Chapter 334 - Crossing Table
In the office adorned by many expensive ornaments, four people could be seen talking. Their expressions didn't reveal much, but from their serious looks, it was evident that the discussion was something that they hadn't much expected.
"This sphere….It is related to "them," isn't it?"
The man sitting on the right side opened his mouth first. On his clothes, an indicator of his name could be seen.
It read – Director Noah Blackthorn.
He was a direct descendant of the Blackthorns, being able to carry the surname in his nameplate. His standing in the family didn't seem to be something low in any case.
His clothes were made of the most expensive fabric. He looked handsome with his lean body as well as his chestnut hair. Yet his green eyes hold a certain coldness underneath, showing that he wasn't someone who should only be judged by his good looks.
"That is what we suspect."
Following that, the woman in front of him answered his question. She had a rather refined and slender figure. Her body looked to be taken care of, as she seemed to know her strengths from the way she carried herself.
On her nameplate, it read – Assistant Director Sonia Hall.
She wasn't from the direct line of the family, yet she was able to attend this meeting and get the highest rank one could attain without being a direct descendant.
It was because of her own merits as well as talents that brought her here.
Noah Blackthorn leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the small, pitch-black sphere that lay on the table between them. Its presence seemed to weigh heavily on the atmosphere of the room, casting a shadow over their discussion.
"It's unnerving to think that this sphere could be linked to 'them,'" Director Blackthorn remarked, his voice tinged with concern. "The Order of Euthanasia is not to be trifled with. Our ancestor's pact with them... it's shrouded in mystery, but we cannot ignore its significance."
Assistant Director Hall nodded solemnly, her gaze also locked onto the sphere. "Indeed. The symbols etched upon it, the aura it emits... everything about this artifact suggests a connection to the other world, to the Order. We must tread carefully."
And then, they had turned their attention to the young man who hadn't spoken. After throwing a quick look at him, Noah continued his words.
"From what we can see, this artifact was found in the mines. According to the analysis, it can be observed that this sphere has the ability to corrupt souls. Especially for the non-awakened, being subjected to its aura is akin to losing their rationality. They will seek the artifact, and to possess it, they will do everything."
Sonia looked at the sphere, her eyes probing deep into it. Even though she could be regarded as one of the most informed people in terms of artifacts, even she wasn't able to completely analyze its properties.
The artifact was unfathomable, making it almost impossible to see what lay beyond.
"Its characteristics match the description of the student who had hunted the evil spirit. According to his words, the evil spirit was formed because of this artifact. The miners massacred each other, and the energy of death, coupled with the concentrated mana of magic stones, resulted in a mutation."
She finished her words.
'However, there is a certain part that is not clear. How did this evil spirit lay under the ground all this time, and yet it hadn't attacked the mines before? It wasn't until the students came that it attacked. Was it waiting for something? Maybe someone triggered?'
This part wasn't clear, as Sonia couldn't completely grasp the reason, yet he didn't speak further, looking at other members' suggestions.
As the discussion continued, the figure at the head of the table, the current head of the Blackthorn family, remained silent, his cold eyes piercing through the object in front of him. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority and experience.
"The reason for the mine in the Northeast Arcadia State was because my grandfather decided to proceed without consulting his advisors," he began, his tone grave. "Many thought his decision was reckless, a waste of resources. Yet, against all odds, he achieved unprecedented success with that mine."
He paused, his gaze never leaving the sphere. "However, his success was short-lived. Not long after, he lost his life under mysterious circumstances."
There was a solemn silence in the room as everyone absorbed the gravity of his words.
"It seems that this artifact's origins are not something that can be evaluated rashly," the head of the Blackthorn family continued. "Regardless of the past, you shall study this artifact under Area-04."
He looked into Sonia as he signaled. "However, the information shall be confidential. Any test subjects used shall be dealt with. Is that clear?"
"Clear."
"Then, this meeting shall be over."
After the meeting concluded, Sonia rose from her seat and left the room, her mind already buzzing with plans for studying the artifact under the strict confidentiality of Area-04. Noah Blackthorn exchanged a glance with his father, the head of the Blackthorn family, before rising from his seat as well.
"Father," Noah began, addressing the head of the family with respect.
The head of the family nodded, dismissing his son with a wave of his hand. "You may go, Noah."
Noah nodded and left the room, leaving only his father and the young man, Victor, alone together.
The head of the family regarded Victor with a piercing gaze, his expression unreadable. "What do you make of this matter, Victor?" he asked, his voice low and serious.
Victor shifted uncomfortably under the intense scrutiny of the head of the family. From the moment his brother got kidnapped, he hadn't seen his father much, only from time to time.
"…I suspect that this artifact is deliberately arranged by the Order, and great-father had been cued."
"Interesting."
Victor continued to look at the sphere as if he could feel something coming out of it. Something was calling him; however, Victor didn't know if this was something special to him or not.
He didn't want to risk it, knowing his father's way of thinking. If he were to be deemed a danger to his family, he would be eliminated.
This feeling had been there for a long time, and he also suspected that this was the reason why he acted that rashly in the mine at that time.
The head of the family regarded Victor with a thoughtful expression, weighing his words carefully. "Your suspicion is not unfounded," he replied, his tone grave. "The Order of Euthanasia has always been a shadowy presence, manipulating events from the shadows. It wouldn't be surprising if they were behind the appearance of this artifact."
Victor nodded.
"Be cautious, Victor," the head of the family cautioned, his gaze penetrating. "Trust nothing, even yourself."
"I understand, Father," Victor replied, his voice steady despite the unease churning in his gut.
With a final nod, the head of the family dismissed Victor, signaling the end of their conversation. Victor turned to leave, his mind swirling with thoughts and suspicions.
