Chapter 241 - Encounter
After Lilia's performance, the competition went smoothly. Though none of them were able to outshine Lilia.
"How was it?"
However, our masked goddess seemed to want my opinion on her performance.
"It was superb."
I replied to her question. The way she utilized new aspects and introduced such types of relations in theory to archery itself brought a different feeling to me. Even now, I am thinking about how to make myself better at such things.
The usage of mana anchors and reflective mana fields are both different ideas that only creative people could come up with, and that alone itself is insane, in my opinion.
"Superb…..That's it?"
"What do you want me to say more?"
"Maybe worship me?"
"Are you a goddess?"
"Am I not?"
"You might be."
"Then…."
"Then, I would be an atheist."
"I believe I have the power to convert an atheist to my believer."
"This answer is all you could come up with after thinking before the bed all the time?"
"So what?"
"It was cringe."
"…..You don't seem to hear your own words."
"I do. Sometimes, I cringe at myself."
"Is this why you don't speak a lot?"
"..."
"Heh….It is my win this time."
As she smiled triumphantly over me, I shook my head. I was not even competing in any case, and I certainly did not feel annoyed at her smirk.
Certainly.
"So even you can make such a face?"
"What about my face?"
"You look annoyed."
"I am not annoyed."
"This is what an annoyed person would say?"
"….."
It seemed right now that my brain wasn't working on giving quick answers. Considering every person has their peaks and downs, it made sense for me to be the same.
'Next time, it won't be like that.'
My useless inner pride seemed to get hurt a little, but I consoled myself, thinking I would do better next time. And I have then redirected my own thoughts to upcoming events in the future.
"You are leaving already?"
Lilia asked, seeing me getting my things up.
"Yes. I have no reason to watch anymore."
"So, you were waiting for my performance."
"Of course."
"Are you that obsessed with me?"
"Do you want me to be?"
"Urghk- That would be creepy."
It seemed she had at least a little bit of common sense.
"Then, you shouldn't make jokes like that. It normalizes the idea itself."
"...I see….."
Lilia's acknowledgment was accompanied by a subtle shift in her demeanor. It seemed she also understood what I implied.
There were many examples of what I just said, as this idea was something that was used by politicians to control the masses. Even by making jokes about something that seemed out of the world, you introduce those things to the receiver's mind, and underneath the subconscious, you are making them familiar.
And, once you have made enough of this, this new familiarity results in less repulsion by the idea itself, making it a lot smoother to introduce it as a new normal.
These are the basics of the ruling, and Lilia must also be aware of my words.
"Do you have something to say?" I asked, looking at her gaze probing at me. Her bright red eyes seemed to shine a little more.
"I am really curious, you know." She said with a slight smile.
"About what?"
"About this person named Astron Natusalune."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
"If you don't know, why are you telling me?"
"Just to let you know?"
"…..This doesn't make sense."
"Does everything have to make sense?"
"If you are not making any sense, then it is named as being crazy."
"Once, Newton was named as crazy too. Look at it right now; his name is everywhere."
It seemed this conversation wasn't going anywhere. She may be curious about me, but I don't hold the responsibility to satisfy that curiosity.
"I am going to investigate you."
She suddenly mumbled, looking directly into my eyes.
"Why are you telling me that?"
"I want to hear from you if you have any objections."
"Will you listen to me if I have any?"
"Probably not."
"Then it is pointless for me to answer you."
"Why?"
"No matter what, you have the necessary manpower to investigate my background regardless of my will. I have absolutely zero impact on your results or your actions, meaning you are the only one responsible for what you do. That means my answer would be pointless."
Hearing my answer, she stopped for a second, seemingly thinking about it.
"You would be a good sophister."
Acknowledging the futility of further discussion, I gathered my belongings and stood up, ready to leave. Lilia's probing curiosity had offered a brief diversion, but it was time for me to focus on what truly mattered—my continuous pursuit of improvement.
"Where are you going now?"
"I'm going to train," I replied, not wanting to linger in a conversation that seemed to lead nowhere.
"Training, huh?" Lilia's eyes gleamed with interest. "Do you always train alone?"
"Yes," I replied, unfazed by her curiosity.
"That's quite boring. Don't you want someone to spar with or at least keep you company?"
What she said made sense. In a way, training without sparring with someone would offer nothing. It was like knowing everything in theory, but once you enter the practical field, that would be useless.
It was similar, but not the same. After all, while I was alone, training didn't mean I didn't spar with anyone. Training rooms were designed to match the students, after all.
"I prefer solitude."
She nodded, accepting my preference without further insistence. As I made my way towards the exit, she called out, "Good luck with your training."
With a nod, I left the place, walking to my own room.
*******
Just as Astron had left, Lilia was left alone in the crowd, watching the competition. By this time, it was almost reaching its end since the archery club wasn't that large.
'Interesting fellow.'
Certainly, that guy's opinions were different from the people she met in general. He had a different way of interpreting things.
When she asked him if she wanted to investigate him, she was looking for any reaction that would come from his side. After all, there were times when the body spoke more volumes than the words themselves.
However, the answer she got wasn't relatable to anything she had in her mind—pure indifference and no reaction at all.
As if she was talking with a doll.
'I really can't predict him after all.'
No matter how she thought, he didn't seem to fit any type of pattern that she could think of. That made him a singularity.
Deciding to leave the archery competition early, Lilia discreetly slipped away from the crowd. She weaved through the dispersing spectators, skillfully avoiding any undue attention.
As she walked through the academy grounds, she pondered Astron's peculiar nature. The encounter had left her intrigued, and she found herself contemplating the unpredictability that seemed to shroud him. He was an enigma, a puzzle she couldn't quite solve with her usual analytical approach.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Julia, who were still observing the archery competition, received a message on their watches.
[Lilia: I've returned. Meet me at the usual spot.]
The cryptic nature of her message left room for speculation, but one thing was certain—it seemed like Lilia had something on her mind that she wanted to discuss privately.
*******
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Don't kid with me, Adrian. I could see what you were doing?"
Elara was the person who had been in the Archery Club for a whole year, and she had been with Adrian for a long time as well.
Thus, she knew his nature and how he acted most of the time. In a way, she could easily predict what kind of things he was going to do in the competition.
But, this time, he crossed the line. In a sense, the archery competition itself was a tradition, but by rigging it, she basically crushed that tradition itself. Therefore, in her eyes, he was now in a position that should be reprimanded.
Even though she had been with him in this club for a whole year and she had overlooked many things he had done, it was now different.
Elara's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing through Adrian's nonchalant demeanor. The tension in the air was palpable as they stood face to face in the quiet archery range, away from the prying eyes of other club members.
Adrian, the captain of the Archery Club, leaned against a nearby target, feigning innocence. "Elara, darling, I have no idea what you're talking about. I simply showcased how hard it is to acquire skills. It's not my fault the others couldn't keep up."
"Don't play games with me, Adrian," Elara snapped, her frustration evident in her tone. "I saw you tampering with the scoring system, manipulating the targets. You rigged the entire competition to make yourself look like the only competent archer. That's not showcasing skills; that's undermining the very essence of the competition we hold dear."
