Chapter 251 - Crossing Hearts (1)
As the girls hastily fled the scene, the two guards approached cautiously. Their stern expressions softened with concern as they surveyed the moonlit backyard and discovered the unconscious figures lying on the ground.
"What's happened here?" one of the guards inquired, a note of urgency in his voice.
The other guard, his gaze sharp and discerning, examined the scene. The moonlight revealed the bruised and battered state of Ethan and the girl who had fallen victim to the earlier assault. The air hung heavy with tension and the unsettling aftermath of an altercation.
The guard's radio crackled to life, and he spoke into it, summoning additional assistance. "We need medical attention and backup in the academy backyard. It's an emergency."
While awaiting reinforcements, the guards maintained a watchful eye over the unconscious forms.
******
"Umm...Thank you."
The girl thanked Ethan, looking down. She had bruises all over her body, but with bandages and the potions, she was now healed to some extent.
Ethan, still nursing his own wounds but displaying a reassuring smile, responded, "It's no problem. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."
The girl met his gaze, gratitude evident in her eyes. "You saved me. They were going to... I don't know what would've happened if you didn't come."
Ethan sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern lingering in his expression. "No one deserves to be treated like that. I couldn't ignore it."
TAP! TAP! TAP!
The sounds of approaching footsteps interrupted their conversation as the nurse of the night appeared. She approached Ethan and gave him a gentle smile, her eyes flickering with a mix of concern and admiration.
"Let me take a look at you," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. The nurse inspected Ethan's wounds, her touch gentle as she examined the bruises and cuts. After a thorough examination, she smiled and looked up at him.
"Fortunately, it seems like nothing too serious happened. You're quite strong," she remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Bruises and minor cuts, but nothing that won't heal with a bit of rest and some potions."
Ethan nodded appreciatively, his expression reflecting gratitude for both the nurse's care and the acknowledgment of his strength.
"If you ever find yourself in need of healing or someone to talk to, don't hesitate to visit the infirmary," she added, a warmth in her smile. "And….." she turned to take a look at the girl she had just healed with worry in her eyes.
"Thank you for stepping up to help. We need more students like you around here."
Though she smiled brightly, Ethan was having a hard time trying to avert his gaze.
'Don't look down, don't look down, don't look down, don't look down, don't look down, don't look down, don't look down.'
After all, there were two small mountains there.
"Cough….." With a cough, he tried to mask his embarrassment, but he couldn't.
The nurse, noticing Ethan's struggle to avert his gaze, couldn't help but find it endearing. A playful glint appeared in her eyes, and she decided to tease him just a bit more.
"Oya….. it seems like you've got your own set of 'battle scars' there," she remarked with a sly smile, gesturing playfully toward his blushing face. "Mind turning your face so I could check it out?"
Ethan's embarrassment deepened as the nurse continued to playfully tease him. A drop of sweat rolled down his blushing face, and he awkwardly shifted his gaze away.
"Oh, no, it's really not that bad," he muttered, trying to deflect the attention away from his embarrassment.
The nurse chuckled softly, finding Ethan's reaction amusing. Before she could tease him further, the instructor, who had entered the room, cleared her throat.
"What's going on here?" she inquired, her stern gaze now fixed on Ethan, the healed girl, and the nurse.
"Ah, Professor Eleanor." Ethan immediately recognized the identity of the person before him. It was his own homeroom teacher, the same stern instructor, that sent cold gazes to every student.
The nurse quickly composed herself, offering a professional explanation. "Just a minor incident in the academy grounds. This student," she gestured toward Ethan, "stepped in to help a fellow student who was being bullied."
"Bullied, you say?" Eleanor's eyes were narrowed at those words.
"Yes, instructor." Ethan nodded.
"Yes, instructor." Ethan nodded, his expression serious. He recounted the events that transpired in the secluded backyard, detailing how he had stumbled upon the bullying and intervened to help the girl in distress.
Professor Eleanor listened attentively, her stern gaze unwavering as she absorbed the information. After Ethan finished his account, she turned her attention to the senior named Jane.
"Is what he said true?" Eleanor questioned, her tone firm.
Jane, the healed girl, nodded with a mix of gratitude and relief. "Yes, Professor. He stepped in just in time. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't."
"Do you know the identity of those that attacked her and you?" Eleanor asked Ethan, but she was also looking at Jane at the same time.
Ethan didn't hesitate to describe the three girls involved in the incident. "I don't know their exact names, but they looked like this…-" Then he continued to describe their looks.
Jane, looking at the instructor, confirmed Ethan's words. "Their names are Emma Thompson, Yvonne Rodriguez, and Rhonda Baker."
"You do know them then?"
