Chapter 352 - What the heart sees
"This bath….It helps a lot…."
Sitting in the bath filled with the recovery herbs, I thought to myself. After the battle, I had returned to my room. At that time, the method I had deployed was correct, and it definitely worked well.
"But, to think that they would go over the case in such a brutal way….It suits their style…"
On the academy forums, there was a post with a bunch of videos. In those videos, sophomore-year students were getting beaten, and the assailant was saying the sophomores were getting whatever they deserved.
From the first look, it was an act of revenge, but after looking at it a little bit more detail, it was evident that this post's main goal was to sow discord.
'Eleven out of fourteen victims were women. And in general, they were the weaker students.'
It made sense for the freshmen to target weaker sophomore-year students since their strengths wouldn't qualify to deal with the high-ranking students. Even if they somehow dealt with them, this would narrow down the investigation range.
This left no loophole.
Also, the fact that women were chosen more was also something that was effective in stirring the emotions of the public. Even though in this world, women were not necessarily weaker than men with the existence of mana and the status window, the idea of courtesy for women was still there.
The reality of this world just worked like that, and it seemed the instigator aimed to use this, too.
'Well, slowly but surely, you will reveal yourself. Then, I will be there to hunt you down.'
With that thought, I stood up from the bath. Of course, to do such a thing, I needed the necessary strength.
"Status."
As I called the status window, the panel appeared.
------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 3)
▶Talent Limit: 9
▶Passives:
Vengeful Bane Bloodline Resonance Psychic Cognizance
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
Strength: 3.57 -- > 3.87Dexterity: 4.17 -- > 4.3Agility: 4.49 -- > 4.64Constitution: 3.57 -- > 3.89Intuition: 4.64 -- > 4.70Magical Power: 4.97 -- > 5.01Mana Capacity: 3.90 -- > 4.02
▶Traits:
Perceptive Insight (Epic)(Unchanging) Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 1) Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 2)
▶Arts:
Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%32)
▶Skills:
Eyes of Hourglass
▶Body Imprints:
▶Bonds:
Aurora Raven (Rare)(Growth Type) Celestalith, The Transcendent Eclipse
--------------------------------
'My endurance and strength stat has started to catch up.'
I thought to myself. With the constant training with weighted bracelets, it seemed like my stats would return to normal after a while.
That was a good thing since I needed to cover my weaknesses.
'But dealing with an executive is most likely why my stats grew this much.'
Considering my growth speed with training alone, that would make sense. The last time I checked my stats, my growth was still below what I expected, but now it seems like I'm catching up.
'From the looks of it, unless I am dealing with a real demon, I won't get a skill or passive from Bloodline Resonance. I can only absorb some of the energy from the Demon Contractors, and this shows in an increase in my stats.'
I thought inwardly. This reasoning was most likely correct.
Of course, it wasn't the end. I also had gotten an artifact, a pretty special one.
–[Curtain of Darkness]
It was a special artifact that isolated the space from the outside. The sounds and energies would be sealed, making whatever it was that someone was doing, they could do it without being disturbed. Though, I didn't have the necessary time to check for its other abilities.
"Well, it is time for training again."
With my thoughts, I stepped out of the bath and dried myself off. The recovery herbs had worked wonders, soothing my aching muscles and rejuvenating my body after the intense training.
I left my room and went to the training grounds.
"We need to talk."
But before I could reach my destination, a voice stopped my tracks.
A silvery-haired girl stood before me with a certain smile.
*******
In a high-altitude office perched atop a towering skyscraper, darkness enveloped the sleek and modern space. The only illumination came from the ambient glow of the city lights filtering through the panoramic windows.
Amidst the dimly lit surroundings, a lone figure sat at his desk, his silhouette outlined against the backdrop of the bustling city skyline. His gaze was fixed on the rain cascading down the windowpane, the rhythmic pattern echoing through the room.
Yet, his eyes were not focused on the rain itself but rather on a vision that played out in his mind's eye.
"I see." The man mumbled.
Now, in his eyes, there stood a young man holding a spear. He clashed with the owner of the eyes.
"Ethan Hartley…." The man named the young man. "So this is who you are entangling yourself with. Emily Anderson." The man immediately connected the dots.
Why did the first team that was sent to sabotage Azure Crest Guild fail? How was such a small guild able to get up once again? What made them recover this fast?
Each of the questions was answered with one identity. If it was a Hartley, it would make sense that they weren't captured by the surveillance.
Most of the high-ranking families had such artifacts to let their heirs or important people get away from the public eye.
"But this makes things rather troublesome…" The corner of the man's eyes twitched after analyzing everything. "Now, Philips will need to bear the brunt of their wrath."
As the rain continued to fall outside, its gentle cadence providing a backdrop to his contemplation, the man remained lost in his reverie.
"But, the fact that Ethan Hartley almost lost his life there….It seems we got what we wanted."
The man said as he called someone.
"Send this footage to the 'him.' This should be enough for him to form a plan."
After all, there was someone who wanted to hunt this boy named Ethan for some reason, and that person was rather someone he couldn't refuse.
********
"Another one!"
In the office belonging to Marc Hartley, a loud voice echoed.
"I am sorry, father…"
"What the hell are you doing, Ethan? We thought you were dead! Why did you use that technique? What the hell were you planning!"
The man stormed on the call, looking at the hologram in front of him. It was a young man with incredibly handsome features, and that young man resembled Marc himself.
Ethan bowed his head, his expression filled with remorse. "I have no excuses, Father," he murmured softly.
Marc's frustration reached its peak as he struggled to contain his emotions. "YOU!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of fury and concern.
But before Marc could unleash another wave of reprimands, Ethan raised his head and met his father's gaze with unwavering determination. "I am ready for whatever punishment you deem fit, father," he said firmly. "But I don't regret what I did. To save a friend, I would do it again."
Marc's anger faltered, replaced by a deep sense of pride mingled with worry. Despite Ethan's stubbornness and impulsiveness, there was a fierce loyalty and bravery within him that Marc couldn't help but admire.
'This kid…..He really doesn't change….'
With a heavy sigh, Marc relented, knowing that there was no changing Ethan's mind once he had made it up. "Tch…I know no punishment will change your mind, but Just promise me, Ethan, that you'll be more careful in the future," he said, his voice softer now, tinged with parental concern.
Ethan nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting his sincerity. "I promise, father," he vowed.
"Sigh…You won't be able to leave the academy until the semester ends."Top of Form
"But fat-"
"This is something that won't only apply to you," Marc said, looking at Ethan. "Many parents are showing their dissatisfaction already, and I am just using that."
Since his son was refusing to stay safe, Marc could only force him to do so. But knowing Ethan, it was not right for him to stay locked up while other kids could do as they wished. Therefore, he slightly pressured the academy from all sides.
