Chapter 180 - A Test (5)
Emerging from the shadows was another student, an incredibly beautiful girl with silver hair cascading towards her waist and eyes as blue as an icy winter sky.
Her presence, which exuded an air of elegance and cold determination, would immediately capture the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
"Seraphina."
Irina met the eyes of the newcomer with a fiery gaze, her aura burning. It didn't take a genius to understand that her emotions were overflowing.
'Seraphina Frostborne.'
It was the girl's name, a character, and a future pillar in the game.
'Of course, it is going to be her.'
There was no way, other than Seraphina, that someone would intentionally target Irina like this.
'After all, they are rivals.'
Information that Seraphina was the rival of the Irina wasn't disclosed, and everyone knew about it. Even in the game, these two often clashed, creating problems for the player.
They were incompatible and almost impossible to put on the same party, and at some point, the player would need to make a decision as to which one to choose.
Each one of them came with its own storyline and its own problems, and choosing one would essentially make the other enemy.
Seraphina, unperturbed by Irina's fiery aura, regarded her with a calm demeanor. There were no traces of other students in her group.
'Are they spread?' I asked myself after seeing her alone. If it was Seraphina, that might be true since even under the cold exterior she had shown; she is also a mage with huge ego and arrogance.
'No, that wouldn't be the case.'
However, I dismissed the idea. Different from this fiery girl, Seraphina was someone who could easily control her arrogance and her feelings, and this was the reason why she was ranked higher than Irina in the school rankings.
"Isn't it a surprise to find you in our little territory, Irina?" Seraphina's voice was as composed as ever, her words carrying a subtle chill. "I was just having a discussion with my group about the prowess of Emberheart's best."
Irina's jaw clenched, and her fists tightened around her staff. She shot a glance around, noticing the absence of anyone accompanying Seraphina. "I don't see anyone around you."
Seraphina responded with an elegant smirk, her demeanor unwavering. "Indeed. After all, there is no one to talk about Emberheart's best since there is nothing to talk about. Unless, of course, you count fiery tantrums and misplaced arrogance."
Of course, while talking about her, I missed one thing.
'This girl really has a poisonous tongue.'
If there was one thing Irina lacked compared to Seraphina, it would be the fact that Seraphina knew how to speak.
Even from her childhood, she must have been pretty compatible with politics and higher society. After all, if a person doesn't know how to talk, they can't survive in such a place.
This is also the reason why Irina probably hates going home since it is the same for her own household.
"If you're here for a fight, Seraphina, you won't be disappointed."
Seraphina's lips curled into a slight smile, an expression that held a hint of amusement. "A test of skill among students is always enlightening, don't you think?"
CREAK!
With those words, the surrounding mana surged, forming crystals above her head. A sudden burst of frost emanated from her, and in an instant, the surroundings were transformed into a wintry landscape. The ground beneath their feet frosted over, and the air became biting cold.
SWOOSH! SWIRL!
The same went for Irina; unfazed, she conjured flames around her staff.
"Sigh, this is troublesome," I mumbled.
Knowing that the fight that was going to happen here would mean that we might also be swayed by the clashes.
The contrasting elements of fire and ice clashed as the two mages faced off.
'We need to get ready too.'
I observed the fight. Even though I really wanted to watch and see how the top two mages in the academy fought, I knew we wouldn't have the time.
Since Seraphina attacked us, that means she wanted something. That girl wouldn't do something that doesn't have any benefits to her. She might like messing with Irina a little bit, but essentially, she dislikes doing random things, and her showing herself after attacking without her group clearly indicates what she is after.
It was the device. Even though we had recorded the magic formulas on the device, we had yet to submit it to the teachers, and no rule indicated that a device belonged to a group alone.
That meant it was susceptible to stealing.
And, already aware of that from the start, I got the device from Irina.
'She probably thinks the device is on Irina.'
Seraphina knows Irina just like me, and she also knows how arrogant she is.
'This fight is pointless.'
She also knows that, no matter how much power they put in this fight, it won't end with a clear result.
After all, there are other predators out there, and she can't waste much time.
'So, she will aim for a clean victory.'
And that clear victory was getting the device, which basically meant our whole points.
"Sylvie, are you ready?"
I said, looking at her.
"What?"
She asked, slightly surprised.
'!'
I was about to inform them that they were probably coming, but at that second, my senses screamed at me.
CLANK!
The sound of metal meeting metal echoed through the wintry landscape as I swiftly turned, raising one of my daggers to deflect the arrow coming from my back. The arrow clattered against the blade and fell harmlessly to the frosted ground.
Eyes of Hourglass.
Activating my skill, I immediately observed the direction the arrow came from.
'From the tree, huh?'
And my eyes immediately noticed another student on the tree. He tried to conceal his mana and presence as best as he could, but he was still not good at it enough.
'A low ranker.'
The teams were balanced. Thus, I knew he was the lower-ranked student.
'Then, this must be the other one.'
TAP! TAP!
Immediately before my eyes, a presence made itself known.
SWOOSH!
Dashing at me with a rapid speed, another student appeared with his sword aimed right at my chest.
CLANK!
However, I was ready from the start. Blocking the attack with my dagger, I redirected it to the ground, altering his balance.
THUD!
And then, with a smooth kick, I pushed him back, opening the distance.
"Kurgh…." The student grunted, stumbling backward from the force of my kick. He quickly regained his composure, a mix of frustration and determination on his face.
As he staggered back, I took a moment to assess the situation. The wintry battleground was now scattered with the clash of elements, the hiss of flames, and the crystalline coldness of frost.
'Archer first.'
Immediately grabbing my bow from my back, I knocked an arrow on the bow and channeled my mana.
SWOOSH!
Since I had done this same motion countless times and also trained while alternating between close combat and long range, it didn't even take me a second to shoot the arrow at the archer on the tree.
CLANK!
Of course, the guy who had just scattered noticed that I switched to the bow and then immediately dashed to me with his sword once again.
CLANK!
I blocked his attack once again with my daggers, but this time, I was the one pushed back. Switching back to dagger took a little time, and my posture wasn't perfect.
SWOOSH!
The guy continued attacking without any words, and I evaded and blocked the attacks utilizing my agility.
SLASH!
Even then, he was quite fast. His school rank was probably around the number 700 or something, and it was getting harder for me to simply fend off his attacks.
"Heh….I thought you were strong or something, but I guess I overestimated you."
As two wounds appeared on my body, the guy finally opened his mouth with clear contempt. I guess he was finally lowering his guard.
'Tch…..Humans are really simple.'
I clicked my tongue inwardly, seeing this guy. This happened quite frequently, even in the game, as most of the students would lower their guards. I knew they were still a bunch of young kids who didn't know much, but at the very least, they should have learned how tricky dungeons can be.