"Yes, they are my classmates." Looking down, Jane mumbled in a quiet voice. It seemed that using the word 'classmates' to define the very people that had brought her to this state didn't seem to fit well.
"..."
Professor Eleanor's eyes seemed to bore into Jane as if scrutinizing the truth. After a moment, she gave a curt nod. "Very well. Thank you for reporting, Student Ethan and Student Jane. You may return to your dormitory. The academy will look into this matter."
Hearing those words, Ethan and Jane nodded their heads as Eleanor left the place.
The nurse, sensing that her presence was no longer required, offered a reassuring smile to Ethan and Jane. "If you need any further assistance or have concerns, don't hesitate to visit the infirmary. Take care of yourselves."
With that, she left the room, leaving Ethan and Jane alone. The weight of the night's events lingered in the air, but there was also a sense of relief that the truth had been brought to light.
Ethan turned to Jane, a concerned expression on his face. "Are you okay?"
Jane managed a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks to you, I am. I really appreciate what you did back there."
Ethan nodded, genuine warmth in his eyes. "No one should have to go through that. If you ever need anything, just let me know."
"….." But, hearing his words, Jane lowered her head as if she couldn't look into his eyes. "Won't you ask?"
And with a voice as tiny as a whisper, she mumbled to herself.
"What?" Ethan questioned, genuinely puzzled by Jane's sudden change in demeanor.
"Why don't you ask?" Jane repeated, her voice barely audible. "You must have seen... those photos. You should know what kind of girl I am."
Ethan's expression softened as he looked at Jane. Even though she was the senior, for some reason, Ethan felt like he was sitting in front of a child.
'My hand….'
And the urge to pat that head appeared.
Placing a comforting hand on Jane's head, Ethan answered. "I don't care about your past or any photos. What happened tonight wasn't right, and no one deserves to be treated that way. I stepped in because it was the right thing to do."
Jane's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise as she heard his words.
"B-but-"
"Also, I don't know why, but it doesn't feel like you are the sort of person who would indulge in such acts."
Jane's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise as she heard his words. She slowly raised her head, meeting Ethan's warm smile.
'Ah….What is this?'
THUMP!
She didn't know why. The reason just disappeared from her head as all the blood immediately pumped to her face, making it incredibly crimson as a tomato.
Ethan misunderstood her reaction, thinking she might be upset. "Of course, it is not that you can't because you are not beautiful or anything….."
He absolutely meant his words.
"You know, you have brown hair that shines under the light and these bright, green eyes. Your skin looks soft, and those freckles on your face make you look tender, almost innocent."
'Hick.'
But seeing Jane turning more and more crimson at his words, he realized what he had just blurted out right now.
"Ah….What am I even saying, ahahahaha….I am feeling embarrassed for some reason." Ethan chuckled nervously, averting his gaze and scratching the back of his head.
"I-it is fine….." Jane also averted her gaze, not being able to look at him as well.
The two of them sat in silence for a moment, both feeling a bit self-conscious after the unexpected turn in the conversation.
'Aaaaah…..So embarrassing, soooooooooooooo embarrassing…..You stupid Ethan, what did you just say? Is this how you talk to a girl?'
Ethan reprimanded himself internally, his face still flushed with embarrassment.
'I can't believe I said all that out loud. Smooth, real smooth, Ethan.'
TUCK!
Just as he was in the session to beat himself, suddenly, he felt a small tuck on the side of his clothes.
"Hmm?"
Turning his attention to the side, he noticed Jane, her eyes still moist, grabbing the hem of his clothes. With a flushed face and tears falling from her eyes, she managed to speak through her emotions.
"Th-thank you….Thank you so much, Ethan. You saved me tonight. I-I don't know what I would've done if you didn't come."
Ethan, surprised by her sudden gratitude, blinked a few times before offering a reassuring smile. "It was nothing. I trust my intuition, and my intuition tells me you're not that kind of girl. So, those photos don't mean anything to me."
Hearing those words, Jane's teary eyes lit up, and she gave Ethan the brightest smile he had ever seen coming from someone.
"Thank you for believing in me."
THUMP!
Seeing that radiant smile from Jane, Ethan felt a sudden rush of warmth flooding his chest, his heart beating faster than ever before.
'W-what?'
It was as if a knot had formed in his chest, a sensation he couldn't quite understand.
"Umm… I should… go," Ethan stammered, his voice slightly shaky as he hastily got up from his seat.
"E-ethan?" Jane's voice was laced with concern as she watched him leave the room so abruptly.
Without offering any explanation, Ethan hurriedly exited the room, the sound of his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
'What was that?' he wondered, his mind swirling with confusion and emotions he couldn't quite comprehend, though he inwardly knew what it was…..
