Chapter 64 - Nexoria City Trip (7)
The moment I felt the place, I looked around to see what was happening around me.
No matter how planned they were, in order for help to arrive this late meant one simple thing.
'The monsters ran rampant.'
And the signs were evident.
SWOOSH CLANK
I could still see some Hunters fighting with monsters scattered around the city. It was evident that the scale of the monster attack was nothing but normal.
'I don't understand. How come such a thing never reached my ears?' I asked myself, seeing the hunters dealing with others. Since I didn't reveal that I had my weapon with me, I did not participate in the hunt.
But things were slightly different from what I thought.
'Even Kaya Hartley will have a hard time if she wants to hide what happened here.' It was an attack that was impossible to reach one's eyes, especially Ethan's.
'Either the game's contents have changed, or there is something I am missing.' I thought and racked my brain. But in the end, I couldn't come up with an answer aside from the Hartley family's power being higher than I expected.
SWOOSH BOOM BOOM
Suddenly I felt something hot around me.
No, saying around me was rather wrong. It was fire aimed at the monsters around.
"GET BACK! THIS LADY WILL HELP YOU!" It was an excited voice of a young girl whose hands were ignited with fire.
Her short, braided red hair fluttered as she moved in the middle of the battlefield, and her yellow eyes were burning like the sun.
SWOOSH BOOM SWOOSH BOOM
A group of monsters lunged at her from all sides, their snarls and roars a cacophony of chaos. But the girl met their attack head-on, her laughter ringing out like a battle cry. "Come on, you ugly creatures! Let's see who's the hottest in this fight!"
Her words were punctuated by bursts of flames, each strike calculated to take down her adversaries. The way she used mana was befitting of a mage I knew, and her personality shone through the battlefield.
As the monsters closed in, she twirled and spun, flames trailing in her wake like a fiery dance.
SWOOSH BOOM SWOOSH BOOM
The battle continued, each wave of her hand sending forth torrents of fire that incinerated the monsters in their path. Her laughter remained a constant, a testament to her enjoyment of the fight. "Burn, baby, burn!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious as she fought with an unwavering smile.
SWOOSH ROAR
Just as a monster lunged at her from her behind, she molded the flames into intricate shapes, creating a wall of fire to shield herself from a particularly ferocious monster's attack.
With a confident grin, she quipped, "Keke…Did you think I would not notice? NOW BURN!"
SWOOSH BOOM
Her movements were a blur as she darted between monsters, her fire leaving trails of destruction in its wake.
And just like that, in a matter of seconds, all the monsters here were slaughtered, leaving none of them alive.
"Huff….It was hot…" As she raised her hand and swept her sweat away with a cool motion, she looked around. "But, it was for sure fun."
I could see the grin stemmed from her addiction to the thrill of the fight as she stepped on top of the corpses.
However, the aftermath of her fiery assault left its mark. The buildings and environment bore the scars of her magic, and the other hunters around her regarded her with squinting gazes. The destruction she had inadvertently caused was hard to ignore.
"HEY! Who are you?" A voice among the crowd broke through, drawing the attention of those around her. The onlookers were wary, their expressions mixed with curiosity and caution.
The reason was simple. She was the girl that came for help but did more damage to the properties in the process. That was something everyone here could do, but they didn't do it.
"Does it matter who I am? Besides, why are you asking me anyway? Didn't I just save you?" The girl answered with a scowl, clearly annoyed by the tone of the question.
'As expected. She is just a little brat.' I thought, looking at her banter. She was a little brat who liked to be the center of attention while doing. However, she wanted and not taking any responsibility for her actions.
Simple as that.
The hunter in charge was clearly unimpressed by her response; his arms crossed as he approached her. "Saving us doesn't give you a free pass to wreak havoc and cause destruction. We could have dealt with those monsters without turning this place into a disaster zone."
Irina's fiery demeanor only seemed to intensify as she shot back, "Oh, please! Like you would've done any better? I saw you guys struggling out here."
The hunter's expression remained stern, his voice laced with authority. "Our job is to protect the city while minimizing collateral damage. What you did here was reckless."
Irina's hands ignited with flames, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her fists. "Look, I don't need a lecture from you. I'm not some rookie mage who can't control her powers. I took care of those monsters, and if a few buildings got scorched in the process, tough luck."
A murmur of agreement seemed to ripple through the crowd, some hunters nodding in reluctant understanding. Others, however, continued to eye Irina with skepticism and disapproval.
Just as the argument seemed to escalate further, another voice cut through the tension. "Hold on a second, everyone."
All eyes turned toward the person who had spoken up. A newcomer stepped forward, a thoughtful expression on their face as they observed Irina. The newcomer's gaze seemed to hold a mixture of recognition and understanding.
"I think I know who she is," the person said, their tone calm yet carrying a sense of certainty.
The crowd's attention shifted, curiosity evident in their expressions. The atmosphere seemed to change as everyone awaited an explanation from the person who had spoken.
The newcomer turned to face Irina, a faint smile playing on their lips. "You're Irina Emberheart, aren't you? I've heard of your family's reputation for powerful fire magic."
The moment his word sank, everyone's eyes were wide open. Looking at the girl, it made sense that she was from that family. She also resembled that woman as well.
'I am fucked, aren't I?' I could see that expression on the face of the hunter who had just gone against the little heir of the Emberheart Family.
He, too, noticed something was amiss, but when he noticed that, things had already gotten out of his control.
He was a sad individual. He was right, but the opponent he was against didn't only require him to be right but also required him to have the strength to back his beliefs up.
This was such a world we were living in.
The right and wrong was defined by the strong.
At that moment, seeing the crowd's reaction, a smile unnaturally bloomed on Irina's face. She seemed genuinely happy that now she was getting the reactions she deserved.
"Tsk. What a brat." I mumbled in annoyance. If the world was going to be in the hands of such a girl, then the future was bleak, not that I cared too much.
Though, for some reason, seeing her smiling like that made me annoyed.
Turning my head, I was about to leave, but suddenly I heard another voice coming from the sides.
"What is happening here?"
