Chapter 339 - Commotion
[You just need to do what you always did.]
Emma's gaze hardened as she studied the photo more closely, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Jane—Mia to some—who sat laughing, seemingly carefree with a boy across from her at a small diner.
'It is him!'
The boy was none other than the very one who had stepped in last time when Emma had gotten overly aggressive with Jane.
That boy had become a thorn in her side, his defiance an irritation. Thus, she had taught him a lesson. She still remembered how she had stepped on him; it was truly an ethereal feeling. Being in power in such situations was really something addicting, after all.
'Heh, this is why I hate such bigots. They can't ascertain the type of girls that would be fit for them.'
Then, another realization stung. Jane, who had been keeping a low profile in class, wasn't actually stepping back as Emma had thought. Instead, she was redirecting her social energies, possibly growing closer to that guy, something Emma couldn't tolerate.
'You bitch….Now that you have learned your lesson, you are trying to entice other guys, huh? Do you think you can do as you please, away from my eyes? After being a whore before, now you are trying to spread your legs to others?'
Her jealousy and anger flared anew, fueled by the image before her and the coercive nudge from her anonymous blackmailer.
Her hands trembled slightly as she typed a response. [What exactly do you want me to do?] Emma's mind raced, already dreading the answer she might receive but knowing full well that her options were limited.
She was caught in a web of her own past actions, each thread pulling tighter around her with every passing second.
The reply came quickly, chilling in its brevity. [Ensure the time they are spending now is messed up. Scare them enough to avoid each other. You know how. Also, make sure that the results are satisfying. You don't have much time.]
Emma's thoughts swirled with a mix of resentment and begrudging understanding as she pieced together the intentions behind the anonymous demand. "They must be jealous... Want to see them fall apart," she muttered under her breath, a small smirk playing at the corner of her lips.
It wasn't uncommon in her social circles to sabotage others out of envy or spite, and in a twisted way, she felt a connection to the mysterious figure pulling her strings.
'Whoever are those bastards, they are definitely familiar to me. But, I doubt that they want Jane…Well, if they want her to resort to such methods, then it will not be good for her at all. After all, they didn't even help her when she was in need.'
If disrupting Jane and the guy's burgeoning relationship was the goal, then it was a task Emma found distastefully familiar but entirely within her wheelhouse.
Though she hadn't noticed it, she was already addressing the blackmailers as "them" since the message mostly contained "we." And, since the picture came, it meant that the blackmailer was directly related to that time, being a possible witness, yet they just watched.
With a renewed sense of purpose, albeit marred by the coercion hanging over her, Emma picked up her phone and began sending out messages to her gang. "Meeting, 20 minutes, usual spot," she texted, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen.
As her plans began to take shape, her demeanor hardened; the earlier unease at being manipulated transitioned into a cold determination to execute the task effectively and regain some semblance of control over her situation.
As her friends confirmed one by one, Emma outlined her strategy. They would need to be subtle yet impactful, instilling just enough fear and discomfort to drive a wedge between Jane and Ethan without drawing undue attention to themselves. Emma knew the balance well; it was a game she had played too many times before.
"Heh, just watch." Then, with a smile, she left her room.
*******
Today was a beautiful day for Jane. After all, she met with 'him' early in the morning, and they had been spending time together.
Though she had tried to push the distance and let 'him' go so that he wouldn't entangled with other things, he refused. Even though he was an airhead on his own and somehow 'innocent' in this world, he was able to see through what she was doing.
It was undoubtedly a weird way of showing this, but she wasn't able to refuse his words at some point. She couldn't bring herself up to block him.
All the time, they had texted each other late at night or whenever they were free; those times were really nice, and she somehow wasn't feeling lonely when she was doing so.
Of course, since they were both busy with their lives and their academy schedule, they weren't able to meet each other physically.
That was why they were here right now.
"Is the food to your liking?" 'He' asked.
His face was turned towards her, a gentle curiosity in his sharp hazel eyes, which seemed to reflect not just the light but the depths of his genuine concern for her. Jane admired those eyes; they always seemed to pierce right through to the heart of things, yet they did so with such warmth and kindness.
"Ethan, it's wonderful, thank you," Jane replied, her gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary on his features. Ethan's wavy blue hair caught the sunlight filtering through the café window, highlighting various shades of azure and teal that reminded her of the ocean on a sunny day.
His hair always looked like it carried secrets of the deep sea, effortlessly tousled as if he'd just come back from a windswept beach.
His smile, when he grinned in response to her approval of the food, was another feature she found endlessly endearing. It was the sort of smile that reached his eyes, crinkling them at the corners and lighting up his entire face.
There was an infectious joy in his smile that made it impossible for Jane not to smile back despite the swarm of butterflies she felt fluttering in her stomach.
And then there were the little things, like the way he tilted his head when he was listening intently or the thoughtful furrow between his brows when he was concerned. Each gesture, each expression, added layers to his simple, undeniable charm that Jane found herself increasingly drawn to.
As she sat across from him, savoring not just the meal but the entire scene, she was struck by how natural it felt to be with him, how every moment seemed to confirm that her feelings were deepening, entangling more with each laugh they shared and every look they exchanged.
"!"
Just as Jane felt the weight of her own smile reflecting back Ethan's, her gaze drifted past his shoulder to a familiar and unsettling sight.
'No!'
There, in the corner of the café, stood a group of her schoolmates, their faces an ensemble of poorly concealed malevolence.
'Why are you here?'
Her heart sank as her eyes met Emma's—the leader of the pack and her most fervent tormentor. The smile that curled Emma's lips was nothing short of sinister, and it sent a cold shiver down Jane's spine, marring the perfect afternoon.Top of Form
Jane's reaction did not go unnoticed by Ethan, whose attentive eyes picked up on her sudden shift. His expression turned from one of contentment to concern in an instant. "What is the matter?" he asked gently, following her gaze to the disturbing assembly.
Before Jane could muster an explanation, or perhaps a dismissal to ease Ethan's worry, a voice sliced through the buzz of café chatter; it was loud, brash, and unmistakably Emma's.
"Look what we have here, the lovebirds!" Emma called out, her voice dripping with mock affection and scorn. She strode towards their table, her gang trailing behind like shadows echoing her every step.
Ethan turned to face the oncoming group, his expression hardening as he took in the situation. He might have been described by Jane as somewhat airheaded and innocent, but there was a palpable shift in his demeanor now—a protective edge that seemed to surface naturally in response to the threat.
After all, he had once been subjected to this senior's attitude. He still remembered the memories of that time when he had been stepped on and beaten without much effort. Though, at that time, he faced them as a group, Ethan was very well aware that he wouldn't be able to beat them even if they weren't a group.
Emma stopped just short of their table, her smirk broadening as she sized up the scene. "Enjoying a little date, are we?" she sneered, her eyes flicking between Jane and Ethan. "Must be nice, living in your little bubble. Let me guess, planning your future together? Or just pretending things are normal for a change?"
Jane felt her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She wanted to retort, to defend their moment of peace, but the words stuck in her throat.
'I can't….'
After all, Emma knew about those times somehow.
It was Ethan who spoke, his voice 'calm' yet firm. "Is there a reason you're interrupting us, Senior?" he asked, standing his ground against her invasive presence. Of course, there was a wave of anger rising inside him, as no matter how good he was, even he wouldn't be able to forgive those who tormented the person he adored.
Emma's response to Ethan's query was laced with condescension. "I'm just doing someone a favor by showing him what kind of girl he's getting involved with." She turned her attention to Jane, her tone dripping with mockery. "Isn't that right, ~Mia?"
At the mention of 'Mia,' Jane recoiled as if struck, her expression crumbling into one of distress. The use of the name, one tied to painful memories and a past Emma had exploited for her own gain, visibly shook her. She hunched over slightly, unable to meet anyone's gaze, her body trembling lightly in her seat.
Ethan's patience snapped. He'd had enough of the veiled threats and the overt bullying. "That's enough," he said sharply, his voice rising a bit with a protective fervor. "It's none of your business what kind of person is Jane to me. You should mind your own affairs."
