When we finished our food, we all got up, paid for the meal, and went on our way back to the academy.
We were talking about our adventure today, and everyone was also pointing out flaws or weaknesses in each other's defences and attacks.
I smiled, seeing everyone getting along and wondering to myself how I got so lucky to get friends like this... also how we all got so close after two days of knowing each other.
As we were walking, Orin asked me, "I was wondering, the monsters we found in the entrance exam were stronger than the slimes. Did the academy use E-rank ones instead?"
The others, hearing his question, stopped talking and listened in.
I shook my head with a smile. "No. Everyone fought F rank monsters, though ours were on the stronger side. Besides the Direwolf/Hellhounds and Inferno Bear, they were all F Rank. The guild just uses slimes as a starting mission for new F ranks to make sure they get some combat experience, as they are pretty harmless so long as you don't let them swarm you."
"Those wild dogs, for example, were F rank yet are stronger than the slimes. We can go against some stronger stuff tomorrow."
Everyone nodded, but Ark had a concerned face.
"Is something wrong?" I asked him.
He hesitated and said, "I was supposed to fight an F-rank monster... are you saying the Inferno Bear was E-rank?"
I was wide-eyed as I finally realised.
"SHIT!" I shouted and punched a wall, causing it to crack.
"I thought something was off! Why didn't I think about that earlier?!" I shouted and let some of my aura out.
Zek was pale as he sensed me, but everyone was more concerned with me.
"Jack?! What's wrong?" Orin asked.
Fuming but forcing myself to calm down, I said, "Ark wasn't supposed to fight the Inferno Bear. Whoever selected it for Ark was likely trying to kill him."
Everyone was surprised, and Ark took a step back.
"S-someone was trying to k-k-kill m-me?" he said, scared.
Orin scowled, his grip tightening on the hilt of his greatsword. "That's a hell of an accusation, Jack. Are you sure about this?"
I nodded, my mind racing as I pieced everything together. "Think about it—none of the other students had to face something that strong. An Inferno Bear, even a young one, is far beyond what an F rank adventurer should handle. Ark was set up."
Ark looked shaken. He swallowed hard. "B-but why? I haven't done anything to anyone."
Zek crossed his arms, his tail flicking uneasily. "You don't have to. There are plenty of nobles who don't like commoners entering the academy and even more who'd rather see them fail—permanently."
The weight of his words settled over the group like a storm cloud.
Aaron clicked his tongue. "Tch. It wouldn't be the first time some rich brat tried to get rid of the competition. Probably thought you'd either die or run away in fear."
Ark looked down at his hands, clenching them into fists. "I-I could have died..." he mumbled.
I stepped in front of him, forcing him to meet my gaze. "But you didn't." My voice was firm, unwavering. "You faced that bear and survived. And you impressed the academy enough to get in. Whoever set that up failed."
He stared at me, his expression conflicted. I could see the doubt still lurking behind his eyes.
"We don't have enough information yet," I admitted. "But I don't plan on letting this go. We'll figure this out. But for now, focus on yourself. You've earned your place here, no matter what anyone else thinks."
Seeing him give a thankful but conflicted smile, I rubbed his shoulder in reassurance and said, "Ark, if you want to stay with one of us, all you have to do is ask."
Ark nervously nodded.
"For now, let's just focus on tomorrow," I said as I turned to everyone else.
The others murmured in agreement, though Orin still looked like he wanted to hit something.
Ark, however, hesitated, holding his sleeve tightly. "I... I don't know if I should come tomorrow."
I turned back to him and saw fear and worry in his eyes.
I exhaled, choosing my words carefully. "Ark, this is your life. No one else gets to decide how you live it—not the people who hurt you, not the ones who look down on you, not your fears, only you can decide."
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have to decide if you're going to keep moving forward or let them hold you back."
Seeing his nod in understanding, we all resumed our walk back, but this time in silence.
When we got back to the academy, we split up to head to our respective rooms.