********
After a comprehensive lecture on the intricacies of magical artifacts and their significance in terms of combat, Professor Eleanor, homeroom teacher, placed her notes aside.
The room, filled with students of varying degrees of attentiveness, fell into a hushed anticipation as they saw her gesture. After all, they had been with this professor for the whole semester, and they now had gotten used to the way she dealt with the things.
Clearing her throat, Professor Eleanor addressed the class with her usual poised demeanor.
"Before we conclude today's session, I have an important announcement regarding your last assignment. The grades are out."
She paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words sink in. The students exchanged anxious glances, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. Eleanor, well aware of the tension her words had conjured, continued.
"I must say, the overall performance was commendable. However, as always, there's room for improvement for some. I encourage everyone to review the feedback provided carefully. Use it as a stepping stone to refine your understanding and application of the concepts we've discussed."
She then sent the grades to the students via smartwatches, ensuring each student could see their performance.
The classroom buzzed with a mix of reactions—some students nodded in satisfaction, others whispered in disappointment, and a few vowed silently to themselves to do better next time.
"If you have any objection to your grades, you shall find me in my office to check your papers."
With those words, Eleanor left the classroom without saying anything else.
Taylor's gaze lingered on her smartwatch, her eyes narrowing at the 8.7/10 score displayed. It was a good grade by most standards but not by hers. She expected perfection, or at least something close to it, especially in a team effort where she was the de facto leader.
Her eyes flicked to Asher, a mix of annoyance and accusation hidden in her glance. 'This bastard's report was lacking. It dragged my score down,' she thought bitterly, her disdain for mediocrity bubbling up inside her.
Yet, as her gaze shifted away from Asher, it landed on Astron—the so-called gloomy bastard of their class. He always seemed detached, indifferent to the social hierarchies and dramas that unfolded around him. She had already marked him thanks to his way of behaving.
'Once you are marked, you are finished.'
Taylor expected him to have fared poorly, eager to see his dismay, to witness a crack in his stoic facade.
Driven by a mischievous impulse, she decided to take a peek at his score. Muttering under her breath, she conjured a specialized spell—a trick she had mastered for moments just like this. Her vision subtly shifted, granting her a bird's-eye view of Astron's smartwatch.
To her utter shock and disbelief, the display read 11/10.
Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in an uncharacteristic display of emotion. 'How? How is that even possible?' she thought, her mind racing. Anger and confusion swirled within her, a tumultuous storm that clouded her judgment.
Taylor couldn't fathom how Astron, of all people, could achieve such a score, surpassing not only her but the constraints of the grading system itself.
'Did something happen? Did he bribe someone? No, that can't be the case. The academy can't make such a blatant mistake. Then, did he achieve something?'
As Taylor asked herself, she remembered the words spoken by the managers.
'The evil spirit…If he played a part in dealing with them, it makes sense that the academy rewards him with extra points.'
She then realized the reason why he got such a high grade. Yet, of course, it didn't mean she accepted it. No, it was rather the opposite. She hated the fact that she somehow played a part in this.
'Tch.'
It was highly likely that because they had buried him there, he was able to encounter the evil spirit. He had been just lucky.
However, for a person like Taylor, whether he deserved his grade or not didn't matter. She squinted her eyes and plotted her next move.
Chapter 335 - Crossing Table (2)
Mind and Psyche.
Certainly an interesting concept. Something that every person needs to care about. Whether it is related to the desire for knowledge or not,
'One needs to take care of one's own mind first so that one can live clearly in this world.'
'Certainly an interesting phrase. The author is quite intelligent in this aspect.'
Looking at the book and reading its context, that was what I thought. As a person born from a supernatural merging, I knew from the start that my state was not normal.
My psyche and the way I think is twisted. There are two sides that are extreme. One that only operates like a robot devoid of any emotion and the other whose sole fuel is emotions.
Thus, I am still in the process of learning. This was the assessment that I gave to myself.
While dealing with the Mind and Psychic Magic, one needs to be very well aware of one's own mental state. The reason for that was that the more one dove into this magic, the more they would get further away from themselves. In essence, mind magic is about reading other people's minds, memories, and characters.
But, the more you read other people, the more you need to know yourself, or else you will lose your identity. Losing one's identity often results in many mental health problems.
In any case, this assistant, Professor Mitchell Brady, seems to be a very good author in Psychic Mage. The fact that his theory about manipulating the Cognitive Process alone is worth taking note of.
And now that I am in chapter 2, I can easily say that I am allowed to use stage-1 Psychic Magic to some extent without messing up.
「Surface Level Memory Reading」
For instance, this one is one of those. I can read the memories of other people by connecting their Collective Subconscious to mine. Of course, it is on the Surface level because those memories are not integrated deep into the subconscious, making them easily accessible.
To read deeper memories, I need to have a more profound understanding of Psyche, which is making it a lot harder for me now.
DING!
However, my concentration was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of my smartwatch. With a slight frown, I glanced at the device, noting the notification from the app I had developed to connect with the other smartwatch.
'Hmm? A notification came up from Fred's smartwatch?'
Curious about the reason for the notification, I closed the book and stood up, my mind already racing with possibilities. The app I had created allowed me to constantly monitor the other smartwatch, providing me with real-time updates and notifications.
After all, I certainly wouldn't be able to check the smartwatch constantly, but I also couldn't bring it outside all the time as well. Considering it belonged to a Demon Contractor, even the fact that I own something like this was discovered, that would spell trouble.
Therefore, I created such an app. Since my Moon Mana was unique, there wouldn't be many people who could observe it, making it a good intermediary to connect them.
Quickly making my way back to my room, I settled in front of my desk and activated the app. A holographic display flickered to life, revealing the notification from the other watch.
-----------------------
[...]
[...]