'This will be my lesson to you.'
Dash.
I activated my skill, feeling my speed increase.
SWOOSH!
And immediately dodged the guy's swing with a clean movement. I could see his eyes widening, clearly not expecting me to suddenly dodge. He was accustomed to my speed in this matter of seconds, and that was his mistake.
SLASH!
First, with a clean slash, I aimed right at his abdomen.
"Arghk-"
Severing the place where his nerves connected, I made him limp for a second.
SLASH!
And then, with another smooth slash, I severed the small connecting point behind his arms on his rear delt.
That place was where his arm tendons were connected, and he staggered, dropping his sword to the ground.
I was about to follow my attack with another, but at that second, I could see his eyes shine.
'!'
And I immediately needed to back off.
CREACK! FOOSH!
From the ground I was standing, a small pillar made from earth appeared. If I were even a second late, I would probably be injured.
'As expected, he has a skill.'
Just like me, any other student is also bound to have skills and hidden cards.
As the fight went into stalemate, I took a moment to assess the situation.
The wintry battleground was now scattered with the clash of elements, the hiss of flames, and the crystalline coldness of frost, while the archer and this swordsman.
"Sylvie."
I immediately called Sylvie, who was looking at everything with surprised eyes. I knew from the start that it wouldn't be easy alone while not showing my full capabilities.
"…."
At first, no response came.
"SYLVIE!"
However, as I raised my voice, she immediately came to her senses.
"….S-sorry."
She apologized, but it was not the time to apologize.
"Can you cast me a buff?"
I didn't want to disclose my prowess to others, and I needed a reason to explain how I beat these two.
'I guess I will be drawing attention to Sylvie, but that is fine.'
She is already bound to get attention in any case since she has already shown how capable she is. The instructors observing her from a distance probably contacted the chairman already.
"I-I will try."
Sylvie nodded in understanding, her eyes regaining focus. She swiftly began to channel mana, her hands weaving through intricate patterns in the air as she invoked her supportive skill.
Most of the healers are very important, both because they can heal and because they can cast buffs, though I still don't know how they are related or how they obtain those skills.
'I guess it comes with their traits.' I thought, but I didn't have much time to analyze.
SWOOSH!
The guy before me realized Sylvie's occupation, and he immediately dashed towards me, trying not to let her buff me….
Chapter 181 - A test (6)
"I-I will try."
Sylvie might not be the best person suited for such a field job in this world, but even then, she herself was chosen as the successor of the [First Lord's Authority].
Therefore, even with her initial hesitation, she was still able to cast the buff.
SWOOSH!
The moment the guy before me realized Sylvie's occupation, he immediately dashed toward me, this time with renewed vigor.
His movements were faster and more precise as if he had discarded any restraint.
'He is finally showing his full power.'
No sane person would start the fight with their full power while showing their cards; even though this kid before me might still be young, at the very least, he wasn't as stupid as he looked.
He finally seemed to understand that the fight wasn't going the way he wanted.
CLANK! CLANK!
His sword clashed against my daggers with increased intensity. Each strike carried more force than before, testing my defenses. The earth pillar he summoned earlier indicated that he wasn't holding back anymore and he was going to use his skills.
'I need to finish this quickly.'
With Sylvie casting a buff, I felt a surge of energy coursing through me. My movements became even swifter, and I could sense an enhancement in my overall capabilities.
"Ha!"
He shouted, as he immediately dashed to me. His sword was coated with his mana, and he was also utilizing his own trait, probably increasing his vitality.
SWOOSH!
Dodging one of his powerful swings, I countered with a quick series of strikes, aiming for vulnerable points.
TAK! TAK! TAK!
However, my attacks didn't cut his skin but rather were blocked by the small shell he made with his earthen skill.
'Earthification, huh?'
His ability to manipulate Earth to create defensive barriers added another layer of complexity to the fight. It became clear that he wasn't just relying on brute force; he had a strategic approach to combat.
"You really are like a cockroach!" he declared, gathering mana around him. Of course, I wasn't going to let him do as he pleased and immediately went to disturb him.
However, he seemed to expect this as he slammed his hands onto the wintry ground, causing a seismic tremor.
'Tch.'
I could see what he was about to do and immediately leaped backward.
CREAK!
The earth beneath me shook, and a wave of force erupted, blasting my body into the air.
WHOOSH!
I tumbled through the air, the world spinning around me. However, one of the things I had practiced while training was how to use acrobatic movements to make my aerial combat more efficient.
As I regained my composure mid-air, I realized what he intended to do. The ground in front of him cracked open, and a burst of fine dust and smoke filled the air.
'Smoke?'
It seemed this guy was on the smarter side; it was sad that he had chosen the wrong opponent for this.
'I guess you were able to rise ranks while not only relying on your overwhelming strength.'
Even without activating my skill, I knew where he would be and who they would target.
Eyes of Hourglass.
The moment my skill activated, I felt the time slowing down. My vision became more clear, and I could see the small movements in the smoke heading towards Sylvie.
'Not happening.'
SWOOSH! BOOM!
I immediately darted towards Sylvie, closing the distance rapidly.
"Thanks for the buff."
"Hmm….."
Putting her down in another place, I focused my attention on him again.
The guy probably thought he could take advantage of the chaos and grab Sylvie as a hostage to gain the upper hand. But he had underestimated the swiftness granted by Sylvie's buff.
I also felt like the wounds on my body were already healed, probably because of Sylvie's healing. I couldn't pay much attention to her, but it seemed she also made up her mind.
SLASH!
In a single motion, I intercepted his path, my daggers cutting through the air with precision. He attempted to grab Sylvie, but he found only empty space as I swiftly moved her out of harm's way.
"Nice try," I remarked, my voice cold and determined. For some reason, I was a little annoyed that he had targeted Sylvie, even though what the guy did was the right choice.
Without giving him a moment to recover, I immediately closed the gap between us. Sylvie had granted me not only swiftness but also a heightened sense of focus.
As I dashed towards him, I readied myself to use the new set of movements I had visualized while training my art.
'Bare Moon.'
SWOOSH!
In a rapid sequence, my daggers danced through the air, each movement calculated to disarm the opponent efficiently.
CLANK!
The first movement aimed to destabilize his grip on the weapon, forcing him to loosen his hold. To achieve that, I would specifically target the tip of his weapon from the side, making sure the weapon would shake as strongly as possible.
SWOOSH!
The second swiftly followed, exploiting the momentary imbalance to redirect the weapon's trajectory for an opening.
CLANK!
The third targeted the weapon itself, attempting to knock it out of his hand while making sure that he couldn't regain his balance within the time.
