Becoming a Monster-Chapter 89: Learning his Place

Noah’s gaze narrowed even further as he observed the confusion etched on their faces. Only a select few seemed to recall what he was referring to, and his eyes lingered on Bailey and Jasmine in particular. He remembered the events surrounding Paul’s infection vividly, the desperation in Bailey’s plea for the cure, and Jasmine’s attempt to deceive him about the price.

It wasn’t just Ailetta who felt uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze; each member of the group seemed to squirm beneath the weight of his stare. They could never forget the piercing intensity of his eyes, like cold, piercing orbs that seemed to bore into their souls. But now, his gaze emitted an ominous intensity that sent shivers down their spines. It was as if they were looking into the eyes of their natural predator, a predator that wouldn’t hesitate to consume their flesh if their actions were unsatisfactory. In that moment they realized the gravity of the consequences that awaited them if they failed to rectify their deal.

Jasmine, for obvious reasons, was hesitant, but Bailey came prepared.

"I- I have it right here!" Bailey spoke, raising her hand without thinking. In the tense atmosphere, no one bothered to call her out for it. Since receiving the cure from Noah, she had ensured that she and her small group collectively shared their gold, anticipating the day they would need to pay Noah back.

Unlike Jasmine, Bailey constantly lived with the fear that Noah would come find them. Being around Ailetta only served as a constant reminder of the debt hanging over her head. Her outburst now was driven by that fear and a sense of pride in having made the right decision earlier. She knew that failing to repay Noah could have dire consequences, especially after witnessing how powerful he had become.

Due to her nervousness, Bailey almost tripped in her attempt to run towards Noah, passing Isabelle on the way. Noah didn’t mind that Bailey moved ahead of the person set to heal him. He prioritized Bailey over Isabelle, the blood still dripping from his arm, but to him, money was more important than a little pain.

As she approached, she saw Noah motion out his hand. Bailey nervously glanced over towards Ailetta, who stood by his side, before she clasped Noah’s hand in hers. For a moment, they stood there in silence. Noah’s eyes shifted from her face to her hand holding his, and back again, his confusion growing.

"....Are you messing with me?" His voice sliced through the silence, cold and sharp, causing Bailey’s heart to stutter in her chest. She let out a small yelp of embarrassment, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"I’m... I’m sorry! I’m just nervous..." Her voice trailed off, the embarrassment evident in her tone as she closed her eyes to focus on the transaction. The process didn’t require the person to close their eyes, but doing so helped Bailey calm her mind so she could concentrate on the task.

While that was happening, Isabelle took the chance to tend to Noah’s arm. The large group stared at this particular scene in a daze. Two of what would be considered popular girls during school were now at Noah’s beck and call when he supposedly already had a woman right by his side.

Of course, their thoughts were more than a little exaggerated. Humans were noisy creatures and even bigger instigators.

"Are you ser-"

"Mark no. This isn’t the time nor even a good reason to provoke him. It’s what she decided, so we shouldn’t interfere." Jasmine reprimanded her little brother firmly, her tone heavy, concerned for her brother’s safety. She had long observed Mark’s short fuse, and after hearing about the cafeteria incident, she feared it was getting even shorter. She prayed silently that Mark would heed her advice, just this once.

Mark looked towards Jasmine in shock, then spontaneously he looked her up and down as if she was someone he didn’t recognize. His mouth was left half-opened, the feeling of being betrayed by his big sister leaving him speechless.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything back towards her. Instead, he gazed towards Noah with an anger like never before. Unlike last time, he managed to contain his rage. Being made aware of where his sister stood in this regard helped him not to act on his impulses. He was also there to witness the carnage Noah and his monsters inflicted on the ants they struggled with even as a group.

"Just you wait," Mark seethed silently, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I’ll become stronger than you and make you regret everything."

With a steely resolve, Mark redirected his focus to the group, his mind ablaze with determination. He understood that to surpass Noah, he must first demonstrate that his potential was anything but inferior. His grip on his sword tightened as he delved deeper into his thoughts, envisioning himself as a hero on the battlefield, battling against insurmountable odds. Lost in his daydream, he found solace in the fantasy of glory and triumph, a temporary respite from the simmering rage within him, while the others carried on with their tasks, unaware of the storm brewing within Mark’s soul.

After Noah received what he wanted and Isabelle finished healing his wound, he strode purposefully towards the dorm. However, before he could disappear into the darkness of the building, he paused, his gaze falling on Ailetta. With a curt nod, he spoke.

"I’ll be waiting on the next floor, the room closest to the stairs." Noah said briefly before continuing into the dorm. He didn’t want to stay around so many people. Even before, he always felt uncomfortable in crowds, but now that discomfort had become more of an annoyance.