It was a voice I knew from the game, which would bring the tamer of this fiery girl right here, right now.
Her short white hair was fluttering as the sword in her hand was filled with blood.
"I thought the monsters were running rampart here and hurried, but it seems we are not needed?" As she mumbled with a small tone, a smile was on her face. It was a smile that would make everyone would relax normally, but nobody here could do it.
Since everyone here knew who this girl was since she also came from a renowned family. Her white hair and blue eyes, coupled with her indescribable beauty, were enough to make everyone know where she was from.
"Julia Middleton."
Different from Irina's Emberheart family, who mostly dealt with magic, the Middleton family was a hunter family that raised the best hunters of each generation; thus, their reputation was a lot wider in the field of Monster Subjugation.
"Oh! Irina? You are here too?" Julia approached Irina with her usual amicable smile as she splashed the blood on her sword onto the road, getting rid of it.
Irina's own scowl seemed to ease slightly as she replied, "Yeah, well, I was bored wandering around. This city doesn't have anything entertaining. But thanks to these guys, I had some fun." As Irina spoke with a grin, the hunter's around her had their furrows burrowed.
After all, they were the ones that were struggling to fight with those monsters, but now this girl was here saying it was fun for her.
This damaged their pride, though the girl on the subject didn't care.
Julia chuckled softly, her smile unwavering. "Well, I can see that. Looks like you handled the situation quite well."
Irina shrugged nonchalantly, her flames flickering as she gestured to the defeated monsters. "Eh, it was a piece of cake. These creatures are nothing compared to what I usually deal with."
Julia's attention turned to the hunter in charge, and she offered a polite nod. "I apologize for the commotion. My friend here tends to have a flair for the dramatic."
The hunter's stern expression softened slightly under Julia's amiable demeanor. "No harm done. We appreciate the assistance, even if it came with a bit of...extra flair."
Irina rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, if you want boring, go hire some stuffy mercenaries. But if you want a show, you call the Emberhearts. I even tried a new spell, was it to your liking?" her smile was still there, but I could see the small annoyance in the eyes of Hunter.
'This girl certainly has the perk of annoying people.' I thought.
Julia's laughter mingled with the murmurs of those around them. Her presence seemed to diffuse the tension even further, her reputation and charm working in her favor.
Julia chuckled softly. "A new spell, you say? It seems you're as spirited as ever. Here I thought there would be some fries left for me."
Irina's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and mischief. "Don't you know, this lady here is known as Monster Frier?"
"Yes, yes. You are the monster frier, okay?" Julia answered, but Irina looked rather bored at the talk. It seems she had enough fun.
She just wanted to change the subject, as she looked around to see where this girl's partner was.
"Hey? Where is Victor?" She asked Julia. Since she and Victor were both partners, she thought they would be together. She even searched for them for a while, but she couldn't find them. "And, I called you. Why didn't you answer?" Irina looked at Julia with a squinting gaze.
"You did? I didn't even hear it." Julia answered while she was checking her watch. "Look, there aren't any calls here."
The moment Irina heard about this, she understood why it was; I could see her annoyance.
'It was for sure Victor's doing. He probably knew Irina would call them, so he put a jammer around them.'
It was something that the guy would do since he was strangely obsessed with Julia. But that was for another day.
Since the commotion here was calmed down, I was about to leave I heard something interesting.
"Victor left after he got a call just now."
"He left?" Irina looked really surprised. There was just no way Victor would leave the chance to wander together with Julia. It was something no one would do.
"Yes. He suddenly said something urgent came up and left. He looked troubled."
The moment I heard what Julia said, suddenly, I thought of something rather insolent.
'What if….'
It was a what-if theory that made everything set in stone, though I had no proof…
Chapter 65 - Nexoria City Trip (8)
"...ters and a demon contractor appeared at the Nexoria City Museum."
The girl opened her eyes, emerging from a troubled sleep. Her body felt exhausted, her muscles sore as if she had been through some ordeal. She felt as though she had been trapped in a nightmare, a disturbing dream that left her breathless.
The sensation of suffocation lingered in her mind. She remembered the hands that had covered her mouth, the sense of dread that had gripped her. And then, there was that metallic scent, a smell that had made her stomach churn with nausea.
Gradually, the sound of a television and a calm woman's voice reached her ears, pulling her back to reality.
"According to revealed information from the Government, twenty people lost their lives in the attack, and it is reported that the number of wounded people passed the mark of 500."
Confusion settled over the girl as she struggled to comprehend the situation. She found herself in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by white walls unlike the pink and girly decor of her own room.
"Mommy?"
The girl's voice trembled as she called out, seeking the comfort of a familiar presence.
"Jane?"
Her mother's soothing voice responded, an anchor in the midst of her confusion and fear.
"Mommy."
Jane's voice wavered as she clung to her mother, finding solace in her embrace.
"Are you okay, dear? You are not feeling uncomfortable, right?"
The mother's voice shook, revealing her own concern for her daughter's well-being.
"I-I am okay now, Mother. I am fine."
Jane tried to sound strong, to reassure her mother, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her true emotions.
But, of course, as a mother, how could she not know how her daughter was feeling? Kaya, seeing her daughter hugging her tightly, noticed that she was trying to put up a strong front.
'This…She is my daughter for sure.'
And she remembered what she herself would always do when she was young.
"It is fine, dear. You can cry now."
"Really?"
"Yes. I am with you."
As she said that, Kaya could feel a slight wetness in her bosom.
TAP TAP
She touched her daughter's body in a soothing manner, tapping her from her back. She knew her daughter was just a little girl that must have never been subjected to such an event.
TOK TOK
Just at that moment, a sound of knocking came from the door.
"Miss Kaya. Can I enter?" It was the voice of a serious woman who seemed to be in her early twenties. "The footage you have requested is ready."
Kaya's eyes wandered around her daughter, who was crying silently in her arms, as she heard the woman's words.
"Please wait for a while."
She answered, deciding to stay with her daughter for a while.
"Understood. I will be waiting."