Chapter 252 - Before the trip
The classroom buzzed with the energy of students trickling in in the early morning of the day. Anxiety hung in the air, palpable as the weight of impending deadlines loomed over them. Among the students was a distressed girl, her face reflecting the fatigue of sleepless nights.
As she shuffled into the room, her classmates noticed the desperation in her eyes. The girl whispered anxiously to her friend, "What do I do? What do I do?" Her distress was evident, and the concerned looks exchanged among her peers hinted at a looming crisis.
Puzzled, her friend asked, "What happened?"
With a heavy sigh, the distressed girl confessed, "I just forgot to submit the assignment."
"You did what?" gasped her friend, disbelief etched across their face.
"I forgot to submit it," she repeated, her voice tinged with regret.
As the realization of the situation sank in, murmurs of sympathy and concern rippled through the classroom.
The girl's eyes welled up with tears as the weight of the consequences became apparent. She stammered, "My grades will fall off, and I could lose my scholarship."
A somber atmosphere settled over the room, and her friends exchanged glances as they looked worried.
However, in the other corner of the classroom, another conversation was going on.
"Bro…."
One guy entered the classroom and put his bag on the desk.
"What's up?"
"You know what went down?"
"Not a clue."
"We messed up and didn't submit the assignment."
"Oh…. Got it."
"Yeah, it is what it is, bro."
"Aren't you worried about your grades taking a hit, though?"
"They've already plummeted. But next semester, I'm planning a comeback; no sweat."
"..."
The second boy leaned back in his chair, an easygoing grin on his face. "Nah, man. Grades are just numbers. I'll bounce back. No need to stress about it."
The contrast between the two conversations was stark.
While the distressed girl carried the weight of potential consequences, her friend seemed almost nonchalant about the situation. The boy's carefree attitude hinted at a different perspective on academic challenges.
"Sigh…."
Changing the perspective to the front seats, the girl with bob-cut white hair pushed her face to the desk, burying herself.
"What was with that assignment, man?"
"Couldn't do it?"
"Well, we wrote some things, but….."
"Expected from you?"
"Ha!"
"Just joking."
"Did you do it then?"
"Of course. The answer was pretty easy, though."
"Ho? What was it then?"
"You will see soon."
"Scared to reply?"
"Who the hell is scared!"
"Obviously, you."
"….."
It was the usual day for the two twins.
"Come on, say it. Say it." Julia smirked, seeing Lucas backing down a little. She knew her twin well, and there was no way he could find the correct answer.
"…..Cough….Plagiarism is prohibited."
Julia scoffed, shaking her head. "Plagiarism? Seriously? You're such a goody-two-shoes, Lucas."
"Better than risking a lecture on ethics."
Julia rolled her eyes, seeing the smirk on his face. "Whatever. Let's see how well your 'ethics' hold up in the real world."
However, she had yet to have her fill for the morning. She needed more attention and energy; there was no way this was enough after all.
Turning her attention to Irina, who seemed engrossed in something on her smartwatch, Julia couldn't resist the opportunity for some playful teasing.
"Hey, Irina, what's so interesting on that watch of yours? Checking out some boys, huh?"
Irina scoffed, shooting Julia a disapproving look, and promptly closed her smartwatch. "Please, Julia, don't be absurd."
However, Julia didn't miss how she flinched a little. She chuckled, leaning in a bit. "Come on, spill it. What's the secret info you're hiding there?"
Irina raised an eyebrow, unamused. "It's called privacy. You should try respecting it sometimes."
"Privacy? In this day and age? How quaint."
"Sigh….."
Knowing that this would go on like that for a little longer, Irina accepted her fate.
CREAK!
Just at that moment, the door opened wide, coming to her aid.
"Huh?"
Revealing a guy they knew well.
"Ethan?"
The trio turned to look at Ethan, expecting their usual exchange, but something seemed off. Ethan appeared lost and dazed, his usual composed demeanor disrupted. He absentmindedly walked to his desk and sat down, his gaze fixed on some unseen point.
"Hey, Ethan, you alright?"
"Did he turn into an NPC? Will he give us quests now?"
"Maybe? What if this world was a game, though?"
"That would be weird."
"Why? You look like a typical dumb female lead."
"Who are you calling dumb, bastard? You are dumb."
"See. You can't even come up with other words."
"Wanna die!"
Just as the two of them continued their banter, Irina turned her attention to absentminded Ethan.
"Hey."
Irina called out to him, but there was no response. Ethan remained lost in his thoughts, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.
"Earth to Ethan!" She continued, waving her hand in front of his face. Still, no response.
"Sigh..."
FLICK!
Growing impatient, Irina conjured a small flicker of fire in her hand and casually tossed it towards Ethan. The tiny flame landed on his desk, prompting a flinch from Ethan as he returned to reality.
