Chapter 69 - Normal Life (4)
"Huff….Just how many monsters have we cleared?" Nora asked, breathing heavily. She was the one I had utilized the strength of in this place.
The reason for not choosing Irina?
It was not because I was picky with her. Using fire magic meant depleting oxygen and increasing the temperature, as well as filling the place with smoke and carbon dioxide. This would mean the more we use it, the more we will feel suffocating.
That was the sole reason why I mostly refrained from using Irina's fire magic, but there were times when I deemed it good enough.
In any case, in such a manner, we reached the end of the exam after cleaning all the monsters.
Looking at the place like that, I could see a lot of people had already gathered, mostly them being high-ranking students.
The main cast was already there as well.
As we heard our score, I nodded my head. The scores in the game were not given in detail, but looking at it from here, our ranking seems good enough.
With such people in my team and with this dungeon being compatible with me, this ranking was one of the best we could get right now.
And I am sure we could save at least 15 more minutes if I was the leader from the start, but it doesn't matter.
The important thing had already been accomplished. Irina learned her lesson for the future, so she will probably behave in a better way.
At the very least, she needs to learn how to cooperate. In the future, I don't want to deal with a brat who thinks she is high and might be all the time. At the very least, basic respect is essential while dealing with others.
Turning my head, I saw Irina looking at me with a slightly squinting gaze. She made her way toward me, her posture confident and her expression determined. I could sense that she had something to say, a challenge to throw my way.
"I could have done better leading this team," she stated, her voice tinged with an assertive tone. "Don't think for a moment that you're the only one capable of guiding us through."
I could see her pupils shaking slightly. She was pushing herself to put up a strong front, probably because of her pride.
"Is that so?" I simply answered, but for some reason, I was amused. Her shaking pupils and slightly flinching tone made me feel funny for some reason. "Just like last time?"
When I indirectly implied the last exam score, she scoffed, clearly not pleased with my response. Her pride was evident, but it was also clear that she was a bit taken aback by the comparison.
"Whatever," she muttered, her arms crossing over her chest as she averted her gaze. It was a classic Irina move, her tough exterior masking a mixture of irritation and reluctance.
And before I could say anything further, she turned to leave, her strides purposeful. It was clear that she didn't want to dwell on this conversation any longer, but just before she moved too far away, her voice reached my ears.
"Thanks," she muttered, almost under her breath. It was a fleeting moment of gratitude, a concession she probably didn't intend to give, but it was not something I was not expecting, nor did I want.
It was a pointless thank.
Thanking or apologizing is not something that should be expressed by words but rather by actions. By changing the things you deem lacking or by taking the consideration of the person you thank, you can actually fulfill the purpose of those words.
"Victor, how is your score?" I could hear Irina trying to talk with Victor, whose sole attention was on the girl with white hair.
"First."
"I see. You are the best as usual, huh?"
"What did you expect? Even though that trash did nothing, I alone am enough."
"Just like you."
Looking at the girl trying to get the attention of the boy she liked, I thought she might be slightly pitiful.
Just like that, the training reached its end.
******
THUD THUD THUD
A rapid succession of three slabs came to my face, all to get blocked by my hands.
Standing before me was our protagonist, who had a slightly downcast expression on his face. It seemed something was bothering him, and I knew what it was.
'It must be his niece, Jane.'
Remembering the little girl who almost died before my eyes, I could see where he was coming from.
In the game, that girl was dead, and we didn't have any scenes of Ethan with her, but I remember there were certain dialogues that would be triggered when Ethan was with Kaya.
But, again, this was a combat practice, not a place to think of anything else. I am not here to waste my time but get better at everything.
SWOOSH
With a smooth move, I bolted towards him, aiming at his lower abdomen. He lowered his right elbow to cover there, but it was a feint.
Since one's elbow is in the middle of the arms, to cover with the elbow, one needs to lean to the side. And this limits the movement.
THUD
With a smooth crochet, I blasted him from his jaw.
THUD THUD THUD
His body was natural, as his reflexes were honed by our spars, but that was not enough. With his brain on somewhere other, he couldn't stand my relentless assault.
THUD
"Burgh-"
As he felt a kick on his belly, he spurted salvia from his mouth.
THUD
And with a loud sound, he fell to the ground.
"It seems you are not in the mood to spar," I spoke, looking at the protagonist lying before me. His blue hair was wet with sweat, and so was mine. Considering that my body was a lot weaker than him, it was even a miracle that I had been coping with this training.
"I get that you have things on your mind, but if you're going to spar, you need to focus. Otherwise, you're just wasting both of our time."
It was annoying. If I wanted to deal with a mindless doll, I could do it every time inside the training grounds.
Ethan just sat there with his face looking at the ground. His hair was blocking my vision, but it was not that hard to understand what he was thinking.