Adrian chuckled, a smug grin spreading across his face.
"Oh, Elara, you always take things so seriously. It was just a little fun, a way to remind everyone who the true talent is. Besides, it's not like anyone else could beat me anyway."
Elara's jaw clenched as she fought to contain her anger. "This is not a joke, Adrian. We're a team, and you've betrayed the trust of every member here. The archery competition is about camaraderie, about pushing each other to excel. By rigging it, you've tainted the spirit of our club."
Adrian pushed himself off the target and approached Elara, a condescending smirk on his face. "Camaraderie? Please, Elara, don't be so naive. In the end, it's every Awakened for themselves. I just made that reality a bit more transparent."
Unable to hold back any longer, Elara's hand shot forward, gripping Adrian's collar as she glared into his eyes. "You've let your arrogance blind you, Adrian. You're the captain, meant to lead and inspire. Instead, you've chosen to sow discord among us. I won't let you tarnish the reputation of our club any further."
Adrian felt the sudden grip on his collar, and for a moment, he allowed a flicker of surprise to cross his face before swiftly morphing it into a scowl. The nonchalant facade that adorned him moments ago vanished, replaced by a simmering aggression that emanated from his entire being.
Elara's words seemed to have triggered a dormant anger within him. His tone turned threatening, and his eyes, once indifferent, now held a dangerous glint. "You think you can lecture me, Elara? Touch me like that again, and you'll regret it."
Elara, undeterred by his change in demeanor, maintained her steely gaze. "Your actions demand accountability, Adrian. I won't let you drag the others down with your selfish ambitions."
Adrian's lips curled into a sneer, and he forcibly shrugged off Elara's hand from his collar. "You've been getting on my nerves for a while now, you little….. Always poking around where you don't belong. But this," he gestured dismissively towards the archery range, "this is none of your business. You're overstepping, and I won't tolerate it."
His tone was threatening, and his gaze was overbearing. But Elara had seen her fair share of such people in this industry. Even the place where she did her internship had such people.
"Then what? What are you going to do?" Her gaze met with his scowl. After all, the best response to such people was to show that she wasn't scared.
But, contrary to what she had experienced, Adrian was different. Unrelenting, he brought his face dangerously close, and Elara could feel the weight of his killing intent pressing down on her.
'What is this?'
The air became thick, and breathing seemed like an arduous task, as if she stood in front of a prowling lion.
His lips curled into a menacing smile. "If you're going to keep up this attitude, you might want to stop those shaking legs of yours first. Maybe then I could consider you as a possible threat."
THUD!
Adrian abruptly threw her away, and without another word, he turned on his heel, leaving Elara standing in the quiet archery range.
"Haaaah…..Haaaah….."
With her breaths heavier than usual.
"As expected, you are different."
However, at that moment, a person appeared right behind her.
Chapter 242 - Encounter (2)
"As expected, you are different."
Without a sound, Lilia Thornheart stepped into Elara's line of vision, her presence finally acknowledged.
"Hello, Senior Elara," Lilia greeted with a calm and composed demeanor, her emerald eyes glinting with a subtle amusement.
Elara caught off guard, spun around to face the unexpected presence. Her eyes widened as she registered Lilia's proximity, a mixture of surprise and realization crossing her features.
"Junior Lilia? When did you...?" Elara stammered, her usual composure momentarily shaken.
"I've been here for a while," Lilia replied with a faint smirk, savoring the surprise she had elicited. "You were too engrossed in your little confrontation with Adrian to notice."
Elara's gaze sharpened as she assessed Lilia's demeanor. There was a hint of curiosity and wariness in her eyes, realizing that the heiress of Olympus' Vanguard had been a silent spectator to the altercation.
'She was here all the time?'
Elara couldn't help but widen her eyes. A first-year student escaping from her senses? That seemed unbelievable at first.
'Even if I was not vigilant….'
This fact was both a blow to her pride as a senior and a display of the progress of this Junior right before herself.
'Well, if it is her, it could make sense.'
Considering Lilia's prowess that she had seen in the competition, she inwardly justified this scene, though a small crumble of pride still remained in her heart.
"Why are you here?" Elara inquired, her tone neutral.
"I just happened to come to take my belongings and then witnessed the drama unfold," Lilia responded, her eyes gliding over the archery range. "It seems there's more to this competition than meets the eye. Adrian's actions were quite... theatrical, to say the least."
Hearing Lilia's words, Elara looked at the hour and noticed that it was a lot later than usual. Considering the competition and how the day unfolded, nobody would let their belongings stay in the club room for such a long time.
Realizing that Lilia was just presenting an excuse, she inwardly shook her head, not buying it. It was evident that she either followed Adrian or was waiting for something.
"So what? What do you want from me by revealing that?" Elara asked, her tone edged with a hint of skepticism as she crossed her arms defensively.
Lilia maintained her calm demeanor, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. The smirk was almost the same as Adrian's, a smirk that looked down on others. But then again, she didn't hold any hostility.
"Oh, nothing in particular, Senior Elara. I just thought it was interesting to see the dynamics at play within the Archery Club. And besides, I was also one of those subjected to Adrian's... creative scoring methods."
"You, too?" Elara said, her skepticism giving way to a shared understanding. "I thought you might not be affected by such trivial matters."
After all, the prowess she had shown made it seem like she wasn't even remotely affected by what Adrian had done.
Lilia chuckled softly, her gaze turning cold for a second. "Everyone has their limits, Senior. I don't take kindly to being underestimated or toyed with, especially by those who are clearly below me."
She looked at the targets and the club room for a second. "And considering your words and stance against him, you don't seem to particularly fond of the idea either."
Elara's eyes searched Lilia's face for any hint of deceit, finding only a genuine curiosity and a touch of determination. It seemed the heiress of Olympus' Vanguard had a more intricate web of motivations and intentions than initially apparent.
"I'm not sure what you're plotting, Junior Lilia, but count me out if it involves unnecessary complications," Elara stated her guard still up.
Lilia's smirk widened. "Oh, Senior Elara, complications can sometimes be the spice of life. But worry not; I don't intend to drag you into anything against your will." She approached a little, offering her a hand.
"I merely find it amusing, seeing people like you think they stand a chance against people like Adrian."
Elara's eyes tightened, a spark of anger igniting within them as she perceived a subtle condescension in Lilia's words.
'Who do you think you are?'
The heiress of Olympus' Vanguard was testing the waters, challenging the boundaries of their interaction.
"Amusing, you say?" Elara retorted, her voice sharp with indignation. "Don't mistake me for someone who's merely here for your amusement. I've worked hard to reach where I am, and I won't let anyone belittle my efforts, especially not someone who thinks they can gauge my capabilities in a single encounter."
Lilia's smirk persisted, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She extended her hand toward Elara, a gesture that seemed both casual and provocative. "I don't doubt your capabilities, Senior Elara. In fact, I find them intriguing. But your capabilities won't be enough against people like him."
Elara, her frustration building, slapped away Lilia's offered hand, her tone sharp and resolute. "It is still better than bowing to people like him."
