Chapter 431 - Duels (3)
The brilliance of the light was blinding, an all-encompassing radiance that seemed to erase the very shadows. The audience shielded their eyes, unable to look directly at the scene unfolding before them. For a moment, it felt as if time itself had stopped, the air filled with a sense of awe and wonder.
As the light began to fade, the arena slowly came back into focus. The dust settled, revealing Victor standing at the center, his sword still glowing with the residual white energy.
His body was tattered, clearly showing the signs of injuries. Blood was dripping from the blade he was holding in his hand.
Yet, just as he was standing there, his opponent stood before him as well.
"What?"
"What happened?"
General Kyle was on one knee, his hammer planted in the ground for support, his expression one of astonishment and respect.
'What a sight…..'
He lamented inwardly. The expression on his face displayed the feelings of many experts facing the arena.
'It is so simple yet so beautiful.'
Victor's final strike had been perfectly executed, a testament to his skill and determination. He had managed to withstand the might of General Kyle's hammer and counter with a precision that left everyone in awe.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, the sound echoing through the amphitheater. The duel had showcased not only the incredible power and skill of the two combatants but also their unwavering resolve and honor.
"What a way to end the fight," Irina commented, her voice filled with admiration.
Astron, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. "Victor showed incredible skill and precision. General Kyle's strength is formidable, but Victor's ability to adapt and counter was impressive."
Irina glanced at Astron, curious to hear more of his thoughts. "Did you expect Victor to be able to stand against General Kyle like that?"
Astron shook his head slightly. There was a weird expression on his face. An expression that was somehow serious and troubled.
"Not to this extent." The words that spilled from his mouth confirmed her thoughts. Yet he recovered instantly.
"General Kyle is a seasoned warrior with years of experience. Victor's performance was beyond what most would expect from an academy student. His control over his mana and his ability to read the battle were exceptional."
These words were nothing but an NPC repeating the same dialogue over and over again. She was sure she would hear this countless different times from other people.
"Don't give me the textbook answer," Irina mumbled. "I want to know what you truly think."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I see." After stopping for a second, "Victor is truly exceptional," he started explaining, his tone thoughtful.
"His basic parameters are way above others in his generation. From the very start of the fight, it was clear that no one else in the freshmen year could withstand the attacks General Kyle sent. Even with his strength limited, the techniques were so advanced that the fight wouldn't last more than 15 seconds for anyone else."
Irina listened intently, her curiosity piqued by Astron's analysis. "Including me, Seraphina, Lilia, or anyone else?"
Astron nodded. "Yes. Even you or Seraphina, despite your exceptional skills, wouldn't have lasted long against those attacks. General Kyle is a seasoned warrior, and his experience, combined with his raw power, is overwhelming. But Victor… he not only withstood those attacks but countered them with precision and skill."
He continued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the key moments of the duel. "For such a thing to be possible, even as a swordsman, he would need to have at least 7, or maybe eight on some of his parameters."
"What? 8? Are you kidding?"
Irina couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Having a parameter of 8 at the age of 15-16. This was basically impossible. No one on the surface of this world had achieved such a thing.
If they were to….They would have left their marks in this world such a long time ago.
Yet, as she turned to face him, she saw how serious his face was. And then she remembered. This guy was not someone who lied.
He may have the ability to have his way with words, but he was more of a sophisticate than a liar.
"You are serious."
"I am."
"Then….This is insane."
She knew Victor was talented and strong. But the gap was just too big.
"Right?" Astron also somehow looked flabbergasted. This was the first time she had seen him this surprised.
But then, she read the lines between.
'He said, for Victor to withstand those attacks, he would at least need to have 8 in stat parameters. But, he didn't say Victor didn't have anything else.'
And just as she thought about that, Astron continued.
"What you thought just now was right. For Victor to win, more than mere parameters were necessary. Especially, there was one simple thing that made the difference in that fight."
Astron stopped talking, his gaze shifting to the arena as if lost in thought. Irina waited eagerly for him to continue, but as the silence stretched on, she grew impatient.
"Astron…" she began, her voice tinged with frustration.
He glanced at her, a hint of a tease playing on his lips.
'If you want to know more, you'll have to ask,' his eyes seemed to say.
Irina's curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't stand not knowing. With a light punch to his chest, she said, "Come on, Astron, don't leave me hanging. What made the difference?"
"It was the unique energy he was using."
"Energy?"
"Yes. That white beam that was surrounding his sword. Do you think it was simple?"
Irina pondered for a second, replaying the duel in her mind. Initially, she had assumed it was just normal mana since she hadn't been able to sense anything unusual. But as she focused on the details, she began to realize something peculiar.
At the moment when Victor's blade met General Kyle's hammer, something strange happened. The mana psions surrounding the general's hammer seemed to lose their energy, almost as if they were being neutralized.
"The mana psions… They somehow lost their energy," she whispered, her eyes widening in realization.
"Yes."
"But how?"
That was the question this time. How come such a thing could happen? What made it possible? She pondered about it for a while, yet she couldn't find the answer at all.
She turned to look at him, only to see that he also wore the same look on his face. It was evident that he didn't know the answer at all. Though knowing him, there was the possibility of him perfectly controlling his expression to lead her to think this; she knew if that were to be the case, it was better for her not to know about it at all.
Since she was sure, after the moment they shared yesterday, he wouldn't hide the things that weren't meant to be.
And somehow, as she remembered the yesterday night, her face got a bit hot.
'Sigh….How long will this go for…..'
In the end, she could only sigh to herself…..
*******
General Kyle rose to his feet, his eyes locking onto Victor. "You've surpassed my expectations, young Blackthorn. You definitely deserve the title that you have been called with. The Strongest of the Golden Generation."