"Sorry, I got something on my mind." he finally spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. Then he stood up, looking at me.
He didn't have his usual haughty expression on his face, and neither did he have his shiny aura.
"Tch." I clicked my tongue. "Come." Since we were trapped in this classroom in the pretense of sparring, there was nothing I could do.
Ethan let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping as if he was carrying a weight. He took a few steps back to create some distance between us, his stance more subdued than usual. It was clear that he was still preoccupied with whatever was on his mind.
As we assumed our combat stances once more, the atmosphere was different. There was a palpable tension, not just from the physical engagement but from the underlying distraction that lingered between us.
SWOOSH
I launched myself forward, and this time, Ethan's response was sharp and focused. He blocked my strike with precision, his movements fluid and controlled.
THUD
I followed up with a series of calculated jabs, and Ethan countered each one with well-timed defenses. His reflexes were spot-on, and it was clear that his mind was in the right place.
THUD THUD
My strikes met his blocks, and I could see Ethan's determination in his eyes. He was fully engaged in the spar, his movements fluid and powerful.
THUD
Ethan deflected my kick with a swift motion; his balance was maintained as he countered with a quick punch aimed at my midsection. His strikes were accurate, and it was evident that he was back in the game.
Our exchange continued, each of us pushing ourselves to our limits. Ethan's focus was unwavering, and his movements were a testament to his combat prowess. We moved in a synchronized dance, a give-and-take of strikes and defenses.
I could feel myself improving, I was integrating my body into each of my movements. It was evident that I was a lot better than my last spar.
But then, I noticed a change.
Ethan's gaze flickered, his attention momentarily wavering. His movements became slightly hesitant as if he was losing his connection to the fight.
It seemed his thought started wandering around again.
'Tch. Do you have ADHD or something?'
SWOOSH
I took advantage of the opening, launching a well-timed hook towards his side. But Ethan managed to block it just in time, his defenses instinctual despite his distraction. In a way, even if I was better than him in terms of combat, naturally, as the protagonist, he had one of the best bodies in the world.
THUD
He retaliated with a rapid combination of strikes, his initial hesitation replaced by his auto mode. His body had already learned how to move.
He was a monster, and I was clearly seeing its effects.
His fists moved with precision, and I had to focus all my energy on defending against his assault.
But his focus continued to shift, and after all, even though he was talented, it was not to the point where he could win against me unconsciously.
I saw it in the way his eyes wandered for a split second, his mind clearly drifting away from our spar. His movements became more predictable, and I seized the opportunity.
SWOOSH
I sidestepped his punch and countered with a swift hook to his ribs. The impact landed solidly, and I could see Ethan's surprise at the successful strike.
THUD
Ethan staggered back, his breath coming out in a huff. He shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts, but the distraction had already taken its toll.
"Annoying."
With that one last word, I dashed towards him, my elbow almost reaching his jab.
DING
At that moment, the sound of the bell rang, signaling the end of our spar. My elbow was one millimeter away from his body, as it was about to inject him quite a lot amount of pain.
"Tch."
We both stepped back, our chests heaving with exertion. I looked at Ethan, who looked downcast.
Thinking that today's lesson was a mess, I was about to leave the place, but at that moment, I sensed Ethan's movement. He let out a heavy sigh, his gaze fixed on the ground. "Astron, can I ask you something?"
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden change in topic. "What is it? I won't answer if it is something stupid like last time."
"Haha…It is not like that." He answered, a small smile tinging on his lips. But then, his expression turned serious. He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "How do you cope with the fear of losing someone you hold dear?"
I was taken aback by his question. It was unexpected, and it felt like a breach of the unspoken boundaries between us. After all, Ethan and I were not close. Aside from some sparring, we didn't talk much. But his earnest expression made it clear that he was grappling with something deeply personal.
However, at the same time, his words made me remember her.
The same vision, the same scene of her chest getting pierced by claws. The blood spilled from her mouth.
The twisted expression on that demon's mouth.
My arms were tied.
And the small smile she was making before she closed her eyes.
"There is no such person left."
Chapter 70 - Normal Life (5)
"There is no such person left."
Looking at him leaving, those words echoed in Ethan's head. His lonely figure and the emotions in his eyes at that moment remained on his head.
A mix of frustration and concern swirled within him. He knew Astron had his reasons for being closed off, for keeping his emotions hidden behind that stoic facade. But his response to that question... was a glimpse into something more.
'To be honest, I didn't even ask that question expecting an answer.'
Remembering that his niece was about to lose her life at that time, Ethan was slightly anxious. He had never felt the loss of someone he held dear, so he was scared of that feeling.
He wanted to be with his niece all the time, and he was sure her aunt felt the same.
