Sputnik is sweeping like an automated machine once more, it seems his high words were a fallacy.
Elliot walks over again, tossing his can at Sputnik, covering him in soda once more.
Sputnik leans down to pick up the can.
My classmate kicks the can away from his reach with a snicker.
He winds up to boot him again.
Suddenly, Sputnik sweeps his legs causing him to fall on his back with a groan.
"-The fuck?!"
The pistol ejects from his arm as he catches it midair. He leans down over Elliot, aiming the gun at his head with a wide, emoticon grin.
Elliot's breathing hastens as his eyes widen.
There's a pause as the air is still.
A click sounds as the Night core Elliot's chest pops out.
The metal plate sprouts legs as it begins to crawl up Sputnik's leg.
Elliot jolts up as he lurches up. "What the hell?! My core! Get back here!"
Sputnik looks just as confused as he stands there frozen.
As much as he deserves a core, Somnia said robots can't have cores.
Well, at least he stood up for himself.
While he's one step closer to his goal, I haven't moved. Then again, movement without a destination is just a stroll.
The core manages to dodge Elliot's swipes and jumps onto Sputnik's chest before drilling itself in, creating a hole in him.
The two of them don't move for a moment as the Night core now glows a toxic green.
Elliot grabs his shoulder. "What the fuck you droid?! Give me back my core! That's my ticket to the high life! I thought you bolts couldn't even use these!"
I don't think Elliot realizes he just lost his anchor; if he dies now, he's dead for good.
Sputnik unfreezes as his LED screen turns back on; a wide digital smile grows across his face.
Elliot's eyes widen as he likely just figured out what losing his core truly means.
Raising his fist, he begins to count, "3...2..."
With a scream, Elliot flees.
Lowering his fist, Sputnik stores the pistol back in his arm before picking the broom back up and continuing sweeping.
"A robot that can wield a Night core, they certainly won't be quiet about this."
I turn to Hallow, "Why do you live?"
He jolts back. "Uh!?...was that a death threat or an actual question?"
"What drives you forward?"
"Oh, like a goal." He pauses, looking up. "I never really thought about it, I guess success to help my family?"
Uncertainty, it seems I was right about the cores, they are based on belief. The weaker the will, the weaker the ability.
But why didn't Somnia tell us that?
Does that mean I can change my affinity?
Can you simply will yourself to have a higher purpose if it's backed only by greed?
Taking a bite of my sandwich, I slouch. There are too many questions to answer during my lunch break.