Chapter 172 - A small incident
"Things are going in a different way than I expected."
I was walking to the cafeteria while thinking about the changes in the academy.
'The curriculum was supposed to change after the first year ended.'
In the game, the second year would be a lot more hectic than the first year, both in terms of villains that appeared and in terms of academic events.
'But, it is different now.'
There were many variables that could have possibly affected the game's scenario and would have changed. Small things could alter bigger events, and this is a butterfly effect, but at the same time, not every small thing changes everything.
'If I needed to point out one thing, that would be Sylvie's awakening.'
To make such a big change occur, some triggers for those big events would be needed, and there was only one thing that came into my mind aside from myself.
'Sylvie's awakening being a trigger makes sense.'
In this world, there are powers that go well beyond the imagination of a person. Dragons, mythical beings, otherworldlers, humans close to godhood, or maybe even gods.
And the power Sylvie held was one of those.
'First Lord's Authority.'
The moment it awakened, other beings and the [Venerates] must have already sensed the energy spread from the academy. The world had already started to change a long time ago, and the number of monsters is constantly increasing with each dimensional rift appearing.
The world is constantly striving to become chaotic, and the more chaotic it is, the more susceptible it is to change. The powers lying dormant in this world had long been plotting to become the best and strongest.
'The awakening of Sylvie just gave them the reason to act.'
It is highly probable that the academy wants to nurture students before things go awry, and knowing the headmaster's power and the position he held, it seemed he had already predicted things to some extent.
'But, this makes things a lot more riskier.'
The academy would certainly want to keep a hold of Sylvie's power and protect her from future dangers, but they also would know how important it is to nurture it. And they won't be able to lock her in the academy while she is growing.
'They would rather mix her in the academy students hiding her identity and let her grow in the chaos of nature.'
It was easy to see since this was exactly what happened in the game.
'But, if one thing concerns me, that would be her early awakening.'
With Sylvie awakening her dormant talent, she would be assigned to the newly rising star of the academy.
The player is Ethan Hartley.
At that time, we, as players, would have already acquired the top 10 ranks and would strive to be the best.
'Now, that is still not the case.'
However, right now, Ethan has yet to become that strong; neither does he have such a high ranking, and I doubt the headmaster would randomly assign Sylvie to Ethan.
That would practically mean the things concerning Sylvie are no longer the same as in the game. The personal dynamics and the people surrounding Sylvie will change, and that also means the events will possibly change.
'I need to be prepared.'
If Sylvie somehow gets kidnapped by the outside forces, that would make things a lot more hard. Even the government is very hard to trust, and if demons can get a hold of her….
'That would make everything almost impossible.'
My thoughts continued to wander off about the possible changes of the future.
As I approached the cafeteria, the familiar hum of student chatter gradually replaced the contemplative silence of my thoughts. The lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to the ponderous musings in my mind, signaled the bustling energy within.
The cafeteria doors swung open, and the lively symphony of voices enveloped me.
The clattering of trays, laughter, and animated discussions merged into a harmonious cacophony, echoing the vibrancy of academy life.
'It is the same as always.'
Looking at the students smiling without knowing the curriculum awaiting them, I shook my head.
Joining the queue, my eyes wandered across the diverse assembly of academy personnel.
The cafeteria staff worked diligently behind the counters, ensuring a smooth flow of meals to the hungry students. The rhythmic sounds of food being prepared blended seamlessly with the ongoing conversations.
Amidst the familiar faces, my gaze caught the absence of the woman I had frequently noticed in the bustling cafeteria.
Her absence immediately brought me back in my memory—a woman who, despite her attempts to conceal it, bore the invisible scars of domestic violence only a discerning eye could see.
'I guess we won't be seeing her anymore.'
The world was such a cruel place. For those who were weak, nobody cared about the fate that awaited them.
Even for the authorities, such people were nothing but numbers in their reports.
It was the same for me. Neither did I have the time nor the desire.
Finding an empty table, I settled into a chair, the muted clatter of the cafeteria fading into the background as I focused on my meal filled with nutrients.
However, at that exact second, my senses picked up a presence behind me.
'Hmm?'
Mana was being used.
TAK!
Followed by the foot hitting something, the presence behind me stumbled clumsily, the contents of his plate cascading in a chaotic dance toward me.
'Should I play along?'
Since I had sensed what was happening beforehand, I had the time to evade. But I didn't since I needed to confirm something.
SPLASH!
The collision sent a splash of food onto my head, the sticky residue clinging to my hair and clothes.
As the remnants of the meal dripped down, the guy who stumbled approached his expression, a mix of surprise and guilt. "I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to—someone used magic, and I lost my balance," he stammered, genuine remorse evident in his eyes.
