Chapter 300 - Approaching Event
After returning to the academy, we were contacted by the government, a simple reward for the things that happened in the Phantom's Land.
That was in the range of expectations. After confirming that their findings matched with what we had described, things would operate smoothly.
At that time, I had already instructed Irina to leave many fire marks on the ground to show that she was the one who clashed with the demon. Though there were some Awakened with wide abilities regarding time and investigations that could reconstruct the scene normally, Belthazor's unique space manipulation made it impossible.
Most of the time, when one defeats any type of Awakened or monster with specific qualities, the defeated Awakened would leave a small phenomenon regarding their abilities.
For instance, if I were to kill Irina, she would most likely explode. For Belthazor, he created a small space ripple around the place, disturbing the magical spells and traits.
That was the reason why the investigation team sent by the government was most likely unable to reconstruct.
In any case, after we got the reward, which for me was quite a lot of Valer, a hefty sum of fifty thousand, we returned to the academy.
'The academy had declared a three-day vacation.'
Since the events of the Phantom's Land also shook quite a lot of students as well as the personnel instructors, the academy decided to give students some time.
It made sense since I also felt quite disturbed after waking up.
'It all makes sense if we all lived a different life, yet it is also impossible to confirm.'
There were many pieces of information in my head, yet all of them were blurry and non-continuous. Thus, at the end of the day, I could only leave those thoughts to myself.
'Maybe after learning more about [Mind Magic] or, in other words, [Psychic] magic, then I can look for a spell to recover whatever happened there.'
Then, without any further thought, the place I needed to head was confirmed.
CREAK!
As I entered the library, the familiar scent of old books and some parchment surrounded me. The vast shelves filled with tomes and some hidden 'grimoires' were a testament to the accumulated knowledge within these hallowed walls.
'Hmm….There are still some students here…'
The atmosphere was tranquil, with only a few diligent students scattered around, engrossed in their studies.
I generally didn't visit the library in the morning hours since it was pretty crowded, and I was more focused on my physical training and improvements.
Though I could do the same today as well, I decided not to do so and take a break for my body to recover. It was my guess, but after the battle with Belthazor and absorbing some of its stats with [Vengeful Bane], I needed to give my body some time to adapt.
I made my way to the section dedicated to magic books, my eyes scanning the spines for anything related to mind magic. The titles ranged from the basics of telepathy to advanced topics on psychic manipulation. Finally, I spotted a rather modernly covered book titled
The cover gleamed with a sleek design, a departure from the ancient aesthetic of many other volumes in the library.
As I opened the book, I noticed the clean layout and organized structure. The author, a recently promoted Mage Scholar from the prestigious Valerian Magic University, had divided the content into chapters, making it accessible for beginners like me.
'A recently promoted Mage Scholar.'
On the way to return, I searched for some articles regarding the Disciple of Psychic Magic to see how developed it was or what it was used for.
And, just as I had initially assumed, most humans didn't possess skills or traits regarding psychic attributes. This was somehow explained in the [Awakened Distribution Theory], but it was still a theory and not a law that was confirmed.
However, those who rarely possessed Psychic attributed [Traits] were mostly deemed dangerous by the government since they tended to perform villainous acts.
As you know, trait development is directly related to the users understanding of the concept and how much they use their own traits to develop it.
To improve such traits, one generally needs to use them. For instance, if one possessed a unique trait named [Puppeteer], which is a type of Psychic Attribute, they needed to control other humans and beings to improve such traits, and this tended to be viewed as an evil act.
Therefore, it was very hard to find information on such traits. Of course, there are also many magical spells that are developed in the field of magic that anyone can use. However, these spells are also strictly regulated and very hard to master and use.
For instance, the spell Irina had used to enter my dream, 「Phantasmal Transfer」, a type of Psychic attribute spell. Though it is more of a low-level and simple magic, it is still quite effective.
Entering a person's dream and consciousness to explore their memories of the past or an important event could be utilized by many government officials to interrogate.
As those thoughts passed through my head, I started reading the book.
The first chapter was named Chapter 0, and it delved into the fundamental concepts of mind magic as well as psychology, introducing terminology and explaining the basics of how a mind works. Though it was very good for a person to achieve general knowledge before reading about the spells and magic part, I was already knowledgeable in such terms.
After all, all that education from Earth was still inside my head, as well as my own experiences.
'Still, let's see the opinions of a new graduate.'
There were some discrepancies in the development of psychology of this world compared to Earth, but I still decided to read the author's marks.
The author's commentary on general psychology was enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on familiar concepts. Their writing style was engaging, weaving together theory and practical application in a seamless narrative.
'Interesting. He is quite talented at analogies.'
As I read through the pages, I found myself nodding in agreement with the author's observations.
They touched upon topics such as cognitive processes, memory formation, and the subconscious mind, providing a holistic understanding of the human psyche.
'Manipulating Cognitive Process, huh? An interesting idea.'