Finally, the fourth movement seized the opportunity to finish the unarmed enemy full of openings.
CLANK! CLANK! SWOOSH! CLANK!
The sequence unfolded seamlessly, and before he could react, his weapon lay on the wintry ground, and I stood before him with both daggers at the ready.
"What?"
The maneuvers not only disarmed him but also left him bewildered by the speed and precision of the actions.
This whole sequence was possible because of Sylvie's buff since I still wouldn't be able to exert enough power to make the weapon fall to the ground.
Before he could fully grasp the situation, I channeled my mana on my hand, and in one final, calculated movement, I aimed a swift strike at the back of his head with the hilt of one of my daggers.
THUD!
And with that one last strike, he fell to the ground, his consciousness leaving his body; I could see his breathing returning to normal, as well as other signs of losing consciousness, and confirmed that the fight was over.
'It worked as intended.'
As I stood over the fallen swordsman, satisfied that the immediate threat had been neutralized, I turned my attention to Sylvie, ready to ensure her safety.
'Hmm?'
To my surprise, the archer I had shot earlier had emerged from the shadows, now holding Sylvie as a hostage.
"Drop your weapons, or the healer gets hurt," the archer threatened, a forced smile playing on her lips.
"….."
I didn't say anything and simply looked at the archer girl and Sylvie.
"What?"
"You know you should have fled when you had the chance," I mumbled, looking at the girl.
"I won't warn you again."
She was looking at me with a clear annoyance, and she was also shaking a little bit as if she was scared and in pain.
'She still hadn't healed the wound.'
The wound I made from the first shot was still there and bleeding and it seemed something had been holding her back from fleeing.
'It must be Seraphina.'
If she had learned that the archer fled when she herself was fighting….. Then, this girl's future career would probably be over. This was probably also the reason why the swordsman fought with me even though I was buffed.
However, if you are going to take someone hostage, you need to be very cautious of your surroundings. Especially as a ranger since you are purposefully revealing yourself while not being proficient in close combat.
'Well, that is it.'
It was not like I needed to do anything. After all, the main goal of this test wasn't to eliminate other students but simply to make sure you have submitted magic formulas.
Thus, I simply sat there and watched, testing the girl's patience. I was also observing Sylvie while all of this was happening, and the small fear in her eyes showed that she was indeed caught unprepared.
'This should be a good lesson to her as well.'
The archer girl's impatience grew evident as I continued to stand my ground, refusing to comply with her demands. She gestured with her bow, a subtle threat in her eyes.
"Drop your weapons, or I'll make sure she suffers," she warned, tightening her grip on Sylvie.
I shook my head slowly, maintaining my calm demeanor. "I don't think you're in a position to make threats. If you harm her, you lose any leverage you think you have."
The archer girl's frustration boiled over, and she glared at me. "Don't play games! Are you so heartless that you don't care about the well-being of your comrades?"
"…..Sigh…" I released a hearty sigh at her question and lowered my hand.
PULL!
And then, pulled the small strings of mana connected to the tip of my finger.
TOK! TOK!
Following my movement, the small daggers I had planted on the ground came back to my hands, one of them hitting the head of the girl from the back. ((N1))
"Huh?"
Dash.
She was initially surprised, stumbling forward as the daggers collided with her. Before she could react, I swiftly closed the distance, aiming to disarm her.
The daggers I had summoned moved with precision, knocking the bow out of her hands and sending it skidding across the frosted ground.
The archer girl fell to her knees, disarmed and bewildered, while the point of my dagger grazed through her neck. I simply looked at the girl as she looked at me with clear pain in her eyes, probably from the wound earlier.
"Now, do you surrender?"
"....Yes…."
"This will hurt a little."
THUD!
With those words, I knocked her down with the hilt of my dagger as well, leaving her on the ground.
And, as I turned my attention to Sylvie, my eyes were locked on her shining green eyes. I was annoyed at the fact that such a situation could easily happen in the real world, where the attacker was mainly targeting her life.
"This is the reason why I asked for you to learn close combat. Without a person to protect you, you are a liability."
And I was also mad at myself that I lowered my guard when I had beaten the swordsman guy. If this was a real case, I needed to be aware of the archer, but I initially trusted my first attack, thinking it would make the girl impossible to move.
'I should be more careful next time.'
Chapter 182 - A test (7)
Sylvie was initially surprised seeing how things were unfolding right before her eyes. Suddenly, immense amounts of mana appeared in the environment, and seeing that blue and red mana clashing was an overwhelming sight.
It was as if a natural disaster was occurring, and even that might be an understatement.
"Stay low and quiet."
However, his words calmed her down. In a situation where she suddenly felt the abundant amounts of mana, his words brought her back to the real world.
'That's right.'
She gulped, trying to calm herself down.
'I shouldn't show weakness.'
She needed to become strong…. Stronger than she used to be. She didn't know why, but she could innately feel that she needed to change.
It started after her awakening. From the moment she had awakened that power, she knew the world would change, and a sense of urgency was always lying within her. She couldn't even sleep properly the rest of the week since she always dreamt about weird things whenever she fell asleep.
"Seraphina."
Hearing the cold voice of her leader, she turned her eyes towards the newcomer. It was a girl she didn't know; however, looking at the emotions welling inside Irina's heart, it was evident that they didn't share a good history.
Irina's anger and annoyance levels were rising with each second, and Sylvie could see that she was slowly becoming a volcano ready to erupt.
But the weird one wasn't Irina, but the girl right before her.
"Isn't it a surprise to find you in our little territory, Irina?" Seraphina's voice was as composed as ever, her words carrying a subtle chill. "I was just having a discussion with my group about the prowess of Emberheart's best."
Even though her words were clearly poisonous and were targeted at Irina, the important thing was the feelings inside.
'She is clearly enjoying it.'
With each word the newcomer girl spoke, her joy grew as if she liked messing with Irina. Aside from that, under her cold face, a simple grey color covered her palette, suppressing her feelings, just like a certain someone.
"This is troublesome."
And that certain someone was now making an annoyed face.
"Sylvie, are you ready?"
"What?" She asked, looking at his face. What was going to happen anyway? They could see Seraphina around.
However, her question was soon answered.
CLANK!
The sudden metallic sound echoed through the tense atmosphere, cutting through the verbal sparring between Seraphina and Irina.
Sylvie's eyes widened as she followed the trajectory of the arrow that had been deflected with astonishing precision. The arrow clattered to the ground, leaving a momentary silence in its wake.
In that brief pause, Sylvie's gaze shifted to him beside her, the one who had skillfully intercepted the projectile.
His expression was focused, and the air around him seemed to ripple with an unspoken coldness. His purple eyes were locked on the trees around the place as if he were tracing back the arrow.