"Huh? What? Oh, sorry. I was somewhere else for a moment," Ethan mumbled, shaking off the daze.
"What happened to your face?"
Irina immediately asked. The others didn't notice, but nowadays, Irina was checking other boys' faces with more detail, and she didn't miss those small bruise marks that were healing already.
"Ah…This…."
Following that, Irina witnessed something for the first time in a while. A small smile was on Ethan's face, but it was not his usual smile.
"Just encountered something."
Ethan smiled bashfully, his gaze a little distant, as if lost in a dreamy reverie. His usual composed demeanor seemed to soften, revealing a hint of something that Irina had never seen before.
Irina studied him for a moment, noting the subtle change in his expression. There was something different about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. At the same time, she felt like this kind of look was familiar, and she felt bothered.
"Urghk…..Gross…."
Irina couldn't contain her disgust, her face contorting into a cringe as she looked at the dreamy Ethan and his smile. The unexpected shift in his demeanor was too much for her to handle.
"Ethan, please spare us the romantic daydreams," Julia teased, catching onto Irina's discomfort.
"Yeah, we don't need any of that lovey-dovey stuff around here," Lucas added, a playful smirk on his face.
"W-who said it was about romance?"
'It is fucking obvious.'
All three of them had the same thought in their heads, looking at Ethan. Irina threw a quick look at one of the backseats without even knowing.
CREAK!
Julia, ready to tease Ethan even more based on his reaction, had her retort ready, but at that very moment, the door swung open once again, saving Ethan from another round of playful banter.
"Saved by the door," Julia whispered, grinning mischievously. Irina couldn't hide a small sigh of relief, grateful for the timely interruption.
She wasn't sure how much more of Ethan's dreamy musings and the teasing in the morning she could endure.
TAK! TAK! TAK!
As the sound of high heels echoed in the classroom, the noise filling the classroom disappeared one by one.
With a swift motion, Eleanor made her way to her desk, a commanding presence that demanded the room's attention. The students, now silent, watched as she dropped her papers onto the desk with a purposeful
THUD!
"Good morning, class," she greeted, her voice cutting through the air. The students responded in unison, a subdued acknowledgment of her presence.
Eleanor spared no time in getting to the business at hand. "I trust you all had enough time to ponder over the assignment from Monday. Today, I will reveal the answers and discuss the significance of your findings."
As she spoke, the students exchanged glances, curiosity mingled with a sense of anticipation. Eleanor continued, "The location you were deciphering in the assignment is no ordinary place. It is known as Phantom's Land."
"What?"
"It was Phantom's Land?"
"I fucking knew it. Though wish I had submitted it..."
"Where is Phantom's Land?"
"You don't know?"
"I don't."
A murmur of uncertainty swept through the room. Some students exchanged puzzled looks, unfamiliar with the term.
TAP! TAP!
Eleanor, however, remained composed, her eyes scanning the room to gauge their reactions while tapping on her papers. Normally, she would shout at the students and reprimand them.
"QUIET!"
And this was any other normal day, it seemed."
SILENCE!
As the silence fell onto the classroom, thanks to her voice, she started once again.
"Phantom's Land," she explained, "is not a physical place as we know it. It is a complex magical realm that exists within a special type of mana-phenomenon field."
She pointed to a diagram on the chalkboard to help the students understand the intricacies of this field. "Within this field, the line between the physical world and the magical world is blurred. It's as if reality has two natures, one being our physical world and the other being the spectral remnants of those who once lived in this land."
Eleanor glanced around the room to make sure the students were paying attention. "Imagine a peninsula where the sea meets the ethereal. The coastline is like a border between our world and the unseen. Waves crash against the shore, carrying with them echoes of a past that refuses to fade."
She paused, allowing the students to picture the haunting scene she described. The weight of the unexplained disappearances and the subsequent transformation into a ghost-filled realm hung in the air.
"As you move further inland," Eleanor continued, "you'll find a terrain steeped in both history and enchantment. Ghostly apparitions roam amidst the remnants of their former lives. The air is thick with the energies of the mana-phenomenon field, creating an atmosphere where the mundane and the magical coexist."
She stopped at that second, letting everything sink in. "And your task will be to observe the phenomenon there and write a report about the properties of that realm."
The students absorbed this information, a mix of surprise and intrigue evident on their faces. The atmosphere in the room shifted as the realization that their assignment had real-world implications settled in.
Eleanor continued, "Your understanding of the magic formulas was crucial to deciphering the coordinates leading to Phantom's Land. This field presents unique challenges and requires a comprehensive grasp of magical principles for safe traversal."
The students exchanged glances, now aware of the gravity of their assignment. Eleanor's stern gaze held their attention as she emphasized, "This is not merely an academic exercise; it is a preparation for the practical challenges you will face as future Hunters."
