Chapter 388 - Underneath
For upperclassmen, there were several things to do in the duel period of freshmen. They could return to their homes or choose to stay in the academy.
They were free to choose either of them. However, many of the students chose to stay in the academy since this period was also a way for them to contact the scouts and their possible future partners.
Especially since they needed to consider their summer internship, which would start in their sophomore year, many of the guilds would be willing to take the students of the Arcadia Hunter Academy, but the competition was still fierce.
Thus, Sophomore year students would use their tents for this purpose.
Yet, not everyone was like this. Especially people who had already secured these types of things from the start of the academy.
Maya belonged to those.
Since she was the top student in her whole year and had a talent that one would very hardly come across.
From the moment her grades were announced, almost all of the guilds had sent an offer to her for an internship. The progress would normally be reversed, but for Maya, things had been slightly altered.
In any case, for these reasons, she had a lot of free time under her disposal, and she wanted to use the things she wanted, and she was doing just that exactly.
Since there was no way that she would miss her Junior's duel, she was both curious and expectant for this duel.
She wanted to see how much power her Junior would display or what kind of attitude he would take. Would he be different from how he is compared to other things?
'To be frank, I kind of like it when he is focused.'
She thought, reminiscing.
She wanted to see this part of him, and she got what she wanted. A serious, focused, and unbothered.
The duel may have looked like a fair fight with both contestants being on the same level, but for Maya, who had a special vision and who had seen Astron's progress firsthand, the fight wasn't even close.
There was no way someone who could defeat such a strong vampire was not holding back. Astron hadn't used any special technique either, especially the move that she had witnessed.
Since he hadn't even revealed any of his cards, Maya naturally thought like that. But in essence, the duel was fun, and that was all she needed.
Since she had disguised herself perfectly, she had no doubt that no one would be able to see her. This was her pride as the strongest mage of her year and an Evergreen. She came from no simple background, after all.
Yet, as she was watching the fight, she noticed something.
Precisely some people.
Some people were watching the fight. Normally, this would be no issue. Yet, different from normal, one of these people was under a disguise, albeit a bit sloppier than hers.
And the other two…..
They were abnormal.
A presence she had seen fairly frequently.
'Professional Hunters….And higher rank on top of that.'
One bulky man who gave her the sense of not being able to be beaten….
And a woman with a mature figure who felt like a….Serpent….. A venomous serpent that would entangle one.
Maya's instincts, which she had developed over the countless different interactions in the Hunter field, were warning her. Though she had doubted her instincts at the time when she was attacked by the vampire, after that, they had never failed her.
And those same instincts showed her that her Junior was being watched.
'It should feel nice to see him getting the recognition…But I wonder why? What is the reason for this uncomfortable feeling?'
Yet something inside her felt different.
'Why?'
As if she didn't want others to take notice of him.
'A superb feeling indeed.'
Was all she could say as she followed him through the backstage, and there she had witnessed a scene out of a play.
******
"Do I know you?"
The moment those words left Astron's mouth, Irina almost spurted the contents in her mouth loudly.
The way he gave the response wasn't any different, yet the response itself was so humiliating that Irina couldn't help but cringe.
'This is not how one must answer, yet this is so like him.'
Hearing Astron's question, Reina shook her head with a smile. "No, you probably don't know me directly, as this is the first time we've met face-to-face. But that doesn't mean I haven't been keeping an eye on you."
Astron raised his eyebrows at her response, processing her words. He blinked his eyes, a gesture that Irina had come to recognize. It was something he did when he realized something significant.
'Did he really not know her? No, he wouldn't talk this way if he did. Then, does he recognize her from something else?'
After a brief moment of contemplation, Astron turned to Garrett. "Nothing comes without a price, right?" he asked, his tone wary.
Garrett nodded, his expression serious. "That's right. Everything has a cost, and nothing is truly free."
Irina watched the exchange with growing curiosity. The dynamics between these three were intriguing, and she felt like an outsider witnessing an important moment. Her gaze flicked over to Astron, who seemed to be piecing things together.
"Right," Astron said, turning to face Reina once again.
Reina's smile widened, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You are pretty sharp. Not bad," she remarked. "I would have loved to talk more, but first, we need to deal with some people who lack manners. After all, it is bad to eavesdrop when someone else is talking, right?"
Reina's gaze shifted to the right, piercing directly through Irina's eyes. Following her lead, Astron and Garrett also turned their attention toward Irina. Irina felt her heart race, imagining the possible humiliation that might come next. The intensity of their stares made her feel exposed and vulnerable.
Before Reina could say anything, Astron raised his hand, stopping her. "I'll deal with this later," he said firmly. "There's no need for you to be involved."
His words were a clear way of setting boundaries and limiting Reina's intervention in his personal life. Reina's eyes narrowed for a second, but before she could respond, Garrett stepped in.
"Leave the kid be," Garrett said, his tone authoritative.
Reina scoffed, clearly displeased but willing to comply. "Fine. But you better compensate me for this," she said, turning to Astron and Garrett. "Let's go."
With that, she turned and walked away, her demeanor still composed and confident. Garrett nodded to Astron, then followed after her, leaving Irina and Astron alone.
Irina took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She was grateful for Astron's intervention, but at the same time, she felt like her disguise had been seen through.
Yet, right now, she knew she needed to address the issue.
"I-I…." She stuttered, uncharacteristically of herself. "I-I didn't mean to eavesdrop." For some reason, she felt like a snake had squirmed through her neck, wrapping her and choking her.
'That woman!'
It was evident that the reactions she was showing weren't normal and were artificially affected by someone.
"It is fine." Yet, his voice was calm. There were no hinges of anger or any other emotions. Same dull and composed voice.
Yet, that same voice calmed her down. Using her mana, she scanned her body in a millisecond and identified the external mana trace on one of her mana pressure points.