'There was another person.' At that moment, everything made sense. Since that girl was in this place, that meant she was here with her group, and there needed to be at least three people.
'Then the other one…..'
CLANK!
Before she could even think further, another sword-clashing sound echoed. The dagger met with the sword, creating sparks around the place.
This time, it was another student with a sword raised in his hands.
However, weirdly enough, in a matter of seconds, he deflected the swordsman back as if it was easy. And then, taking advantage of the brief second, he grabbed his bow and attacked the archer who had attacked them at the start.
'Wow.'
She couldn't help but look in awe. She couldn't tell if the arrow hit or not, but she could feel the energy it contained.
After that, the clash of metal against metal continued, creating a chaotic symphony in the clearing.
Sylvie watched the fight, as it was the first time she had witnessed a real fight between cadets. She had seen fights against monsters, but this was a new experience.
'Thrilling….'
And somehow, it was thrilling.
At first, it seemed like the swordsman had the upper hand. The rapid exchange of blows had the boy on the defensive, his movements graceful but defensive, like a skilled dancer evading an aggressive partner.
Sylvie's heart raced as she observed the intensity of the battle unfolding before her.
"Kurgh…." The frustrated grunt of the swordsman filled the air, determination, and annoyance etched across his face. Sylvie felt a strange mix of nervousness and excitement, unsure of what was unfolding before her.
'Is he okay? I should be ready to help if needed.'
His dagger clashed with the swordsman's blade once again, but this time, he was forced back. The transition back to his dagger seemed to take a moment, and Sylvie sensed a subtle imperfection in his posture.
'He's struggling. I need to be ready.'
SWOOSH!
He evaded with a dancer's grace, blocking and dodging with agility. Yet, the swordsman's speed seemed to increase, making it progressively difficult for him to fend off the strikes.
"I thought you were something, but I guess I was mistaken."
The words of the swordsman pierced the air with contempt, revealing a momentary vulnerability in his defenses.
'What do you even know about him?'
Weirdly enough, she found herself cursing the swordsman. She felt annoyed at the fact that the swordsman was openly disrespecting him. As a person who knew his struggles from the start, she knew what kind of things he had experienced.
[Tch…..Humans are really simple.]
At that second, she heard a bunch of words in her mind. The voice was also a bit familiar.
What?
It was as if she had heard his thoughts. As she focused more, Sylvie could see the struggle in his movements, but she also sensed an underlying confidence.
SWOOSH!
Suddenly, he activated a skill, a burst of speed that caught the swordsman off guard. The tables turned, and Sylvie couldn't help but feel a surge of relief.
Wow….
It was a clean move coming from him as she watched in a daze. She could see how he manipulated his mana around his body with her eyes. It was a new and weirdly enchanting experience as rather than seeing overwhelming amounts of mana, what she had seen was an experienced control.
"Sylvie."
However, at that moment, his urgent call snapped her back to reality. Their eyes met, and Sylvie could see that even underneath those purple eyes, there was a small trust in her skills. Of course, a little annoyance was also there.
He needs me. I have to do my part.
"….S-sorry."
She acknowledged his unspoken request, realizing the importance of her role in this fight.
'I need to concentrate. He's counting on me.'
It might be weird to say, but this was the first time in her life that she felt like someone was counting on her. In the dungeons before, even though her party members were healed by her, she inwardly knew none of them actually relied on her.
It was as if she was just there to fill the party, and she was even useless most of the time because of her trauma against fighting.
"I-I will try."
Her hands moved instinctively, weaving through the air to channel mana. The intricacies of her supportive skill flowed from her, enveloping him in a subtle glow.
SWOOSH!
As the opponent recognized Sylvie's supportive role, a renewed vigor surged within him. His movements became more fluid and precise, shedding any prior restraint.
'He's showing his full strength now.'
The clash of blades intensified, leaving Sylvie torn between anxiety and fascination. Each strike and parry tested the boy's defenses, and she found herself silently cheering for his success.
'He's so fast. Is he okay?'
The revelation of the opponent's ability to manipulate Earth for defense added a layer of complexity to the fight. Sylvie realized that it wasn't merely about brute force but also a strategic approach.
'This is getting dangerous.'
As the opponent gathered mana, Sylvie sensed an impending seismic attack. Reacting swiftly, the boy leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the eruption of force.
'He's quick on his feet.'
WHOOSH!
Tossed into the air by a forceful shockwave, the boy showcased acrobatic skills. Sylvie marveled at his ability to maneuver mid-air, realizing that his training extended beyond standard combat.
'He's more than just strong.'
It was a little cool to see him move in such a manner. She even momentarily thought that he could become a part of [Awakened Olympic Games].
However, at that momentarily distraction, she made a crucial mistake. She wasn't able to notice the ranger approaching behind her, and because of that, she ended up in a hostage situation.
"Drop your weapons, or the healer gets hurt," the archer threatened, a forced smile playing on her lips.
'This is…..'
The tension in the air heightened as the boy remained composed, refusing to comply with the archer's demands.
'This is just like him.'
Knowing the boy, she knew this was just kind of his response, and it even made it weirder.
"I won't warn you again."
In that moment of understanding, a strange calmness washed over Sylvie, if only for a fleeting second. The situation was still dire, but at least she sensed an absence of immediate harm.
'I hope he knows what he's doing.'
Just as the standoff reached its peak, Sylvie noticed a change in the boy's expression. His eyes, initially reflecting annoyance, seemed to intensify with a hint of anger. It was as if he was upset, not at the archer girl, but at Sylvie herself for letting this happen.
'Right…..'
It might have been a while, but she knew what he had advised her at the start.
Even though she herself was trying her best, she was avoiding one important thing. Her fear of pain was still holding her back, and she realized it just like that.
After that, just like in a second, she was rescued thanks to his actions. However, his words at the end just hit the nail at that very second.
The words he uttered, "Without a person to protect you, you are a liability," echoed in her mind.
'Liability.'
The word resonated deeply within her. It was a stark reminder of her vulnerability and the need to become stronger.
"If you're not willing to confront your weaknesses head-on, then perhaps you should reconsider being a part of the academy,"
At that moment, a subtle determination ignited within Sylvie.
If this is what you want, then I am going to do it.
I won't be a liability.
With that desire lit in heart, she looked at him with a fiery gaze.
*******
"Please, teach me how to fight."
That was what she said in the middle of the classroom…..
Chapter 183 - Change of Hearts
"Please, teach me how to fight."
Standing before me was the girl whom I wasn't expecting, in the middle of the whole classroom.
'Sigh…..What a hassle.'
And I, who was now in the pinpoint of the whole classroom's attention, was looking at her with a deadpan expression.