Ark said he was going to walk for a bit and left quickly.
I told Aaron I was going for a walk, too, and to expect me back later before I began to wander the halls for a bit.
My thoughts were still tangled in everything that had happened. Something about this whole situation still didn't sit right with me, but I knew I wouldn't be able to think clearly with my mind this cluttered.
The only person I knew who had the power to affect the monster selection and who would want to hurt Ark was the headmaster, but I couldn't think of a reason why.
'Does she know more about Ark than I thought?' I wondered to myself.
I shook my head in annoyance. 'There is so much going on—I need to clear my head.' I thought
Finding a quiet spot near one of the academy's taller windows, I saw the roof was within reach.
I tested the latch, and it was unlocked.
It opened easily, and with a quick movement, I pulled myself up and climbed onto the rooftop.
The night air was cool against my skin, the sky stretching endlessly above me, speckled with stars.
Perfect.
I sat down and closed my eyes, focusing inward and started to meditate.
Most people who know about spirits assume spiritual energy was something they could train to increase their reserve, like Ki or mana. But that wasn't true. You have to cultivate and gradually absorb it into your body rather than expend it and regenerate like mana.
You can regenerate it if some is expended, like with my barriers or their spells, like mana, but to get stronger and increase their maximum and power, they have to meditate.
It does come with risks, as the deeper into your meditation you are, the less you can sense your surroundings, but in exchange, you can absorb it faster.
I could expand my spiritual energy through this meditation method, slowly refining and increasing it over time and growing stronger with every breath. It wasn't fast, and it wasn't easy, but it was worth it.
I took a deep breath, reaching deep into myself. The energy within me stirred, responding to my focus. I let my mind drift, feeling the gentle pulse of my spirit, letting it expand with each breath.
~~~~~~~~
Ark's POV
I walked down the halls of the academy, lost in thought.
Jack's words from earlier kept repeating themselves to me. "This is your life. You should live it how you want."
'Could I do that?' I thought
I wasn't sure.
I had always been ignored or treated like I was nothing but a servant by my brothers, sisters and father.
My grandfather was always kind to me and took care of me, but either left me alone to do my own thing or had me do things I wasn't always comfortable with.
A part of me wanted to confront my father, to ask him why he treated me that way. But every time I thought about it, I shuddered in fear.
Another part wanted to thank my grandfather for being the father I needed and for taking care of me, but things didn't end very well when I left, and my father found out what was happening.
'I don't even know if he is still alive,' I thought to myself as a tear ran down my face.
Eventually, I stopped by a window and looked outside, staring at the night sky.
Something about it always calmed me. Without really thinking, I climbed out and pulled myself onto the roof.
The cool night air brushed against my skin as I stepped forward, basking in the glow of the half-full moon and starry sky.
I moved up the roof a bit and looked around... and that's when I saw him.
Jack sat there, completely still, his eyes closed. He looked... peaceful. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but I didn't want to disturb him.
I moved closer as I was curious. His breathing was calm and regular, and he didn't show any hints of being cold despite how high up we were.
I sat down across from him and just stared into his face.
I'm not sure why, but his face always brought me a feeling of peace, like everything would be ok...
I stayed like that for a bit when my back started to get sore from the position I was in.
Jack was leaning against a chimney, and it was the only one nearby... so, instead of walking away from Jack, I sat down next to him.
I stared up at the stars, my mind drifting as I felt safe in his presence.
I thought about everything that had happened. About how, just a few days ago, I had no one. Now, I have friends. People who cared about me and were helping me get stronger.
I thought about my grandfather. About why he had sent me here, about his caring smile and his words before I left.
And, for the first time, I wondered, 'What do I want?'
I didn't have an answer, but right now, I didn't care. I was at peace. Even if it was only for a short while, I was at peace.
At some point, my thoughts grew heavier, and I got closer and closer to falling asleep.
My mind was becoming clouded as I yawned and leaned over, resting my head on something soft and fell asleep.