'…..'
After burning the foreign mana to its psions, she locked her eyes with him.
"You already knew, didn't you?"
"Guess?"
"….."
"Next time, if you are going to do something like this, make sure to pay attention more." Saying that he seized her from top to bottom. His eyes….
They somehow felt mocked.
"What does that mean?" Irina mumbled, looking over her clothes.
"…."
Yet, as she turned to look at him, he was no longer there. Instead, he was just leaving the backstage.
"Hey! I asked something!"
"…."
She raised her voice, yet no answer came. Instead, only gazes came across all sides.
"Come on…..What did he mean? Is it really that bad?"
Irina whispered to herself, looking at her attire. For the first time in a while, she doubted her skills in something.
******
Astron made his way through the bustling corridors of the academy, weaving through groups of students and spectators who were still abuzz with excitement from the duels.
His mind, however, was focused on the meeting ahead. He needed answers, and he knew exactly where to get them.
He soon reached a secluded area behind one of the academy's grand buildings, a place shielded from prying eyes and ears.
Garrett and Reina were already there, having set up a barrier to ensure their conversation remained private. The shimmering energy of the barrier hummed softly, a testament to its effectiveness.
As Astron approached, Garrett gave him a nod, a silent acknowledgment of his arrival. Reina, standing with her arms crossed, watched him with a calculating gaze.
"Good, you're here," Reina said, her tone brisk. "Let's get into it."
Astron remained silent, his eyes flicking between the two of them.
"You did well in your duel," Garrett began, breaking the silence. "Your prowess was certainly beyond my expectations. Amongst monsters like these, you certainly paved your way out."
It was an honest statement.
"….."
Astron continued to stay silent.
"Now, coming to the questions you want to ask. Who am I, and why am I here?" Reina raised her index finger, pointing to the sky.
"These are the questions that you wanted to ask, aren't they?"
"Correct."
Even though Astron had already formed some theories in his head and had some guesses about the identity of the person before himself, he didn't show any of those outside. The reason for that was clear.
He had already shown enough. By already confirming that he could sense Irina's eavesdropping, he had shown his capabilities. Adding the duel on top of that, what he had shown was enough.
Reina smiled, hearing his response. "Good."
With a flick of her hand, something in her eyes changed. They shimmered, and an intricate logo appeared, glowing faintly with a mystical light.
It was a circular emblem with a central symbol resembling an eye, representing hidden knowledge and vigilance. Surrounding the eye was an ornate pattern of intertwining lines and runes, symbolizing the interconnectedness and secrecy of the organization.
The outer edge of the circle was adorned with ancient script, glowing faintly, hinting at the magical nature of the emblem. In the center of the eye, a small, glowing gemstone shimmered with changing colors, adding an element of enchantment.
Astron observed the emblem intently, recognizing it instantly.
'This is….Watchers of the Arcane….'
A name instantly came into his mind. A name from the game.
'After all, there was no way Astron's past would be simple.'
Chapter 389- Underneath (2)
There were countless different things that could be included in a fantasy game. It all comes into the imagination of the developers as well as their budget for the project.
In this case, one could easily say that
The game was vast and contained huge elements of things in the world. Most importantly, all of these elements were in the third-person view.
Contrary to many games with such rich worlds, the game gave the players the chance to taste the combat from a very close perspective.
That alone made the game a top-notch one.
'Yet, now that I think about it, it has always been a strange thing that such a game could be developed in such details with rare loopholes.'
Being in the game world and living as one of the characters….All those things made me think about that.
Especially seeing the woman before me, with the symbol appearing right in her eyes.
'To think that I would see this right now.'
A lot of things happened after I fused with Astron, yet even then, the time passing here wasn't that big. Considering the fact that, right now, in terms of the game's scenario, we would still have been in the first arc.
At this point, it was nearly impossible for the player to come across a person belonging to them, let alone see the logo exactly.
'Since they are rather a group operating deeply and secretly.'
Even at the end of the game, their purpose was not revealed completely. They were an organization that simply existed and did some things with Ethan.
Sometimes, it appears right when the Player feels lost or when the story can no longer move forward.
They were a mysterious organization that was engrained deep into the world. Their motives and leader were unknown.
Their structure and headquarters were unknown. Rarely something was known about them, and there were almost zero clues about them in the game as well.
'Just their name….Only their name…'
One only knew their name….Even that was because there was an event where a member was captured by the InfernalCovenant, and using [Psychic Magic], the name was purged from the consciousness.
But that was only the name.
While those thoughts were wandering in my head, my eyes were locked into the emblem in the woman, Reina's eyes.
It stirred some emotions in me and deeply affected my head. I felt the world spinning just by looking at it as if I was looking at something I shouldn't be.
Countless different threads and voices entered my head in that split second, countless images forming in my head.
It was as if the information was constantly being poured into my head, with overwhelming amounts on top of that.
In general, there was this idea of knowledge being the strongest weapon in the world. While that was certainly true, the same knowledge could also be the tightest rope that one could hang themselves with.
Since, sometimes, it was better to remain unknown.
The information entering my head wasn't something that was fundamentally helpful to me, either. It was rather harmful since it constantly bugged my head, messing with my thoughts.
Yet, who was I?
A mere information is not something that can defile my head.
'Slow down.'
While researching the [Psychic Magic], I came to the realization that mana could be used not only in spells but also in the mind itself. Though it was just a thought, I tried something.
'Mind Palace.'
Creating a palace of memories and sorting them according to a specific order. A mental institute is one that one creates so that one can use one's brain with the utmost efficiency.
It was a psychological technique without any supernatural forces involved. But then what would happen if mana was involved?
The result was clear.
'The information is being sorted out.'
