The fourth day passed, and then the fifth. The night sky was dark, and its brightening would mark the sixth day.
Each day had passed similar to the previous. Adonis and Raphilia rose to drink water from the fountain and wash themselves, before spending the rest of their time training.
Under the tutoring of Adonis, Raphilia had reached heights that she would not have been able to imagine in such a short amount of time. The changes were not only in her proficiency with her Blessing but also in her mana veins, which could now hold more of the magical essence and replenish it faster.
She felt like a new woman entirely.
During their time together, she tried her best to get to know more about Adonis, but her efforts were to no avail. Not only was the man secretive about his blessings, but also about his personal life, background, and aspirations.
As much as this bothered Raphilia, she would never show it. After all, she was beyond grateful for what the man had done to her.
As the pair sat by the statue that night, Raphilia allowed her mind to wander. What did their future look like within the academy?
This floor had been a breeze for them, but what awaited above?
Raphilia let out a heavy sigh.
"Adonis." She said softly, her voice breaking the silence. The red-haired man kept his eyes shut, not reacting to her words, but over time, she realised that there was never a moment that the man was not paying attention.
"Why do you think the academy was created?"
Silence followed her words for a few moments. She wondered whether Adonis somehow knew the answers, or was simply thinking. After a while, he spoke, but it wasn't the words she had expected to hear.
"Somebody is approaching us."
Raphilia's heart sunk into her chest.
"What? What do you me-"
Her words were cut off, as Adonis opened his eyes. There was a smile spread across his face, as though he found something amusing. Raphilia's eyes darted around the plaza, trying to spot what the man had seen, but she saw nothing but darkness.
"Rise to your feet, Raphilia," Adonis ordered, maintaining his smile. "An old friend is here to see you."
At that moment, she finally saw what Adonis spoke of.
There was first the sound of footsteps against marble, followed by heavy breathing which sounded like a beast. Moments afterwards, a figure emerged from the darkness before them, standing only ten meters away.
Instantly, Raphilia recognised the man, even before he opened his mouth to speak.
"Raphilia. How does the scar feel?" The man snarled.
He was wearing a mismatch of armour. Bulky in some areas and light in others. Scratches were riddled across the grey metal, making it seem as though he had seen countless wars. On his head was a faceless helmet, and staring at her with fierce eyes was a man that she recognised oh so well. He no longer wore a weapon, but his hands seemed ready at all times.
Her face twisted with rage as she snarled through gritted teeth. "Harold!"
The man who had given her the scar now stood right before her.
Her eyes naturally darted over to Adonis, to see how the man would respond to the immediate danger, but Adonis stayed seated with the smile spread across his face.
"The red man isn't going to help you if that's what you're looking around for." Harold laughed. His words filled Raphilia with further anger.
Her firsts clenched involuntarily, and her brows furrowed. She wanted to tear the man open then and there. Beat him to a pulp.
But as her mind tried to express such desires, the scar that had claimed her eye throbbed painfully. A reminder of how he had slashed her with his ice and scarred her for life.
Fear forced her to remain silent.
"Why are you here Harold?" She managed.
The armoured man took a step closer. "I can't visit an old friend?"
"Pfttt. Friend?" Raphilia retorted. "You've blinded me."
Harold shrugged his shoulders and pouted his lips. The expression looked strange on his rugged face. "Still pretty enough with one eye."
...
Raphilia couldn't take it anymore. His mocking words and tone had pushed her over the edge. At that moment, she didn't care for fear. She would do all that she could to take this man down!
Raphilia raised both hands, palms facing towards her opponent.
Harold was quicker.
In an instant, and without moving a muscle, the sound of ice crackling came from above his head. The air grew frosty, as an icicle the size of a javelin formed above his head.
No, it was larger than a javelin. It must have been twice the size of a grown man. Sharp, deadly.
Raphilia found herself frozen as if the javelin had already seeped into her being.
With a gentle nod of his head, Harold sent the icicle shooting towards her rapidly. The air seemed to freeze around it as it flew through the air, aimed at her heart.
The whole time, the young woman did not move. All she could do was watch as her death met her.
This is it. It's over for me.
Raphilia squeezed her singular eye shut.
But death never met her.
After she was certain of this fact, she opened her eyes and nervously looked around. Everything seemed... normal.
Her life was intact, and no attacks came towards her. However, on Harold's face was a look of utter shock. Even in the darkness, she could see the sweat beading from his forehead, as his jaw hung agape.
But his shock was not directed towards her. Rather, his dark eyes stared at the man sitting beside her with an uncaring posture.
Adonis.
His smile was still on his face, and nothing about him had seemed to change. However, judging by Harold's face, she knew that the man was responsible for her still being alive.
Adonis looked at her with his red eyes, and a gentle, comforting smile spread across his face.
"Focus Raphilia. This is a man that you can beat." His words came confidently. "Fight as I taught you, and you can take his life in a single movement."