Chapter 186 - Trip
DING!
The bell rang as the students looked at their instructor.
"I guess we don't have much time." The instructor looked at his watch and shook his head. "I will see you on the next Sunday."
With those words, he concluded the class, prompting the students to start chatting among themselves.
In one corner, a group of students discussed the recent assignment, frustration evident on their faces.
One of them sighed, "I still couldn't figure out the last part of the formula. This report is going to be a disaster."
Another student tried to offer reassurance, "Well, at least they postponed the deadline. We have a bit more time to work on it."
"That's true," a third student chimed in.
"I needed that extension. I think we can manage if we focus this weekend." As the conversation continued, other groups of students shared their own experiences and strategies for tackling the challenging assignment.
In the midst of them, I simply walked through the classroom. Since we had finished writing the report on the first day and then submitted it, we didn't have much left to do.
'In any case, Senior Maya called us to the club today.'
Normally, our meetings would be on weekends, but today, Senior Maya called us for a meeting. It was quite unusual since she herself must have been busy with her responsibilities.
'Why did Senior Maya want to meet today?'
I mulled over the possibilities. Perhaps there were updates on upcoming events, changes in the club schedule, or additional assignments. Regardless, I decided to pass by.
'There is a chance that she will inform us about a possible trip.'
I thought, remembering the game. Even though this club was History and Art, there were times they traveled, even though it may sound odd.
Lost in thought, I felt a presence at my side, and when I turned, Sylvie was walking alongside me.
'Huh?'
It was weird for me to not sense her presence while she was approaching. However, soon, I realized the reason Sylvie's own aura made her blend in the crowd while making people around her comfortable with herself.
'Really, truly a broken ability.'
I thought. Her quiet demeanor and focused expression suggested she was contemplating something as well.
"Hey," seeing me noticing her, she greeted me with a small smile. "Any idea why Senior Maya called us today?"
I was going to talk about it but soon discarded the idea. It would be weird for me to know about it beforehand. So, I shook my head. "Not really. It's unusual for her to change our meeting day. Maybe there's something important she wants to discuss or announce."
Sylvie nodded thoughtfully. "Could be. I hope it's not another surprise assignment. I've had enough of magical formulas for a while."
"I doubt it. No matter how enthusiastic she is, she won't do such a thing."
"….I hope."
I knew Sylvie was quite afraid of Senior Maya, as she always tried to escape whenever she saw her, especially when Maya had snacks with herself.
As Sylvie and I continued our conversation, we made our way to the familiar club room. The halls were quieter now as it was the lunch break, and most students had dispersed to their respective destinations.
"We are here."
At that moment, upon reaching the club room, I felt it—a peculiar sensation, as if someone's gaze was fixed on me. It sent a shiver down my spine.Top of Form
FLINCH!
I unintentionally flinched as my body immediately responded to the intent directed at me. But this time, I knew who the person behind the gaze was.
'Bastard.'
I cursed inwardly as I looked out the corner of my eye. There, I could see a guy watching me from a classroom while sitting in his seat surrounded by a bunch of students.
It was Trevor Philips. He had been quiet for a while now, but I was always alert to any possible plot he could pull.
As my body tensed from the unexpected gaze, Sylvie noticed my reaction and followed my gaze to Trevor Philips. She furrowed her brows in confusion. "What's wrong? Why are you looking like that?"
"It's nothing. Just thought I saw someone I knew." I said since I couldn't tell this about Sylvie, nor would she understand anyway.
"If you say so. Let's head inside."
She said and entered the classroom. Our club didn't have a special office for now, so Maya called us to a lecture hall.
As we entered the hall, Senior Maya was in the midst of wrapping up her conversation with the other student by the window.
"Ah, you're here,"
*******
Maya had been busy these days, as her assignments and many other things immediately crashed down.
Just like the first-year students, the second-year and others also had a change in their curriculum, and theirs were more severe.
However, at the very least, she still had free time to spare for her club activities. Of course, even though the history and the art might not seem related to the Hunter Academy, she wholeheartedly believed that it was important for her juniors to relax.
Though that itself was a tasking experience, as she was also helping others with when it came to practical exams.
Just when she thought she might be reaching her limit, a welcome surprise arrived in the form of a message from one of her sponsors.
"If you wish, you can take a look at the historical site we've reserved for research."
The offer seemed like a much-needed respite, a chance to escape the overwhelming demands of academia, and then decided to accept.
'We have nothing to lose anyway, and this could be a very good change of environment.'
Not aware of the changes in the curriculum for freshmen, she thought it would be a good idea to travel to a different place. It was also in the scope of their club, so their advisors wouldn't resist it that much either.
It was a win and win, and she decided to work with the idea. She sent a message to the club members and then called them with a smile.
"Ah, you are here." As the door opened, she saw two young freshmen entering.
'Hmm?'
She squinted her eyes, seeing the pair.
'I don't remember the two coming together before.'
Even though she looked slightly airheaded, Maya was a girl who would observe her surroundings a lot. And that was especially the case with the people she was familiar with.
"Senior."
Her Junior was the first one to speak. He seemed curious about why they were called here. She could easily tell from his expression alone.
"Welcome, junior."
Deciding not to think on this matter any longer, she gestured to the two to sit down beside her.
"Please wait a second; I will begin with the announcement soon."
"Okay."
The two sat down, but a small silence descended on the atmosphere, which was something Maya never liked.
And whenever this happened, she herself would always consult one small act.
"Here, have some chips."
The moment those words left her mouth, she noticed the girl beside her junior stiffening for a second.
'Ah, I guess she wants them so bad.'
Noticing that, she inwardly smiled. After all, there was no way anyone would dislike it when someone offered them a snack.
Sylvie, slightly flinched by the unexpected offer, hesitated for a moment before politely declining, "Oh, no, thank you, Senior. I'm not really hungry."
'Ah, she must be shy to accept it easily. I heard some people are not comfortable accepting it this fast, thinking they will look cheap.'
She thought how cute this junior was; being someone with values was hard nowadays. She somehow felt more comfortable around this girl now.
Undeterred, she grinned and insisted, "Come on, don't be shy. It's just a small snack. Chips make everything better. Astron, don't you think so?"
Both Sylvie and Maya turned their head to the young guy who was trying to conceal his presence, but it was too late.
Sylvie especially looked intently at him as if her eyes were saying, 'Save me.'
"…..Cough….They are not bad."
Maya's eyes twinkled with amusement as she seized the opportunity. "See, Sylvie, even Astron agrees. It's settled, then. You can't say no to a unanimous decision." She handed the bag of chips to Sylvie with a bright smile.
As for Sylvie, she could only look at Astron with a betrayed face.
'I don't have a choice….Even I can't say anything against Senior Maya….'
And Astron also could only avert his gaze….
*********
"So that was why you called us here?" one of the senior students asked, curiosity evident in her expression.
"Yes, indeed," Maya replied with a smile, a sense of excitement gleaming in her eyes.
"Wouldn't it be better if we focused on our assignments? The deadlines are approaching, and we're already falling behind," another student, this time a junior, voiced their concern, eyebrows furrowed with worry.
Maya leaned back, her smile unwavering. "I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your dedication to your studies. However, sometimes, a change of environment can do wonders for creativity and productivity. Besides, this trip is not just for leisure. We have a unique opportunity to visit a historical site reserved for research.
It aligns perfectly with our club's interests, and I believe it can provide a fresh perspective for our projects."
She had already explained the reason why she called everyone here.
"But, a trip is a little…."
Of course, she was well aware of what all students expected when they came into this club. Most of them probably thought they would chill while discussing the historical events, but Maya was never someone who was normal to begin with.
She disliked being normal, after all, and she also knew there would be someone agreeing with her idea as well.
"I think it is good." The voice came from Mason, one of the freshmen. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and the expression on his face seemed pleased. "I always wondered how it would feel to see a real historical site."
Seeing Mason raising his voice, the girl beside him also raised her hand, seemingly brightened, though she sent a bunch of glances to him, probably to see his reaction.