'I guess he wasn't one of them.'
My eyes didn't observe any traces of lying as each small muscle, which is generally used when a person lies, wasn't tense.
'He is from the magical engineering faculty,' I thought, recognizing the insignia on his uniform. Although not highly regarded in the academy, they were often looked down upon by the Hunter department, and drawing unnecessary attention to him would be futile.
Instead of reacting with hostility, I nodded, deciding to play along. "It's fine. Accidents happen," I replied, my tone neutral.
"T-thank you." He stammered and immediately left the place as if he had also sensed the presence of others behind.
"Heh...For an orphan, you sure have a talent for attracting trash."
The guy responsible for the spectacle, a figure with an air of arrogance, continued to revel in the amusement of his companions. "Look at him, trying to fit in. Pathetic," he sneered, his eyes gleaming with a malicious glint as if relishing the moment."
"Must be hard, huh? Being an orphan and all," one of them chimed in, a condescending smirk playing on his lips.
"Yeah, I heard he's so desperate for attention that he'd do anything," added another.
"He probably sells himself to make ends meet," the leader sneered, his malicious grin widening as he gauged my reaction.
But I simply didn't say anything and continued to stare at them to see their reactions.
'Whether they are being ordered by someone, or they are genuine.'
Things might not necessarily be how they looked. These people who were looking for a reaction from me might simply be targeting me out of amusement, and if this is the case, salvation is pretty easy.
You can just ignore them, or you can act just like them.
But, if someone else is behind them and they have another plan in their mind, then being cautious won't hurt.
Because if you just ignore them, they will intentionally target you differently, trying different ways, and if you act, they will use the evidence and political things against you.
"I guess he is so used to hearing that from his customers…..If I pay you, will you come with me too, like your mother?"
However, contrary to his sharp words, I could easily see the small change in his actions. His gaze wasn't as focused on me, and his hands were slightly clenched, evident from his forearm.
'Got you.'
At that moment, from the corner of my eye, I saw him looking elsewhere.
'So, it was really you.'
My gaze followed his, and there I met with the person I was expecting.
'Trevor Philips.'
He was watching everything from the corner while seemingly eating his meal with his friends.
My eyesight was sharp enough to see everything in detail, even from the corner of my eyes, and I also saw him nodding to the bully 1.
'This confirms it.'
The reason why I had played along with the bullies was to make sure the one behind those rumors was Trevor Philips. Acting purely based on the speculations wouldn't be logical after all, and I needed to make sure it was him.
"Tch. This bastard has ruined my mood."
As the bullies seemed to lose interest in their failed attempts to provoke me, Bully 1 abruptly stood up from his seat, shooting an imperceptible signal to his friends. The group moved with synchronized precision, following his lead.
I continued to sit calmly, feigning indifference, even as Bully 1 walked right past me.
'Now.'
In that fleeting moment, I sensed a malicious intent in the air. My instincts kicked in, warning me of an impending danger that I had been expecting.
TAK!
"Ah…"
Just as he was about to pass by, Bully 1 made a swift motion, attempting to stab me in my shoulder with a concealed object. His actions were deceptively casual as if it were a mere accident. However, I was already expecting this.
I leaned away, narrowly evading the concealed attack. The blade went past right before my arm, but I could see a small substance on the tip of the blade.
'Poison, huh?'
If I hadn't dodged it, I knew things would be different, and I would probably squirm in pain on the ground, and that would destroy my image more.
"You….I almost fell down because of you, you fucker ."
However, instead of walking away, the bullies decided to play a different card. Bully 1 turned around with a fabricated angry expression as he shouted.
"You! Watch where you're putting your feet, you moron. I almost tripped because of your clumsy ass!"
He walked toward me, his demeanor aggressive as he continued to hurl baseless accusations. "How dare you put your filthy feet on the path I was walking? You're just a piece of trash who doesn't know their place!"
Maintaining my calm, I met his fabricated anger with a composed expression. "I didn't put my feet anywhere near your path. You must be mistaken."
Now that the tables had turned, it seemed they were trying to make me the villain.
"Hey, did any of you see what this loser did?" Bully 1 called out to the onlookers, his voice filled with feigned indignation.
The onlookers exchanged uneasy glances, caught in the crossfire of a brewing conflict. But at that moment, the rumors surrounding me started playing their hand.
"He did look like he was up to something," one person murmured to another, their words carrying the weight of uncertainty.
"And, it is not like he is an angel. Isn't he the one that was the talk of the academy?"
"Yeah."
The bullies seized on the murmurs, using them as a semblance of validation for their accusations. "See, even they think you're guilty," Bully 1 sneered, a triumphant glint in his eyes.
'Certainly, a good way to pressure your opponent.'