'Is that what Astron feels? Has he lost someone dear to him?'
The thought lingered in his mind as he replayed their conversation in his head. There was a vulnerability in Astron's response, a rawness that hinted at a pain he was unwilling to share.
Why was he so guarded? What had happened to him? And what had prompted him to such a blunt and sad response to his question?
"Sigh…."
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a mix of frustration and determination.
"Astron is right about one thing – we were not close. Sigh….What a complicated fella."
Ethan sighed, his steps slow as he made his way back to the training area. He realized that he couldn't force Astron to open up, just as he couldn't force his own emotions to settle.
The fear of losing someone you care about was a heavy burden, one that he was only just beginning to understand.
He didn't even think that his assumptions might be wrong for a second, but at the same time, he was not wrong either.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a familiar voice called out to him. "Ethan! Hey, Ethan!"
Turning, he saw Lucas and Julia approaching with their characteristic eagerness. The twins, with their matching smiles, were at it again.
"It seems you're lost in your world again. We called your name four times already," Lucas said, a playful grin on his face.
Ethan smiled apologetically. "Sorry, guys. I guess I was lost in thought."
Julia raised an eyebrow. "About what? You've been acting a bit strange lately."
Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit. "Well…"
Lucas chimed in with an understanding tone. "I see. It's about Jane, isn't it? Is she okay?"
Ethan nodded, a mixture of relief and worry in his expression. "Kind of. She said she's fine, but I'm still worried."
Julia sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Sigh… Being a worrywart won't work. You're not helping her by worrying like that."
"I know," Ethan admitted with a sheepish grin.
SMACK
A familiar rough hand smacked his back once again. The sting was familiar, but this time Ethan refrained from retorting.
"Let's grab something to eat. The meal's on me today," Julia declared, her voice cheerful. Her intentions were clear, and Ethan appreciated the gesture. "Maybe you can even talk about him, you know? That edgy mister?"
Ethan simply smiled at Julia's playful teasing and chose not to correct her. This camaraderie, the light-hearted banter, was exactly what he needed right now. He was content to let her think whatever she wanted.
And so, the trio headed off, leaving the training grounds behind. As they walked together, Ethan felt a sense of warmth, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this world.
*****
"There is no such person left."
The one that heard those words was not Ethan only. There was another person who was there listening to the conversation Ethan and Astron were having.
'Is it related to his emotions?'
She was just leaving; since she was a healer, most of the time, her combat training ended before others since her 'body' couldn't keep up.
Just as she was about to leave, she couldn't help but hear the conversation, and her interest got piqued. Because the boy who always shone brightly was now looking slightly troubled, his emotions were a mess too.
It was intriguing because she had never seen Ethan this worried before. But the following words were something she didn't expect.
'There is no such person left, huh?' When she heard those words, she could see the emotions boiling inside Astron. The emotions that were eating him alive momentarily went past his barrier of indifference; she could see it.
'Something must have happened in the past.' She wondered what it was.
But at that moment, she heard a voice.
"Hey, Sylvie. What are you doing today?" Her friend asked, looking at him with a smile. "If you are free, want to hang out after the classes end?"
Looking at the offer, it didn't seem so bad, to be honest. For the past week, she was busy with her clubs and her assignments, so she didn't have much chance to hang out.
She was slowly getting tired, and she wanted to relieve her stress. "That sounds nice," Sylvie replied with a small smile, already feeling her fatigue catching up to her. "I could use a break."
However, the words that followed were something she didn't want to hear.
Her friend's eyes twinkled with excitement as she continued, "Great! You know, there's a mixer happening in the academy today. It's being hosted by the food club, and I heard they've prepared some amazing dishes. Plus, there will be some handsome seniors attending."
Sylvie didn't even hesitate for a moment. The thought of hanging out and unwinding was tempting, but the prospect of mingling with a group that included the boys wasn't exactly her idea of relaxation.
As a girl with a fairly good face and beauty, she was, of course, offered by some boys for a date. However, being a person that could see what others were feeling underneath, she could feel the hideous emotions underneath.
Rather, saying hideous would be wrong, but it was not her cup of tea. She knew the carnal desire those people hid, and she rather preferred a more romantic approach.
And for some reason, when she heard the word mixer, someone's face appeared before her eyes, making her more uncomfortable.
"Thanks for the offer," Sylvie replied, her tone polite yet cautious. "But you know how I feel about mixers and all that. I'm just not really into that kind of scene."
Her friend's smile faltered slightly, but she remained undeterred. "Come on, Sylvie; it could be fun! Plus, there will be some handsome seniors there, and who knows, you might find someone interesting."
For some reason, Sylvie felt like she had seen a dark color in her friend's feelings, but that just passed after a second.
