In the lecture room, the students came up to Iode one after the other, welcoming him back.
"How's your body now?"
"We heard what happened last week. I hope you're feeling better," each of them said in turn.
"Ahem," John cleared his throat. "I believe that's enough pleasantries. It's time for class. And also—welcome back, Iode."
"Thanks, sir," Iode replied.
The class commenced. As the lecture continued, Iode found his thoughts drifting back to the conversation he had with the twins two nights earlier.
---
Two nights earlier...
"Who are you, Iode?" Nivea asked.
"What kind of question is that? I'm me—Iode de Pandavatton," he replied.
"Methuselah, you don't get it," Reggie interjected. "Nyx is a primordial goddess—one of the oldest celestials in existence. She rarely leaves her domain for anything. Even during the Titanomachy—the celestial war between Titans and Olympians—she didn't budge. And that same goddess stood up for you?"
"And Hades said he acknowledged you. That's huge," Nivea added. "Only a rare few get that honor. With that kind of recognition, you could even request to see your family again."
"Iode, you're far more important than you let on," Nivea said seriously. "You're someone valued by celestials of higher dimensions."
"Hahahaha, this is hilarious. Nivea, things just got a lot more interesting," Reggie said, grinning.
"Yep. Even if we don't lift a finger, Nyx won't let you die. And if you did, either she'd resurrect you or prevent your soul from entering the afterlife. You'd become a free-living embodiment," Nivea explained.
"I wonder what the future holds for us celestials. If Nyx is willing to act like that, something big is coming... A legendary drama. A once-in-a-lifetime show," Reggie said in awe.
---
"Am I doomed to forever be a pawn for celestials...? I'm sick of this."
Iode curled his lips in frustration, barely listening to John's lecture.
Later, the class ended, and Dana walked up to Iode.
"Oh, Iode, I'm so glad you're okay! I was really worried when you collapsed and passed out. Truly, I'm relieved you're fine. Your brother really did great that day," she said.
"Yeah... really great of him," Iode muttered.
---
That evening, Iode decided to go out for a walk.
"Why am I outside again? Sigh... I must have a lot on my mind. Still, I don't mind it. It's kind of calming," he muttered to himself.
As he strolled from the university grounds into town, he passed an alleyway and heard something. He wanted to ignore it, but the sound—a woman's distressed cry—drew his attention.
Turning back, he entered the alley and saw two thugs dressed in goth-like clothes, their hair spiked and dyed black. They were harassing a woman, trying to mug her.
"Bandits, thieves... they're everywhere," Iode muttered under his breath.
"What are you looking at? Scram!" one of the thugs barked, his spikes about three inches tall.
Sigh. "As much as I want to walk away, I can't. There's no way I'll stand by and let runts like you run rampant. Even if this isn't my world, I won't just watch while someone's in danger. Thieves like you don't belong in any world," Iode said firmly.
"What are you, a life coach? Who cares. If you don't want to get hurt, leave now. Why are you sticking your nose into business that isn't yours?" the second thug said, tapping a long metal rod against his palm as he stepped closer, trying to intimidate Iode.
Iode gave him a blank stare, eyeing the weapon.
"A little toy like that? Who are you going to play with?" he asked dryly.
The thug grinned. "This toy's about to wreck you."
"Try me," Iode replied.
"Asking for hospital bills, huh? Fine, I'll give you more than you asked for."
"Okay."
Iode raised his fists, taking a boxer's stance. The thug charged at him, swinging the metal rod down toward Iode's head. Calmly, Iode met the weapon mid-air with his fist. The rod bent like it had struck something far denser.
The thug's eyes widened in disbelief—bare fists bending metal? It was almost unheard of. But for Iode, it was nothing. Compared to devils, a queen, an immortal god-slayer, and a necromancer—this was child's play.
Without hesitation, Iode delivered a brutal uppercut. The thug's eyes rolled white as he fell backward, unconscious. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth.
The woman trembled in terror. The second thug, stunned, tried to keep his composure—but his fear was obvious.
Iode walked calmly toward him. The thug pulled out a pocket knife from his coat and charged.
"A rod was a blunt weapon. Let's see how you handle something sharp!" he yelled, aiming for Iode's right eye.
Again, Iode didn't flinch. He simply raised his fist and crushed the blade, shattering it from tip to hilt.
The thug froze, his face filled with dismay.
'Monster. This guy's a monster,' he thought.
He tried to run, but Iode grabbed him by the collar and punched him square in the face.
With a single hit, the thug collapsed, blood oozing from his mouth and nose. Both were left unconscious, their teeth broken.
"I guess I granted your wish for hospital bills," Iode muttered...