With that, she concluded, "Prepare yourselves, for your next task involves navigating Phantom's Land. Use the knowledge you've gained wisely, and remember, success in the field requires more than just theoretical understanding."
"Now, ready your bags. We will leave one hour later."
With those words, she had left the room.
Chapter 253 - Before the trip (2)
The moment Eleanor left, all the students became in an uproar.
"I can't believe we're actually going there! Do you think we'll see real ghosts?" whispered one student, wide-eyed with a mixture of fear and excitement.
"Real ghosts? Come on, it's probably just some magical illusions. This is a test, right?" replied another, skepticism evident in their voice.
A group near the back of the room was engrossed in heated speculation about the practical challenges they might face. "I heard Phantom's Land messes with your perception. We better be prepared for some mind-bending stuff."
Of course, things like this were bound to happen, and this was a reaction that I had expected from the start.
After all, not many students knew about the Phantom's Land, and people certainly had the conception of either exaggerating things or downplaying things when it came to supernatural events.
The idea of visiting ghosts itself was out of the ordinary, after all.
'Well, it was kind of expected that our mission would be just observing.'
Again, things like fighting with ghosts or solving the situation of Phantom's Land were way out of any academy students' league. Even seasoned Hunters would have a hard time dealing with ghosts since they are rather in the area of magic, and not many mages have both the power and the desire to solve it.
There were some that came to my mind from the game, but I knew almost all of them were nearly impossible to find traces, let alone meet or see.
Looking around, I scanned the whole student group. I was already ready after all, and had nothing to do until we left.
The room slowly settled into a low hum of discussions as students exchanged theories and shared stories they might have heard about Phantom's Land. The atmosphere became charged with a blend of excitement and tension, and I sensed that the next hour would be a mix of preparation and speculation.
At that moment, my eyes met with Ethan, who was already about to leave.
'He handled it well enough.'
Even though Ethan was the protagonist, he wasn't strong from the start and needed some interactions to get stronger. This was the type of character he was, and it was about one of those times he got one of them.
His way of handling things certainly clashed with mine, but that was what made him Ethan, after all.
"What are you thinking about?"
Just at that moment, our party leader came to me.
"Nothing."
I shook my thoughts, turning my head to the newcomer. There stood our fiery magician leader with her haughty expression.
Well, whether it was her usual face or her haughty face…..That was something even she probably didn't know anyway.
"Yeah, just nothing. Sounds like you."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing."
"..."
Irina suddenly approached me in a swift movement, her fiery red hair somehow feeling a lot more colorful.
Without a word, she casually sat down beside me, her expression unreadable. The air around us seemed to crackle with the tension that usually accompanied her, but something was kind of different as well.
"You seem lost in thought," she remarked, her eyes fixed on the room where students were still buzzing with anticipation.
"I was just observing the chaos," I replied. "Phantom's Land has certainly stirred up quite the reaction."
We both were well aware of where we would be going, so after my initial warning to her, we were ready for the upcoming exam.
She sighed, her gaze finally shifting to meet mine. "It's expected. People fear the unknown, and this place is the epitome of it."
"Unknown….Certainly a scary word."
"Unknown people tend to be scary, too."
"Is that so?"
"It is."
"But, isn't it our human nature to hide things?"
"Maybe. Maybe not."
"There was a saying from my hometown that still resonates with me."
At the mention of my hometown, Irina's eyes perked up. Well, I guess choosing that word wasn't wise, considering my situation as an orphan, but then there was no other way to explain the situation I was in.
"I was ashamed of myself when I realized life was a costume party, and I attended with a real face."
Irina looked at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and understanding. "The person saying that was wise."
I nodded my head in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom behind those words. "Yeah, they were. Sometimes, simplicity carries profound truths."
She smiled a rare, genuine smile that softened her usually forced and intense features. "You surprise me sometimes, you know that?"
Looking at her like that, I suddenly realized that she looked kind of pure when she smiled. I guess even the fiercest woman in the world somehow became soft from time to time.
I shrugged. "Life tends to be full of surprises, even for someone like me."
"Even for someone like you. You think you are different than others?"
"Am I not?"
"…..Well, you certainly are not normal."
The word normal itself was something that could never be defined. A person could be normal in one place of the world and would be considered crazy in another.
After all, the human mind is diverse, and this is what makes us individuals.
Once that individuality was lost, then from now on, humans would no longer be considered as separate beings but just numbers.
"Hey." A soft voice interrupted our conversation, and I turned to see Sylvie standing there, a small smile playing on her lips. Her presence had a calming effect, a stark contrast to Irina's fiery aura.
'Her powers are progressing well.'