She shook her head, her expression resolute. "I appreciate it, really. But I'm not looking to date anyone right now. And mixers just aren't my thing."
Her friend let out a sigh, clearly disappointed but still hopeful. "Well, if you change your mind, just let me know. We're all about having a good time, and you're welcome to join us."
With the understanding that Sylvie wasn't going to budge on her stance, her friend changed the subject and shared some other plans for the day.
"Then, let's study until evening, after the classes, is that okay?"
"Fine, fine. Let's study again…."
As their conversation continued, Sylvie's thoughts shifted from the earlier overheard discussion to her own preferences and priorities. In the end, she too was left alone with her thoughts…
****
"Tch," I muttered in frustration, my brows furrowing as I surveyed the training grounds before me.
The atmosphere was littered with signs of battle — the aftermath of my rigorous training session.
Arrows scattered the area, the residual traces of my mana hung in the air, and the ground bore the impact of my relentless practice. Despite the evidence of my efforts, I couldn't help but feel unsatisfied.
"I need to figure out how to use my mana more effectively," I grumbled to myself, my frustration growing.
The image of that demon contractor still haunted my thoughts, a constant reminder of my shortcomings. Even the conversation with Ethan earlier had managed to worm its way into my mind, making me question my own reactions.
"Why did I respond like that? Am I becoming childish?" I questioned, allowing a rare moment of vulnerability to creep in. The thought of reacting so impulsively was unusual for me, and it unsettled me.
THUD
My fist collided with the wall, a sharp jolt of pain coursing through my hand. "What the hell? Now I'm enjoying meaningless conversations?" I muttered with frustration, berating myself for allowing such thoughts to occupy my mind.
THUD
Another punch, a release of pent-up frustration that had nothing to do with the wall itself. "I have no right to indulge in such trivial matters," I reprimanded myself, my voice firm as I scolded my own weaknesses.
THUD
And yet another punch, each blow an attempt to quell the strange emotions that had been stirring within me. "Stop it, you fool. Get back to work and remember why you're here. How will you look at her face when you meet her," I reminded myself; the pain in my hand became a grounding force.
As the pain surged through me, I forced myself to rise, my grip tightening around my bow. I knocked an arrow, the familiar weight of the weapon comforting in its familiarity.
With the feelings in my heart, I launched into another round of training, focusing solely on the mechanics of the shot.
Closing my eyes, I envisioned myself as the enigmatic figure from that recurring dream. Each movement was precise, each shot deliberate, and the image of the dream seemed closer than ever.
This time, I felt like I was getting closer as to how that figure moved. Slowly but surely, I was making improvements. The specs of my art I was comprehending it slowly.
SWOOSH SWOOSH
Another arrow and another arrow. Today's training was not going to be solely focused on Archery, but rather, this time, I was going to try a more challenging type of combat.
A type of combat where I would be fighting while switching weapons. Because my occupation is [Weapon Master], I can specialize in a lot of weapons, and I need to use them to the maximum.
Even though my body is not that strong when it comes to close combat, I should still be able to use weapons to perfection, even if my body supports it or not.
As I continued my training, my senses heightened, my awareness expanding to the world around me.
The training grounds seemed to come alive with simulated monsters, each one a creation of the training system. These constructs were strong opponents, designed to challenge every student of the academy.
SWOOSH
Firing an arrow, I stabbed the bird-type monster in the back of its eye.
SLASH
Then, immediately changing to my dagger, I slashed the Greyhounds.
THUD THUD
As the two monsters fell to the ground, I looked at my performance.
'Using bow and dagger simultaneously is hard.'
It was hard. Thanks to the bow's unique structure, it was even harder to change it rapidly. If it was a gun, it was plausible, but a bow was hard.
'But still, I am improving.'
At the very least, this was training for me to prepare for future events.
Just like that, I shifted seamlessly from my bow to a short sword; my movements were not as fluid as I engaged with the monsters.
I was trying to make everything perfect like the figure did, and it was for sure hard.
Just like that, I trained until the very night, and when I was about to leave the training grounds, suddenly, I felt the presence of someone leaving the training grounds. Not one, but three people.
One with blue hair, one with red, and one with silver. I could see the main cast walking while smiling to themselves.
"Hey, come on. You are a lot better now, right?"
"Yeah, burning things must have been effective, haven't they?"
"Indeed. Thanks, guys."
"If you want to thank me, buy me the meal next time."
"Tch….Julia, you are stingy."
"I am not."
"Yes, yes."
Seeing them like that, I understood that Ethan was trying to relax himself.
'Not my job.'
Just like that, I returned to my room….
Chapter 71 - Normal Life (6)
"This will be it for today's lesson," the history professor's voice resonated through the classroom once again, signaling the end of yet another class. A collective sigh of relief rippled through the students, signaling the end of their academic obligations for the week.