Emma scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at Ethan. "People like you just don't get it, do—" she started, but was cut off as one of her gang members 'accidentally' stumbled, sending a splash of her cold drink cascading over Jane's head. "Oops, my bad," the girl snickered, not bothering to hide her amusement.
The sight of Jane, drenched and humiliated, was the last straw for Ethan. His features twisted in anger as he reached out, his intention clear—to confront Emma directly. But before his hand could meet her arm, another hand clamped down on his wrist, stopping him mid-motion.
A boy from Emma's group, larger and clearly older, stepped forward, his grip iron-tight on Ethan's arm. "What do you think you're doing, attacking a senior with mana?" he hissed, his voice low and threatening.
Ethan tried to pull free, his voice tense as he argued, "I didn't—"
He was cut off by a swift punch to the face from the boy, which sent him staggering back onto the table, his cheek reddening instantly from the impact. The café, until now buzzing with subdued whispers and curious glances, fell into a shocked silence at the violence.
Jane, still recovering from the shock and humiliation of the drink, looked up with a mix of fear and desperation. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out to Ethan, who was now cradling his face, his expression one of pain and confusion.
Around them, the mood had shifted dramatically; what had started as a simple meal had spiraled into a scene of bullying and aggression, leaving both Jane and Ethan vulnerable and publicly shamed.
Chapter 340 - Commotion (2)
On the academy grounds, while the snow was falling, rare footage of three girls who had the fate of being exceptional in the future could be seen.
"Hey, do you have something?"
Julia raised her head, looking at the other two.
"Do I have what?"
Irina asked, seemingly perturbed. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere, completely unconnected to the present.
"Of course, something to talk about? I am really bored, you know."
Julia replied. Since they had been training and studying from the morning, she had already reached her limit, and her ADHD was kicking in, especially with her addiction to gossip and entertainment.
"Ah…." Irina shook her head. "I don't have…"
"You?" Seeing that she wouldn't be able to get anything from Irina, Julia turned her attention to Lilia, who had already expected what was about to come.
"Hmm…" Lilia put her finger to her lips to give the impression that there was something. Julia, seeing that, slightly twitched the corner of her mouth.
'She is doing it again.' Inwardly cringing, she maintained her expression, as she knew this was what Lilia liked to do.
Lilia finally smiled, her eyes lighting up with the kind of insider knowledge that only someone deeply embedded in the politics of high society would possess. "Actually, there is something," she began, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
Julia leaned in, her interest clearly piqued, while even Irina seemed to momentarily snap back to reality, her ears perked up at the mention of something potentially juicy.
Lilia's eyes darted around to ensure no one else was within earshot before she continued. "The Blackthorn family is considering entering an alliance with the Harringtons," she disclosed, her voice barely a whisper. Julia's eyes widened; such news was exactly the kind of thing she loved to sink her teeth into.
"There are rumors," Lilia added, pausing for effect, "that they might merge their businesses on the archaeology front."
Julia's mind raced at the implications, and she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows.
The Blackthorns and the Harringtons were two of the most influential families within their respective fields, while the latter was in the slightly lower ranks compared to the former.
A partnership between them could shift power dynamics not only in the academy but perhaps even in broader society.
However, while saying that, Lilia didn't forget to check Irina's reactions, and she saw nothing as if Irina didn't even care.
'Did she not understand what this implies, or does she really not care?'
There were two types of merging for noble families. One of them was a clear business contract where that was solely in the form of companies. The other one was to clearly manage families by entering an arranged marriage.
The latter would be the way of showing the world that the contract was a lot deeper and the alliance was a lot stronger as well.
Of course, being the heirs of such families, all three girls were very well aware of such topics, as arranged marriages were the fate awaiting those who lacked behind compared to their other siblings.
That was why Lilia was slightly surprised, as she knew Irina had long liked Victor and that he was the most likely candidate for the marriage.
"Why archaeology, though?" Julia mused aloud. "Both families have their fingers in so many pies. What's so special about archaeology all of a sudden?"
Irina, who had been quiet, chimed in, her tone thoughtful. "There's been a lot of talk about new discoveries and untouched sites that promise immense historical value. Maybe it's about securing first access to these places before anyone else."
It really looked like she didn't care, and Lilia trusted her judgment.
'So she is finally over it….' Feeling happy for her friend, Lilia smiled. And then she nodded in agreement to Irina's words. "Exactly. And with both families combining their resources and influence, they could potentially dominate the field, controlling major discoveries and the narrative around them."
Julia nodded, processing the information. The implications were vast, and the potential for exclusive stories or insider information could be invaluable. "This could be big," she whispered, already thinking about the various angles from which she could approach the topic in her next gossip round.
"However, there are some other rumors as well," Lilia whispered.
"What is it?"
Lilia leaned closer, her voice dropping even lower as she added another layer to their discussion. "You know, the Harringtons have a history of researching relics from the pre-Nexus Convergence. And there are whispers that they're particularly well-versed in ancient artifacts and ancient energies. Maybe there's some connection there."
Irina and Julia raised their eyebrows, intrigued by this deeper level of speculation but also aware of their limited access to the inner workings of such high-level dealings. They knew their role wasn't to pry too deeply with their current information but to keep ears open for more tangible leads.
After all, though they would be the future heads of their families, right now, they were in the academy and the things that they knew would already be known by their parents and the heads of the families.
As they mulled over these revelations, musing about the potential implications, Irina's gaze drifted across the academy grounds. Her eyes landed on a lone figure walking by himself – it was Astron. A smile tugged at her lips, and she began to straighten up, preparing to call out to him.
However, before she could utter a word, Julia reached out, placing a finger to her own lips with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Sshhh," she hissed softly, signaling Irina to remain silent.
Puzzled but intrigued by Julia's sudden secretive demeanor, Irina leaned in, whispering, "What? Why?"
Julia's eyes sparkled with the thrill of the moment. "Let's just watch for a bit," she whispered back, her gaze fixed on Astron. "Sometimes, you learn more by observing than interacting. You never know what—or who—you might discover."
'Hehehehe….I wonder if he will be meeting with that Senior. And I wonder what Irina's reaction would be to see her? It would certainly be interesting to watch.'
She thought smirking. Of course, this act may be seen as her looking for her friend's demise for entertainment, but in fact, she was actually looking after her friend.
Without knowing what type of connection that guy had with that senior, if Irina were to connect too much, she would be way more heartbroken. In times like these, knowing it earlier would certainly help, even though it may hurt.
Irina, though slightly disappointed at her advance stopped, couldn't help but get drawn into Julia's playful scheme.
'Does she know something?'
As she knew, Julia wasn't a girl who acted without any clear goal.
"I am in." Lilia also nodded, somehow wanting to see what this guy was up to. Though they may not be close, Astron was someone she considered with the potential to be able to work under her; thus, grasping his weaknesses would mean a lot.
The trio huddled closer together, their attention now split between the unfolding dynamics of their families and the solitary figure of Astron as he moved through the snowy landscape, unaware of the watchful eyes upon him.
As they trailed Astron through the snowy academy grounds, their curiosity deepened with every step he took.
Entering the northeastern district, an area buzzing with the intellectual energy of students and researchers seemed to confirm their suspicions that Astron was meeting someone.
The district, known for its cozy cafes and proximity to the research center, was a common gathering place for those looking to relax or engage in informal study sessions.
'Who is he meeting? Is there someone I don't know?'
Irina's thoughts raced, imagining who Astron could be meeting, while Julia's smile widened, pleased with the intrigue they were uncovering. The fun of the chase had fully caught them now.
–SWOOSH!
However, their focus shifted abruptly as a wave of energy pulsated through the air.
"!"
The distinctive ripple of mana was unmistakable, indicating a disturbance nearby. Both Lilia and Irina, sensitive to such fluctuations, recognized it instantly as signs of a conflict or brawl—a rarity but not unheard of among the academy's passionate and sometimes hot-headed students.
"Someone is fighting."