"I agree with Mason. I don't think we can get this opportunity once again."
It was evident that she was trying to impress the guy.
Maya smiled at Mason's enthusiasm, appreciating the fresh perspective he brought to the club. "I'm glad to hear that, Mason. This trip is indeed a unique opportunity for all of us."
With those words, she looked around the room.
"Then, it is settled. See you Saturday."
And just like that, the meeting met its end.
"Sylvie, are you free? How about we grab a drink? Others are coming as well."
After the meeting ended, Mason approached Sylvie as usual as before.
"Not interested."
Chapter 187 - Trip (2)
'So, this was what it was about.'
I thought as I listened to what Maya was saying. If a trip was about to happen, then it made sense that she wanted to inform us face-to-face to see our reaction as well.
If she had sent a message only, most students would probably not accept her opinion in any case.
'Well, I don't think it is bad personally.'
This was an event that wouldn't happen in the game since traveling was something that wasn't much related to this club. Even if the player joined it, most of the events were all in the academy.
But I was already expecting changes to happen, and this one didn't seem that bad either. If we could get a change of environment while observing a historical site, it would be fine by me. Especially since I could see what this world was about in more detail.
I knew this world was the same world as it was in the game, but even then, it didn't mean I knew everything. Thus, learning and observing more would be optimal.
That was why I thought, but hearing the next words of this guy made my decision firmer.
"I think it is good. I always wondered how it would feel to see a real historical site."
Since Mason was a demon contractor, I knew from the moment he approved this that he was already seeing the trip as an opportunity.
'That makes sense.'
Being outside of the academy while also being in the same space as Sylvie….There was no better option than this for him to act. Now that the academy and the government were also alert thanks to recent incidents, he probably saw this in a new light.
"Then, it is settled. See you Saturday." After Senior Maya finished the discussion, the students also turned their attention to their friends.
And, just like before, Mason approached Sylvie with a friendly smile, his eyes gleaming.
"Sylvie, are you free? How about we grab a drink? Others are coming as well."
FLINCH!
From my senses warning me, I was already aware that he was using his demonic skill. This was the way demonic humans worked, as they had countless different spells that affected the minds of their targets.
However, Sylvie's response was different this time. She looked at him, her expression neutral, and replied curtly, "Not interested."
'Hmm?'
Her expression and everything were a lot different than in previous ones. Previously, she would always join other students with a smile, but now she was looking at Mason with an uncomfortable gaze.
Mason's smile faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected response. He tried to recover, "Come on, it'll be fun. We can all relax and enjoy ourselves."
THUMP!
He was also using more demonic energy this time, possibly trying to shake off Sylvie's defenses.
However, Sylvie stood her ground, her neutral expression turning into a fierce and angry one. "I said I'm not interested. Leave me alone," Sylvie retorted, her voice carrying an edge of frustration. The intensity of her gaze bore into Mason, making it clear that she wasn't going to be swayed by any persuasive tactics.
'She really is different.'
I don't know what caused a change in her heart clearly, but it wasn't that hard to guess.
'She must be able to see that Mason has a demonic energy in his body.'
With her recent awakening, it seems Mason was no longer able to deceive her powers. Only this could explain why she was behaving like this.
"Come on, if she doesn't want to come, let her be." At that moment, the girl who was always with Mason pulled his shirt, glaring at Sylvie.
'She likes him, huh?'
That was plainly evident. After all, humans tend to get more aggressive with their demeanor when the person they are interested in shows an interest in another.
"It is her own decision to miss this chance after you offered him. You don't need to waste your time on someone who can't even appreciate that."
And her words proved that.
Mason, sensing the change in Sylvie's demeanor, finally took a step back, a forced smile on his face. "All right, all right. No need to get all worked up. If you change your mind, let me know." With a final attempt at nonchalance, he walked away. But, as he turned his face, I could see a slight change in his expression.
His smiling face disappeared for a second, turning his face into a more serious and hateful one.
'Showing your true colors….No need to get worked up, though; you will have your share soon.'
Once Mason was out of earshot, Sylvie turned her attention to me, her expression softening as she took a deep breath. "Should we leave now? I don't want to stay here longer."
"Okay." Seeing she was uncomfortable, I followed her request, and we started leaving as well.
As we left the classroom, the tension seemed to ease, but Sylvie seemed to be bothered by what she did.
"You must be surprised," she said, her voice shakier than usual. "I'm sorry you had to witness that."
"It's not a problem," I replied, "You don't need to apologize. If someone's bothering you, it's natural to stand up for yourself."
Sylvie was a soft girl, and she lived all her life like that. But from this moment on, this needed to change, and she must know it as well.
Sylvie paused for a moment, her eyes looking at mine. "You are not asking anything. Aren't you curious about why I changed my mind so suddenly?"
I stopped in my tracks as well. Of course, it wasn't bad to know the details of her thoughts, I could guess to some point.
"Do you need a reason?"
"What?"
"I mean, do you really always need a reason to act like you did back then?"
"You don't?"
"You don't. For me, you just said you didn't want to hang out; that was it."
"But it was out of the blue?"
"Maybe, but aren't you a human? You can sometimes feel angry out of nowhere, and no human is consistent. I can do something for five hours a day for a whole month without complaining, but randomly, out of nowhere, I may start hating it. Don't you feel that way too, sometimes?"
"I do."
"Then, it is the same."
Sylvie pondered on my words for a moment, and then a faint smile appeared on her face as if she had reached a realization.
"You have a point. Maybe I've been too hard on myself."
"Exactly. You don't have to explain yourself to everyone. It's okay to prioritize your own feelings."
This was my goal. With how low her self-esteem is, it is not hard to see that she will run into problems in the future, especially since she is surely going to achieve a high position.
She needs to learn how to stand up for herself.
She nodded, and as we resumed walking, I could see a subtle change in her demeanor. It seemed like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and she was beginning to embrace the idea that it was okay to assert herself without always providing a detailed explanation.
"Thanks," Sylvie said after a while as we got out of the building. "I think I am feeling better now."
"No problem."
"Then, have a nice day. I will meet with my friends."
With those words, she started moving away as she headed toward her group of friends, the two girls waving their hands.
One of them was glaring at me clearly with an annoyed expression, but I didn't sense any intent behind her gaze.
I watched her for a moment and then turned back.
'Now, let's start preparing.'
Since this trip wasn't an opportunity only for demon contractors.
'You are not the only one who is holding back because of the academy.'
After all, the moment we get out of the academy will be the moment where I can use my powers without hiding from those belonging to that safe ground.
'I can finally get rid of these dogs.'
*******
"What an opportunity."
That was what Mason thought the moment he heard that the club would be going on a trip. After all, he had been looking for an opportunity all this time. His superiors were getting restless as well.
"Who does she think she is anyway?"
He could see the girl he had charmed fuming already.
"Even though we are calling her to come with us, how dare she refuse you rudely like that?"
He had already wrapped her around his fingers, and this wasn't the first time. He had done this countless times, and she was just another one of his tools. Normally, he would just brush these complaints off.
"Calm down, Taylor."
However, now that he wasn't in a good mood, he couldn't bear it. After all, even though this was his mission, getting rejected in front of everyone like that made him quite angry.
"How can I calm down? She just embarrassed you and me in front of everyone! You deserve more respect than that," Taylor retorted, clearly not understanding the depth of Mason's vexation.
Mason's jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists, the frustration building into something more volatile. "ENOUGH! Do you think I don't know that, huh?" As he said those words, he grabbed her from her neck.
CLENCH!
"Kurghk-!" The girl struggled under his grip, but she couldn't do anything as his strength was something she couldn't resist.
"When I say something, listen well." His eyes shone red for a split second, and the girl slowly lost the strength she was using to resist.
"I-I am s-sorry."
TAP!
As her hands fell to the sides, Mason released his grip on Taylor, pushing her away with a force that sent her stumbling to the side.