'How it came to this?'
********
'Interesting.'
The moment Astron knocked the archer girl down, the fight of the mages on the sideline also reached its end.
"This fight is now pointless," Seraphina declared calmly, her hand effortlessly dispelling the fiery onslaught Irina had unleashed. She eyed Irina with a cool detachment, assessing the situation.
'It didn't go the way I wanted.'
And immediately came to a conclusion.
SWOOSH!
Irina, however, was not ready to relent. The fire in her eyes burned brighter, and her stance remained defiant. "Pointless? You came into my group, provoked us, and now you want to back off? We're not finished."
SWIRL!
And, with those words, she also released another attack, pointed right at Seraphina.
"Was it him?"
However, the words that came out of Seraphina's mouth made them stop for a second.
"What?"
That brief second somehow was enough for Seraphina to understand what she was looking for.
'It is indeed him, how interesting….'
"Your reaction says it all," Seraphina remarked, her tone filled with a subtle amusement. She effortlessly sidestepped the incoming flames, her composure as graceful as ever. "It seems things will get interesting from now on."
However, Irina didn't seem to understand her words. "You foxlike bitch. Say what you want to say directly."
"Hmm~ It is up to you to understand what I am saying." She said with a teasing smile as she turned her back.
"You!" Irina wanted to attack once again, but Seraphina grabbed a small sphere object from her pocket.
"Here. It is your price for winning." And she put it on the ground. It was the device given by the academy to record the magic formulas, and her putting it down meant she accepted the defeat.
'Things I learned are far more valuable than a bunch of points.' She thought inwardly, looking at the two other members of Irina's team.
'Especially that girl…..As expected, the chairman really had a reason to test her. That guy is not normal either.'
After that, her attention naturally turned to two unconscious students.
'Another useless bunch.'
The small wave of a smile on her face and her eyes turned cold as she looked at her team for a second.
'Trash.'
Since her team was defeated, and she sensed it, she needed to concede. It wasn't because she was scared of Irina, but with the other three entering the equation, things might possibly get messy.
Irina's fiery gaze shifted from Seraphina to the small sphere on the ground. She hesitated for a moment, the remnants of her frustration still evident in her clenched fists. However, with a begrudging acknowledgment, she walked over to the device and picked it up.
"Fine," Irina muttered, her tone still holding a hint of irritation. She looked back at Seraphina, the tension between them lingering. "We're done for now."
"….." Seraphina looked at Irina for a second, and then she nodded her head.
'She changed.'
The Irina she knew wasn't someone to accept such an offer, and she would pursue what she wanted until the end, losing the profits she could possibly make. That was why she was known as Fiery Demoness in the upper society since she never backed down from any challenge.
However, now, her response was clearly logical and different. She passed the test Seraphina threw at her, and that was something Seraphina immediately took note of.
'As expected….I should investigate him.'
And there was only one person who was different in this girl's life after she entered the academy—a random guy who normally would never even be able to see such a figure.
Just like Irina had studied the important people in the academy, Seraphina was also constantly keeping tabs on those people's lives.
That was especially the case with her rival, Irina. Most of the time, whenever she did something, or she made some changes, Seraphina would be informed.
Bribing some of Irina's former teammates for information was not a hard thing to do, after all.
That was the way of an heir from a high-ranking mage family, and information was the key for such people.
And from such information, she knew this dynamic between the two was far from normal.
As Seraphina turned to leave, she threw one last glance back at the group. It seemed that the guy had also been looking at her since their eyes met.
Seraphina's icy gaze locked onto Astron's purple eyes, and then a faint smile graced her lips.
His aura was not strong, and her trait showed that his overall parameters were indeed weak. But even then, there was a small portion that her trait wasn't able to see, which rarely happened, and whenever it happened, she knew the said person was important.
'Maybe I should just take him away.'
Comparing Irina's unconscious reaction, she imagined how she could feel if she did such a thing.
'That would be interesting.'
She mused internally. Her curiosity about the seemingly unremarkable boy heightened. There was more to him than met the eye, and the fact that he played a role in changing Irina's approach intrigued Seraphina. She wondered how someone like him could influence a girl known for her fiery determination.
Just like that, she had left the place and made her way to the academy building to meet with the principal.
However, she hadn't noticed the pair of green eyes looking at her.
*****
The hushed whispers of surprise and curiosity filled the classroom as Sylvie stood in the spotlight, her request echoing through the air.
"Please, teach me how to fight."
As she locked eyes with me, I couldn't help but release a weary sigh. It wasn't the fact that she was seeking combat training that bothered me, but the unexpected attention it brought.
'What a hassle. First Seraphina, and now her.'
The eyes of every student in the room bore into us, and I maintained my deadpan expression, contemplating how we reached this point.
'How did it come to this?'
Of course, I knew why it came to this. It was my own actions that probably brought Sylvie in front of me. Considering the words I spoke, she must have finally decided on what she wanted to do. Also, my words were not necessarily encouraging.
When I am annoyed, I speak rather rudely, and I know it is not a good idea, but habits can't be changed instantly. This was especially the case with the words I had spoken yesterday.
'Well, this might not be that bad.'
I thought Sylvie would rather go to an instructor to learn close combat and know what the academy wanted; they would comply with her request. But, even then, not everyone in the academy could be trusted, especially from the teacher team.
'Well, no use of backing up now.'
Nevertheless, amid the sea of curious gazes, Sylvie stood her ground, determination etched on her face. It was a stark contrast to the Sylvie I first encountered, the one who initially recoiled at the thought of combat.
With a measured nod, I acknowledged Sylvie's request, deciding to accept the responsibility that seemed to have inadvertently fallen into my lap. I tried to keep my face straight, hiding any flicker of annoyance that lingered beneath the surface.
"Fine. I'll teach you," I conceded, my tone serious. "But understand, I won't go easy on you. Are you okay with that?"
If she came to me in order to learn, she would need to accept how I taught. That was my condition.
Sylvie met my gaze with unwavering determination, a stark contrast to the initial reluctance she displayed when combat was first mentioned. "I'll do whatever it takes to become stronger."
'We'll see about that.'
It was weird to see her in such an expression since it was my first time. But, since she looked determined, there was no reason to get annoyed.
"Good."
With that understanding, the decision was set. Sylvie smiled happily, a genuine expression that hadn't graced her face before. "Thank you, Astron."
"….."
Looking at her smile, I was speechless for a second. It made me wonder, 'Is this really something to be happy about?' But, I guess it must have taken a lot of courage for Sylvie to confront her fears.
Sylvie returned to her seat, the lingering attention of the classmates following her every move. As she sat on her seat, I could feel a piercing gaze from the side.