[...]
[Missions][1]
[Currency]
------------------------
There, I could see a mission issued.
'Hmm….A mission that was assigned to Fred….No, that wouldn't be the case since I hadn't contacted anyone about this watch. Therefore, they must have assumed that Fred is dead. If that is the case, this is a general mission issued by someone with a relatively high rank.'
I thought. If this was the case, then it would make sense.
With a sense of intrigue, I tapped on the mission tab, my curiosity piqued by the exclamation mark that indicated a new and urgent task. As the mission details unfolded before me, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
-------------------
Mission: Gather Information on Ethan Hartley, Hartley Family, and Arcadia Hunter Academy
Type: Non-combat
Description: This mission requires the gathering of comprehensive information regarding Ethan Hartley, his family, and the activities within Arcadia Hunter Academy.
Focus on obtaining details such as Ethan Hartley's daily routine, places he frequents, the strength of his allies and associates, any notable aides or companions, as well as any significant events or incidents involving him or Hartley's family.
Objective: Provide detailed intelligence reports on Ethan Hartley, the Hartley Family, and Arcadia Hunter Academy to the employer.
Reward: Generous compensation upon successful completion of the mission.
--------------------
As I read through the mission brief, a wave of unease washed over me.
The task at hand was no simple matter—it required delving into Ethan's personal affairs.
'Who could be behind this mission, and what are their intentions?' I pondered, my mind racing with possibilities. 'An enemy of Hartleys? No, that wouldn't be the case. There is no reason for someone to directly target Ethan if they are aiming at Ethan….Hmm…Is it because he is now showing potential? Certainly, his prowess is not normal, but isn't it still too early?
For some reason, this doesn't feel like a mission issued by another family.'
I thought, yet because of the lack of information, I couldn't say much. In any case, one thing was clear from this mission alone.
'Things will get troublesome from now on.'
With such attention being gathered on Ethan earlier than usual, the already messed up storyline would be messed up further.
********
As the winter morning chilled the air and snow petals fell to the ground, a figure could be spotted running. On his wrists and ankles, there were unseen bracelets limiting his movements.
With each breath he let out, the white steam rushed out of his mouth, showing how cold the weather was.
Yet, even though the weather was cold, the figure was constantly sweating. His breaths were rough as if he was pushing himself. And in fact, he was doing exactly that right.
Since it was way too early in the morning, Astron was trying to train his endurance.
"Hufff….Hufff….Hufff…."
Yet, at the same time, he was also training his lung capacity and breathing.
'Perceptive Insight is really limitless. Just by observing Eleanor's video from her past as a trainee, I had improved this much.'
With his form and breathing improved more, he now even mixed mana into this. Subconsciously, he was trying to circulate his mana while also running.
It was called Consecutive Mana breathing, and it was a more advanced concept for Hunters.
As Astron continued his early morning run, his senses heightened from his training; he suddenly sensed two familiar presences approaching rapidly. Not slowing his pace even slightly, he turned his head to see Ethan and Julia swiftly closing in on him.
Ethan was the first to greet him with a warm smile. "Morning, Astron," he said, his breath visible in the chilly air.
Astron nodded in response, acknowledging Ethan's greeting without a word.
Of course, Ethan wasn't alone.
Julia, always full of energy, joined in with a cheerful wave. "Hey there, Astron! Training hard as usual, I see?"
Astron looked at Julia for a second. "As you can see."
"Hmm…But it is a bit cold, right?"
"A bit? Not everyone is thick-skinned like you." Julia said with a smile on her face. Yet, as the two were talking, suddenly they noticed something.
He was missing!
"That guy…." Julia sighed, seeing Astron running without waiting for them.
"Cough….It was my fault, thinking he would stop."
"Well, he is certainly not the type. But, this makes me want to bother him more?" Julia smirked, seeing Astron already running away. Though that guy was somehow cold because Ethan constantly pursued him, she was also somehow getting closer to him as well.
As Julia felt the mischievous urge rising within her, she channeled her mana and propelled herself forward with a burst of energy, closing the distance between her and Astron in a flash.
Ethan shook his head, knowing all too well the antics Julia was capable of.
With determination in her eyes and a playful grin on her face, Julia matched Astron's pace effortlessly, her footsteps light on the snow-covered ground.
Ethan, trailing behind, chuckled to himself as he watched the scene unfold. He knew firsthand how difficult it could be to keep up with Julia once she set her mind to something, and he couldn't help but somehow feel happy that he wasn't the target of her antics.
As they ran side by side, Julia began bombarding Astron with questions about his personal life, his study habits, and his training routines.
She was relentless in her inquiries, firing off one question after another with her trademark enthusiasm.
"How do you study Astron? Do you have a strict schedule, or do you just wing it?" Julia asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Astron remained silent, his expression stoic as he focused on his running.
"And why do you always train so hard? Is it fun to act all edgy and mysterious all the time?" Julia continued, undeterred by Astron's lack of response.
Still, Astron remained silent, his attention fixed on the path ahead.
"Come on, Astron, don't be so quiet! Is this just your natural demeanor, or are you intentionally being this way?" Julia persisted, her questions coming one after another.
"Is it fun to be edgy?"
"Do you like being rude to others?"
"How do you make your hair?"
"Why is your skin this pale?"
"Do you play games?"
"Do you have any hobbies?"
"Is there anyone you like?"
She continuously bombarded him with questions.
Yet, despite Julia's efforts to engage him in conversation, Astron remained silent, his expression unreadable.
But Julia, undeterred by his lack of response, assumed that he was simply getting irritated, even though he showed no signs of it on his face. This was how she had usually dealt with others, the people she wanted to annoy.
She would usually do this to Lucas, annoying him. But because he had been acting somehow differently, she couldn't do it anymore, and doing such things to Ethan had been way too easy for some reason.