"…..I see…." Ethan mumbled. There was nothing he could do as his father was one of the most influential figures in the whole federation.
"Also, I got some news about violence inside the academy."
As Marc mentioned the violence within the academy, Ethan's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of realization crossing his features.
"Father," Ethan began tentatively, his voice laced with concern….
"Of course, we won't overlook such a thing happening, Ethan. Even if you don't want to cause trouble, you should think of the Hartley Family's name."
"….."
"I had already contacted the related families. They will send their apologies soon."
"I-I…..I see…."
"Then, see you later."
With those words, Marc ended the connection, leaving himself alone.
After ending the call with Ethan, Marc sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his responsibilities as a father and a prominent figure in the federation. He knew that he had to take action to ensure his son's safety, even if it meant exerting pressure on the academy.
As he pondered his next move, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Marc called out, straightening up in his chair.
Ray entered the room, a folder in hand, his expression grave. "Sir, I have the report regarding the situation with the Azure Crest Guild," he said, his voice serious.
Marc's eyes narrowed as he took the folder from Ray, his mind already racing with possibilities. As he read through the report, his suspicions were confirmed: the Philips Family was behind both incidents.
A cold fury ignited within Marc as he realized the extent of the Philips Family's influence and their willingness to resort to violence to achieve their goals. Of course, such things were not uncommon, but what was disturbing was the fact that the methods they used involved Demonic Humans in them.
They also targeted his son, Ethan, even if it was not clearly their intention.
'This is not good.'
Without hesitation, he made a decision.
"Ray, we are cutting all business dealings with the Philips Family immediately," Marc ordered his voice firm. "Furthermore, I want us to start making deals with their rival family instead. We will also begin resisting the Philips Family's advancements over the area."
Roy's eyes widened for a second, but then he relaxed himself. Knowing his master, such a decision, even if decisive, was his style.
'It feels like him when he was young.'
Though Marc had not been showing his side to others, Ray knew how he was like that before things got calm.
Ray nodded with a smile, his loyalty unwavering. "Yes, sir. I will see to it personally."
"And one more thing," Marc added, his voice tinged with determination. "We will offer the Azure Crest Guild the opportunity to come under our protection and work from our territory. They will have our support in exchange for their loyalty. That kid…..He will keep endangering himself if I don't do that."
Ray's smile widened at the bold move, but he nodded in agreement. "Understood, sir. I will convey your orders to the appropriate parties."
Just like that, the battle of the top dogs in the industry started.
The battle that would shake the future dearly.
Chapter 353 - What the heart sees (2)
"We need to talk."
Just as I was about to enter the training grounds, I sensed someone's presence before me. The voice wasn't exactly familiar, but it was a voice that I still remembered.
"…."
Turning my head to the side, I saw silvery hair first – a silvery long hair. And then, my attention was captured by the beautiful face structure, with slightly long eyelashes and slim lips.
"It is rude to look at someone like that." The voice continued its words.
"Is that so?" Words came out of my mouth naturally, looking at her bright blue eyes. There was a sharp glint in those eyes, unique to someone who had the innate coldness inside themselves.
"It is."
She was the student who shared the first rank with Victor. A future powerhouse of ice if nurtured well.
Seraphina Frostborne.
"I see," I replied and shrugged it off. Whoever the person before me, I did not care too much. Whether something was rude or not depended on the person affected, and I had no control over it.
This argument somehow sounded hypocritical, but there was no one to reprimand me for that fact, so I was all safe.
As I was just about to walk further, in the corner of my vision, I saw Seraphina's mouth twitching. It seemed she disliked being ignored.
"Didn't you hear me?" She asked, her voice a little bit grumpier now.
"I did. That is why I had reacted, hadn't I?" I replied as I walked further away.
"Do you call it reacting?" She somehow sounded furious. Her words contained certain emotions, and they reminded me a little bit of Irina. But then again, Seraphina was someone who didn't act as rashly as her counterpart. She instantly took control of her emotions.
Not bothering to look back at her, I said: "Well, what would you call it then? Seems like a reaction to me."
Seraphina's cold gaze bore into me for a moment longer before she sighed, the frustration evident in her voice. "We need to talk."
"Why?" I asked. I already knew what kind of person this girl was. Even though she may act high and almighty as a noble should, she wasn't someone to let go of things. This was the typical way of acting for nobles, and she was not an objection to that rule.
"You will understand when we talk."
"I will understand when we talk. Why should I do that, if I don't know the reason?"
At my question, she made a surprised exclamation. Her face showed clear signs of a lack of understanding of this matter.
"Because I am coming to you?" It seemed like in her world, if she came to someone, they must accept talking to her. That made sense, considering how it should have been for her in the past.
The heir of Frostborne family. One of the strongest magic noble families in Arcadia Dominion, one of the six pillars.
An incredibly beautiful girl that would make the person feel like their eyes are feasting.
Facing such a person, it was understandable why people never refused the offer to talk.
But for me, these qualities didn't matter. If I had wanted to entangle myself with this bothersome woman, I would have already done so from the moment I came to the academy. I had plenty of opportunities to do so.
But I didn't, since she was a rather troublesome person to deal with. Just like Victor and Lilia.
"So?"
As I raised my eyebrows, her stupefied face was worthy of taking a picture.
'It is a pity that she would freeze me to death if I were to do such a thing.'
Sadly, even now, with all the things I have under my arsenal, direct confrontation with Seraphina is impossible. A monster is a monster, after all.
"You….." She released a sigh. "I knew you would be different, but who would have thought that you would be this edgy."
"You are free to think whatever you want."
"I see." Seraphina raised her head, seemingly realizing something. From the look inside her eyes, it seemed she made her choice. "If you are going to act like that, don't blame me for being rude."
"Hmm?" Somehow, her words triggered a response in me. It was an instinct I knew, the instinct when things weren't about to go as I wished.
"Should I just reveal your strength to the academy?"
The moment her words left her mouth, I raised my eyebrow. I am already quite an expert at giving these types of reactions, and I am pretty confident in the control of my body. There was just zero possibility that I would give a hint about my reactions.
"I don't know what you are talking about," I replied.
"Ahahaha…" A faint laugh left her mouth, somehow feeling 'amused?' by my response. "Why are you hiding your strength, I wonder?"
I maintained my composure, refusing to show any sign of concern at her threat. "I'm afraid you've lost me. What strength are you talking about?"
She regarded me with a skeptical gaze, clearly unconvinced by my feigned ignorance. "Don't play dumb, Astron Natusalune. You know exactly what I'm talking about."
I shrugged nonchalantly. "If you say so. But I assure you, I have no idea what you're getting at."