"You don't have any assignments for this week. Have fun on the weekend," he announced before making his exit, leaving the classroom in a state of jubilation. As the door closed behind him, a chorus of enthusiastic exclamations erupted from the students.
"Woo-hoo! No assignments!"
"Finally, a break!"
"I can't believe we lucked out this week!"
The atmosphere in the room shifted from one of concentration to one of elation. Desks were pushed back, and the rustling of backpacks being packed signaled the beginning of the weekend exodus. Smiles and laughter replaced furrowed brows and focused expressions.
"So, who's up for some relaxation this weekend?" one student suggested with a grin.
"Count me in! I need to recharge after all this studying," another chimed in.
"I heard there's a movie night in the common room on Saturday. Let's go!"
The energy in the room was infectious as plans were made, invitations were extended, and excitement filled the air. The prospect of a weekend without looming assignments or looming exams was enough to lift the spirits of even the most diligent students.
In fact, since the academy's student spectrum was people of young age, of course, they were bound to interact and socialize with each other. And knowing that most of them came from a good background, the most plausible event for the weekend would be spending money with each other.
Following that, I also started packing my things up. Since it was a weekend without any assignments and there were no club meetings for me, I was planning to go for another dungeon exploration to make some money.
Just as I was about to leave, suddenly, I saw something that I had been waiting for.
"Ethan, can I talk to you later?"
It was a girl with chestnut hair, and blue eyes approached our protagonist, who was also packing his things up slowly.
Her face looked tired, and her clothes looked slightly neglected. Her hands, filled with calluses, now had some wounds on them. Her complexion was slightly white; dark circles were under her eyes. A faint smell of potions that boosted one's performance could be felt, and not being alone, I could see the faint traces of aftereffects stemming from an unbalanced diet.
Overall, the girl was basically showing signs of exhaustion and poverty.
"Umm….Do I know you?" Being the good-natured protagonist he is, Ethan asked the girl, looking at her with a surprised face. It was pretty normal. She was not a person Ethan had ever talked about before.
"Ah….Sorry….Please, can we talk somewhere private?" But Emily seemed rather uncomfortable to speak while some people were looking at them.
At this point, Ethan's reputation was not still that high since he was one of the last-ranked people in the academy, even though his family was famous.
So, aside from some mischievous glances from Julia and Lucas, nobody minded what Ethan was doing.
"Umm….." But that did not mean he was not embarrassed. After all, a girl or a boy saying such a thing to a person from the opposite gender could easily be misunderstood.
"Please, it is important." But, looking at Emily, who even forgot to introduce herself, Ethan could no longer refuse her and nodded his head.
With her request acknowledged, she finally exhaled, her relief evident. "Thank you."
Just like that, the two left the classroom, but I could see Lucas and Julia looking at him with a mischievous gaze.
'It seems his fate is sealed.'
Remembering the dialogues from the game, I knew Ethan would be teased for a very long time because of this event.
'Then, I should prepare for this as well.'
With that thought, I left the classroom and made my way towards my room.
******
When I entered my room, the first thing I did was enter the Hunter community website using my Cadet identity.
I started surfing the bulletin board for the dungeon exploration recruitments. As you all already know, this world has dungeons and guilds.
And, of course, thanks to the constant appearance of dungeons, the guilds that are managing them sometimes will have a hard time, or maybe even sometimes a dungeon won't be affiliated with a guild and will be bought by a group or individual that wanted to expand its business into Hunter Field.
Therefore, there was a community for Hunters to search for party recruitment for dungeons. It had a similar system to Black Market, where you would be ranked according to your performance and the amount of money you made.
But, if there was one thing different, that would be the strict regulation of information. You would register with your ID card, and your skills and the type of weapon you used would be recorded.
And from there, according to that, tracking villains with supernatural abilities would be easier. Of course, the tax and other things were also there, but the most important thing was being transparent.
Aside from that, since dungeons that are discovered are always regulated by either guilds or associations, it is very hard to enter a dungeon solo.
This was the reason why I went to the Black Market and explored the dungeons there because I would prefer going solo over going with a party of Hunters. After all, there were countless people out there that is hard to control, and my skills were also not bad for going solo.
Even though I don't have overwhelming power, I do have one thing. It is flexibility. Since I can enhance the bullets on my gun, I could put a lot stronger damage output, and the rate of attack is also high because of the gun's characteristics.
With my [Shadowborne] trait, I could also move stealthily, which makes me very flexible at kiting and surprise attacks.
But all those things are something I want to hide as much as possible. Especially my [Shadowborne] trait and my usage of guns since I am pretty sure Kaya Hartley did see shadows moving at that time, and with the gunshot sound, if she ever learns about that, connecting dots won't be hard.