Like a digital algorithm storing the data, analyzing it, and then filtering the necessary ones, my mind palace was doing the exact thing.
And in that split second, that wave of information was turned into a dam, only for me to utilize it.
The mystery of the eye was deflected, making me relax.
"It seems you had already understood that your admission to this academy was not simple," And then a voice entered my head.
It was from the woman, Reina.
She had been gauging my reaction for a while now. This was probably another assessment as to how I would react.
Since the way one would react to that Symbol itself would give an insight into their characteristic. Though this knowledge is one of those rarest clues, one could get into this organization.
I only gave a reaction according to the character I wanted to be visualized in Reina's eyes.
"…..Yes…." Giving a slightly dazed response to show that I was in awe and confusion was the first step.
Reina continued, her tone measured and deliberate. A quite professional, yet I could say she was not that adept in using the logo.
'Let's not jump to any conclusion.'
"Your admission to this academy was orchestrated because of your potential. 'They' saw something in you, something that could not be wasted."
She threw a quick glance at Garrett, who remained silent but watchful. "The organization recognized your unique abilities and wanted to cultivate them. They believe that you have the potential to become a significant asset."
That made sense. Even from the start, things related to Astron's admission didn't make the connection. Arcadia Hunter Academy wouldn't accept a person with such a talent, especially when there were countless people waiting to join.
Even though Astron's talent limit was quite high, it wouldn't be enough. Thus, I naturally looked over the past Astron's memories, yet there weren't many clues.
Even during my time on his necklace, I couldn't see anything related to that, not even from my investigations. Hence, I stopped thinking about these things at that time, but now things are starting to reveal themselves.
I nodded, maintaining my facade of awe and confusion. "What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice tinged with the right amount of uncertainty.
Reina's gaze softened slightly, though her expression remained guarded. "Since they saw something inside you, they naturally want you to reach your full potential. And, now that I have directly witnessed your prowess, I can easily say that you have passed the first test."
"Test…."
"Yes. A test. Since they wanted to make sure."
"I see…"
My mind raced as I processed her words. This was an opportunity, albeit a dangerous one.
The organization, with its unknown motives and immense power, saw something in me, or the previous Astron, that they deemed valuable.
'Potential…Fate...Demon's Massacre of village….Her death….'
My head was suddenly overwhelmed.
For a split second, my vision was blurred. The information that I had previously sorted out was now flowing out of the palace as if something inside the palace had opened the gates.
'Urghk-!'
The pain overwhelmed my head for a split second, and then the world turned dark. My vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping away from reality.
In the darkness, a small light began to illuminate the void. It was a crescent moon hanging in the sky, casting a faint glow over everything. As my eyes adjusted, I realized that the ground beneath me was covered in a shallow layer of water, shimmering with bioluminescent noctiluca. The ethereal light of the moon reflected off the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing, almost surreal landscape.
Right under the moon, I saw a faint silhouette of a person. The figure stood still, almost blending with the darkness around it. I squinted, trying to make out any details, but the figure remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.
Before I could make any sense of what I was seeing, a voice echoed in my head. It was ethereal and soothing, yet it felt distant like a whisper carried on the wind.
"....st....k...th...nsw...i.....u....ho....."
The words were cryptic and blurry, their meaning eluding me. I tried to grasp their significance, but the voice faded away, leaving me with more questions than answers.
The figure under the moon remained still, its presence both comforting and unsettling. I felt a strange connection to it as if it held the key to understanding the mysteries that plagued my mind.
Suddenly, the darkness began to lift, and I found myself back in the penthouse, the pain in my head subsiding.
Reina was still standing before me, her expression unreadable, and Garrett remained watchful.
I shook my head slightly, trying to clear the lingering fog from my mind. The cryptic message echoed in my thoughts, but I pushed it aside for now. There were more immediate concerns to address.
"Are you alright?" Reina asked, her tone measured.
"Yes," I replied, regaining my composure. "Just a momentary lapse."
Reina nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Don't worry, it is just a side-effect."
"Side-effect?"
"Oops, I didn't mean to say that."
Seeing a grown woman like her acting like that, I could only roll my eyes.
"..."
"In any case, since you have passed the initial test, I can inform you of what is to come." Turning back into her usual serious face, Reina continued.
"In any case, since you have passed the initial test, I can inform you of what is to come." Turning back to her usual serious demeanor, Reina continued. "After your semester ends, you will be expected to come into the organization during the one-month holiday. You will start as a trainee."
"What if I refuse?"
"If you refuse…..You will face the consequences." The moment she said that an immense amount of pressure overwhelmed me. She was releasing a strong killing intent.
'For her to have such a strong intent….She is not simple, it seems.'
The woman named Reina…..I will remember it.
"Understood." Since I have no intention of organizing such an organization, I played along.
"Good."
She then reached into her coat and threw a small box toward me. I caught it effortlessly, feeling its weight and shape in my hands.
"That box contains a smartwatch. We will contact you via that, so you should start wearing it from now on," Reina explained.
I opened the box, revealing the watch inside. Its design was... unusual, to say the least. It was a bulky, metallic piece with an overly intricate design that seemed more ornamental than functional. My eyebrows shot up as I examined it.
"Why did you choose this outlook for the watch?" I asked, holding it up.
Reina narrowed her eyes and looked at Garrett, who had been silent the whole time. "It was his choice," she said, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance.
Garrett could only avert his gaze, looking somewhat sheepish. "I thought it looked... good. Isn't this how youngsters like to wear these days?" He mumbled.
'This guy…..Aren't you my guardian? At least remember what kind of things I like….'
I sighed inwardly but decided not to press the issue further. "Alright, I'll wear it," I said, slipping the watch onto my wrist. Despite its cumbersome design, it fits comfortably.
"But I will change the design; it is fine, right?"