There were also some small hints at the author's thoughts and how the future of the book would be designed.
'This guy possesses a trait related to Psychic attributes.'
The author's own experiences and insights added depth to the discussion, bridging the gap between theory and practice that couldn't be normally understood.
I could easily confirm it since with [Perceptive Insight], my speed of understanding the essence of any concept was a lot faster, and somehow, I could even grasp the feeling of its intervention.
'Aspiring Assistant Professor Mitchell Brady, huh? I may pay him a visit in the future.'
Recording the name of the author in my head, I continued to read the book while studying it,
With each turn of the page, I felt a sense of familiarity and intrigue, eager to explore the depths of mind magic in the chapters to come.
The author's emphasis on foundational knowledge before delving into spells and incantations mirrored my own approach to learning, reinforcing the importance of understanding the fundamentals.
*******
PUFF!
As I closed the book, the newfound knowledge about mind magic lingering in my thoughts, I decided to leave the serene atmosphere of the library.
'So, utilizing. Psychic Psions to somehow connect the Spiritual(Astral) projection of a person is a thing. Interesting.'
There were many concepts that needed to be practiced, yet for the first day, this amount was enough.
Just as I was leaving, suddenly, I felt a presence before me. No, the correct world would be the person before me suddenly tripped.
–THUD!
"Careful."
Instantly reaching out for the person's arm, I made her regain her balance, grabbing her from her right wrist.
"Ah…."
She gasped, turning her head to look at me. The bangs covered the student's head, and her posture was slouched.
'Lack of confidence. Bad posture, lack of physical activity.'
I met her gaze for a brief second, and in that moment, I sensed a hint of vulnerability.
However, as quickly as our eyes connected, she averted her gaze, unable to maintain eye contact. She held a stack of books tightly against her chest, and her gratitude was expressed with a soft "Thank you."
It was clear she struggled with social interactions, and the brief encounter left an impression. As she mumbled her thanks, she walked past me, yet my eyes didn't miss the lack of synched movements of her right leg and left one.
'Injured left ankle and damaged glutes. I guess she is still being bullied.'
I thought, remembering that evening. People didn't change in such a short amount of time, and what Ethan did wasn't necessarily a good thing for the victim either.
Rather than giving hungry people a caught fish, teaching them how to catch tended to work more.
'Well, this still is enough.'
After confirming that she still continued to come to the library, I slowly reached the door.
CREAK!
The heavy wooden door creaked as I exited, and the scent of old books slowly faded behind me.
The evening sun painted the academy grounds with warm hues as I strolled along the cobblestone paths. Students were scattered across the campus, enjoying the unexpected holiday. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a lively ambiance.
As I walked, I couldn't help but notice the benches were occupied by students engrossed in conversations; some engaged in animated discussions, while others simply enjoyed each other's company. The holiday spirit was palpable, and the usual seriousness of the academy seemed to have momentarily lifted.
I observed couples sitting close together, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was so different from the usual intensity of training and studies.
'Still, being watched in such a situation certainly makes me unable to enjoy it.'
I couldn't help but shake my head inward as I made my way to my room.
–DING!
Just at that moment, the voice of my smartwatch ringing echoed in my head.
'Hmm?'
Looking at the notification, I saw it came from the [Horde].
[Horde: Sir, as per your request, we have been watching the movements of the Azure Guild and the events surrounding them. And we can confirm that Redcrushers are starting to move. The rest of the information is in the attachment.]
The moment I saw the message, I couldn't help but shake my head.
'I guess the time for Emily's Guild event is approaching. It is time to maximize my profits.'
With that thought, I started typing my reply.
[Sell the Shares I own in Azure Crest Guild to the possible investors, and then transfer the money into many different accounts to make it untraceable.]
With that instruction, I closed the smartwatch and returned to my room.
After all, just from investing in Emily's guild, I had made close to 1 Million Valer profit…..
Chapter 301 - Approaching Event (3)
"Hmm... Things are looking good."
Sitting at her table, the girl with chestnut hair mumbled to herself. Everything seemed to be falling into place – her grades were on the rise, and her family's guild was navigating through smoother waters.
"Who is this? Isn't it my lovely daughter?"
At that moment, a lively but curt voice echoed from the doorway – a voice she had grown accustomed to, one that never failed to bring warmth to her heart.
"Father."
She mumbled softly, her gaze fixed on the robust figure standing before her. Her father looked healthier than ever, and the sight brought a subtle comfort to her soul.
"Don't look at me like that, Emily. You know, I had far long healed."
Her father spoke with a reassuring tone, but memories lingered in Emily's mind – memories of times when life had been unrelenting. The days when they had to tighten their belts, cutting expenses from clothes and various necessities. The time when her father, once formidable, was crippled and unable to move, and the doctors' steep demands for Valer just to cure him.
She could never erase those memories from her mind. The struggles and sacrifices were etched into her being.