This was a clear proof of how strong misdirected public perception could be.
'Sigh…..'
Things were getting bothersome, not because I couldn't do anything but because it was like a scene out of a movie.
Until a commanding voice echoed through the bustling space.
"That's enough!"
Chapter 173 - A small incident (2)
The recent days had been peaceful for Maya Evergreen. She had been spending her time leisurely since the academy was in the middle of the resting.
She returned to her home and visited her family. Not many people knew about that, but since she came from a 'normal' family of farmers, she always had a hard time adapting to city life.
Rather than spending time in the newly emerging activities of the city, she preferred nature and old things.
That was also the reason why she became the president of the History and Arts Club. She was interested in Historical things, and art was also a welcomed topic.
In any case, because of her love for nature, the return to the academy was slightly tiring. Once again, she was in the domain of concrete buildings, where no traces of nature could be found.
'What do they find in these buildings, I wonder?'
She thought to herself. After she had returned to the academy, things were normal. There were some changes in her curriculum, but she didn't mind. She was already good at studying, so whatever changes happened, she was sure that she could easily keep her position.
This was both her pride as a first rank of the second year and as a mage. If she weren't at least this proud of herself, she wouldn't be in this position in any case.
'I wonder what Junior is doing. I hope he had used it well.'
She made a bold decision to invest in her junior, according to her hunch, and now she was curious about his changes.
'I hope he did well in mid-terms.'
She remembered the last year's mid-term exams she had taken and how easy it was.
'If it is him, I am sure he did.'
Knowing her junior's prowess and talents, she was sure he had at least risen 500 ranks.
'I guess we will meet soon.'
The next club meeting was this week, and she was curious to see how he did.
"This is enough."
SPLASH!
She mumbled as she put down the small water in her hands. It was a crazy display of control, considering her thoughts weren't even focused on manipulations of mana.
GROWL!
'Ah, I am hungry.'
Whenever she was inside the Elemental Chamber training her mana control, she always forgot the flow of the time.
'I guess I should get a meal.'
With those thoughts in her head, she slowly made her way out of the Elemental Chamber to the Cafeteria.
It was a familiar routine for Maya. Elemental Chamber, followed by a hearty meal at the cafeteria. It was during these moments that she could unwind and observe the dynamics of the academy and other students.
"Hmm?"
However, as she entered the room, she came across a scene she didn't expect. At that exact second, Maya Evergreen's keen senses picked up on the tension in the cafeteria. Her eyes, accustomed to observing the subtle movements of mana, immediately focused on a particular group of students.
In the midst of the bustling cafeteria, she saw a student, his hand discreetly reaching for a concealed object. It was a momentary gesture, camouflaged as casual, but Maya's dynamic vision and exceptional talent allowed her to discern the malevolent intent.
'Is he… trying to stab someone?'
Without a moment's hesitation, Maya assessed the situation. Her years of training and acute awareness of mana fluctuations made her adept at detecting irregularities. She could see the tension in the bully's movements, the subtle cues that hinted at an impending attack.
However, even though she had assessed it, that didn't mean she could do something about it. She was far away from the student, and it was already late.
'No!'
But contrary to her expectations, the student who was on the subject of the attack tilted his body to the side a little, dodging the attack.
And at that exact second, her eyes captured the student who evaded the stab.
'Junior?'
It was the same junior she had just been thinking about.
Determined and swift, Maya immediately came to her senses. Being ranked first in one of the best Academies of the Human Domain wasn't as easy as it seemed.
Without wasting a second, she began making her way through the crowded cafeteria, her steps purposeful and efficient.
As she entered the cafeteria, navigating through the sea of students, she heard the sound of a student, "Maya! Hey, Maya, over here!"
It was a slightly familiar voice, probably one of her classmates, but she simply ignored him.
"….." She even missed the darkening in his expression. She had one thing in her mind, and that was to make sure to interfere with the commotion.
And she did as she wished. For the first time in a while, she was angry.
'We are all fellow students here….Why did he do such a thing?'
Attacking someone innocent from behind? What kind of student would do that? Even if it weren't her junior, it wouldn't matter. She would never tolerate such behavior.
But as if just to infuriate her more, she had the students who tried to stab her junior, shifting the blame to him.
"That's enough."
And that was the final straw.
Maya's commanding voice echoed through the bustling space, cutting through the tension like a blade, as her normally bright blue eyes locked coldly on the group of three.
"Tch. Who are you to order me? Didn't you see he almost made me trip over?"
The student before her clicked his tongue rudely as if he didn't show any respect.
"….." The onlookers swallowed their saliva as they
'Bad kids like him need to be punished.'
Her eyes narrowed as she heard the student.
"I saw everything, don't worry." Her cold voice echoed as she stood there.