"No problem."
Reina gave a curt nod. "Good. Remember, this is just the beginning. Prove yourself, and you will gain access to greater knowledge and power."
She said, slowly leaving.
"But, don't ever disappoint…."
And then she left, leaving me and Garrett alone.
Chapter 390 - Underneath (3)
As Reina's footsteps faded into the distance, Garrett and I were left alone in the room. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken words and memories of a shared past.
Garrett, my guardian. The man who had sent me to the orphanage after everything happened, the same person who had personally trained me with daggers, now stood before me with an expression that was hard to read.
To be frank, I didn't know much about this Hunter. When we first met, he was someone who was sent to the exploration team for the village. At that time, I wasn't thinking right.
The things that happened had already been overwhelmed to the extent that I couldn't even think. I could only see the claws piercing her chest; that was all I could think.
Yet, even then, from the pieces of those memories, I can easily say that Garrett wasn't as strong as he was at that time.
He was stern and serious, a character fitting for a hunter. He didn't talk much, even while he was training me. And since I myself am not much of a talker either, in the end, our relationship was somehow awkward all the time.
I am pretty confident that this guy didn't know how to deal with a child, let alone a kid like me.
In any case, things seem to have changed a lot over the years. Garrett had changed. He got stronger, and his presence became a lot more refined.
From the aura he is excluding, it is evident that he is a lot more experienced and calm. His demeanor, his posture, and the way he approaches things also suggest that he has experienced many life-and-death situations.
Since I can see one when I check, but aside from my observations, there is nothing I know about him. There are some miscellaneous things, but none of them are important.
"Well, that was...interesting," Garrett finally said, breaking the silence. His tone was casual, but I could sense the underlying tension. This guy…He somehow feels awkward around that woman, Reina.
'Interesting.'
I had never seen such a side of him since he was always calm.
I glanced at the bulky smartwatch on my wrist, its intricate design catching the light. "You know, Mister Garrett, you could have picked something a bit more...subtle."
"I thought you would like it."
"Really?"
"Yes."
But, seemingly enough, with Reina leaving our presence, his usual demeanor slowly returned.
"Kid." This was his way of addressing me. Even before, he had never called me by my name.
Maybe he thought calling me by my name alone would make me feel uncomfortable, or maybe he himself felt uncomfortable calling my name.
I didn't know the reason for that, nor did I care. It was just a realization after remembering our past interactions.
"I know this is pretty sudden. Being dragged into this organization and dealing with their threats...."
"I know this is pretty sudden. Being dragged into this organization and dealing with their threats...." Garrett's voice trailed off, his expression thoughtful.
"But," he continued, "it's not necessarily a bad thing. This is also an opportunity for you, kid. Being alone without any backer in the Hunter field is hard. No matter what drives you forward, no matter your motivations, if you remain a lone insect, it will only be a matter of time before you get crushed."
I listened, my gaze fixed on him. Garrett's words carried the weight of experience, of lessons learned through harsh realities.
He was right; the Hunter world was ruthless. I had seen it firsthand. The backers, I knew it as well. But at the end of the day,
"You need allies, resources, and training that you can't get on your own," Garrett went on. "They saw potential in you. They're offering you a path, a way to get stronger. And you'll need that strength to survive and achieve whatever it is you're aiming for."
I nodded slowly. Garrett didn't know all the details about her death.
"Look, kid," Garrett said, his tone softening a bit, "I know you're capable. You've already come a long way. But you can't fight the entire world on your own. Use this opportunity. Learn what you can from them, and grow stronger. Then, when the time is right, you can make your own decisions about your future."
I appreciated his honesty. Yet, some of his words bugged me.
'You can't fight the world on your own….'
In this world, is there ever someone who would fight the world just for a person like me? Do I have any right to request such a thing from them?
For me, who couldn't even protect the only person I needed to protect? What right do I have to request such a thing from someone else?
'Right….'
The demons, her death. There were many questions that still needed to be answered.
There are still many mysteries and many holes that I need to uncover.
Something inside me keeps telling me that once I come to learn the truth, things will never remain the same.
But even without that, the sole reason that I exist….
Isn't that revenge something that will eventually come to destroy me?
Maybe that is what I am hoping for, maybe not. At the end of the day, I have no right to drag others into this.
I am not that selfish. If the world does not permit me to take my revenge on my own, it is not because of the world but because I am lacking.
That is it. I don't need anyone's help.
One part of me came to this world alone, and the other part of me was left alone.
'Future?'
My future? Wasn't that obvious what I was going to do? After leaving this academy? Ending the ones who took her from me. This is what I am living for.
'But….'
Yet, somehow, when these thoughts overlapped my head, a subtle feeling emerged. A subtle feeling of what?
'Regret?'
A feeling that I thought I would never feel for other reasons since my biggest regret has always accompanied me in my dreams and still accompanies me.
I was lost in thought, the weight of Garrett's words, and my own unresolved emotions pressing down on me. My mind wandered through memories and unanswered questions, doubts, and regrets, weaving a complex web.
Just as I was about to delve deeper into my reminiscences, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder.
–FLINCH!
Instinctively, I flinched, maybe for the first time in years, unaccustomed to the sensation and surprised that my senses had missed Garrett reaching out to me. I realized there were too many thoughts in my head, too many distractions.
Garrett's eyes met mine, steady and sincere. "You've done well, Kid. There's no need to overdo it. I know you well enough to see when you're tired."
I stayed silent, the words catching in my throat. There was something in his presence…Something that somehow made me unable to respond.
Was it those words? Maybe it reminded me of something.
Was it that hand? Maybe it reminded me of something.
It felt unnaturally deep, resonating inside.
One thing was obvious. I was like a stone statue at that moment.