'I shouldn't think like that. Thanks to Mister Ethan and his help, those days are far gone.'
As Emily gazed at her father, a flood of thoughts swirled within her. The tough times seemed like a distant past, as if they had overcome insurmountable challenges.
With a hopeful smile, she met her father's gaze and softly mumbled, "Okay."
'When the time comes, I will repay him with everything.'
Normally, she was already planning to pay Ethan back; however, recently, one of their biggest shareholders decided to sell their shares. Therefore, the guild's management underwent a slight change with newly appearing faces.
And, since it happened right after the Phantom's Land exploration, she was free to deal with her guild matters.
Initially, she thought it would be smooth sailing, but dealing with new faces proved more challenging than anticipated. Over the past two weeks, she and her father had been engrossed in procedural matters, legalities, and documentation. Unlike their previous mysterious investor, the newcomers were eager to be part of their guild.
Her father, sensing her contemplation, spoke up, "Emily, don't dwell on these matters too long. Focus on your grades; that's what matters most."
Her father always emphasized her grades in the academy and her progress as an Awakened. He said she shouldn't make the same mistake as him and shouldn't set her growth aside to manage the guild.
In this field, without sufficient strength, they could never do as they planned after all.
He gently patted her head, a familiar gesture that brought comfort. "I'm heading to a meeting soon. I need to go."
As her father prepared to leave, Emily nodded, understanding the responsibilities that awaited him.
The dynamics of the guild were changing, and the burden of managing the transition fell on their shoulders, yet she also needed to deal with the new curriculum.
'Well, we had already recovered enough, and our economic growth is almost tenfold. We are even in a better state compared to our start.'
Just as she thought about that past Azure Crest Guild, suddenly, she was reminded of that bastard who had destroyed everything.
'Tch. If not for him, we would probably be in a better condition, and we could even be promoted to the next rank.'
She couldn't help but glare at the wall as she remembered what happened in the past. If not for that traitor bastard, her father wouldn't be crippled, and their guild wouldn't lose their ranks this fast.
'But, just you wait. The moment I see you, I will make sure you die in my hands.'
She clenched her fists, yet then she relaxed herself.
'No. I shouldn't pressure myself. I need to keep my calm.'
Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, Emily refocused on the stack of formal documents before her. There was much to address in the guild's administrative affairs.
As she delved into her responsibilities, Emily's attention shifted to the upcoming dungeon explorations.
Glancing at the schedule, she noticed that Team-1, led by Sister Anya, was currently exploring a Rank-5 dungeon.
'Hmm….Noting important would happen there probably.'
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, recognizing the progress Sister Anya had made and the successful recruitments made after the guild stabilized. After all, when they were at rock bottom, this team led by Anya somehow managed to defeat one of the most important dungeons underneath their control.
And once the news was spread, they were easily able to recruit many members.
"The advancements are promising," she murmured to herself, acknowledging the positive strides in the guild's exploration endeavors.
While she was focusing on her own training, she also didn't forget to observe the newcomers, and they were quite promising.
They may not be on the level of Arcadia Hunter Academy's cadets, but they were above the average mark in general industry.
She herself realized that the monsters in the Academy could never be compared to general people, even the lower-ranking ones.
'Yeah, I wonder what he is doing.'
At the mention of lower-ranking ones, she remembered Astron's name. Many had overlooked it when the second period of the semester started since Ethan's rank increased, but Emily still remembered the improvement Astron showed at the start.
The reason she paid attention to it was because they went into a dungeon exploration together, and she saw his talents. He may have looked weak, but Anya's and Hari's assessment of him in terms of combat was quite good.
'Well, what he does is not important. I have nothing to do with him.'
She thought as she remembered that the one that helped the most was Ethan, and if not for him, she wouldn't be here.
'I will be grateful forever.'
After reviewing the progress of Team-1, led by Sister Anya, Emily shifted her attention to the newly formed Team-2 under Hari's charge.
Anya's experience made her the ideal mentor for newcomers, but with the guild's rapid rise in ranks, the influx of new members necessitated the formation of additional teams. Hari, with her formidable combat prowess, was chosen to lead Team-2.
As Emily delved into the details of the results, she couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism.
'Sister Anya's nurturing had yielded positive results, evidenced by the influx of capable newcomers. But, Sister Hari's team, though newly formed, are flourishing under her leadership, given her exceptional combat skills.'
Hari was quite talented at combat, and she was in charge of educating newcomers in combat.
Those who had the brains but were inexperienced in combat were under her guidance.
Just as Emily was immersed in these thoughts, her smartwatch began to ring. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw 'Jacob,' one of their newly recruited members.
'Hmm? Why is he calling me?'
A slight frown creased her forehead as she wondered why he would be calling her, especially considering that Team-1, including Jacob, was currently supposed to be in the dungeon according to the schedule planned.