Just like that, she just soothed her daughter like a mother would do, making her cry as much as she wanted.
********
CREAK
The door swung open with a soft creak, and a woman of serious demeanor stepped into the room. The shift from her composed exterior displayed outside to her current one was striking.
"Miss Kaya," the woman greeted, her tone carrying a respectful undertone as she entered. In her hands, she held a compact tablet, its screen glowing faintly.
Kaya rose from her seat, her expression expectant. There was a reason she had specifically requested this footage.
"You mentioned that the footage is ready, correct?" Kaya inquired, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on her secretary.
"Yes," the secretary confirmed. "As you requested, we managed to retrieve the available footage."
"Then, please, proceed to show me."
The secretary hesitated momentarily before speaking. "However, there is a complication. The camera that was operational at the time didn't capture much of value."
Kaya's brows furrowed in a mild display of frustration. She had held hopes that the footage would shed some much-needed light on the events that had transpired. It appeared that her expectations might not be met after all.
"What do you mean by 'not much of value'?" Kaya's tone carried a mixture of curiosity and a hint of exasperation. She disliked when things were handled with less than utmost diligence.
"Well," the secretary began, her voice measured, "the camera's view is obstructed for the majority of the recording. Shadows dominate the screen, and there's only a limited view of a figure moving within those shadows. We can't glean much from it."
Kaya's curiosity piqued. She was determined to understand the details despite the challenges.
"Can you clarify what you mean by 'shadows'?" Kaya probed further.
"Allow me to show you," the secretary responded, tapping the tablet's screen to initiate the playback. The footage started, and the quality was far from ideal. At first, the camera seemed to capture nothing more than a cluster of low-level crystals.
But then, the skirmish began. The tremors of combat could be sensed through the footage, yet the camera's angle provided little clarity.
In the midst of the action, however, the camera's already suboptimal view worsened. Shadows enshrouded the screen, blurring the vision. Amidst this obscurity, a figure moved within the shadows – a silhouette, small and seemingly of short stature.
Nothing about the figure could be discerned. No details of attire, hair, or even gender were discernible – just an enigmatic outline.
"Are there no other camera angles available?" Kaya inquired, her dissatisfaction palpable in her tone.
"No," the secretary responded. "The shockwave released during the attack destroyed all the other cameras except for this one."
Kaya's expression remained focused, her mind already working to make the most of the limited information available.
"We need to analyze that silhouette," Kaya stated firmly. "I want every available detail extracted from that footage. Enhance the shadows, isolate any distinguishing features, anything that could lead us to identify this figure."
The secretary nodded in understanding. "Of course, Miss Kaya. We'll do our best to enhance and extract any possible details."
Kaya's determination didn't waver. "I want a comprehensive analysis. Create a profile of this silhouette – estimate its height, leg length, build, anything that can give us an idea of who or what we're dealing with."
The secretary jotted down the instructions, her fingers tapping on the tablet. "Understood. We'll work on compiling as much information as we can from this footage."
Kaya's mind was set on uncovering the truth behind this mysterious figure. "Additionally, cross-reference this profile with any available records or databases. We may not have much to work with, but any lead could prove valuable."
As the secretary scribbled down the additional instructions, Kaya's gaze never wavered from the tablet's screen. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the desk, a testament to her unyielding determination.
"Once we have the profile ready, distribute it to the relevant departments. We need to get ahead of this, find out who was responsible for the attack and why."
The secretary's voice carried a note of reassurance. "We're on it, Miss Kaya. We'll use every resource available to us."
"Good. Then, you may leave."
As the woman left, Kaya was left alone with her own thoughts.
'That silhouette. For some reason, I have an intuition that he is young.'
The Demon Contractor and his voices were already recorded by her watch, which she had activated while fighting.
But this unknown assailant who shot the gun was the one brimming in the corner of her mind. For some reason, she couldn't take it out of her head.
'What was his goal? What if next time he will aim for Jane's life?'
There was no concrete proof that that person would aim for her daughter's life, but what if he did?
This question lingered in the corner of her head as she returned to her daughter's room.
********
After the chaos that ensued during the attack and the subsequent release of monsters, the originally planned orientation was abruptly cut short. We all returned to the Academy, the sense of unease lingering in the air like an unshakable shadow.
"I'm truly sorry that our first trip had to end in such a way," the club president's words carried a somber tone. His initial enthusiasm for the club had been dampened by the events of the day, leaving him visibly unsettled.
"Regardless, I'll keep you all informed about our next trip. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday," he added, his wave a mixture of farewell and dismissal. As the meeting dispersed, club members scattered in various directions. Amid the dispersing crowd, I found my way back to my room.
As I settled in, I couldn't help but contemplate my recent actions. The materials I had managed to pilfer from the Museum were securely tucked away in my bracelet.
All valuable items were stolen directly from the Museum's collection. I had taken them while removing the moonstone, intentionally diverting attention from my true focus.
The rationale was simple: I didn't want to give the impression that the moonstone had been my sole objective. It was a calculated move to ensure that my motives remained obscure, even though I doubted anyone would pay it much mind.
In any case, with all those materials at my disposal, I entered my room and started reviewing what had happened in today's trip.
'To think that the fight between two high-ranking individuals was this different. As expected, the game can not hold a candle when it comes to making things look realistic.'
Observing the high-ranking individuals' confrontation, I couldn't help but muse on the disparity between their abilities. The experience was eye-opening, despite the fact that the visual quality was far from perfect.
'The game can't hold a candle to the realism of these battles,' I realized. Witnessing such high-level combat for the first time highlighted the limitations of the game's portrayal of reality.
'It's no wonder the Academy's internship program is so highly sought after.' The realization hit me. Facing such powerful individuals and seeing the gap between their strengths and mine, I understood that I was far from where I needed to be.
"I'm still too weak," the truth weighed heavily on my mind. While I had never been under the illusion that I was exceptionally strong, my higher ranking in the game had cultivated a certain pride within me. I had believed that rigorous training could bridge the gap.
'It is not enough. With this amount of training, how can I face her? How can I face those that I want to kill? What if the man happened to be there was a stronger person?'