In her eyes, Lilia seemed to be no different from Adrian, as both of them were using others to their own advantage.
"If you're here to challenge the status quo, do it without undermining the efforts of those who have worked hard to rise above it."
Her eyes were resolute, as if she would never expect her help.
Lilia, still holding her slightly stinging hand with a casual indifference, met Elara's resolute gaze. "It seems you are mistaking something, Senior Elara. I'm not cut from the same cloth as Adrian or the likes of him. I don't undermine others; I simply recognize the hierarchy of capabilities."
Elara's eyes narrowed at Lilia's words, a mixture of skepticism and irritation evident in her expression. "And what makes you so different? What sets you apart from those people like him?"
Lilia's smirk returned, a touch of arrogance lacing her words. "The difference, Senior Elara, is that I don't need to manipulate. I am just better, superior. In this world, those who are superior will always win. It's not a matter of playing games or using others; it's the natural order of things."
Elara's frustration deepened at Lilia's confident assertion of superiority. The notion that someone could so openly proclaim their dominance without reservation irked her.
'Just because you are the heiress of the Olympus Vanguard….'
Inwardly, she cussed this girl before herself. After all, she was no different from Adrian in no way.
"You think being better gives you the right to dismiss the struggles of others? To look down on those who have fought tooth and nail to rise above their circumstances?"
Lilia shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm not dismissing anyone's struggles, Senior Elara. I'm merely stating a fact. In this world, strength is the currency of influence. Those who can't adapt to this reality will find themselves left behind."
As she said that, she turned to leave. "And Senior Elara. The moral values you hold….Unless you have the necessary 'currency' to back them up, they will always be buried underneath the pages of this world….You should never forget it."
As Lilia turned to leave, Elara's frustration simmered beneath the surface. The words lingered in the air, carrying an unsettling truth that Elara found hard to accept.
She watched Lilia's retreating figure, the heiress of Olympus' Vanguard, walk away with an air of confidence and superiority.
However, she couldn't deny the fact that her words held some truth inside herself.
********
'This surprisingly went as it intended.'
After leaving the place, Lilia thought to herself. After all, while everything seemed to happen randomly, it was something she had planned.
She followed Adrian from behind and traced him secretly and then eavesdropped on the talk between the captain and vice-captain.
That small dialogue alone was enough to analyze what kind of a person Elara was, and then formulating a way to put herself in her heart and brain was just as easy.
'You may not seem like you believe me….But, soon, it will change.'
Lilia pondered on those words. She understood the skepticism Elara harbored, the resistance against someone seemingly dismissive of the struggles of others.
It was a common sentiment among those who held strong moral values, and Lilia intended to challenge those convictions. After all, behind those moral values, most of the time, there is a trauma of the past.
'She is a good asset for the future.'
Elara's talent in archery and her commitment to moral principles made her a valuable potential addition to Lilia's network since it meant she would be easy to use.
The clash of ideals presented an opportunity—an opportunity for Lilia to showcase her own prowess, not just in archery but in navigating the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics within the academy, and this had a high chance of making another person indebted and dependent on her.
'Zero chance of betrayal.'
Loyalty was the most important yet hardest thing to acquire.
'I will get her no matter what.'
Underneath the dark sky, she returned to her room with a smile.
********
"Sigh….I can't focus at all…."
After the talk with Lilia, Elara shook her head while looking at the bow in her hand. She was training to empty her head, but that didn't seem to be working.
PAT! PAT!
At that moment, she heard the voice of something falling to the ground.
'Hmm?'
Turning her attention to the sound, she saw the personnel of the academy putting the targets that were shot by the students in the competition.
"I see…"
In their hand, a small object was shining. It was a special artifact that let the personnel take pictures, scan the targets, and record them in case of an objection to scores.
This was a way for them to confirm exams before an issue about this was raised. That method worked in these competitions as well, and even the pro-Awakened- leagues were using it as a verification system.
Curiosity piqued, Elara decided to approach the workers dealing with the targets and the special artifact.
As she neared the workers, she observed their meticulous process of handling the targets. Each arrow hole was carefully inspected, and the artifact they held seemed to be a crucial part of the verification process. Elara approached one of the personnel, a middle-aged man with a focused expression.
"Excuse me," Elara began, trying not to interrupt their work. "Can I watch you work?" Elara inquired politely, her interest evident as she observed the meticulous process of the workers.
The middle-aged man, though momentarily surprised by the request, welcomed her curiosity. "Ah, of course, of course. Feel free to observe."
Elara watched as they carefully examined each arrow hole, recording the results with the special artifact. As they moved through the targets, she couldn't help but appreciate the precision and thoroughness of the verification process. The technology involved in confirming the results fascinated her.
Lost in her thoughts, Elara's attention was suddenly drawn to a particular target. It was different from the others, with an arrow visibly piercing the side.
'What is this?'
Her eyes, trained to notice details, caught small signs of what seemed like blood scattered on the target. A sense of suspicion crept into her mind.
'Another cheating attempt?'
Approaching the peculiar target, Elara carefully examined it. The scattered marks did resemble blood, but upon closer inspection, she realized it wasn't what she initially thought. Instead, the arrow had managed to kill a small fly that had unknowingly landed on the target.
'A fly?'
After closely inspecting the target and realizing the harmless nature of the situation, Elara's curiosity persisted. She turned to the worker beside her, a question lingering on her lips.
"Whose target was this?" Elara inquired, gesturing toward the one with the inadvertently slain fly.
The worker, engrossed in his meticulous duties, glanced up briefly before consulting his list. His finger traced down the names until he found the relevant entry.
"Astron Natusalune," he replied, his voice matter-of-fact.
The name struck a chord in Elara's memory, recalling the encounter she had with the Astron during the archery competition.
'Wait.'
"Which target is this?"
A hint of intrigue crept into her thoughts as she wondered about her thoughts.
As she asked, the worker took another look at the list, and then he said, "The last one."
The moment those words left his mouth, Elara's eyes widened.
'That shot, don't tell me?'
At that moment, she felt like she realized something.
'This…..'
Elara couldn't help but mark his name on the corner of her head.
Chapter 243 - No title
"Ho….So this is how it works….."
Sitting in the library, I mumbled to myself. Right now, I am reading another book related to the concept of magic at night.
After the competition finished, I was left alone on the weekend. I wanted to implement the things I had learned while observing Lilia, but it was harder to put what I had in my head into reality itself.
Even though it may look like I had solved the problem, implementing it in practical situations didn't seem to work at all.
Therefore, I decided to study magic a little bit more so that I could understand that concept better.
In a sense, it was always better to get myself better with the basic concepts, as that would open a lot more doors to improvement.
Last time, with Irina's help and my study speed, I was able to get a grasp of how the basic blocks of magic worked, and the level 0 magic formulas were all engraved into my head.
And now, I think I have a good grasp of the basics.
「Wind」
Utilizing the first basic elemental block of wind, I was able to create a small current of wind. It felt a lot different from how it was compared to directly interfering with wind positions. It wasn't instinctive but like operating a machine.
You would give a command to your magic circuits, and that command would trigger a reaction. In a sense, you are just the supplier of the energy for the circuit, and it does everything else for you.