Victor nodded, lowering his sword as he took a deep breath. "Thank you, General. It was an honor to face you."
The crowd's applause grew louder, celebrating Victor's hard-earned victory. He had shown the academy, and everyone present that he was a force to be reckoned with, a true warrior worthy of respect.
As the applause continued, Victor and General Kyle shared a nod of mutual respect. The duel had been a test of their abilities, and both had proven their worth in the eyes of all who had witnessed it.
Yet, there were many people that were scheming from behind.
*******
As Irina returned to her room, I found myself alone in the dimly lit space. She had somehow requested to leave, with her face slightly red.
Her heart was beating faster as well, and my senses picked up a slightly fishy smell that I didn't want to explain right now.
The events of the day played over in my mind, the duel between Victor and General Kyle standing out prominently.
'That fight…..Victor is just like Ethan….'
I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled within me. Victor's prowess had been nothing short of extraordinary, far surpassing the abilities I had seen in the game.
I had already expected it, seeing Ethan's prowess. But even then, this was just too much.
Settling into my chair, I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, and the only sound was the faint hum of the building's ventilation system.
I closed my eyes, replaying the duel in my mind. Each strike, each counter, the energy radiating from Victor's blade—it all painted a picture of a fighter who had grown immensely powerful.
I recalled the precision of his movements, the way his blade had neutralized General Kyle's attacks.
It wasn't just raw power; it was a mastery of technique and an understanding of combat that went beyond mere training.
His stats and parameters were impressive, but it was the unique energy he wielded that set him apart.
'The white energy…'
Victor was the epitome of the overpowered in the game. He was filled with countless cheats. His basic parameters were always just too strong, and the player would never be able to overpower him in terms of raw stats.
He also had many skills, equipment, runes, and body imprints on him, making him a versatile, annoying boss.
But, if there was one thing that was most important, it would be the energy he was using.
Even now, after the game had been released for more than five years, nobody was able to understand what that energy was.
And, witnessing it firsthand, I could understand it.
It was because it was something that didn't make sense.
Irina said the mana psions lost their energy. That was not wrong, but it was not completely right either.
What is the energy? When one asks this question, the answer is clear.
It is the ability to do work.
Energy, by definition, is the ability to do work. It's what fuels our actions, drives our spells, and powers our abilities. But what if that fundamental ability to do work was somehow removed or nullified?
'Order,' I realized. 'That's what Victor's energy is about. It's not just neutralizing the psions; it's putting them in a state of perfect order, rendering them unable to do any work.'
Entropy is the natural tendency of the universe to move towards disorder, to increase chaos. It's a fundamental principle that governs everything.
But Victor's energy was the antithesis of that. It imposed order on the psions, stripping them of their chaotic potential and rendering them inert.
I could almost see it now, the way his blade cut through General Kyle's attacks, not just deflecting or absorbing them but fundamentally altering their nature.
The psions, stripped of their ability to do work, became harmless, unable to sustain the force or effect they were meant to carry.
'The ability to go against the first rule of the universe,' I thought. It was a chilling realization. Victor's power wasn't just about strength or skill; it was about altering the very fabric of reality, imposing an unnatural order on everything he touched.
Yet, at that moment, another scene came to my mind.
The memory of Lilia's performance lingered in my mind, the brilliance of her technique offering a glimmer of insight into my own predicament.
Victor's ability was undeniably powerful, and his prowess was far beyond what I had anticipated. The white energy he wielded disrupted the natural order, creating a formidable challenge.
'But even with such an ability, everything must have a counter.'
As I sat in the quiet of my room, I began to piece together the puzzle.
Lilia's technique, the way she manipulated mana to 'reflect' the spells to ignore them, sparked a concept in my mind.
If I could harness her principle and combine it with Victor's way…..
'Null Magic.'
The idea formed clearly in my mind a potential path to achieving complete "Nullification."
That is right.
At that moment, I found the way of Anti-Mana.
Chapter 432 - End of the semester
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Arcadia Hunter Academy, the atmosphere buzzed with activity.
The last duel of the extended duel period had ended in an electrifying display of skill and power. Victor Blackthorn and General Kyle Braveheart had pushed each other to their limits, leaving the audience in awe of the spectacle they had witnessed.
Now, the academy staff moved swiftly to dismantle the preparations made for the duels. Workers bustled about, dismantling temporary structures, clearing the arena, and ensuring everything returned to its pristine state.
The sound of equipment being packed away and voices giving instructions filled the air.
In the courtyard, Headmaster Jonathan Verdict stood with a group of staff, overseeing the operations. His authoritative presence ensured everything proceeded efficiently and smoothly.
At designated points around the campus, academy staff handed out elegantly wrapped gift packages to the departing guests. Each package contained a selection of exquisite items, including enchanted trinkets, fine chocolates, and vouchers for future academy events.
The guests, though still slightly shaken from the previous day's attack, appreciated the gesture and the academy's efforts to ensure their well-being.
"Thank you for coming," a staff member said warmly, handing a gift package to a family. "We hope you enjoyed the duels despite the unfortunate incident. Please take these tokens of our appreciation."
In the crowd, Kaya Hartley watched as her daughter, Jane, eagerly accepted a gift package. Kaya smiled, grateful for the academy's thoughtful gesture.
At least that was the fact that she would need to show, being one of the most famous people in the world right now.
Nearby, a young man stood beside her.
"Quite the event, wasn't it?" Ethan mumbled. He somehow looked thoughtful and a bit tired. After the fight and the display that he showed, he fell into a peculiar state. The reason for that was evident.