However, it was not. Just like what happened in the museum, the story of the game couldn't cover every event that happened in this universe.
What would happen when I faced an enemy whose strength exceeded the game's predefined level? A sobering thought dawned on me. Arrogantly assuming invincibility just because I knew the game's future events was foolish.
"How naive of me," I chastised myself silently. My knowledge of the game's progression blinded me to the reality of my limitations. It was a stark reminder that I couldn't rely solely on my foreknowledge to overcome every obstacle.
"I need to work harder. The events of the story are also coming up. I don't have much time to waste."
The fight I had just witnessed constantly haunted me. I put myself in the position of Kaya Hartley and thought about what would happen if she was not there.
'I would be dead. All my ambitions, all the reason for my living.'
'It would be for naught.'
Standing up from where I was standing, I took the Moonstone from my bracelet and looked into it.
The strange connection remained, but I didn't know what I needed to do with this material.
'Should I use it for a weapon?'
The amount I had at my disposal was not that big, which meant I couldn't use it for a weapon right now.
'If it is so, then I should find more of this material.'
Remembering that villain in the game who used the mana of the moon, I raised my head.
'But, the weapon is the secondary thing.'
Releasing my mana from my hand, I tried to form a small thread on my hand. It was hard at first, but I am slowly getting better at my mana control.
'I need to improve my mana control and my magical power first. Without the power to use it, the weapon's strength won't matter.'
With that thought, I grabbed my training materials and headed to the training grounds.
It was time to grind.
Chapter 66 - Normal Life
"Good…."
Lying on the ground, I looked around myself.
"I am getting better."
Before me were the scattered bodies of the worm crickets. A type of insect monster that had merged into one and became a weird-looking chimera.
"My speed of shooting is improving along with my mana control."
As I mumbled that, I raised my bow and imbued my mana into my arrow.
'This is the blue color I saw at that time.'
It was the color that appeared when I shot that bullet to the head of that demon contractor.
'Solar Eclipse. It felt like the way my mana exploded reminded me of the sun.'
The bullet of that attack was certainly strong, and I felt like the mana I imbued at that time was a lot harder to contain. It was like, from the start, the mana was about to explode.
'It is going with the same pattern as the book shows. Then, that means the last one will be that black-purple-colored one.'
'New moon.'
'I have yet to understand how I can change from one type of mana to another, but right now, just learning their properties is enough.'
It was progress, nevertheless. When it came to my mana and trait, everything was an Enigma, just like the name showed. It was truly hard, but that was also what made it a lot more rewarding to explore.
"In any case, let's return."
Looking at the clock, I saw it was nearing 3 AM. After what I had witnessed in the museum, there was no way I could be sleeping soundly instead of training.
And this was the first step, reducing sleep and training more. Just like that, I was about to leave the training rooms, but there I saw a young woman training with her bow.
Her black hair swung as her arrows flew one by one.
'Senior Elara.'
I thought to myself.
The marksmanship she was showing was something I would not forget. It was quite insightful and enabled me to integrate my technique even better.
Even though I was still in the progress of perfecting my aim, thanks to all those people around me, I could see myself improving slowly.
SWOOSH SWOOSH
As the two arrows flew, one of them was aimed at the ground while the other one was flying somewhere else.
CREAK
The first one to hit the ground made it freeze.
"Kik!"
And the hologram of the monster immediately noticed the frozen ground and changed its path, turning to sides.
SPURT
But that was exactly what Elara was aiming for, as the arrow immediately struck the monster's eye.
'A crafty way of using her elements.'
I mused. Her way of using her bow was elegant as ever, and today too, I learned another lesson.
'This must be enough.'
SWOOSH
Just as I was about to leave, suddenly, I felt something approaching.
THUD
As I slightly tilted my head to the side, I saw an arrow hitting the ground. Getting surprised by the sudden attack, I turned my face to the assailant.
"Senior, what is the meaning of this?"
I asked. This was something that would be considered very rude no matter where you were at. Be it an academy, outside world, or dungeon.
I could see Elara's slight smile on her face as she slowly approached. I didn't say anything and just stayed there waiting for her to come.
"Junior, don't you think it's a bit discourteous to observe your senior's training and depart without a proper greeting?" Elara's voice was light, and her playful tone indicated she was in an amicable mood.
"Someone might also think interrupting a senior's training just for the sake of greeting is a rude action. I think it is a matter of perspective." I answered, not backing off from her gaze.
Indeed I may have looked a bit rude to constantly watch her, but it was not like she was trying to hide her training either. She was using a normal training room where anyone could see.
"Heh…It seems you are good with your words." She answered. For some reason, it seemed her serious expression was gone, probably because she was tired.
I nodded in acknowledgment. This was something I was proud of, as I had the tendency to argue even for the smallest things I deemed I was right, at least if I was in the mood to do so.
In any case, for some reason, this woman was talking to me. I didn't remember any encounter I had with her after the first day, so it was a little weird to talk like that.
Elara's smile softened as she studied me. "You're a hardworking junior, it seems." As she said, she signaled the training grounds around us. "Only you and me are left here."
I inclined my head, acknowledging her words. "Thank you."
She seemed to sense my half-hearted gratitude. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. If you ever need pointers or advice, don't hesitate to ask."
Just like that, she left, but I was left slightly weirded at the sudden interaction I had with this woman who was normally serious.
'Is she drunk?' I even pondered about it but soon discarded this thought. There were no signs of her getting drunk, so that was just a random assumption.
Anyway, it wasn't like that was something big, so I just discarded my thoughts and reached my room.
*****
"Elara, do you see this boy here?"
Elara Holden, the vice-captain of the Archery Club, recalled the opening day of the club when she and their club advisor, Instructor Ethan, greeted the incoming freshmen. She cast her mind back to that moment when they stood amidst the crowd.
"Which one?" Elara inquired, glancing at the sea of unfamiliar faces. The gathering was a mix of young boys eager to join the club.
"The one at the back," Instructor Ethan clarified.
"Ah… The one with purple eyes?"
"Yes."