Not knowing why they were still speaking with whispers, Irina informed others.
"Yeah, I know."
Turning towards the source of the disturbance, Lilia's enhanced vision, honed from her training as a ranger, caught sight of a troubling scene within one of the cafes.
Ethan, with his face bloodied, was sprawled across a table, surrounded by a group of unknown individuals. It was clear from his posture and the tension around him that he was either in the middle of a confrontation or had just suffered the worst end of one.
Lilia's instincts as a protector kicked in, and she whispered urgently to her companions, "That's Ethan—he's in trouble."
"What?"
"Ethan is in trouble?"
Without hesitation, the trio's earlier mission of following Astron was put on hold. It was an unconscious act.
The importance of family alliances and camaraderie among their circle, especially those of notable houses, dictated their next actions.
Quickly and quietly, they approached the cafe, their minds shifting from curiosity about Astron's activities to concern for Ethan's well-being.
After all, the former was something they did just for entertainment.
–SWOOSH!
Without even wasting for a second, Julia, being the hot-blooded girl she is, instantly dashed through the café.
"Hey!"
Lilia and Irina tried to calm her down to assess the situation first, but Julia was already far away.
"Sigh…." With a sigh, Lilia followed Julia, noticing that standing there wouldn't help.
"Wa-"
Irina was left alone for a second, being late in judgment. She threw a gaze at where Astron was but only to see that he was no longer there.
"Tch."
With a click of her tongue, she also followed her friends' tracks, instantly rushing to the café.
Chapter 341 - Commotion (3)
"What do you think you're doing, attacking a senior with mana?"
"I didn't—"
Without warning, the senior punched Ethan swiftly in the face, causing him to stumble back onto the table. The impact was so forceful that his cheek turned red instantly.
"Cough…."
Ethan coughed blood from his nose, his vision blurring. The force behind the punch wasn't simple at all, and he knew the strength of the senior couldn't be underestimated.
"How dare you?"
Emma's face contorted in feigned fear and indignation as she watched Ethan struggle to right himself on the table, his nose bleeding profusely.
The cafe was steeped in stunned silence, the only sound of Ethan's labored breathing and the murmur of hushed whispers from the onlookers.
"Why did you attack me?" Emma's voice crescendoed into a shrill accusation, her eyes darting around the room to gather the support of the shocked audience. "Is this how you treat your seniors? You're a menace!"
Ethan, wincing in pain, tried to interject once again, this time his voice hoarse. "I didn't—"
But Emma wasn't about to let him speak. After all, if she were to let him do as he pleased, this whole ordeal would be meaningless.
Not every time physical power was the solution. The power of the crowd was a lot bigger than that, and she was well aware of that fact.
She interrupted swiftly, a crescendo of outrage building in her voice. "And to think you were even associating with a whore! Such a bully—"
Her next words were cut short, however, as a palpable shift in the room's atmosphere stopped her cold. Her eyes widened slightly, sensing the approach of a potent energy. 'Someone with a strong aura is coming,' she thought, her heart rate spiking not from fear but from the awareness of a new, unexpected element in the unfolding drama.
SWOOSH!
At that precise moment, Julia burst into the scene. Her presence was like a shockwave, her aura palpable and intimidating even to those who weren't sensitive to such energies.
Her eyes scanned the scene, immediately focusing on the chaos around Ethan. She hadn't seen what led up to this moment but was drawn to the obvious distress of a fellow student and the aggressive stance of the senior.
"What's happening here?" Julia demanded, her voice carrying a commanding tone that mirrored her strong aura. Her gaze briefly landed on the badge on Emma's uniform, identifying her as a senior. Her expression hardened as she tried to piece together the situation from the scattered whispers and Emma's outraged shouts.
Emma, momentarily taken aback by Julia's sudden entrance, tried to regain her momentum. Though her white hair and blue eyes, as well as her aura, somehow made her exceptional, Emma didn't think much of it.
'This girl, did I know her from somewhere?' She thought but knew it wasn't the time to stop.
"This student attacked me unprovoked!" she exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at Ethan, who was still trying to steady himself.
Julia's eyes narrowed skeptically. She looked around, seeking any corroborating testimony from the crowd. She didn't believe that Ethan would do such a thing.
"There is no way he would do such a thing." She replied, raising her head. "There is clearly something wrong with this."
Even if Ethan were to do something like this, that meant there was reason for him to do so.
"Hmm?" Noticing that the newcomer had already taken her stance, Emma's gaze was narrowed.
'This girl….'
She instantly noticed that she was this guy's friend, a possible accomplice.
'Tch…This makes it a lot more complicated.'
After all, the more people get involved in this, the more dangerous it is. 'What have I gotten myself into?' Starting with blackmail, now turning to another.
Lilia and Irina had just entered the cafe behind her, both equally alert and prepared to support their friend.
Lilia stepped forward, her gaze analytical. "Is there anyone who saw the start of this altercation?" she asked the room. Her voice, although calm, carried an authoritative weight that prompted a few in the crowd to exchange nervous glances.
One timid voice spoke up from the back, "He didn't start-"
'No, you won't!'
Emma sensed her control of the narrative slipping as a timid voice began to contradict her version of events. In a quick attempt to regain the upper hand, she raised her voice, cutting across the quiet murmur of the cafe.
"Are we now siding with the attacker, even though he was clearly in the wrong? Have the freshmen always been so presumptuous? Thinking they can act however they wish?" Her tone was laden with disdain, attempting to sway the crowd by casting doubt on the freshmen's behavior.
Julia, Lilia, and Irina exchanged quick glances, their eyes narrowing in response to Emma's tactics. Julia spoke up firmly, "We are not condemning anyone without hearing the full story. It's important to listen to both sides before making any judgments." Her statement was clear and unbiased, reinforcing the need for fairness and due process in resolving the conflict.
Behind Emma, a senior with a sharp, calculating look and a wide smirk intervened. "We acted out of self-defense," he asserted confidently. "As seniors, we're here to guide and take care of the juniors. Why would we harm them without a good reason?" His words flowed smoothly, a hint of charisma weaving through his speech.
But then, his smirk briefly curled his lips before his expression turned cold and serious. He added, "Or are you implying something else? That's a serious claim."
The cafe's atmosphere thickened with tension as his last sentence hung in the air. The senior's words carried an unusual weight, his presence seeming to swell with a subtle but unmistakable power. Lilia's eyebrows rose in realization.
'This….This is not normal…'
She could sense something amiss with how the senior's words resonated. Quickly turning into her mana sensitivity, she recognized the telltale signs of a manipulation skill at work—his mana subtly enhancing his speech to influence the emotions and perceptions of those listening, making him appear more credible and persuasive.
'As expected, this guy has a special skill.'
Reacting swiftly, Lilia stepped slightly forward, her voice calm yet carrying a hint of urgency. "Everyone, please remain calm and focused. It's crucial that we assess this situation objectively."
Turning her attention briefly to Julia and Irina, Lilia communicated through a quick, meaningful look that they needed to counteract the senior's influence. Irina nodded subtly, understanding the need to stabilize the situation and keep the crowd from being swayed by mana-enhanced rhetoric.
Yet, that wasn't the case for Julia. She wasn't a girl who was good at such politics, after all, and she was someone who was hot-headed. Different from Irina, Julia's was more innate, and in such situations where things would get more complex, she wouldn't be the one to step back.
"Sigh…." She released a hearty sigh deep from her lungs.
'!' '!'
Both Irina and Lilia instantly had their body hairs rose.
"St-"
As they realized what was about to happen. They knew their friend, what kind of person she was, and how she would act.
Julia, unable to contain her frustration and anger any longer, acted on impulse. Her mana surged as she drew back her fist, the energy swirling around it with a visible intensity.
–THUD!
Without a moment's hesitation, she swung, her punch cutting through the air directly towards Emma.
The blow landed squarely on Emma's face, the force amplified by Julia's mana. Emma was sent reeling back, her form staggering as the guy behind her caught her mid-flight, steadying her before she could hit the ground.
"Urgh!"
