Chapter 2: The Logical Ones

Rein waits for Ryuuji in front of his house. Since he is the only one who wants to be friends with him and fortunately, his house is near. Even though Rein didn’t show any kind of interest in him, but Rein felt really happy. In middle school, Rein almost had no friends due to his introvert personalities. Many more disliked him because of his intelligence, everyone thought that he’s arrogant. But he doesn’t care. ‘They don’t like me? So what? I don’t need them anyway’. At first, he can stay in his principle. But as time flows, he also felt lonely. Rein also a human you know?. Now that a he found someone who understand and accept him, he wants to treasure him no matter how. “Good morning, Rein”. That voice woke Rein up from his past delusions. “Eh… Yeah morning, Ryuuji”. Ryuuji reply it with a smile and they start to walk together.

Ryuuji’s face shows that he feels happy today. ‘I guess it’s because yesterday i told him that today might be the day Avatar Burst system will be introduced’. Rein thought. “Ryuuji… Don’t fly too high. When you fall, it’ll hurt you a lot”. Rein said, feeling a bit worried. “What I said yesterday is still a probability”. Ryuuji couldn’t help but to laugh. “Rein, are you worried?”. “Wha-! Why would I? It’ll be just a waste of mind to worry about you”. Rein said sarcastically. Ryuuji still laughing, “I know it’s still a probability, but i just can't get it of my mind, Rein”. “Okay then”. After that conversation they walk in silence.

When they’ve arrived at the school, all the seniors gathered to promote their clubs. Rein doesn’t really like clubs, there are many people in it, and of course Team Work. The only thing Rein never good at. That’s why he never joins one before. As they walked through flying brochures and shouting seniors, Ryuuji asked Rein which clubs he wants to join. “I’ll choose what you choose, but if it’s sport. I won’t join”. Rein said. After that Ryuuji takes every club brochures except the sport ones.

Rein enters the classroom with bored expression, Ryuuji is behind him concentrating on the brochures. When Rein sit and took out his light novel, Ryuuji spreads the brochures on Rein’s desk. Rein look at Ryuuji’s smiling face, “What is the meaning of this? Didn’t I tell you, I’ll choose whatever you choose”. “Yeah I know, but it’s very hard to choose which club that will suit us and not one sided”. Rein took a deep breath. “Fine…”.

Rein will choose one club which he predicted will have the fewer members. After a few quick look, a brochure caught his eyes. ‘The Logic Breaker Club: Up for puzzles and mysteries?! Test your logical thinking and be amazed of your brain! You are smarter than you look!’. Rein grins, ‘Perfect’. “Ryuuji… Found one”. Ryuuji that was chatting with other classmates immediately turns to Rein. Those who were chatting with him, look at Rein with Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are look. Rein ignore them with his special bored face.

Ryuuji took the brochure and read it, “Oh, I don’t know you have interest in logical problems. I like mysteries so much, have you ever read the Sherlock Holmes series?”. “Me? No, I don't have interest in those stuffs. Sherlock Holmes… Never read one before. But, I’ve read Arsene Lupin series”. Lupin and Rein has that same nature, The Deceiver. But Rein is in a different page, he’s the emotion deceiver. No body ever know what his heart contains. Actually there is one person who can read him inside out.

“Then, why do you choose this club?”. Ryuuji asks, ‘How I hate curiosity’, Rein thought. “You like it, don't you? What did I told you— ‘I’ll choose whatever you choose’”. They said in unison. Ryuuji smiles, Rein gave him a light smile. “We’ll register in the first recess, because we don’t have enough time to do that now”. Rein said while checking his phone. “What do you mean we don’t have enough time?! We still got like… 13… 14… 15 minutes left! Let’s head out!”. Ryuuji already walks to the door, but Rein still sitting on his chair, giving no sign of him moving. “Why aren’t you following me?”. Rein sighed. “No thanks, i’m in my lazy mood please do it yourself and don’t forget to register me too”. Ryuuji goes silent for a second. Then Ryuuji walks toward Rein, take his hand and pulls him.”It’s still morning! Get on your feet!”. Ryuuji shouts. “Uuuuuggghhhh… Fine, Ryuuji! I’ll come!”. Ryuuji laughed, “That’s the spirit! Let’s go!”. They walk out of the class unaware of their surroundings. In the shadows, someone is watching them closely.

Ryuuji talks all the time, one topic after another. Rein can only said “Hmm…” “Okay…” “Ooh…” to make him feel that Rein actually listening closely. Despite many people dislike someone who talks much, Rein likes it. Since Rein talks only when he need it the most. “So who is the moderator for our club, Ryuuji?,” Rein asks while looking at the crowded teacher’s room. “Uhhh, it is said here that the moderator… Is the first teacher that welcome us in the first day of school,” Ryuuji laugh a little. “They even gave us riddle when we’re about to register, is this some sort of test?,” Rein smirks. “It’s a memory test, a very simple one actually. ‘Who is the first teacher that gave a speech on the podium?’. The answer is—,” Ryuuji cuts Rein. “Ms. Sarah, right? The headmaster?,” Rein hold his laugh. “Why are you laughing? I’m right, right? Am i?,” Rein flicks Ryuuji forehead lightly. “Nope, the right answer is… Mr. Takayama,” Rein said while pointing to a wise-looking teacher. But, Rein just realizes that Mr. Takayama is talking to a girl. Her hair is long and silver. She’s talking politely to Mr. Takayama and looks like she also registering for the Logic Breaker Club.