His eyes still tinged with a faint red glow, reflected a mix of anger and frustration.
As Taylor mumbled an apology, Mason muttered under his breath, "That bitch's time will come soon enough. No one embarrasses me like that and gets away with it. You don't need to worry about it."
With a dismissive glance, he turned away, leaving Taylor to collect herself. However, suddenly, he stopped for a second as if he realized something while looking at the girl.
She was breathing heavily, but there was a strange glint in her eyes as if something wasn't right.
Mason's sudden change in demeanor was palpable. He seemed to have perceived something in Taylor's reaction, prompting him to alter his course. "Come here," he commanded, and Taylor, almost robotically, moved closer without a word.
"Sorry for that," Mason mumbled, his arms enveloping her in an oddly gentle manner. As he whispered under his breath, an otherworldly energy emanated from him, enveloping them both. The surroundings seemed to darken momentarily, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
SMOOCH!
And then, in the darkness of the night, two lips pressed together, just like that, as the girl left herself in his arms.
Chapter 188 - Trip (3)
"Stubborn old man."
I thought as I looked at myself. While I was exploring the [Unknown's Armor], I noticed a special property of this clothing.
'I can change the shape.'
That old man really didn't send me without one final gift. He was really as stubborn as I thought.
'But, this was really a needed change.'
While I was using this armor, there were many things that made it slightly impractical. The first one was the fact that I would need to put it under my clothes, and the other one would be its enchantments being one-dimensional.
'But now that is not the case.'
I could change how it looked, and now I was using this as my casual clothes. It also had the property of adjusting the heat.
'A small rune is here.'
With the rune acting as the energy source, I could control the head inside. Also, adding the energy consumption of [Morphium], it was evident that this armor had now become a masterpiece.
After all, if everyone could make such armor, the Blackthorns would have already done that from the start and would have used the Morphium hidden in the vault.
'Now, everything is ready.'
Checking everything, I made my out of my room.
As I made my way to the meeting area, adjusting the [Unknown's Armor] to its casual form, I encountered Sylvie in the hallway. She looked up from a small book she was reading and offered a warm smile.
"Good morning," she greeted, her eyes looking at me. "I thought you would come around this time."
It seemed she was waiting for me.
'Well, this is not that bad.'
"Morning," I replied, looking at her. With how she had clothed herself and how cheerful she looked, it seemed she was excited about the trip.
"Excited about the trip?"
Sylvie nodded. "Yes, it's a nice change of pace. I've never been on a trip like this before."
"Do you like traveling?"
"I do."
"Then, why didn't you join the Travelling Club?"
The club's name was actually Adventure and Exploration Club, but there was no need to use that fancy name.
"Well, I like traveling, but I don't like doing it frequently. It is tiring."
"Hmm….We don't go around that much, though?"
"We? You are in the Traveling Club, then."
"Yes."
"How often do you go out?"
"We just went out one time. After that, we didn't go out another time."
"One time? Isn't it a little bit low?"
"It is certainly low."
Now that Sylvie had mentioned it, I suddenly remembered the events that were supposed to happen in the Traveling Club. In the first period, one more trip was normally supposed to happen; however, it didn't.
It could have many reasons, but if I needed to point one, that would be the monsters appearing on the Nexoria City trip.
In the game, I didn't know such a thing happened, and it was itself a derivation from the start. This was probably the reason why another trip had not occurred. The Academy must have prevented it, thinking of students' safety.
'Though, now that they have let Maya this time, the club should also start being active once again.'
"In any case, do you know where we are going today?"
Sylvie's eyes lit up as she retrieved a folded paper from her bag. "Yes, Senior Maya gave us this map. We're headed to Western Uxbridge. It's known for its magical phenomena and ancient ruins."
"Western Uxbridge," I repeated, the name holding a hint of familiarity. After all, it was a place I knew quite a lot in the game.
It was a special location that hosted quite a lot of ancient ruins and a place where many researchers were gathered.
Sylvie smiled, seemingly pleased with my recognition. "Yes, exactly. It's known for its rich history and magical anomalies. Senior Maya mentioned that there might be hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered."
As we continued our conversation, we reached the meeting place where other club members were gathering. Senior Maya was already there, looking enthusiastic about the upcoming journey.
"Junior, you are here."
She immediately greeted me, with her friend, the vice president of the club, beside her.
"Good morning, senior."
With a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Junior, are you excited about the trip?"
I nodded, my expression stoic. "I'm fine."
She chuckled. "Always the calm one, aren't you? Well, as long as you're ready for whatever Western Uxbridge has in store for us."
'It is not the Western Uxbridge that has store in store for us, but someone else.' I wanted to say but held it in. It was not like this was Maya's fault.
We waited for a little while, and soon the last members arrived.
Mason and his friends joined the group, their presence adding a different energy to the mix. Mason, as always, wore a 'charming' smile.
"Sorry for being late, we couldn't prepare in time." He said as he threw a look at the group.
'He really is good at managing his expression.'
If not for my [Perceptive Insight] and my sensitiveness against the demonic energy, I might have been fooled as well.
But, I could clearly see how geared he was and feel how the quality of his demonic energy changed. He upgraded himself for this mission clearly, and no one seemed to sense this.
'Except Sylvie.'
Her expression changed, her eyes narrowing a little while she also clenched the sleeves of her sweatshirt. Knowing her habits, this was something she did when she was frustrated and angry at something, and it wasn't that hard to see why.
I could also see Mason looking at Sylvie and me for a split second, and his gaze wasn't normal.
CLAP!
At that moment, a clap sound brought me back to reality.
"Now that everyone is here, we can start."
Maya smiled, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Let's make this trip memorable, everyone! We'll learn, explore, and maybe uncover some hidden mysteries. Now, let's hit the road!"
With that, Maya led the way; it was first a small bus that took us to the transfer gate of Arcadia City.
The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and anticipation as we approached the magical gateway that would transport us to Western Uxbridge.
"We have a reservation for the teleportation gate B128."
"Teleportation gate B128, please let me check for a second...Miss Maya, correct."
"Yes."
"Here, your reservation is confirmed. My friend here will guide you to the gate."
The process in the government was actually the same as in the Black Market. Just like the portals that would take you to the entrance of the dungeons, there were countless different ones around.
"Wow….." I had used this station before while reaching Nexoria City, but that didn't seem to be the case for Sylvie as she looked around like a country bumpkin.
"This is amazing. I've never seen anything like it before. The precision and scale of these teleportation gates are just incredible."
I nodded in agreement. "It's quite something. The advancements in magical transportation have made long-distance travel much more convenient. No more exhausting journeys on horseback or through rough terrains…..Only for the rich, though."
"….Yeah, that is right."
As we approached the designated teleportation gate, the guide ushered us forward, and one by one, we stepped into the portal.
The sensation of being enveloped in that vortex of pulsating energy surrounded us, and the scenery around us changed in an instant.
"Hello."
Before us, a guide appeared immediately.
"You are the group from the Arcadia Hunter Academy, correct?"
It seemed he was already waiting for us to come from the start.
"Yes, that is correct."
The guide greeted us with a warm smile. "Excellent! Welcome to Western Uxbridge. I'm here to assist you during your stay. If you follow me, I'll take you to the research site where Mister Jones is working. He is the one who informed me."
"Ah, I will pay him a visit later. Thank you for your attention."
"No problem."
As the guide and Senior Maya exchanged their greetings and a bunch of words, we started walking.
The teleportation hall was pretty small compared to other cities, and this was mostly because, in reality, Western Uxbridge wasn't actually a highly developed city. The sole reason there was a teleportation gate itself was because of the researchers who wished to share their experiences with the Magic Tower and the Government.
As we stepped out of the hall, the city unfolded before us, revealing a different vibe compared to the bustling capital. Western Uxbridge had an older, more reserved atmosphere. The cobblestone streets winded through the heart of the city, flanked by structures that seemed to whisper tales of a distant past.