His grip on my shoulder was firm, a grounding moment amidst the turmoil in my mind.
He stayed like that for a while. It was silent since neither of us was speaking. The silence was heavy, something I hadn't felt since before.
I generally loved being in silence since it felt like nothing would remind me of those times. But, somehow, right now, not being able to respond made me feel suffocated.
And it seemed Garrett was not that different.
After a moment, he coughed awkwardly and said, "I guess I overstepped my boundaries." He retracted his hand, but not before giving my shoulder a pat.
"If ever something happens, you can count on me. I may not be your father, but I can at least act like a guardian."
"..."
The sincerity in his voice struck a chord within me. Despite the fact that he was nothing more than a mere hunter who had found a lost kid like me, Garrett showed genuine care in his actions.
It was a simple, unspoken promise of support and guidance.
'Why?'
This made me wonder if he was this good at hiding that, it felt like he was genuine. Since it didn't make sense for him to show this care for someone like me. I was unable to comprehend it since never once had I offered him something valuable, and he didn't have much to gain from this.
No, I did understand, and that was the problem. I had seen it before. I knew what happened to those who showed goodwill for no reason.
'She was just like this, as well.'
They perish for the sake of others. This world was harsh, and those who extended a hand often paid the price.
I stayed silent, wrestling with the conflicting emotions inside me. Garrett just smiled, sensing my turmoil. "Enjoy your school life a bit more," he said, his tone light. "You'll miss these days once it ends."
With that, he gave me one last pat on the shoulder and turned to leave.
Somehow, I didn't feel like training today.
*******
The final exam period was different for those who were non-combatants, especially for healers. While the combatant students were tested in duels and physical trials, the healers were evaluated on their ability to mend wounds and manage crises.
Their talents couldn't be showcased in the same dramatic fashion, but their importance was no less significant.
Sylvie found herself in the bustling infirmary, the atmosphere charged with a mix of tension and urgency. Students filed in with injuries sustained from their duels, and it was the healers' job to patch them up and ensure they could continue their examinations.
This was their test to demonstrate their skills under pressure and prove their worth as indispensable members of the academy.
Sylvie moved from one injured student to the next, her hands glowing with a soft, soothing light as she channeled her healing mana. Cuts closed, bruises faded, and bones mended under her touch. Her sensitivity to mana had grown significantly through her training, allowing her to detect even the faintest disturbances in the students' energy flows.
"Next," she called, her voice steady despite the constant stream of patients. A student with a gash on his arm stepped forward, grimacing in pain.
Sylvie placed her hands over the wound, her mana flowing into the injury, knitting the tissue back together with practiced precision.
"You're good to go," she said with a reassuring smile as the student flexed his now-healed arm, relief washing over his face.
"Thank you," he replied. "This is the first time I feel this smooth after a treatment."
"You flatter me."
"No, really," he insisted, his gaze right on her eyes. There was a sincerity in his eyes that caught Sylvie off guard. As he continued to look at her, a faint blush spread across his cheeks, and he suddenly seemed a bit flustered.
"Um, I mean... you're really good at what you do, Sylvie," he stuttered, struggling to maintain his composure. "And, uh... I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime. For a drink or something?"
Sylvie was caught off guard for a split second.
"Eh?"
But as those words reached out to her ears, she somehow felt….
Cold.
Maybe a bit angry?
"That, I was just asking-"
"I appreciate the compliment and the offer. But, no."
Maybe it was a bit unfair. But she felt angry and didn't want to continue this conversation. Even explaining herself felt bothersome at that moment.
Not against this boy, but against someone else.
The boy's blush deepened, and he lowered his head, clearly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward," he mumbled. "Thank you again for the healing. I'll get out of your way now."
"It's okay," Sylvie reassured him, maintaining her gentle demeanor. "Good luck with the rest of your exams."
As the boy hurried off, Sylvie took a moment to steady herself.
"Sigh…."
Taking a deep breath, she tried to fend off these thoughts since they wouldn't help.
"Look at what we have here."
Yet, a familiar voice came from the side.
A voice she hadn't heard for years, yet she hadn't forgotten even once.
"My sister really grew up to be a fine lady."
Chapter 391 - Underneath (4)
Sylvie turned towards the source of the voice, her heart skipping a beat.
Since that was the voice that she hadn't heard for a long time, if there was a certain person who had been plugging her mind into her thoughts, this person was the one who had been in her mind for years.
Standing before her was a man with a serene expression, a light smile playing on his lips. He was tall and dressed in casual clothes that somehow radiated an air of purity and holiness. His yellow hair was slightly long but didn't quite reach his ears, framing his crystal-clear blue eyes and tender features.
"Brother..." Sylvie whispered, barely able to believe her eyes. Her brother, whom she hadn't seen in years, was standing right in front of her.
Even though his facial features had changed slightly, even though he looked bigger and taller, the expression and everything…
She instantly knew that it was him.
"My sister really grew up to be a fine lady," he said warmly, his smile widening as he looked at her.
The room seemed to pause as everyone took notice of this newcomer. His handsome features and calm demeanor drew the attention of everyone around them, some even staring with open admiration.
"Leo... what are you doing here?" Sylvie managed to ask, her voice a mixture of surprise and joy.
Leonard chuckled softly, stepping closer. "I heard about the final exams and thought I'd come to see how my little sister is doing. Seems like you're handling things quite well."
Sylvie's initial shock began to give way to a rush of emotions. Seeing her brother after so many years brought back a flood of memories.
'He is back…He is really back…'
It was such a sudden thing that even her trait and the other things were closed. She was solely focused on this very moment, something she wouldn't do very often.
"Come here."
Seeing him spreading his arms like it was used to, a blush of shame spread through her cheeks. She was embarrassed, feeling like he was treating her like a kid.