And, if she connects the dots, she will come after my life.
The reason?
I am a danger to her. Even though I saved her daughter, her thought progress will be, 'What if my daughter was the target? Could I save her?'
And, as per our human nature, if we encounter something we can't fathom or understand, we just destroy it. This is how we operate, after all.
In this scenario, I will be targeted by Kaya Hartley, which, in the end, will put me in danger.
That was the sole reason why I didn't want to explore the dungeon, but with my bow abilities right now, I should be at least in a plausible position.
In any case, after surfing around the forums and bulletin board for a while, I finally came across the notice I wanted to see.
---------------------------
Guild: Azure Crest
Mission: Urgent Dungeon Exploration
Objective: Clearing the dungeon and obtaining the core of the boss monster
We, the members of the Azure Crest guild, are in dire need of assistance for an urgent dungeon exploration. The recent economic downturn and unforeseen expenses have left us in a financial crisis, and failure to procure valuable artifacts could potentially lead to our downfall.
Requirements:
Archery Specialist: A skilled marksman with precision and versatility in ranged combat. The ideal candidate should be well-versed in tactical positioning and trap detection.
Healing Expert: A proficient healer capable of supporting the team with curative spells and providing vital assistance in dire situations. Knowledge of defensive magic is a plus.
We are offering a substantial reward for your services. The mission details will be disclosed upon agreement.
If you believe you possess the necessary skills and are willing to aid us in our time of need, please contact us immediately.
Contact: Guild Master Lorraine --> Contact by messaging us on the platform
Location: Azure Crest Guild Hall, Arcadia City/3. District Guild Street No 351
Deadline: Next Saturday
-------------------------
The moment I looked at the notice coming from there, I was surprised. Of course, in the game, the player was directly contacted by Emily. Therefore, I didn't look at the guild notices at all.
'I see….They wanted a healer.'
Of course, finding a healer is by no means an easy task, especially if you are short on money. This was a crucial mistake that would mostly be made by people that was new to this sector. Of course, it also might be because they were desperate, but it was what it was.
'And the healer was a demon contractor.'
This will be a pretty common pattern in the future. The demons will see that the lack of healers is a very crucial point, and they will utilize this by impersonating healers. And this will result in a very high amount of hunter parties wiping out.
This was one of the reasons why I wanted to join this dungeon exploration. The healer they had hired for the job was a demon contractor, and this almost resulted in the party's wipeout.
Of course, since, as a player, we were there, the party was able to deal with the bastard. But that can never be sure. With just the appearance of mine, things may change, and the butterfly effect might ensure.
Though inside, I know these are all justifications.
'I am going to kill him.'
It was because that demon contractor was going to leave the dungeon alive and escape. Even though Ethan will be able to deal with his sabotaging, the demon contractor is crafty thanks to his ability.
'I won't let him escape.'
And the second reason is the dungeon does actually have a hidden stage.
Indeed, a hidden stage I had discovered while doing this side-quest. And it was not a coincidence. Since I had always paid attention to every bit of detail, I noticed that the mana around a place was different. My character was not drawing the mana as it was supposed to be, and it was proof that there was a mana disturbance there.
With this suspicion, I walked there and did some random things to see what it was, and when I used my mana just before the small boulder, I got sucked into a space portal and entered the hidden stage.
'Then, since it is next week, then this leaves me a good amount of time to prepare.'
Since, in the end, the last missing seat was not filled by any type of people, that means they won't refuse me either.
'But, I will still wait and see until I am sure.'
With that thought, I closed the site and started preparing myself for another dungeon exploration.
The work was never going to end after all…..
Chapter 72 - Small but not small help (1)
"Yo… Mister Playboy…" When Ethan reentered the room after his conversation with the girl named Emily, his two friends, Lucas and Julia, welcomed him with grins that held a hint of mischief.
Rolling his eyes at their predictable antics, he braced himself for the upcoming teasing session. It wasn't the first time they had jumped at the chance to rib him about anything remotely related to romance or relationships.
"How was your little chat with the mysterious girl?" Julia's tone dripped with sweetness, but her twinkling eyes betrayed her true intentions.
Ethan let out an exasperated sigh, deciding to humor them. "Just a conversation, you guys. Nothing to write home about."
Lucas arched an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, come on, Ethan. 'Just a conversation'? You've never been one to strike up random conversations with strangers, especially not attractive ones like her."
Running a hand through his hair, Ethan felt his cheeks warm under their playful gazes. "Well, she needed to discuss something with me. Not a big deal."
Julia's smirk turned into a knowing one. "Something, huh? Care to share?"
Shaking his head, Ethan refused to give them more ammunition. "I hate to break it to you, but there's really nothing juicy to spill."