A pair of amber eyes locked onto mine from across the room. Irina was seemingly annoyed, but that wasn't something new for her, so I just shrugged my shoulders and focused on the upcoming lesson that was about to start.
******
TAK! TAK! TAK!
The classroom fell silent as all the students felt the presence of their stern instructor
"Good evening, cadets."
Instructor Eleanor's voice echoed through the silent classroom as she entered, carrying the sphere objects that had been submitted by the students.
She moved purposefully through the rows of desks, returning the spheres to their respective owners of the groups.
Each student's creation was handled with care, and a nod of acknowledgment was given to them individually.
"As you've all completed the task of capturing and analyzing the Mana Formulas, it's time to move on to the next step," Eleanor began, her gaze sweeping across the attentive faces. "You will now be tasked with writing a comprehensive report about the magic formulas you encountered and captured in the forest."
Eleanor placed the spheres on her desk and clasped her hands behind her back. "Your reports should include detailed information about the composition of the Mana Formulas, any unique characteristics they exhibited, and your strategies for capture. Think of it as a reflection on what you've learned during this practical exercise."
As she stopped for a second, Eleanor's stern gaze intensified as she addressed the students. "Now, I want to make it clear that the academy has kept meticulous records of which magic formulas were submitted by each group. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in your reports. Each of you is expected to provide an individual and honest account of your findings.
It's an integral part of your growth as Hunters to be able to analyze and articulate your experiences accurately."
After that, she slowly made her way out of the classroom.
"Today's class will serve as a report writing session. You are all free to leave. You may also contact me or the assistant if you encounter any problems with your reports. Good luck."
And just like that, the cadets were left alone in the classroom with their instructor's leave.
Chapter 184 - Change of Hearts (2)
"Let's go. We still have a report to write."
Irina approached the group of two. Now that the instructor has left the class to write their reports, they will need to group and analyze the magic formula together.
However, for some reason, she felt annoyed. Seraphina's words and her expression bothered her a little, but she was also quite mad at the scene that had just occurred in the classroom.
"Okay," Sylvie said as she gathered her things. "I will call you when we finish."
"K."
After she informed her friend, she immediately followed Irina. As for Astron, she was already ready to leave from the start.
But his gaze was narrowed at Irina, observing her actions.
"Since we have recorded quite a lot of different formulas, we will need to be fast to analyze all of them."
On the way, Irina briefed the two about how fast they needed to be, and none of them decided to go against her. Surprisingly or not, when it came to magic and theory, she was quite fond of studying them.
Just like that, they entered the library of the academy.
"Come with me; I rented a special room."
Upon entering, Irina guided Astron and Sylvie to a small soundproof section tucked away in a quiet corner. It was specifically designed so that students could work on their group projects.
The three found their seats, and with the privacy ensured by the soundproof walls, they could discuss and work on their assignment without disturbances.
"Now. We will all start with analyzing formulas. You both should know what kind of steps we need to use, correct? I assume none of you failed the [Introduction to Mana for Hunters] exam?"
"…."
"I didn't."
Looking at their reactions, Irina understood that the two at least passed the exam for this course. Now, the previous exam didn't specifically mean how well they would do at the end of the semester, but it was an indicator of their previous knowledge.
"Good," Irina said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We need to be thorough."
With that, they delved into their respective tasks. The small soundproof section became a hub of focused concentration.
Irina meticulously examined the elemental compositions of the captured magic formulas while scrutinizing their structural integrity. Her keen eyes narrowed as she deciphered intricate patterns.
However, while she was looking for the formulas, her mind was elsewhere.
'What is the deal with these two?'
Causing a scene in the middle of the class was unnatural for Sylvie. If it were natural, she would have already heard her name. From her initial experience, she thought Sylvie was an innocent normal girl.
'Well, she still might be.'
Of course, just because she did one thing didn't mean she was a bad girl. But….Something was bothering her.
"This is how you will deal with this formula. You remember the pattern I showed you last time, right?"
'Last time? When did they?'
Looking at the two talking with each other fluently, she felt like they knew each other way before.
'Is there something I am not aware of?'
As if a knot appeared inside, she pushed her pen to the side.
"Yeah, I remember."
"You will need to use that method for this question."
"But, isn't this formula a third-order one?"
"It may seem like this, but you are using the wrong loop. You should use this one."
"Ah….."
The more she watched, the more she got annoyed. She especially felt like Sylvie was a bit too close while listening to him.
'Is there a need to get this close?'
She didn't even question why anyway and decided to act.
Acting on a whim, Irina joined the conversation, her voice cool and collected. "Oh, Sylvie, are you having trouble with this formula?"
Sylvie looked surprised by Irina's sudden intrusion. "Uh, well, not really. Astron was just helping me out."
Hearing this, she threw a small look at that guy and sneered, masking her annoyance. "No need to bother him. You can ask me if you have any questions. I doubt that guy can finish his own work, anyway."
"No, it is not like-" Sylvie wanted to say. They were doing just fine, but looking at Irina's emotions, she felt something was wrong.
'What is it?'
It was a new emotion.
"Why are you looking for a fight all of a sudden?"
"What do you mean? I am just stating the obvious."
"…..You really are something…."
Astron sighed as he looked at Irina with a deadpan expression.
"If you really want to play the teacher that much, okay, go ahead." It was rare for him to take a step back, but it seemed he was tired of constant bickering.
"Good that you know."
After that, Irina sat at her table while signaling Sylvie to come beside her. And, even though uncomfortable, Sylvie had no choice but to comply with her leader's request.
Just like that, the two continued their study as hours passed.
******
'What a weird assignment.'
While we were analyzing the magic formulas, that was what I had in my mind. Making calculations like a robot and understanding magic wasn't that hard, but doing it constantly started taking its toll.
'And I don't even understand what that is supposed to mean.'
The weird thing wasn't calculating. It was the results we got after going through all that. Normally, in the end, we would end up with a clear result of the name for magic, but this time, it was a bunch of patterns.
"Aaah….What the hell is this?"
It seemed Irina had the same opinion as I did.
"How are we supposed to put these results into the report and make comments."
I never thought I would agree with Irina, but she was right.
"I've never encountered anything like this before. Magic formulas are supposed to reveal something concrete, not leave us with a bunch of cryptic patterns." It was as if, after solving an equation, you ended up with another, and this loop continued.
"I don't get it. The more we analyze, the less it makes sense."
As Sylvie completed solving her last formula, a sense of fatigue settled over the group. She looked up, a mixture of exhaustion and confusion on her face.
While we were studying, I noticed that her talent wasn't limited to theoretical things. I don't want to mean she is dumb, but at least her intelligence hadn't suddenly improved after she awakened.