Sylvie gazed around in wonder, her eyes taking in the ancient architecture and the faded beauty of the surroundings. The air carried a sense of tranquility, a stark contrast to the lively energy of the Arcadia City.
"Welcome to Western Uxbridge, a city frozen in time," the guide announced, gesturing towards the aged buildings and intricate carvings that adorned them.
"This place holds secrets untold, and today, you have the opportunity to witness some of its mysteries."
It was, indeed, as he said.
The city seemingly held the atmosphere of a frozen time. Of course, the time was itself not frozen, and it was flowing. However, thanks to the ancient ruins and the local traditions that were still maintained through time, the city was like its elder self.
"This place is so different from what I'm used to," Sylvie remarked, her voice filled with admiration.
I nodded in agreement. "It's like stepping into a living history book. Western Uxbridge has its charm, a different kind of beauty."
It felt quite nostalgic as I remembered my time on Earth. Most of the cities went into Modernization, but there were still some who preserved their uniqueness.
"Then, please follow me through the way."
Senior Maya and the guide led the way through the meandering streets, and as we walked deeper into the city, the ambient magic in the air became more pronounced.
And just like that, the trip had fully started while on the other side, a person was sharpening his sword.
Chapter 189 - Trip (4)
The group followed the guide through the charming streets of Western Uxbridge, eventually arriving at the research site where Mister Jones awaited them. The researcher, a middle-aged man with a mane of graying hair, greeted them with a warm smile.
"Welcome, Cadets of the Arcadia Hunter Academy! I'm Roman Jones, and it's a pleasure to have you here." He extended a hand, shaking hands with Maya and the rest of the group.
Maya reciprocated the gesture. "Thank you for having us, Mister Jones. We're excited to explore the historical site and learn more about your research. I heard a lot of things about you from my father."
"Ah….Mister Evergreen talked about me? It is quite an honor."
"Of course he did. He always mentions how diligent you are.
"Thank you. I will make sure to pay him a visit later."
"It would be good; I am sure he will welcome you."
"Ahahaha…."
After they had exchanged a bunch of greetings, Maya turned her attention to her fellow members.
"For those who don't know, this is Professor Roman Jones. He is one of the rare experts in the field of historical research and artifacts. His contributions have been pivotal in uncovering the mysteries of Western Uxbridge's past," Maya explained, her voice carrying a tone of genuine respect.
Roman Jones modestly nodded, "I'm just passionate about what I do. Now, shall we begin our exploration?"
Even though Roman Jones was a fairly important figure in this field, he seemed to open up for a short time for the sake of the group.
The group eagerly followed Mister Jones as he guided them through the various sections of the research site.
"You might not be able to see this in your lifetime. This is a special artifact that was used by the inhabitants of this place before the day of Nexus Convergence. It contains no changes made by mana."
"No changes made by mana? Does that mean this artifact is different from what we have been using?"
"This is indeed the case. From the moment mana entered our world, life took a huge change. The biggest change can be observed from the living beings as we all adapt to it, but even those who are not living are subjected to these changes."
"Ah…."
"And, the reason why we are working on these artifacts is to take their state as a reference point for many changes and observe how it was before the mana came to this world.
He provided insights into the significance of each artifact, unraveling tales of the city's history as they moved from one display to another.
"As we examine these artifacts, we uncover the untouched state of life before the influence of mana. Western Uxbridge, as you see it today, was once a thriving city without the pervasive energy we now know as mana. The artifacts here predate the day of Nexus Convergence, an era when magic wasn't an integral part of our existence," Mister Jones explained, his eyes gleaming with passion.
He led the group to a section displaying a map of Western Uxbridge with intricate markings. "These ancient ruins not only hold the city's history but also carry traces of an age where mana wasn't a defining force. We theorize that our world might have had latent mana long before the Nexus Convergence event."
One of the students asked, "So, you're suggesting that mana existed in our world even before the Nexus Convergence?"
Mister Jones nodded, "It's a fascinating possibility. These ruins and artifacts are like windows to a time when magic wasn't commonplace. If our theory holds, it could reshape our understanding of the very fabric of our world."
As they explored further, Mister Jones elaborated on the intricate connections between the ancient ruins and the potential existence of latent mana.
He pointed out markings, symbols, and structures that hinted at a magical influence preceding the day when mana flooded the world, and the buildings of the ancient ruins themselves were practically against the idea of a non-magical world.
"Even from the perspective of a physician, the idea of moving all these blocks or digging this amount of tunnels in such ancient times itself is contradictory to the flow of time."
Just as he said, he pointed to the huge ruins made of only steel.
"….."
Though the students all had their fair share of high buildings, seeing such an old one was definitely a different experience.
"However, there is one other aspect that supports our theory." At that moment, Jones stopped and raised his hand.
"I don't know if some of you have noticed, but the mana in this place is slightly different."
Jones extended his hand, and as if conjuring magic from the very air, a flicker of flame danced into existence in his palm.
The flames, however, were not the typical orange or red hues associated with fire. Instead, they swirled with an ethereal display of colors—shifting seamlessly from azure to emerald, then to amethyst.
"I myself am not that proficient in fire manipulation, but even then, you can see the result with your eyes alone. This is a small demonstration of the peculiar mana in this location. Unlike the mana we are accustomed to in our daily lives, the mana in these ancient ruins carries a distinct vibrancy and variance in its essence."
Jones explained the multicolored flames reflecting in his eyes. As the group watched in awe, he continued, "These unique mana fluctuations coincide with our theory that this city might have housed a different kind of magical energy before the Nexus Convergence.
The artifacts and the very air in Western Uxbridge seem to echo the remnants of an era where magic manifested in diverse and unpredictable ways."
All of the students looked and watched in awe as he displayed the results. The notion that the mana here had its own unique characteristics heightened the mystery surrounding the ancient ruins.
"This is also the reason why this city is still not touched by the outside world and has preserved its uniqueness up to this point."
Maya finished his words herself. "To make sure that legacy still exists until you can find a relation."
Hearing this, Jones smiled. "Indeed."
CLAP!
And with a clap, he gathered everyone's attention once again. "Well, I've bored you enough with my theoretical explanations," Jones said with a good-natured chuckle. "Now, I believe it's time for you all to witness the wonders of Western Uxbridge with your own eyes.
While we won't delve into the deepest parts of the research site today, wandering through the city itself holds its own historical significance."
He motioned toward the cityscape that lay beyond, ancient structures and cobblestone streets that whispered tales of a bygone era.
"Feel free to explore, ask questions, and immerse yourselves in the history that clings to every corner of this place. Take note of the architectural nuances, the remnants of a society that once thrived here."
Maya, the one who suggested this with her eyes, clapped her hands together. "All right, everyone! Let's spread out, but stay within the designated areas. Enjoy the experience, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We will meet around the evening here and make sure that your alerts are on since I will contact you if something necessary comes up."
Just like that, the group dispersed, each member drawn to a different part of the city, eager to explore the different atmosphere that was very hard to come by in their lives.
*****
After everyone dispersed, Astron also made his way out of the research site.
'It is quite different from the game. Is it because, when we come here as a player, it would be later?'
Even though the city itself held its own values and traditions, the things Astron saw in the game were different from how the city looked.
'Something had changed this city.'
He looked into his memory, thinking for possible reasons, but eventually, he couldn't find anything there.
'We will see it for a later time.'
"Interesting, right?"
At that moment, Sylvie's words brought him back to reality. She naturally came to his side after everyone dispersed, and Astron didn't mind the idea either.
After all, if she didn't come to him, he was going to watch her from a distance to make sure he was ready for whatever was about to come.
"Yeah, it's captivating," Astron replied, casting another glance at the ancient architecture around them. "There's a certain charm to this place like it's holding onto stories that time forgot."
They had been walking for a while now, and they asked and conversed with the local people living in this place. They all seemed genuine, good people who liked talking, and most of them had smiles on their faces.