"Then, why are you stopping us? Doesn't he need to be punished?"
Maya, undeterred by their protests, stood resolute. "Causing a disturbance in the cafeteria is everyone's business, especially when it involves potential harm to a fellow student."
With those words, Maya subtly manipulated the small vines that surrounded her, deftly reaching toward the hidden, poisoned needle concealed under the student's clothes.
"For instance, using hidden weapons." In a swift motion, Maya exposed the concealed needle, holding it delicately between her fingers.
Maya turned her gaze to the would-be assailant, the student who had attempted harm with a banned and poisonous weapon. "Why do you have such a thing underneath your clothes?" she asked, her tone firm and unwavering. "Weapons of this nature are strictly prohibited within the academy, especially those laced with poison. Care to explain yourself?"
Caught off guard by Maya's revelation and the sudden surge of her anger, the student stammered incoherently, his face turning paler by the second. Maya's aura, unintentionally leaking in her anger, surrounded her like an unyielding force, creating an oppressive atmosphere that left the student visibly shaken.
"I-I... it's not what you think!" he stammered, struggling to find a coherent answer. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he attempted to come up with a plausible explanation. But as he saw the looks around him, suddenly, he felt overwhelmed.
Not only was Maya pressuring him, but even the other students around them now turned their opinions with her arrival.
'This mission was supposed to be an easy one.'
He despaired. For a bunch of Valer, he only needed to make a life for weaklings like Astron hard; that was it. And, of course, since with that money, he could buy himself the resources he needed, he didn't even think of refusing for a second.
After all, his family was already in a rough condition after paying for the expenses of the academy, and his father was being pressured by other managers.
He needed to prove himself, but the life was hard. He realized how many talented and strong people were out there, and he himself was nothing in front of them. That left him with only one option.
To seek resources in other ways, even if it might hurt others. But, now, things seemed to be going further away than what he wished.
He looked at the person who ordered him to act in such a manner, but at that moment, that young man averted his eyes.
'Huh?'
As if he didn't care about what happened.
'I am abandoned.'
Like an abandoned dog, he realized he was left alone.
"I-I just did what I was orde-"
He wanted to defend himself by saying someone ordered him, but suddenly, before he could spill the beans to reveal the puppeteer orchestrating this scheme, a sudden interruption halted his words.
SMASH! CRACK!
A sudden, violent impact echoed through the cafeteria as the student found himself forcefully slammed face-first into the table. The audible gasps of the surrounding onlookers filled the space, a collective shiver of terror sweeping through the crowd.
"I am sorry…..I couldn't stand it any longer." The aggressor, with a menacing expression, leaned over the now subdued student, his grip on the collar unyielding. "You talk too much, and I don't have the patience for it."
Maya, with a stern expression, looked at the newcomer. It was someone she knew; after all, they were classmates.
"What was the meaning of that, Trevor? This is not how we resolve issues in the academy." However, that didn't mean she would approve of what he was doing here.
Trevor, wearing a slight smile, responded with relaxed words, "Oh, Maya, I was just ensuring that justice prevails. This troublemaker here was causing a disturbance, and I took the necessary steps to maintain order. You know how important it is to uphold the reputation of the academy, and as a senior, I couldn't help but set our Junior on the right path, isn't that right?"
Maya sighed, her eyes narrowing at Trevor's explanation. Before she could respond, Trevor stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Astron. "Are you a freshman?" he asked as he slowly extended his hand.
"I am Trevor Philips, Second year Hunter Department. Nice to meet you."
Astron also extended his hand to Trevor's in a handshake. The exchange was polite on the surface, but an undercurrent of tension lingered in the as if their eyes spoke the truth underneath their words. "Astron Natusalune, first year Hunter Department. Nice to meet you," he replied, maintaining his usual expressionless face.
Trevor's handshake lingered for a moment longer than necessary, and his eyes seemed to convey a silent message as if speaking beneath the surface. "A first-year, huh?" he said with a small, seemingly friendly smile. "Just remember, junior, everyone has their place in this academy. Best not to overly approach people you don't deserve to be around, especially when you're new here."
Hearing this, Astron nodded his head without any change in his expression. "I will keep that in mind, Senior."
"I am especially good at fending salivating dogs, worry or not."
Chapter 174 - A small incident (3)
"I will keep that in mind, Senior," Astron said while still holding the hand.
"That's good." Trevor continued without leaving his hand alone as he looked at Astron with a slight smile. But both were well aware that it was artificial. "It is good for freshmen to have a desire to learn new things."
Maya intervened, her tone curt, "Trevor."
One word and look was enough for Trevor to understand what she meant. The other students were already looking at the scene, and some of them didn't have a welcoming expression.
