Chapter 88 The Shadow (11)


    Deputy club president Jenia frowned at the sight of the smoke.


    Using elemental fire magic in such a ce it couldve spread to everything


    Lilith quietly stood up again, brushing the dust and dirt off her clothes, ready to fight once more.


    In contrast to the timid and passive impression she had left in my memory, she was now calm and resolute.


    She must have been focusing on her training while out of sight.


    Hey, freshman, do you know her?


    No, I dont.


    Jenia spoke as if to say there was no cause for rm.


    A training exercise? Then we dont need to interfere. Once shes tired and lies down, theyll stop attacking on their own.


    Its the nature of ntaras not to bother someone who is incapacitated. Although she looked a bit worn out, there really was no need for us to get involved in someone elses training.


    Yet, something felt off


    There had definitely been a scream, but it did note from Liliths direction.


    As I thought this, a rending scream came from the side.


    Hey! Not there!


    We all turned our heads simultaneously.


    In the direction where the scream came from, there was another group of ntaras clustered together. They were carrying someone on their shoulders, heading into the forest. It was reminiscent of how incapacitated students were transported back to Eternia during the entrance exam.


    The distance made it difficult to see faces, but judging from the golden hair and voice, it seemed certain that it was Haley, the art club president.


    A desperate cry echoed again.


    Eek! Freshman! Over here, over here!


    Jenia covered her mouth with her hand, chuckling, and said,


    It seems the presidents final test is left. Go y with her. Ill take care of this magic department girl.


    Imagining the art club president, who entrusted me with the sword and was now desperately caught up in her role, almost made meugh.


    Ill be back soon.


    Suppressing a chuckle with a cough, I quickly drew the sword and sprinted toward where Haley was.


    ***


    I chased after them fervently, but I couldnt catch up right away.


    The ntaras had carried Haley into the forest before I could reach them.


    The initiation hadnt ended yet; I couldnt afford to handle this haphazardly.


    Luckily, the ntaras had left distinct footprints on the dirt ground because of their weight.


    Following the footprints into the forest, I soon heard Haleys voice.


    Freshman! Over here!


    Chasing the sound led me to the group of ntaras carrying Haley.


    Somehow, their number had increased to fifteen since I first saw them, and close up, they were slightly bigger than those wed encountered on the way to the flower hill.


    I charged into the midst of them, and Haley urgently cried out.


    Freshman! Stop! These are for intermediates!


    As I drew near, a ntara at the rear instinctively swung its arm, generating a whirring sound, and a nearby tree shattered with the impact.


    The other creatures in the group, sensing my presence, turned around and assumed a hostile stance.


    The final test from the president seemed to have increased in difficulty.


    Five ntaras from the rear closed in on me at once. I immediately backed away and moved erratically beside the trees, intending to draw them one by one for dispatching.


    Eek! Freshman! Donte. Youll get hurt!


    I swung my sword at the shin of the first ntara that charged at me. It took two slices to cleanly sever it. As it lost bnce and toppled, I took the opportunity to cut off an arm. Like this, I dispatched the five ntaras that I had lured.


    Approaching the group again, all but the one carrying Haley rushed at me.


    Freshman! Youll get hurt if youre surrounded! Hand me the sword!


    After evading a couple of ntara attacks, I found myselfpletely encircled.


    Going on the offensive was difficult. The sword itself was excellent, but it felt awkward in my hand.


    I had no issues with the arms. However, the legs were thick, and when I tried to slice them off in one go, the de would often get stuck halfway through.


    I dodged attacksing from every direction. Fragments of broken tree roots and gravel flew around noisily.


    As I moved swiftly, any opening would be exploited to shave off ankles across two or three attempts. One creature lost an ankle and tilted, tangling with another beside it.


    I had let habit take over without realizing it in the urgent situation. Some of them I handled as usual, wedging the sword into the joints and snapping off just the connection points.


    Six remained. As their numbers dwindled, the pace at which I dealt with the ntaras elerated.


    Haley cried out again.


    Hey! Throw me the sword!


    Afterpleting the clear-out, I tossed the sword towards thest ntara holding her.


    The sword surged through, cutting off the ankles of the final one, and embedded itself into a tree trunk.


    I rushed over and caught Haley as the ntara tumbled.


    It was done.


    Only then could I be certain. I had passed.


    Haley had been shouting so much that she was coughing while still in my arms.


    I set Haley down on the ground and asked,


    Are you alright?


    What are you?


    Have I passed the test?


    She replied with an uncertain voice,


    Did you know?


    Deputy club president Jenia told me.


    She looked at me wide-eyed and gazed quietly at the remains of the ntaras. Her expression showed disbelief at what had happened. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she grasped my arms.


    But are you hurt? Who can catch all of them at once? I wouldnt do it so recklessly.


    A surge of doubt flooded me. Had I interpreted the test correctly?


    Did I misinterpret the test?


    She nodded affirmatively.


    Yeah. You wouldve passed just by showing the courage to hand over the sword. Catching the ntaras is my role.


    Its amazing. You look like you would have been raised like a young master. Are you really a first-year?


    ***


    On the way out of the forest, I had a long conversation with Haley.


    I havent done something like this in a while. Instead of fighting, everyones been too scared and busy running away.


    Suddenly she brightened up, smacking my forearm several times enthusiastically as she continued,


    Thanks to you, I really had fun for the first time in ages. You were kind of cool. Passed! Passed!


    My overzealous participation in the test had gotten Haley excited. Now the mood was one of full eptance as a club member.


    I feel like Ive gained a mighty army. Ill worry less about the schoolpetition now. You, dont go anywhere else, got it?


    I have no other aspirations besides drawing.


    Charming, so charming. Youre from Weisel, right? Ill give you a tour of the Empire during the break.