"Come on, don't you see, he is not responding."
Even Ethan was tired of her questions. 'What a mental strength….' And he couldn't help but feel that Astron's mental strength was way too strong. 'If I were him, I would have answered them already.' Of course, Ethan already knew Julia wasn't that interested in Astron. She didn't even want to know the answer to these questions. She just wanted to annoy someone.
Also, it wasn't that Astron didn't want to get away from Julia. It was just that whenever he tried, Julia would effortlessly close the distance.
After all, being a high ranker wasn't a joke, and she was a physical type on top of that. And this made her a lot harder to shake off.
Just as Julia was about to fire off another round of questions, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught her attention. A chill ran down her spine as she sensed the presence of another person approaching.
A figure emerged before them, exuding a strong aura that commanded attention. Her purple hair cascaded down to her shoulders, framing her elegant features as she looked at them with a serene smile.
"Junior," she greeted Astron with a nod, her voice gentle, yet the eyes looking at Julia were somehow cold. "Who is this?"
"Senior Maya."
Chapter 336 - Crossing Tables (3)
Recently, Maya has been feeling troubled a lot. For some reason, the scenes she had heard at that time didn't leave her mind.
She had never considered herself an old-fashioned or conservative person. She was very open to ideas; she didn't dislike other people out of nowhere.
She was against those negative emotions. After all, she had grown up while receiving her kind-hearted parents' love. The values that were instilled in her when she was a child had never been something that she wanted to discard.
'Temperance against hardship is the way of nature and the way of Evergreens.'
She still remembered her mother's words. Though her relationship with her father was close, her father had shown a bit too much of a love for her, and it was her mother who had taken the position of teaching her in general.
But, now, something appeared. Something that had disturbed her peaceful life. Something that went against those values.
Her inner turmoil grew with each passing day, her mind consumed by the scenes that replayed in her head relentlessly. She couldn't shake the image of Astron and Sylvie dancing together, their movements graceful yet unsettling to her.
Despite her logical understanding as a mage and her past experiences telling her that there was nothing inherently wrong with their dance, something deep within her heartfelt conflicted.
Her feelings towards Astron had always been complex, a mixture of admiration, friendship, and something deeper that she couldn't quite put into words. Yet, seeing him with Sylvie had stirred up emotions she hadn't anticipated.
She felt a knot – a knot that refused to move down.
She felt something inside her rising – a feeling she wanted to suppress no matter what, something that she knew wasn't good for her image.
'There is no need to get angry.'
She tried to rationalize her emotions, reminding herself that the dance was just a dance devoid of any deeper meaning or significance.
She wanted to think that the junior she knew wasn't someone like this. He wouldn't randomly get close to other people.
'There is nothing wrong with being dance partners. Yes….There is nothing wrong with him touching other girls or being that close…'
However, her inner struggle was compounded by the realization that she couldn't easily dismiss those thoughts. Despite her best efforts to suppress them, they continued to simmer beneath the surface, refusing to be ignored.
And she wanted to talk to him, to get rid of these feelings. However, sadly, the academy had a new assignment for them, a practical project that required her to leave the academy. When she returned, she learned that her first years went to a mine, thus making it impossible for her to contact Astron.
However, she knew one thing.
'Junior always works out very early in the day.'
Therefore, she decided to look for him in his workout times. Waking up very early at 3 A.M., she even put a lot of effort into her looks, making herself look presentable.
Of course, though Maya was a girl who was innocent in terms of girly things, she had always received praise for her good looks, and this still didn't change.
And apparently, being a vampire was something that gave her a weird charm. Her already white skin got a lot whiter, and her figure became more seductive. Even the way she had walked had changed, with her body undergoing a transformation.
That was something that was apparently innate to vampires. Even her physical attributes increased, rivaling her mana and magic power stats.
Somehow, she became a strong-bodied mage.
In any case, under the snow, she was looking for her Junior. Of course, it was never hard for her to find him since she was always able to feel his smell of blood. It was as if she was connected to her somehow.
Somehow, this made her feel special in a way as well.
However, as she drew closer, her eyes widened in surprise. There, running beside Astron, was a girl she didn't recognize. Her short white hair fluttered in the wind, and a radiant smile graced her lips as she chatted animatedly with Astron.
Of course, from her side, she wasn't able to see Astron's mouth, only the girl's, but it was evident that they were talking.
'Who is she?'
Somehow, a weird feeling enveloped her heart. The same feeling of her insides burning, but a weird chill coursing through.
She felt cold. Her thoughts turned cold.
She couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight.
Lost in her thoughts and consumed by her emotions, Maya approached them without even noticing the presence of another boy beside the girl.
"Junior," Maya greeted Astron, her tone unfamiliar.
'Why is my voice like this?'
Even she was unable to understand how such a voice came out of her mouth.
"Who is this?" She asked, turning her gaze to the girl.
"Senior Maya." His voice was as calm as usual, without any feelings in them. But somehow, she could tell that Astron was relieved to see her. It was a subtle feeling that couldn't be put into logical reasoning. She just knew.
"Senior Maya…" The girl before her mumbled as if to contemplate Astron's choice of words. And then, suddenly, she raised her head, locking her eyes with Maya. "Are you, by any chance, Maya Evergreen?" And then she asked.
Maya locked her eyes with the girl before her, her expression unreadable as she processed Astron's acknowledgment. When the girl addressed her by name, Maya's demeanor shifted subtly, her tone turning chilly as she replied, "Yes."
The girl, Julia Middleton, smirked in response, finding the situation amusing.
'Hehehehehe….Look at what he we have here…'
She couldn't help but smile. Her intuition as a gossiper as well as a woman was telling her something. Something that she would never miss.