Her lips formed a thin line, betraying her frustration. "Fine, if you want to play that game, be my guest. But just know that I'm certain about my assessment, and there's no room for mistakes. I will report this matter to the headmaster, and let's see if you can stay hidden even after that."
I watched her carefully, noting the determination in her stance and the unwavering conviction in her eyes. It was clear that she believed she had me figured out, and there was little I could do to sway her opinion.
'Headmaster, huh? Well, considering that she is one of the strongest people in the academy and the most talented, she could meet with the Headmaster easily. And, somehow, she sounds certain, regardless of my reactions. There is zero doubt about that opinion of hers, which sounds like the channel she confirmed this information doesn't make any mistakes and could be trusted to the maximum.
If that is the case, is it her [Trait], [Unique Skill], or the word from someone she is close to?'
This speculation formed in my head first because she was sure of this information. If she were to hear my strength from someone, she would first need to confirm with her eyes since Seraphina is not someone to trust others blindly. But, I am sure I hid my actions well without any surveillance to point out to me; thus, this option is invalid.
Then, it meant that she found this information without observing me in combat, and this case was similar to Irina and Senior Maya.
Since both of them didn't see me fighting but saw the results and were able to infer my strength from there. But Seraphina didn't have the luxury of that since I am sure that neither Irina nor Senior Maya would reveal anything, and she also didn't know about my achievements.
This brought me to the [Trait] case. If she was able to see my strength, that would satisfy everything, and this would also answer some of the questions I had in my head about the game. There were several instances where Seraphina judged the strength of the enemy correctly in the game when she was in the player's party.
Thus, I believed that it was because of a [Trait] or a [Unique Skill]. After all, there were many weird skills and traits in this world, and the scope was very large. Why wouldn't there be a talent that showed the strength of a people?
'Always assume bold and broad. You can always confirm it later. It is better than being unprepared and not thoughtful about something.'
It is one of the most important mottos for a street person to live where there are many enemies around. Of course, this can also backfire, but with enough knowledge, it worked well most of the time.
'But it seems she came with a plan in her mind, and she had already observed my attitude and inferred some things about me. This is the reason why this girl is troublesome to deal with.'
'If I were to deny this further, there is no doubt that she would hold on to her promise. And listening to her shouldn't be that bad. Even if she is troublesome to deal with, right now, the most logical act would be complying with her request.'
After a moment of tense silence, I relented, realizing that further resistance would be futile. "Alright, fine. Where do you want to talk?"
Seraphina's expression softened slightly, a hint of satisfaction flickering across her features. Her face revealed a smirk as if she had won. "It is good that you know when to back off. Follow me. I have a good place in my mind."
For some reason, I had a bad feeling about this, but sometimes things wouldn't go the way we wished.
No one can control everything about the world around them, not even their own lives.
As I followed Seraphina through the roads of the academy, her silvery hair swayed gracefully with each step she took.
Despite my initial reluctance, I somehow couldn't help but admire her poise and confidence, traits that seemed to come naturally to her.
As we walked, Seraphina broke the silence with a seemingly casual remark. "Isn't it quite interesting, Astron?"
I raised an eyebrow, curious about her sudden shift in topic. "What do you mean?"
She glanced sideways at me, her gaze piercing yet thoughtful. "The whole academy is bustling with students striving to excel in their studies and grades, to prove themselves worthy of their place here. Yet, there's someone among us who seems to be indifferent to all of it."
"There is nothing interesting about it. That person most likely is just lazy to deal with everything."
"Lazy to deal with everything? Maybe they find these types of things troublesome?"
"It is good that you know how they feel. Maybe you should consider their feelings as well."
"Sadly, one's feelings are not that important in the adult world."
"Somehow, you entered the adult world now?"
"I never left it."
"That is what a child would say."
"Your assessment seems wrong; you should correct it."
"I doubt that."
"Maybe. But, you see, Mister Astron," she continued, her tone contemplative, "it's fascinating how some individuals can exist on the fringes of our society, untouched by the expectations and pressures that weigh down the rest of us."
I considered her words carefully. "And what do you make of such individuals?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I suppose it depends on the individual. Some may see them as rebels, defying the norms of society. Others may view them with envy, wishing they had the courage to break free from the constraints placed upon them."
We reached our destination, a secluded café corner of the garden terrace overlooking the tranquil scenery below.
A place for the high-ranking students.
Seraphina gestured for me to take a seat on one of the stone benches, and I obliged, settling myself down as she joined me.
"But in the end, everyone had a secret or two. And once you grasp them, no one can escape your hand."
"….."
"So, let's talk about our main topic, shall we." She said while sliding through the menu. "You wouldn't mind if I choose it for you?"
"It would be an honor to drink what mighty Seraphina Frostborne chosen for me."
"Your humor seems good."
"It was supposed to be sarcastic."
"For me, it looked rather humorous."
"It seems so."
As Seraphina smiled at my words, she naturally had chosen one of the options from the menu. Though I wasn't able to see what she had chosen, it didn't matter in any case.
"Now, let me ask you a question first," Seraphina said, locking her eyes with me.
"Why are you hiding your strength?"
Chapter 354 - What the heart sees (3)
"Why are you hiding your strength?"
Faced with the things that are out of the norm, what is the basic response humans tend to give?
It is to try to understand it.
After all, only by understanding it can we categorize, and categorizing is one of our most basic desires since it creates a sense of belonging.
That is why I was expecting such a question from Seraphina.
"Why do you think?"
I asked against her. If you are in a conversation in which you don't want to reveal much information, the best way to deal with it is to answer the questions with another question. By doing that, you can lead the conversation in the way you want while also learning about the thoughts of the person before you.
"I don't know."
Yet, for people like Seraphina, these types of situations must be pretty common. She instantly said she didn't have any thoughts on this matter to hide her cards.
"You don't know? I thought you would already form an opinion. After all, aren't you the mighty Seraphina Frostborne?"
To deal with such responses, one can attempt to provoke another person. If the person can be swayed by their momentary impulses, they can get the answer they want.
"I know it must be disappointing, but sadly, I don't really have any idea."
However, for that to even work, you need to know the weakness of the other party, and right now was not the time for me to reveal it.
"So, please kindly answer my question. Why are you hiding your abilities?"
As Seraphina once again asked that question, she very well thought that I couldn't use the sophisticated methods to slip away from it.
"Is it important?"
"It is."
"Why?"
"Because it will help me formulate my future actions. Only by understanding your reasons that I can judge if you are a person suited for me or not."
"Suited for you? Is this supposed to be a test?"
"Life itself is a test."
"It is a sophisticated view."
"That is coming from you….But, seemingly enough, you have no intention of revealing your reasons it seems."
Dealing with smart people is efficient because of this. They can understand and read between the lines, which makes communication easier.