After all, even though it was a good show, at the end of the day, the commotion had already taken too much time, and the appearance of Trevor and his brutality actually made the students uncomfortable.
Every one of them was well aware that even though Trevor was one of the most famous students because of his lineage, what he did was purely outrageous and disregarded the Academy's authority.
And Maya didn't like it either.
"Junior, come with me." She shot Astron a quick, concerned look before grabbing his arm and pulling him away from Trevor.
Astron's eyes, momentarily locked with Trevor's, could see the small shakiness inside them as if he wasn't even a bit happy about it.
FLINCH!
Even a little bit of a murderous intent was oozing from him, and it was directed to Astron. He was able to pick it with his strong senses.
"Where are you going?" Trevor attempted to follow, the same smile playing on his lips, though the intent leaking from him made it evident that his expression was different than what he had in his mind.
"!"
But a single glance from Maya, a glare that could freeze the fiercest flames, halted him in his tracks. The unspoken message in her eyes was clear: stay away.
Just like that, Astron was dragged away by Maya while other students only watched with their eyes wide open.
Senior Maya was a bit eccentric with her forceful attitude most of the time, but it was the first time they had seen her this forceful.
It was as if something was special about that Astron guy.
"Did you see that? What just happened?" whispered one student to another, their eyes still fixed on the retreating figures of Astron and Maya.
"Senior Maya usually keeps to herself. Something must be up with that first-year," another student replied, curiosity evident in their tone.
"Don't tell me-"
"You don't think the same?"
"Nah…Ain't no way…."
"…..There is no way, right?"
"I hope so. Our precious Maya wouldn't be seduced by him, I don't believe it."
"He wasn't that handsome either."
"….."
"Well, maybe a little?"
"….."
"Okay, he was indeed handsome, but there are a lot more handsome students in this academy."
"You aren't wrong about that. And I don't think Senior Maya is that shallow."
As the students continued their speculative chatter, unaware of the unfolding drama in their midst, Trevor overheard their conversation. His jealousy, fueled by the unexpected turn of events, prompted him to approach the group.
"What are you all gossiping about?" Trevor grumbled, his usual arrogance tainted with a hint of irritation. The students exchanged uneasy glances, not expecting Trevor to be perturbed by their conversation.
"Well, we were just wondering what's going on with Senior Maya and that first year," one brave soul tentatively explained.
"Maya? She can handle herself. No need to waste your time on some insignificant junior," Trevor retorted, looking at the two. "You also shouldn't waste your time with such meaningless gossip either." His glare made it evident that he wasn't in a good mood.
'You just smashed a student because you couldn't stand him, and now you are talking about meaninglessness?'
The student wanted to retort, but he was well aware of who this guy was. So in the end, she shut her mouth and nodded her head.
'Astron Natusalune, Astron Natusalune. How dare you!'
Trevor was fuming inside as he was constantly reminded of the scene where her hand was touching him.
'How dare you touch her.'
He wanted to go and kill him right away, but he knew he couldn't do that inside the academy. If it was that easy, then every other male entering her sight would be dead already.
"Tch." He was about to leave as his appetite was ruined, but he couldn't.
"What happened here?" Just like the police, the instructor came quite late after everything was finished.
"….." And now he was going to be stuck while explaining whatever was transcribed here…..
********
Meanwhile, Astron was uncomfortable with getting dragged by Maya outside of the academy cafeteria.
It was both because she was forceful and because she was famous.
Everyone's eyes were on him, and he disliked that fact. He already preferred life without any bothersome situations, but Maya wasn't making it easy for him.
"Senior.".
"Not now."
However, Maya's determined pace made it clear she was adamant about dragging him off.
"Sigh…."
And her grip was weirdly strong, stronger than almost a close combatant.
'What is this strength?'
It was interesting for a mage to possess this amount of physical strength, but Astron didn't have time to question it right now.
"Should we stop now? We are already quite far away."
Maya halted abruptly and looked around. Just like he said, they were already far enough.
Releasing her grip on Astron's arm, Maya turned to face him, her expression a mix of concern and seriousness.
"Are you okay?" She asked as she looked into his arm. "That student was serious about attacking you."
"Isn't it a little bit late for that?" Astron mumbled.
However, Maya's eyes narrowed at his response, as if she didn't like how he talked.
"..."
'I am doing it again.'
Feeling that he was being rude, he slightly bowed his head. "My bad, senior. Yes, I am okay."
"Hmm….Good." Maya nodded her head as she waved her hands. Following her hand movements, small vines started moving, forming two chairs made by nature itself.
"Come sit."
It was an evident display of mana mastery, and she was using it for such a normal moment.
"Thank you." Deciding that it was better to welcome the hospitality Astron sat down.