He used something that his body couldn't withstand.
"Indeed, it was," Kaya said, looking at her daughter. And then she turned to face her niece. "You did well."
"….Thanks…." Ethan nodded, a smile creeping onto his lips. Though he had gotten used to getting praise, his aunt was not one of those who talked too much. She was quite an introvert, and she was busy most of the time. The praise that she got from him was really valuable.
Just then, Jane returned with a bright smile on her face, rushing towards Ethan. "Big brother Ethan, look what I have gotten!" she exclaimed, her excitement evident.
She held out a beautifully wrapped chocolate bar, her eyes shining with joy. "They gave me chocolates! Do you want to share?" she offered, holding the chocolate out to Ethan.
Ethan's smile widened at her enthusiasm. "You can eat it," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. Surely, he was not someone who could easily take chocolate from a young child like her.
"No. I want big brother Ethan to try it as well." But seeing that she was this adamant about giving him the chocolates, he decided not to think about it.
"Sure, let's share it." He took the chocolate from her, carefully unwrapping it.
Jane beamed, clearly pleased with his response. "Big brother Ethan, your duel was so cool!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "I couldn't believe how powerful you were! The way you summoned that giant storm, it was like something out of a legend!"
Ethan chuckled, slightly embarrassed by her enthusiasm. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said, breaking off a piece of the chocolate and handing it back to Jane. "It was a tough fight, but I couldn't let myself back down."
Yet there was a part of himself that was doubtful.
'The thing that happened there…..Was it really me?'
He had been pondering about his question for a long while now. It was as if, at that moment, something else had possessed him, yet he didn't have any idea at all.
Jane took the piece of chocolate and nibbled on it, her expression turning thoughtful. "What was that thing you said before you attacked? It sounded like a poem."
'I would like to know as well.'
He thought to himself.
He sighed, unsure of how to explain. "Honestly, Jane, I don't know it either," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "It just sort of... happened."
Jane pouted, clearly thinking he was just trying to hide it. "Come on, big brother Ethan, you can tell me! I promise I won't tell anyone else," she urged, her eyes wide with curiosity and determination.
Ethan felt a pang of helplessness. He was sincerely telling the truth, but he didn't know how to make her understand. "I swear, Jane, I really don't know. It was like something took over for a moment," he said earnestly, feeling at a loss.
Just as he was about to try and explain further, Jane's attention was suddenly drawn to something else. She turned her head to face her right side, her eyes lighting up with recognition.
Without a word, she rushed towards a figure passing by. "It's that mysterious brother!" she exclaimed, standing before him.
Ethan turned to see a young man with black hair dressed in dark clothing, moving casually.
Yet it was always hard to sense him as that person's presence was almost ghostly.
And there was a certain person that fit this description.
"Astron," Ethan mumbled, recognizing him.
Astron, with his usual calm demeanor, looked at Jane and then at Ethan, giving a slight nod. "Hello, Ethan," he greeted, his voice steady and composed.
Ethan managed to smile, though he was still processing the sudden appearance. "I didn't expect to see you here. But, mysterious brother, do you know him, Jane?"
Jane tilted her head, her brow furrowing in thought. "I don't remember exactly, but I feel like I've seen this brother somewhere before," she replied, her gaze fixed on Astron.
Ethan looked at Astron, pondering for a moment. Astron simply shook his head, a calm expression on his face. "She must be mistaking me for someone else. Children tend to make such mistakes," he said quietly.
Jane pouted, her cheeks puffing out in indignation. "I'm not a child!" she protested, sulking slightly.
Astron glanced at Jane, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh? Then how old are you?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious.
Jane straightened up proudly. "I'm ten years old!" she declared, crossing her arms defiantly.
Astron nodded thoughtfully. "Ten years old. Then that means you are officially a child."
Jane's pout deepened, her indignation flaring. "I am not a child!" she insisted, her voice rising in frustration.
Astron, unfazed, continued in his usual calm tone, "According to facts and definitions, ten years old is still considered a child."
Jane's face turned red with anger, and she stamped her foot. "No, it doesn't! I'm almost grown up!"
Ethan, sensing the escalating tension, intervened. "Astron, maybe you could ease up a little? Jane's just a kid," he whispered, trying to mediate.
Unfortunately, Jane's sharp ears caught his words. She turned her ire towards Ethan, her eyes blazing. "Big brother, I'm not a kid!"
Astron, however, remained resolute. "It's always better to educate children at a young age so that they don't develop weird habits," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
At that moment, a voice came from behind them, dripping with irritation. "Are you really arguing with a child?" The voice was unmistakable—fiery. And there, Irina stood.
Astron turned to face her, his expression unchanging. "I am merely stating facts," he said calmly.
PINCH!
"Really," Irina said while pinching him on his side.
"I am not a child, Bad Sister Irina," Jane mumbled and turned away as if she was about to cry.
Irina shot Astron a glare, her eyes blazing with irritation. "Astron, you need to learn how to talk to people, especially children," Her eyes seemed to say this.
"Hey, Jane, don't listen to him. You're definitely not a child in the way that matters. You're a young lady, okay?"
Jane's pout softened slightly, though she still looked upset. "Really?"
Irina nodded with a warm smile. "Really. Now, how about I show you something fun?"
Jane's eyes brightened at the prospect, and she quickly forgot her annoyance. "You will show me something fun?"
"Yep," Irina said while igniting a fire in her hand. But while doing that, she muttered under her breath, loud enough for Astron to hear. "Unlike someone hopeless, I am a really cool sister, right?"
Irina said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She extended her hand, creating a small display of a phoenix on her fingertips. The fiery bird flapped its wings and soared into the air, its feathers leaving a trail of light as it flew around them.
