Chapter 64: Pressure

"I'm trying to-"

"What do you think it looks like, the Spirit?" Yet another interruption came my way.

At this point, I could safely assume that they were trying to thwart my efforts at communication and most likely had something to do with my missing food since they were laughing just moments ago.

'These young'uns...' I smiled, deciding to try something I hadn't done in a while.

>HUMMMMMNNNN<

A low hum suddenly filled that air as it became thick and heavy. The idiots who were trying to ignore me by engaging in idle chatter suddenly felt the change around them and instantly their expressions changed.

"Keukk!"

"Urk!"

"Garrghkkk!"

Their pointless talks ceased, and no longer did any of them have amused expressions on their faces. Choked by the pure brunt of something they could lay eyes on, these boys writhed, looking in confusion.

My grin widened further.

'How does it feel... to be under my Mana Pressure?'

"Urk... w-what is... this...??" Ivan, the ringleader muttered under strained breaths.

He seemed to be the only one who could handle it to a degree, a feat that was adequate for someone who scored third. It wasn't like I was being serious either.

If I was... these boys would have lost consciousness long ago, or worse-

'There's no need to go that far. I've achieved what I wanted.'

The boys all turned to me with both surprise and pain, their glares showing suspicion. No one else could be responsible for their sudden discomfort, after all.

Some made attempts to open their lips, but I increased the pressure, causing the fools to shut them instantly.

"Now that I have your attention, I'd like to ask you a single question," I spoke, followed by a sigh.

My smile vanished as I moved closer to the group of about nine boys, Ivan's inner circle. Pointing my fingers toward where my food ought to have been, I gave my question.

"My food on that table... what happened to it?"

The pressure caused them to give their guilt away. Sweat formed on their faces and I could hear strained breaths. However, none of them confessed.

'Ah, the pressure must have been too much...' I suddenly realized, deciding to retract it entirely.

>WHUUUUSSHHH<

The intimidating air vanished, replaced by the usual calm of the room. However, unease was still amid the lounge.

"Answer me, please." I broke the silence courteously.

The eyes of everyone turned to Ivan, their leader. He had the final say on their response, and no one wanted to go out of line to speak. In the case that they said what they weren't supposed to, it would spell doom for them.

"W-what are you talking about?" He found himself stuttering as he spoke.

The effects of my pressure hadn't fully left his body.

"Why are you asking us? What's out business with you?" Ivan spat, trying to assert dominance.

Not a bad move... for a child, that is. The eyes of everyone had already given me my answer, so any excuse he thought of giving me was synonymous with a lie.

I could have chosen to leave things at that and returned to my room or even force him to give me the truth with Mana Pressure. However, I was too tired and hungry for that. There was no real need to stress myself since I was already certain the culprits were them.

"Ah, I see. It's alright then..." I said, taking a few steps back as I made my way back to the stairs that led to my room.

A look of relief appeared on everyone's face when I made my exit, causing me to smile within myself.

As soon as I got to the foot of the stairs, I turned back to the group who kept watching me, as though impatiently hoping I vanished.

"... I suppose I'll have to raise this matter to our supervisor..." I muttered, making my voice loud enough for the boys to hear me.

Their eyes bulged the moment I said this, giving surprised stares. They glanced anxiously at each other's now turning to Ivan to deal with the matter.

I didn't bother waiting. Pushing my tired body along the stairs, I began climbing.

"Hey, why go that far? It's just lunch! The superiors shouldn't be bothered about something that trivial." Ivan retorted, obviously referring to me.

'You slipped up, Ivan!' My mind rang in satisfaction as I once again turned to look back at him.

The same person who pretended not to care now sprang up and spoke the moment I mentioned a supervisor. That was an unwise move.

'I suppose the aftereffects of experiencing a Mana Pressure is making them anxious...'

"What do you mean? Haven't you read the rules of this apartment? Didn't you pay attention during our orientation? Stealing within this Academy warrants severe punishment."

It didn't matter if it was a piece of paper, lunch, or a magic book. No matter the property taken, what was important was the act itself. In essence, whoever took my lunch was liable for that offense and would be punished accordingly.

"I don't remember giving anyone permission to take my lunch, and the Academy isn't sloppy enough to give us food with one person short. That means someone took my food." I continued.

The boys looked more uneasy while sweating profusely. It was as though they were confessing their guilt by conduct alone.

"It's a shame you guys didn't see the culprit. I'm certain our supervisor should be able to find the perpetrator. We wouldn't want anyone else to fall victim, now would we?" I smiled weakly.

I had said enough. There was no need to directly interfere with these guys. With the staff of the Academy watching, there was no telling if an act of violence would be to my demerit. On the plus side, since the supervisors could monitor us, it meant they had also seen the incident take place.

'I don't need to bother lifting a finger... the authorities will deal with this. That will be their punishment!' I sighed, still feeling the tight twist in my stomach.

I felt so hungry... so tired! Once I got to my room, I was most likely going to lie down and wait for dinner.

"Hold on!" Ivan's voice abruptly cut into my thoughts, but I ignored him.

He was just going to keep rambling, after all.

"I SAID, STOP!" He shouted, now in a tone of aggression.

I still didn't have any intention to listen to him, however... something I felt caused me to change my mind.

Halting instantly, I took a look behind me and saw Ivan clad in his mana. He glared at me aggressively, having a determined glow in his eyes. I felt an unpleasant foreboding as the very thing I tried avoiding was practically begging for my response.

With a deep sigh, I fully turned in Ivan and his crew's direction, asking the leader a simple question;

"What do you think you're doing?"