"So, what's special about him?" Elara's voice held a trace of skepticism. She was wary of favoritism and was not inclined to pay special attention to any specific student.
"He's not special in the conventional sense," Instructor Ethan replied. His words caught Elara's interest, as she knew he was not the type to show undue favoritism.
"Then?"
"I'm the one who invited him to join."
"You invited him?" Elara raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the revelation.
"Yes."
"But why? He doesn't strike me as remarkable."
"In a superficial sense, no, he doesn't appear remarkable. And that's what you'll think when you see him training for the first time."
"Why are you so invested in him?"
Instructor Ethan's tone held a hint of intrigue. "He recently transitioned from using daggers to wielding a bow."
"He switched from daggers to a bow?"
"Yes. At first, I thought he might be a random student seeking attention, but after overseeing his weapon change exam, I can confidently say that he has natural talent. He passed stage 5 of the exam on his first attempt."
"Stage 5? Is that supposed to be impressive?"
"It might not be for someone who has trained their whole life with a bow, but especially if their specialization is close combat, how do you think they will do?"
Elara pieced together the information, asking, "So, what are you suggesting?"
"I believe he is awakened, probably with a trait specifically suited for archery. His accuracy was far too advanced for a beginner. You'll understand if you watch the training footage. This boy possesses an innate aptitude."
"If you're this adamant, I'll keep an eye on him for a while. But don't expect anything extraordinary."
"Good. I'll let you decide, and I won't impose."
"All right, then."
As Elara recalled the conversation, she chuckled softly, shaking her head at the memory.
'What an unexpected twist,' she thought, her smile fading. She had initially dismissed him as an ordinary student. She had even checked his name and past records, confirming his status as the lowest-ranked student in the academy with a reputation for being aloof.
Consequently, she dismissed Instructor Ethan's claims as an overestimation. Despite this, she had dutifully observed his training footage. And what she had seen had astounded her.
'How did he progress so rapidly?'
He seemed to absorb knowledge like a vortex, each piece adding to his skill set. His physical attributes might be lacking, but his rapid improvement was captivating.
'An intriguing case.'
As she watched him leave the training room at 3 AM, a mixture of curiosity and fascination welled up within her.
'Where are you headed when the confines of your body only hold you back? What is the place you are going to reach even in the presence of such weakness?'
As her thoughts trailed off, a crazed smile formed on her lips. She absently wiped away the drool that had escaped her mouth.
'I want to see it.'
Elara's grin turned slightly maniacal as she left the Archery Club, her excitement apparent in her demeanor.
As she too slowly made her way out of the Archery Club, she forgot to erase her smile.
Just like that, in the middle of the night, a crazed woman was walking inside the forest….
*******
"Good morning, Cadets," Eleanor White's voice resonated as she entered the classroom, striding purposefully toward her desk.
"Today, you will be participating in Combat Training Against Monsters," Eleanor continued without delay. "Similar to last time, this will involve dungeon exploration."
She started to inform everyone about their training. It was her way of doing things; she disliked spending time talking about useless things and immediately broached the subject.
My keen senses allowed me to catch the quiet murmur that rippled through the classroom in response to her announcement. Some students exchanged excited glances, while others seemed apprehensive.
I heard a hushed conversation between two students nearby:
"I hope we won't run into anything too dangerous."
"Last time wasn't a walk in the park, that's for sure."
Hearing them like that, I couldn't help but shake my head.
'These kids will never learn, won't they?'
If someone with such low stats like me could hear what they were saying, then a seasoned Hunter who ranked three digits in the entire world would easily do so.
And just to prove that, as the whispering persisted, Eleanor's piercing gaze swept across the room. The room fell into silence as though responding to her unspoken command.
"Am I interrupting something?" she inquired, her tone unyielding.
The students quickly averted their eyes, realizing that their conversation had caught the attention of their instructor. Eleanor had a reputation for maintaining a no-nonsense classroom environment.
"Tch. I asked you a question, right?" For some reason, Eleanor looked slightly angry.
'This woman probably got out of the bed the wrong side.' I thought.
"No, Instructor White," one of the students replied, her voice slightly shaky. It was a girl that was sitting on the front side, and she was always loud in her conversations. It was her innate habit, as it didn't seem like she was doing it for attention. She was not someone that talked with boys anyway.
Eleanor's stern expression conveyed her expectations clearly.
"I suggest you focus on the training ahead rather than engaging in idle chatter."
"I am sorry, instructor."
"It is good that you know your faults, unlike someone."
As her piercing words echoed, naturally, everyone's eyes turned to me. At this point, they knew that she was talking to me since the confrontation between me and she was famous.
I eventually simply ignored her words and kept my gaze on her. I didn't think I did anything wrong; thus, I didn't answer.
"Anyway, let's start." Eleanor's gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each cadet. "Today's exercise will challenge your teamwork, communication, and adaptability. You will be exploring a simulated dungeon environment, working in teams just as you did during your first practical lesson."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "However, this time, your objective is different. You are not tasked with defeating a specific monster. Instead, your goal is to reach the endpoint of the dungeon. The path will be challenging, and there will be various obstacles in your way."
As she said that, her eyes pierced through me.
"And I suggest everyone participate in this dungeon. We are here to learn and improve ourselves, not to laze around."
Still not unbothered by her words, I simply sat there and watched her start the lesson. It was obvious that she was blatantly targeting me as an outlet for her emotions, but we were no longer kids.
In the end, mere words will never be enough to get a reaction from me after all.
Chapter 67 - Normal Life (2)
"Please meet with your groups. You will now enter the dungeon."
As the sound of the instructor came, every student, one by one, grouped with their group. It was the same for me since this practice was mandatory to attend.
Even though one's grades being low is not something to take disciplinary action on, if the students were to miss a practical training without an excuse, the case might even go up to the explosion, which is not something I want for the time being.
In any case, as I slowly walked, I immediately noticed the girl with amber hair and red eyes looking at me with an annoyed expression. Her demeanor hadn't even changed slightest.
'Irina is the same as usual.'