Of course, some may think that this is an act of immaturity, and directly saying what you want to say is better than beating around the bush, but where is the fun with that?
If everything in this world was as efficient as it needed to be, then we wouldn't have the things called art in the first place.
"It is good that you understand." I nodded at her response.
"But, do you think you should show some leverage to me? After all, I now hold your secret in my hands."
"Somehow, I feel like I keep repeating these words, but I have no control over your actions. From how you speak, you certainly have the necessary means to talk with the headmaster and make him believe in you, even without any proof. Therefore, regardless of whether I comply with your requests or not, you can always talk with the headmaster and inform him.
And that makes you the one in control and not me. No matter what I do, the result can only be determined by you."
"Interesting. You really have the ability to do sophistry. Maybe you can work with politicians."
"I have no interest in such matters.
'I only have one goal. To get my revenge, that's it.'
I thought inwardly. Somehow, having such a conversation with Seraphina made me reminisce about the past, albeit it was a little.
I would talk with her a lot like this as well.
Seraphina's gaze lingered on me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Your words make sense if the mana contracts didn't exist."
Her statement caught me off guard, and I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Are you suggesting...?"
"That I'm willing to make a contract over such a small matter?" she finished my sentence, her lips quirking into a wry smile. "Perhaps."
I leaned back in my seat, considering her words carefully. Mana contracts were powerful agreements that bound individuals to certain terms and conditions, often exchanging favors or services in return for mutual benefits.
They were not to be taken lightly, as breaking a contract could have dire consequences.
"Are you proposing a contract between us?" I asked, intrigued by the possibility.
Seraphina nodded, her eyes gleaming with a newfound intensity. "Indeed. If you're unwilling to share your reasons willingly, perhaps a contract will ensure your compliance."
"For you to bring out the topic of mana contracts, you must want to gain my trust."
"I do."
"But why? What do you need from me? Even if you are certain that I am hiding my strength, I don't see any other reason for you to approach me."
This was the thing that was bugging me. Seraphina might be certain that I was hiding my strength, but there shouldn't be any clear reason for her to approach me.
After all, there were plenty of powerhouses in the academy, and there was even a monster like Ethan who was improving at a rate that would shake the mountains.
I didn't see any value for her unless she thought that I was on par with her in terms of strength.
At my words, a certain smile bloomed on her face. A certain smile that somehow sent a slight shiver down my spine.
Somehow, my intuition was warning me that this talk's result wouldn't be anything good.
However, at that moment, even if I wanted to just leave this table, if I did, I would antagonize this future Archmage a lot more severely than just acting edgy.
"Let's say I want to steal my rivals' assets."
Her words contained a certain meaning, and her eyes were looking at someplace behind.
'Hmm?'
I also sensed something, but before I could put a finger on it, I felt my senses being veiled by something else.
It was Seraphina's mana that had covered my body, isolating me from the space.
'This….She had already achieved such control over her mana?'
This woman somehow managed to manipulate her raw mana to disrupt my senses as if to show off to me. It gave the message that, even if I wanted to leave, I wouldn't do it unscathed.
"Well, in any case, let me ask you another question," Seraphina mumbled, looking at me with a clear interest. "What do you think about Irina?"
"Irina?"
Hearing her asking about Irina, I understood what she was trying to understand.
'So, this was what it was about.'
Thinking about it from Seraphina's perspective, Irina and I certainly had a weird relationship. Even in the game, Seraphina constantly monitored people that she deemed important so she would know about my past interactions with Irina. From there, she may have certainly formed some conclusions in her head.
Considering that she now thought that I was hiding my strength and that I was close to Irina, in her mind, I could become an obstacle to her in the future since Irina was eventually her rival.
"Yes." Seraphina nodded, confirming her question.
"Asking such a question out of the blue," I mumbled to give the impression that I was bothered.
"Irina is... complicated," I began, choosing my words carefully. "She's certainly talented, there's no denying that. But her attitude leaves much to be desired."
Seraphina's gaze remained fixed on me, her expression unreadable. "Go on."
"She's reckless, impulsive, and often acts without considering the consequences," I continued, my tone tinged with frustration. "Her arrogance knows no bounds, and she's quick to dismiss others' opinions if they don't align with her own."
'Though this part has changed a lot, it is not like you need to hear it from me, Seraphina Frostborne.'
There was no need to reveal everything, nor a need for me to speak the truth with my every word.
A flicker of recognition flashed in Seraphina's eyes, but she remained silent, urging me to continue.
"She's driven by her own ambition, and she'll stop at nothing to achieve her goals," I added, my voice growing colder. "But her lack of restraint and disregard for those around her make her a liability sometimes."
'This part also changed a lot.'
Seraphina nodded slowly, absorbing my words. "And yet, you maintain a close relationship with her?"
I paused, weighing my response. "Irina and I have a history, but that doesn't mean I condone her actions. Sometimes, it's easier to keep someone close to keep an eye on them rather than risk them causing trouble elsewhere."
A hint of satisfaction flickered in Seraphina's eyes as if my answer had confirmed her suspicions. "I see."
"Why the sudden interest in my relationship with Irina?" I asked, shifting the focus back to her. "Is she causing trouble again?"
Seraphina's smile was cryptic. "Perhaps. But let's just say that I'm curious about the dynamics between you two."
I narrowed my eyes, sensing that there was more to her inquiry than she was letting on. "And what do you hope to gain from understanding our dynamics?"
"Knowledge is power," Seraphina replied simply. "And understanding the relationships between key players can be advantageous."
With that, she waved her hand. The temperature was lowered for a split second, and the table froze. I could feel my senses warning me since it was getting into a relatively dangerous border.
CREAK!
On the table, two small figures were constructed from the ice. One was a queen on the chessboard, and the other was the king.
'And here it comes.'
"It is hard to clearly understand what makes you work with her." She mumbled, turning her eyes to me. "But, whatever it is, I am confident that I can give you better in every aspect."
Seraphina's words made me nod inwardly. She was offering me an alternative to working with Irina, one that seemed to come with promises of greater rewards and benefits.
I remained silent for a moment, carefully considering my response. Seraphina's offer was tempting; there was no denying that. She was a formidable ally, and aligning myself with her could undoubtedly bring advantages.
But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the warning signs that her proposition carried. These types of actions were what made her different from Lilia after all.
"And what exactly do you expect in return for your... assistance?" I asked cautiously, my voice 'betraying' none of the uncertainty swirling within me.
Seraphina's smile widened, revealing a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Simply your loyalty and allegiance. With your skills and abilities, you could be a valuable asset to me, Mister Astron. After all, I am way better than Irina, aren't I? Smarter, easier to talk to, better personality, more beautiful, and most importantly, stronger."