She also didn't want to fold immediately. Since he suddenly disappeared at that time with only a note.
Yet, at the same time, she couldn't overcome the desire to hug him since it had been so long.
"Come on."
Thus, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity she had missed for so long.
"I'm so glad to see you," she said, her voice muffled against his chest.
Leonard gently patted her back, his smile never fading. "I've missed you too, Sylvie. It's been too long."
As they broke the embrace, Sylvie couldn't help but notice the awestruck expressions on the faces of the other students and healers in the room. Leonard's presence was undeniably captivating, and for such a person to be the brother of Sylvie.
It was evident that there would be many people bothering her in the future. At that moment, Sylvie couldn't help but activate her trait once again. It was not because of her own volition but because of the emotions that the surrounding students were feeling.
And just as she expected, many feelings were surging through the students.
For the boys, it was mainly respect. The aura that was spreading from Leonard was so noble and awestriking that the male healers didn't even have any time to get jealous of him. Of course, there were still some that had harbored some envy and jealousy, yet they lacked in numbers compared to others.
Things were a bit different for their female counterparts.
Sylvie's trait allowed her to see the emotions swirling around her brother like a vivid aura. The girls' feelings were more complex, layered with admiration and something more primal: lust and envy.
She could see the way their eyes followed Leonard, and their admiration tinged with a deeper desire. Some of the girls looked at him with open longing, their expressions betraying the attraction they felt. But beneath the admiration, there was also a palpable undercurrent of envy, especially directed at Sylvie.
The envy was almost palpable, so intense in some that it nearly covered their entire color palette. Sylvie could sense the jealousy radiating from them, their thoughts likely consumed with questions of why someone so extraordinary belonged to her family and why she had the privilege of his affection and attention.
Sylvie felt a pang of discomfort but pushed it aside. She was used to the envy and the misunderstandings it could bring. Her whole childhood was filled with such things, after all.
Leonard's return, however, was a blessing. She wouldn't let these emotions taint her.
"Brother," she said, regaining her composure. "Please."
"Why? It has been so long since I saw my little lamb. Why can't I enjoy it?"
"It is embarrassing."
'All those emotions are annoying.'
"Haha…Are you feeling shy?"
"….."
Hearing how her brother didn't seem to care, Sylvie pouted and pinched his arm.
"Okay, okay. Don't sulk."
Leonard chuckled, rubbing his arm where she had pinched him. "I missed this," he said softly. "Even your little pinches."
Sylvie couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with affection for her brother. "I've missed you too," she admitted, her voice tender.
"Alright, I'll let you get back to work," Leonard said, stepping back but not before giving her one last affectionate pat on the head. "But let's catch up properly later. I want to hear everything."
"Promise?" Sylvie asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Promise," Leonard confirmed, his smile reassuring.
As Leonard turned to leave, Sylvie felt a renewed sense of determination and warmth. There were a lot of things that she needed to ask him.
'Why did you disappear so suddenly without saying anything?'
'Why have you not contacted me in all these years?'
'What did you do all these times?'
Many questions needed to be asked, yet, in the end, she knew this moment wasn't for that. At least, she needed to have a more calm time.
Since she had also booked her break to watch a certain someone's match, she needed to work for a while now.
With a deep breath, she refocused on her work, calling out for the next patient amongst the gazes of all these students.
*******
The sun was setting over Arcadia Hunter Academy, casting long shadows across the dueling grounds. The day had been a whirlwind of activity, with duel after duel taking place as students demonstrated their skills and resolve.
Eleanor stood in the observation tower, a vantage point that allowed her to oversee multiple matches at once. She held a tablet in her hand, ready to grade the students she had missed earlier in the day.
Eleanor's sharp eyes moved from one duel to the next, evaluating each student's performance with meticulous attention.
The lower-ranked students were fighting today, and she noted their techniques, mana control, and strategic decisions.
Each duel was an opportunity for her to gauge their progress and potential. And for her, who had already been accustomed to observing and grading the students, the process was just like another one of her own fights.
Mira Sullivan vs. Gregor White
Mira's agility and quick thinking allowed her to outpace and outsmart Gregor. Her victory was swift, highlighting her strategic prowess.
Clara Rivers vs. Edwin Moore
Clara's duel was a showcase of raw power. She overwhelmed Edwin with sheer strength, earning a decisive victory.
Nora Flint vs. Jasper Reed
Nora displayed a balanced approach, combining offense and defense effectively. Her victory was hard-fought, but it showed her growing competence.
Just like that, she had finished her grading process. Since there were many instructors, the students were spread around to reduce the workload on them.
In any case, with how she had finished her grading process, now it was time for her to check on how her students did.
Even if she wouldn't grade them, she still could watch the records of every duel.
Astron Natusalune vs. Wilfred Gibbs
And there was one particular student that she wanted to check for today. Since the other important duels would happen later, there was only one that she deemed important.
"Challenger, Astron Natusalune, Ranked 1729."
"Challenged, Wilfred Gibbs. Ranked 1589."
With that, the recording started, and Eleanor watched the fight. Until everything was over, she watched like a true instructor trying to analyze her students.
"Yield," Astron commanded, his voice steady.
Wilfred, recognizing his defeat, bowed his head. "I yield," he said softly.
And this was the end of the recording.
"Not bad." She mumbled.
Eleanor's analysis was thorough:
Adaptability: Astron's ability to switch between ranged and close combat effectively was impressive. He used the element of surprise and his opponent's underestimation to his advantage.
Tactical Awareness: Astron's strategic use of feints and psychological tactics disrupted Wilfred's focus, showcasing his understanding of combat psychology.
Skill Development: Despite his lower rank, Astron demonstrated significant growth and proficiency in both dagger and bow techniques. His agility and precision were notable.