Hearing this, the smile on Lucas' face widened. "It seems our Ethan finally managed to break free from that little edgy guy?"
"Tch….How much am I going to tell you that it is not like that?" Seeing that the point was once again turning into that, Ethan clicked his tongue. These two twins were talented at making everything into a joke.
"Ho? So, how is it like that, then? Whenever I see you, I feel like you are talking about him?"
"It is just how you feel."
"Yes, yes." Lounging back in his chair, Lucas let out an exaggerated sigh. "And here I thought our Ethan was finally stepping out of his hermit shell. Talking to mysterious girls—next thing you know, you'll be exchanging love letters."
Ethan shot him a mock glare, amusement slowly overtaking his embarrassment. "You guys are relentless."
Julia shrugged nonchalantly, her smirk unrepentant. "Just making sure our friend's social life gets some action."
"You make it sound like I am not talking with anyone?"
"But, you aren't right? Aside from us, whom are you talking with?"
When Ethan heard about this, he started thinking about his life in the academy. When it looked at this aspect, they were right. Ethan was someone who didn't spend time with others aside from his friend circle.
"But, is that even a bad thing?" He asked in response. He was no stupid guy, and he knew that if not for his surname, he would get rough treatment from everyone around him thanks to his rank.
"Well…..It is not that bad, but you should really meet someone, you know." Julia answered. It was true that having low amounts of friends was not that bad, but she also wanted Ethan to explore the life of youngsters like her.
"Look at me….For example, I am meeting with someone."
"HA! Who are you meeting with?"
"None of your business."
"Tch. Of course, it is my business; I am your brother."
"So?"
"At least, tell me. I am curious."
"No."
"Sigh….."
While those two were bickering amongst themselves, Ethan's thoughts turned to what he should do about Emily's offer.
He had no reason to accept such an offer out of nowhere, but part of him was feeling pitiful after seeing Emily's appearance. As Ethan could see, it was obvious that Emily's family was having a hard time, as she explained, and he wanted to help her.
"Hey, guys. Do you know about Emily's Family?" Ethan asked, diverting the conversation to a different topic.
Lucas waggled his eyebrows playfully. "Oh, is this another one of your 'casual conversations'?"
Ethan sighed, used to their teasing by now. "Just answer the question."
Julia leaned forward, her tone faux-serious. "Well, well. Our Ethan, showing interest in someone's family matters? I'm shocked."
Rolling his eyes, Ethan ignored their antics. "Come on, just tell me if you know anything."
Lucas leaned back, putting on an exaggerated thinking expression. "Hmmm, let me think… Nope, don't know anything."
Julia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Ethan. We're just your friends, not your personal investigators."
Ethan shot them a mock glare. "You two are impossible."
Lucas chuckled. "Alright, alright. Fine, we do know a bit. Emily's family is in a bit of a tough spot, financially speaking."
Julia nodded. "Yeah, she doesn't talk about it much, but she's been trying to find ways to help out."
Ethan frowned. "What do you mean, find ways to help out?"
Julia shrugged. "I've heard that she spends most of her weekends outside of the academy. Apparently, she's been exploring dungeons to make some extra money."
Ethan's eyebrows shot up. "Exploring dungeons? That's risky business for a cadet, no?"
Lucas nodded. "Yeah, but from what I've gathered, she's pretty skilled. She's been doing it for a while, I think."
Looking at it like that, it seems what Emily said was not a lie. Of course, Ethan wanted to believe her, but in the end, he also needed to confirm those things.
"Then it makes sense."
"What makes sense?"
"Nothing."
Just like that, Ethan's investigation concluded as his judgment on the matter. Just like a hero would do, he immediately judged that he should help a person in need….
*****
"I wish to use the PhantomGlide Dummy," I declared, standing in the midst of the academy's training grounds. My gaze was focused on a particular area, which was fairly empty at this hour of the day.
The academy personnel, a trainer overseeing the training activities, raised an eyebrow at my request. "Are you certain about that?"
My answer left no room for doubt. "Yes. I want to use my remaining ticket for it."
A faint smile curved the trainer's lips. "Very well, then. PhantomGlide Dummy it is."
The PhantomGlide Dummy wasn't your run-of-the-mill training tool. It catered to close combatants like me who aimed to enhance their skills in fast-paced engagements. What set it apart was its ability to move rapidly and unpredictably, simulating the agility and tactics of a real opponent. It demanded quick reflexes and adaptability, pushing trainees to their limits.
However, mastering the PhantomGlide Dummy wasn't child's play, especially for a first-year student like me.
At least for normal ones.
It required a high level of skill and a deep understanding of combat techniques. Only those well-versed in fighting principles and possessing a keen self-awareness could truly benefit from its challenging training.