Hearing her words, I nodded my head. There was no need to deny her words. "You certainly are smarter, and you seem to have a better personality," I replied while observing her smile widening.
Somehow, I sensed the mana around me change, as if the curtain completely overlapping me.
'This….'
"But I have no intention of working under someone, regardless of who it is."
Seraphina didn't even falter for a brief moment as if she was already expecting such an answer. "I understand. But remember, Astron, alliances can shift, and loyalties can change. Think carefully about where your allegiances lie."
With that, she waved her hand, dispelling the ice figures on the table, and the temperature returned to normal. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as the tension in the air dissipated, but I knew that my encounter with Seraphina was far from over.
As I rose from my seat, she turned to me once more, her gaze piercing and intense. "But, you should still consider my offer, Astron Natusalune. I have a feeling that our paths will cross again soon."
Somehow, she looked like she got what she wanted, which increased the unease in my heart.
"I will."
With those words, I turned to leave, but at that moment, I noticed a familiar mana coming from one of the tables.
There, the table was burning with flames, and it seemed like someone had smashed it.
'Sigh…..'
Apparently, there was someone else here.
Chapter 355 - What the heart sees (4)
Humans were such strange creatures.
They held stupid expectations regarding others without knowing that those expectations would end up hurting them.
'Why?'
A question echoed inside the young adolescent girl's heart. A question that made her heartthrob, a question that made her feel like needles were stabbing into her heart.
'Why am I feeling like this?'
It was a feeling that she was unable to identify. Why was she feeling it in such a way?
Why did it feel like she couldn't breathe? This was the first time such a thing had happened.
'Why am I letting those thoughts get over my head?'
She continuously questioned herself. The world looked blurry, different from how it was all the time. Somehow, she wasn't able to clearly sense as it had been.
Her developed senses were now betraying her, making her the part of the world she didn't want to be in right now.
At this moment, she wanted to shut herself down. Just like a computer whose electric supply was shut down, she wanted to turn herself off.
She just wanted to close her eyes, lean somewhere, and put an end to these thoughts.
'Really…..Why did I even listen to her suggestion back then…..'
Everything had started this morning.
-Hey….Fiery Demoness…
That annoying girl had approached her in the morning. There was a clear smirk on her face, a smirk that somehow irked her whenever she had seen it.
-Seraphine.
-Do you mind if I take him?
She somehow came to her side and then talked about 'him' out of nowhere. Even though there was no mention of his name, the moment Seraphina looked at her like that and spoke in such a manner, she knew who it was about from the start.
-What did you say?
-I said, what I said? Do you mind if I take him?
Her question was insolent, but there was a certain look in her eyes. A look that she knew very well.
Seraphina was looking for her weakness. She was looking for something that she could use in the future.
And Irina knew about that fact. She was very well aware of such acts since she had witnessed a lot of them and even saw her mother plotting.
She had a lot of demonstrations already, even though those acts made her want to puke. She hated the dishonesty of people and how they always wore masks.
-Do whatever you want.
Thus, she knew she needed to come out strong. She acted nonchalant, even though she had been bothered by it.
-That is good, then. I will talk to him now. Do you want to listen?
But somehow, Seraphina seemed to already have a plan. That made sense, as Irina knew that she wasn't someone to act without preparing thoroughly. In that aspect, she was familiar with him to a certain extent.
-Why would I listen to your talk?
-Aren't you curious? Don't you want to know who he is going to choose?
-I don't need an answer or anything.
-Oh? Are you scared?
-You! Who is scared of who? Come on then, let's see it!
She couldn't control her impulses. This was how it had been. But she was also curious, and she knew that Seraphina was giving her just the excuse to act. Though it looked like exactly what Seraphina had planned, Irina accepted it and played it into her hand.
And then, as Seraphina settled into the café just as she said, she couldn't help but perk her ears. Of course, at first, she was unable to listen since Seraphina was laying down her mana to cover the atmosphere.
It was a technique that was used by mages in general. She could also do it by precisely manipulating her mana, but she didn't have any reason to use that before. By laying the mana into the surroundings, one could block the senses of Awakened, turning them into normal humans.
-What do you think about Irina?
But then, she could finally start hearing the conversation. After meddling with 'his' senses, Seraphina slightly dispelled the curtain so that Irina could bypass her senses into the conversation and listen to it.
-Irina?
-Irina is... complicated. She's certainly talented; there's no denying that. But her attitude leaves much to be desired.
-Go on.
-She's reckless, impulsive, and often acts without considering the consequences. Her arrogance knows no bounds, and she's quick to dismiss others' opinions if they don't align with her own.
-She's driven by her own ambition, and she'll stop at nothing to achieve her goal. However, her lack of restraint and disregard for those around her sometimes make her a liability.
-And yet, you maintain a close relationship with her?
-Irina and I have a history, but that doesn't mean I condone her actions. Sometimes, it's easier to keep someone close to keep an eye on them rather than risk them causing trouble elsewhere.
As the conversation unfolded before her, Irina felt a pang of hurt deep within her chest. It was as if a sharp dagger had pierced through her defenses, exposing vulnerabilities she had buried deep inside.
She had always known that he was quite cunning and cold, always plotting and scheming, but hearing him speak so candidly about her like that cut deeper than she initially thought.
The words echoed in her mind, each one a painful reminder of her shortcomings.
Talented but reckless. Ambitious but arrogant. A liability to those around her.
The realization that someone she considered close could see her in such a light shook Irina to her core.
She had trusted him, confided in him, and believed that he understood her better than anyone else. Yet, behind her back, he had been discussing her flaws with another.
The sense of betrayal was overwhelming, crushing her spirit with its weight. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that the person she had thought of as a friend could so easily disregard her feelings and expose her vulnerabilities.
-It is hard to clearly understand what makes you work with her. But, whatever it is, I am confident that I can give you better in every aspect.
-After all, I am way better than Irina, aren't I? Smarter, easier to talk to, better personality, more beautiful, and most importantly, stronger.
-You certainly are smarter, and you seem to have a better personality.
And these words hit the mark. After all, the connection was lost from that point, as she could no longer hear what they were even talking about.
But was there a reason for her to do so?
Did she really need to hear more? Wasn't everything clear?
'I am just a liability, after all. Isn't it normal for him to accept her conditions? She is smarter, stronger, and she has a better personality?'
There was an intrinsic anger soaring from deep inside her heart at that point. She punched one of the tables and left.
And then, I started wandering around the academy grounds. The weather was still cold, with it being in the later stages of winter.
Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she struggled to process the flood of emotions raging within her.
Anger hurt, and a profound sense of loneliness washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf her completely.
'So, he thought me like that….'
At that moment, she felt more alone than ever before. The realization that even those closest to her could betray her trust left her feeling adrift, lost in a sea of uncertainty.