“Who’s that girl? Is she also registering for the same club?,” Ryuuji asks Rein. “I… don’t know”. Suddenly something has pierced Rein’s heart with deadly accuracy, an arrow. As they walk closer to Mr. Takayama and that girl, Rein’s heart throbs faster. Feels like… It’s about to explode. Rein tries to control his emotions. His tongue feels dumb. Thank god Ryuuji is there to talk for him. “Hello Mr. Takayama, both of us want to register for the Logic Breaker Club”. Mr. Takayama who was talking to that girl, glances at Ryuuji. The girl also looks at them as soon as Mr. Takayama glanced at Ryuuji. “Oh! Another logical thinker! So you’ve figured out the riddle in the brochure eh?,” Ryuuji smiled. “Well it’s him who solve it actually,” Ryuuji points at Rein who was trying not to get involved in the conversation. Mr. Takayama’s smile disappeared.

“If it isn’t The Rumored One, Alpha Rein. A pretty long time we haven’t seen each other, yeah?,” Rein sighed. “Yeah, sir. A pretty long time indeed. Shall we get to the point? Me and my friend here, Ryuuji. Want to register at this ‘Extra-ordinary’ club”. The girl seems didn’t understand what they’re talking about. “Okay then, if that’s what you want. But first, please introduce yourself to your new friend and club mate,” Mr. Takayama smiles. ‘Damn, why must you complicate my business here, old man?!,’ Rein shouts inside.

Without any commands Ryuuji introduce himself. “Hello there, my name is Ryuuji Natsuka from class X-1. Nice to meet you!,”. He gave a smile at the end of his introduction. ‘Ugh, is it my turn already?,’ Rein thought. “Uum… Hey, my name is Alpha Rein also from class X-1. Nice to meet you”. Rein tries as hard as he can to hide his emotions. That girl smiles at Rein and he felt he’s about to faint. “My name is Shirayuki from class X-3. Nice to meet you, too”. Her voice… it’s so soft. Rein could feel that his temperature is rising.

Then Mr. Takayama startled them, “Okay from now on, you guys are officially the Logic Breakers!. After school, you may check the clubroom. It’s in the other building,” He points outside. “The Tech Lab is your room and… Ah here it is, the key,” Mr. Takayama gave Rein a card key. “Eh… Why are you giving it to me?,” Rein asks. Hearing his question, Mr. Takayama smiles. “You’re the leader right?”. He said it easily, without thinking the other member’s opinion. “Sir, obviously the one who should be the leader is—.” Mr. Takayama cuts him, “Whoops! You guys must go back to your class now, don’t make your homeroom teacher angry, kay?.” and that old man just rushed away, leaving three of them in front of an empty desk. Rein sighed, “Let’s head back then…”. When Rein is about to walk away, Shirayuki speaks up. “Rein, who do you think should be the leader?,” Rein’s steps froze. Dumbness spreads quickly in his tongue. “Well I was thinking that maybe you’re fit to be our leader. What do you think?,” Rein asks carefully.

There was a few awkward seconds, but those awkwardness scatter to pieces when Shirayuki smiles and said “Yes, I’d love to”. Rein’s smile rose and he gave her the card key. Then finally Ryuuji can’t hold his tongue anymore, “We’ll meet at the clubroom after school then! Bye, Shirayuki!,” Ryuuji grabs Rein’s hand and pull him away. Rein gave him a killer look. ‘What are you doing?!,’ Rein’s eyes showed. Ryuuji looked at him with a playful look. ‘I’ll tell you later! For now, let’s go!.’ Rein sighed and follows Ryuuji.

They’ve been friends for 1 day and maybe a few hours, but both of them already understand the eye language. Lucky Rein, he has found his true mate.

“Prez, I have information for you,” said Ricols while entering the luxurious student council room. The president keeps looking at the view outside from her throne. “About Alpha Rein,” Ricols continues. That last sentence just took the attention of all the students there, including the president who glanced at Ricols when she heard it. “Tell me, Ricols…” She said softly but sharp. “Veena, are you…” Julia whispered, “In period?.” Veena's face become red and looks at Julia who’s standing beside her. “How did you know? Is it really visible?,” Julia giggles. “No, it’s not visible. But I guess it from every time your mood is bad.”