Maya observed her closely, her guard still up despite Julia's seemingly harmless demeanor.
"I am Julia Middleton, a freshman."
As Julia extended her hand in the introduction, Maya didn't do the same. Though she knew she was being rude, at that moment, she didn't care.
However, before Maya could refuse the gesture, Julia spoke reassuringly.
"I am not a threat to you, don't worry."
Maya paused at hearing her words, studying Julia's eyes intently, searching for any hint. To her surprise, Maya found herself not experiencing the same discomfort she felt when she saw Astron with Sylvie.
There was something lacking in Julia.
'What am I doing?'
Then, she realized her actions. The pressure she was emitting. With the corner of her eyes, she saw Astron slightly frowning as if he was trying to resist something.
'I am releasing my aura.'
Instantly, Maya accepted Julia's hand. "Nice to meet you too, Junior Julia." A hearty smile bloomed on her face instantly.
And seeing this, Julia was more amused than ever.
"Huuuuu..."
Then, from the side, a breath of relaxation echoed. Turning her head to the side, Maya saw another boy beside the girl. His wavy blue hair was slightly sweaty.
"Cough…" Realizing that Maya was looking at him, Ethan coughed slightly, tensing. He had never thought Seniors would be this oppressive!
'What the hell was that? I felt like she was about to drown me; I couldn't even breathe at first. Thank god, I have this trait.'
Thanks to his trait, he was able to resist such an oppressive aura, or else he would already be dead in that dungeon at that time.
"Ethan Hartley. Nice to meet you, Senior."
"Nice to meet you too, Junior Ethan."
Yet somehow, the demeanor of that scary senior changed out of nowhere.
'What did she mean by a threat? How did she change this senior's mood this fast?'
He threw a look at Julia, who faced the brunt of Senior, and somehow, a new form of respect appeared.
'I guess it is a women's thing.'
After exchanging introductions with Julia and Ethan, Maya turned her attention back to Astron, her expression softening slightly. "Astron, it's been a while. How have you been?" she asked, her tone gentle.
Astron nodded in response. "I've been fine, Senior," he replied, his voice calm and composed. "Things have been okay."
Julia and Ethan observed the interaction from the sidelines, both intrigued by the dynamics at play between Astron and Maya.
Ethan couldn't help but feel surprised by Astron's docile demeanor in Maya's presence while Julia watched with an amused grin, her curiosity piqued.
Somehow, in both Ethan's eyes and Julia's eyes, Astron looked like a tamed cat.
As she saw this, Julia's mind wandered to a certain redhead who had spoken about Astron subconsciously. She shook her head with a slight smile.
'My friend….Your competition is really strong….Your road will be thorny….'
Meanwhile, Ethan, ever the blunt one when it came to these matters, turned to Maya with a curious expression. "Senior Maya. How do you know Astron?" he asked, his tone straightforward.
Before Maya could answer, Astron spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of respect. "She's the one who taught me how to use mana," he explained, his words filled with respect. "In a way, she's my master."
"..." Ethan's mouth was left wide agape. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
'Is this the same Astron I know?' The fact that Astron was showing such respect to someone itself was a first.
"Junior, you are exaggerating."
"No. If not for you, I may not even be able to use mana now."
"Sigh…It was thanks to your own talent that you were able to grasp it that fast. I didn't even do much."
Feeling Julia's grip on his arm, Ethan flinched slightly and turned his head to look at her, a questioning expression on his face. "What?" he whispered, curious about the reason for her sudden action.
Julia leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you realize what this means?" she asked, excitement evident in her tone.
Ethan furrowed his brow, trying to decipher Julia's cryptic message. "What are you talking about?" he whispered back, feeling slightly lost.
"You are hopeless…." Yet, Julia just rolled her eyes.
"What is it?"
"I won't tell you. Find it on your own."
"You….."
Julia threw one last glance at Maya and Astron, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she observed their interaction. With a satisfied nod, she made a decision.
"Let's leave them to their conversation," she whispered to Ethan, gently tugging on his arm.
Ethan nodded in agreement, still slightly perplexed by Julia's earlier excitement but trusting her judgment nonetheless. He also got the same feeling, as if he didn't belong here now.
"Yeah, sure," he whispered back, allowing Julia to lead him away.
Julia, who was leaving rapidly, turned to look at Senior Maya, who threw a quick gaze at her, and then winked.
'You owe me one.'
Chapter 337 - Crossing Tables (4)
As Julia and Ethan retreated, their figures blending into the distance, the atmosphere around Maya and Astron subtly shifted, now stripped of its earlier tension and curiosity. Maya glanced around, ensuring they were indeed alone, before her gaze settled back on Astron.
She noticed how the departure of the others seemed to bring a more serene calm to their surroundings, a private bubble in the vastness of the campus.
"What are your plans?" Maya asked, her voice pondering.
"I am planning to resume my training."
"I see…."
Taking a small step forward, reducing the physical gap between them, Maya ventured, "Junior, if you don't mind... would you like to train together?" Her voice was a mix of hopeful and uncertain, an unusual tone for someone who usually exuded confidence.
Astron looked surprised for a moment, raising his eyebrows, but his expression quickly smoothed. "I don't mind at all, Senior Maya. It would be my pleasure." His response, delivered with genuine amiability, hid none of the respect he felt for her. "But….No, never mind…"
Just as Astron was about to ask her if she was going to be okay since she was a mage, he remembered that Maya was also a vampire. Her physical attributes were no longer something that could be measured by a human standard.
Maya felt a wave of relief wash over her, accompanied by a flutter of happiness. The prospect of spending time with Astron, without the distractions of others, made her heart light.