'This is not good….'
She knew she had entered a state where she constantly thought about the past and their actions together.
Somehow, all those things looked fake to her right now. Even though something inside her told her that, she was playing into the Seraphine's ploy and she needed to act with a lot more cool head, she couldn't do that.
Right now, she needed something to vent these feelings inside.
And she knew what it was.
'I need to burn something.'
Whenever her head got complicated, she would always do one thing after all.
Burning things until she burned her thoughts.
********
Seraphina, who saw Astron leaving, was satisfied.
'After all, I got what I wanted.'
From the start, her goal was never to recruit the enigma named Astron Natusalune. After all, she had observed him for a while and noticed that he was a cautious individual.
Therefore, it was impossible for him to be swayed by her in such a short time.
From the reports she got and the information she knew, Astron Natusalune was somehow close to Irina, and that made it even harder for her to get what she wanted.
Normally, even though she was unable to see Astron Natusalune's stats with her trait, she still didn't hold him in high regard. After all, Ethan Hartley, Victor Blackthorn, and many other talented people existed in the academy.
This was a place of monsters. Thus, she thought it was just a unique trait of him, just like hers.
But this evaluation changed when she got her mother's letter. And in there, it wrote, be aware of Astron Natusalune.
Knowing her mother's powers and the situation she was in, Seraphina knew her mother wouldn't joke about such matters.
That made her interested in this person known as Astron Natusalune, and she devised a plan for that. Her plan had to be meticulous, calculated, and, above all, subtle.
As she pondered her next move, Seraphina's mind raced with possibilities. She had to find a way to exploit Astron's connection to Irina without arousing suspicion. It was a delicate balancing act, one that required finesse and precision.
But Seraphina was not one to shy away from a challenge. She rather liked it.
With determination in her heart and a plan forming in her mind, she set out to unravel the mysteries surrounding Astron Natusalune, knowing that the key to her success lay in understanding what made him this important in her mother's eyes.
Her plan was in process.
She had created a rift between him and Irina. Now, it was time to see how he would react to this situation and analyze his psyche more.
Would he abandon Irina and no longer interact with her, or would he chase after her?
By understanding his character and his decisions, she would then evaluate him.
After all, if he was evil and he would pose a threat to her in the future…
The best decision would be to remove him from this world.
Chapter 356 - What the heart sees (5)
As Irina wandered the academy grounds, her mind consumed by anger and hurt, she found herself drawn to the training grounds.
It was a familiar place, a sanctuary where she could unleash the full extent of her powers without fear of judgment or reprisal.
The air was crisp with the chill of winter, but Irina hardly noticed as she entered the expansive training grounds.
Her footsteps echoed against the stone pathways, the sound a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart.
Normally, she would train in the place dedicated to the high-ranking students in their dorms. However, right now, she didn't want to return to her room.
She didn't want to face the people she knew. She didn't want to deal with any type of those things.
She just wanted to burn these thoughts, and the normal training grounds were okay for that.
[Identity confirmed. Irina Emberheart. Freshmen, rank 3.]
She entered the individual training lounge.
Her eyes scanned the area, taking in the rows of golems standing at attention, waiting for their next challenger.
These golems, imbued with powerful magic, were designed to test the skills of even the most seasoned mages.
[Which stage do you wish to set?]
"Set it to stage 7."
[Stage 7. Are you sure? This stage is not advised for freshmen.]
"Yes. Proceed."
Her voice was chilly, yet she knew getting angry at the artificial intelligence of the training grounds wouldn't help with anything.
It would rather make her look more stupid than ever.
[Understood. Stage 7 is being activated.]
RUMBLE!
As the training grounds shook beneath her feet, Irina felt a surge of anticipation coursing through her veins.
The familiar sensation of fire and fury welled up inside her, fueling her resolve as the walls of the lounge began to shift and groan.
CREAK!
From the depths of the room, golems emerged one by one, their metallic forms gleaming in the dim light. Each one stood tall and imposing, a formidable opponent that would test even the most seasoned mage.
But Irina was undeterred. With a flick of her wrist, flames erupted from her fingertips, dancing in the air like angry spirits eager for battle. Her eyes blazed with determination as she locked onto the approaching golems, her heart pounding with adrenaline-fueled fervor.
"Come on then," she growled, her voice a low rumble that echoed through the room. "Let's see what you've got."
As the first golem stepped forward, Irina launched herself into action. Fire trailed behind her as she moved, a fiery aura enveloping her form like a protective cloak. With lightning-fast reflexes, she dodged the golem's initial attack, retaliating with a powerful blast of flames that sent it staggering backward.
One by one, the golems advanced, their movements precise and calculated. But Irina met each challenge head-on, her fists blazing with the intensity of her emotions.
With every strike, she poured more and more mana into her attacks, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion in her quest for release.
The temperature in the room soared as Irina's aura grew stronger, the flames swirling around her like a tempest unleashed.
Sweat dripped from her brow, mingling with the heat of her fiery energy as she fought with a ferocity born of desperation.
But even as the golems closed in, Irina refused to back down. She was a force to be reckoned with, a tempest of fire and fury that would not be extinguished.
As she faced down her opponents, slowly but surely, she thought the things that were bothering her would go away.
But they didn't. Contrary to what she expected, her mind didn't shut down. She still continued to remember everything.
'This is not enough, give me more!'
She knew this was because she was yet to be tired.
And so, with a fierce determination that bordered on recklessness, Irina forced herself to fight on. She challenged stage 7 again and again, each time pushing herself to her limits and beyond.
[Stage 7 Completed. New record. Elapsed Time, 12 minutes 48 seconds.]
[Stage 7 Completed. Elapsed Time, 12 minutes 58 seconds.]
[Stage 7 Completed. Elapsed Time, 13 minutes 45 seconds.]
[Stage 7 Completed. Elapsed Time, 13 minutes 40 seconds.]
"JUST DIE!"
–SWIRL
But eventually, her mana reached its breaking point. With a final burst of energy, she unleashed one last wave of flames, the fire burning bright and hot before flickering out into nothingness.
[Stage 7 Completed. Elapsed Time, 14 minutes 57 seconds.]
"Haaaah…..Haaaaah…."
As the last embers faded away, Irina leaned heavily against the walls of the training grounds, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she fought to catch her breath. Her eyelids felt heavy with fatigue, her body trembling from the exertion of battle.
But despite the physical exhaustion that threatened to consume her, the weight of her emotions remained. As she stood there, breathing heavily in the aftermath of her fight, she knew that the battle within herself was far from over.
However, at the very least, she was able to slightly extinguish the fire in her heart.
The thoughts that completely clashed in her heart finally came to an abrupt end. After all, right now, she is experiencing one of the most dangerous phenomena for mages.