A groan of pain escaped Emma as she clutched her face, shock, and anger mingling on her features.
The senior who had just spoken, now holding Emma, looked up sharply at Julia, his expression a mixture of disbelief and anger. "What was the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice thick with accusation.
Julia, standing firm with her feet planted and fists still clenched, met his gaze unflinchingly. "Speaking isn't my forte, nor is playing these games," she retorted, her voice hard as steel. "I wanted to end things peacefully without resorting to this, but you clearly had no intention of letting that happen. If you think you can bully our friend, it doesn't matter whether you are a senior or not."
Her eyes glinted fiercely, a crazed smirk playing at the corners of her mouth as she continued, her tone mocking and challenging. "I've been annoyed by your words for a while now. How about I sweep that smirk from your face?"
The cafe erupted into a cacophony of murmurs and exclamations. The other students watched, some with shock and others with a growing sense of excitement, as tensions escalated. Irina and Lilia, though initially taken aback by Julia's actions, quickly positioned themselves beside her, ready to support their friend.
They knew well that Julia's actions, though rash, stemmed from a deep sense of loyalty and protection towards their group.
The senior, holding Emma, tightened his grip, his eyes scanning Julia and her friends. He recognized the threat they posed, not just physically but in challenging the unspoken hierarchy within the academy.
His next move was already evident to maintain his and Emma's position of power.
"Is that so?" He replied, raising his face. "It seems this year's freshmen don't know any manners." He looked around. "Then, as seniors, we should teach them how to behave."
–SWOOSH!
Following that, the girl who had tripped her drink on Jane's head rushed forward. Her name was Yvonne, and she was one of those who were in the part of the bullying scene.
–THUD!
Her mana-augmented kick targeted right at Julia's face, aiming to injure her. However, before Julia could even move, Yvonne's kick was blocked by a hand, being grabbed in the air.
"Huh?"
It was a young man whose mouth was slightly bloody. His blue hair was now messed up, and his clothes were stained with blood. His hazel eyes were coldly locked on the girl.
"I remember you," Ethan said as the memories of that time flashed in front of his eyes.
SWOOSH! SMASH!
Following that, he grabbed her by her leg, pulled her to himself, and then smashed her on the table, crashing plates and everything.
After all, he wouldn't even be able to cool himself down in such a situation.
As the cafe devolved into chaos, each participant chose their stance in the rapidly escalating conflict. The senior who had been holding Emma surveyed the scene with a cold, calculating look. His smirk grew as he dashed toward Lilia, believing he could intimidate or perhaps sway one of Julia's closest allies.
Lilia, however, was no stranger to conflict. As the senior approached, her posture remained calm and collected, prepared for whatever maneuver he might attempt.
Meanwhile, Emma, still reeling from Julia's powerful punch, wiped the blood from her nose. Her eyes, filled with a mix of rage and determination, locked onto Julia. "You don't know who you're messing with," she spat out, her voice thick with anger and pain.
Julia, unfazed and still smirking, replied coolly, "Oh? And who might that be?" Her tone was mocking, almost goading Emma further.
With a fierce glare, Emma retorted, "You're about to find out." Without further warning, she surged forward, her mana flaring up as she aimed a swift and powerful attack at Julia.
"Stop."
Suddenly a voice echoed in the café.
Chapter 342 - Commotion (4)
"Stop."
As the voice echoed through the cafe, commanding and authoritative, an unseen force seemed to grip everyone present.
The air crackled with intense energy, and the mana that had been swirling around the combatants suddenly felt heavy and oppressive, as if it were pushing down on them, restricting their movements.
Each person in the cafe felt the weight of this invisible pressure, unable to move freely as they had before. It was as if the very atmosphere had turned against them, refusing to allow any further violence or chaos to unfold.
Amidst this stifling aura, all eyes turned toward the source of the commanding voice.
Standing at the center of the mana, her blonde hair cascading around her, was a woman whose presence demanded respect and obedience.
It was Eleanor White, the renowned hunter ranked 210 in the federation ranking and known by the title of 'Invoker.' Her reputation as an instructor at the academy preceded her, with tales of her stern demeanor and unwavering dedication to maintaining order.
Her eyes shone with a stern glare as she surveyed the scene before her, her expression conveying both annoyance and disappointment at the chaos that had erupted in her domain.
For a moment, the cafe fell into a hushed silence, the weight of Eleanor's presence casting a pall over the room. It was clear to everyone present that further disobedience or defiance would not be tolerated.
With a single glance, Eleanor made it known that she was in control and that any further disruptions would be met with swift and severe consequences.
"Is this how the students of Arcadia Hunter Academy were supposed to behave?" She asked, her tone demanding. "Hadn't I noticed the commotion and stopped in advance? What were you planning to do?"
As Eleanor slowly approached the students, her gaze piercing and commanding, she began to address them with a stern tone that brooked no argument.
"Emma Carver," she stated, her voice firm as she locked eyes with the senior student. "Yvonne Anderson. Jerry Potts."
Her words hung heavily in the air, each name carrying the weight of responsibility and accountability for their actions. Eleanor's expression remained impassive as she addressed each senior, and her disapproval was evident in the subtle curl of her lip.
"It's truly commendable," she continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "to see senior students setting such a fine example for their juniors."
With a pointed glance, she made it clear that their behavior was far from acceptable and that they would be held accountable for their actions.
Turning her attention to the group of juniors, Eleanor's demeanor softened slightly as she addressed them.
"Julia Middleton," she began, her voice slightly less severe as she acknowledged the freshman. "Ethan Hartley. Lilia Thornheart. Irina Emberheart."
Each name was pronounced with a measured tone, conveying both recognition and expectation. Eleanor's gaze swept over the group, her expression unreadable as she assessed their reactions.
Consecutively, as she recounted the names of the freshmen, the expressions on the faces of three seniors got uglier with each name.
'Ethan Hartley, Julia Middleton, Lilia Thornheart, Irina Emberheart?'
Emma, with her eyes widened, repeated inwardly. 'What did I do?' At that exact moment, she realized who the freshmen before her were. 'I thought they were familiar, to think they were the heirs of Pentagon.' The alliance between the five families was very well known. They each held a lot of positions in government, making them crucial members of the federation.
And this made her realize that, whoever the person sending her photo was, they weren't simple at all.
"It seems," Eleanor remarked at that moment, her voice carrying a note of disappointment, "that even our newest students are not immune to the temptations of disobedience."
With a heavy sigh, Eleanor made it clear that she expected better from all of her students, regardless of their rank or status within the academy. She also released the students from their restraints.
As Eleanor released the students from their restraints, Lilia was quick to speak up, eager to defend her friends. However, before she could say more, Eleanor raised her hand, silencing her.
"I don't care who is in the right or not," Eleanor stated firmly, her voice echoing through the room. "What matters is that you have disturbed the environment of learning for others."
Her disapproving gaze swept over the students, each one feeling the weight of her judgment. It was clear that Eleanor expected better from them and that their actions would not go unpunished.
With a final admonishing glance, Eleanor announced that the academy would deal with the matter and dismissed the students.
As each group left the cafe, Eleanor remained behind, her gaze fixed on the window. Suddenly, her eyes met with those of a dark raven perched outside.
For a moment, the two locked eyes, and then, as quickly as it had appeared, the raven vanished into the skies.
*******
The matters in high society had never been simple from the start. Relations, alliances, and many other things have never been simple.
Many acts that could easily be solved would get complicated. At the same time, seemingly one step would be able to solve anything; that one step would turn into a thousand ones in a thousand different directions.
This was what Emma Carver was feeling right now.
'Fuck, fuck, fuck…To think that that guy was Ethan Hartley! Fuck! How did I miss that?'
She was eating her nails practically. After all, she couldn't believe she had missed the fact that Ethan Hartley was the freshman that she had stepped on and beaten down. It was a grave oversight, one that could have far-reaching consequences.
"What do we do now?"
Sitting in a wide room, the voice of a young man came from the side. It was Jerry, the guy she had brought with her.