After all, clearing a Rank-5 dungeon wasn't easy, and it took days to prepare and days to explore.
'What could happen?'
Her mind raced with possibilities.
'Did something unexpected happen that forced them to exit the dungeon before completing it?'
An ominous feeling wrapped around her heart as she answered the call, anticipation and concern evident in her voice. For some reason, her heart was telling her that something happened, yet her brain said she shouldn't jump to conclusions without any evidence.
With a mixture of anticipation and concern, Emily accepted the call from Jacob. The moment the connection was established, her ears were assaulted by a cacophony of screams, urgent talk, and the unmistakable sound of panting.
–Get the first aid kit! We need to stop the bleeding!"
–Where the hell is the Association? We can't hold out much longer!"
–Has anyone contacted the Guild master? We need reinforcements!"
The chaotic exchange of urgent voices flooded Emily's ears, each plea and command heightening her sense of dread. She strained to discern the specific details amidst the turmoil.
"Jacob, what's happening? Are you all right?" Emily's voice cut through the chaos, trying to anchor Jacob's attention.
–We— we encountered unexpected resistance in the dungeon. There are injuries, and we're trying to stabilize everyone," Jacob replied, his voice strained.
In the background, a woman's panicked voice broke through, –We need help! The bleeding won't stop! Someone, get the Guild master!"
At the mention of the Guild master, Jacob hurriedly interjected, –Miss Emily, I called you. We need assistance, and we're trying to contact the Guild master, but the situation is dire."
Fear gripped Emily's heart as she listened to the unfolding crisis.
'Father is in the meeting, so he probably locked his smartwatch. He has the habit of closing it, and he never listens no matter how many times I say.'
She remembered what her father said and realized that things were not in a good situation. Without a moment's hesitation, Emily instantly rose from her seat, her mind racing with the urgency of the situation.
"I'll head to where Father is staying. I'll also contact the Association for immediate support. Hold on, Jacob, help is on the way," she reassured, her voice resolute.
With determined steps, Emily rushed towards the location where her Father was engaged in the meeting. She knew every second counted. As she approached the meeting room, she steeled herself to barge in and inform her father of the dire situation unfolding in the dungeon.
The meeting room door swung open abruptly, and Emily stepped in, her eyes determined and her expression urgent. Her father, Tom, glanced at her with narrowed eyes, a frown forming on his face.
"Emily, I've told you not to interrupt our meetings," he scolded, his tone firm.
"I know, Father, but it's urgent. Please come for a second." Saying that she called her father out.
"Sorry, gentlemen. Give me a minute." With that, her father stepped out of the room and closed the door. "You better give me a good reason Emily, this meeting is quite important."
"There's a crisis in the dungeon. Team-1 is facing unexpected resistance, and there are injuries. We need your immediate assistance," Emily explained hastily, her voice conveying the gravity of the situation.
Tom's stern expression softened as he absorbed the urgency in Emily's words. Without hesitation, Emily continued to inform him of the details. As Tom listened, the color drained from his face, and concern etched lines on his forehead.
"Cancel the meeting," he declared abruptly, entering the room once again and grabbing his coat.
One of the individuals inside the meeting room questioned, "For what reason, Mister Tom? Why are you canceling the meeting?"
Tom met their gaze with a serious expression. "Something urgent has come up, and I need to be there. We'll reschedule this meeting for later."
He offered no further explanation, leaving the room with Emily in tow, the urgency of the situation evident in his determined stride. The weight of responsibility hung in the air as they made their way towards the guild's command center, ready to address the crisis unfolding in the dungeon.
Yet, little did they know that this would only be the start.
Chapter 302 - Approaching Event (3)
–CLANK! CLANK!
Inside the training room of the Academy, the sound of metal clashing with metal constantly ringed around. One weapon, coated with a vibrant blue aura, stabbed forward, generating wind, while the other one, adorned with a white-gray colored aura, constantly deflected it.
"Ha!"
–SWOOSH
The spear flashed, its long reach attempting to stab the person before her from the shoulder. Yet, before it could even meet its target, the agile figure swiftly tilted her body to the side. The weapon in her hands gleamed as it adjusted, changing the trajectory of the spear mid-swing.
However, the spear user, anticipating the move, retracted his weapon in a practiced movement, clenching his muscles with precision.
–WOOSH!
With a clean sweep, the spear user aimed for a low strike, targeting the sword user's foot. The blue-aura-coated weapon whizzed through the air, attempting to catch the agile opponent off guard. However, the sword user exhibited remarkable agility, swiftly lifting her foot to avoid the incoming attack.
"Not bad, Ethan," praised the sword user, a confident smile playing on her lips. "But, you still lost."
Julia, with her white hair and piercing blue eyes, grinned widely as she signaled her watch. "Your five-minute mark is finished, and you still couldn't land a clean hit on me."
Ethan, panting and slightly frustrated, looked at Julia. "You're a monster, Julia," he admitted, acknowledging her exceptional skill in combat once again.