Jane's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow! That's so cool, Sister Irina!" she exclaimed, her earlier frustration forgotten as she watched the phoenix with delight.
Astron, observing the scene with his usual calm demeanor, replied, "At least I'm not someone who seeks acknowledgment from a child."
Irina shot him a sideways glance, a smirk playing on her lips. "People who couldn't get what they want tend to make such excuses," she retorted, her tone playful yet pointed.
Jane, still entranced by the phoenix, didn't catch the exchange. She reached out, trying to touch the fiery bird as it circled around her. "Can I hold it, Sister Irina?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Irina smiled warmly. "Sure, just be careful. It's made of fire, but it won't hurt you." She guided Jane's hand, allowing the phoenix to perch gently on her fingers. Jane giggled in delight, her eyes shining with joy.
As the phoenix perched on Jane's fingers, casting a warm glow, Kaya Hartley, who had been observing the interaction from the sidelines, stepped forward. Her presence, though unassuming, carried an air of authority and grace.
"Astron Natusalune, correct?" Kaya called out, her voice gentle but firm.
Astron turned to look at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That is correct. However, have we met before?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Kaya smiled a hint of mystery in her eyes. "I have an offer to make."
"Offer?"
Kaya nodded. "Yes, an offer. Would you like to work with our guild?"
"..."
Everyone around was speechless at that moment.
Since no one was expecting such a thing to come out like that.
Chapter 433 - End of the semester (2)
"Yes, an offer. Would you like to work with our guild?"
The moment she heard this, Irina's eyes widened. As for the reason?
She had her own plans for him.
Yet, now, she was put into a peculiar situation.
Astron looked into Kaya's eyes, his expression unreadable. "And for what reason are you offering me a place in your guild?" he asked, his tone measured.
Kaya's smile remained calm and composed. "Your skills and potential are impressive. I have watched your fight. You've shown remarkable talent in both combat and strategy. Our guild values such abilities and seeks individuals who can contribute to our collective strength."
Astron studied her for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew Kaya Hartley's reputation and the influence of her guild. But he also knew she was not someone that gave such opportunities.
And considering the performance he had shown, even though his judgment might have looked good, there was no other thing that he had displayed as distinctive.
He made sure of that.
That was why, at least for him, this offer did not make sense.
'Something else must be going on.'
It was not that hard to conclude this, either.
'And considering the amount of interactions we had was very limited, it could be either because of Ethan or because of that time in the museum. The former can easily be objected to, as I am sure Kaya will consider Ethan as naïve, and she will be a lot more skeptical.
She would need to run a background check on me, and she would see my past records, which eventually could become something that would make her realize Ethan was overpraising me. Therefore, this part doesn't make sense.
As for the latter, she could easily confirm from my past transactions and the footage that I was there when the attack happened. She could suspect that I could be related to the attack, but this would be ridiculous and illogical; thus, she must not have thought that.
But, aside from that, there is only one other thing that could bring her attention to me.
Jane Hartley.'
He thought, looking at the girl.
'For some reason, she just called me Mysterious Brother. It was as if she had known me, but I hadn't met her aside from that time when we were in the museum.
Even then, our meeting was brief, and logically, there was no contact whatsoever for me to leave an impression of her. She wouldn't remember my face, as I am sure I hadn't faced her at that time.
That only leaves out one door. She was able to recognize me not because of my physical aspects but because of my energy or something unique to me.
And if this is the case, there is the possibility that she has an ability. In the game, she was dead. Therefore, I don't have any information about the abilities she possessed, but considering that the Hartleys are a unique family on their own, a child born with inherent abilities makes sense.
This also supports why Kaya now approached me or why he was paying attention to my fight.'
Astron maintained his calm exterior though his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
'The possibility of her suspecting me and trying to observe me is high. She can also reach the same conclusion as mine because of Jane's attention.
Tch.'
Just as he thought, life was not something that always went as planned. Just because of the existence of a young girl and her unusual act, he somehow gathered attention from outside.
'What a pain.'
In the end, he would need to act in a way that wouldn't gather much suspicion from Kaya. That was the only plausible act.
"I appreciate your offer, Lady Hartley," Astron said, his voice steady and polite. "However, I believe it would be prudent to consider all factors before making such a significant decision. Especially when I had already promised a place to work for now."
Kaya's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained unchanged. "Of course. Take your time to consider. My offer stands whenever you're ready."
'Well, seeing him refuse my offer, either he is bound by a contract, or he values his promises. But, well, it was just an offer at the end.'
She thought, looking at the young man. Aside from his ability to erase his presence, which was pretty good, there wasn't much outstanding about him.
But Jane's reaction and his being in the museum at that time and surviving needed to be investigated.
'From the registered data, he would have been required to have a hard time. Yet, no records of him being hospitalized were there. Interesting.'
Well, it's not like she would be losing much anyway.
Seeing Astron under pressure and knowing he could be taken away, Irina decided to intervene for her own plans.
'This woman….How did she find out about him?'
She needed to change the topic and steer the conversation away from Astron's potential involvement with Kaya's guild. At the same time, she had to hide her close relationship with Astron from Kaya.
"Miss Kaya, your presence here means you had the chance to watch the duels," Irina began, her tone light and conversational. "Were you watching mine as well? If so, could you give me some pointers about mine? Getting opinions from someone like you could help a lot."
"…." Kaya turned her attention to Irina, who came beside her. To be frank, their families were allies, and Kaya had a slightly close relationship with the matriarch of the Emberheart family. "I did."
Thus, she was very well aware of what kind of person Irina was. Someone prideful and arrogant.