Though he wasn't completely relevant to the previous case or was he in the photo, Emma held his weakness, forcing him to do as she wished.
'This bitch….Look what you have done.'
Jerry hated this fact, and there was nothing he could do about it. Now, with the stupid decision that Emma had made, he was also brought into this matter.
Emma clenched her fists, frustration evident in her expression. "I don't know," she replied tersely, her mind racing with the implications of their actions.
"We need to apologize, or else we won't be able to do anything else."
As Jerry spoke up, acknowledging the seriousness of their situation, Emma's jaw tightened. She knew he was right. Apologizing to Ethan and the other three heirs of the Pentagon was their best course of action, even if it meant swallowing their pride.
Yvonne's suggestion echoed Jerry's sentiments, and Emma nodded in reluctant agreement.
'This bitch Jane…..She had been entangling herself with Ethan Hartley all the time!'
At that moment, she realized why Jane wasn't showing up. If it were to get under Ethan, it would make complete sense. With this, she would also get protection from him.
"Fine," she muttered, her tone resigned. "We'll apologize. But this better not come back to haunt us."
With a heavy sigh, Emma realized that their actions had set off a chain of events that they might not be able to fully control. All they could do now was try to mitigate the damage and hope that their apology would be enough to appease the heirs of the Pentagon.
'If not, I don't know what to do.'
There was also the matter of this blackmailer who forced her to do all these acts. Of course, if she were to know this matter would escalate to such lengths or it was Ethan Hartley from the start, she wouldn't do such a thing. She would let them spread those photos since, essentially, those photos could only put her in trouble with the academy, possibly making her get a suspension at most.
It was far better than offending high-ranking families.
RING!
Just at that moment when they made their decisions, suddenly, her smartwatch rang.
Emma's eyes widened as she scrolled through the messages flooding her smartwatch. A sense of dread settled in the pit of her stomach as she opened the A-Talk app and saw the flurry of notifications.
[Emma, check the forum ASAP.]
[What the hell did you do?]
[Hey, why is there a video?]
[You bitch!]
With trembling fingers, she navigated to the academy forums, her heart pounding in her chest.
As she clicked on the provocative post, her worst fears were confirmed.
Emma's heart raced as she tapped the notification, pulling up the provocative forum post on her smartwatch. The title, "Seniors Overstepping Boundaries with Freshmen – A Pattern of Abuse?" hit like a punch to the gut. Below it, two videos played in succession, exposing the confrontations that had just unfolded in the cafe.
The first video shows Jerry's forceful strike against Ethan, which is swiftly followed by clips of Emma and her group clashing with Julia and her friends. It made it seem like the Seniors were attacking only, with the starting points of the clip being cut as well as it being cut right at the moment when Eleanor made her entrance.
Below the footage, the text read, "Are seniors at Arcadia using their status to oppress the new blood? Witness the unchecked aggression in these disturbing scenes."
But it was the second video that turned Emma's fear into outright panic. This one featured Ethan, visibly distressed, surrounded and kicked by a group of senior girls flaunting their badges.
It was the video of them bullying Ethan. The video that she didn't want to be spread.
The accompanying text questioned, "Ethan Hartley among victims? Should freshmen accept being targets, or is it time to challenge the status quo?"
The post concluded with a call to action, urging those who had suffered or witnessed similar abuses to come forward, stating, "Enough is enough. It's time for a change. Let's hear your voices! Those who were suppressed by Seniors, let this post be your voice!"
Emma felt her phone vibrating incessantly with messages from fellow students and friends, reacting to the explosive content now circulating.
The realization hit her hard: the situation was no longer just about a misunderstanding or a personal grudge—it had ignited a potential uprising within the academy.
"….."
DRIP!
She clenched her hand so hard that a small drop of blood fell to the ground.
"You!" She growled as she knew the matter had far long escalated to the point where it wouldn't be contained.
Looking at her smartwatch, she opened the message from the unknown number.
"I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!"
She realized that she had been played with…..
But it was too late at this point.
********
"Oh, you must be Taylor. You look more beautiful in person."
"Thank you."
In the academy, in one of the cafes, a group of five girls and five boys had just met. It was a special gathering where the students would hang out, living their youth.
As the group settled into the cozy ambiance of the cafe, light laughter and the clinking of cups filled the air. Taylor, radiant as ever in the glow of the cafe lights, led the conversation with her usual charm and poise.
Around her, friends exchanged stories and plans, the casual meet-up buzzing with the vibrancy of youthful exuberance.
Unnoticed by any of the ten, a small shadow darted between the tables with feline grace. The figure, hooded and barely perceptible against the cafe's dim lighting, appeared in Taylor's chair from behind, and the space rippled for a split second.
With a deft hand, the shadow slipped a small, box into the side pocket of Taylor's stylish bag.
The artifact, intricate and seemingly innocuous, vanished into the confines of her belongings without a trace.
As quickly as it had appeared, the shadow receded, melting back into the surrounding darkness.
"You may not know it, but, recently, our Jackson Family….."
"Hahahaha…Now, you got my attention."
The group remained oblivious to the subtle intrusion, their attention captured by the laughter and lively discussions of their gathering.
Chapter 343 - Polarization
In the confines of the campus, as the four freshmen were released from Eleanor's grasp, Jane instantly bid them farewell.
Ethan wanted to chase after her, saying it was not her fault, but she was held back by Julia, saying it looked like she needed some alone time.
Then, Ethan, Julia, Irina, and Lilia walked away from the bustling crowd, finding a quieter spot where they could talk freely.
Ethan, still visibly shaken from the altercation, wiped the blood from his face with a handkerchief.
His injuries had already healed to a certain degree; therefore, the blood wasn't even much.
However, on his face, his usually cheerful demeanor was replaced with a somber expression as he processed the events that had just unfolded.
"That was... intense," he remarked, his voice slightly hoarse from the earlier confrontation. "I never expected things to escalate like that."
Julia, her adrenaline still coursing through her veins, couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. "Yeah, no kidding," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "I mean, who knew there were people like that?"
"Is this the first time you are encountering someone like this?" Lilia threw a quick gaze at Julia. "There are a lot of them in this place." Her gaze contained annoyance, and her tone was thorny.
"Ho? It seems you are experienced?" Julia raised an eyebrow with a slight mock. She wasn't in a good mood since she wasn't able to beat those seniors up, and now Lilia's attitude somehow irked her.
"Of course." Lilia scoffed. "Contrary to certain blockhead who only knows how to swing swords and play games, I am quite proficient in dealing with matters regarding such cases."
Lilia's words stung, hitting a nerve that Julia didn't even realize was sensitive. She bristled at the implication that she was somehow less capable or experienced than Lilia, her temper flaring at the insinuation.
"Oh, so now you're saying I don't know how to handle myself?" Julia retorted, her voice sharp with frustration. "Just because I don't spend all my time buried in books and studying tactics doesn't mean I'm incompetent."
Lilia's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as she met Julia's gaze head-on. "I never said you were incompetent," she replied coolly, her tone measured. "But there's a difference between acting recklessly and acting strategically. And in situations like these, strategy can mean the difference between life and death."
Julia scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. "Oh, please," she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I don't need a lecture from Miss Perfect Thorn about how to handle myself. When my friends are in danger, I'll do whatever it takes to protect them, even if it means getting my hands dirty."
Lilia's eyes flashed with irritation at Julia's dismissive tone. "And what if your reckless actions end up putting your friends in even more danger?" she countered, her voice tinged with frustration. "What then? Will you still be so quick to act without thinking?"
The tension between them crackled in the air, both girls refusing to back down from their positions.
Irina, sensing the escalating argument, raised her head. Her thoughts had been wandering around a certain someone, and she dozed off. But now her attention was grasped; she exchanged glances with Ethan.
After seeing him shake his head, she stepped in, her voice calm and diplomatic.
"Guys, let's not fight," she interjected, her tone soothing. "We're all on the same side here, remember? We should focus on what happened there."
"…."
"…."
