Whitney erged from the restroom, her expression sharper than usual. "Ah, sorry for the wait. Anyway, what’s our next schedule, Sir Ivan?" Her tone was clipped, hinting at her impatience.
Ivan smiled, unfazed. "Our first official schedule will be to tackle the monsters that have invaded civilian territory. Consider this your practice run." He gestured for them to follow him toward a swirling portal labeled ’Lagante Branch.’
As they stepped through the portal, a sudden rush of colors enveloped them, disorienting for a mont before they landed in a bustling town square, alive with the sounds of rchants and townsfolk.
Ivan pulled out his phone, tapping the screen as he called soone. "Ivan Rostislav here. I just arrived in Lagante. I need permission to execute monsters in Roanoke along with the cadets I brought with . Please check for any incidents nearby; anything above advanced monsters will be difficult to manage."
The conversation was brief, and once he hung up, he turned back to the group with an enthusiastic grin. "While we wait for confirmation, let’s grab a bite at my favorite place!"
Whitney raised an eyebrow but followed along, a mix of curiosity and determination sparking in her eyes. They strolled through the vibrant streets until they reached a cozy restaurant tucked away between two larger buildings.
"Four people, please," Ivan told the attendant at the door, who ushered them inside with a warm smile.
After a short wait, they found themselves seated at a rustic wooden table adorned with bright flowers. The ambiance buzzed with the chatter of happy diners and the aroma of ho-cooked als wafting through the air, making mouths water.
Just as they settled in, a server appeared, setting down plate after plate. Dishes filled with steaming rice, vibrant vegetables, and succulent ats covered the table.
"Dig in, everyone!" Ivan encouraged, his voice cheerful. "This place makes the best food in Lagante. You’ll need your strength for the mission ahead."
I focused on savoring the taste of each dish, relishing the rich flavors I haven’t tasted yet, while the other three leisurely ate as they talked to each other.
"So do you have a girlfriend, Sir Ivan?" Cypher asked in the middle of their conversation.
"No, I’ve been busy with work. How about you? Any luck in that departnt?" Ivan shot back, clearly enjoying the banter.
Cypher’s cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, I have soone I like," he said, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice.
"Considering how handso you are, I’m sure anyone would be willing to be your girlfriend imdiately! What’s her personality anyway?" Ivan teased, leaning in with playful curiosity.
"Although she’s smart, she’s also naïve at the sa ti. There’s sothing about her that makes want to protect her." Cypher’s voice dripped with tenderness. I guess he was talking about Angela, who else?
"Why do you think she needs protection?" Ivan asked, leaning in with curiosity.
I was busy enjoying my al, but I could feel Cypher’s eyes on . Curious, I looked up and caught his gaze, the intensity of it making my heart skip a beat.
Why was he staring? Did he want to say sothing? Was he silently asking for my support in pursuing Angela? There was no need for that; I was confident they would end up together.
"She doesn’t realize how sweet she is," Cypher continued, not breaking eye contact with . "That’s why I need to protect her from all the pesky flies surrounding her."
Confused, I furrowed my brows at Cypher’s taphor about "flies." He quickly looked away, visibly flustered, as if he hadn’t ant to reveal so much. "Like I said, she’s really naïve... especially when it cos to matters of the heart."
I chose to ignore what he said and returned to my food, savoring each bite.
anwhile, as Whitney listened to the lighthearted banter at the table, a sly smile crept across her face. She couldn’t help but find amusent in what was unfolding before her.
I knew it. Cypher has feelings for Remillia.
But Remillia... She’s way too naive! Cypher was already dropping hints left and right that he likes her, yet she seed completely oblivious. She’s academically smart but emotionally dumb.
I couldn’t help but smile even wider at the thought of how I could stir the pot. If I told Angela about Cypher having feelings for Remillia, there was no way she wouldn’t intervene. Angela likes Cypher so that would be perfect! With Angela busy ddling in their budding relationship, Edge can’t approach Angela as she will be busy separating the two.
And if that happened, Edge would be back in the picture for —being all alone with him was sothing I couldn’t resist!