Sylvie nodded in agreement. "It's like a living history book, and each corner whispers tales of the past. I wonder what kind of people lived here and what their lives were like. Even the locals say they don't know much about the people of the past, and they are only trying to preserve the traditions left to them."
"Hmm….." Remembering the times of the Earth and the movies that told about the past, he shook his head. "It must be a lot different than how we lived."
"Different….Yeah, that would probably be. Nowadays, everyone is stuck in the same space. I guess time changes everything."
"Time changes everything; I don't think so."
"Why?"
"Initially, humans never change after all. The greed, the pride…It is all the same."
"What changes then?"
"If one thing changes within the time, it is the accumulation of knowledge and experience. We learn from the past when it comes to inventing new things, but in the end, we make the same mistakes we did."
"I don't think so," Sylvie said as she looked at the sky. "I think everyone can change."
Astron pondered Sylvie's words, his gaze fixed on the ancient structures surrounding them. His eyes shone purple for a second while he drew mana to there. "Expecting people to change can be a painful experience. More often than not, they don't."
Sylvie looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "But isn't it better to give them a chance? People might surprise you. Change is a gradual process, and sometimes, it takes a nudge or an opportunity to make it happen. Even the worst person might become a good one after they change their mind."
At this point, the two were in a slightly desolate place as they entered an alley. Subconsciously, Sylvie followed Astron while talking with him, and she didn't even notice the place they arrived became this desolate.
Astron raised his head and looked over Sylvie, sensing a small dark mana coming from there.
"No, it is not. Actions have consequences, and it is always better to strangle the snake before it can grow to bite you."
SWOOSH!
Following that, a mana converged into a point shot forward behind them.
CLANK!
Only to be deflected by the dagger.
Chapter 190 - Trip (5)
"What an opportunity."
That was what Mason thought the moment he heard that the club would be going on a trip. After all, he had been looking for an opportunity all this time, and now was the time.
Inside the academy, it was almost impossible to harm a student unless they could lure them to desolate locations. And their target wasn't that dumb, at least.
He had tried countless different things to lure her at night, but none of them succeeded. He even used as much of his powers and many other demonic artifacts before Sylvie could make a name for herself and attract the academy's attention.
However, none of them worked, and according to his intel, the girl had already shown signs of awakening, and that made it even harder for him to act.
From how she acted before, it was clear that something wasn't right with her, and that gave him a clue that she possibly knew about his identity.
Therefore, the moment the destination of the trip was concluded, he immediately prepared a small squad for this opportunity.
He wanted to bring more personnel, but it was almost close to impossible. Western Uxbridge City was under the heavy surveillance of the government and magic tower because of the researchers; therefore, entering there without spending a bunch of resources was almost impossible.
And they didn't have much time to prepare for this case, making their choices limited.
Even then, it was fine. After all, there was no advisor who came on this trip since he seemed busy with his grades for the papers. There was a high chance that he thought nothing important would happen in such a safe place.
The only ones that could possibly pose him a threat were the seniors, especially Maya Evergreen, but if he were careful about that, that would be okay.
Just like that, Mason meticulously devised his plans to capitalize on the opportunity the trip presented. His motives, veiled in the shadows, were driven by a sinister agenda aimed at Sylvie. The secrecy surrounding his actions suggested a cunning and calculated approach.
As the group dispersed to explore Western Uxbridge City, Mason trailed Astron and Sylvie from a distance.
That annoying guy was also always with her, and for some reason, he got a weird vibe from him. It was as if he couldn't sense his presence at all, and he himself had forgotten that he existed sometimes.
He also felt that guy glaring at him from time to time, but whenever he checked, he never saw his eyes on him.
In any case, he was annoyed by the existence of that guy, and now that they were together, he smirked internally.
'Let's see if you can glare at me like that this time as well.'
His movements were stealthy, a product of both his demonic abilities and his experience in covert operations. His keen eyes followed the duo as they navigated through the city's narrow streets and winding alleys.
They wandered around for quite a while. Most of the time, it was almost impossible to capture her because of the public attention, and the time was reaching its end.
However, at that moment, suddenly, the two entered a desolate alley where no one could be seen.
'Heh….You stupid fuckers.'
He immediately put a smirk on his face as he realized this was the opportunity they were looking for.
[Target confirmed. Get ready to engage.]
From the earbuds, he signaled the team.
[Understood, First.]
And then, after the notification came, they were now ready to strike. The team surrounded the two as they slowly created a small barrier to block the sounds with their demonic energy.
After that, he condensed his demonic energy, and it was the start of the fight.
*********
CLANK!
As the initial demonic converged mana was deflected by the dagger, the assailants immediately followed with their attacks, all of them with good precision.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
However, almost all of the attacks were deflected by Astron, holding his daggers.
CLANK!
As another one of the projectiles was deflected, Astron looked around with his eyes, counting the number of the assailants.
"Wha-?"
Sylvie was caught off-guard by the attack as she looked around. However, this time, different from the previous ones, she immediately gathered her attention.
"Stay close!" Astron shouted to Sylvie as they both faced their assailants. A group of hooded figures emerged from the shadows, their faces concealed, making it impossible to discern their intentions.
"Got it." Sylvie immediately took her position and started using her mana to give buffs to Astron. She had yet to understand how to fight, but even then, she knew her role well.
SWOOSH!
The hooded figures moved with uncanny speed, their weapons gleaming in the dim light.
Astron and Sylvie, standing back-to-back, faced the encroaching threat. The air crackled with tension as the assailants circled their prey.
Astron's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly moved to intercept the first attacker with his increased stats. Now that he got Sylvie's buffs, his firepower and strength were far above normal.
SLASH!
His dual daggers met the assailant's weapon in a clash of steel. The crimson aura around Astron intensified, lending an eerie glow to his movements.
Sylvie focused her mana, creating a protective barrier around them. The hooded figures, undeterred, continued their relentless assault.
CLANK! CLANK!
The rhythmic clashes of metal echoed through the air as Astron parried the attacks, his movements a deadly dance.
SWOOSH!
One of the assailants lunged at Sylvie, aiming to exploit her position. However, Astron intercepted the attack, pushing the assailant back with a powerful strike. The hooded figure stumbled, momentarily disrupted.
However, even then, that wasn't the end.
SWOOSH!
Just as Astron seemed to have the situation under control, a sudden surge of demonic mana erupted from one of the assailants. An unexpected attack that carried a formidable force.
CLANK!
Astron managed to intercept the attack, but the sheer power behind it caught him off guard. The force of the impact sent vibrations through his daggers, and for a split second, he lost his foothold.
STAB!
And that momentarily loss of foothold became detrimental in the fight against higher numbers.
A spear made from demonic energy pierced his shoulder.
"Grrr…."
He gritted his teeth as the pain flowed through.
"NOW!"
One of the assailants realized this was an opportunity created by the third one behind them, and he immediately followed the attack with another swing of his blade.
CLANK!
However, different from what he expected, his blade met with the dagger swing.
"How?"
His eyes opened wide as he realized the wound they had just made healed immediately. And then, he realized the reason for that was the girl.
'That must be the reason why they want her alive.'
Realizing that fact, he increased the distance from the two. The other one did the same.
"You are like a cockroach." He mumbled, his eyes locked on the boy before him.
[You don't need to keep others alive. You can kill him.]
At that moment, a small signal came from his earbuds.
[Really?]
[Yes. We only need the girl alive.]
The moment he confirmed, a smirk appeared on his face. Since their leader called it, he could only oblige.
'You can only blame yourself.'
He knew that Mason would not normally kill someone unnecessarily. It seemed this annoying guy got on his nerves.
The assailants, understanding that they no longer needed to hold back, intensified their assault. Astron, nursing the wound on his shoulder, prepared for the upcoming onslaught.
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
The three figures moved with synchronized precision; each strike imbued with dark mana. They aimed to overwhelm Astron and Sylvie through sheer force and coordination.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
Astron, despite the small dislocation on his shoulder, expertly parried the attacks. The crimson aura surrounding him flared, signifying that he was using a lot more mana than usual.