Her words seemed to momentarily diffuse the tension between Julia and Lilia, their expressions softening as they exchanged hesitant glances. After a moment of silence, Julia let out a frustrated sigh.
"You're right," she conceded.
"My bad." Lilia also took a step back. Though she was angry at Irina, she knew better than anyone else that she should never let her emotions cloud her judgment.
"So." Turning her head to Ethan, she locked her eyes with him. "How about you spill the beans?"
At this point, with Jane's appearance at the café, Lilia knew she was the girl Ethan had somehow gotten closer to. She saw his gaze. But then again, she couldn't understand how Ethan met with Jane. It was not normal for a senior to meet freshmen unless a circumstance happened. Especially for Jane, since she doesn't seem to have any common points with Ethan.
That made Lilia think that there was another point that she wasn't aware of, and after seeing the scene, Lilia had a bold guess.
'Ethan attacked Emma. At least that was what Emma said, but this shouldn't be the case, as I know Ethan. He is not someone to randomly attack others, especially a senior.
That means Emma was lying, but to fabricate such a lie, there needs to be certain truth. The people around are not stupid.
For instance, Ethan needs to have a reason to act in such a manner in the public eye. That means she somehow wanted to provoke Ethan.
Why would she do that? We don't know her clearly, and she shouldn't be someone with whom Ethan is enemies. Therefore, her target was that senior, but Ethan was swept by it because he was on the periphery of that Senior.
This also aligns with what I saw. Her clothes and hair had traces of coffee. They spilled some coffee on her head?
Her gaze was also constantly on the ground. Her self-esteem is definitely low. Is this a result of bullying?
Maybe Ethan came across her when she was injured?
Hmm…that is possible.
That means that Senior and Ethan could possibly be met in such a manner, and Ethan knows about her situation. That is why she doesn't refuse him?'
As she concluded her analysis, Lilia locked her gaze into Ethan.
Ethan released a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly as he prepared to recount the events involving Jane.
"It all started a month ago," he began, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern. "I saw her getting bullied by a group of seniors, and I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. So, I intervened and helped her out."
As he spoke, Ethan's gaze drifted off, his mind replaying the scenes of Jane's distress and the way she had looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability.
"After that, we started talking more often," he continued, his tone softening as he recalled the moments they had shared. "Though she still hasn't opened up to me about what was going on, I could sense that her life was hard."
A flicker of anger flashed in Ethan's eyes as he recounted Jane's struggles, his fists clenching involuntarily at the thought of someone deliberately causing her pain.
"Today, we were supposed to meet up again," he went on, his voice tinged with frustration. "But then Emma and her friends showed up and ruined everything. They started accusing me of attacking her, even though I never laid a finger on her. It's like they were trying to frame me or something."
As Ethan spoke, Lilia's expression shifted, her thoughts aligning with some of the conclusions she had drawn earlier. It seemed that her initial assessment of the situation had been mostly accurate, though there were still some details she hadn't anticipated.
'This guy actually dared to oppose five seniors? I don't know if he is really dumb or a zealot. Well, this is just like Ethan.'
She threw a look at Julia, who had been listening to Ethan.
'These two are really alike. They act even without thinking.'
Just as Ethan finished speaking, Irina's voice cut through the tension, drawing their attention to the forums.
"Guys, we should check the forums," she called out, her voice urgent. "There's a post there that you need to see."
With a sense of foreboding, the group gathered around Irina, their curiosity piqued by her words. Whatever was waiting for them on the forums, it seemed that it was something they couldn't afford to ignore.
"Huh? This…."
At that moment, Ethan's mouth was agape. After all, the person in the video was him.
"You…." Lilia and Julia couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. "They really beat you up."
Each one of the groups knew that this matter would escalate from now on.
However, for some reason, Julia's gaze was narrowed…..
*******
"Wow, did you see the post?"
"Of course I did. Who didn't? The seniors? What the hell are they doing?"
"Right? Right? Is this how this academy works? I thought resorting to violence in the academy was against the rules, and everyone was equal here?"
"Are you dumb? Where did you hear such a thing?"
The students in the classroom continued their animated discussion, voices rising and falling as they exchanged opinions and shared their thoughts on the controversial post.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that video," one student remarked, shaking their head in disbelief. "I mean, I knew the seniors could be tough, but I never thought they'd go this far."
Another student nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, I've heard stories about them being strict, but I didn't think they'd resort to violence. It's like they think they can do whatever they want just because they're seniors."
A third student chimed in, sharing their own experience, "I once saw them cornering a freshman in the hallway. It was like they were trying to intimidate them or something. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now, seeing this post, it makes me wonder..."
The murmurs of agreement grew louder as more students joined in, sharing similar anecdotes and expressing their surprise at the seniors' behavior.
"But what can we do about it?" one student asked, their tone filled with frustration. "It's not like we can confront them directly. They have the power here."
CREAK!
As the discussion among the students in the classroom grew heated, voices overlapping with fervor, suddenly, the door opened.
–SILENCE
Eleanor's entrance brought an abrupt halt to the chatter. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned towards the instructor, anticipation and apprehension mingling in the air.
Eleanor's gaze swept across the room, her expression unreadable but commanding respect.
The tension in the room seemed to intensify as she fixed her eyes on each student in turn, as if silently assessing their reactions to the recent events.
Finally, she spoke, her voice calm yet firm, cutting through the quiet tension like a blade. "I trust you're all aware of the recent developments circulating within the academy."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, confirming that, indeed, everyone was well aware of the controversy unfolding. But her eyes were locked on Ethan, who somehow once again became the main character along with some other seniors.
"It's crucial," Eleanor continued, her tone unwavering, "that we maintain composure and focus on our studies despite external distractions."
A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, as some of them blatantly hated on seniors on the internet, thanks to their 'experiences'.
"In any case, let's start our lesson. Today, we will talk about [Swords]."
Chapter 344 - Polarization (2)
In general, what weapon comes to one's mind when the term cold-weapon is mentioned?
Those who were in the military or those types of organizations would be reminded of knives.
Especially the military knife, since they directly complement the hot weapons and support them.
However, in the fantasy world where the mana and magic elements exist, the weapon that is most commonly used is different.
[Sword]
Though in general, in the medieval era, Earth, the most common weapon used by the masses was a spear, that was because it had a rather low-skill floor. The required skill to effectively utilize a spear was rather low compared to the effect it could have in the war.
An average soldier had a higher chance of success with a spear. But that was on Earth, and this place is different.
There is an existence called mana and Awakened. They are superhumans who have far surpassed the human-body limit. Therefore, things can no longer be compared to the earth.
"Everyone here knows what a sword is."
Eleanor continued with her lecture after warning everyone about the recent post. Certainly, the results of the post were particular, as it stirred some tension among the students.
Of course, that would be the case. The contents of the video were quite brutal, after all. But then again, for such types of events to be escalated, there needs to be something more than that.
I could easily predict that the fire that ignited would be quickly calmed down.
"But, even if you know what a sword is, it is still better to hear from your peers." Eleanor raised her head, locking her eyes with the students. "For what reason are swords important to us [Hunters], and why are we specifically discussing it in this class?"
As she asked the question, she seized the class. In Eleanor's style, rather than letting whoever wants to answer, she chooses the students who were meant to answer on her own sometimes.
And most students already know her habit. If she is not saying that, she expects an answer with words like "anyone who wants to answer?" That means she will either answer the question on her own or ask a student.
Following that, we can reach the conclusion that Eleanor's mood is not good. She does this whenever she is angry at the students in general, mostly when something she dislikes happens.
As an instructor with high expectations from the students, this is how she works.
And I knew her gaze would land on me.
"Astron Natusalune. Please answer," she said, her tone expecting. But, with the recent events happening around me, from the looks of it, her impression of me had improved.
Considering that she wasn't targeting me specifically anymore and her attention was on some other problematic students, that seemed to be the case.
Of course, if she wanted to target me, I wouldn't back down from a challenge.
"Swords hold profound significance for us Hunters." I started. "Because they are the most common weapon used by Awakened and the weapon with the deepest history."