"Well, it's not my fault you can't keep up," Julia teased, twirling her sword with a flourish. "Maybe you need more practice."
'Yeah, that's right. Though, I am doing my best.'
Ethan thought, yet he still couldn't help but chuckle at her playful taunts. Julia was not only his teammate but also a formidable sparring partner who pushed him to improve his combat skills.
Julia, with a triumphant grin, approached Ethan after their sparring session. "Well, well, Ethan. Since you lost the bet, you know what that means."
'This guy. What is this speed of improvement?'
However, while she was saying that, Julia was inwardly thinking of the prowess that Ethan had displayed. Considering the fact that Ethan hadn't even awakened just a year ago, the fact that he was able to push her to such length showed his abnormal, monstrous talent.
'You are the monster here.'
Ethan, catching his breath, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah. I know. I'll be the one paying for the meal today."
'If he progresses like that, it won't be too long before I start paying for the meals. I should squeeze him out as best as I can.'
"That's right!" Julia exclaimed, patting him on the back. "Consider it a reward for being such an entertaining sparring partner. You almost had me there."
Even though she may look and act like an airheaded person without any worries in her life, she has the awareness of a Hunter. It was just that she disliked acting rigidly all the time and making her life monotonous.
Ethan shook his head with a smile, accepting his fate. "Next time, Julia. I'll get you next time."
Julia laughed, teasingly adding, "Sure, sure. But for now, let's focus on the meal. I'm craving something extravagant, and your wallet will take care of it."
After their sparring session, Julia and Ethan left the high-ranking student training grounds. It was a secluded area reserved for the elite, accessible only to those who had proven themselves in various aspects of their training. Julia, with her reputation as a skilled fighter as well as her high ranking, had brought Ethan to this exclusive space.
As they walked away from the training grounds, the atmosphere changed. The area was more spacious, with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced training facilities. The air felt fresher, and the surroundings were quieter compared to the general training grounds.
Julia, in high spirits from their lively sparring match, led the way with a confident stride. Ethan followed, still catching his breath but with a content smile on his face.
"So, where are we heading for this celebratory meal?" Ethan asked, curious about Julia's choice.
Julia chuckled, enjoying the moment. "There aren't many places we can go, you know. We will go with the usual one."
"The usual one."
Ethan muttered. Whenever Julia said the usual one, she meant the most expensive restaurant on the whole campus.
'Well, as expected from her, I guess.'
Since he had seen an incredible increase in his rank, Ethan's funds that he could get from his family also increased. The Hartleys mostly operated on merit, and the more potential you showed, the better opportunities you would get.
As they were about to leave the high-ranking student training grounds, their attention was drawn to a familiar figure. Lucas was engaged in intense combat with golems. He swung his sword with relentless determination, even though his body showed signs of exhaustion and injury.
Julia, observing from a distance, couldn't help but mumble to herself, "This dumb bastard is pushing himself too much."
Concern etched on her face, Julia turned to Ethan. "Did something happen? Lucas is usually not this reckless. We should check on him."
Ethan nodded, sharing Julia's worry. They approached Lucas, who seemed absorbed in his own battle. The golems, despite being artificial constructs for training, were putting up a formidable fight. Sweat dripped from Lucas's forehead, and his movements were becoming visibly strained.
"Lucas!" Julia called out, her voice cutting through the sounds of clashing metal. "What's going on? You're pushing yourself too hard."
Lucas, mid-swing, spared them a glance. "I'm fine. Just need to blow off some steam. Got a lot on my mind."
Julia sighed, not entirely convinced. "Blowing-" Just as she was about to nag him, Lucas suddenly turned his face, his blue eyes meeting with his twins'.
"Just leave me alone, you stupid fuck."
'You are one of those as well, just because you have it all. Look at this stupid smile of yours.'
The thoughts in his head were wandering around. After he had recently awakened, he had been having a very hard time controlling his feelings from time to time.
The past two weeks were all filled with countless times he spent thinking about what he needed to do while these guys just enjoyed themselves.
His demeanor was a little different, as well as the look in his eyes.
"What?" Julia immediately noticed it.
'This is…..'
She knew Lucas tended to do this when they were young.
'Something really happened.'
Though, she still knew Lucas wouldn't do it without a reason.
At that moment, someone stepped into the scene, the atmosphere turning cold with their presence. The newcomer was like a model, with his chestnut hair and piercing green eyes, but the pressure emanating from him was no joke.
Julia mumbled under her breath, "Victor, what are you doing here?"
Victor, the heir to the prestigious Blackthorn family, didn't say much. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Lucas with a stern expression.
"Lucas, you should apologize to her for being rude," Victor stated, his voice carrying authority and command.
"What?" Lucas said as he looked into Victor. "Who the hell are you to meddle with what I am doing?" His face contained a smirk, and he continued.
"Apologize to her."
"What if I don't?"