And such a person was now asking her for advice?
'Hmm…..'
A particularly amusing thought came to her mind. Kaya smiled warmly, her gaze softening as she addressed Irina. "Of course, Irina. I would be happy to provide some pointers. But for that….You will need to pay a price."
"A price."
Somehow, Irina felt like something was not right.
"A price of entertainment." Kaya smiled and then gestured for her to follow. "Let's sit. We got some things to 'talk' after all."
For some reason, Irina felt like she was playing in tiger's palms…..
********
The duels had ended, and the academy was returning to its usual state of calm. Kaya and Jane were preparing to leave.
Irina and Ethan stood by, ready to bid their farewells.
Jane, holding a small, colorful bag of souvenirs, skipped over to Irina, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Bye, Sister Irina! I had so much fun today!" Jane said, her voice filled with genuine joy. "Thank you for everything!"
Irina smiled warmly, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten. "You're welcome, Jane. I'm glad you had a good time. Take care, and come visit us again soon."
Jane beamed at her, then ran back to Kaya's side. Kaya, who had been watching the exchange with a serene smile, stepped forward.
"Irina, I expect to hear from you soon. And remember, I'm looking forward to your advancements. Don't shy away from the challenges ahead."
Irina blushed, nodding her head. "I won't, Miss Kaya. I'll do my best and listen to your advice."
Ethan glanced between the two, his brow furrowing in confusion. He had no idea what they were talking about, but he sensed there was more to the conversation than met the eye.
Kaya's smile widened slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Good. I'm sure you'll do great things, Irina."
With a final nod to Ethan and a warm smile at Irina, Kaya turned to leave, guiding Jane by the hand. As they walked away, Jane waved enthusiastically over her shoulder, her voice carrying back to them. "Bye, Sister Irina! Bye, big brother Ethan!"
Irina waved back, her smile lingering even as Kaya and Jane disappeared from sight. She turned to Ethan, who was still looking puzzled.
"What was that all about?" Ethan asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"….It doesn't concern you." Irina coldly shut him down.
Ethan shrugged, as it didn't concern him at all. "Alright, if you say so."
Irina glanced once more in the direction Kaya and Jane had gone, her mind racing with thoughts and plans.
'Adults…..They are really different….'
She felt like a new world was opened to her eyes.
*******
The cold and snowing weather created a shadow of tenseness across the world. The students of Eleanor's homeroom class sat at their desks, the air thick with anticipation and anxiety.
This was the final day of their academy life for this semester. Today, their grades for the final exams—both theoretical and practical—would be announced.
Whispers filled the room as students speculated about their results. Some tapped their fingers nervously on their desks, while others tried to maintain a calm facade. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension, each student eager to know their fate.
"Do you think we'll pass?" whispered one student to his friend, his voice tinged with worry. "I barely managed to finish that last essay."
"I don't know," his friend replied, equally nervous. "The practical exams were tough, but I think I did okay in the duels. It's the written exams that worry me."
Nearby, a group of students huddled together, discussing their performances in hushed tones.
"I heard that the grading this year is going to be stricter than ever," one of them said, her eyes wide with concern. "Eleanor-sensei doesn't go easy on anyone."
"You anime freak. If you had studied instead of watching anime, you wouldn't be concerning yourself like that."
Meanwhile, Julia sat at her desk, her usual energy somewhat subdued by the weight of the moment. She glanced over at Ethan, who was leaning back in his chair with a relaxed expression, seemingly unfazed by the impending announcement.
"How can you be so calm?" she asked, her voice a mix of envy and irritation. "Aren't you at least a little bit nervous?"
Ethan shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've done my best, and that's all I can do. Worrying won't change the results."
Lilia, seated next to them, nodded in agreement. "Ethan's right. Besides, stressing out now won't help us. Let's just wait and see."
Irina sat at her desk, her fiery red hair glowing as if the sunlight. She looked calm, but her fingers drummed an impatient rhythm.
It looked like there was something that she had been anticipating today.
As the conversations continued, the door to the classroom opened, and Eleanor-sensei entered, carrying a stack of papers. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to her, the anticipation reaching its peak.
Eleanor glanced around the room, her expression serious but not unkind. "Good morning, everyone," she began, her voice carrying authority and a hint of warmth. "Today, we will be announcing your final grades for the semester. I want to commend each of you for your hard work and dedication. Regardless of the results, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey in this academy."
Eleanor raised her hand, her authoritative presence commanding the attention of every student in the room.
FLICK!
With a subtle flick of her fingers, a soft chime echoed through the classroom as the students' smartwatches simultaneously lit up, signaling the arrival of their final grades.
A collective gasp filled the room as each student looked down at their wrist, eyes wide with anticipation and trepidation. The tension was almost palpable, the
silence thick as everyone processed the information displayed on their screens.
Julia's eyes scanned her grades quickly, a smile spreading across her face as she saw the results of her hard work. "Yes! I did it!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air. "I passed with flying colors!"
Ethan, still leaning back in his chair, glanced at his grades and let out a satisfied sigh. "Not bad," he muttered to himself, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Lilia's face remained impassive as she reviewed her scores, but the slight nod of approval she gave herself indicated her satisfaction. "As expected of me," she said quietly.
Yet, Irina. She just looked into her watch.
There, the score wrote.
-------------
Introduction to Mana Theory
Grade : 94//100
------------
An ominous feeling rose from her heart.
Chapter 434 - End of the semester (3)
As the initial excitement of seeing their grades settled, the students began to compare their results with one another, filling the room with a renewed buzz of conversation.
Julia turned to Lilia, her eyes shining with pride. "I nailed the practical exams! All that extra training really paid off."