It was the textbook answer. The answer lacked depth, but I couldn't be bothered.
"That is correct." Eleanor nodded.
However, seeing me answering in such a shallow manner, it seemed like she was dissatisfied. "But, are there any other reasons? For instance, why were swords the most common weapons? What makes them special compared to others?"
As she looked at me expectantly, I shook my head.
"There must have been several discussions about this, but the most basic answer I can think of is its compatibility with mana," I replied. Though, I already knew she was about to ask more.
"Interesting." At the mention of that, Eleanor's mouth was curled up. "Why do you think so?"
At this point, I decided to get this over with. It wasn't like revealing this would make it hard for me.
"If this weren't the case, once the supernatural elements are combined, other weapons would overpower the sword, and because of natural selection, those who used swords as their main weapons wouldn't be able to continue their legacy, making them lost in the history of the world.
Therefore, just by looking at it now, with the number of sword families compared to other weapons, it can be concluded that the sword is far more grounded than the other weapons."
My answer was true but at the same time it wasn't completely true. There can be several more factors that could affect the development of legacies and the world, but unless something extreme had happened in the past, this reasoning would be correct.
"Good. Well done."
Eleanor nodded at my answer, satisfied. She praised me for my answer and then continued with the lecture. It was quite rare for him to praise me, and it seemed the others thought the same, as they were looking at me with surprised faces.
The beef between Eleanor and me was quite known to others. Even the redhead at the front turned back and looked at me suspiciously.
Her eyes were saying, 'Did you do something?' though the answer was laid before her already. The incident in the mine must have called her attention.
"Just as Student Astron explained, the reason for swords being the most common weapon was with their compatibility with mana," Eleanor stated. She then delved into historical records, mentioning that with the existence of mana.
"Five out of 12 First-Generation-Heroes had used swords. Each one of them had their own styles and their own legacies, now known as five sword families."
At the mention of this, Eleanor turned her attention to the two white-haired students, saying, "Julia Middleton and Lucas Middleton."
"The Second Sword Family, Middleton Family," she added, acknowledging their heritage. This was also explained in the game, as the five-sword families held quite an importance in the plot.
'There was a whole arc regarding them, after all.'
Though it can be concluded that the world would no longer follow the plot of the game exactly, the important events should rather be kept.
"From now on, we will be talking about swords in this lecture and their practices to make you familiar with the most general weapon used by the world."
Eleanor then began with the fundamentals of swordsmanship, explaining the various types of swords, their designs, and their historical significance.
As she spoke, I noticed that many students couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Well, despite our usual clashes, there was no denying that Eleanor was a captivating teacher when it came to subjects like this.
Even I felt like she was more amicable now.
*******
With the recent post, there were countless messages coming to him, but the most important ones were from his family.
Especially his mother.
'She is angry.'
Her mother had been doting on him a lot, and since Ethan was a non-awakened before, she did things that Ethan felt complex feelings about.
'I really wonder who posted such a thing…..Sigh…Everything became more troublesome now.'
The footage shows only Ethan getting beaten. She wasn't sure if this was good or bad. It was good since the part where Jane was getting bullied wasn't shown, so not many people still knew her. But at the same time, it felt like this post was clearly made to stir something.
'Not like I can do anything now.'
He shook his head, walking forward.
"What are you thinking about now?" At that point, a familiar voice came.
"Nothing." Replying to Lucas, he dismissed.
"It wouldn't be nothing. You are not the type to make such an expression. Is it about the post?"
"Yeah, it's about that," he admitted reluctantly.
Lucas grinned mischievously, nudging Ethan playfully with his elbow. "Ah, I see. Looks like even the great Ethan Hartley has had his heart captured by a girl at the end."
Ethan rolled his eyes, trying to suppress his embarrassment. "Come on, it's not like that," he protested weakly.
But Lucas wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. He leaned in closer, his expression teasing. "Oh, come on, Ethan. You can't fool me. I've known you long enough to recognize that look on your face."
But then Lucas's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a serious expression. He looked at Ethan with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "Ethan, we're friends, aren't we? If something like this happens, you should let us know. We're here to help each other out."
Ethan's shoulders slumped, feeling the weight of Lucas's words. "I know, I know," he said, his voice tinged with remorse. "I just... I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, you know?"
But Lucas wasn't having it. His tone turned firm, bordering on anger. "Ignoring the misfortune of a friend doesn't make it go away, Ethan. If we're going to call ourselves friends, we need to be there for each other, no matter what."
"You're right, Lucas. I'm sorry. Next time something like this happens, I'll make sure to inform you right away."
Lucas's expression softened, a small smile returning to his face. "Good. That's all I ask. Next time, don't forget that."
"Yeah."
"Then, I will be leaving. I need to attend a meeting."
"Meeting? Ah…"
"Yeah, one of those." Lucas winked at Ethan with his classic grin. "I will have fun for you as well." With those words, he left as quickly as he came.
"Sigh….." Ethan sighed but was a little happy seeing Lucas returning to his normal. However, his words echoed in his head.
'Telling others, huh?'
He quietly thought.
–TAK!
Suddenly, he felt like someone had hit him on his shoulder.
"Sigh…."
He could only sigh at how rude this person was as he walked to the training grounds.
******
As Ethan reached the training grounds and began changing into his workout clothes, he noticed a piece of paper fluttering to the ground. Curious, he picked it up and unfolded it, revealing a hastily written note.
His brow furrowed as he read the message: "Emily Anderson's life is in danger; she is being targeted by assassins. Location 7th Street, Lactarian District."
The words sent a chill down Ethan's spine, and he couldn't help but wonder about the validity of the information.
'No, it makes sense if they want to target Emily.'
But Ethan was quick to put the pieces together as he realized that the opposing factions of Emily's guild had already been entangled.
"….."
And in an instant, he made the decision, rushing to the location, not even thinking about his family's strength…..
Chapter 345 - Polarization (3)
–Arcadia Hunter Academy, Training Grounds, Sunday Night
As the three sophomore students emerged from the training rooms of the Arcadia Hunter Academy, the evening air felt charged with Mana.
Aria, Doran, and Helia stepped outside, their faces filled with exertion and tiredness. They had been training in the grounds reserved for seniors for quite a time already.
Aria Johnson, a slightly tall girl with brown hair bouncing with each step, led the trio with an infectious energy. "That was exhilarating, wasn't it?" she exclaimed, her emerald eyes sparkling with adrenaline. "I swear, I almost had you with that last Mana blast, Doran!"
Doran Johson, the tall and composed brother of Aria, offered a faint smile in response. "You were improving, Aria," he remarked, his voice steady and measured. "But remember, control is just as important as power."
Though Doran was one year older than Aria, they both entered the academy at the same time. It was because, when Doran was at the age of entering, his family's situation didn't allow him to enter while his talent was lacking as well.
But, as in the case of Aria, she was a lot more talented than him. Therefore, she was easily accepted to the academy. And because she was accepted, the academy decided to take Doran in as well, though they needed to pay a sufficient fee.
At that time, their family's finances were improved thanks to a certain opportunity, and they even entered society a little. Therefore, they could easily afford the tuition fees, which made Doran enter the academy.
This wasn't a common case, but it was also not uncommon either. There were some cases where the students would be admitted later than their peers, but the academy cared more about their talents and their current strengths than their age.
Helia, walking quietly beside them, nodded in agreement. "Doran's right," she chimed in softly, her eyes focused ahead. "Precision and finesse are key to mastering Mana manipulation."
She was a mage with a relatively high ranking. They met in the course project design during the second semester of the first year, and they have been friends ever since. Helia and Doran were even dating at this point.
Aria rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, you two! Where's the fun in being so serious all the time?" she teased, nudging Doran with her elbow. "We're young hunters-in-training! We should be embracing the thrill of the unknown! Just because you are dating doesn't mean you should give up the delicacies of life.
"
Doran smiled at Aria's words, wrapping his arms around Helia's shoulders. "Maybe we should savor it a bit," he said, planting a kiss on Helia's cheek.