Sylvie, on the other hand, focused her mana on healing Astron's injuries.
'This time, it will be different.'
Her eyes glowed with a soft, soothing light as she channeled her energy into closing the wounds caused by the attackers.
She had convinced herself and readied for such moments. And now, she was doing her best, with all her focus on Astron.
CLANK!
But, even then, there were times when conviction would not be enough.
STAB! SWOOSH!
One of the assailants lunged at Astron with a demonic spear, aiming for a vulnerable spot. Astron, anticipating the attack, sidestepped and retaliated with a swift dagger thrust. The assailant staggered back, momentarily disoriented.
However, the other two assailants seized the opportunity. One unleashed a barrage of strikes, while the other channeled a surge of demonic energy into a devastating attack.
SLASH! STAB!
And their slash met with the flesh. Astron's body was pierced by the demonic blade, and he let out a grunt of pain. Sylvie, desperately maintaining her healing efforts, felt a surge of fear.
"NO!" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion.
Astron, despite the excruciating pain, refused to collapse. His sheer willpower kept him on his feet, even as the assailants raised their weapons for a finishing blow.
"Die, you cockroach bastard."
One of the attackers smirked as his dagger was about to hit.
"STOP!"
The assailants, momentarily taken aback, turned their attention to Sylvie. She had a determined look on her face, and her eyes glowed with a fierce light. In an unexpected move, she swiftly produced a dagger and pressed it against her own neck.
"Leave him alone, or I'll end myself right here," Sylvie declared, her voice unwavering.
The assailants, uncertain about how to react, exchanged glances. The threat Sylvie posed to herself introduced a new element to the situation. She was willing to risk her own life to protect Astron.
It was as if she had realized their intention and their goal was her. Even from the start, none of them aimed for her life as well.
Astron widened his eyes as if he wasn't expecting Sylvie to do such a thing. But he needed to act his part.
"D-don't, do it."
However, the one holding the dagger couldn't help but shake his head.
"Heh…." With a smirk widening on his face, he laughed.
"Ahahahahahahaha…."
The assailant holding the dagger looked at Sylvie with a cruel glint in his eyes. "Go ahead, do it. If it's that easy for someone to kill herself, then go ahead. You little girl….Do you really think you can take your life?"
Sylvie's eyes didn't change as she looked at the assailant.
"Leave him alone, or I will do it."
However, the one holding the dagger couldn't help but shake his head.
"Heh…." With a smirk widening on his face, he laughed.
"Ahahahahahahaha…."
The assailant, seeing Sylvie's unwavering determination, narrowed his eyes. He exchanged a brief, silent communication with his companions, who remained tense and ready for any sudden moves.
"Kid. Drop that dagger," the assailant finally said, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Sylvie, maintaining her steely gaze, hesitated for a moment. The dagger trembled in her hand, but she didn't lower it. The assailant's irritation grew, realizing Sylvie's resolve was genuine.
"Fine, have it your way. But if you try anything funny, remember, your friend pays the price," he warned, withdrawing his dagger slightly.
After that, they left Astron on the ground, with his body tattered.
"N-no…."
He tried to reach Sylvie, but he couldn't.
The assailants, having momentarily subdued Astron and achieved their primary goal of capturing Sylvie alive, decided to leave Astron on the ground. His injuries were severe, but the assailants paid him little attention as they focused on their captive.
"Move, girl. And don't try anything funny if you care about your own life," he sneered, guiding Sylvie away from the wounded Astron.
'At least I saved him.'
Sylvie thought as she looked at Astron, feeling slightly fulfilled. For once in her life, she wanted to become useful to someone, and she didn't want to repeat the same experience she had at the dungeon.
However, she missed one thing.
One of the assailants, fueled by cruelty, turned back with a sinister grin. He summoned a demonic spear, channeling malevolent energy into its deadly form.
Astron, battered and weakened, realized the impending danger but was 'powerless' to defend himself. He strained to move, to escape the inevitable, but his body betrayed him. Sylvie's desperate cries filled the air, echoing in the alley.
"NO! Don't! Please, don't!"
But even then, the demonic spear, fueled by dark energy, thrust forward mercilessly, finding its mark in Astron's defenseless body.
And that was the last thing she had seen.
However, none of the assailants had noticed green mana attached to their bodies, and neither did they notice the small thing eating the demonic energy they had left in this place.
Chapter 191 - Trip (6)
As the assailants retreated with Sylvie in tow, they regrouped in a hidden location. The leader, a tall figure with a hood concealing their face, addressed Mason, the one who had attacked Astron.
"Why did you attack him, you bastard? What if she breaks, huh? Can you take responsibility," the leader of the group demanded, their voice carrying a tone of frustration.
Mason, maintaining a calm demeanor, responded, "He was getting too close, and I had to make sure he wouldn't follow us."
"Really? Do you think he was in a state to do anything? We already know for a fact that he is just a weak bastard."
"It doesn't matter. A threat is a threat."
The leader's eyes narrowed, dissatisfied with Mason's explanation. "Tch. You bastard, just say that you didn't like him; why are you going around with your words?"
Mason smirked, revealing a hint of amusement. "Yeah. That bastard was getting on my nerves, okay. And it is not like, if we let him live, things would be different. He was already going to alert the authorities."
"Sigh…You know, until he had alerted the authorities, we would already be away enough from the start."
"Again, it doesn't matter. A threat is a threat. And I just eliminated it."
"And again, we already made sure he wouldn't be able to move. We already got his dimensional ring and his watch with us anyway."
"..."
"…..You are a reckless idiot." the leader conceded with a sigh. "Now, let's focus on the present. Girl, are you alright?"
Sylvie, still reeling from the events, looked lifeless. Her eyes, once filled with determination, were now vacant, reflecting the deep shock she experienced. She didn't respond to the leader's inquiry, her gaze fixed on some distant point.
Mason, indifferent to Sylvie's state, added, "She's fine. Just give her some time. The shock will wear off, and she'll be more compliant once she understands the situation."
"I know, bastard. Don't order me." The leader said as he looked at his watch.
"The transport will be here in at most half an hour. Until then, keep an eye on her, Mason. We can't afford any unexpected surprises," the leader instructed, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.
Mason, unbothered by the responsibility, merely nodded. "I've got it covered. Just make sure the next part of the plan goes smoothly. I don't want any more hiccups."
Just like that, they started waiting for the vehicle to come inside the backside of the restaurant that was working for them.
********
For someone who wants to operate from the shadows, what could be the most detrimental issue?
It is the possibility of their identity being revealed.
This is especially the case for me. After all, neither the government nor anyone could be trusted when it comes to what I have in mind.
Therefore, I needed to act in such a manner, making myself appear as if I had discarded. After all, most of the time, demon followers tend to be watched by something inside them, and that is something none of them know about.
While they gain powers, they also sacrifice their personal lives. The ones who have their powers can witness what is happening with their eyes.
Biting the small pill I had stored in my mouth, I felt the energy returning to my body. The
'Though, I really never expected Sylvie to do such a thing.'
She put her life on the line for me. Even though I was already prepared for the attack, what she did was something that touched my heart.
'Tch. Now, I feel like an asshole for playing with her feelings.'
Everything went as I had planned, aside from what Sylvie had done. She sacrificed herself…At least she tried to. I am sure she really thought she could save me.
That selflessness is what will make Sylvie the future Saintess, and witnessing it like that, a small knot appeared in my heart.
'Why am I remembering her now.'
Her actions made me remember someone in a certain scene. At that point, I almost lost control of my emotions and revealed myself. Anger soared, and I felt my hatred rising.
'Now, it is time for the hunt.'
With my eyes, I could already see the tendrils revealing the location of the assailants. And, now that I had created an alibi for myself, there was no need to hold anything back.
'Especially that Mason. I am going to pluck your eyes out.'
Whatever it is, I can still remember his smirk when he left with Sylvie.
Dash.
SWOOSH!