But that is the case if you are able to construct that circuit correctly. Each basic block individually needs to be designed specifically suitable for the formula you want to create, and they must not interfere with the other following blocks.
That enables the magician to think of them as separate blocks without looking at what is inside the books. It is quite similar to engineering in this aspect. Of course, some of those magicians, like Irina, possess the initial ability to control mana without even calculating everything.
Their ability to feel that to such a level makes them considered as genius since that itself is a barrier differing others from one. I don't know if I possess such talent, but after trying different methods to confirm that, it seemed I didn't have it.
[Introduction to Level 1 Magic – Utilizing Mana Formulas]
And now I was looking at the book right in front of my nose. It was the following book of the first one I had studied for the past week, and I liked the style of author and publisher. The editor seemed to do his job fine as well, so I decided to go with this.
The soft glow of the library's reading lamp provided a comforting ambiance as I continued my nighttime study.
The transition from Level 0 magic to Level 1 seemed like a significant step, and I anticipated that the complexity of the formulas would increase.
The book began by introducing the concept of mana formulas at a higher level, emphasizing the need for careful design and precision in constructing magical circuits.
I noted that, much like engineering, creating effective magical circuits required a deep understanding of the individual components and their interactions.
As I delved deeper into the text, I encountered examples of Level 1 magic formulas. The symbols and patterns seemed more intricate, and the equations became more complex.
The author stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between each component, ensuring that one block did not interfere with the others.
"Level 1 magic is like assembling a delicate clockwork mechanism," I murmured, drawing parallels between magical circuits and intricate machinery. The analogy resonated with me, providing a mental image that helped me grasp the essence of the advanced magical concepts.
The text guided me through various examples, explaining how different combinations of basic blocks could lead to the creation of more powerful and nuanced magical effects.
The level of detail required for successful implementation became evident, and I realized that precision was paramount in Level 1 magic.
For the Level 1 magic, the equations weren't as hard as they seemed, and considering what I had done to derive the mana wavelength of the dungeon at that time, it seemed nothing.
But at the same time, it was not.
「Generation: Wind」:
「Create」+ -「Wind」 >「Rotate」-=「Curl」
The formula itself seemed simple, but it contained four distinct blocks interconnected in a precise sequence, each contributing to the final magical effect. The seamless integration of these blocks showcased the elegance required in Level 1 magic.
As I scrutinized the formula, I understood that the success of the spell hinged on the flawless execution of each individual block. The "Create" block initiated the process, followed by the controlled manipulation of wind represented by "-「Wind」." The subsequent blocks, "Rotate" and "Curl," added nuances to the magical current, directing it with precision.
Of course, each operator between the blocks showed a different type of connection. Even if the blocks were the same, if the connection was different, the output would also be.
Considering you would never only want to randomly create a wind out of nowhere without knowing where it would go, the 「Rotate」-=「Curl」 this block actually represented where your wind would go. It was a way to ensure that your output would be stable.
'Even then, if it is like this, things will get a little interesting. Precision is the key, I suppose.'
Precision, I realized, was the hallmark of Level 1 magic. The intricate maneuvers of magical energy required a keen understanding of how each component influenced the overall outcome. It was like orchestrating a symphony, where every instrument played a specific role to create a harmonious whole.
Just like that, I continued to spend my whole night studying level 1 magic alone.
*******
It was the same day for the students, and most of them were having a difficult time due to the Monday syndrome. Most of them had dark circles under their eyes, seemingly unable to sleep yesterday, thanks to it being a weekend.
"Sigh….Man, I really don't want to study at all…."
"You think we want?"
"…..Yaaaaawnnnn….You seem to…"
"Close your stinky mouth bastard….You are scaring girls…."
"Ha! Who are you calling stinky, you fucker? They are scared of your voice."
Laughter echoed in the room, a feeble attempt to break the monotony of Monday. The students found solace in shared misery, their banter a temporary escape from the impending lectures and assignments.
"Hey, did anyone catch that new movie over the weekend?"
A few heads turned as the topic shifted from Monday blues to weekend escapades.
"I did! It was awesome!"
"Really? I heard it was just okay."
"Well, you've got low standards then."
The banter continued, with movie reviews, weekend plans, and occasional sarcastic remarks flying around the room.
'They really have a lot of time to spare.'
Whether it was youth or not, seeing them not knowing the dangers lurking around made me wonder if these were the future generation Hunters. Of course, just looking at them from such a perspective was wrong, but we humans couldn't help but think anyway.
TAK! TAK! TAK!
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as the door creaked open, and the professor entered the room.
"Good Morning, students."
The students quickly settled into their seats, suppressing the last remnants of laughter, as they were rather scared of our teacher, Eleanor.
'She returned, huh?'
I didn't know why she was away, but now that she had returned, the atmosphere returned to the same as well.
She threw a look at me for a second, her eyes narrowing. It was a brief second, but I realized the meaning behind her gaze instantly.
'She was informed.'
It seems the events that happened on the trip wouldn't miss her ears, and considering her influence, that is quite a normal outcome.
THUD!
As she dropped her papers on her table with a loud sound, she turned her attention to us.
"As you all know, the practical test you've been preparing for involves more than just deciphering magic formulas. Today, I am here to shed light on the true nature of those formulas you've been analyzing in your reports." Eleanor's eyes scanned the room, her stern expression unwavering.
'So, she will finally reveal it.'
Even though these events were going in a direction that I didn't know at the start, thanks to us deciphering the formulas, I knew what the next practical training would be.
"What?"
"They meant something?"
"I thought they were just random scribbles?"
The students erupted into a loud voice as they were surprised. It was nothing unexpected, as the fact that they spent a lot of time trying to understand what they meant but failed still remained in their memory.
"These formulas," Eleanor continued, "are not just random configurations of mana. They are, in fact, special blocks of a map—a map that will guide you to the next location of the upcoming test." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in.
Murmurs erupted among the students. "What? A map? That doesn't make any sense."
"Did anyone else know about this?"
"I thought we were just analyzing magic formulas!"
Some of the students were infuriated.
'They are now regretting not giving everything they had.'
This was a common occurrence when on Earth. When the objective of the assignments was clear, most of the students tended to do just the bare minimum to satisfy those objectives. This was especially the case when the grading rubric was revealed to the students.
They would just make sure that their assignments met those conditions stated in the rubric without actually trying to understand the concept and doing it fully.
But, once that assignment becomes something detrimental for another case, they would regret it, and this was exactly what they were experiencing right now.
Eleanor remained composed, her gaze piercing through the confusion. "The connection between magic formulas and maps might not be evident at first glance, but rest assured, this is a crucial element of the test."
The students exchanged puzzled glances, the room filled with whispers of disbelief and confusion. Eleanor, however, seemed unfazed, her gaze uninterested.
"Now, before you protest, understand this," Eleanor continued, "You've been given ample time to analyze and understand these formulas. Today, I reveal their true purpose. You have until Thursday to find the location indicated by these map blocks. The knowledge you've gained from the formulas will serve you in navigating the challenges that lie ahead."
