NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Pointless ID
(Saiki stares at the new school requirement list posted on the board.All students must have an ID card.He sighs, wondering why he needs one.)
Saiki (thinking): An ID card… really? Why do I, of all people, need an ID card? It's not like I'm going to misplace myself. What a pointless waste of time.
(He warches around and notices Kaidou holding up his new ID card, trying to look cool. Kaidou looks at it proudly, showing it off to a couple of students.)
Kaidou: Behold, my ID card! This isn't just any ordinary piece of plastic. With this, I am officially recognized as the Jet-Black Wings warrior among normal people!
(Saiki rolls his eyes.)
Saiki (thinking): Does he think it's a magic amulet? His delusional level really has grown a bit too much.
(Then, Hairo strides over, his own ID card clutched firmly in his hand, radiating confidence and enthusiasm.)
Hairo: Having an ID card is an honor! It shows we're part of something bigger, like representing our school. It's a symbol of responsibility and trust.
(Saiki raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.)
Saiki (thinking): Responsibility? I'm already responsible enough with my powers. If anything, this card just makes me responsible for carrying around more junk.
(Hairo turns to Saiki, holding up his ID card proudly.)
Hairo: Come on, Saiki! You should be excited. This isn't just some card. It's proof that we belong here, that we're contributing members of society!
Saiki (deadpan):It's a piece of plastic with your face on it.
(Hairo looks at him, slightly disappointed.)
Hairo: But, Saiki, this isn't just for you. It's to keep you safe. If something happened, people could help you if they know who you are.
Saiki (thinking): Right, because a card will stop me from being able to read minds, teleport, or turn invisible if I really need to… Not like I could just avoid any situation in a second.
(Kaidou, still absorbed in his own fantasy, pipes up.)
Kaidou: Saiki, with this ID card, we're basically agents of our school! It's our duty to protect the peace and keep our identities secure!
Saiki (thinking): Agents? If anything, it's going to be a trouble when I will spend my time for going to get one. I don't need a piece of plastic to define who I am.
(Hairo places a hand on Saiki's shoulder, attempting to inspire him.)
Hairo: I know it might seem small, but this is important! Embrace the responsibility, Saiki! You'll see,one day, your ID card might make a real difference!
(Saiki can't hold back an exasperated sigh.)
Saiki (thinking): If only I could make this whole ID thing disappear… maybe then I'd finally be free of these endless rules. But I guess I'll just go along with it. Less trouble that way.
(As the bell rings, Saiki slips away, deciding he'll get the ID card eventually,but he's not exactly in a rush.)