The other two were also there. Nora was looking at me with an awkward expression, clearly wanting to talk with me. She was not a girl that could easily ignore someone.
And Goerge was as usual. He looked intimidating and big, but his expression gave him away as he looked shy.
'He was such a guy.' I once again reminded myself.
As if on cue, Irina couldn't contain herself, and a scoff escaped her lips. "Great, the invisible guy again."
Her disdainful tone was uncannily reminiscent of our initial encounter, and it was clear that her attitude hadn't softened in the least. George shifted uncomfortably beside her while Nora's expression showed a mix of unease and sympathy.
"Is that so," I answered with an indifferent tone.
My indifference to her hostility probably baffled Irina, but it was better than letting it get under my skin.
"Tch." She clicked her tongue as she turned her attention to the boy whom she wanted attention from.
It was obvious who he was, so there was no need to explain.
The atmosphere got awkward. I could see Nora and Geroge wanted to talk, but Irina's picky behavior and her attention being elsewhere was making them hesitate.
Just like that, a little time passed until our number was announced.
"Team 13. Enter." As the instructor shouted, our group moved into the dungeon and entered. Since it was the academy mock dungeon, that uncomfortable feeling of teleporting was slightly reduced.
The moment we materialized within the dungeon, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The ambient light dimmed, and a shroud of darkness seemed to envelop everything around us. It was a stark contrast to the previous classroom setting.
'As expected, there was a reason why they put the achieving condition to reach the end. There are probably a lot of traps in front of us.' I concluded.
This event was not detailly shown in the game since there weren't many things to show, but I guess real life was different.
"I will take the lead," Irina said with an annoyed expression. It seemed she disliked being in the dark, her hands igniting with flickering flames.
The firelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, revealing the outlines of the passageways before us. As our leader, she seemed more focused and determined than ever, her fiery magic acting as a beacon in the darkness.
But looking at her like that, I knew the thing she did was something everyone could do, and the instructors must have already prepared a specific response for such a thing.
'Acting before making a thorough assessment and plan. As expected, this girl doesn't have the qualities of being the leader.'
SWOOSH
The moment I thought about that, suddenly, the fire surging through the atmosphere diminished.
No, rather than saying it diminished, the true word would be slightly different. Its light diminished, and the warmth radiating from the fire was still there.
'This must be the environment of the dungeon.' I concluded. Dungeons were special environments where things that wouldn't be imaginable happened. Such a phenomenon happening was rather normal.
"What?" Irina asked with a dumbfounded tone. It was blatantly obvious that she had never expected that the light from her fire would dimmish like that. "What is happening?"
She tried to conjure another bunch of fire and illuminate the surroundings, but I could see a small veil surrounding us.
'Does it react to light and stay around it?' I thought, trying to understand its essence.
"Tsk." She clicked her tongue as she looked at her fire.
"Any of you got any idea?" She asked, turning her attention to Nora and Geroge.
"I don't."
"Me neither." The two responded real quickly.
"Sigh…." I could see Irina sighing as she looked into the road before, ignoring me completely.
'If you don't want the answer, then so be it.'
"Then, we need to go blindly; we can't afford to waste any more time. Be careful of your step."
As she answered, she started walking in the corridor, her senses alert. I could see the atmosphere was tense; after all, it was dark, and nothing could be seen.
At least, this was the case for them. Since I could easily see whatever was happening around me thanks to my traits. All of them were more suited for darkness. This was my territory.
Also, the fire Irina had ignited already showed us the path before the darkness sank, so they should also be aware of the path ahead up to some point.
'I now understand what this test wants from us.'
For the hunters, perception and reading of the environment were also very important, just like combat prowess. There are countless situations that can happen inside the dungeon, and it is essential to think and act fast.
This dungeon was to test such skills. When darkness descends, the first thing a human will think is illuminating the surroundings to activate their vision.
However, by putting a light following darkness veil into an equation, the instructors can test the students' interval sight.
'After walking for a while, Irina's fire will illuminate the surroundings for a second, probably. But, then, that veil of darkness will follow the light.'
It was a very good idea to test the students, as expected from the Academy.
With Irina taking the lead, the group ventured down the darkened corridor, the atmosphere heavy with caution. I trailed slightly behind, my heightened senses allowing me to perceive the danger lurking in the obscurity.
A trap was before us, and luckily none of the three had touched it. It was on my alignment, so I just slightly moved to the side and dodged the trap. I didn't know what it was, neither did I have any intention to learn.
"AH!"
At that moment, a sudden, sharp noise disrupted my thoughts. Irina's cry of pain mingled with the crackle of electricity. My attention snapped to her, and I could see her convulsing as she clutched her foot.
'Electric Trap.' I mentally noted to myself. I could see that she was in pain, but if someone didn't want to cooperate with me, I wouldn't do it either. I was just an observer in their world.
'What goes around comes around.' I thought.
"Irina!" As George saw Irina in pain, he immediately jumped to help. It was normal; after all, it was his role to tank normally.
But by doing so, he triggered another trap. A net fell from above, ensnaring him and hoisting him off the ground.
Following that, thanks to George's big build, by falling to the ground, he activated another trap that was pretty far away.
SWOOSH SWOOSH
This time, I could see and feel a bunch of arrows coming to our faces.
CLANK CLANK CLANK
"Hey!" Nora cried out with concern, skillfully deflecting arrows with her sword.
The environment was dark, but it seemed Nora had already quite adapted to it. She threw a look at me. It was a look for help, but I simply stood there and watched her.
Even though she feared Irina, if you are not going against injustice because of your fear of strong while ignoring your values, then you are selfish.
And if you are selfish, you have no right to demand any other person to behave according to your wishes since they can be selfish as they want as well.
It is not that I am condemning her. It is just how it is.
As Nora made her way towards the two, she first approached George and cut the net, covering his foot with her sword.
At that point, Irina had already taken care of herself as well. Aside from small twitches, it seems the trap had lost its effects.
However, it was evident that thanks to Irina's misjudgment and ego by marching forward as a leader on her own, the formation of the three was a mess.