Swiftly and seamlessly, I blended into the shadows, the cloak of darkness becoming my ally.
With a calculated finesse, I activated the [Unknown's Armor], a gift from a stubborn old man who understood the value of adaptability as well as my trait [Shadowborne].
The shadows enveloped me as the armor's transformative ability came to life. My clothing underwent a silent metamorphosis, turning to the image I had envisioned in my head.
A mask slowly came to my face, and my whole body was covered by the black suit.
The once conspicuous attire now merged seamlessly with the darkness, each fold and contour designed to be indistinguishable in the obscurity of the night, and just like that, I disappeared into the shadows.
******
"Hey."
As the leader left the room, Mason looked at Sylvie, who curled onto the side. He had a widened smile on his face as he finally felt like he had achieved his objective.
Mason leisurely approached Sylvie, his smirk widening as he observed her curled form. The dim light in the hidden location flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Well, well, Sylvie," Mason taunted, his tone dripping with condescension. "Looks like your grand plan to stop us didn't quite work out, did it? A valiant effort, I must say."
Sylvie's gaze slowly shifted toward Mason, her eyes still clouded with shock but now tinged with a hint of defiance. She remained silent, unwilling to give Mason the satisfaction of a response.
"You know," Mason continued, crouching down to her eye level, "you were so confident back there, standing up to us and all. Thought you could be the hero, huh? But here we are, and you're just another damsel in distress."
Sylvie bit her lip, suppressing the anger welling up inside her. Mason's words were like venom, and she knew responding to his taunts would only fuel his satisfaction.
"How was it? Did you like the last gift I had left for him? After all, that guy was getting on my nerves for a long time, you know?"
Mason chuckled, relishing in the discomfort he was causing. He wanted to have a taste of this girl, but he couldn't because of the orders from higher-ups, so he needed to get this feeling from his chest, right? After all, he had been trying to get her to this point the whole semester. This whole façade was also taking a toll on his mind.
"Though I have to say, his bravery was almost adorable. Almost. Pity it didn't amount to much, did it? He immediately got right before you to protect you. Hahaha….You should have seen his expression the moment I threw the last attack; he was frightened."
However, most importantly, he wanted to insult that guy. After all, for some reason, he could still feel that 'gaze' on himself. That gaze seemed like he was looking down on him.
He reached out and tilted Sylvie's chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes bore into hers, searching for any signs of weakness.
"I bet he regretted that he was with you at that moment, thinking if it wasn't for you, he would have been safe."
Sylvie's head sank as Mason's words cut through her, each sentence heavier than the last.
'Right.'
Guilt gnawed at her, intertwining with the anger she was desperately trying to suppress. The image of Astron, standing protectively before her, made her remember the same thing she had felt at that time when she was much, much younger.
'Still the same.'
She herself knew it was impossible to become strong enough in just a bunch of days. But, even then, she couldn't help but feel anger towards herself. The fact that she was still the same pathetic girl haunted her once more.
"Well, no use of regrets now. After all, I am sure he will forgive you in the afterlife."
'Afterlife….Right, he is dead.'
Anger soared for a second, and her eyes lit up. Even though her mana was sealed, she decided to act one last time.
"-Pitu"
Making eye contact, Sylvie summoned all the anger, frustration, and sorrow within her and spat directly at Mason's face.
"….."
Mason, momentarily taken aback by Sylvie's sudden act of defiance, stood frozen as the saliva landed on his face.
He touched the liquid with his fingers, bewildered and unable to comprehend what had just transpired.
The room fell silent for a moment before Mason's confusion slowly transformed into a simmering anger, and his eyes narrowed at Sylvie. He raised his hand, attempting for a slap.
"You bit-"
FLINCH!
But at that moment, his hand stopped, feeling ants crawling on his skin.
'What?'
An intense feeling of danger, the senses that were strengthened because of his demonic evolution, was now warning him.
[Mason, we are un-]
-BOOM!
Just as a warning came from his earbuds, an explosion suddenly occurred, blasting him off.
********
The moment I blended into the shadows, I started moving as fast as possible with maximum speed. The attackers seemed to stop as well since the tendrils showed their location wasn't moving.
'That is good.'
It was very likely that they were waiting for the transportation to come. Entering this city, where the government pays quite a lot of attention, wouldn't be easy, and escaping would certainly not be.
Therefore, it was understandable that they were waiting.
'Just as I had expected.'
With that thought, I reached the location where they were hiding in a matter of two minutes.
"Huff….Huff…."
I was slightly out of breath since I had used my body to maximum output.
I found myself behind a small restaurant. It was a narrow alley with a few trash bins scattered around, and it seemed like a perfect spot for them to hide temporarily.
'Let's take a look.'
I silently ascended to the rooftop, crouching behind a small ventilation unit. From this vantage point, I had a clear view of the scene below.
There were three of them, looking as if they were in their late twenties, dressed in dark attire that allowed them to blend into the shadows. They appeared to be discussing something, occasionally glancing around to ensure they weren't being followed.
'Three guards on the front. Two of them are the ones who attacked me, and the other one is probably the scout.'
From their body shapes and postures, I confirmed two of them were dagger users while the other one was a sword user.
Aurora Raven.
Calling my bond, I started moving it around the place, scouting the numbers. From another angle, I was able to spot another two. One of them was the leader, and the other one was non-combatant.
They were talking with each other while checking onto a device.
'Mana Observation.'
Within the last week, I wasn't simply only training my body. I also researched quite a lot of ways to use my mana and mastered Mana Observation to some extent. Of course, it wasn't fully mastered, but now I could somehow sense the prints of Demonic Energy around the place.
'And Mason and Sylvie are behind them.'
Sylvie's mana seemed to be sealed, but my tendrils were still connected.
'This is enough.'
The amount of information gathered was sufficient, and now it was time to act.
'Celestalith.'
I called my weapon and put it into its rifle form. And compressed the mana into the tip.
-PIU!
And then shot it forward.
Chapter 192 - Trip (7)
-PIU! PIU! PIU!
The moment the Celestalith fired, the concentrated energy propelled three energy bullets with uncanny accuracy toward the heads of the two guards.
The shots were swift, almost imperceptible, and they hit their marks without a moment's delay.
TAK! TAK! TAK!
The guards crumpled to the ground, their consciousness extinguished before they even had the chance to react.
No sound was made, and neither was there a loss of energy. My already trained eyes and body were able to react swiftly to the recoil, even if that did not count.
"Huh?"
The leader and the non-combatant were momentarily stunned, their eyes widening at the sudden demise of their comrades.
From their lips, I could see the leader speaking, possibly informing Sylvie while taking cover behind the desk. He also coated his body with his demonic mana to defend himself in a matter of one second.
-WROOM!
But I wasn't waiting while he was doing that. From the moment I had shot the first series of bullets, I already had a plan in my head.
Changing the form of my gun to the arrow in an instant, I channeled my hyper-energized Blue Mana into the arrow.
-SWOOSH!
And released it immediately. The arrow shot forward in an instant and arrived at the restaurant.
BOOM!
As the hyper-energized arrow met with the target, a hearty explosion occurred as a result.
The explosion resonated through the narrow alley, creating a thick curtain of smoke that billowed into the air. The acrid scent of burnt debris mixed with the chilling air, further obscuring visibility.
Capitalizing on the chaos, I activated my trait, [Shadowborne]. My form blurred, melding seamlessly with the shadows cast by the smoke, with my presence concealed.
Now practically invisible to the naked eye, I swiftly closed the distance between myself and the leader, who was still reacting to the sudden turn of events.
As I approached, I shifted the Celestalith into its chakram form, the whirling blades gleaming in the dim light.
With practiced precision, I launched the chakram toward the leader, aiming for their weapon hand to disarm them.
-CLINK!
The chakram hit its mark, knocking the weapon from the leader's grasp.
"Where are you bastard?"
The guy with his body covered with demonic energy was looking all around the place; his eyes widened. He was clearly and seemingly annoyed by my presence.