She had always found his presence comforting, and the opportunity to share a simple activity like running seemed suddenly invaluable. It was a chance to reconnect, to understand how the days had stretched into months since they last spoke earnestly.
"Then, let's start?" Maya suggested, already moving towards the track, that her posture be relaxed. Astron nodded, falling into step beside her.
As they began their run, the rhythm of their footsteps became a sort of quiet conversation. The early discomfort that had hovered around Maya dissipated with each stride, replaced by a growing sense of ease.
There was a lot she wanted to ask, to say, but for the moment, the shared silence was comfortable, speaking volumes of their mutual respect and understanding.
Astron matched her pace effortlessly, his presence a steady constant by her side. Maya found herself glancing at him occasionally, appreciating the way he seemed genuinely content to be there with her.
'It makes me feel somehow nostalgic.'
It reminded her of their earlier days, the simplicity of their interactions, and how much she had missed this. It hadn't even been half a year, but she still remembered the times when she had taught Astron how to control mana.
'He doesn't seem to have any intention of hiding it.'
Initially, she thought Astron would hide what he had learned from her, as not knowing how to control mana itself was an abnormality. But on the contrary, he didn't. Whether it was because he didn't care or he trusted the two, she wasn't sure.
'Or maybe he wants to show it, like me? No, no, no…That is not the case, right?'
However, as they ran, the silence started bothering her. At first, it was fine, but even for her, such silence was bound to be uncomfortable, especially for her heart, which had started beating a lot faster for some reason now.
"Cough…." She was about to open her mouth to start a conversation, but suddenly, she felt her saliva stuck in her throat, making her reflexively cough. "Cough, cough, cough…." And, somehow, she wasn't even able to fix it immediately.
"Cough….Cough…."
"….."
Seeing her struggling, Astron stopped in his tracks as well, and he slightly approached her and gently tapped her neck.
"Hick." With a hiccup, Maya felt the obstacle returning to its desired place once again.
Embarrassment washed over Maya in waves, her cheeks burning hotter than the exertion from their run could account for.
The simple act of Astron tapping her neck to alleviate her discomfort felt intensely personal, leaving her flustered in a way she hadn't anticipated.
His concern, however natural, pierced through the casual facade she tried to maintain, highlighting a moment of vulnerability she wasn't prepared to show.
'No.'
It also ignited something; the hunger she was trying to suppress appeared more and more.
Astron, noticing her struggle, suggested, "We can take a breather if you want," his eyes flicked briefly to her mouth, which was salivating more now.
'It had been a while, hadn't it?'
He also realized the reason for Maya's situation.
Maya, desperately trying to regain her composure, shook her head, the redness of her cheeks betraying her embarrassment. "No, no, it's fine. We can continue," she managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt.
She didn't want to seem fragile or weak in front of Astron, so she forced herself to snap out of it and keep going.
Eager to divert the conversation away from her embarrassing hiccup incident, Maya found herself grasping for a topic that would put some distance between her current state and their conversation. "So, I heard something unusual happened in the recent mine exploration. Were you affected?" she asked, her curiosity genuine.
The mine explorations were not common, as, in general, they were hard to access. Thus, abnormally, when the freshmen went there, she naturally heard about it. It was mainly because of Amelia, who had been attending more meetings.
Maya knew she had rejected Amelia, but she always wanted to be honest about such things.
Astron nodded, a flash of memory crossing his face as he recalled the event. "Yes, an evil spirit appeared, and some of the tunnels collapsed. But it wasn't much; the situation was dealt with easily," he explained, his tone casual, as if recounting a minor inconvenience rather than a potentially life-threatening scenario.
Maya couldn't help but smile at his response, her embarrassment momentarily forgotten. The pride she felt for Astron swelled within her, reinforcing her belief in his capabilities. "Of course, for you, such a thing shouldn't be hard," she said, her tone laced with pride.
In her mind, Astron was exceptional, someone who could handle any challenge thrown his way since he had been hiding his power.
Of course, Astron also knew about this perception Maya had over him, and she wasn't particularly wrong either especially since she had witnessed his prowess firsthand.
As they resumed their run, Maya felt a sense of satisfaction. The hiccup incident had passed, and they were back to sharing a moment of connection, albeit through a conversation about their experiences.
The conversation flowed more easily now, the awkward silence banished by their exchange. Maya listened intently as Astron shared more details about the mine exploration, the strategies he employed, and his thoughts on how to improve safety for future expeditions.
Her heart swelled with pride with each word, affirming her belief that her junior, Astron, was indeed someone amazing.
"But, Junior. It seems you have made some friends?"
"Friends?"
Seeing Astron raising his eyebrows, Maya also got curious.
"Weren't they your friends?"
After all, she had never seen Astron with other students. He never hung out. Whenever she saw her, he was either training or studying.
"Those two…." Astron mumbled. "I wouldn't say friends." For him, Julia and Ethan were people from the main cast, someone he needed to look out for.
The world revolved around them; in a way, they were blessed. They all were future pillars of the world and, in the end, were people who would undoubtedly play a part in his revenge.
He wasn't delusional enough to think that he could erase all the demons on his own. He would need manpower eventually.
And they were such people.
Maya nodded, a faint "I see" escaping her lips as she processed Astron's words. A part of her, one she didn't fully acknowledge, hummed with quiet happiness at the thought of him not having close connections with others as he did with her.
This unique bond they shared was something she treasured more than she let on, a beacon of light in the often competitive and solitary environment of their academy.
As they completed their final lap and approached the academy's training grounds, an unexpected sensation overtook Maya.
'Huh?'
The scent of Astron, a mix of sweat from their run and his unique personal fragrance, enveloped her senses like a spell. She found herself inexplicably drawn to him, her heart racing as she looked into his eyes. The world around her seemed to blur, her focus narrowing to the man before her.
