From Bullets To Billions Chapter 666: The Gift

Eric had been cautious in his engagement with Charlie, intentionally holding back his full strength. He recognized that the elder’s sudden surge of assertiveness was predominantly alcohol-induced, leading to clumsy movements and an unsteady stance. Eric’s own counter-attacks were a demonstration of agility and accuracy, not brute force aimed at inflicting grievous harm; it was a spectacular display meant to conclude the conflict swiftly and without lasting injury. To any sober onlooker, it was a paragon of control, though Charlie’s dramatic fall was more a consequence of his intoxication than the actual impact of the blows.

‘That ought to suffice, shouldn’t it?’ Eric mused internally as he relaxed his stance and turned to rejoin the freshmen.

The surrounding students, many already immersed in the celebratory ambiance, erupted in exhilaration. For a significant portion of them, the skirmish was merely another highlight of the evening, a live performance that some even theorized was pre-arranged by the organizers to liven up the crowd.

"Remarkable! Your skills are astonishing!" Steve exclaimed, his voice saturated with newfound admiration. "Witnessing that… truly, perhaps I should indeed join the Wushu club. I had no idea one could move with such fluidity."

"While I will perpetually welcome new adherents to the noble art of Wushu, I do not advocate for the frequent misuse of one’s fists in such a manner," Eric responded, his demeanor grave. "My foremost concern is preventing students from becoming overconfident and seeking out altercations simply because they’ve mastered a few techniques."

As Eric articulated his thoughts, Yovan’s gaze incidentally fell upon the area beyond him, causing a flutter of unease in her stomach. She observed Donto and his entire coterie of athletes commencing their movement. They were no longer passive spectators; they were now advancing into the gathering. Sono was the first to step forward, extending a hand to help the disoriented Charlie to his feet. He then unceremoniously settled him into a nearby seat.

"A moment of indiscretion, Charlie, but do not trouble yourself over it," Sono remarked, a steely undertone in his voice. "We shall ensure your honor is vindicated."

With those pronouncements, Sono brought his hands together, creating a sharp, resounding crack. He then emitted a powerful yell, originating from the depths of his being, which pierced through the prevailing music and conversation, commanding the attention of every individual present. A few students in the rear continued their hushed discussions, prompting a senior nearby to firmly press his foot down on one of their feet, thereby silencing them.

"What in the world—" the student began to protest, but a hand promptly covered his mouth.

"The senior is addressing us," a rugby player whispered urgently into the freshman’s ear. "That signifies it is time for you newcomers to remain silent and attentive, lest you learn our methods the harsh way."

Sono ascended onto one of the bowling alley’s tables, positioning himself for optimal visibility across the entire room. He held aloft the small, dark velvet pouch that had been distributed to every student upon entry.

"Attention, everyone! It is time for the night’s true surprise!" Sono projected, his face illuminated by a wild grin. "Prepare yourselves for an experience of unparalleled exhilaration. Tonight, we shall forge a connection unlike any you have previously encountered!"

Sono tightened the drawstring of his pouch, a subtle signal for the other seniors to follow suit. As the freshmen imitated their actions, they reached inside to discover three diminutive, vividly blue pills. Their azure hue possessed an almost mesmerizing quality under the dim, pulsing neon lights of the bowling alley.

"All of you, ingest one pill now to commence the festivities," Sono commanded. "The remaining two are yours to utilize at your discretion. Rest assured, not a single one of you will be anything less than thoroughly satisfied with the outcome."

A wave of apprehension swept through the assembled students. Based on the seniors’ candid distribution, it was evident they made no attempt to conceal the nature of the substances. A handful of the more adventurous students, already seeking a novel sensation, promptly placed a pill into their mouths. Observing their actions, their companions, yielding to the potent influence of peer pressure, followed suit.

Nevertheless, a considerable number remained hesitant, clutchesing the cerulean pills in their palms with trembling fingers. Perceiving this reluctance, the seniors began to disperse throughout the venue, their gazes sweeping across each student, non-verbally enforcing compliance through an atmosphere of intimidation.

"We observe a degree of hesitation among some of you," Sono declared, his tone shifting to a more ominous register. "However, fear not. We shall ensure that every individual partakes in their allotted dose, including those who were 'too occupied' to be present today."

Sono retrieved his mobile device and proceeded to read aloud a list comprising names and departmental affiliations. Eventually, the name "Max Smith" resonated through the sound system.

Sono's voice boomed, "We made it entirely clear that everyone needed to show up tonight." He continued, "Since some individuals failed to heed our invitation, we will be making personal rounds to those classrooms tomorrow. Your lack of cooperation directly impacts your department's standing. Furthermore, if anyone present tonight harbors thoughts of being a deterrent or refusing to partake in the festivities, they will be receiving a private visit from us."

The menace was loud and clear. A few students, discovered attempting to conceal their pills, were being manhandled by the upperclassmen, their arms forcibly bent or shoulders roughly pushed as a stern warning. Now, athletes formed a protective cordon around the room's perimeter, effectively sealing off any escape routes.

"We really can't possibly ingest these, can we?" Yovan whispered, her complexion turning ashen. "Who has any clue about the potential chemicals involved or the effects they might have on our minds?"

"Perhaps we could feign swallowing them and devise a plan to slip away from this place," Talia ventured, her voice trembling as she observed the seniors drawing nearer.

"But if they discover us pretending, will they subject us to the same treatment they inflicted upon Jono?" Steve inquired, his gaze flitting around nervously. "Look, Steve, observe everyone else. They're all taking them. Surely, they wouldn't implement a measure so severe that it would jeopardize the future of this many students simultaneously, would they? It might simply be less trouble to comply for the time being."

"If your preference is not to consume the pill, then by all means, abstain," Eric declared resolutely, positioning himself as a shield in front of the trio. His upright stance served as a modest bulwark against the advancing seniors. "You should never follow anyone with such unthinking devotion, particularly when their leadership hinges on instilling fear."

"Hey, do you assume we're unaware of that?" Yovan retorted sharply, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears of exacerbated frustration. "You were absent. You possess no firsthand knowledge of their capabilities."

"I comprehend your apprehension," Eric responded, his eyes locking onto Sono and Donto. "However, I am presenting you with an alternative right now. Should you choose not to take that pill and wish to depart from this location, I will employ these fists to carve a passage. I find no joy in resorting to physical confrontation, but this situation exemplifies precisely why I dedicated myself to martial arts – to safeguard those who are unable to defend themselves."