Seeing she was the same Sylvie as before at least made her seem like a human.
'Not that I am the one to complain.'
In any case, as I was pondering my thoughts, suddenly, something got my attention.
As Sylvie gathered her papers on top of each other, I noticed a subtle connection between the symbols, thanks to the shadowing from the light.
'Wait?'
It was as if a spark ignited in my mind; I turned my attention to my papers, comparing them with Sylvie's. And, something made a connection. Like when you remember the thing you see resembles something, but you can't name it; it was such a thing.
"Wait a moment," I said, leaning forward. "Sylvie, can you show me that last formula again?"
Trying to get the same connection, I gestured to Sylvie for a second.
Puzzled, Sylvie handed him the paper. "Sure, but I don't see what..."
"Wait for a second." Right now, what I needed was silence.
"….."
As I focused more on the formulas, I grabbed them and arranged the order while also mixing my own formulas in between.
And, slowly but surely, the more papers I put on top of each other, the more it became evident.
'Is this a land?'
The diagrams that appeared as the result of our analysis slowly formed a picture underneath.
"Irina, give me your papers."
"What? It is not like-"
"Just shut up for a second and give them to me."
"...Here."
As Irina reluctantly handed me her papers, I carefully arranged them on top of the pile Sylvie had provided.
The cryptic patterns and symbols on the pages seemed to align in a way that I couldn't quite comprehend. It felt like solving a puzzle, and with each additional paper, the picture became clearer.
As I placed Irina's papers in position, a sudden realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. The patterns were forming a map, a detailed depiction of a location we had studied in class—a place where the Mana Phenomenon occurred.
I leaned back in astonishment, my eyes fixed on the amalgamation of formulas that now revealed a hidden landscape. The lines and symbols intricately shaped the contours of a terrain, highlighting key landmarks and features.
'Phantom's Land.'
The moment the realization hit me, I finally understood what this test was supposed to do.
Why did they want us to capture as many magic formulas as possible, and why did they want us to analyze all of them?
Why the results weren't actually clear?
It made all sense.
After all, if you have a partial fraction of a map that you would need many other fractions to complete, that would mean your chances of finding what this test was about and what this land was would increase.
'It was good that I paid attention to the class at that time.'
Since my memory was good, especially things related to photography, I was able to connect the dots.
Sylvie and Irina, noticing my sudden shift in demeanor, exchanged puzzled glances.
"So….What is this about?" And after a second, Irina could no longer contain her excitement.
"Come here." I signaled them to come to my table while also opening the map of the Phantom Island.
"Don't these two seem familiar to you?"
Both Sylvie and Irina leaned in to scrutinize the map, their eyes scanning the intricate details. After a moment, Irina's face lit up with recognition.
"Wait, these patterns resemble the ones we've been analyzing in class… Don't tell me?"
"Yes."
"It is the map of Phantom's Land."
I nodded, confirming her observation. "Exactly. This entire assignment was a test to see if we could piece together the different magical formulas to create a comprehensive map of the Phantom's Land."
Sylvie's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "So, the cryptic patterns were like puzzle pieces, and when we put them together, they revealed the hidden landscape we've been studying."
"Yeah….."
"Then, what do we do know?" Irina asked, looking at me.
"Nothing much. We just need to include what we found in the report, and I am sure we will get bonus points for this."
Even though we found out what this test was about, I am sure that wouldn't be the case for all of the students. Most of them wouldn't be able to find it since, even with such a large number of formulas, it was hard for us to connect the dots.
That meant we would get a special reward.
'Let's see what it is.'
If it was about analytics, I didn't mind the attention much since I am sure most of the credit will go to Irina in this assignment.
"Hehehe….."
Though seeing her expression, I suddenly regretted revealing it.
Chapter 185 - A Change of Heart (3)
After a period of focused writing, Sylvie leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms. "Then, with this, we are finished, right?"
She was the one who wrote most the things, so it was understandable that she was tired.
Irina glanced over the report, a nod of approval following. "Yes, it looks comprehensive. We've covered the analysis, the discovery of the map, and the implications of our findings."
Though, at first, Irina wanted to write, both her and Astron's writing were almost impossible to read.
"Is it readable?" As Astron asked it, Sylvie looked at him with an expression saying, how dare you ask such a question with such a writing.
"….."
"Okay, okay. My bad." Astron waved his hand, as he also understood that his handwriting wasn't that good.
It wasn't bad, but Sylvie certainly had a neater writing. At least, that was what he thought, but Sylvie knew what kind of good she had done to assistants who would read those papers.
"Let's go submit this to the professor. We've covered everything necessary," Irina declared as she grabbed the report. However, the other two didn't move with her at the same time.
"? What are you waiting for?"
Astron raised an eyebrow at Irina's prompt to go submit the report. "Why do we all need to go? You can submit it on your own. Our names are already on the report," he suggested, his voice carrying a nonchalant tone.
"You! Are you going to leave me alone?"
"What are you, a child? Just go on your own. It is not like you need someone."
Irina considered his point, realizing the practicality of the suggestion. After a brief pause, she nodded in agreement. "Fine. I'll go on my own. I thought we could eat something after that, but I guess it was just me."
"It is fine. I will eat from the cafeteria anyway. And you don't come to the cafeteria most of the time."
"How do you know that?"
"Everyone knows you are a picky eater."
"….Really?"
"Yeah. Don't you remember what you did last time when someone offered food to you in the dungeon?"
"Ah..."
Irina's expression shifted, recalling the incident. She grumbled, "Well, I have specific tastes. That's all."
"I know; that was why I said it."
"What happened in the dungeon?" Sylvie asked with an innocent tone.
"Well, this girl ov-" Astron started, but Irina quickly cut him off, her face turning a shade of embarrassment.
"Nothing. Just some trivial incident. I'll go submit the report," Irina hastily interjected, standing up and leaving the small soundproof section of the library before Astron could spill any details.
And before she left, she threw a threatening look at him, and Astron simply shrugged his shoulders.
Sylvie, curious but not pressing the matter, looked at Astron, awaiting an explanation. "What happened there?"
"It is not my place to disclose this information."
"..."
At his stern reply, Sylvie just looked at him bewildered.
'It is not like this is a government secret.'
She wanted to say but held it in, as she knew he wouldn't say anything anyway. She was curious, but she also knew how uncomfortable it would be if she were to do something like this.
As the two of them were left alone, they also started preparing for the leave.
"Now that we have time, I wanted to ask."
"About teaching close combat?"
"Yes."
Astron considered for a second, and then he said, "Let me see your schedule first. We can figure out a time that works for both of us."