The fighting style that was displayed was slightly bizarre. Not many hunters fought in such a manner.
Yet, Eleanor knew one thing.
'He resembles her.'
There was one certain someone who fought like this as well. And that certain someone was now…..
Her nemesis.
******
Later that evening, Sylvie met Leonard at one of the cozy cafes on campus. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the cafe's patio, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling activity of the day.
The cafe was a popular spot, and many students were present, their curious eyes following Leonard and Sylvie as they took a seat by the window.
'Let them stare,' Sylvie thought, dismissing the envious glances and whispers that followed them. She was determined to enjoy this time with her brother, no matter what.
"Thank you for making time to meet," Sylvie said, smiling warmly as she settled into her seat.
"Of course," Leonard replied, his own smile mirroring hers. "I've missed you, Sylvie. It's good to see you in such high spirits."
As they waited for their drinks, Sylvie took a moment to study her brother. Despite the years that had passed, he still exuded the same calm and reassuring presence. Yet, there was a maturity in his eyes that hinted at the experiences he had gone through during their time apart.
"So," Leonard began, leaning forward slightly, "tell me everything. How have you been? What have you been up to?"
Sylvie took a deep breath, deciding to start with the lighter topics. "I've been training hard, focusing on my….Skills." She decided to hide her awakening for the time being since she didn't want her brother to worry for now. For some reason, she also felt like it would be disastrous to talk about him right now.
"The final exams have been intense, but I think I'm managing well."
Leonard nodded, listening intently. "I heard about your progress. I'm proud of you, Sylvie. You've grown so much."
"Thank you," she said, feeling a warm glow of pride at his words. "But... there are things I need to ask you too."
Leonard's expression grew serious, and he nodded again, understanding the importance of her unspoken questions to his sister. "Go ahead."
'Why did you disappear so suddenly without saying anything? Why have you not contacted me in all these years? What did you do all this time?'
Sylvie took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Why did you leave so suddenly, brother? And why didn't you contact me? I... I was worried to death about you."
Leonard sighed, his gaze softening. "I owe you an explanation, Sylvie."
"The reason I had left-"
Just as Leonard was about to speak more, suddenly, something tingled on his neck.
It was the artifact that would show him his target.
'Kin of the Moon!'
Chapter 392 - Underneath (5)
For the whole month, Leonard had been searching for the 'Kin of the Moon.' Since the prophecy had long predicted that the Kin of the Moon would have their fate interlocked with the 'Stars' of the world, Leonard started from Arcadia City.
Though he was taking a break now, his mind was still occupied with his mission after all. He was having a good time talking to his sister and learning about her life, yet part of his mind was still tense.
"The reason I left—"
And just as he began, he suddenly flinched, his gaze snapping away from Sylvie and toward the cafe's entrance.
His eyes briefly shone with a vivid yellow light, and an intense, almost predatory intent seemed to radiate from him.
Though he was adept at controlling his aura, making it invisible to ordinary people, Sylvie's unique powers allowed her to sense the shift.
Her eyes widened, and she gasped softly, but she quickly regained control of her emotions, masking her reaction. She watched Leonard closely, her mind racing with questions and concerns.
"Brother?" she asked softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "Is everything alright?"
Leonard didn't immediately respond, his focus entirely on something—or someone—outside the cafe. The artifact around his neck had tingled, alerting him to the presence of his target. 'Kin of the Moon,' the thought echoed in his mind, heightening his senses and making him hyper-aware of his surroundings.
Without turning back to Sylvie, he spoke in a low, urgent tone. "Sylvie, I need to step outside for a moment. There's a call that I need to take."
THUMP!
Sylvie's heart pounded in her chest. Since this was the first time she had seen something like this.
No. It was not the first time.
There was once a time when she felt the same thing. The time when she witnessed someone getting brutally murdered.
That brutal murderer who killed Demonic Human Mason had the same type of intent. Such a type of intent, similar to a murderer, was coming from her brother. How could she stay completely calm?
'This is…..No, Sylvie. Calm down.'
But eventually, she nodded, forcing a smile. Since this was how she was supposed to act if she wanted to learn more, she needed to keep her calm and act logically, not letting her emotions get the better of her.
Since this was what she learned.
"Of course. It is completely fine."
Leonard gave her a reassuring nod, his expression softening momentarily. "I'll be right back. Stay here."
Leonard stepped out of the cafe, his demeanor shifting from relaxed to hyper-focused. Once outside, he quickly checked his surroundings before pulling out the artifact hanging around his neck.
The 'Kin of the Moon'—a target he had been hunting for some time—was near. He injected his mana into the necklace, enhancing its influence to trace the target more precisely.
As the mana flowed through the artifact, Leonard began to sense the mana imprints of everyone around him.
Each person had a unique signature, a distinct energy pattern that the artifact could detect. He scanned the area meticulously, his senses heightened to pick up even the faintest trace of his target.
However, no matter how much he searched, he couldn't pinpoint the exact location of the 'Kin of the Moon.'
"Annoying. Or should I say, as expected from the world's best academy?"
The academy's wards and protective artifacts were causing interference, disrupting the resonance of his mana with the artifact.
The intricate magical barriers designed to safeguard students and faculty were inadvertently shielding his target from detection.
Leonard's eyes narrowed in frustration as he continued to scan the area. He could sense the presence of powerful wards, their energies mingling and creating a complex web that made it nearly impossible to isolate a single mana imprint.
'No, this will not work no matter what.'
After almost a minute of fruitless searching, Leonard realized that he would have to get closer to his target without relying solely on the artifact. He would need to employ a more direct approach to uncover the identity and location of the 'Kin of the Moon.'
'But still…..I have finally gotten something. It seems the lord is on my side.'
