CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 1: Lectures

A youthful man, barely twenty-three years old, was deeply immersed in sleep on his bed. Abruptly, the piercing ring of an alarm pierced the quiet, yanking him from the clutches of dreams into the waking world.

Stretching with a lazy yawn, he got up, his gaze wandering to the nearby window where dawn's rays filtered through the panes.

'What adventures await me today?' he whispered, his tone still thick with drowsiness as he shuffled to the bathroom, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Stepping inside, he faced a spacious mirror affixed to the wall. He stopped, examining his own image briefly.

At 6’2” in height and with a slender frame, he had dark black hair and matching eyes, giving him a face that was somewhat attractive, yet ordinary in his self-view.

Shaking his head lightly, he bent down to the basin, grabbing his toothbrush and paste with familiar motions.

Shortly after, he entered the shower, allowing the warm flow of water to wash off the last traces of rest.

He exited the bathroom, a towel casually draped around his hips. To casual observers, his body seemed fit, with wide shoulders and toned muscles, but experts in sports would see it as average.

Merely a form honed by dedication, not superiority; the sort common among many aspiring trainees pursuing similar goals.

Moving across the space, he went to the closet and chose a basic, neat set of clothes, slipping them on without deliberation. Moments later, he headed to the kitchen for a simple, routine bite to eat.

Having finished his morning meal, he went back to his bedroom, picking up his mobile and the keys from the bedside table.

'9:23 a.m. already. I've got a bit before the class begins,' he grumbled softly, checking the time on his device's display.

Then, he proceeded to the exit, leaving the apartment and moving to the lift. Entering it, he hit the button for the underground parking. The drop was quick and noiseless, ending soon with the doors parting softly.

Without delay, he strode straight to his vehicle. The motor ignited under his command with a gentle, low rumble. Taking his place behind the wheel, he maneuvered from the spot and started the usual route to school, as the urban area stirred to life nearby.

In short order, he reached the university grounds and entered the auditorium. The murmur of talks enveloped him, with numerous pupils conversing lightly, their sounds merging into an expectant buzz while anticipating the start of the session.

His gaze swept across the space, passing over various expressions. No one looked known to him. Letting out a soft breath, he headed to a vacant spot toward the rear.

However, right before settling in, a call broke through the din, uttering his name.

'Hey, Ethan. Come join us here!'

Ethan swiveled to the sound, immediately identifying it as Logan's. Promptly, he changed direction and approached. Logan was settled in place, accompanied by several shared acquaintances.

'Morning, all,' Ethan said upon reaching them.

Replies came in forms of nods and brief greetings, the circle hardly interrupting their chat. Logan adjusted a tad, clearing space next to him for Ethan.

'Did you complete the homework? Class kicks off in twenty, mind if I glance at yours?' Logan remarked offhandedly, extending a hand to Ethan's pack.

'How come it's always my work you go for? Try borrowing from another person sometime,' Ethan answered with a breathy sigh, pushing Logan's fingers aside.

Yet, with a reluctant nod, he opened his backpack and extracted the task, passing it along without more resistance.

Before Logan could say anything back, Hills, one of the others, chimed in smirking.

'It's 'cause we're buddies, isn't that enough?' he noted, fishing out a writing tool and pad from his own belongings.

'No room for your gripes right now,' Ella chimed in, looking at Ethan's papers. 'Just twenty minutes to jot down the formulas before it starts.'

Ethan gave a silent head shake. Clearly, this crew relied on him to lift their grades, but he stayed quiet. Besides, isn't that the point of companionship?

After those twenty minutes, the professor entered, and the lesson unfolded. The three hours dragged on endlessly.

When the last remarks resounded in the room, the attendees stood, streaming out to their subsequent sessions.

Following an exhausting series of consecutive classes, Ethan's last one wrapped up near 4 p.m. He bid brief farewells to his pals before going to the lot and getting into his ride.

'This school is draining the life out of me,' he exhaled, momentarily leaning his forehead on the wheel.

Grasping his phone, he went through his list of contacts and selected his partner's entry. She picked up almost instantly.

'Hi, sweetie! How'd the lessons go? All set for the day? I can swing by to get you,' Ethan voiced easily, as the call linked smoothly to the vehicle's system.

'Yes, honey. I'm done,' Jennifer responded affectionately. 'Meet me outside my building.'

For two years, they had shared a solid bond. Talks of wedding post-diploma had evolved from fantasies into subtle vows.

The engine of Ethan's auto revved as he drove to her area. She waited there, dressed in her clinical attire, highlighting the tough journey of her medical studies.

'How's everything with you?' Ethan inquired while Jennifer took the seat beside him.

'Worn out,' she confessed tiredly. 'It's no surprise physicians often get arrogant later; their job is brutal.'

Ethan grinned, mischief sparkling in his look. 'If that happens to you, I'll build a shrine just for worshiping you.'

Her light chuckle followed as he guided the vehicle to his residence. There, they freshened up and switched outfits, their talk turning casual amid shared chuckles.

Eventually, they cruised the bustling evening streets, looking for relief from daily strains. A relaxed dinner at a modest spot and some roadside fun under bright signs provided a refreshing break from academic woes.

As they clasped hands strolling into a gem shop. Within, an array of fine chains, bands, charms, and cuffs in diverse colors and styles shone elegantly in showcases under gentle illumination.

'Want to size your finger for the ring when I pop the question someday?' Ethan suggested teasingly, scanning the orderly array of bands.

Jennifer declined with a grin, her mouth curving playfully. 'That could ruin the thrill of the moment.'

Ethan let out a quiet laugh. 'You won't predict the exact time anyway, so nothing's spoiled.'

He chose a slim chain and carefully secured it on her. She continued looking around, picking out items that caught her fancy. Once he paid using his card, they emerged into the evening and headed home in silence.

'Staying over tonight?' Ethan inquired.

'Not this time,' Jennifer answered. 'Got an early hands-on session at 5 a.m. Crashing at yours would leave me beat and sore in the morning.'

Ethan grinned smugly, his assurance evident. 'Can't help it if I'm that skilled.'

'Sure, sure,' she dismissed with an eye roll, amused. 'Just take me to my dorm.'

Ethan let out a breath but complied, directing the car to her lodging. They pulled up shortly.

'Catch you later,' Jennifer murmured, giving him a swift peck on the mouth before alighting.

Ethan beamed, observing her enter. With an affectionate head shake, he returned to his flat.

Arriving home, he shed his garments and fell onto the mattress in underwear only. After some time on his phone, he connected it to power and sank into slumber.