As the two settled, Maya looked intently at Astron her angry and serious expression slowly returning to her normal state.
How was the mid-terms?" Maya inquired.
"Mid-terms?"
"Yes."
"It was good."
"Were you able to climb any ranks?"
"Well, I am now ranked 1729."
"Hmm... 1729 from the last rank. That is quite impressive."
"It is thanks to you. If not for your help that time, I wouldn't be able to improve this fast."
"Don't underestimate yourself. It was you who put that effort into your own training."
"Of course, that is true."
Maya observed Astron with a slight smile as if she were proud, her blue eyes reflecting genuine interest. She leaned back in her vine-crafted chair, seemingly at ease in the impromptu natural setting.
"Something changed about you." She said her eyes were boring right through Astron's.
"What do you mean?" Astron feigned ignorance, but inside, he was slightly surprised.
'She is sharp. I guess she isn't a prodigy for no reason.'
"...I am sensing something dormant inside you."
"You must be mistaken."
"Hmm?"
Without warning, Maya suddenly stood up, her slightly 'different' nature evident as she approached Astron. Unaware of the proximity, she leaned in closer, her eyes focused on his chest.
"What is it?" she mused, her fingers lightly tapping his chest. "There's something interesting here. I can feel it. Is it a magical artifact or maybe a hidden talent waiting to be discovered?"
Astron was taken aback by her boldness, the space between them shrinking without him realizing. He tried to maintain composure. "Senior, you're getting too close."
'Also, why is she so fast?'
His speed and senses were one of the strongest aspects of him, but he couldn't even escape back.
"Hmm? Oh, am I?" Maya finally registered the proximity, taking a small step back with a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I just got curious, you know? What's hiding in there, Astron?"
"Senior, I really think you are mistaking something; there is nothing here. Also, it is rude to probe other people's secrets."
"So you are admitting there is something there."
"No, I am not. I am just saying that even if there is something there, you shouldn't ask about it. That doesn't imply there is something there."
"Then, why are you trying to defend yourself."
"…..Sigh…."
Astron sighed, a subtle display of frustration. Maya, on the other hand, smiled triumphantly, seemingly unfazed by Astron's attempt to maintain secrecy.
"Well, if there's really nothing to hide, why not share it with your dear senior?" Maya teased, her eyes gleaming with playful curiosity.
Astron, still maintaining his serious demeanor, couldn't help but feel the pressure of Maya's persistence.
He knew her airheaded charm was a facade for a sharp and determined mind; after all, he experienced firsthand how good she was with mana and good at controlling it.
'There is no way I will reveal it.'
Even if Maya had invested things in him and taught him how to control mana, that didn't mean he would disclose everything.
"Senior, some things are better left unknown," Astron replied, trying to end the conversation.
However, Maya's determination only seemed to grow, and she continued to press him with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Come on, Junior, I am your teacher, right? A student shouldn't keep secrets from her master."
"When did you become my master?"
"Hmm? Am I not your master? After all, I taught you how to control your mana."
"You did teach me how to control mana, and I am grateful for that. But that doesn't make you my master."
"Yes, it does."
"No, it doesn't."
"Sigh….You are so boring. This master was just curious."
"If I had answered everyone's questions, I wouldn't be there."
"Am I just everyone?"
"..."
"Right."
"But, still."
Maya couldn't contain her amusement any longer and burst into laughter after seeing Astron's expression. The sound echoed through the impromptu natural setting, drawing the attention of a few curious birds.
"You have that same exasperated look every time I try to pry something out of you," Maya said between laughs, her cheerful demeanor in full force.
Astron simply watched her, but he was a little bit annoyed.
'Why do I feel like I was played with?'
For some reason, he felt like he had lost, and it was quite a new feeling. Most of the time, he would win when it came to such talks, after all.
Maya stood up with a bright smile on her face, her innocence radiating like a beacon. "Well, that was fun! I'll be looking forward to our club meeting next time, Junior. We can have more talks and maybe unravel some of those mysterious secrets of yours!"
With that, she waved cheerfully and strolled away, leaving Astron behind with a weird feeling of longing and sadness.
"She really does resemble her a lot."
He was once again reminded of a certain girl.
"Astron! You should smile more!"
'I wouldn't be able to win against her either.'
He looked around the place with a sigh and stood up.
'At least it was refreshing.'
Chapter 175 - A small incident (4)
"Hmm….Certainly not bad."
I was now standing in the room I was assigned to. With the increase in my school ranking, I was now given a better room than my previous one.
If, at first, it was a simple room with only a small library and a table to study, now it was a lot bigger and fresher.
The facilities weren't that different, but even it being more spacious alone made it better than everything.
