The Survival of an Inferior

A young man wearing a simple long blue coat skims through rows of books on the bookshelf, running his finger across the covers. His mundane brown hair and eyes are that of a commoner. Yet despite his origin, he is blessed with genetics of a sharp jawline and a handsome face.

This man is a professor at The Magic Tower where Lily enrolled, named Rafi Lucas. Under his innocent and charming facade is a terrifying man that will do anything to achieve his goal. He is also the leader of "Despair". He is the man that kickstarted the group using Samuel's reputation and status as a scapegoat.

The luminous moonlight pry through the window of the tall tower, enchanting the spacious enigmatic library. The library's seemingly endless shelves are lined with countless volumes, scrolls, and manuscripts, lit by perpetual twilight from ancient chandeliers and magic.

"Professor Lucas!" a young female student calls out to Rafi, face flushed with red. Rafi glances at the girl and smiles.

"Why are you here so late at night?" He asks.

"Ah...I was studying and fell asleep."

Rafi can tell she is lying.

"Go back to your room. Rest is as important as studying," says Rafi.

The student nods and glances out the window. "Uhm... It's late. Can you escort me back please?"

She was interrupted by another visitor to the library, a frail old man wearing blue mage robes. His dishevelled moustache and dead eye bags send a chill down the student's spine.

"My apologies, I need to attend to this gentleman. I will call another professor to accompany you." Rafi says to the student.

She jumps and shakes her head, slowly heading for the exit. "Nevermind. It's alright, I will return myself. Sorry for the intrusion."

And she left the library.

The old man walks past Rafi and sits on a comfy chair.

"What does an executive of the Demon Cult want with Despair?" Rafi asks. His friendly facade drops immediately into a stern frown.

The old man smirks. "Loosen your composure. We are both fellow members of The Order."

"But we have different goals. Stop beating around the bush."

...

"Fine. I assume you are aware of an Elvis Knight Rena. She has been the core enemy of our recent plans and we cannot afford to send any more sacrifices. I don't know how but she survived every single assassination attempt." the old man says.

"Since she is targeting my territory next, you want me to take care of her?"  Rafi replies.

"No. It might be impossible with your current strength. We just want you to be bait. Keep her for as long as possible in Opium City no matter how many sacrifices you throw at her."

Rafi stares at him. "And what do I get?"

The old man hands him a piece of paper. It's a picture of a young boy.

Rafi widens his eyes. His hand trembles and crushes the paper.

"My apologies, Rafi, I did a little investigation and found out why you are doing this. I can provide you with hints of his existence that I found if you comply."

...

Rafi slides the paper inside his coat. "Very well. Keep your promise."

"Oh yes, and one more thing-"

Suddenly, Rafi grasps his head as his eyes glow red.

?

"Huff huff...Pardon?" Rafi asks.

"What...was that?" 

"Nothing much, one of my subordinates passed away. I was able to get a glimpse of his final moments."

"...I see. Anyways, keep an eye on a man called Arsto. He is a potential threat."

"...Noted."

And the old man disappears into thin air.

Rafi was able to share the vision of K before his death and saw a glimpse of Arsto. Although concerned about Arsto's terrifying growth, there is something about Arsto that strikes a memory.

...

Rafi knows of The Demonic Cult's recent impatience. They are afraid of the appearance of another hero and that is their weakness.

The same can be said about the demons. Their recent failures have sparked anxiety among the sons of The Demon Lord. The Ninth Son is attempting a truce with The Eighth Son to destroy Humanity's remnants.

But none of those matters. As long as Rafi gets his revenge, he will even sacrifice humanity itself.

==================================

The air suffocates with sweat and pollution. Unlike in Libra, the Black Market in Opium City is out in the open, blatantly enunciating the city's nature.

I sit on a chair outside an abandoned building near a market stall. My eyes frequently zap here and there in search of a familiar figure. The hood over my head hides my identity.

Soon, I start to see an anomaly among the crowd. Arctius' large physique and spear are difficult to hide. I start to tail them from a distance. With my hood pulled low with a ragged coat draped over my shoulder, I blend naturally into the bustling shadows. My heart quickened as adrenaline surged. Arctius is an experienced man that went through hell. It won't be easy. There are three phases to his boss battle, I have to win because things will only get harder from now.

They slip through the crowd seemingly unaware of my presence until they turn a corner into an alley.

Shit.

I speed up a little and as a precaution, walk past the alley but throw a glance in. They are gone.

...

I slip into the alley when no one is looking just to find a dead end.

"What?"

--------------------
"Arctius Ferz Kaile Monseour" has noticed your presence.

The boss battle will initiate in five seconds.
--------------------

Huh?

I look up to see Arctius' spear pointed at me.

*BOOOOOOM!*

My body lifts off the ground, defying gravity as the tremendous eruption propelled me away. I regain my posture and land on my feet.

The crowd quickly scatter away from the disaster. None were shocked by the sudden chaos and simply observed from afar.

As the smoke clears, Arctius walks out with the spear in his hand.

"A man of brown hair, red eyes, and black coat. Wielding a familiar sword and mask. It's been some time since we met, Arsto." says Arctius.

He pulls back his spear and launches a piercing zap.

I thought of dodging aside but notice a few people behind me.

"Damn it!"

I brace myself. The attack rips through the air with speed and collides with my sword.

With a loud crash, I manage to deflect the strike away but was pushed back.

"Ugh..." I can feel the crushing force numbing my arms.

Arctius frowns. "That's odd. You are not the Arsto I know. Who are you?" 

I stay silent and prepare my stance.

(Author's Note: Arctius only met the Alter Ego of Samuel, a selfish and greedy persona, thus was confused by the current Samuel.)