–SWOOSH!
In an instant, before Lucas could even say anything, Victor appeared right beside him, grabbing him by his neck.
"If you don't, then I will make it so."
"Grrr….."
Lucas tried to pry Victor's hand off his neck, his face contorted with a mix of frustration and defiance. However, Victor's grip proved to be unyielding, his strength surpassing Lucas's attempts to break free.
Just at that moment, Julia rushed to Victor's side, her eyes wide with shock and anger. "Victor, what are you doing?"
Victor met Julia's gaze with a calm demeanor. "Teaching him a lesson," he replied, his voice unwavering. "No one should disrespect you, Julia. It's a matter of principle."
The way he said it while his eyes were shining, some of the people watching him gasped. Especially the girls threw an envious gaze at Julia.
"What the fuck are you saying, you motherfucker?" Yet, the reaction that the girl gave was different from what they expected. "
"I don't need someone to protect my dignity for me," Julia asserted, her voice firm and defiant. She glared at Victor, making it clear that this matter didn't concern him. In an assertive move, she slapped Victor's hand away, breaking free from his grip.
Victor, for a brief moment, looked surprised by Julia's reaction. The onlookers, still processing the unexpected turn of events, exchanged puzzled glances.
"This matter doesn't concern you." She said, turning her head to Lucas. "And, you bastard. Come with me. We are going to have a talk."
Julia turned her fiery gaze to Lucas, who was still catching his breath after the encounter with Victor. Without hesitation, she grabbed him by his collar, a stern expression on her face. The onlookers, though unsure of the details, couldn't help but feel the intensity of the situation.
Throwing one last look at Victor, Julia bore into his eyes. "If you ever pull something like this again, things won't be resolved this simply."
With that, Julia led Lucas away, leaving a tense atmosphere behind them. The training room, once filled with the sounds of clashing weapons, now held a lingering silence as the onlookers processed the unexpected confrontation they had witnessed.
'Wow….This girl is really crazy when she is angry.'
Yet, Ethan couldn't help but flinch, seeing the rare case of Julia being angry.
However, none of the four had noticed the pair of amber eyes watching the scene unfolding before her.
'What?'
The girl who felt like the reaction she needed to give wasn't there, yet she could even say anything.
********
In the lavish office at the pinnacle of one of the towering structures in the Golden District, a man stood by the expansive glass windows, gazing down at the city below.
The sprawling metropolis extended beneath him, its intricate network of streets and buildings appearing like a miniature world. The man, impeccably dressed, exuded an air of authority and opulence.
–THUD!
As he silently surveyed the panorama, his butler entered the room, the door closing with a soft click behind him. The butler, ever attentive, waited patiently, anticipating his master's next move.
The man remained silent for a moment longer, absorbing the view. The city, with its bustling life, seemed insignificant from this vantage point. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a weight of contemplation.
"How little they appear from up here, like ants scurrying about. Weak, and their significance merely a product of their numbers," he mused, his eyes still fixed on the miniature world below. "Do you ever wonder, Butler, if this is how deities perceive humans?"
The butler, accustomed to his master's moments of reflection, maintained his poised composure. He waited for the man to delve deeper into his thoughts, ready to serve and engage in conversation as required.
The man continued with his contemplations, a subtle melancholy underlying his words.
"That's probably the case, isn't it, Butler?" he said, his gaze still fixed on the city below. "No matter how fervently one may scream for help, it often goes unanswered. It's only when one ascends the ladder of the Awakened that they seem to gain the power to shape their own destiny, to achieve what they desire."
He spoke with a touch of resignation as if acknowledging the harsh reality of the world. The butler, attuned to his master's musings, listened attentively, awaiting any further insights or directives.
"In their pursuit of power, humans willingly become pawns, seeking the favor of the Awakened. A hierarchical dance, where only those at the top can truly mold their fate," he continued, his eyes coldly looking at the scene.
After absorbing the view, he turned away from the window, facing his butler with a steely gaze.
"I assume you are here to brief me about the matter regarding the absorption of lower-ranking guilds. How are the preparations going?" he inquired, his tone a blend of expectation and authority.
The butler, now given the cue to speak, responded with his usual composed demeanor, "Everything is proceeding as planned, sir. Our branch guild, the Redcrushers, is executing the strategy seamlessly. According to our estimations, it won't be too long before they swallow the remaining competition."
A subtle smile crept across the man's face as he heard the reassuring report. "Excellent. It's time that the name Philips starts to be remembered within the same line as the seven renowned families."
Chapter 303 - Approaching Event (4)
As the weekend drew to a close, Emily found herself alone in her academy room, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of her familiar space.
The weight of responsibilities bore down on her, evident in the furrowed lines on her forehead. She paced around the room, deep in thought, and began to mumble to herself.
"What do we need to do... how do we manage to get over this hurdle?" she whispered, the words escaping her lips in a soft murmur. Her eyes darted around the room as if seeking answers from the familiar surroundings.