    Ill consider it if the opportunity arises.


    I tentatively asked about Pav, who had helped me find Liria before, and Haley burst intoughter.


    Oh, her? Pav had a hard time because some guy who joined the art club on her rmendation suddenly confessed his love. There were even two of them. Once, can you believe it? While we were all painting, this guy suddenly stands up beside her, unrolls a scroll, and starts reciting a love bad hed written. Can you imagine?


    Its no wonder the girls are traumatized. I would have been wary too. You have to understand, given how sensitive she is.


    Understood.


    Emerging back into the flower garden, we came across Lilith, who was sitting atop the remnants of ntaras, taking a break.


    Oh dear, she must have had a bit of trouble with the ntaras I lured.


    So the numerous ntaras had been personally lured by Haley. I had thought there was some sort of senior-only pheromone at y.


    Lilith, whom I assumed was training, must have been caught up in that without any clue.


    She appeared drained and slumped, as if something had happened.


    Fortunately, she didnt seem interested in me, not sparing a second nce.


    Haley approached Lilith and gently patted her shoulder.


    Are you okay? Sorry about that. Come to the art clubter. Ill fix you up and give you some potions.


    Lilith bowed slightly in acknowledgment and said,


    No, its fine


    Seeming ufortable with the situation, she weakly left.


    ***


    The tumultuous first lesson at the art club was over.


    I stood waiting in front of the entrance of the small theater where Trisha had told me shed meet me at 6 p.m. Now that Id finished my tasks, it was time for us to walk home together.


    The entrance to the small theater had arge sign that read No Entry for Members of Other Clubs, so I couldnt just walk in.


    There were quite a few people entering and leaving the theater. Perhaps the drama club hasnt finished yet. Each of them gave me an attentive look as they passed. The gazes were subtly piercing.


    After about ten minutes of waiting, the theaters door suddenly burst open with a noisy tter of footsteps.


    It was Trisha, looking somewhat disheveled as if she was in a hurry.


    She came outside, mmed the door shut, and leaned against it for a moment to catch her breath.


    Still panting, she clung to me and grabbed my shoulders tightly, saying,


    Damian, you cant be here! Absolutely not, under any circumstances!


    What now? She sounded desperate, as if Idmitted some serious crime.


    But you told me toe here.


    After calling out so loudly for me to meet her at the drama club


    Lets talk about thatter!


    She pushed on my back, urging me away from the theater.


    She continued pushing me towards a densely nted garden, away from the paths, and into the middle of a secluded area.


    Trisha, calm down first


    I tried to resist and stop, but Trisha kept pushing against my chest, causing me to stumble over a tree root and fall into a seated position.


    Trisha looked around quickly, as if she was searching for a pursuer, then crouched down between my legs.


    Do you realize youre in huge danger right now?


    Me?


    Yes! I overheard the drama club seniors plotting to harass you. It was such a barbaric and unpleasant scheme. Dont even think about showing up near the drama club from now on.


    I struggled so hard to defend you! I tried so hard to persuade them to stop, but they wouldnt listen. If you werent my friend, I would have given up a long time ago.


    Why would the drama club want to do that to me?


    Ill exin thatter. For now, you shouldy low.


    It must be some kind of mean prank. Not too concerned over it, but since I heard a simr story from an art club senior, I tentatively agreed.


    Alright.


    epting it without much resistance, Trisha sighed with relief. A sweet scent came with her breath.


    But whats that smell? Are you doing something besides drama?


    Smell? What? Ah! Its because of this.


    Trisha pulled out a fist-sized leather pouch.


    From it, she took out a neatly cut piece of carrot.


    Suddenly carrots?


    Were practicing with fables because the first-years cant handle theplex roles. Im the rabbit.


    Are you eating that to get into your rabbit role?


    Yeah, something like that. Its Furikio Mountains Sweet Carrot. Its really sweet?


    She took a bite and chewed it before offering it to me.


    Try some.


    No, Im good


    Trisha forcefully stuffed the piece she had bitten into my mouth and covered my lips with her palm.


    Friends should share even a single bean.


    Caught off-guard by the intrusion, Trisha soothed me.


    Chew well, there you go.


    I chewed, albeit reluctantly and the taste was good. Unusually for a carrot, it was sweet and rich.


    Trisha grinned bashfully, dimples forming, and then patted my hip soothingly as ifforting a baby.


    There, good job.


    I wasnt going to talk to you at all after this morning, but you listened well, so Ill let it slide.


    She must be referring to this mornings incident. I still dont grasp the reason for her anger, but it seems best to just ept it withoutint.


    Soon after, a female student urgently called out for her not far away.


    Trisha! Where the hell have you been?


    Trisha cringed as if startled and whispered into my ear.


    Wheres the mask? The mask!


    Its in my pocket.


    She rummaged through my coat and ced the mask over my face.


    Wear this and wait at the main gate. Ill be right there!


    Trisha bolted through the bushes. A short whileter, I could hear their voices.


    Sis! Shes over here.


    Trisha, you said your friend was around here, where did they go?


    Their voices gradually faded into the distance. I listened quietly to them.


    I dont know. Maybe they left because they were tired of waiting.


    Really? What a shame. I wanted to with them


    Their words became too distant to make outpletely. Trisha raised her voice.


    No way! That person doesnt like that sort of thing, sis!


    What sort of thing? Maybe eh?


    No! They like someone pure as snow with long hair right.


    What? They like that kid? Are they into?


    No not really


    Its simpler with guys once they get a taste they be addicted


    Eww, no


    I wish Trisha wouldnt spread strange rumors about me.


    I leaned against a tree for a moment, feeling odd.


    What is this feeling? Todays events seem like some bizarre y.


    Its as if everyone but me has the script, and Im the sole audience in this performance.