I thought, noticing the small white-yellowish aura covering Sylvie. From the moment I upgraded my [Perceptive Insight] to the next level, I was able to see her aura that I couldn't before.
"Sylvie," Irina acknowledged with a nod.
"Did you get everything?" I asked. After noticing that Irina actually thought the visit to the Phantom's Land would be easy, I decided to inform Sylvie.
And, thank god, I did. Since she also hadn't prepared anything at all.
"Yes….." She lowered her head. I guess she was feeling embarrassed that she overlooked such a simple thing.
"You don't need to be embarrassed. Our leader was no different than you."
"Hey!"
"Really?"
"Was it a lie?"
"..."
"Can't refute, can you?"
"Tch."
Irina harrumphed with her arms crossed. Well, she brought this onto herself alone since my words were the results of her own actions.
"Then, should we leave as well?"
At this point in time, only we were left in the classroom, and all other students had left. Well, considering they only had one hour to prepare, it made sense. Though, I am sure it won't be enough to both research and prepare the things that are needed.
Sylvie was the first one to reply, standing from her seat. "Okay."
"Cough…If you are free, should we go together?"
Irina suddenly asked Sylvie. It was out of her character to act this way, but I decided not to dwell on it too much, as she was rather behaving like that today. Something must have been on her mind.
"Umm…..Why not?"
"I will see you at the meeting time."
After those words, I left the two alone and started walking to my room for one last check.
********
After Astron left, Irina and Sylvie were left alone inside the classroom. The atmosphere between the two was quite awkward.
After all, before they became a team, they hadn't interacted much with each other, and Irina wasn't the best person to make new friends.
However, recently, she had come to a realization of something. Sylvie was going to become undeniably one of the pillars in the future.
This was what she got after seeing her talent and her 'strength.' Thus, it was essential to make good connections with her that transcended the professional relationship.
This was how she had justified herself, but there was one other thing she would never admit.
But one thing was certain.
'How do I start?'
She had no idea what to say after coming into this stage at all…..
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, sensing the unusual atmosphere in the room. She decided to break the silence and address the awkwardness directly. "Um, Irina, is there something you wanted to talk about?"
Irina looked at Sylvie, surprised by the direct question. She was caught off guard, as opening up and initiating conversations were not exactly her strong suit. "Well, it's just that..."
The words didn't come out. However, Sylvie, who had been right beside her, knew what she was feeling.
Though not exactly her thoughts, Sylvie knew she was feeling embarrassed.
Sylvie gently encouraged her, "It's okay, Irina. You can talk to me."
Irina took a deep breath, her usual fiery demeanor softening for a moment. "I wanted to talk because... well, we became a team recently, but I realize I don't know much about you. And, um, you probably don't know much about me either. It feels weird being part of a team where we're practically strangers, doesn't it?"
Sylvie nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "I understand. It does feel a bit strange, especially since we're going to be working together. It's important to know each other well to build trust."
Irina seemed to relax a bit, grateful for Sylvie's understanding. "Exactly. We know Astron, but that's about it. I don't like feeling disconnected from my teammates. I thought, maybe, we could change that."
Sylvie's smile widened. "I'd like that too, Irina. It's nice that you want to get closer. We're a team, after all."
Irina nodded, looking a bit relieved.
For the first time in her life, she had taken the first step to approach someone after all…..
********
In the spot where the students would meet, Astron was standing with everything ready from his end.
CHATTER!
The students' chatter filled the place, as everyone looked rather both tense and excited. As he was scanning the surroundings with his usual calm demeanor. Irina and Sylvie walked in together, the air around them seemingly lighter than before.
Astron looked at them, a subtle shift in the atmosphere catching his attention. Something had changed. The tension that once hung between Irina and Sylvie seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a newfound understanding.
"Did something happen?" Astron asked, his keen eyes narrowing as he observed the two.
Irina and Sylvie exchanged a brief glance before Sylvie spoke up, "We just had a little talk, that's all."
"Yeah," Irina added with a nonchalant smile. "Just clearing the air, you know."
Astron continued to gaze at them, sensing that there was more to their interaction than they were letting on. However, he decided not to press further.
RING!
At that moment, the bell rang.
It was the start of the Phantom's Land trip.
Chapter 254 - Before the trip (3)
CHATTER! CHATTER!
The designated gathering point buzzed with anticipation as students, clad in their academy uniforms, gathered in small groups.
The air was thick with a mix of excitement and nervous energy, the prospect of venturing into Phantom's Land fueling both curiosity and trepidation.
At the forefront of the assembly stood Professor Eleanor, flanked by other instructors who would guide the first-year students on their mystical journey. Eleanor, with her characteristic stern expression softened by a hint of excitement, stepped forward to address the eager crowd.