Mana Exhaustion.
She forcefully used all of her mana so that she could achieve this drunken state. Her thoughts were sluggish.
This was not something she did a lot, but when her life became something that she couldn't stand, she did it. It was akin to someone drinking until they were drunk.
"Haaah….."
[Please Empty the Induvial Training Lounge if you don't wish to use it any further. There are students in the queue.]
However, since she had chosen to come to the general training grounds, she could no longer stay there on her own.
"Maaaaan...It is annoying…."
With a heavy sigh, Irina pushed herself away from the wall, her limbs feeling like lead as she gathered her belongings. The world seemed to blur around her, the edges of her vision hazy as she made her way out of the training grounds.
As she stumbled through the corridors of the academy, her head swimming with exhaustion, she couldn't shake the feeling of nausea that gnawed at her stomach. With each step, the urge to vomit grew stronger, threatening to overwhelm her senses.
But then, a realization dawned on her. She hadn't eaten anything all day. The queasiness she felt wasn't from sickness but from sheer exhaustion and mana depletion.
"Mmm…," she muttered under her breath, her voice slurred and sluggish as she made her way to her room. The journey felt like an eternity, the world spinning around her as she fought to keep her balance.
And at the end, she couldn't do it or maintain it.
THUD!
She fell down on the side of the track.
But even as she lay there, the darkness of night enveloping her, she couldn't escape the chill that seeped into her bones. It was a strange sensation, one she hadn't felt in a while, but it was quickly replaced by the familiar warmth of her intrinsic body heat.
With a shiver, Irina forced herself to her feet, wrapping her arms around herself in a feeble attempt to ward off the cold. The night air was crisp and biting, a stark contrast to the warmth of the training grounds.
But as she stood there, her breath misting in the cold air, Irina felt a strange sense of clarity wash over her.
Different from other people, Irina was an Emberheart. She had the blood of ancient mages. Her body had already recovered to some extent.
The intrinsic characteristics of her body started showing its effects as the heat gradually overlapped the coldness, removing it.
"Ahh….It is over…."
Though her mana reserves had yet to be started filled, at the very least, her basal mana reserves were filled. Now, her body was operating just as it should.
"Ho…..What do we have here?"
Suddenly, she heard an unfamiliar voice from the side. It was the voice of a girl.
"To think that I would find the great Irina Emberheart in such a state…..Even as a non-believer, I can't help but think this is a play of fate."
SHIVER!
Irina's body shivered. Not because of the cold this time but because of the chilliness and intent behind the voice.
As the unfamiliar voice pierced the silence of the night, Irina's instincts kicked in, and she tilted her head to the side to check who it was. Her muscles tensed, ready to react at a moment's notice.
But as she tried to summon her fire magic, she felt a sudden emptiness wash over her. Her mana reserves, depleted from her intense training session, left her unable to tap into her powers.
Panic flickered in her chest as she realized her vulnerability, her heart pounding in her ears as she turned her attention to the girl before her. The stranger revealed a smile, but to Irina, it looked sinister, sending a shiver down her spine.
The aura emanating from the girl was suffocating, a palpable sense of darkness that made Irina's stomach churn. She knew all too well what this aura meant - the unmistakable presence of a demon.
'A demon contractor!'
In that moment, realization dawned on her like a bolt of lightning. The girl before her was not just any ordinary stranger; she was a demon contractor, someone who had made a pact with demons for power.
Despite the fear coursing through her veins, Irina forced herself to stand her ground, her eyes narrowing as she met the demon contractor's gaze. She may have been weakened, but she refused to show any sign of weakness in the face of this threat.
"What do you want?" Irina demanded, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. She couldn't let this demon sense her fear, couldn't let it know just how vulnerable she truly was in this moment.
"What do I want?" The girl smirked, revealing her teeth. "Nothing much. I just want your everything."
The girl said as she started releasing an aura of the demon. A dark smoke slightly started dissipating, and in an instant, it started approaching Irina.
'This!'
Realizing what was about to happen, Irina's mind rapidly worked, trying to find something.
GRAB!
The smoke first swallowed her whole arms and legs, restraining her and preventing her from moving.
"Since such a fine gift was given to me right at the moment I needed it, I will not refuse it."
The girl said as her smoke penetrated Irina's pores, infiltrating her body. And following that, Irina felt the connection between her mana and her consciousness lost.
Her mana was sealed.
"Well, have a good sleep, Miss Irina. Since it will be your last one."
THUD!
With that, the last thing Irina saw was the hand approaching her face. And then she lost her consciousness.
"Now, I should move quickly."
With that, the girl grabbed Irina and started moving in the shadows hurriedly.
Yet, she hadn't noticed a certain smartwatch on the ground, with its screen shining to Mother Earth.
Chapter 357 - What the heart sees (6)
There are certain times when we can not foresee everything that will happen in our lives.
That is the basic premise of living as a human being. No matter how smart you are, at the end of the day, you will never be able to know everything.
There will be certain things that are out of your knowledge, and those certain things will render you unable to fathom everything clearly.
At the end of the day, we are all humans. Even if we somehow become supernatural, there is a certain aspect of humanity remaining. Well, this may not be the case for everyone, though let's assume this is the general truth.
Therefore, the moment I saw the burning table and the familiar mana important, I knew what had happened there.
'This sense of uneasiness, it came from that, isn't it?'
I pondered to myself. After all, Seraphina was certainly trying to test my nerves there, obscuring my senses and observing how I reacted.
She was taking a proactive approach, but that wasn't her clear style. She didn't do things in a rather bothersome way, and she would hate wasting resources. Therefore, I kind of expected that she would try to gain something else from this conversation, but I wasn't expecting such an outcome.
If Irina had been listening to the conversation, then she would definitely be uncomfortable. Regardless of who it is, nobody would like their rival to become an acquaintance with their teammates. And for Irina, with her temper, she wouldn't tolerate it.
Therefore, it makes sense that she is somehow angry right now.
'Hmm….Considering my words, she may as well feel a bit hateful towards me. I was being a bit harsh after all.'
Though my words didn't contain my true thoughts since I wanted to deceive Seraphina, this somehow bit me back right now. In a way, if Irina had heard exactly what I was saying, she would most likely have thought that her efforts didn't do anything up to this time.
She would think I was an ungrateful, despicable bastard. I could even envision her cursing at me when she was leaving.
Her aura must have been leaking as well.
'Sigh, she is not even answering my calls.'
I had been trying to contact her after seeing the traces, but as I had just expected, she was not answering my calls.
'So, what is she going to do now?'
Therefore, I was left alone with my thoughts.
Irina's personality was like a double-edged sword—sharp, unpredictable, and capable of cutting through any obstacle in her path. While her fiery determination and fierce ambition were admirable traits, they also made her prone to impulsiveness and recklessness.
