The Transmigrated Author
Chapter 84: Derrick Song

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Outer Side Of The Stadium]

Morwen walked confidently through the dimly lit corridor, his eyes scanning every crevice, taking notes on the potential exits and traps.

This afternoon, he had carefully planned out all the ins and outs of the stadium location, so his target wouldn't slip away. Now all he was waiting for was the perfect moment when this opportunity would arise.

THUD!

A sudden, clumsy collision sent a jolt through him. As he turned, ready to unleash a vicious retort, only to replace himself face-to-face with three academy students.

"Hey, you!" barked one of the lackeys, a scrawny boy with a chip on his shoulder. "Watch where you're going! Don't you know some of us are important?"

Morwen, disguised as a cynical reporter, weighed his options. Killing students was possible, but messy. His goal was infiltration, not a massacre. These kids were beneath his notice, nothing but an obstacle in those eyes of his.

Just as he contemplated killing them, the leader intervened. He grabbed the scrawny lackey's arm, his voice surprisingly calm.

"Stop. I know this person."

He turned to Morwen, a knowing look in his eyes. "Media hound extraordinaire. We've crossed paths before, haven't we?"

Morwen's mind was confused, he was thinking of all the people who knew him but none came to mind, had this punk recognized him?

"Oh, really?" he replied cautiously, his voice seasoned with fake indifference.

The lackey who'd initially questioned him gaped. "Oh! Well, I didn't know that."

The leader smirked. "He's a… colleague, shall we say? He covers the world's darkest corners, wouldn't you agree?"

Morwen inwardly sighed. He'd underestimated these Lackeys. Perhaps they weren't just mindless brutes.

A slow, almost preying smile spread across his face. "Indeed," he said, his voice dripping with calm. "The darker corners often have the most interesting stories."

Morwen noticed a subtle shift in the leader's eyes, something in between the lines of fear and respect. He wasn't sure what was more unsettling, their blind devotion to this kid or this unexpected connection with one of his underlings.

"How about you two go and save me a spot in the student section for the matches," the leader said, a hint of authority in his voice. "I'll catch up later."

The lackeys hesitated, then mumbled something under their breath, disappearing down the hallway.

The unexpected encounter left Morwen interested and he knew exactly who this person was.

"So, Derrick," he said, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. "I didn't know you attended Pinnacle Academy."

[Derrick Song - Member of the Devils Cult (2nd Year - Rank 1)]

Derrick caught off guard, felt a wave of suffocating fear wash over him. Morwen's presence was a chilling weight that pressed down on him. Without hesitation, Derrick sunk to one knee, his heart pounding against his ribs.

"I do, Mr. Morwen," he stuttered, respect clinging to his voice. "So… what brings you here?"

"..."

Morwen's gaze remained cold, his expression unreadable.

"A quick business trip,"

He replied simply. He didn't elaborate, leaving Derrick to think in his own uncertainty.

Knowing better than to question Morwen, Derrick rose from kneeling, bowing deeply. "My apologies, Mr. Morwen," he mumbled. "I must take my leave."

Just as Derrick turned to hurry away, Morwen's voice stopped him. "Wait," he said, his tone strangely casual. "Before you go, consider this a… gift." He extended a hand, revealing a small, glass vial filled with an unknown liquid.

Derrick's eyes widened. He recognized the vial instantly, the forbidden serum rumoured to grant unnatural power.

Never did he imagine receiving such a thing, not this soon. Yet, to refuse a gift from this figure, a man of as both saviour and monster... the consequences were unthinkable.

Trembling, he accepted the vial. It felt less like a gift, and more like a shackle, the weight of unspoken obligation crushing down on him.

"It's the latest tested formula from your leader," Morwen continued, his voice empty of emotion. "Use it at your discretion. However, if you do choose to use it, one of our informants would be most… interested in the results."

Derrick understood the implication. This was a test, a chance to prove his loyalty and climb the ranks within The Devil's Cult. Gratitude flooded him, erasing the initial fear. He bowed again, deeper this time. "Thank you, Mr. Morwen.

I will not disappoint you."

Morwen simply nodded, his expression returning to its usual stoicism. "Dismissed."

As Derrick rushed, tucking the vial safely into his blazer, a wave of relief washed over him. He'd managed to steer the encounter without drawing suspicion, even securing a potential promotion.

His moment of triumph was short-lived. A familiar voice shattered his calm.

"Derrick?"

Louise Villerion, accompanied by his cousin Lan, approached them, their faces a picture of confusion. Derrick froze, cursing his luck. He hadn't noticed them approaching.

"Who's this guy over here?"

Louise asked, eyeing the stranger with disgust.

"He better not be one of those annoying reporters."

Derrick scrambled to respond. "N-no, no, he's not!" he stuttered. "Just a reporter I've known for a while. Don't worry about him, I was just showing him out."

Lan smiled. "Oh...Okay! If he needs help, Louise or..." He trailed off, glancing at his cousin.

BANG!

Louise rolled his eyes, punching Lan's arm. "I'm sure he'll manage. Let's go, we're gonna be late."

Lan, rubbing his arm, gave an awkward wave before hurrying after Louise.

The air hung heavy for a moment. Morwen turned to Derrick. "Cousins, are they?" he asked, seeing a familiar look between the two.

Derrick, both terrified and strangely confused by the turn of events, nodded.

"Yes," he whispered. "Lan's a third-year, strongest in his grade number 1 in both theory and practical. And Louise… well, He's one of the strongest students in the golden generation."

Morwen's lips curved into a cold smile. "Interesting," he murmured. "Names I've heard before. If you can manage an introduction… at a convenient time, of course… a promotion wouldn't be out of the question."

Derrick suppressed a gasp. This was a chance beyond anything he'd ever considered. But the allure of power, the fear of failure, and the chilling stare in Morwen's eyes combined to make his choice for him.

"Of course, Mr. Morwen," he said, his voice steady despite the anxiety forming in his stomach.

_____________

Authors Notes:

- Pinnacle Academy Rankings from 1st Years - 3rd Years:

[First Years:]

> 1st - Jan Ates

> 2nd - Louise Villerion

[Second Years:]

>1st - Derrick Song

> 2nd - ???

[Third Years:]

> 1st - Lan Villerion

- Lan and Derrick are great friends.