"Quiet," she began, her voice cutting through the chatter and drawing all eyes toward her. "As every one of you has been informed, we will be traveling to Phantom's Land, a realm shrouded in magical phenomena."
Eleanor gestured toward the academy's entrance, where a fleet of enchanted buses awaited. "Our first step involves a bus journey to the Teleportation Center in the city. From there, we'll use a teleportation gate to reach one of the nearby cities bordering Phantom's Land. And from that point, we will take another bunch of busses to enter the Phantom's Land."
When buses were mentioned, some students showed dissatisfaction. That was expected; after all, most of them came from wealthy families, and none of them had traveled by bus before.
"Rest assured, the buses have been enchanted for a smooth and comfortable journey."
Eleanor reassured the students, though it was kind of ironic that the students who would become the future combatants and Hunters were awkward with some 'buses.'
Though instantly, a murmur of excitement and curiosity flowed through the students as they eyed the waiting buses. Some exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of enthusiasm and nervous anticipation.
"In Phantom's Land," Eleanor continued, "the mana structure is unique, creating discrepancies that prevent direct teleportation. Hence, there is a need for this two-step journey. Once we reach the Teleportation Center, the gates will transport us to the outskirts of our destination."
As she spoke, the students formed orderly lines, preparing to board the buses. The instructors, positioned strategically, ensured a smooth and organized departure.
Just as the first students stepped onto the buses, a gust of magical wind swept through the area, causing a momentary disruption. Eleanor's gaze narrowed briefly, assessing the situation. "Remain calm, students. It's a minor magical disturbance. The enchantments on the buses and teleportation gates are designed to handle such fluctuations."
In reality, though, it was something she had intentionally done. After all, showing and demonstrating always had the upper hand when convincing someone.
The buses roared to life, their engines humming with enchanted energy. The students settled into their seats, the excitement of the impending journey evident in their expressions.
******
"Get in the line."
Reaching the teleportation gate, we waited for around ten minutes for other classes to use their turns.
Since transporting such a huge amount of individuals once was impossible, each class was going at their designated gate.
"Class HA25, step forward!" Professor Eleanor's voice resonated through the designated area, calling our class to attention. The students shuffled into formation, and I followed suit, maintaining my usual composed demeanor.
Eleanor's sharp eyes scanned the group, her expression a blend of authority and vigilance. "Remember, stay close and follow the instructions. No wandering off or engaging in unnecessary magical antics. This is not a field trip but an important examination."
The teleportation gate, an imposing structure adorned with intricate runes, loomed ahead. It emanated a subtle hum, the magical energy swirling within its archway. Eleanor signaled to our class, leading us toward the gate.
"As you step through the gate, remain focused. Disorientation is common, but it will pass quickly," Eleanor advised, her gaze stern. "Once we arrive on the other side, follow the instructors' guidance and proceed to the next set of buses. Phantom's Land awaits, and our journey has just begun."
With her instructions given, Eleanor stepped through the teleportation gate, and the students of Class HA25 followed suit.
'Here we go again.'
The sensation was familiar to me – the temporary disorientation, the brief sense of weightlessness as spatial mana rearranged our location.
At this point, I no longer felt the feeling of nausea when taking a teleportation gate. After all, whenever I had free time on the weekend, I at least visited the [Wildcatter] to explore more dungeons, making myself comfortable with dungeons.
As the world shifted around us, we emerged on the other side.
The air felt different, charged with a unique mana structure that signaled our arrival at the outskirts of Phantom's Land.
'Even breathing here is weird.'
The mana density seemed to affect the outer atmosphere itself. Without even realizing it, my body started to adapt with increased heart beating rates and breathing to pump more oxygen to my cells.
"You seem rather relaxed."
Irina remarked, looking at my reaction. She was breathing slightly heavily as well, but aside from that, she didn't look much disturbed.
"Isn't it a Hunter's job to be relaxed in such situations?"
"It is. Though not everyone can do it, it seems." Signaling the other cadets behind us who were already throwing up, she remarked.
Irina's observation barely registered with me as I glanced around at the chaotic scene unfolding. The other cadets were stumbling about, some retching while others looked disoriented, their faces varying shades of green.
The reaction was more severe compared to the teleportation to dungeons before. The reason for that was highly likely the discrepancies between the mana levels and the bodies' attempt to adapt it.
But, again, it was not like that was my problem.
Irina raised an eyebrow at my lack of reaction. "Aren't you at least curious about what's happening?"
"Not particularly. We're in Phantom's Land, sure, but it's just another mission. We will probably be through worse in the future."
This was not a lie. I had already been through much worse than these, but the future will be a lot worse. Starting from the demons' invasion, wars, dungeon collapses, and many other things, it will be a lot harder than under such conditions.
'Even the Phantom's Land directly will be a lot more severe.'