"Haaaah….."
Her breathing became labored, and a dizzy spell caused her to stagger slightly. Maya's vision tinged with crimson, a sign she recognized all too well—her vampiric nature coming to the fore, urged on by her heightened emotions and the allure of Astron's presence.
Instinctively, her fangs elongated, a reaction she couldn't control.
With a soft thud, she found herself leaning heavily into Astron's arms, seeking support as she struggled to contain the surge of her vampiric instincts.
Her head buried in the crook of his arm, she took deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm the storm within her.
Astron, ever observant, quickly scanned their surroundings. The training grounds were sparsely populated, with about ten other individuals deeply engrossed in their own routines. None seemed to pay them any heed, wrapped up in their training.
Yet, Astron knew better than to take chances, especially with Maya in such a vulnerable state.
"We shouldn't do this here," he mumbled a note of urgency in his voice. Turning to Maya, he said, "Can you conjure a barrier? Just to cover the CCTV."
Maya, despite her compromised state, nodded slightly and mustered the concentration required to weave a magical barrier. With a flicker of mana, an imperceptible shield enveloped them, obscuring the view of any prying eyes or surveillance equipment.
Once assured of their privacy, Astron activated his [Umbral Leap], a skill that allowed him to bend the shadows to his will, creating a portal of sorts. In the blink of an eye, they were transported from the training grounds to the seclusion of the nearby forest.
The forest offered them a sanctuary, a place away from the judgmental eyes of the world where Maya could regain control without fear.
"Haaah….I can't hold it in any longer…"
"It is fine now." Grabbing the hem of his shirt, Astron pulled it over, opening his neck. At that moment, Maya could see the bulging veins underneath his skin. It was as if she had a vision specifically showing the blood underneath.
"Then…." With her gasping breaths, Maya looked over him and then stabbed her fangs into his long white neck.
In the secluded embrace of the forest, shielded from the prying eyes of the world, Maya succumbed to the overwhelming urge that had been building within her. With Astron's consent, she leaned in, her fangs piercing the soft skin of his neck.
The contact sent a jolt through them both, a connection far deeper than the physical act it entailed.
Astron, though accustomed to this exchange by now, couldn't suppress a moan that escaped his lips as Maya drank deeply. The sound was a testament to the strange blend of pain and pleasure, a sensation uniquely tied to their bond.
Maya, intoxicated by the taste and warmth of his blood, found herself biting deeper, her embrace tightening as she sought solace in the closeness of their bodies.
Astron's blood was invigorating, richer, and more potent than she remembered. It coursed through her, a wave of warmth that pushed back the cold edge of her vampiric nature.
Each gulp was like a balm to her frayed senses, a grounding force that pulled her back from the brink.
As she drank, Maya's hands roamed involuntarily over Astron's chest, feeling the contours of his muscles under her fingertips. His skin was smooth, the heat emanating from him enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
Her fingers traced the lines of his arms, exploring the strength and vulnerability of the person who had become her anchor in a tumultuous world.
Eventually, Maya pulled back, gasping for air. Her thirst was sated, but her heart was full. The act, though born of necessity, had been a reaffirmation of their trust and reliance on each other.
"Senior Maya, I have a gift for you."
At that moment, his voice echoed in her ears….
Chapter 338 - Crossing Tables (5)
"Senior Maya, I have a gift for you."
Astron reached into the ether of his spatial ring, his movements deliberate, and when his hand reemerged, it clasped a small, unassuming box.
Maya, her senses still heightened from their intimate exchange, watched with curiosity and an unexpected flutter in her heart.
The taste of Astron's blood lingered on her lips, a vivid reminder of the depth of their connection.
"A gift?" she echoed, her voice tinged with surprise and something akin to wonder. Astron nodded, his gaze earnest.
"It's nothing as extraordinary as Starbloom Essence," he admitted, "but I believe it will be beneficial to you." His humility and the thoughtfulness behind the gesture only served to deepen Maya's appreciation for her junior.
A warm smile spread across her face, reflecting her gratitude and the special bond they shared.
Taking the box from Astron's hands, she carefully lifted the lid, revealing a bracelet nestled within. It was a simple design, yet there was an elegance to its simplicity.
The bracelet was black, its surface smooth and unadorned, save for subtle, intricate patterns that seemed to absorb the light around it, giving it an almost ethereal quality.
"This is beautiful," Maya whispered, genuinely touched. The bracelet, while unassuming, held a weight of significance. Her intuition whispered of its value, not in material terms, but in the protection and advantage it could offer her.
"But, I can't accept-"
However, she knew this junior of hers was someone with a relatively hard condition. Of course, how could she haven't checked his past after all this time? From the start, she knew about his situation as an orphan, and she knew his savings wouldn't be much.
Thus, she didn't want this to financially burden him. For her, spending money may not be an issue, but that didn't mean she didn't know about the money itself. If this happened one year ago, she might have been seen as ignorant, but that wasn't the case now.
"Senior." However, his voice made her stop her thoughts.
"Ah…" Looking into his eyes, she remembered the times when she gave him the Starbloom Essence.
'He initially refused as well, yet then he accepted it. I remember how it feels for one's gift to be rejected, yet why am I doing it now?'
Realizing that her act of 'looking after him' would only hurt him more, she decided to drop the act.
"Sorry. I was being inconsiderate."
"It is fine." Astron waved his hand as Maya looked at the bracelet.
"It's a special artifact," Astron explained, watching her reaction closely. "It's highly resistant to magical energies and can protect the wearer from certain status effects, especially those related to internal changes. I thought it might come in handy, considering your... unique circumstances."