Ailetta’s wry smile lingered as she watched Noah depart, a mix of emotions playing across her features

"So, is it safe to go in now?" Someone asked nervously. They just happened to also be one of the many who didn’t want to fight. After what happened when they ran into the group of zombies inside the other dorm, he or any of the students who followed along weren’t brave enough to follow behind Noah without the rest of the group in the lead.

While the person nervously inquired about the safety of proceeding, Jasmine looked towards Ailetta, silently differing to her judgment. Caught off guard by the unspoken question, Ailetta’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized what Jasmine was implying. Clearing her throat, she hesitated before responding, "Well, he didn’t say no... so it should be fine... I think?"

Her uncertain answer did little to quell the group’s nerves, only serving to heighten their anxiety about moving forward.

"Well, I’ll go. I don’t know why everyone is so worried. Noah isn’t as bad of a person as you all make him out to be. He did just save us after all, and I heard this isn’t the first time he saved many of you here."

Ishii stepped up with complete confidence. He was unsettled when he found out that Noah actually ate zombie flesh and even killed people before. But when he chose to question Ailetta about the situation, who he learned knew the most about his idol, he realized that everyone else was completely biased against Noah, and in his opinion, a little ungrateful.

It only took one to assume the lead, prompting the others to follow suit, one after another. Alicia and a handful of others, more loyal and reliant on Ishii, were the initial followers, with the rest soon falling in line. However, upon witnessing Ishii’s re-emergence, his visibly disheveled state outside the dorm stirred up considerable unease among them. Ishii’s breaths were erratic as he attempted to calm his racing heart.

Inquiring about his condition, Ishii pivoted toward the group, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck while wearing a strained smile.

"Hehe, I didn’t expect that wolf of his was going to be in there sleeping, sorry guys."

Trying again, they followed behind, each person was taken aback as they stumbled upon Fenrir in his slumber. His mere presence alone was enough to instill fear in some of them, causing them to hesitate in their steps. They tiptoed cautiously, striving to maintain utmost silence. After seeing what the werewolf could do, they were more afraid of Fenrir then they were of Noah, especially in the absence of his owner to rein him in should they disturb his rest.

Unease settled over them as they surveyed the first floor, the broken door and Fenrir’s presence casting a shadow over their nerves. With Ishii leading the way, they silently agreed to move to the next level, seeking refuge away from the imposing presence of the sleeping werewolf.

Outside, several members of the main group remained waiting. Bailey, Isabelle, and Jasmine stood across from Ailetta, while their respective groups lingered nearby.

"If he decides not to follow us, will you go with him?" Jasmine asked, her tone heavy with sadness, already anticipating the answer but needing confirmation.

"I....I don’t know...." Ailetta hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She struggled to find the right words to convey her uncertainty. "Honestly, I don’t even know if he will still let me follow him..." Her response left the three women looking at her in disbelief.

"But we thought....wait, then what was with that affectionate atmosphere you two had going on before?" Bailey asked, she was sure that the two had decided to start dating, but why did Ailetta seem to suggest otherwise?

The question caused Ailettas cheeks to glow rosier than before.

"Well it’s complicated...That man’s heart is like a fortress and that talk was basically me finally reaching the gate. Don’t look at me like that! You don’t know, but this is huge for me!" She began to pout towards the girls who were giving her both awkward and worried looks.

"But..."

Ailetta looked up toward the window above them, the same one from which she had seen Noah jump before. Her gaze was determined, filled with the unwavering dedication to do whatever it took to get what she wanted.

"If he lets me then I’ll probably follow wherever he goes..." The girls were speechless, they just saw a woman who was too far gone in her own emotions, and didn’t know whether they should encourage her, or try to persuade her to stay with them.

"Hmph! Well hurry up then, it’ll be nice not to see your face anymore."

"Mark!" But Mark’s insensitive comment shattered the moment, drawing angry rebukes from Jasmine and Bailey. Despite their frustration, Mark remained unfazed, offering only a nonchalant shrug in response.

"Haha~" Soon after, they heard an adorable laugh coming from Ailetta who was wiping away a tear when they turned to face her.

"Have you still not noticed that every time you open your mouth the more dumb you sound? Haha~" Ailetta’s words were laced with a playful mockery, and continued to laugh in spite of the fact that Mark was quickly growing irritated. Despite his resentful gaze, Ailetta continued in her ridicule, her playful tone contradicted the look of disdain in her eyes.

"Haa...you’re just a kid throwing a jealous tantrum. When you grow up you’ll realize that you will never amount to anything." The look everyone was giving Ailetta was the same look Mark gave Jasmine earlier.

’Who is this??’ The thought rang in the girls’ minds as they all heard what she said.

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