"Always the stoic one, aren't you? But even you have to admit, the atmosphere here is unlike anything we've encountered before."
At that moment, I sensed the familiar energy entering. Sylvie, who emerged from the gate, seemingly unfazed.
Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the discomfort exhibited by a significant portion of the students.
"You seem perfectly fine," I commented, noting her relaxed posture.
Sylvie smiled, though slightly embarrassed. "I don't know. I just don't feel anything. It wasn't like this before."
'It is because of your powers.'
I thought inwardly. Her ability was truly broken anyway.
"…." Irina was also looking at Sylvie intently, but after a second, her gaze returned to normal. I guess she was trying to understand what kind of power Sylvie had and how she was not normal at all.
"Cough…..Should we go?"
At Sylvie's suggestion and attempt to get away from our gazes, we both nodded and made our way to the busses.
From this point on, a trip that would take around 4 hours was awaiting us after all.
*********
The buses were designed in a manner that three students occupied a seat in the same row. This was so that the group of students would be sitting on the same block and would be allowed to discuss things related to their observations on the bus.
Of course, when things like buses entered the equation, there would always be a discussion regarding the window seats.
"Why are you taking the window seat?" Irina asked, looking at the guy who had already leaned his head with his hood covering his face.
Astron, with his head slightly tilted, gave a nonchalant response, his voice muffled by the hood. "I like the view."
Irina, not satisfied with the brief answer, frowned. "Well, I like the view too. Why should you get the window seat?"
Astron sighed, his hood shifting slightly as he turned to face her. "It's just a seat, Irina. Doesn't matter if it's by the window or not."
Irina crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat. "It matters to me. I like to see what's outside. You can sit in the middle or by the aisle. Also, if it doesn't matter which seat you sit in, why don't you come and sit here? After all, it just doesn't matter right."
Astron raised an eyebrow, "Middle? No thanks. I don't want to be around many people."
"I don't want it either." Irina scoffed. Of course, inside her head, she didn't mind sitting in the middle, but if she conceded like this, she felt like she had lost to this annoying guy, and she didn't want it.
Sylvie, seated nearby, finally intervened. "Guys, it's just a seat. Can't you compromise?"
Irina and Astron both turned to Sylvie, momentarily pausing their argument. "Compromise?" Irina scoffed. "What's there to compromise? He just doesn't even regard us as humans."
"How did this subject come to consider others as humans or not?"
"Isn't it? You should have at least asked me."
"…..Even if I asked, it wouldn't change anything. Regardless of your answer, I would be sitting here, so it is just pointless action."
"See….He doesn't even consider me as an individual."
Sylvie sighed, sensing the tension rising. "How about you both take turns? On one trip, Irina gets the window, and the next, Astron gets it. Problem solved."
She also wanted to sit on the window seat, but for some reason, while in front of the two, she felt like things would get a much weirder turn if she said it out loud.
Also, the other students were already looking in their direction, and it was so embarrassing.
Astron, seemingly unyielding, leaned back in his seat, a stubborn expression on his face. "I don't see the point. I'll keep the window seat."
"You're impossible, Astron. It's just fair if we take turns."
"Life's not fair, Irina. Aren't you one of those who benefited from that the most?"
"What do you imply, huh? You punk!"
Sylvie's face deadpanned as she looked at her supposed 'mentor,' who was always a calm guy.
'Are you a child?'
His actions didn't fit into his previous impressions at all, and she felt like he was doing it on purpose.
'I am the only one getting embarrassed.'
Feeling like she was getting unfair treatment, she got angry and was about to shout.
'Calm down, Sylvie, calm down.'
However, different from someone, she needed to act like her character. In times like these, she wanted to swear to the author for making her such a rigid character.
Trying to maintain peace, she suggested. "How about we settle this with a quick game of rock-paper-scissors?"
"Rock-paper-scissors? Seriously?"
Irina agreed with a confident nod. "Yeah, let's do it. Best of five. The winner gets the window seat."
Astron sighed, seemingly resigned to the proposal. "Fine, let's get this over with."
'Rock-paper-scissors against me…..I can read your body movements…'
Though, inwardly, he knew the game would be over in an instant.
And just as he thought, the result was clear.
"This is ridiculous."
"Three-zero. Looks like I'll be enjoying the window seat. If you want to win against me, you have to touch some grass first. Your scissors are not sharp enough."
"..."
"..."
Two deadpanned faces welcomed his words.
"It was incredibly cringe."
"….."
As the bus continued its journey, the trio settled into their seats, and the window seat dispute was resolved, albeit in an unexpected manner.
Irina, sulking a bit, couldn't help but think Astron would be a good gamer if he wanted, and Sylvie found herself 'amused' by the peculiar turn of events.