Amidst the laughter and light-hearted teasing, the atmosphere shifted when Ivan’s smartwatch beeped suddenly.
"Deploynt order confird! Please go to the coordinates: 47.7124° N, 92.4996° W," the device announced, its chanical voice stark against the buzz of the restaurant.
Ivan sprung to his feet, his deanor transforming instantly from relaxed to serious. "Let’s go," he said, urgency pulsing through his tone.
With no ti to finish our als, he swiftly paid for our food, and we followed his lead. Our hearts raced as we dashed through the streets of Lagante, the earlier chatter fading into the background. The adrenaline surged through my veins, propelling us forward as we ran.
We were running for about five minutes and when we got to the place, monstrous creatures roaring and tearing through the buildings. There were three Guedras, twice the size of a human, with thick, scaled hides that glinted ominously in the light.
Their jagged claws smashed against brick and mortar, sending shards flying through the air. Panic erupted as civilians fled, desperately trying to escape the destruction.
As one of the massive Guedra monsters lunged at a nearby stall, chaos erupted. Suddenly, a whip shot out of nowhere, coiling tightly around one of the creature’s thick limbs. Whitney had acted swiftly, restraining the monster with precision.
The Guedra roared, caught off-guard, its anger and confusion palpable as it turned its attention toward Whitney. It swiped ferociously at the whip, clawed hands tearing through the air in an attempt to sever the threat. But Whitney stood her ground, gritting her teeth.
Ivan, taking advantage of the distraction, charged in with his axe. He swung fiercely, aiming for the creature’s throat, but the Guedra was swift, sidestepping his attack. Its claws ca down in response, narrowly missing Ivan as he rolled to the side, adrenaline coursing through him.
anwhile, Cypher was engaged in a similar battle with another Guedra, exchanging blows and dodging its attacks. The three were having a one on one fight and I wanted to join also but when I heard the screams and cries of the civilians, I decided to evacuate them first.
I couldn’t fight while people were in danger.
"Get back! Stay close to !" I called out to a group of terrified civilians, ushering them away from the engulfing chaos. I shielded them from falling debris while moving them from a safe area.
I couldn’t help but feel frustrated over Ivan. What kind of hero charges into battle without a single order to evacuate the civilians? Anger bubbled beneath my skin. Wasn’t that the first thing a hero would consider?
Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice the massive chunk of building that was about to crash down on .
"Remillia!"
The urgency in Whitney’s voice broke through my daze, but before I could comprehend the gravity of the situation, strong arms wrapped around , shoving roughly to the ground. Instead of the hard impact of earth hitting my body, I landed on sothing soft.
I blinked, stunned, and looked up to find Cypher’s worried gaze locked onto mine. His eyes were intense, flashing with concern. "Remi, what were you doing standing there dazed?! You should leave this place; it’s dangerous!"
I squird slightly, trying to gather my thoughts. "I can’t do that. I’m also a cadet you know," I insisted, even as the reality of the situation tightened around . I noticed I was atop him, and his arms were encircling my waist, holding securely in place.
An awkward chuckle escaped my lips as I tried to wriggle away. "U-uhm, Cypher, l-let go? We still have monsters to defeat."
But instead of releasing , he only pulled closer, and my heart raced in response. "W-what are you—ack!"
Before I could finish my sentence, another piece of debris crashed down beside us, the force sending up a cloud of dust and forcing Cypher to instinctively shield us both with his body. In that mont, I was filled with gratitude and confusion; he was willing to risk himself for my safety.
Finally, he loosened his grip, and I scrambled to sit back on my own two feet, a flurry of embarrassnt washing over . "Next ti, be more alert," he said, his voice firm but tinged with the remnants of worry.
I opened my mouth to respond, but there wasn’t ti. Cypher charged toward one of the Guedra, his expression fierce as he prepared for an assault.
"Remillia! What are you standing there for? I need help!" I quickly look at Whitney as she’s struggling to bind the Guedra.
I quickly gathered my thoughts as I pulled out my daggers and helped her.
I guess I’ll just have to thank Cypher later.
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