I Steal The System

Ghosts

A cacophony of footfall echoed louder and louder, an ominous sign of the swarm of people rushing towards the school's roof. The ear-piercing wails of agony that they had heard multiple times appeared to originate from that place, like a gruesome theater of torture nestled above their heads.

"Is this place devoid of life?" A teacher, first to arrive, remarked in disbelief. He surveyed the school roof that stretched out immaculate before him. It was deserted, not a soul in sight, as if the bone-chilling sounds they heard moments ago were mere hallucinations.

"Sir, there is no trace of anything unusual," confirmed another teacher, who had painstakingly inspected every inch of the rooftop. Not even the tiniest speck of dust could escape his keen eye, yet he failed to find any signs of abnormality.

"But there were unmistakable cries of pain. You heard them too, didn't you?" the principal appealed to the students who seemed equally intrigued by the mysterious sound.

"This couldn't possibly be a prank, could it? Has anyone discovered speakers or anything similar?" the principal probed further. His concern was palpable; the anguished cries they heard weren't simply the result of a minor scuffle. The bloodcurdling nature of those sounds hinted at something far more sinister.

The anticipated sight was a gore-soaked battlefield; what greeted them instead was a pristine school rooftop, looking as if it had never witnessed any violent confrontations.

With a deep sigh, the principal murmured, "This school is going to drive me insane."

--

Elsewhere, ensconced in the solitude of the restroom, Lucius contemplated the perplexing power he possessed. "What gives me this power? What would become of it once I succumb to the monstrous adversary?" His thoughts revolved around the peculiar pearl.

"Is it possible to enhance the abilities of this system?"

[System: Yes, host can augment abilities corresponding to the core system.]

"What capabilities do I currently possess?"

[System: Decomposition: Ability to dissolve corpses.]

"Just this?"

"Sigh, the journey to attaining the supreme ability of the King of the Dead seems daunting," Lucius acknowledged to himself.

The blue screen of the system held his gaze. The interface was rudimentary; no display of HP or MP. All the information was linked directly to the inner power, the list of abilities provided with no additional explanations.

"I sometimes find it amusing how such a simplistic user interface can house a system of such complexity," he mused.

"So, what is the next step?" Lucius pondered over his upcoming moves.

"Could it be that the King of the Dead's system is just one among hundreds I've been oblivious to?"

A sudden outcry disrupted his train of thought. The alarming news of missing students resounded outside, stirring up a commotion among the teachers. It was evident that the situation was spiraling out of control, especially with the revelation that Hari's group was last seen heading towards the rooftop – the exact location from where the cry for help had emanated.

"Summon all students! We need a headcount immediately!" The urgency in a teacher's voice reverberated across the hallway, implying the onset of yet another crisis.

--

Among the gathered students, whispers grew louder with Lucius's arrival. "What's the fuss about?" Lucius, with an air of indifference, posed the question to himself. He maintained a façade of composure, despite the speculative glances aimed his way.

"Lucius, where were you?" The gym teacher, an unattractive man with an unpleasant odor, grilled him instantly.

"I was in the restroom, sir," Lucius retorted, not yielding an inch to the man's presumptuous attitude.

"Do you have any idea why we're gathered here?" the gym teacher asked, his gaze sweeping over the students. Upon receiving affirmative nods, he exclaimed, "Five of your friends are unaccounted for. The principal is grappling with the mysterious screams and the sudden shutdown of our surveillance system!"

"This déjà vu. A similar incident occurred in my past life when a massacre confounded the police due to a malfunctioning surveillance system," Lucius recalled.

"I'm certain that the perpetrator is among us. Confess now if you want to avoid serious consequences!" The gym teacher's words were accompanied by a piercing look towards Lucius, triggering a spark of amusement in the latter's eyes.

"You think your threats would unnerve me?" Lucius snickered silently.

A grimace from the gym teacher elicited a hearty chuckle from Lucius. "Well, if nobody confesses, the matter will be handed over to the police. Bear in mind, the consequences could be far more severe then."

Lucius struggled to suppress his laughter at the unfolding scene. "These spineless parents. They're petrified of a potential inspection that could expose the school's non-compliance with government safety regulations. The corrupt principal will be in hot water, for sure."

The crowd of students gradually dispersed, splitting into smaller groups to engage in anxious whispers about the chilling sequence of events. The sudden disappearance of five students and the echoing screams painted an unsettling picture, too grim for anyone to ignore.

"Is it... is it a ghost?" A student speculated, his voice quivering in fear. Meanwhile, the gym teacher motioned for Lucius to come closer.

"What's the matter, sir?" A perplexed Lucius approached the unattractive man.

"I know you're behind this. Release the hostages and this will be forgotten," he accused Lucius directly, trying to intimidate him.

Lucius merely laughed in response, "Rather than pointing fingers at me, shouldn't you look in the mirror? Could you be the real culprit?"

"You impudent brat! I offer my assistance, and you accuse me in return? You will be exposed soon," the gym teacher fumed.

"I neither need nor want your help. Let the police handle this, and we'll see who gets the last laugh."

"Oh, and by the way, Mr. Pimp, I suggest you shut down your prostitution ring immediately," Lucius whispered into the man's ear, managing not to retch from the foul stench that clung to him.

"You think your good looks will save you?" the gym teacher retorted.

"I never claimed that my appearance would be my savior," Lucius countered, walking past the seething man.