A wave of unease swept through the room. "Thursday? That's not much time!" "How are we supposed to find a location from these formulas?" "This is insane!"
Eleanor raised her hand, silencing the room. "I assure you, this test is designed to challenge not just your intellectual abilities but also your resourcefulness. Consider it a real-world application of your skills as future Hunters." However, the tension in the room spiked when Eleanor dropped an unexpected bombshell. "
Also, there was already a group who had found out what this test was about even before they were informed."
A collective gasp swept through the room. Students exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what they just heard.
"What? How is that even possible?"
"Did someone leak the information?"
"This is basically impossible!"
They were pathetically looking around, searching for possible people who could have done such a thing. Naturally, if it was known that it was our group that could cause quite a stir, I am thankful that at least she didn't mention the name of the leader.
Thinking like that, my eyes are met with Irina's amber eyes. She threw a quick look at me, and then she immediately turned her gaze to somewhere else.
However, I didn't miss the small smile that formed on her lips.
The students exchanged skeptical glances, but Eleanor continued without batting an eye.
"You are dismissed for the day. Use your free time wisely to unravel the mysteries within those formulas. Remember, plagiarism won't be tolerated. Each of you must find the location independently."
And just like that, with those words she left the room, leaving us all alone.
Chapter 244 - No title (4)
"Sigh…..What is this assignment now?"
Inside the room of a small coffee shop, three girls sat. Jasmine was the first one to open her mouth as she looked flustered.
"We didn't even catch that many magical formulas with us." She mumbled, grabbing her coffee.
"We are not that different," Danielle added. She had some black circles under her eyes, indicating her countless different sleepless nights. After all, that didn't contradict her ways since she was rather a gal type who went around at night and played with the boys.
"….."
However, one of them seemed to not enter the talk. Sylvie, who had been rather focused on something, was now thinking to herself.
"Hey….Look at her; she is not even here."
Jasmine chuckled at Sylvie's serious expression as she seemed lost in thought. She playfully nudged her friend's shoulder. "Sylvie, are you trying to solve the mysteries of the universe over there?"
Sylvie blinked, returning to the conversation at hand. "Huh? Oh, no, sorry. I was just thinking about something."
Danielle, leaning back in her chair, raised an eyebrow. "Something intriguing, I assume? Don't leave us in suspense. What's going on in that head of yours?"
Even though she said those words with a smile, Sylvie didn't miss that black color emanating from her. Nowadays, compared to the past, the color of black is getting stronger and stronger with each second.
Sylvie knew inwardly that Danielle was changing, and the direction wasn't on the good side.
'Should I talk to him? No. I need to do things on my own. I can't always rely on him.'
Sylvie gave a small smile, her thoughts lingering about whether she should mention this to him.
However, she instantly dismissed the idea.
"Just personal stuff, nothing major. Anyway, what were we talking about? The assignment?"
Jasmine nodded, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Yeah, we're discussing our next assignment. Got any brilliant ideas, Sylvie?"
Hearing that, Sylvie remembered how they had solved the formulas themselves. Well, it was more like he solved it, but undoubtedly, they at least played a role.
'Though, I can't reveal it.'
After the lesson had ended, all of them were called to Professor Eleanor's office and were warned that they should never mention anything about the answer. If it was known, they would get zero marks from this assignment.
Sylvie thought for a moment before suggesting implicitly, "How about focusing on gathering intel about magical anomalies? We've been dealing with a lot of unexpected situations lately, and knowing more about them could be beneficial."
Jasmine and Danielle exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "That sounds reasonable," Danielle remarked. "After all, there is no way the school would send us anywhere normal."
"Yeah, I agree. Do you have anything in your mind, though?" Jasmine looked at Sylvie and asked.
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, torn between not wanting to lie and the need to contribute to the discussion. "I... um, I don't have any specific ideas at the moment," she admitted. "We could maybe look into recent magical occurrences and see if there are any patterns or common factors."
Jasmine nodded, seemingly satisfied with the general direction. "Alright, that sounds like a plan. We'll need to gather information discreetly, maybe visit some of the areas where these anomalies occurred."
Danielle, still looking a bit drained, added, "And we should consider reaching out to any magical experts or professors who might have insights. They could provide valuable guidance."
Sylvie nodded along, trying to keep her expression neutral. She couldn't share the details about Astron's involvement without risking the consequences outlined by Professor Eleanor.
'Thanks to the lord that they didn't ask for anything more.'
As the conversation shifted to practicality, Sylvie found herself grateful that Jasmine and Danielle didn't press further on her vague suggestion.
'Hmm?'
At that moment, while the group continued their discussion, Sylvie's attention was momentarily drawn to the window.
There, she saw the familiar figures of a boy with black hair and purple eyes and a girl with pink hair and blue eyes. The girl seemed to be talking animatedly, her smile reaching from ear to ear, while the boy listened attentively without saying much.
'Astron and Senior Maya?'
She immediately realized the identity of the two. After all, one of them was the person that she had spent quite a time training, and the other one was her senior from the club whom she had searched for.
'When did they get this close?'
She asked herself. For a moment, she felt a strange twinge in her chest, an inexplicable sensation that made her slightly uncomfortable.
'What is this?'
As Sylvie observed them from afar, an unfamiliar feeling crept over her. It was as if something was suffocating her inside, a strange mix of restlessness and unease.
The sight of Maya's vibrant smile while talking to Astron stirred an odd discomfort within Sylvie, one she couldn't quite put into words.
There was also the fact that she was able to see the emotional palette of both Maya and Astron. In the case of Maya, there was a color that she hadn't seen before. And as for Astron, the fact that he didn't feel uncomfortable but rather liked being close to her….
'Why does it bother me?'
She tried to brush off the feeling, attributing it to mere curiosity about their sudden closeness. Yet, deep down, a subtle twinge of feeling that wouldn't belong to future Saintess lingered beneath the surface.
"Sylve, what are you looking at?" Danielle's words brought her back to reality immediately.
"Ah, it is nothing. I just thought I saw someone."
Sylvie quickly averted her gaze, refocusing on the discussion at hand, but the lingering unease remained like a subtle shadow in the recesses of her thoughts.
*******
After the initial notice from Eleanor, all of the students were dispersed from the classroom. Since our group had already finished this part of the assignment, we didn't need to come together and study more, so I made my way to the training grounds once again.
'Nowadays, I feel like I am being watched quite a lot.'
However, while I was training, this subtle feeling of being watched never left me alone.
"Junior, what are you doing?"
And at the end, one of the people who was the reason for that feeling revealed herself. Though I was sure there were other people, at least one of them, Maya, brought some comfort.
"Senior, as you can see, I am training," I replied while signaling the sweat falling from my body.
"Cough….Cough…"
Maya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as her eyes unintentionally lingered on the sweat-drenched state of my training attire. She coughed awkwardly, averted her gaze, and seemed momentarily flustered.
"Uh, sorry about that. It's just… you know, the sweat and all." She stammered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Considering what she had said last time, it seemed my sweat and other things had an effect on her thirst for blood, and adding her personality, it was normal for her to feel shy.
"It is fine."