'You must be feeling the ants crawling your skin.'
In the presence of death, everyone feels fear. This is how it goes.
'You will die here.'
SWOOSH!
Without giving him any chance, I immediately threw another bunch of chakrams, all of them already orbiting around me.
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
The chakrams streaked through the smoke-filled air, hurtling toward the disarmed leader. With nimble movements, he dodged most of the attacks, his demonic energy flickering around him in a defensive dance.
"Futile, you can't hit me!" he taunted, his voice a mixture of arrogance. But I already knew what he was thinking.
In life and death, psychological warfare is always important, and from his reactions and small mimic alone, I could easily see that he was trying to taunt me.
But, as a stealth user, losing my cool would be the last thing I would do.
And, the act of missing the chakrams alone was also intentional, after all, since I wanted to give him a false sense of security for a second.
Little did he know my trait. My control over the Celestalith extended beyond the initial throw.
"Who you are, you motherfucker. Show yourself!"
As he confidently avoided the frontal assault while shouting, the chakrams, guided by my manipulation of Gray Mana, changed their trajectory mid-air.
With a sudden curling motion, the chakrams altered their course, coming back behind the leader. His triumphant expression turned to shock as he realized the blades were not done with their assault.
-CLINK! CLINK! CLINK!
The chakrams expertly found their marks, grazing the leader's sides and leaving deep cuts.
"Grrrr….."
The surprise on his face mirrored the dawning realization that, despite his efforts to evade, the relentless blades had outsmarted him.
Dash.
And that momentarily surprise was all I needed. The moment he lost his cool for a second, I immediately activated my skill, feeling my speed increase.
SWOOSH!
Keeping Celestalith in its chakram form, I immediately dashed to him with instant precision.
Blade Dance, Silver Moon.
With the precision of a well-practiced dance, I activated the move set I had been practicing.
My movements became a blur, and the Celestalith transformed into countless chakrams sliced through the air with deadly accuracy, all of them orbiting around me.
SPURT!
And, in an instant, blood surged from the countless wounds I had created, turning him into a simple dead meat.
"I-imp-"
He wanted to utter one last word, but he couldn't.
"Die."
SLASH!
The last disc that I had used to target the non-combatant returned right to me while cutting his neck cleanly.
With the leader's body falling lifelessly to the ground, I didn't allow a moment of respite. The Blade Dance, Silver Moon, had left a trail of blood and death in its wake, and the atmosphere was thick with the weight of the executed strikes.
However, I couldn't afford to linger.
There was a non-combatant in the basement, someone who was ready to give her life for me. Well, even if it wasn't for that, it is not like I am going to let a demon follower go away, either.
The tendrils of my Shadows extended, seeking out the target as I swiftly descended the stairs, avoiding any creaking sounds that might give away my approach with my presence masked.
'Two traps laid at the entrance.'
The information I had known about the game came in handy at this time. I knew for a fact what Mason was specialized in. He was a demon follower who wasn't particularly good at direct confrontation.
He was able to move his Demonic Energy freely, but his talent did lay in laying traps.
With a calculated move, I grabbed the lifeless body of the leader.
It was heavy a little, but now that my strength stat improved a lot, it was no longer a hassle.
I flung it through the door into the basement.
SWOOSH! THUD!
The moment the body crossed the threshold, a series of traps were triggered.
-PUF!
The demonic energy within the leader's body reacted violently, causing an explosion that echoed through the confined space.
-CREAK!
Simultaneously, acidic bombs concealed within the body ruptured, creating a corrosive cloud that filled the basement.
"Heh, you arrogant bastard."
The sounds transmitted to my head from the entrance, and that sound would be the thing that made me locate the position of the last guy, even if I hadn't known.
'Foolish.'
No matter where you are, demon-follower inferior pigs will always stay inferior in the end. Bootlicker dogs of demons who have no purpose in their lives….
'Ah, I am losing my control.'
I had been trying to keep my calm all this time, but the hatred inside me was about to pour down.
Eyes of Hourglass.
Using the last bits of my logical mind to keep my emotions under control, I activated my skill, feeling the time slowing down.
From the [Keen Eye] characteristic of the skill, I could easily locate the position of the Mason and his weak points. Combined with my Green Mana, who was still connected to him, the skill became truly overpowered.
-SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
And then, I propelled two chakrams toward the Mason's location with precision.
"Huh? Leader?"
It seemed the guy finally realized the body that had entered the room wasn't me.
'Low-born pig.'
It took quite a while for a bastard whom I thought was clever enough to blend in the academy. It seems I was mistaken. I guess I had expected much from a low-born demon follower anyway.
The chakrams, guided by my manipulation of Gray Mana, whirred through the air, seeking their target.
-CLINK! CLINK!
The chakrams found their mark, cutting through the corrosive cloud with a hiss.
SLASH!
Mason's arms bore the brunt of the assault as the blades sliced cleanly through, severing joints connecting the arms to the main body.
THUD! THUD!
The wounds weren't fatal, but they were enough to make Mason a non-lethal target.
SPURT! SPURT!
Like a fountain, blood started surging from the wounds. However, both the color of the blood and the small texture underneath the skin weren't like humans. It was dark.
This is why I hate these cock-roach demon-follower bastards. They are no different than monsters; the only difference is that they look like humans outside.
"AAAAAH! AAAAAH!"
Mason shouted, feeling the pain in his supposed arms. The terror in his eyes and his expression was something to picture, but it was quite sad that I didn't have a photographer with me.
"Who... who are you?" Mason stammered, his voice strained with pain. Blood continued to spurt from his severed arms, staining the floor beneath him.
I didn't respond immediately, allowing the question to hang in the air. Instead, I began a slow, deliberate walk toward him. After all, this pain he was feeling right now couldn't even compare to what she felt at that time.
The sins they committed need to be paid, and this pain will be one of the currencies.
From the corner of my eyes, I could see Sylvie looking at me with frightened eyes. I guess this is still a bit much for her.
'Not that it matters.'
This won't be the first time she witnesses such a thing; as a healer, she will see more gruesome scenes.
The mask and suit I wore, thanks to [Unknown's Armor], also concealed my identity, leaving both Mason and Sylvie to face an enigma—an unknown force that had dismantled his plans.
"Why?" he pleaded, desperation etched across his face filled with demonic features. "What did I do to you?"
It seemed he was trying his best to stall time so that his Demonic Energy could heal his wound. Even in the face of overwhelming death, that guy still doesn't know his place; how annoying.
'Annoying, annoying, annoying.'
Hatred in my heart is growing each second, and I think I can no longer hold it in.
TAP! TAP! TAP!
"Please… Don't come," Mason begged, fear tightening his voice.
But I was past the point of listening.
With a swift movement, I closed the remaining distance between us.
The blades in my hands danced through the air, and before Mason could react, I executed a precise series of strikes.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
The chakrams cut through Mason's body, targeting specific points where I knew the demonic core would be.
"AAAAAH! IT HURTS! IT HURTS!"
Blood spurted out with each strike, and Mason's agonized screams filled the air.
'It is nothing like how she felt at that time.'
"You asked me who I am."
Hearing my words, he looked at me with blood spurting from all around his body.
"I am Vengeance."
"NO! NO! DON'T!"
He realized what I was going to do, but it was already too late.
And then, between the lullaby of his screams, with one final motion, I reached into the gaping wound in his chest and extracted the demonic core.
The pulsating, malevolent energy emanated from it, a stark contrast to the wintry surroundings.
The other ones' cores were also in their bodies, but this treatment is special only to Mason. The annoying bastard who had been getting on my nerves for a long time.
After all, extracting the demonic core of a demonic human is one of the most painful things they could experience, and the pain in his eyes is my reward for holding it this long.
CRUSH!
As I crushed the demonic core with my hands, the light in Mason's eyes dimmed, and life left his body.
I threw one last look at Sylvie, looking frightened at the side, and then blended into the shadows.
RING!
Between the sounds of the police car ringing.
With this, my goal was accomplished.