Lilia nodded, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. "Heh? What grade did you get? Just to remind you, since both of my duels were flawless wins, my practical score is full-marked." She said while flipping her hair around.
With her slight gesture, she looked really beautiful, as if the fragrance of nature spread across the place.
"Of course, I got full marks too. What do you think I would get anything else, huh?" Julia rose up from her seat, but it was evident that she was acting and was just being a tease.
Ethan, still leaning back casually, looked at his friends and chuckled. "You guys are making me feel like a slacker."
"..." As Ethan talked, the two girls just narrowed their eyes and stayed silent.
"Hey, hey…..What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Julia playfully rolled her eyes. "You….. We all knew you were just as capable. You just liked to play it cool. But, who would have thought you were such a monster."
"That is coming from you." Ethan retorted, recalling what happened at Julia's duel.
"Indeed….."
"Lucas, did you say something?"
"Ah….I just said, you both did good."
"It is not like you performed badly? Your duel was kind of badass, too."
"Ah….Right….." Lucas shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "I did okay, I guess. But seeing you two in action was pretty impressive."
Julia smirked, playfully nudging her brother. "Don't sell yourself short, Lucas. Your duel was awesome, especially that last move. Where did you even learn that?"
Lucas glanced away, his expression thoughtful. "Just something I picked up during training. I've been trying to incorporate more advanced techniques."
Lilia nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It was more than just an advanced technique. That light manipulation was incredible."
"As expected, you saw it through right away."
"Well...There is a reason why I am ranked fourth now." Lilia smirked as she answered. There was a triumphant expression on her face.
"What?" Julia asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "You got rank four?"
Lilia nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face. "After beating the fourth-ranked student, it was evident that I would at least raise my rank by one. But, it seems I didn't quite make it to third."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why not? You were amazing out there."
Lilia sighed, her expression turning more thoughtful. "The duel between these two mages, Seraphina and Irina, was on another level. They displayed techniques and mana control that were beyond what I had displayed. Not that I couldn't do the same. It is just the difference between the display."
At that moment, hearing this, everyone turned their attention to the girl who was keeping it quiet all the time.
"Ho…..So you are saying you can do better than Irina?" Julia mumbled with a teasing smile on her lips.
Irina, seemingly lost in her thoughts, didn't reply, her mind clearly elsewhere. Julia, always the one to stir things up, reached out and touched Irina on the side of her belly, making her flinch.
"Huh? What?" Irina snapped back to reality, her face turning slightly red with embarrassment. "Julia, what was that for?"
Julia grinned, enjoying the reaction. "Just making sure you're still with us. You seemed a bit out of it."
Irina narrowed her eyes at Julia, a mix of irritation and amusement on her face. "Well, I'm here now. And for the record, everyone can say they can do better, but it is the actions that speak. And the results say everything themselves, don't they?"
"..." Lilia's eyes were a bit narrowed, but she didn't refute. Well, more like she couldn't since Irina was right.
"Speaking of results, what did you get?"
ulia suddenly rushed over to Irina, curiosity getting the better of her. She quickly took a peek at Irina's grades on her smartwatch.
"What the—? Ninety-four in Introduction to Mana Theory?!" Julia's eyes widened in disbelief.
The group turned their attention to Irina's screen, their eyes widening in amazement as they saw her impressive score.
"Wow, Irina, that's incredible!" Ethan exclaimed, genuinely impressed.
Lucas nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You really outdid yourself. That's a remarkable grade."
Irina raised her eyes. "That is a good grade?" She asked as if she didn't believe what they were saying.
After all, for her whole life….These types of grades were never good enough. And she also thought the same. She was feeling down for a while because of it since she felt like she had lost the bet, as she hadn't gotten a perfect score.
The others protested immediately. "Of course, it's a good grade!" Ethan exclaimed. "Do you know how hard that exam was?"
Julia chimed in, "Seriously, Irina. I got a 45 on that exam, and I don't even care because I know how tough it was. Yours is like….Double of mine…."
Lucas nodded in agreement. "I got a 70, and I'm pretty happy with that, considering the difficulty."
Lilia, who had been quietly observing the conversation, added, "I got an 87, and I worked really hard for it. Your 94 is impressive, Irina."
Irina looked around at her friends, processing their words. "Really? I guess I didn't realize how challenging it was for everyone."
'That bastard….He said the exam was easy, so I thought it really was. I guess he was just messing with my head….'
'Of course, he was….Why did I not think of that? He was teasing me….There is no way I would get 94 on an exam that was easy….'
'And here I thought, I made some stupid mistakes. It turns out the exam was just hard…Bastard….you really played with me.'
She got really mad at both herself and him. Once again, she felt like she was played with.
Julia grinned, patting Irina on the back. "You're a perfectionist, Irina. You always push yourself to be better, and that's great, but sometimes you need to give yourself credit for your achievements."
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, don't be so hard on yourself. You did amazing, and we're proud of you."
Irina's face softened, a small smile forming on her lips. "I see..."
Yet, that smile somehow looked devious in others' eyes.
FLICK!
At that moment, Eleanor flicked her fingers again, and the room fell silent. It was as if no sound could escape from their lips. She then addressed the class, her voice cutting through the tension.
"Now, everyone should be able to see their new ranks and their new grades. For those who have any problem with their grading or those who want to see their papers, you can check your academy page. Your exam papers were scanned and uploaded there. From there, you can object to your grades in the comment section."
The students nodded, absorbing the information. The initial excitement of seeing their grades had subsided, replaced by a more subdued contemplation.
