The Witch from Another World

Lucas Cadillac

School is done and it was another day of me successfully suppressing my power. Heh, I'm really getting the hang of this.

"..."

My mind wandered back to the time I saw the three of them enjoying themselves together.

"Kuwahahahaha! Who needs friends when I bear the responsibility of protecting the world!"

"...Ha..."

As I walked past the school gate, a familiar white car caught my eye, parked neatly by the road.

"Sir Lucas, it's time to leave," the driver called out in his usual soft serious tone.

I climbed into the car without a word, settling into the seat and staring out the window, my expression neutral.

"Sir, do you perhaps want to stop by anywhere?" the driver asked.

"No need..." I replied, my tone tinged with a hint of irritation.

*Ding*

The elevator reached my floor. I stepped out, dragging my feet toward the door of condominium. For some reason, I wasn't in the mood for anything.

"Welcome back, Sir Lucas." the maid greeted me with the same kind voice as I stepped inside.

I sighed inwardly, the weight of this monotonous life pressing down on me.

--------------

"Heh! Serves you right!" I exclaimed, grinning at the screen while playing a multiplayer game.

[Ah! Just dumb luck!]

"Too easy~ hehe," I replied smugly, basking in my victory.

[I'll win next time! Oops, I still have some things to do. Let's play again later—bye!]

"Ha..." I sighed, taking off my headphones and leaning back in my chair. My eyes wandered around the room.

"Nana!" I called out.

"Yes?" came the familiar reply.

"I'm hungry," I said, hoping for a quick favor.

"Dinner is almost ready, but here's a light snack for now," she responded, appearing with a small plate of food.

I glanced at the clock. It was already nighttime—I hadn't even realized how much time had passed while I was playing.

--------------

After finishing dinner, I heard the front door open. Mom had just come back from work.

"I got home early today," she said cheerfully. "Here are some donuts I picked up on my way."

"I see," I replied flatly, not even sparing her a glance as I focused on my phone.

She paused, probably waiting for more of a reaction, then sighed.

"Aren't you a little too old for that?" Her eyes landed on my eyepatch and the bandages on my arm, her tone laced with a mix of concern and stress.

"I didn't know you had time to notice me," I muttered, just loud enough for her to catch the bitterness.

"What?" she started, her voice rising in frustration.

"I'm just—ugh, okay, I'm sorry for shouting, but you're already a teenager! Can't you—"

"Just leave me alone!" I yelled, cutting her off. I stormed back to my room, slamming the door behind me.

Throwing myself onto my bed, I yanked the blanket over my head]. My phone buzzed in my hand, but as I scrolled aimlessly, group photos filled the screen—laughing faces, arms slung around each other, carefree smiles.

"Tsk! Who needs friends anyway?!" I snapped, tossing my phone to the side.

I lay there, staring at the wall, the image of Ethan, Rubielle, and Marianne enjoying themselves replayed in my mind. Their laughter echoed in my thoughts, taunting me in the silence.

-------------------------------------

(2 years ago)

"Look, it's Lucas again—top of the class."

"Wow, he's so unapproachable."

"They say he's super rich. Maybe he bribed someone?"

"He's so cold."

"I heard his family is super strict."

"Must be boring, always being at the top."

Shut up. Shut up! What's so great about being the top? What's so good about being rich? I wish it would all just disappear.

...No. That's not it. I just...

I walked past the crowd, their whispers a constant buzz in my ears. To me, the world felt like it had faded into black and white. Their eyes followed me, judging, assuming things about me even though I hadn't done anything.

I have everything. Yet, I feel nothing.

"I just want... to get along with someone," I muttered under my breath.

--------------

"Hey Lucas, this is amazing! You're the best," my classmate said in tone filled with fake enthusiasm.

"Haha... of course," I replied with a forced smile, handing him a pair of original shoes.

He didn't even try to hide his intentions. Compliments like "That's so cool" and "Man, I wish I was rich like you" were practically oozing out of him. It was painfully obvious what he wanted, but... I was too desperate to go along with it.

"Want to hang out after school?" he asked.

"N-no, I've got something to do. Maybe next time," I mumbled, stepping away before I could hear him insist.

As I walked away, a bitter thought crossed my mind. What's so great about shoes anyway? They're just something you walk on.

Then, faint laughter reached my ears.

"I told you, just try to get along with him. He's a walking wallet! Hahaha!"

I clenched my fists. I can hear you, you know...

--------------

"I'm sorry, Sir Lucas, but it seems there's a problem with the car, and I won't be able to take you home this time." the driver apologizes, but I waved it off nonchalantly.

"No need to worry. I'll just walk," I replied in a flat tone, brushing it off as if it were no inconvenience at all.

Having some free time, I decided to take a walk to the mall for a change of pace. The place was buzzing with life—stores filled with endless options, bright lights illuminating every corner. Yet, everything around me felt dull, lifeless. There was everything, yet I wanted nothing.

As I walk, I passed by a cinema. And a title with an eye-catching poster caught my attention: [Fantasy Journey, the Movie]. It was an animated film, something I never really had an interest in. But being bored, curiosity got the better of me, and for a moment, I wondered—

Should I try it?

(One hour and thirty minutes later)

["No! I will not give up! Not when my comrades still believe in me! Hyaaah!"]

*sob* *sob* *sob*

"Huhu, that was beautiful..." I found myself crying, completely moved by the heartfelt story about friendship. The animation was stunning—I couldn't believe a simple cartoon could be so moving.

"That's amazing! I heard they're going to have a season 2 this year!"

Suddenly, I overheard a group of strangers nearby, chatting excitedly about the same movie I had just watched.

"Season 2? So, there's a season 1?"

Out of curiosity, I went home and immediately searched the anime online. After watching it, I discovered more anime, then manga, followed by manhwas—and before I knew it, two years had passed.

I stood in front of the mirror, fixing my tie and preparing for my first day of high school.

"Heh..." I grinned, already feeling something stir inside me, excited yet a bit nervous.

"Kwahahahahaha! I, the demon general, shall live a normal life!"