I waved my hand to show that I wasn't feeling uncomfortable.
Maya cleared her throat, attempting to regain composure. "Anyway, I was wondering if you're free right now. Maybe we could grab a meal together?"
The sudden invitation caught me off guard. "Meal?"
"Yes, a meal."
"Hmm?"
"Junior, don't tell me?"
"What?"
Maya's expression turned from a playful grin into a serious, grim one. "Junior, don't tell me you've never had a meal with anyone else here in the academy?"
I paused, reflecting on my time in the academy. Surprisingly, Maya's question struck a chord. Had I really never shared a meal with my fellow students before?
'Really?'
Now, seeing it from here, I had always been a loner. The previous Astron himself was already an outcast, and after that fateful day, I didn't put any effort into changing that fact.
"Well, I mean, not really," I admitted, realizing the truth in her statement. "I've been so focused on classes and training that I haven't really thought about it."
Maya's eyes widened, and the playful glint in her gaze softened into one of warmth and understanding as I confessed to my solitary routine, a mixture of sympathy and compassion reflected in her eyes.
"Junior," she began, her voice carrying a gentle tone, "you've been here all this time and never shared a meal with others? Never experienced those simple moments of camaraderie?"
Those words….It felt like they should have stung, but I didn't feel much in any case.
"You don't need to make it look grim. I just don't need people around me."
Maya's expression turned into one of empathy, and she immediately reached out, taking my hand.
I didn't know whether it was because I lowered my guard down or because she was fast, but it happened so quickly that I couldn't even react.
"Come on," she urged, her grip firm yet reassuring. "You should at least experience all those things when you can. The academy isn't just about classes and training. It's about the connections we build, the memories we create."
"..." I couldn't refute those words.
"Brother…..You know, I want to live my life to its fullest when we grow up. I wonder, can we make any schoolmates like in those stories?"
Her words resonated something in my head as if it were a truth I had overlooked for far too long.
As Maya led me toward the cafeteria, her comforting presence reminded me of those times.
'Sigh…..I really can't win against you…'
I even wondered if those words were directed to her or Maya, but who could even now at the end….
******
Just as Maya and Astron walked, the ambiance changed from the lively buzz of the cafeteria to a quieter, more refined atmosphere; the smell of gourmet food wafted through the air, signaling that they were approaching a place not frequented by the average student.
Astron couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. "Senior, isn't this place usually for higher-ranking students?"
After all, he knew what this place was from the game. The place where Ethan would start to visit while making connections with the people of higher ranks.
Maya chuckled a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, you know, rules can be a bit flexible when you have the right connections and resources." She gestured subtly toward a discreet entrance, the charm of exclusivity radiating from it.
As they approached, the doors opened smoothly, revealing an elegant interior that was a far cry from the usual student hangouts.
Soft lighting, plush seating, and an air of sophistication greeted them. Maya led the way confidently, as if she owned the place, her blue eyes scanning the room.
"Consider it a perk of having a senior who knows her way around," she said with a sly grin. The restaurant staff, recognizing Maya, immediately guided them to a reserved table, offering a menu that boasted delicacies beyond the usual student fare.
Maya perused the menu with a thoughtful expression, her finger tracing the options. "You know, Junior, they have some special monster meats here that could do wonders for your physical condition. I'll treat you today, and you can repay me later by getting even stronger. How does that sound?"
Astron hesitated, a faint furrow appearing on his forehead. "Senior, you've already done so much. You don't need to go this far."
No matter what happened, his initial nature couldn't be changed instantly. He was accustomed to doing things on his own all the time.
Maya leaned back, her gaze firm. "Consider it an investment in my junior's well-being."
'Sorry for being selfish….'
Inwardly, she apologized for her impure thoughts, but she couldn't help it. Even now, the reason she was able to enjoy these meals was because she had her fill not long ago.
'I need to suppress it….'
Astron couldn't argue further as Maya confidently placed their order. As they enjoyed the exquisite dishes, Maya couldn't help but observe him discreetly.
The subtle changes in his body and the newfound glow in his complexion didn't escape her notice.
'He really is looking more in shape.'
That couldn't be noticed immediately if not looked at directly, but Maya knew how he looked before. It seemed that Starbloom essence worked as it intended.
'Then....Should I introduce him to father…?'
Her mind wandered off...
Chapter 245 - We do a little bit of 'shopping'
After the talk with Maya, there wasn't much I needed to do in terms of responsibilities. Until the practical assignment next time, I was basically free. Thus, I had spent the entire time training and honing my skills as well as progressing with learning magic.
Knowing that the location we were going to visit was Phantom's Land, I was getting ready to meet the possible situations that could occur right there.
After all, Phantom's Land was a place that was an enigma even in the game.
It was not a place that could be explained by the logic of physics or anything. It was a phenomenon itself, something directly related to the rules of the world.
It couldn't be contained by logic; neither one needed to do that. It had its own rules inside, its own existence, and its own order. Basically, that place is a world inside a world.
One can even say that it is a subspace underneath another, though that wouldn't quite fit the definition.
In any case, at the end of the day, the Phantom's land was something that needed preparations.
As players, we would explore that place in the second year of the academy, and by that time, many students would already be strong enough to deal with all those things.
However, right now, the timeline doesn't directly follow the game. We are first-year students, and this is just our first semester in the second quarter.
Therefore, it is almost impossible to predict what kind of situation awaits us since that place is an everchanging experience that doesn't follow the linear time flow.
'Well, everyone seems to be working on the assignments.'
I was pretty sure that, even if the people weren't able to find the location of the assignment, they would still be taken to the place. The theory part and the practical part are graded differently, after all.
'But, they will be a little late.'
Considering how hard the assignment was, I doubted most of the students would even be able to find the correct location in any case.
"Could it be Iron Mountain Range?"
"Why?"
"Well, these lines do match, don't they?"
"Hmm? I don't think so?"
Passing through some of the students, I overheard their conversation. They were in the wrong direction, and many others were like that as well.
Even in the forums, there weren't any clear answers in any case, and that alone shows the difficulty.
'Well, not that I care.'
I just needed to get ready myself. After all, even though that place was dangerous, there were also many things that could be gained from there if one looked close enough.
Thus, I needed to be as ready as possible.
There were two things that I would need to get myself.
First, materials that could help maintain consciousness and delay the onset of sleep are essential for navigating the unpredictable realm.
You will soon see the reason for that.
And the second one is….
A selection of holy scrolls and materials effective against ghosts and souls.
"I also need to get some clothes."
I normally disliked buying clothes from the academy shops since they were rather expensive, in my opinion, but recently, while training, some of my clothes were all torn down.
[Unknown's Armor] could actually be used in real life as well, but it can become highly suspicious if the clothes I wear are not in my wardrobe.
Also, changing clothes has a refreshing feeling psychologically, so it is good for my mental health.
However, upon reaching my room, I came across someone I wasn't expecting at all.
******
Irina's recent days had been quite simple, to be frank. She had been gaming, studying, and training all the time.
Thanks to them finishing the assignment before others, she also didn't need to work like other students, so in the end, she had much free time.
[Irina: Guys, anyone wants to play?]