"The deadline for any type of objection is Friday night. And if you want to oppose your practical exam grading, you will be required to stay in the academy. If you have already left and you have objected to your practical grade, your objection will be null."
The students nodded their heads, understanding what she said.
Some were already checking their academy pages; others were discussing their grades with friends.
Eleanor watched them for a moment, then continued, "This semester has been challenging, but you have all shown great progress. Use this break to rest and reflect on what you've learned. I expect even greater things from all of you next semester."
With that, she dismissed the class, allowing the students to leave at their own pace. The room slowly began to empty as students filed out, still buzzing with the aftermath of the grade announcements.
As Eleanor permitted the students to leave, Irina felt a surge of anticipation welling up inside her. She couldn't contain herself any longer; she had to know the result of the bet she had made with Astron. Inwardly, she felt confident. She was sure that Astron had tried to trick her because he hadn't done well on the exam.
'He must have tried to throw me off because he knew he didn't do well,' she thought, smirking to herself.
Her eyes scanned the room, searching for Astron. She spotted him silently slipping out of the classroom, not talking to anyone. Her smirk widened, feeling even more certain of her victory.
'There he goes, trying to make a quick exit,' she mused. 'He must know he lost. And you think I am going to escape like that? In your dreams.'
She thought, with a smirk on her face.
"What are you thinking about, smirking like that? It is a bit creepy." Julia remarked, seeing Irina's face.
"Nothing," Irina replied. And then, she rose up. "I need to leave."
With a newfound determination, Irina gathered her things and made her way towards the door, as well.
"Where? Hey! We are going to eat for one last time. Are you coming?"
Julia asked, yet she didn't receive any answer.
"…."
Since Irina was busy, her mind focused on confronting a certain someone.
She wanted to see the look on his face when she revealed her grades and claimed her victory.
As she stepped out into the hallway, she spotted Astron a few paces ahead, walking calmly as if he had all the time in the world. Quickening her pace, she looked as if she was running, trying to catch him.
'He must have turned from here.' She thought and then turned sideways.
"Bam…."
Suddenly, something appeared right before her face. Something dark, as if of a black hand.
'Hiiiick!'
Flinching and losing her balance, she was surprised; she stumbled, barely managing to catch herself. Her senses did not pick anything at all, and she was sure there was nothing there.
"You need to watch your step," a small voice said.
Irina raised her face and saw Astron standing before her. There was a very subtle smile on his face, just enough to be noticeable.
"You...!" Irina started, regaining her composure.
'Of course, it was him!'
She thought.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone a bit angrily.
"Waiting for certain someone, of course. Did you really think I would run away?"
Irina clenched her fists and pouted a little, her frustration evident. "Shut up," she snapped. "Show me your grade."
Astron raised an eyebrow, his subtle smile still in place. "So you did think I would run away?"
"Shut up," Irina repeated, her tone firmer. "Just show me your grade."
Astron shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Are you really ready for this? There's no need to rush the inevitable."
"I couldn't be more ready," Irina insisted, her eyes burning with determination. "Let's get this over with."
With a slight nod, Astron held up his smartwatch, revealing his grade.
------------
Introduction to Mana Theory Grade: 100//100
------------
Irina's eyes widened after seeing the grade.
She turned to look at him, only to see something different in his eyes.
"I just said this before, but let me say it again."
He stopped walking over her a little.
"Never underestimate me just because I am going easy on others."
Chapter 435 - End of the semester (4)
"Never underestimate me just because I am going easy on others."
His tone was calm but carried an underlying intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. There was something in his eyes. She wouldn't see him like this most of the time, but she saw this look before.
It was the look that he was giving to certain people at certain times. And she knew the reason why.
After all, she was very well aware of his goals and the reason why he was pushing himself this hard. Though they had just had a talk and he somehow opened himself to her, that didn't mean she knew everything about him from the start.
His very reason for being here was revenge.
To destroy.
And he only became serious when he had such reasons. He never cared about how other people viewed him, never cared about the recognition that he would get.
To be honest, this was just like him since even before that moment in his life, he was still such a person.
Aside from that, she rarely saw him competitive, but it seemed she was able to awaken another side of him.
For a different reason.
Not because of revenge or anything. He showed his best just to compete with her.
And seeing this, how could she just get angry?
Didn't this just mean she was special? This was another way to say she was the only one to evoke such feelings.
Was that why she was feeling a bit happy?
Yet, Irina knew this was just the beginning. She was very aware that keeping him attached to this world would require more than just one step.
"Young one, you carry a burden, and your path is intertwined with his. Take care of him; he walks on a thin thread, and he could fall at any time."
She still remembered the voice of the elderly soul that she had heard when the Phantom's Land was crumbling.
There would need to be many steps, many small victories, and moments of connection.
Even so, she couldn't deny the pang of regret that she had lost to him. She had promised a reward, never truly believing she would have to follow through. A bit of panic welled up inside her as she thought about what she would have to do now.
'What did I even promise him? I didn't think I would lose...' she thought, mentally kicking herself for her overconfidence.
Astron, noticing the shift in her expression, raised an eyebrow. "Regretting the bet already?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
Irina crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. "Of course not. I always honor my promises," she replied, though her voice wavered slightly.
Astron's subtle smile widened just a bit. "Good. Then I'll be looking forward to it."
Irina felt a mixture of dread and curiosity. What exactly did he want? She had to know, and she had to be prepared for anything.
"So, what do you want as your reward?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Astron looked into her eyes, his face slightly facepalming. "How can I decide what I want without seeing what you have in your family's armory?" He asked. And then, he narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me, you forgot what the other side of the bet was?"
"….."
And Irina couldn't reply.
"Really….." He shook his head. "Sometimes, I really admire your confidence."