'This is a bit embarrassing.' Considering these people would be the future best hunters, they had a rather long way to go. But it was not like they were not improving.
Their dynamics were shifting, adapting to the immediate challenges they faced. It was a test not just of their combat prowess but also their ability to work as a team under duress.
"George, take the front." Realizing her mistake, Irina threw a look at George and put him in front. "I will try to look for a solution to the darkness, and Nora will cover me."
SWOOSH
However, before they could reform the formation, a creature from the darkness had already leaped.
And its aim was me.
"Tch."
Clicking my tongue, I released the string I had drawn.
SWOOSH
As the arrow I had knocked with my mana traveled, it pierced the neck of the monster and made it fall to the ground.
'Now that I have revealed it let's not pretend any longer.'
SWOOSH SWOOSH SWOOSH
Firing at a rapid speed with my mana-imbued arrows, I shot three arrows at the monster flying in the air.
THUD THUD THUD
And with a smooth sound, all three of them fell to the ground.
"Huh?"
Both George and Nora were looking at me with surprised expressions. Even Irina had a small exclamation of surprise.
They probably didn't sense the monsters, and it was normal. If not for my good vision in the dark, I would not be able to sense them either.
The tension was palpable in the aftermath of the confrontation with the monsters. Irina, George, and Nora stood in a semi-circle, their eyes fixed on me. It was evident that the unexpected revelation of my abilities had caught them off guard.
"Huh, you've got quite the sharp aim," Irina remarked with a raised eyebrow, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Mind explaining why you didn't tell us you could see in the dark?"
I could see she was angry. It seemed her pride was hurt.
'I guess it is time to teach her a lesson and establish the hierarchy for future events. This was getting annoying too.'
With that thought, I raised my head and answered.
"No one asked."
Chapter 68 - Normal Life (3)
"Huh, you've got quite the sharp aim," Irina remarked with a raised eyebrow, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Mind explaining why you didn't tell us you could see in the dark?"
I met her gaze evenly; her question was hardly surprising. It was typical of her to demand answers, especially when it concerned something that could potentially benefit the group. It was expectable, but at the same time, it was annoying.
Be it her tone, her demeanor, it was all bratty, and this was a good opportunity for future explorations. For this whole semester, we were going to be a team, and establishing myself in the team would make it also easier for me.
At least, I would spend less time dealing with dungeons like this.
"No one asked."
I retorted coolly, my voice devoid of emotion. It was a simple and straightforward answer to her inquiry, also making sure that she was the one to blame for it.
Irina's eyes narrowed in response to my response. It was clear that she wasn't used to encountering people who didn't succumb to her authoritative presence. However, her ego was resilient, and she didn't back down.
"Don't play coy with me," she shot back, her annoyance evident. "In a team setting like this, information sharing is crucial. Your silence about your abilities jeopardizes our chances of success."
I weighed her words for a moment before responding, my expression neutral. "And you're right. In a team, information sharing is important. But it's a two-way street. If you had been open to input from the start, maybe we wouldn't have triggered those traps in the first place."
Irina's eyes flared with anger, her fiery disposition ignited by my words. She wasn't used to being challenged, especially not by someone who had been relatively silent until now. But I had no intention of backing down, not when I knew the truth of our situation.
"I may not have openly revealed my abilities, but that doesn't absolve you from your responsibilities as the leader," I continued, my tone unwavering. "As a team, it's your duty to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each member. Instead, you charged ahead without a thought for the consequences."
When it came to wordplay, I was confident in my ability. At the same time, it was also some sort of habit. And right now, I wanted to beat this girl's ego for some reason.
Nora and George exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the escalating tension between their leader and me. It was an uncomfortable situation for them, caught in the crossfire of a clash of personalities.
"Just like the previous dungeon exploration, it was your own fragile ego that made you lose your points, and this time too. If you are unable to utilize the strength of every person in your group as a leader because of your ego, then you are not suitable for being a leader.
This is a dungeon exploration that is surveyed by the academy professors, but in real life, there won't be any surveillance, nor the traps here will be unlethal. As a leader, the life of your subordinates will be your responsibility. Can you handle when they lose their life because their leader, whose eyes were blinded by her pride, made poor decisions?"
"Looks like someone has a lot to say," Irina retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She folded her arms across her chest, her fiery gaze fixed on me. "If you're so confident in your abilities, maybe you'd like to lead the way instead?"
Her challenge was clear, a way to put me on the spot and prove her own superiority. But I didn't let her provocations rattle me. Instead, I regarded her with an unflinching gaze.
"Maybe I would," I responded evenly, my tone showcasing none of the annoyance that had welled up inside me. "But you've already shown that you're not open to collaboration. A leader should inspire trust and cooperation, not arrogance."
Irina's eyes blazed with fury; her fists clenched at her sides. It was evident that my words were getting under her skin, and part of me reveled in that realization. She was used to being the center of attention, the one who called the shots, and I was disrupting that order.
"You think you're so smart, huh?" she shot back, her voice seething with anger. "Fine, let's see how well you can navigate this dungeon. Lead us then if you're so confident. But, if you fail, I will make sure you will experience hell next time."
I could see the challenge in her eyes, a dare to prove myself in a situation that I hadn't asked for. But my goal was never to become the leader; it was simply to point out the flaws in her approach.
In the first place, my position was not fit to be a leader. As a marksman and rearguard, leading the team would be possible, but considering I also need to act as a scout, things may get messy.
'But, this is a good opportunity to test myself.'
I met her challenge with a steady gaze, "Fine then. I will be the leader." I simply answered and turned my attention to the other two. "Are you both fine with that?"
"Yes."
"I have no problem."
Thanks to Irina's overbearing atmosphere, it was very easy for the other two to accept my proposal. And, just like that, I was left with the role of the leader.
"Now, I will make it short," I announced, my tone even. "I'll be at the front, and my focus will be on detecting and avoiding traps. You both will follow exactly in my steps. The formation will be a single line to minimize the risk of triggering traps. Irina, refrain from using your fire magic for now.