Despite the setback, a smile tugged at Leonard's lips. The fact that his target was somehow affiliated with the academy—either as a student or a relative—meant he was on the right track. The proximity of his target gave him hope that he was closing in, and it was only a matter of time before he uncovered the truth.
With a final, calming breath, Leonard turned and re-entered the cafe. Sylvie was waiting for him, her expression calm, but her eyes filled with concern and curiosity. Leonard's demeanor softened as he approached her, masking the intensity of his recent focus.
"Sorry about that," he said, sitting back down. "Had to take care of something urgent."
"It's alright. Everything okay?"
"Yes, everything's fine," Leonard reassured her, his smile gentle. "Now, where were we?"
Sylvie forced herself to relax, deciding to continue their conversation and gather more information when the time was right. "You were about to tell me why you left so suddenly," she reminded him, her voice steady.
Leonard's expression grew serious again as he nodded. "Right." He smiled slightly. No matter what, he knew he couldn't escape his fate.
Sylvie raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Purpose?"
Leonard's smile widened. "It's fine if you don't understand everything completely right now. When the time comes, you'll understand."
Sylvie narrowed her eyes, feeling a mix of curiosity and frustration. "And the right time isn't now?"
Leonard shook his head. "No, not yet. But I'll give you a hint."
Sylvie leaned in, intrigued. "A hint?"
Leonard's eyes twinkled with a secretive light. "Do you think our family is a simple family?"
Sylvie stood in silence, pondering his question. She had always felt there was more to their family, especially with the abilities she and Leonard possessed as well as she herself possessed, but she had never delved too deeply into those thoughts. Her mind raced with realizations, trying to piece together the fragments of what Leonard was implying.
"Leonard, what do you mean?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leonard smiled and put a finger to his lips. "Shh. Not the time."
Sylvie sighed, realizing that she wouldn't be able to get any more information from him. He was always like this, after all. If he didn't want to talk, he would evade the topics like this. Despite her frustration, she knew pushing further wouldn't yield any results.
"Alright, I'll wait," she said reluctantly. "But you have to promise to tell me when the time is right."
Leonard nodded. "I promise. Just trust me for now."
Sylvie looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception, but all she found was sincerity. Normally, she wouldn't even have the urge to check her family's emotional palette since she trusted them deeply. But right now, she couldn't forget the intent that Leonard had displayed just now.
The fact that he resembled that murderer alone made her feel a suffocating feeling inside.
'How do you expect me to trust you?'
She thought inwardly. Yet, she knew she could only answer in one way. With a deep breath, she decided to let it go for the moment.
"Okay," she said, forcing a smile. "I trust you."
Leonard's expression softened. "That is my sister." And then, suddenly, he smiled mischievously. "So, it seems my sister is a bit popular now?"
And he asked a question that was so out of nowhere that Sylvie couldn't help but give a surprise exclamation.
"Huh?"
"You know," Leonard continued, leaning in with a teasing grin. "The one who asked you out at the infirmary. I saw the whole thing. Is there a person you like? Is that why you rejected him?"
Sylvie felt her cheeks heat up and crossed her arms with a huff. "There's no such person."
Leonard released a thoughtful "Hmm?" as he leaned back, a glint in his eyes.
*******
'What was that?'
As I was walking across the academy grounds, I suddenly sensed a presence. It was not a presence of someone, but rather a presence that was incredibly similar to the Logo that the woman named Reina had shown.
It was spreading a weird type of energy that wasn't exactly mana, but at the same time, it was something I was a bit familiar with.
'Divine Power. It is similar to the energy Sylvie emits from time to time.'
Sylvie learned to control her energy a lot more while we were training in close combat, but that also exposed me to her energy.
'Someone from Aurora Sanctum is here.'
Regardless of who they were, the important thing was something else.
'I felt threatened.'
That was the important thing. The energy. Somehow, the moment I felt exposed to it, my senses started screaming at me.
It was such a warning that I almost felt suffocated. Even in the presence of a high-ranking demon, I didn't feel such a threat.
Therefore, my first instinct was to run away. I even used [Shadowborne] to mask my presence. It was a bit risky, but that was necessary.
And thankfully, after getting away from the crowd, the threatening presence left. It seemed I had successfully escaped.
'That is not normal.'
Something was happening.
I didn't know who this person was or what their intentions were. But, if they were to exclude such a dangerous presence from everyone in the academy, there was no way they wouldn't be spotted.
Even if my [Intutition] parameter is quite high, it is still not higher than the instructors. Therefore, the fact that that person wasn't even recognized means one thing.
'I was the target, or I was in the desired target group.'
Something had triggered. There was a special distinction that the person from the Aurora Sanctum was looking for.
'What makes me different from any other student?'
The question has several answers, but there are three of them that can be detected.
'My Trait [Shadowborne] is related to the Primordial Demon of Shadows.'
The first one was the existence of my trait. If it was detected, it could possibly display a link to demons, and I could be misunderstood as if I were affiliated with them.
And if it was the Aurora Sanctum, the land of holiness, that was possible.
'Just because I had sent the documents to Eleanor, she called an expert related to demons this quick?'
If it was Eleanor's influence, it slightly made sense that such a thing was possible. Since I had informed her that a possible attack would happen in the final exams and the demon contractors were planning something. It made sense that she called an expert.
But something inside me doubted it. Since the Aurora Sanctum wasn't that easily accessed and contacted.
'The second thing is, my special soul situation.'
The fact that my soul was somehow dismantled and transported from another dimension itself was a special occurrence. If it was detected, I could see it resembling the 'possession' of evil spirits.
This was possible since the Aurora Sanctum was known for its holiness, and that power was known for its purification properties.
As for the last one.
'It is because of my trait [Lunar Enigma.]'
Since the other representation of the Aurora Sanctum was 'Sun's Land.'