It was evident that he assumed she never even considered him winning.
Irina pouted, trying to cover her embarrassment. "I would remember it if I thought about it. You just didn't give me time."
Astron waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, for sure."
After that moment had passed, Irina felt regretful about losing. All her plans were now stagnant. She had wanted to have one week of his life and had planned quite a lot of things for that period of time. At that moment, she remembered the promise he made to her: she had one more request to make him grant a wish of hers. She decided to use it for her plans.
"Wait," she said suddenly, her tone shifting to one of determination. "You owe me one more favor, remember? I want to use it now."
Astron raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? And what is it that you want?"
"I want that week," Irina declared, her eyes fixed on him with unwavering resolve. "The one I would have had if I won the bet. I still want that time with you."
Astron looked at her, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. He was silent for a moment, as if weighing her request. "You realize that I promised that request to be an equivalent to mine."
"Yes. Of course, I remember that."
"And you think the two requests are the same?"
"I do."
"Explain how my request to you to keep my involvement in Phantom's Land secret is the same as my act of giving up one week of my break."
Irina took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she prepared to argue her case. "Since the moment I took credit instead of you, I've had to deal with countless annoying things. Interviews, interrogations, posts about me online, government suspicions—it's been exhausting. I've had to answer questions, deal with skepticism, and constantly be on guard."
Astron nodded his head thoughtfully, considering her words. "That's right," he said finally. "You're starting to understand the value of what you have under your hands. The responsibility, the burden, and the effort it takes to maintain a facade. You need to show this same spirit to her as well."
Irina blinked, realizing he wasn't trying to make things harder for her but was actually trying to show her different ways of thinking. It was a lesson in responsibility and understanding the consequences of actions, a deeper lesson hidden within their interactions.
And she also knew what he meant with 'her.'
Of course, he would know. Even from the start, he was able to see through the face that she was putting on – the arrogance that she had always displayed to others. He knew that it was just a self-defense mechanism that she had created.
And he must also have known the reason for that.
"Why are you always like this?" she mumbled, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and admiration.
"Like what?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"It is nothing..." she looked down since she didn't want to show it – the expression she was most likely making.
"…."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Irina took a deep breath and composed her expression, looking back up at Astron with renewed determination.
"Does that mean you'll do it?" she asked, her voice steady.
Astron nodded. "Not like I have a choice since I promised to grant your request." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "But there's a possibility I'll be busy during the break. I might not have the time."
Irina narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping into her gaze. "Why didn't you make any time?"
Astron shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Of course, because I was sure I wouldn't lose."
Seeing his haughty face, Irina felt a surge of irritation. She wanted to punch him because she knew she wasn't one to talk—she had done the same, after all.
"Well, even though you won, you should have still considered the possibility of me using my right to request," she retorted, her tone sharper than intended.
Astron shrugged. "That is mostly true. Though, not everything is always in my control."
At that time, she remembered the hunters that came to watch him. She remembered the energy they gave away and the talk they had.
"Nothing comes without a price."
It was blatantly obvious that the hunter named Garrett had some control over him. Maybe it was a deal. At the very least, she didn't know.
"Anyway. You can contact me when you want to spend the week."
With that, he turned to leave. Irina watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts of how to make the most of the time they would spend together. This was her chance to show him a different side of life, to pull him away from his single-minded pursuit of revenge, even if just for a week.
And to entangle him with her to the greatest extent.
"Hey, Astron!" she called after him.
He turned slightly, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't forget, you promised," she reminded him, her tone softer.
He shook his head as if saying, 'Did you stop me just to say this?'
"I won't."
And then, he turned back to leave. But, just then, he stopped once again and turned back.
"Hey, Irina."
She paused, looking at him curiously. "What?"
"Congratulations on your new rank," he said, his voice sincere. "Rank 2. You've earned it."
Irina's eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile spread across her face, genuine and heartfelt. That guy, just as how he was usual, was perceptive of the details.
Though not that she was expecting anything like this, nor would it make her happy.
"It's not like this would make me happy," she replied, though her tone was light and playful.
Astron shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Your expression looks far too happy for someone who says that," he remarked.
And with that, he turned and disappeared from her sight, leaving Irina standing there with a smile that she couldn't quite hide.
'Rank 2…' she thought, her heart swelling with pride. 'I did it.'
The day was still cold, and the world was covered in a blanket of snow, but Irina felt a warmth within her that chased away the chill.
She had made it this far, and there was still so much more to achieve.
Just like that, the semester of the academy ended for her.
It was a hectic academic semester.
A time of the year that she had never felt like this before.
*******
Astron sat on the edge of his bed, the finality of the semester settling over him like a heavy cloak.
The results of the final exam had been posted, and despite his indifferent exterior, he had made sure to check.
Rank 1071. It was not exceptional, but certainly not disappointing, given his circumstances.
As if on cue, the watch began to vibrate softly, its screen lighting up with a notification.
He tapped the screen, and a message appeared:
"Congratulations, Astron Natusalune. Your rank of 1071 is noted. You have not disappointed."
'As expected. They have access to the information.'
It was not something he hadn't expected, as the organization was pretty powerful and ran deep.
Though he had expected some form of communication, he hadn't expected it to be this quick. The message continued:
"Your next step awaits. Come to the location shown on the screen tonight at 8 P.M."
A map flickered into view, highlighting a secluded area on the outskirts of Arcadia City.
Astron rose from his bed, his mind already racing through the possibilities of what lay ahead.
'Let's see what I can get from them.'
As equally oppressing, it was an opportunity after all.
CREAK!
With that, he left his room.
--------End of the volume 3-------