Astron's explanation shed further light on the bracelet's unique properties. "In the future, should there be an instance where you might lose control or feel overwhelmed by your nature, this artifact will help suppress those urges to a certain extent," he said, his tone serious yet gentle. It was clear he had thought deeply about what would truly benefit Maya, considering her unique challenges.
Maya was taken aback by the specificity of the gift. It was as if the bracelet had been crafted with her in mind, addressing a fear that lingered in the back of her consciousness—the fear of losing control.
The realization that Astron had gone to such lengths to find something so profoundly suited to her needs touched her deeply. She looked up at him, a mixture of gratitude and wonder in her eyes.
"How long have you been searching for something like this?" she asked, her voice soft with emotion.
Astron met her gaze, his own eyes reflecting a sincerity that was rare in the competitive environment in which they thrived. "I dislike being in debt to others, especially when it involves favors," he confessed. "So, from the moment you gave me the Starbloom Essence, I began searching for something that could be of equal value to you."
His words resonated with Maya. The idea that Astron had spent so much time and effort, possibly even since the moment he received her gift, in finding something so thoughtful for her amplified the significance of the bracelet.
It wasn't just a protective artifact; it was a symbol of Astron's dedication and gratitude.
Maya felt a warmth spread through her heart, a feeling that went beyond the usual camaraderie expected between seniors and juniors.
Astron's gesture was a clear indication of his respect and care for her, qualities that were often overshadowed by the competitive and sometimes ruthless nature of their world.
"Thank you, Astron," she said, her voice laced with genuine appreciation. "I will treasure it."
As she fastened the bracelet around her wrist, she felt a subtle shift, a sense of feeling that she hadn't felt before.
'It is getting a lot harder for me to hold it in. Did you know it, Junior?'
She thought inwardly. Whether it was intentional or not, Astron's even small gestures and his habits looked good in Maya's eyes.
She locked into his lips, a small fire being lit in her eyes.
'I want to do it….'
She gathered her conviction.
'Why am I waiting?'
Was there a reason for her to wait? Why was she prolonging it? At the end of the day, weren't her feelings crystal clear now?
"Y-you know, junior." She stuttered, trying to gather her words.
Maya's resolve, a fiery determination ignited by her feelings and the intimate moment they shared, propelled her forward. The world around them seemed to blur, the forest's ambient sounds fading into a distant echo.
Every step she took towards Astron felt like a testament to the emotions she had been wrestling with, emotions that now surged with an intensity she could no longer contain.
Astron's gaze, steady and unyielding, met hers. There was no pushback and no signs of withdrawal. Yet, as she positioned herself closer, a breath away from the culmination of her desires, a stark image shattered her courage.
Her mind conjured a vivid scenario of a harsh rejection from Astron, questioning her audacity to assume their relationship could evolve.
This sudden, intrusive thought jolted Maya back to a harsh reality. The warmth that had enveloped her moments ago receded as if it were a tide pulling away from the shore, leaving her stranded in a sea of doubt and fear.
'No…I can't….'
The possibility of losing what they already had, the companionship, the silent understanding, and the mutual respect became a tangible threat.
Trembling, Maya retreated, her movements hesitant and unsure. The fear of rejection, of misinterpreting the depth and nature of their relationship, overshadowed her desires.
'I can't afford to lose this.'
She wasn't ready to gamble the connection they shared, not on uncertainty, not on a whim that could just as easily be her heart misleading her.
"I... I'm sorry, Junior. I think... I got carried away," she managed to stammer, her voice a mix of embarrassment and a deep-seated fear of having crossed a line that couldn't be uncrossed.
"No, it is fine." Astron once again didn't seem to mind. In any case, she hadn't realized it at this moment, but Astron was already considering her act of drinking blood as something intimate, so what she did right now didn't hold any meaning.
After all, she had stepped back at the last second.
"T-then….should we leave."
"Okay."
With that, the two left, one going to the training grounds and the other going to the Elemental Chamber.
******
Emma Thompson was lying in her room doing her nails. After all, she needed to present herself better for today's meeting.
With the sophomore-year students finishing their assignment just yesterday, they finally had the time to interact socially with each other.
And she had a boy to impress. Frank Tower, a mage from her class, got her attention. His looks were fine, and he had quite an impressive smile.
RING!
Just at that moment, her smartwatch rang.
"Hmm?"
She quickly threw a look at the screen and saw a message from an unknown number.
Continue as the message will be the pictures of her bullying a girl on the ground. Her face will be clearly seen. After she sees the picture
Emma's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the image that flashed on her smartwatch screen. It was a picture of her, unmistakably her, towering over a girl cowering on the ground. The memory flooded back with vivid clarity, a moment of weakness and cruelty she had hoped to bury deep in her past.
Her breath caught in her throat as she realized the severity of the situation. This wasn't just a random threat; it was a damning piece of evidence that could shatter the carefully crafted facade she had built for herself.
With trembling fingers, Emma typed a response, her mind racing with panic and desperation. [Who is this? What do you want?] she demanded, her voice echoing her inner turmoil.
The reply came swiftly, cutting through the silence like a knife. [We need you to do something,] it read, the words carrying an ominous weight that sent a chill down Emma's spine.
Emma's initial instinct was to deny the authenticity of the photo, to bluff her way out of the situation with false bravado. [This photo is fake,] she typed, hoping against hope that her bluff would hold.
But the response she received shattered her fragile facade of denial. [We can check if you want,] it said, a simple statement that pierced through Emma's defenses like a dagger to the heart.
Emma's resolve crumbled in an instant, the weight of the situation bearing down on her like a heavy burden. With a resigned sigh, she conceded defeat, her fingers moving almost mechanically as she typed out her next question. [What do you want?] she asked, her voice barely a whisper in the suffocating silence of her room.
As Emma stared at the photo of the two people eating, recognition dawned upon her.
[You just need to do what you always did.]