OJTTEG-Chapter 4: The Skills of a Protagonist (Patreon)

"Please, don't do this. It's yours now," Megan's voice becomes incredibly weak and humble. He realizes no other student at this school will dare mess with him anymore.

What should have followed was a period of calm, everyday life. However, despite all of Haunter's calculations, he didn't foresee that the next day, the principal, during his rounds, would hear the chubby kid crying in the warehouse.

And so, everything sadly unraveled. Haunter was hauled into the principal's office, and the uniform was confiscated. Fortunately, the chubby kid was too scared to mention the gun, knowing it was illegal. Otherwise, things could have been much worse.

……

As Haunter reflects, he suddenly notices several figures in the principal's office. They discuss among themselves before falling silent.

"Bang!" Bristol slams his hand on the table, shouting at Haunter in front of several school department heads. Haunter, lost in thought, finally realizes the presence of several middle-aged men with their heads bowed.

On the table are Haunter's incriminating items: a uniform and an ID. Nearby is his backpack, which contains no weapons. It seems Megan was hoping to find the gun, but Haunter wasn't foolish enough to carry it around.

Additionally, there is a certificate from the Arkham Northern Orphanage with a photo attached. It depicts a brown-eyed individual with well-defined features, suggesting that he might grow into quite a handsome man.

However, the person in the photo is from Arkham Northern Municipal Orphanage, named Haunter Reed. His academic record shows he only completed high school.

And this person looks exactly like the one sitting at the table. This is the most compelling evidence that the board member story was a complete fabrication.

"I've already called the police," Bristol says, sitting upright with a contemptuous look at Haunter.

The efficiency is impressive.

"You're not a student at my school; you're not even in our records. And after what you've done, kid, you're going to be locked up until you're 30!"

The principal's face becomes terrifying. Typically, for disobedient kids without any background, they resort to harsh measures. Once the identity is confirmed, they make students experience a living hell.

Unfortunately for them, I anticipated this.

"Calm down, sir," Haunter says, leaning forward slowly. He scribbles a name on a piece of paper and hands it to the principal.

Is he confessing to his crimes?

As Bristol reads the note, his eyes widen in shock.

"I've gathered some information about you. These details are scheduled to be sent to your home regularly—unless I make a timely trip to the post office to cancel it," Haunter says with a smile, which to the principal, resembles the cunning grin of a fox.

"You all can leave now. I'll handle this matter properly," Bristol instructs calmly.

"Yes, sir."

"But, Principal, you haven't made a judgment about him yet!" protests the chubby kid, unwilling to let go.

"I said I'll handle it. Now get out!" Bristol snaps, glaring at Megan, who shrinks back and hurriedly follows the departing group.

"Click." The door gently closes.

"How did you know? State your demands," Bristol says, narrowing his eyes. He suddenly realizes he can't treat the young man in front of him as just another student.

The name on the paper is that of Bristol's lover, who happens to be a teacher at the school—a secret not easily uncovered by just anyone.

Indeed, as the principal of a prestigious school, Bristol arrived here through investments, primarily to enjoy life, with his lover being one of those pleasures. He certainly wouldn't admit that he wasn't inspecting the warehouse that day but was instead scouting for a rendezvous spot with his lover.

No matter how much the young man knows, Bristol must appease him and ensure he peacefully cancels the postal arrangement.

Bristol clenches his hands tightly beneath the table.

"If you remain stubborn, I'll have to eliminate you..."

……

The entire principal's building lacks surveillance cameras, with only three guards stationed at the entrance. To Haunter, the principal's office is virtually unguarded.

The locked cabinets pose little challenge; Haunter easily picks them and finds a lipstick in the corner. The name engraved at the bottom belongs to a female teacher at Bryant University. Haunter bets there's something suspicious about her.

He doesn't have more evidence, but what he knows is enough to bluff. If things don't work out, he'll make a quick escape—he has no intention of spending time in prison until he's 30.

"Just ignore my presence and drop all accusations against me. I can assure you nothing will happen," Haunter replies, squinting his eyes.

"Hmm?"

"Reasonable request," the balding principal nods. Suddenly, he seems to remember something, and his expression quickly calms as he smiles at the young man before him.

"How did you even get in here? My guards shouldn't let someone like you through."

Haunter raises an eyebrow. That change in demeanor was swift.

The principal is likely testing him. If Haunter doesn't have any backing, he might consider using unconventional methods, given the potentially career-ruining evidence Haunter holds.

But it's not a big deal.

"Mr. Mediterranean, any enclosed building is bound to have a backdoor, just like you might have had in your past—unless you haven't," Haunter says smoothly. It's a common tactic, like assuming everyone eats daily. The principal, with his history, likely sees himself in this scenario, having done some questionable things to reach his current position.

Haunter answers leisurely, locking eyes with the principal, noticing a slight flicker of avoidance. Time to turn up the heat.

"I know what you're thinking. And yes, you're right," Haunter continues. "Though I live in an orphanage, I have an uncle who's part of the local Glass gang... I think you know what to do."

Leaving things unsaid makes the lie more believable. The Glass gang is notorious in the area, known for their unconventional yet principled approach. The police struggle with them due to their influence, and they proudly preach the doctrine of a 'green' gang.