'Considering that I observed most improvement while directly sparring with Ethan, this should help me.'
While fighting with monsters and hunting them, I also improved, but I noticed that the more I sparred with an intelligent opponent, the more I could observe both mine and their faults and erase them one by one.
'[Perceptive Insight] is truly a strong trait, isn't it?'
"Alright, Astron. A quick reminder," the trainer's tone turned serious. "PhantomGlide Dummy is generally not recommended for first-year students due to its complexity and skill requirements."
"I'm well aware, and I'm ready to take it on." It was not a lie.
The trainer nodded approvingly. "Good. Just remember that initial frustration is normal, but every encounter with the PhantomGlide Dummy teaches valuable lessons. Don't let setbacks discourage you."
"I won't."
It was far away, waiting for me. The sun made long shadows, and there was a little breeze that smelled like grass.
I took out my two daggers and took a deep breath. The cold metal felt good in my hands. I got into a good position and looked at the PhantomGlide Dummy.
It was fairly early in the morning, so the training grounds were mostly empty. Aside from weirdos like me, nobody was here.
My feet shifted, a subtle adjustment in stance that was both instinctive and deliberate.
My eyes locked onto the PhantomGlide Dummy, its form appearing almost ethereal in the morning light.
It stood there, an inanimate object brought to life by the magic coursing through it. I flexed my fingers, the leather of my gloves creaking softly as I tightened my grip on the daggers. My heartbeat sounded calm, not matching the anticipation.
SWOOSH SWOOSH
I launched myself forward. The world around me blurred as I closed the distance to the dummy in seconds. The wind brushed against my skin, carrying a whisper of the challenges to come.
SWISH SWISH
The PhantomGlide Dummy didn't waste any time. It came to life with unnatural swiftness, its movements a dance of agility and precision.
CLANK
My first strike was aimed at its side, but it sidestepped effortlessly, the air barely ruffling its form. I spun on my heel, my second dagger arcing toward its exposed back.
CLANK
Again, it eluded the blow, a mere shimmer as it glided to safety. I couldn't help but be impressed by its speed, a true testament to its reputation.
But I wasn't disheartened. Instead, I felt a rush of exhilaration. Each dodge, each evasion, was a lesson in itself. It was like a conversation, a silent exchange of tactics and techniques.
My eyes were observing every bit of his movements while fighting. The dagger in my hand felt like it was my limb.
Of course, that was an exaggeration, but the sensation was a lot different from how it felt before.
CLINK CLINK
I attacked again, a rapid combination of strikes that were met with equally swift counters from the dummy. It blocked with fluid grace, its movements almost mesmerizing. It was like dancing with a phantom, a dance of blades and agility.
CLANK CLANK
The rhythm of the battle intensified. I blocked its strikes, parrying with my daggers as I sought openings in its defenses. It was a test of my reflexes and adaptability—a challenge that I was going to win.
CLANK SWOOSH THUD
Every tenth attack I launched was met with a sudden burst of movement from the dummy.
It retaliated, striking back with uncanny accuracy. I had to be ready to block, to evade, to respond in kind.
This was one of the reasons why this dummy was not that sought after. It had an incredibly fast speed thanks to the special design, it had an incredibly good reading of the enemy's movements, and when it attacked, its momentum was strong.
"Kurghk-"
I released a mouthful of saliva from my mouth as I felt the aftereffects of its attack. My body was tingling, but it was a rather refreshing feeling.
SWOOSH SWOOSH
This time, I started attacking while imbuing my mana on my daggers. Even though my mana control was still not that swift, at the very least, I could feel myself getting better at it.
It was awkward, but it was what it was.
The sweat began to bead on my forehead, my breath coming in measured huffs as the battle raged on. It was a dance of precision, a symphony of steel meeting steel. The training grounds seemed to fade away, leaving only me and the PhantomGlide Dummy.
CLANK CLANK
My focus sharpened, each movement calculated as I struck and parried.
But amidst the intensity of the battle, something changed. A fleeting vision, a mirage that shouldn't be there amidst the PhantomGlide Dummy's movements.
As I lunged forward to strike, I caught a glimpse of a figure in my peripheral vision.
The enigmatic figure from my recurring dreams stood at the edge of the training ground, just beyond my line of sight. The same figure that had shown me which art was suited for me was now taunting me with its mastery.
And amongst his taunts, my daggers moved as if guided by an unseen force, their trajectory shifting slightly.
CLANK CLANK
The PhantomGlide Dummy's responses seemed different, almost as if it was adjusting to my new approach.
And at that moment, I saw the movements the enigmatic figure made. My world turned crimson as I observed the figure, understanding the essence of his moves.
The name of the skill appeared before my eyes.
'Onslaught of Crimson Moon.'