She sent a message to the group looking for possible duos for the game since she was rather bored thanks to rising toxicity, but contrary to herself, others weren't free at all.
[Julia: We rea wrkoing fro asisgnemtns.]
[Lilia: I didn't finish the assignment as well.]
[Ethan: Same here.]
[Lilia: Did you finish yours, Irina]
Seeing her friends' messages, Irina couldn't help but think about how they could finish it that fast. It was mostly because of that guy, but even then, this achievement was remarkable enough to enter the eyes of the teachers.
Even the highest-ranking students were having a hard time because of that alone. Lilia didn't seem to complete it either.
'Sigh…..'
[Irina: We just scribbled something. I am not sure if it is correct.]
Thanks to the ultimatum from Eleanor, her hands were tied in this case.
'Should I buy some clothes?'
Thinking that she needed some time alone, she decided to buy some clothes. It had been a while since she had done that, and for some reason, her clothes seemed to look old in her eyes.
'Yes, I should do it.'
And in an instant, she made her decision, though getting out after preparing wasn't as easy as making the decision itself. Also, with how she was being constantly compared to Seraphina, she was certainly not having it easy on herself.
After spending almost an hour preparing, Irina finally left her room with a mask on her face, ready to venture out to the academy shopping center.
She chose a casual yet stylish outfit, pairing a comfortable hoodie with a pair of well-fitted jeans.
The Academy shopping center was a bustling hub of activity, with students browsing through various shops and boutiques.
The air was filled with a mix of laughter, conversations, and the occasional sound of bags rustling as new purchases were made.
Seniors were a little bit different from the first years, as their time for the assignment had yet to come.
'Hmm….'
Irina strolled through the center, browsing the displays of different stores with a mask on her face.
The vibrant colors and trendy designs caught her eye, and she found herself drawn to a boutique showcasing the latest fashion trends.
Entering the store, she was greeted by a friendly sales associate. The racks were filled with a variety of styles, from casual wear to more formal outfits.
Irina began exploring the options, pulling out a few pieces that piqued her interest.
As she browsed through the clothes, she couldn't help but think about the recent events in her life.
After some deliberation, Irina settled on a couple of outfits that reflected her style and added a touch of freshness to her wardrobe. The cashier rang up her purchases, and she left the store with a satisfied smile.
But just at that moment, she felt a subtle feeling.
FLINCH!
She couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her. She discreetly glanced around, trying to identify the source, but a familiar figure soon caught her attention in the periphery of her vision.
Astron.
'That guy?'
Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment, Irina felt a jolt of surprise. Instinctively, she averted her gaze, not wanting to draw any attention.
'He doesn't know it is me, right?'
The idea of being spotted by Astron while shopping for clothes was mildly embarrassing. As she completed her purchase and headed toward the exit, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
However, just as she thought she had successfully avoided any further interaction, she noticed that Astron had also averted his gaze. A strange tension lingered in the air, and Irina had a sudden inkling that he might have recognized her despite the mask.
'No, he knows!'
With a mix of curiosity and a desire to put an end to the unspoken acknowledgment, Irina decided to approach Astron. She adjusted her mask, trying to maintain a semblance of anonymity, and walked over to where he stood.
"Hey," she greeted casually, her mouth hidden behind the mask.
"..."
Astron, who had been leaning against a nearby pillar, glanced in her direction. His expression remained impassive, but there was a glint of recognition in his eyes.
Irina couldn't help but feel a bit exposed under his scrutiny, even with the mask covering part of her face.
"Hey," Astron responded in a calm tone, acknowledging her presence.
Irina decided to address the unspoken acknowledgment directly. "You do know it's me, right?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow inquisitively.
Astron's gaze lingered for a moment before he replied, "Of course."
Irina couldn't decide whether his nonchalant response irritated her or amused her. She crossed her arms, leaning against the same pillar he was using. "And here I thought I was being stealthy with this mask. You really have sharp eyes."
Astron tilted his head slightly. "Your fiery red hair is quite distinctive. Plus, your eyes give you away."
Irina smiled inwardly, for some reason feeling a bit relieved(?). "Fair enough. So, what brings you to the shopping center? Need a fashion upgrade?"
Astron's response was characteristically brief. "Just passing by."
Irina arched an eyebrow, not entirely convinced by his answer. "Really? Just passing by, and you happen to notice me shopping for clothes?"
"Coincidence, I suppose."
"Are you sure you are not stalking me?"
"I don't have that much free time."
"...Then why are you loitering around?"
"….."
"Right?"
"I am here to prepare for the upcoming trip."
"Trip? Ah…."
Considering they had already found the location, it made sense.
"Why, though?" She asked. Was there any reason?
"Did you not research anything?" But seeing his expression, it seemed she asked the wrong question.
"Did I need to?"
"Sometimes I don't know if you are smart or stupid."
"Hey! Who are you calling stupid?"
"You, of course."
Irina huffed, crossing her arms in mock offense. "I'll have you know I'm ranked third in this whole academy."
"If you really think intelligence is correlated with academic success, then I wish you good luck in the future."
Irina rolled her eyes. "Enough with the smart or stupid debate. Just tell me what I need to know."
"If you really want to know, I suggest you start researching," Astron replied, his tone not giving away much.
Irina frowned but decided to change the topic. "All right, fine. So, what are you doing now? Can I follow you around? I still need to buy some stuff."
Astron looked at her for a moment, considering. "Will you be fine covering your face with that mask?"
Irina nodded and then took off the mask, revealing her face while placing it inside her bag. "See? No mask. Now, can I follow you around?"
"Just make it quick. I don't have the patience for a long shopping spree."
Irina grinned. "Deal." She quickly put her purchased items into her spatial ring and gestured for Astron to lead the way.
However, what Astron didn't see coming his way would be the fact that on the first day, he would witness how dangerous a woman on a shopping spree could be…..
Chapter 246 - We do a little bit of 'shopping' (2)
"This one would look great on you!"
Inside one of the clothing shops of the academy, the red-haired girl exclaimed while holding up a sleek black shirt.
Astron eyed the shirt skeptically but took it from her, deciding to humor her.
He disappeared into the changing room and emerged a moment later, donning the black shirt. Irina examined him with a critical gaze, nodding approvingly.
"See? I told you! It suits you well," Irina said a triumphant grin on her face.
Astron simply sighed, not bothering to argue. Irina was on a mission, and he had a feeling it wouldn't end anytime soon.
'Sigh….Why did I misspoke?'
He himself knew it was his own decision that brought them here. Well, saying that was a decision was actually wrong since, in reality, he just mumbled about buying clothes.
"You want to buy clothes!"
And Irina's response was immediate as she appeared right before his face. From that point on, he was on a shopping spree, going from one place to another.
Though most of the time, rather than him buying clothes for himself, it was Irina choosing clothes for him.
Undeterred by Astron's lack of enthusiasm, Irina continued her fashion assault. "Wait, you need more variety. Here, try this one," she declared, presenting a stylish graphic tee with a unique design.
Astron, feeling the weight of his compliance, took the shirt from her and retreated to the changing room. As he emerged once again, Irina's eyes widened in excitement. "Wow, that looks amazing on you! You should definitely get it."