Helia's serious demeanor crumbled in an instant as a faint blush appeared on her face. "Doran, your sister is looking," she said shyly.
Doran shrugged, unconcerned. "She can leave if she wants."
Aria harrumphed, seeing the two lovebirds, and then declared she should leave them alone. With a huff, she turned and walked away.
Doran shouted after her, "We're going to have fun for your sake too!"
Aria just pointed her middle finger back at him before continuing on her way to the library.
As Aria walked briskly towards the library, a pang of jealousy gnawed at her heart as she observed her brother and Helia. They seemed so at ease with each other so in love. She couldn't help but wonder when she would find someone like that for herself.
"When will it be my turn?" she muttered under her breath, her steps quickening with determination. "Maybe my standards are a bit too much..."
She paused for a moment, mentally recounting her list of criteria for a potential boyfriend. Each requirement seemed more absurd than the last.
"He needs to be tall, strong, and humble," she muttered to herself, ticking off the qualities on her fingers. "Obsessed with me but not too clingy, lenient but not meddling, respectful, loving me for who I am and not just my body, smart, quiet but knows how to talk..."
As she listed out her impossible standards, a sense of frustration washed over her. "Is it really this hard to find such a man?" she wondered aloud, feeling a twinge of self-doubt creeping in.
"No, he definitely exists, and I will find him." With a smile, she discarded the idea.
"You won't, and it is a pity." Suddenly, her smirk widened, turning a bit creepy and inhumane while she uttered those words from her own mouth. Her steps also altered, moving in a different direction, the direction of the backyard.
But as she stepped into the dimly lit backyard, she was suddenly jolted out of her reverie by a strange sensation. "Huh?" she exclaimed, releasing a surprised sound as her eyes darted around the unfamiliar surroundings.
The backyard was shrouded in darkness, the only illumination coming from the soft glow of the moon and the twinkling stars above. Aria felt a shiver run down her spine, her senses heightened by the eerie atmosphere.
SWOOSH!
Suddenly, something hit her from the back of her head, making her blast off.
CRASH!
She crashed to the wall, blood flowing from her body.
"ARGHK!"
A scream of pain echoed as Aria felt the pain in her head.
"Who- who are you!"
She screamed in pain as her vision blurred. For some reason, the strength of the attack was a lot more compared to what she could endure, and she felt as if she couldn't draw any power from her mana at all.
"Me?" The silhouette before she walked forward. "I am simply paying back what you did. As Seniors, you shouldn't bully your juniors next time."
SMASH!
As those words sank in, it was what she heard last before she lost consciousness.
SMASH! SMASH!
In the eerie darkness, the stick rose and down, hitting the unconscious girl on the ground.
And somehow, there was an eerie smile on the assaulter's face.
"Kekeke….I don't know who it was, but I should thank you for giving us this opportunity. Who would have thought the opportunity to mix things before the final exams would arrive this fast and this well."
With a smile, the figure smashed the stick once again.
"Kekekekkee….. 'He' will really be happy."
Under the darkness, the badge on the assaulter's shoulder shone.
It was the badge belonging to the fourth-year student, a Senior.
********
–Arcadia City, Azure Crest Guild, Sunday Evening
Emily stood before the entrance of the guild hall, her gaze fixed on the emblem hanging above the door. The familiar symbol of Azure Crest Guild seemed to hold a weight of memories, both bitter and sweet.
'Sigh…..We somehow recovered to some extent….'
She couldn't help but reflect on the journey they had undertaken, from the devastating blow that almost shattered them to the gradual resurgence they had managed to achieve.
'I really did well, father did well too…..'
Despite the setbacks and challenges, they somehow managed to recover a little bit after the initial loss.
'Yet, if not for Ethan….We wouldn't be there.'
Emily knew that it wouldn't have been possible without the help of an individual like Ethan, who had offered their support without expecting anything in return. For the first time in her life, she saw that, in this world, there were things that couldn't be achieved by every person.
Not everyone could do as they pleased, nor could they reach the place they wished to. The strength required was too much, and there were many big shots.
After dealing with this matter for a long time, she noticed that the events that were happening to her guild and to the guilds in the corresponding area were all thanks to a bigger fish.
Someone was moving the pieces from their seats above, and they were nothing but pawns to be crushed.
Therefore, she silently thanked Ethan in her thoughts, acknowledging the pivotal role he had played in their guild's journey toward redemption.
"Well, should I treat myself something after this long?"
She had been walking for a while now, and she had already reached halfway through her destination.
FLINCH!
But then suddenly, a sudden chill ran down her spine!
'What is this?'
She felt as though a veil of darkness had descended upon her surroundings.
The once-familiar sights and sounds of the guild district now seemed distorted and unnatural, as if she was disconnected from reality.
–SWOOSH! CRACK!
Before she could process the strange sensation, a sharp pain erupted in her shoulder, accompanied by the sound of something whizzing through the air.
"Argh!"
Instinctively, Emily stumbled backward, clutching her injured shoulder as she scanned her surroundings for the source of the attack. With her already trained body and instincts, her body naturally followed the trajectory of the attack without even thinking.
"Huh?"
In the distance, she caught a glimpse of shadowy figures lurking in the shadows, their presence ominous and foreboding.
SWOOSH!
Panic surged through her veins as she realized that she was under attack, but before she could make a more detailed assessment, another projectile hurtled towards her with alarming speed.
CLANK!
Yet this time, she was ready and aware. She drew her sword in an instant and then slashed the projectile, deflecting it.
SPURT!
However, contrary to what she had experienced previously while clashing against rangers, this time, the projectile somehow contained a liquid. It sprayed on her face and her clothes.
"Argh!"
This made her vision blur, and a burning sensation covered her face. She felt her face burning.
'It hurts!'
She wanted to shout. However, the instincts she had developed in the dungeon and the clashes against academy students made her hold back.
The muscle memory imprinted on her body instantly took control, as her senses became overly sensisitive.
SLASH! CLANK!
She slashed the arrows entering her sense of range, defending herself.
However, Emily, despite her valiant efforts, found herself pushed back by the relentless barrage of attacks. The shadowy figures lurking in the darkness seemed to have the upper hand, their movements calculated and precise.
With each deflected projectile, Emily's strength waned, the burning sensation on her face intensifying with each passing moment.
The liquid sprayed by the projectiles seeped into her wounds, causing agony to ripple through her body.
'I need to break through this. I can't keep being passive like this.'
'Right, I can do that!'
Yet, despite the pain and disorientation, Emily refused to yield. Drawing upon her training and determination, she continued to fend off the assailants' attacks with a fierce resolve.
CLANG! SWISH!
She was looking for an opportunity to attack, as she knew this was her one chance.
"Hufff…."
BOOM!
She forcefully expelled the acid burning her body, using her skill, [Breth Resonance].
It was a skill that enabled her to expel mana from her lungs through the pores of her skin. Normally, she would utilize this to create an explosive field interrupting her enemies, but she found another use just now.
SWOOSH!
Following that, she pushed the mana into her legs, concentrating her strength around there.
CRACK!
With each stride, she closed the distance between herself and her assailants, her sword held tightly in her grip.
As she reached the spot where the shadowy figures had been lurking, she was met with an unsettling sight. There was no one there, only faint imprints of mana lingering in the air like a haunting echo of their presence.
'Huh? Where are-'
Confusion gripped Emily as she scanned her surroundings, searching for any sign of her elusive attackers.
But before she could make sense of the situation, a whisper brushed against her ears, sending shivers down her spine.
"Such determination… Such resolve… But it will not be enough…"
In an instant, Emily, from the corner of her eyes, saw the silver glint of the dagger approaching to her face…..
Yet, at that moment, the assassin suddenly tensed.
"Tch."
He clicked his tongue while leaping back with afterimages left.
SWOOSH!
Following that, a flying spear pierced through the location where he was standing just now. The spear was burning with flames.
"The note was really true."
Before Emily, there stood a man with a familiar broad back.
"You don't need to worry anymore now that I am here."
It was the familiar smile as well.