'But, that Trevor bastard. What is his goal?'
After Maya had left, I trained until evening. But something had been bothering me.
It was evident that Trevor was targeting me; I had confirmed it with my own eyes. But, the reason remained unknown.
'What could possibly have made him target me?'
Now, was there a need to understand why he was targeting me, you might ask? Of course, there wasn't. After all, the moment he decided to target me, he became my enemy.
And he was also a villain in the game, meaning he was already possibly inclined to be evil.
'He even leaked his intent.'
Killing intent or murderous intent of a Hunter would form eventually. After all, those who had wandered on the border of death would become accustomed to it naturally.
However, even then, there were different types of murderous intents, and from those types, one would be able to tell what kind of person the owner was.
For instance, those who had fought with monsters all the time would have had a more savage intent since it represented the enemies and foes they fought and killed.
But at the same time, those who had fought and killed humans would have a different type of intent.
It wouldn't be as savage but would be something more hideous.
'I could feel the difference even on myself.'
The moment I had killed a human, be it demonic or not, I knew something had changed inside me. Such a change had never occurred whenever I fought with monsters or killed them.
'Talk about hypocrisy.'
Just because they didn't talk in the same way as we did or looked in the same way, none of us felt the guilt of taking a life. Of course, that didn't mean what we did was wrong. This is a battle of survival, and nature never cares about how one feels.
In any case, at the end of the day, if a person kills humans, they change, and that becomes evident the more they do it.
You can argue that it takes a toll on their consciousness, or they lose their conscience slowly, but in the end, they change.
'And I am certain that Trevor is on the latter side.'
From his intent and dark aura oozing from him alone, I could easily say he killed people before.
'I even felt like I had sensed Demonic Energy from him.'
I wasn't sure about that, but something inside me was telling me that Trevor was already associated with Demonic Humans.
'If that is the case, should I just kill him?'
And, if he was associated with demons, that meant he needed to die.
'But, it won't be easy.'
He was inside the academy, and even though he wasn't the first rank, he was still a senior with a high ranking.
That meant his stats were probably above the normal. Adding the fact of the possible negative results that would come after I killed him, it wouldn't be a good idea right now.
'I need proof.'
If I had just killed someone just because they decided to spread bad rumors about me and targeted me for some reason, then I would become a random murderer out there.
A murderer who killed others out of his own pleasure. If possible, I wanted to avoid that the most since that wouldn't make me any different.
'Let's see what you are planning, Trevor Philips.'
What was going to happen with his life now depended on his future actions and my judgment.
'In any case, now is not the time to focus on this guy.'
After all, with the curriculum changing, everything became a mess, and the future became a lot harder to predict, which meant one simple thing.
'I need to be ready for any possible changes to the story.'
Just like that, I slowly left my room and made my way to the training grounds once again.
*******
SWOOSH! BOOM!
Inside the place reserved for the academy cadets who wanted to train against monsters, a young girl could be seen blasting a bunch of artificial monsters.
Irate flames danced at the tips of Irina's fingers as she unleashed her anger upon the artificial monsters in the training room.
BOOM! SMASH!
The air crackled with the intensity of her magic, and each blast from her hands sent the mechanical creatures flying.
"Frustrating idiots!" Irina muttered through gritted teeth, her fiery hair swirling with each forceful motion. She attacked with a ferocity that seemed to defy the very nature of the training room, leaving behind a trail of scorched marks on the floor.
BOOM!
Another burst of flames erupted, reducing a group of monsters to smoldering debris. The training room echoed with the sounds of Irina's relentless assault, the artificial monsters unable to withstand the fury of her magical onslaught.
"How dare you post something like that?"
SMASH!
From the start of the day, her mood had been a worse one. After the rankings were announced, she learned she stayed on the same rank, so she decided to blow some steam off while hanging around with others.
The last week had already been suffocating enough, and she needed to relax. But, while they were hanging around, she looked at her watch and checked the school forums.
And now she wished she hadn't done that.
The comment on the school forums had struck a nerve, a raw nerve that had been building tension throughout the day.
In the dimly lit training room, her fiery hair swirled around her like a tempest as she continued to unleash her magical fury. The comparison to Seraphina Frostborne, her rival, felt like a personal affront. The shadows cast by her flames danced on the walls, mimicking the tumult within her.
The post had insinuated that Irina was somehow inferior because of her ranking and many other things. It was as if someone finally found the courage to speak badly about her and posted something like this.
"How dare you say I have a trash personality, huh?"
Another blast of flames erupted, disintegrating a group of artificial monsters, but it did little to assuage Irina's anger.
"If I find you, I will show you what it means to have a trash personality."