Astron sighed, realizing that he had unwittingly entered a fashion battle with Irina. She continued her onslaught, bringing forth more shirts, each seemingly more expensive than the last. "This one is a limited edition, and it's on sale today. You can't pass up such a deal," Irina insisted, her persuasive skills coming to the forefront.
Astron found himself surrounded by a growing pile of shirts, each adding a different touch to his usually plain attire. "Irina, do I really need all of these?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.
She looked at him with determination. "Absolutely! Trust me; you'll thank me for this later. You can't keep looking so plain and uninteresting all the time."
Astron crossed his arms, a hint of annoyance in his expression. "I don't dress to impress anyone."
Irina smirked, undeterred. "Well, maybe you should. A little style won't hurt, and who knows, it might even boost your confidence."
Astron gave her a skeptical look, but Irina wasn't finished. She rummaged through the racks, finding a particularly stylish jacket.
And then she continued to look at him from the side to gauge his physic.
'This may look good?'
In her mind, she pictured what this jacket would look like. She wanted to see Astron in white clothes, but that annoying guy never let her grab one of those.
He said the color white never suited him.
'What is even his deal anyway?'
That was suspicious, but she decided to brush it off.
After thinking about the jacket, she grabbed another T-shirt.
'If we tuck this t-shirt into his trousers, then….'
Immediately picturing the combine inside her mind, she decided to test it off. Grabbing the black trousers, black T-shirt, and jacket, Irina couldn't resist the temptation to experiment further with Astron's wardrobe.
"Hey, Astron, try this one."
Astron sighed, taking the clothes reluctantly. "This better be the last one. We've been at this for a while."
Irina grinned, not caring about his mild protest. "Trust me, this is the perfect combination. It'll be worth it."
As Astron headed to the changing room with the new set of clothes, Irina couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
She imagined the transformation she had orchestrated, eagerly awaiting Astron's reaction.
'It will definitely look awesome.'
While waiting for Astron to emerge from the changing room, Irina became aware of the curious gazes directed her way. The bustling store had become a stage for whispers and discreet glances from other students.
She overheard fragments of conversations among the students nearby.
"Isn't that Irina Amberheart?"
"Yeah, it is. What is she doing here?"
"I never knew Irina had a thing for shopping."
"Who's that guy with her? Is he her boyfriend?"
As the whispers and comments continued, Irina couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment.
The attention, particularly the assumption about Astron being her boyfriend, made her slightly uneasy.
After all, knowing how her mother would react if such rumors were to go around…
SHIVER!
She shivered.
'Ah, I was careless….'
Lamenting at her carelessness, she couldn't help but think how stupid she was. She came here on a whim since she felt bored wandering alone, and the idea of hanging out with him felt a little fresh, to be honest.
And after hearing about him buying clothes, she…..
Unleashed the inner shopping maniac and forgot everything….
"He was quite a fine piece, though?"
"Was there a junior like him? Why hadn't I ever seen him before?"
The idea of Astron as a "fine piece" and the suggestion of getting his contact information added an unexpected layer of discomfort.
'These girls….'
For some reason, those words angered her?
Irina's irritation at the gossip reached a tipping point, and she shot a fierce glare at the girls who were discussing Astron. The sudden intensity in her gaze, combined with an almost imperceptible surge of her aura, made the girls stop talking immediately.
"…."
The red-haired girl, usually calm and composed, emanated an unexpected ferocity that commanded attention. The girls, though seniors, couldn't help but shrink under the pressure of Irina's unspoken warning.
"Let's leave…."
"Yeah…."
Their hushed conversation came to an abrupt halt as they felt the weight of Irina's disapproval.
CREAK!
Right at that moment, the changing room door creaked open, drawing Irina's attention. Astron stepped out, fully dressed in the new clothes Irina had picked out for him.
'Huhhhhhhhh??????????'
The sight caught her off guard, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else.
Astron, looking remarkably handsome in his updated attire, had an air of uninterested boredom about him. His bangs almost reached his eyes, adding a touch of mystery to his expression.
The pure black t-shirt emphasized his flawless skin and the tight fit showcased his lean build. As he stood there with an indifferent demeanor, Irina couldn't help but gasp, her eyes widening.
'What is this? Who the hell is he?'
A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she found herself momentarily breathless. She hadn't expected the transformation to be this impactful.
The new clothes accentuated Astron's features in a way that made her view him in a different light.
'This is….'
She even salivated a little (?) as she looked over him.
Astron, seemingly unaware of the reaction he had elicited, glanced at Irina. "What?"
Irina shook her head, trying to regain her composure. "Nothing. You just look... different."
He raised an eyebrow, uninterested. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
'Definitely a good thing,' she thought inwardly, looking away to hide her embarrassment.
"What? Give me an answer?"
After going to all this trouble to change, this was the reaction he had gotten from Irina, and that seemingly bothered him.
'If he goes around like this…..'
Realizing the monster she was about to release to the world, for some reason, she felt bothered. Whether or not she accepted, the words those girls had just spoken seemingly had taken effect.
Adding the fact that just recently, she had witnessed how close he was with Sylvie.
'No, he absolutely can not.'
The decision was made in an instant. There was absolutely no room for him to go around like that.
"It was not good," Irina stated abruptly, her tone firm.
"Ha!" Astron's eyebrows furrowed in mild irritation. "What do you mean, not good? We spent so much time picking these out."
Irina sighed, attempting to hide her true feelings. "Well, they looked better on the rack. Maybe it's the lighting in here."
Astron scowled, feeling a bit frustrated. "You dragged me into this, and now you're saying they're not good?"
"Look, it's just clothes. You can wear whatever you want," Irina replied dismissively, urging him to take off the clothes. "Let's just leave them. No need to waste any more time here."
Astron grumbled in annoyance, feeling like he had been played. However, sensing Irina's insistence, he reluctantly began removing the clothes and was about to return them to racks, but at that moment, Irina stopped him.
"Let's just leave them here; the employees will take them away anyway."
"…Tch…"
With a click of a tongue, he left the combine here and started walking to the cashier.
Astron walked towards the cashier, leaving the clothes behind as Irina called over another store employee. When the woman approached, Irina spoke up, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
"Um, could you do me a favor? Can you reserve these clothes for a while? I'll come back to pick them up later."
The employee raised an eyebrow, giving Irina a knowing look. "Sure thing. We can keep them aside for you. Just come back when you're ready."
As the employee took the clothes to make the reservation, she couldn't resist making a subtle remark, "You've got a good eye. He looks quite handsome in those clothes. Smart move, keeping it to yourself."
Irina's face turned even redder, and she stammered, "I-I... it's not like that."
The employee chuckled knowingly and winked, "Whatever you say. Enjoy your day, you two."
Irina hurriedly followed Astron out of the store, still blushing at the unexpected turn of events.
Astron, seemingly oblivious to the exchange, continued walking with his usual indifferent expression while still muttering under his breath about the wasted time.
The episode added a new layer of awkwardness to their shopping adventure, though it was almost about to reach its end.