? There should still be five more.”

”Okay.” Ms. Willow nodded. ”Three should be in the invention class. The other two should be in the infirmary.”

”Alright. Let's head for the infirmary first.” World Walker swung his cane in the air and began to walk away. Mr. Lee let him exit through the barrier. ”Mr. Lee and Stone will stay here with the hostages. Jarrod. Follow me.”

Mr. Sai, Ms. Willow, World Walker, and Jarrod reached the infirmary. ”What happened?!” Ms. Willow exclaimed in shock. She had been expecting two injured students. Not three injured students with two of them in severe condition!

Ms. Willow rushed towards Ed and Jake. A white light surrounded them. Time slowly reversed, but their injuries didn't heal! ”It's not working!” She screamed.

”Looks like we got here too late.” Mr. Sai shook his head. ”This probably already happened before World Walker arrived.

”Oh?” World Walker smiled. ”How interesting. Looks like I caused some additional trouble.” He rubbed his chin. ”I can't fix this issue, but I'll do what I can.” World Walker walked towards Ed and Jake. He opened a cap on his cane and poured a pink liquid on Ed's head and Jake's back. The wounds started to scab. However, they did not completely heal. Ed had a large scar on his face. Jake had a large scar on his back.

”What did you do?” Mr. Sai asked.

”It's a potion our alchemist makes.” World Walker answered. ”It speeds up the healing process. It won't get rid of the scars though. They'll just have to live with it. We should be able to wake them up now.”

Mr. Sai nodded. He walked towards Ed, Jake, and Mordy. He woke them up one by one. Both Ed and Mordy glared at Jake. Jake ignored them and looked at World Walker.

”Hello!” World Walker gave an elegant bow. He repeated his recruitment speech he had given the other students.

”I'll join. My power is acid.” Mordy joined without hesitation. He walked to stand next to Jarrod.

”You!” Ms. Willow exclaimed in surprise. ”Why?!” She hadn't been surprised by Jarrod turning traitor, but Mordy was a good student. He even joined the academy willingly.

”Excellent!” World Walker smiled. He looked at Jake with expectation visible in his eyes. ”How about you?”