Of course, it wasn't only about personality. The post also said how Seraphina was a lot more beautiful with her long silver hair or how lady-like she was, and Irina looked more like a little child throwing tantrums every time.
It was evident that the post was made so that it could anger Irina, and she knew that as well. But she still couldn't help but get angry.
BOOM! BOOM!
As Irina continued her fiery onslaught on the artificial monsters, the door to the training room slid open.
WRR!
A figure entered, her presence exuding an air of serene elegance that contrasted sharply with the chaotic display of magic.
A lady with her long silver hair cascading down her back stepped into the room.
Her cold blue eyes surveyed the scene, taking in the remnants of destroyed monsters and the blazing inferno of Irina's magic. Unlike the fiery redhead, the newcomer seemed untouched by the commotion, her expression stoic and composed.
"Quite the spectacle," she remarked in a calm, measured tone, her gaze finally settling on Irina.
Her tranquil eyes locked on the fiery gaze, but a silent acknowledgment could be seen if looked at with caution.
Irina, in the midst of her blazing display, turned to face her rival. The flames that danced around her momentarily flickered as their eyes met. The contrast between their personalities was palpable—fire meeting ice.
"What brings you here, Seraphina?" Irina asked, her voice sharp with a mixture of anger and irritation. The tension in the room seemed to intensify as the two formidable mages of opposite elements faced each other in the training room.
Even though none of them were using any magic, the clash of their auras was enough to disturb the mana around them.
"Why wouldn't I be here?" Seraphina responded calmly, her gaze unwavering. "We both have the right to use the training chamber, given our rankings. It's not exclusive to fiery personalities alone."
Irina scowled, her frustration evident. The mention of their rankings added another layer to the simmering tension. The training room, designated for the top-ranked students, symbolized the competitive atmosphere that surrounded them.
Seraphina continued, her voice maintaining its composure. "I come here to train, not to engage in pointless comparisons. You should focus on mastering your magic rather than being bothered by online provocations."
"So, you have seen that post."
"I have."
"I thought you said you wouldn't waste your time with posts made by a bunch of random students. What made you change your mind?"
"I was arrogant back then. In the tapestry of the every day, hidden within the threads of routine, there are moments that sparkle like gems, reminding us that even in the ordinary, extraordinary beauty can be found."
Irina couldn't help but narrow her eyes at Seraphina's cryptic response. The contrast between their personalities seemed to extend even to their perspectives on the world.
"That post was just blabbering of a person with no future and drowning in the jealousy directed at people like us." Seraphina continued, her voice unwavering. "Besides, I find it amusing to witness your fiery rage in person. It's a rare sight."
'For some reason, this feels familiar.'
Irina didn't interact with Seraphina that much. Even though they shared the same dormitory and trained, most of the time, they both preferred using elemental chambers. However, now that they were talking, Irina felt like she had been having similar conversations with someone.
'Right, that guy talks like that, too.'
Remembering that this talk was going in the same direction, she felt like she knew what to say right now.
With her frustration bubbled to the surface, she couldn't resist a sarcastic retort. "Oh, how fortunate for you to find amusement in my moments of 'fiery rage.' It must be such a delight for you, the epitome of composure and calmness."
Seraphina's response was an arched eyebrow, an almost imperceptible smirk playing on her lips. The room crackled with the underlying tension, the clash of their personalities manifesting in their verbal sparring.
"But do enlighten me, Seraphina," Irina said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What gems did you discover in the tapestry of your day that led you to grace this training room with your presence? Or was it merely a routine reminder of your unmatched skills?"
Seraphina shook her head ever so slightly as if dismissing a trivial thought. "I don't need confirmations from a bunch of lesser beings. I'm well aware of my own value, and I don't seek validation from online forums or meaningless comparisons."
Irina's eyes flashed with a mixture of irritation and defiance. "Well, forgive me for not reaching the heights of serenity and self-awareness that you have, Frostborne. Some of us are still navigating the tumultuous journey of personal growth."
A subtle smirk curved Seraphina's lips, and for a moment, her calm facade seemed to crack with the hint of amusement. "Indeed, Emberheart. The journey can be quite tumultuous, especially for those fueled by fire."
Irina's frustration reached its peak, and with a sharp exhale, she declared, "Well, I'm no longer in the mood for talking to ice queens." The flames around her flared for a moment, accentuating her retort. "Enjoy your serene journey, Frostborne."
Without waiting for a response, Irina turned on her heel, making her way toward the exit, leaving the girl alone in the training room.
CHUCKLE
A soft, melodic chuckle escaped Seraphina's lips as she watched Irina's retreating figure.
"Irina, the untamed flame," she mused to herself, her eyes thoughtful. "Curious... what might have caused this subtle change in the usual inferno of my rival? Maybe I should also look for that."