Sylvie opened her schedule from her watch, which was neatly organized with her classes, study sessions, and other commitments. She handed it to Astron without hesitation.
Seeing this, his eyes widened for a second. Everything was planned and written there, and he also understood how dangerous it might be if someone targeting her were to find out about this.
"You really shouldn't trust people this easily." He mumbled as he looked at the schedule while taking notes in his mind.
Of course, while he mumbled that, Sylvie could see his emotional palette. There, she saw a small concern.
Sylvie shrugged, "I don't trust everyone like that."
Astron raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. "Why did you show me this, then?"
"Because I trust you," Sylvie replied simply, her gaze meeting his. However, the moment her gaze met with his, she could see a small doubt in his heart.
And then she realized what she had said just now, and her face got crimson instantly.
"….."
His questioning gaze continued to bore through her eyes, and she realized she made a mistake.
There was no way she could say, 'I had been watching you all the time, and I can see what you feel. You are not someone to harm people randomly.'
So, she became more embarrassed and felt the need to push excuses.
"W-we're a team now, right? Shouldn't I trust you?"
'I feel safe with you.'
She also couldn't say those words since they were too embarrassing.
Astron's expression remained inscrutable, his doubt evident. Sylvie, feeling the need to provide more justification, stumbled through a series of excuses, "I-I mean, I couldn't ask anyone else, either."
As Sylvie uttered her explanations, Astron's gaze didn't waver.
'Aren't your friends are both close combatants?' He wanted to ask but didn't.
After a moment, he responded with a curt nod. "All right, no need to explain yourself so much; I get it."
After a time that felt like an eternity for Sylvie, he finally pushed her schedule.
After a moment that felt like an eternity for Sylvie, Astron finally pointed out the empty slots in her schedule. "I won't push you too hard, especially at the start. Let's train at this time," he said, indicating a couple of two-hour slots twice a week.
Sylvie nodded, appreciative of the consideration. "Thank you for doing this. I really want to get better at defending myself."
Astron nodded back, "It's nothing. But remember, training your body is equally important. Do some physical exercises when you have free time with your friends. If I remember correctly, both of them are close combat fighters, so they should know how to train themselves. You need to build strength and stamina along with combat skills.
While we were walking, I noticed it, but you really neglected training your body."
Sylvie lowered her head at this, as she herself knew that was what she did. Danielle and Jasmine constantly called her to train together, but she refused since it reminded her of her trauma. But now that she decided to confront it head-on, she knew she needed to improve herself physically.
"Yeah, you're right," Sylvie admitted, her voice carrying a mix of determination and hesitation. "I'll work on that too. It's just… some things are hard for me."
"…." Since Astron was the first one to open that wound, he himself knew what Sylvie meant.
"It is fine. At least you took the first step. That is something itself."
"...Thanks."
"Good, then. I will see you tomorrow in the club."
"Ah, right….We had a meeting…"
She had completely forgotten about this.
As she saw him leaving, she waved her hand. "Take care."
"You too."
Just like that, the two went to their own dorm rooms….
******
"Tch. Bastard."
Irina muttered under her breath as she left the room, irritated by Astron's nonchalant attitude.
She headed to the professor's office to submit the paper immediately, wanting to put some distance between herself and the archer who seemed to effortlessly get on her nerves.
As she walked towards her room, still fuming silently, her phone vibrated with an incoming message. Pulling it out, she saw a group chat notification.
[Julia: Hey, gyus…. We're plangnig to mete up at the usual spot. Are you coming?]
Then, she added a couple of emojis, emphasizing the friendly nature of the invitation.
[Julia: 🍔🎮 Uusla dirll - Burgers and game night. What do you say?]
Looking at the typos in the text, she couldn't help but shake her head.
[Lilia: I won't come, I am busy. Also, type correctly; it is annoying to read.]
[Julia: It is not like I am writing an essay.]
[Lilia: It doesn't matter. Write correctly.]
As she saw those messages, naturally, a small smile formed on her face. Since she came from the small holiday, she has been working hard on tests.
However, she disliked playing games most of the time since she couldn't do them in her home. Her mother didn't let her play….Thus, naturally, she wasn't fond of the idea.
[Julia: A new game has been released, and it is quite good. It's called "ChronoScape." It's connected to our smartwatches, and we can play it everywhere.]
[Julia: 🌐🎮 Imagine an open-world game where you explore different realms, and the game adapts to your location. Plus, there are cool quests and challenges.]
Seeing the messages, she couldn't help but be intrigued. After all, it wasn't your daily game that you could find connected to your smartwatch.
[Ethan: Sounds interesting. But how do we play it?]
[Julia: Well, you need to order special equipment.]
[Ethan: You said we didn't need anything.]
[Julia: It is fine; I already ordered the equipment, and it is in my room.]
[Ethan: Hm, I'm not much of a gamer, but I could use a distraction. I'll come.]
[Julia: Anyone else?]
[Irina: I am coming.]
As she hummed a soft tune, Irina nodded her head in agreement, with a slight smile playing on her lips. She navigated through her smartwatch, fingers dancing across the screen as she searched for the "ChronoScape" game.
The prospect of exploring different realms and engaging in quests appealed to her, providing a welcome break from the academic rigors and recent frustrations.
She also had recently read an article that talked about how video games increased one's spatial awareness and motor reflexes, and it was something helpful. So, she was actually trying to improve herself at the same time.
"That's right."
Nodding at her perfect reasoning, she made her way to the academy grounds with a smile plastered on her face.
******
"Haaaah...Haaaaah..."
TAP! TAP! TAP!
Under the sky that had darkened, a heavy breathing sound echoed.
"Don't come closer…."
Her desperate plea sliced through the eerie silence as her eyes darted in every direction, paranoia consuming her.
The dim light from the lampposts cast long, ominous shadows, amplifying the sense of dread.
"No, no, no…."
She tried to pull her leg, which was bleeding, but that seemed to be impossible.
She scanned the surroundings, her gaze flickering nervously from one shadow to another.
The rustling leaves seemed to mimic sinister whispers, heightening her anxiety. The chilling wind carried an otherworldly murmur, and the tapping sound persisted, echoing like a menacing heartbeat.
"Why? Why are you doing this-"
Just at that moment, as she frantically turned to escape, something lunged at her face, a dark, indistinct shape that blocked out what little light remained.
SCREECH!
Her vision was abruptly shrouded in darkness, and a blood-curdling scream tore through the night, the sound muffled by an unseen force.
"Gurghk!"
The lamplights flickered ominously as if responding to the terror that unfolded in the obscure corners of the night as the body convulsed underneath the sky.
"I need more, I want more…."
And amidst the chilly wind, a pair of crimson eyes opened, creating an eerie aura as the body turned limp.