The other students look at them curiously, because they just whispered at each other and ignoring what Ricols about to say. Then Ricols cough, to gain their attention. “Let’s talk about it later, Julia. Okay, Ricols. You may proceed,” Ricols grins. “First of all, Alpha Rein joins a club named The Logic Breakers with his friend Ryuuji Natsuka. Second, there’s something between the moderator, Mr. Takayama, and Rein. I still don’t know for sure what it is. And third, Shirayuki who reaches the second highest entrance score, also joining this odd club. Shinon, could you search for Ryuuji Natsuka and The Logic Breaker club please?,” Hearing this a girl in front of a huge monitor nodded. Shinon is the Secretary Leader for the Student Council. 

She is known for her perfect analytic and computer skills.

Veena stood up. “Good job, Ricols. Please continue your research, I need many information about Alpha Rein. If the avatar’s color results already out, please give me the details,” Veena said with a beautiful smile.

“Oi, oi, oi! Could you just stop pulling me, Ryuuji? Just tell me already would you,” Ryuuji stops and grins at Rein. “Hey Rein, what do you think about Shirayuki?,” Rein’s heart skips a beat. “Why do you ask me that?,” Rein tries to keep cool. “I think it's pretty obvious, Rein. You like Shirayuki aren’t you?,” Rein look at him with a straight face. “You know I’m not into those stuffs, right?.” He’s the deceiver alright. “Really? But why you acted so nervously near her?,” Ryuuji still smiling. “You actually fall for that? Hahahahaha, you’re pretty shallow minded, aren't you?,” Rein laugh and Ryuuji’s smile disappear. “Well, that is one evil side of you… Guess I’m not good enough to read you, am I?,” Rein nodded. “Don’t feel bad, Ryuuji. No one ever reads me. Let’s go to the class then.” This time Rein is the one pulling Ryuuji.

Today the teacher still doesn't show any sign of introducing the Avatar Burst, But at least today they get to choose a club. Ryuuji had lost his spirits, Rein could see that from how he yawns and sighed frequently. When the lunch time bell rang, Ryuuji was half-asleep. “Okay, that’s all for today students. Any questions?,” Rein raise his hand and the whole class automatically turns around to see Rein. ‘Ugh… Calm down, They are just a… wind! Yes! They are wind’. Rein took a breath, “When will us be introduced to Avatar Burst?.” The whole class starts whispering at each other. “Hmm, I think it’ll be tomorrow—.” The class gets noisier. “BUUUT! The headmaster still hasn't given the real date. It might be tomorrow, but might also be 2 or 3 days later. Is there any other questions?,” Rein looks at Ryuuji, his face finally gets bright.
“C’mon Ryuuji, let’s eat,” Ryuuji smiles. “Yeah!”. ‘Well at least I can retrieve his spirits,’ Rein thought.

After both of them eat their lunch, they walk slowly back to the class. Rein said that it’s good for the food that they’ve eaten. When they pass the announcement board, many students were gathering there. It seems that something had been posted. Many 10^th grade students gathered there, some of them laughing, some of them having a serious conversation. Rein? He was never interested in something everyone also interested in. So he just walks through the crowd slowly and of course the other students make ways for him. Ryuuji was beside him all the time. But different from Rein, he really wants to know ‘What is happening there?’ or ‘What are they looking at?’. Rein glances at Ryuuji, “Go look at it. Meet and tell me at class, Okay?.” Ryuuji look at Rein with unbelieved face. “Really?,” Ryuuji said like a little boy. “Pffft, I almost thought you’re my dog,” Rein hold his laugh. “That’s very mean, Rein”

“Eh?… Sorry, got the old self possessing me again,” Rein said lightly.

“What are you? A reincarnation of a devil? A super perfect devil?”

“You… That’s even meaner than what I said… Anyway, I’ll be at class. See you”

When Rein left the crowd, someone calls him.  ‘A girl? Shi… Ra…?,’ Rein thought. He turns around, just as his guess… It’s Shirayuki who called him. “Rein, where are you going? You aren’t going to see the announcement?,” She said cheerfully. “Hmm? Oh, I’m going back to the class. Nah, it’s too crowded. I’ve sent Ryuuji to find it out about me,” Rein gave her a light smile. “Okay then, see you at the Tech Lab!,” Shirayuki said while going back to her friends. Rein just waved his hand a little and walks away.

’Guh, that was close… Why am i like this? Why only in front of her?,’ Rein shouts in his mind, his heart still throbbing. ‘A genius like you really don’t know about it?,’ A voice answered. Rein’s steps froze. ‘Who are you? Why are you inside my mind?,’ Rein asks. That voice doesn’t reply to Rein’s question. ‘It’s just my imagination,’ and Rein continues to walk. ‘You’ve forgotten me? Old pal?,’ That voice asks again. ‘Wha—!,’ Rein suddenly felt an unbearable pain in his head. Rein falls to his knees and the pain had taken over him. Rein felt really helpless, his visions blurry and he can’t move a muscle. 

The last thing he heard was Ryuuji calling his name.