In moments of anger or frustration, Irina was known to act without considering the consequences, often resorting to drastic measures to vent her emotions.
Burning things to alleviate her stress was such a quintessentially Irina-like thing to do, and I knew her well enough to recognize the signs.
'So, she is most likely looking for targets now.'
As I mulled over the situation, I couldn't help but feel somehow irritated.
Despite our differences and the complexities of our relationship, Irina was one of the most important people in this world. She belongs to the main cast and is a member of the Emberheart Family, the future Archmage of Fire.
Against the threats that would emerge sooner or later, she was undoubtedly one of the most important assets. Therefore, maintaining a slightly stable relationship with her was a must.
'Hmm….This….'
It seemed I was changing this whole time as well. I went from having no contact with the main cast to having an amicable relationship with them.
Seraphina undoubtedly tried to destroy my relationship with Irina. By doing what she just did, Irina would antagonize me, and if I was strong enough, I could brush her off and would not care.
And, if I wasn't strong enough to deal with Irina, Seraphina wouldn't consider me strong enough, so I would escape her radar.
In the end, she didn't lose anything since she only weakened her rival's faction.
But something inside me had been bothering me. It was as if there was another motive that Seraphina was moving with. Something that just didn't make sense only by thinking with logic.
'Her actions were a bit too strong for an amicable test. Hmm….Maybe because the academy was thrown into the chaos with the sophomore-freshmen clash, she is planning to act. That could be true.'
It seems there were certain interesting things were going to happen in the future, but for the time being, my focus needed to be on Irina.
Now that I knew what she would do, I decided to seek her out. If Irina was indeed upset or angry, she would most likely be at the high-rankers' dormitory, where she spent most of her time training and honing her skills.
Making my way through the corridors of the academy, I observed the surroundings.
There was a certain hostility in the air, even without anyone clashing. People were glaring daggers at each other, and each side was differed by one important thing.
It was the crests on the arms of the uniforms.
The crests symbolized the year of the students.
Freshmen growled at the sophomore-year students, feeling the pressure emanating from them. After all, even if they were both academy students, the one-year seniority made a huge difference when the Awakeners were still in the process of reaching the wall.
Almost every Awakened followed a somehow logarithmic curve of improvement. At the start of their careers, they would improve rapidly, increasing their stats. However, as they approached the talent limit that had been defined in their status window, their growth would stagnate.
This is the basic knowledge for every student…No, for every awakened. Therefore, for the students who are still in the beginning/middle parts of their growth, the change between one year was high. It was even more so for the students of Arcadia Hunter Academy, who had been accepted with the highest average talent limit rate.
However, the academy was now being doubted for its credibility due to recent events.
In any case, sophomore-year students easily overpowered freshmen because of the reasons stated above.
They angrily looked at the freshmen, observing their every bit of movement.
"Tch. Weaklings."
"Grr….What did you say?"
"I said weaklings, did you not hear? You can't even speak without gritting your teeth."
The tension in the corridor escalated as the freshmen students bristled at the insults hurled their way. Anger simmered beneath their surface, fueled by the frustration of being belittled and looked down upon by the sophomore-year seniors, whom they most likely deem as annoying oppressors in their heads.
'This is not good.'
Some of the freshmen clenched their fists, their resolve hardening as they fought against the pressure weighing down on them. They refused to be intimidated, unwilling to back down in the face of adversity.
'A fight will erupt now.'
But as the tension reached its boiling point, one of the freshmen students snapped.
It seemed I was unlucky with the path I had taken now. I erased my presence, trying to shake away the fight.
With a furious roar, my fellow freshmen channeled his mana, unleashing a burst of energy directed at the senior standing before him.
–CRACKLE
The air crackled with electricity as the mana surged, casting a blinding light that illuminated the corridor.
"Ho, you are finally using your mana! Do you know what that means?"
"Of course!"
The senior's eyes were narrowed, but there was a certain glint in his eyes. How could he not expect the barbarian freshmen to attack abruptly? After all, they were the ones who silently attacked at night and beat the unconscious students.
Chaos erupted in the corridor as other freshmen students followed suit, channeling their mana in a display of defiance against their oppressors.
Spells and elemental attacks flew through the air, creating a cacophony of noise and chaos.
I had already moved quite a lot from the location of the fight since I didn't want to be entangled with any of those.
After all, this fight wouldn't take us anywhere.
"STOP!"
But alas, the world once again didn't move as I wished. I even pondered if there was somehow a force that was acting against me today. I was a lot more unluckier than usual.
A mountain-like pressure descended upon every student of the academy in the area with a loud shout. It belonged to the instructor, a man with a bulky build and a soldier-like demeanor. His stern gaze swept across the chaos, quelling the unrest with his imposing presence alone.
As the instructor stepped forward, his expression was stern, his eyes sharp as he assessed the situation before him. He seemed to squint at each student individually, his gaze piercing and unyielding.
"Enough!" His voice boomed, cutting through the noise like a blade. "This behavior is unacceptable. You are all students of Arcadia Hunter Academy, and you will conduct yourselves accordingly."
His words were firm, leaving no room for argument. The students fell silent, cowed by the authority radiating from the instructor.
"Now, listen closely," he continued, his voice commanding attention. "Each and every one of you will follow me. We will not tolerate any further disruptions."
With that, he turned on his heel, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students. "Move out," he ordered, his tone brooking no disobedience.
Reluctantly, the students began to fall into line, their heads bowed as they followed the instructor out of the corridor. It was clear that his word was law, and none dared to defy him.
I was watching everything from a distance, seemingly not perturbed.
'Well, I guess the academy will deploy the instructors on the field. It makes sense, considering the videos on the forums. They must have noticed that they had been too negligent with the students, and giving too much freedom actually made them rather behave monkey-like. But well, I am not one of them, so I should be free.'
"You! Why are you waiting for?" Suddenly, my ears perked up, and a voice was registered in my brain. It was the instructor. I guess some students refused to comply with his request.
"…."
"You, freshmen with black hair. You are to follow as well."
Alas, that person was me.
'I am really being unreasonably unlucky today. Well, this may be called karma for participating in the instigation?'
I could only follow the instructor to the room.
*****
After a whole one-hour lecture on how one shouldn't fight and the disciplinary investigation, it was found that I was actually innocent and didn't participate in the brawls.
Why did it take one hour?
Because of the sheer number of students who were sent by the instructors, this alone showed the state of the academy now. At this point, the sky was already dark enough.
In any case, after being released, I walked to the top-rankers' dormitory.
But upon reaching there, I was met with the news of something I was not expecting.
"Student Irina hadn't returned to her dormitory."
An ominous feeling arose from my heart at that moment.