"The members' morale is getting lower and lower….I need to do something…."
She paused, leaning against a desk, lost in contemplation. She needed to make a possible plan, yet she couldn't do it at all.
They were utterly crushed. All three teams under their guild, which were responsible for dungeon explorations, were somehow subjected to a unique dungeon phenomenon.
"And, there were even villains."
The appearance of villains, the increased pressure from the surrounding guilds, and the lack of support from the association….They weren't even allowed to touch get loans…It was like every door was closed for them, yet she couldn't do anything.
'Should I call for help again?'
She thought about contacting Ethan once again.
'No. I shouldn't do that. I can't burden others every time, and he is basically a stranger.'
As the weight of responsibility bore down on her, Emily couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in a web of challenges with no clear way out. With a heavy sigh, she lowered her head, determined to find a solution but unsure of where to begin.
The room held her silent struggle, a battlefield of thoughts and emotions as she grappled with the daunting task of restoring the guild's morale and forging a path forward.
********
The tension from the training room carried over to the dining area, where Julia, Lucas, and Ethan found themselves sharing a table. The usually lively trio now sat in a somewhat awkward silence, the recent confrontation lingering in the air.
Julia, unable to contain her curiosity and concern, looked at Lucas with a stern gaze. "Alright, spill it. What was your problem back there?"
Lucas, initially resistant, felt the weight of Julia's gaze and sighed. He looked at both Julia and Ethan and after a moment, his angry expression softened a little.
"It's nothing," Lucas replied evasively, trying to downplay the situation.
Julia wasn't buying it. "Clearly, it's not nothing. You don't just snap like that for no reason."
Ethan, who had been silently observing the exchange, chimed in. "Lucas, you know we have known each other for almost our whole lives, right? If something's bothering you, you can talk to us."
Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between his twin and Ethan.
'Yeah….I have known you for my whole life…..Or, did I really?'
Lucas thought to himself inwardly, hearing Ethan's words. He wanted to chuckle right here, yet he was not that stupid.
'Tch. I need to control myself better. Else, they will understand.'
Lucas was by no means stupid; one could even say he was a lot more talented in terms of social skills. Yet, the visions that constantly bugged him in his dreams had shaken his composure and made it a lot harder for him to even act like usual.
Lucas looked at Julia for a moment, and then a defeated chuckle escaped his lips. "You're not making it easy for me, are you?"
"I'm precisely making it hard for you so that you can understand how it felt to just even try to talk to you," Julia retorted, her expression unyielding.
Lucas sighed, realizing he had to open up. "Fine, fine," he said, shaking his head. "You win."
Julia smirked in triumph. "So, you're finally going to spill the beans now? Took you long enough, you bastard."
"You really are not making it easy for me," Lucas replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He looked at both Julia and Ethan before letting out another sigh. "Alright, alright. I had a reason to act like that."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Well, we're listening."
Lucas hesitated for a moment, glancing between his twin and Ethan. "You both remember what happened in the Phantom's Land, right?"
Julia and Ethan nodded in agreement.
"Well," Lucas began, his tone serious, "when we lost consciousness, I... I saw visions. Visions of the future, filled with destruction."
Julia's expression shifted, her general playful demeanor replaced by concern and squinty. "Destruction? What do you mean?"
'This should be enough to let them feel empathy.'
He thought inwardly as he remembered the memories that were transferred to him. At this point, Lucas was sure that all the things he had seen were the life that he was supposed to live in an alternate timeline.
He also remembered what Ethan had told him before when he was a child, the times when he talked about his dreams of a warrior facing an army of enemies.
He suspected that there was a meaning to his dreams now.
Lucas took a deep breath before continuing with his explanations, "I don't know the details, but it felt real. The world crumbling, chaos, and something ominous lurking. I can't shake off the feeling that whatever we saw there wasn't just some random illusion."
Ethan's frown deepened as he listened to Lucas's revelation. He glanced at Julia, and then his gaze returned to Lucas, a pondering expression on his face.
"Lucas," Ethan began, choosing his words carefully, "do you think what you saw in those visions has a chance of becoming real? I mean, is it something that might actually happen in the future?"
Lucas met Ethan's gaze, and after a moment's 'hesitation,' he nodded. "Yeah. It's been eating me up recently, thinking about the possibilities. It's like a constant weight on my shoulders, and I find it hard to shake off."
Julia leaned back in her chair, absorbing the seriousness of the situation. "So, you've been overworking yourself because of these visions?"
Lucas sighed. "Yeah. I can't get them out of my head, and the more I think about them, the more it feels like they're not just random dreams. It's like I've glimpsed into a possible future, and it's haunting me."
Ethan also sighed, a sense of worry etched on his face. "Well, I kind of understand that. You guys remember the times when I talked about my dreams, right?"
"The dreams you mentioned when we were kids? I thought you no longer saw them."