I suspect that the veil of darkness reacts to light sources and might attract unwanted attention from monsters. We'll need to time our use of light carefully."
Irina's expression displayed a mixture of annoyance and reluctant agreement, but she didn't challenge my plan. It was clear that she wanted to regain her perceived control over the situation, but it was also necessary to show this girl that it was important to have a good plan.
"As we move forward," I continued, "there might be intersections or forks in the road. At those points, follow my lead and await my decision. I'll take responsibility for guiding us in the right direction. You need to obey my commands exactly and listen to them cautiously. Since everyone's sight is limited, I will be your eyes."
"Any questions?"
"…."
"Good. Let's, start."
Just like that, we started moving, and from this moment on, things got easier and easier.
I was in the front, avoiding all the traps, while the other three tried to follow me. Our speed was not top-notch, but it was remarkable enough. After all, there were groups that could tank all the damage and brute force their way to the front.
This was what the main cast did in the game. But, our formation is not suited for that, neither is George's strength.
Still, as we progressed, I could feel the tension in the group begin to ease. Irina's earlier bravado had given way to a begrudging acknowledgment of my role, while Nora and George seemed more at ease, knowing that someone with a watchful eye was leading them.
Of course, they tried to make it so that Irina didn't notice it, but at the end of the day, she did. After all, she was not that stupid either, even though she was prideful.
"Stop," I commanded at a crossroads where multiple paths diverged.
Activating my [Keen Eye], I surveyed the options before us, my mind processing the information quickly. "Left," I directed, and we continued down the chosen path.
It wasn't just about avoiding traps; it was also about utilizing each member's strengths. Since the confrontation was unavoidable, it was time to make the party return to normal formation.
I instructed George, "George, I need you at the front. Your size and strength will help us clear any obstacles in our way." He nodded in understanding and moved to the front, his hulking form leading the way.
Just like that, we faced our second share of enemies. When a group of creatures emerged from the darkness, I directed George to engage them, his massive form acting as an impenetrable wall. Nora took up her position by his side, her swordsmanship fluid and precise as she struck down our foes.
Irina's fire magic came into play once again as she targeted the enemies from a distance, her flames engulfing them with powerful bursts of heat. Our coordinated efforts ensured that none of us were overwhelmed, and we emerged unharmed from each encounter.
"George, halt," I called out as we approached a suspicious section of the path. He stopped, and I could see a faint line on the ground. "Careful, there's a pressure plate here. Nora, can you disarm it?" Nora stepped forward, her skilled hands deftly disarming the pressure plate with a small tool from her equipment. "All clear," she confirmed, and we continued on our way.
At another point, we encountered a narrow passage with protruding spikes. "Irina, your fire magic could be useful here," I suggested. Irina nodded, her demeanor more cooperative now. She conjured a controlled burst of flames, melting the spikes and creating a safe path for us.
And just like that, we kept moving forward.
******
'What is with this guy?' Irina thought to herself, seeing the irritating bastard leading the group. 'How is he so good?'
Even though she didn't want to admit it, the way he led the group, the way he instantly utilized his strengths of them and made quick judgments, were worthy of praise.
However, she was annoyed.
Annoyed by the fact that she was getting beaten by him. For some reason, whenever she spoke with him, she would get annoyed.
It was his attitude. The attitude of not showing any respect. As a girl who was born in one of the most famous households of her small country and the daughter of the current fire Archmage, she was someone that was always respected by others.
She was always the center of attention, so she naturally got used to it.
But now, nothing was going the way she had expected at all.
She couldn't help but feel a mixture of begrudging respect and annoyance at his cool demeanor. Who did he think he was, taking charge of their group so confidently? And yet, she had to admit that his leadership was effective. He had a methodical way of approaching each situation, giving clear instructions and making decisions without hesitation.
"Stop," he commanded, his voice breaking the silence. She halted her steps, her annoyance flaring as she waited for his direction.
"Something is weird." He continued. She could see his brows furrowed, and since they were sticking closer, his face was visible.
'He is not bad.' She thought. She couldn't help but compare his looks to Victor, the person she liked. Of course, for her, Victor was at the peak, and it was the same for most other people, but this irritating guy before him was quite handsome too.
'Though he needs to cut these bangs. He looks like an emo kid.' She visualized herself burning his hair down and making him bald, and satisfaction welled in her heart.
'I should definitely try it.' She kept deluding herself in her delusions, but it was a mistake.
Lost in her daydreams and the inner monologue about bangs and baldness, Irina's senses were momentarily dulled.
GROWL
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the corridor, snapping her back to reality. Before she could react, a monstrous creature lunged at her from the shadows, its eyes gleaming with malevolence.
Instinct kicked in, and her body tensed to summon a burst of fire to defend herself, but Astron was quicker.
SWOOSH
His arrow whizzed through the air with deadly accuracy, piercing the monster's flank and diverting its attention away from her.
"KIEEK!"
The creature let out a howl of pain, its charge faltering as it stumbled to the side.
"What the hell are you doing?" Astron's voice was laced with frustration and anger as he swiftly knocked another arrow and fired at the monster approaching. "Use your fire magic. Their number is enormous. Three on the three clockwise, four on eleven clockwise, and another three on eight clockwise."
His instructions were clear as his cold gaze penetrated the battlefield. For a second, Irina was caught off guard as she couldn't bring herself to say anything. He was close, extremely close for a second, but then he immediately took his position behind her and knocked another bunch of arrows.
"George, cover the left side using your skill and force them to group in the middle. Nora, confront them and keep them busy. With my command, you both will retreat."
The situation was urgent, and her initial lapse in attention was unforgivable. She watched as George and Nora followed Astron's orders, creating a coordinated defense against the encroaching creatures. It was a testament to his leadership and their willingness to trust his instructions.
"Kiek!"
The creatures attacked them with a fast ambush as she watched the three fight.
"Get ready your magic; you will sweep them off with my command."
But clarity returned to her head in a matter of seconds as Irina noted the directions Astron had given to her.
"Now."
And with his words, she simply released all of the emotions inside her heart, sweeping the monsters…