"Well, it is not that I no longer see them. It is just that I decided not to mention it since they seem rather childish. But, my dreams also make me feel anxious from time to time as well, so I can empathize with how Lucas feels."
Julia looked at both Lucas and Ethan, a playful smile appearing on her face. "Well, well, how did I end up between two dreamy bastards?" she teased in a light tone, trying to ease the tension in the air.
'I knew it; something was wrong with him since Phantom's Land.'
Ethan chuckled, appreciating Julia's attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, dreamy bastards unite."
Lucas managed a small grin, making himself look like he was feeling a bit relieved that his friends were taking the situation in stride. This is how he 'was supposed to act' after all.
Julia, however, quickly shifted her gaze back to Lucas, her playful expression turning stern.
"Jokes aside, Lucas, whether it's because of dreams or not, you better fix your attitude. You were never like the Lucas I knew at all."
As her words escaped her mouth, Lucas' eyes slightly widened, yet he managed to keep his expression.
'Yeah, the Lucas you knew…..It is like, you know nothing.'
However, he didn't show his thoughts on his face and simply nodded just as they were eating. "I will try my best."
"You better."
Just like that, the two continued to eat.
******
"You are doing well."
The training ground was bathed in the soft hues of the morning sun, casting long shadows across the open space. Sylvie stood at the center, her posture markedly different from three weeks ago.
The once uncertain stance had transformed into a solid foundation, a testament to the progress she had made under Astron's guidance.
'I am doing well….He really praised me.'
She couldn't help but be happy inwardly. After all, she knew this mentor of hers was quite strict with his praises as he rarely gave any insights to her.
Astron observed her with his usual demeanor, his sharp eyes scanning every movement with an approving nod. The subtle shifts in Sylvie's muscle memory and the newfound confidence in her stance spoke volumes about the intensity of their training.
"You've come a long way, Sylvie," Astron remarked, his voice measured but holding a rare note of satisfaction. "Your dedication to the training has yielded significant improvements."
Sylvie, breathing slightly heavier but with a happy gleam in her eyes, acknowledged his words with a nod. The past three weeks had been a rigorous routine of physical conditioning, combat drills, and Astron's meticulous guidance.
Her body had adapted, muscles growing stronger, and her reflexes becoming sharper. She had been pushing herself to the limits after everything that had happened in the Phantom's Land.
Though she didn't blame herself, she also experienced firsthand how hard it was to fight while protecting someone when she was carrying Jasmine to their bungalows. Thus, she now knew the importance of being able to trust the person that needed to be protected.
'In the future, I should make my teammates be able to fight with ease without thinking about me.'
This was what she thought.
As the warmth of satisfaction settled, Astron's gaze shifted subtly. "We can take this to the next stage," he announced, his voice carrying an air of challenge.
Sylvie, intrigued by his words, questioned, "Next stage?"
Astron turned to face her directly, standing at a short distance. "Now that you have a solid foundation and a good grasp of the basics, it's time to see how well you can adapt in actual combat scenarios."
Sylvie's eyes widened with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The notion of moving beyond the structured drills and applying her skills in dynamic situations intrigued her. She may have approached the physical training timidly at the start, but after the moment she took her first step, things changed rapidly, and she was enjoying every moment of this training.
"Combat scenarios?"
Astron nodded. "Yes. It's time to test your adaptability and decision-making under pressure. This is an essential step in becoming a proficient combatant."
He stepped backward, his eyes locking onto hers with a firm intensity. "Now, whenever you are ready, come at me."
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, considering the implications of the next stage. "Is it okay?" she asked, concern creasing her brow. "You don't have any defensive measures on you."
Astron's response was confident. "It's fine. You won't be able to land a hit." He said it in a manner that he was nonchalant.
Even though it scratched Sylvie's pride a little, she wasn't delusional enough to think he could be able to injure an Awakened specialized in combat like this.
'Then, I won't hold back.'
Encouraged by his assurance, Sylvie squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the challenge ahead.
The training ground, once a space for drills and conditioning, now transformed into an arena for a different kind of test.
"Come at me," Astron gestured, his demeanor shifting into a stance of readiness.
"Un." She nodded, taking the stance he taught her when she needed to attack.
–SWOOSH!
With a rapid speed enhanced by her mana, she lunged herself forward, attempting to strike him from his chest.
Yet, before her strike could even land, she saw him tilting his body slightly.
–THUD!
And then, she felt the touch of his fingers on the right joint of her shoulder. Following that, her arm lost its strength.
–SWOOSH!
And then, she felt her legs no longer touching the ground and saw the world spinning.
–THUD!
"Tu, tu, tu…."
As she felt her back hitting the ground, the sensations of her body returned with the slight pain all around.
"It hurts…."
She mumbled as she turned to look at the source. He just stood there as if nothing happened and looked into her eyes.
"Get up."
It was the start of her hell…..