Buzzzzzzz!!!
Back in the lesson room where the nonparticipating Daughters sat, the buzz of the alarm pierced the room.
This buzz signified that one team had failed and was now leaving the Dungeon depths. Standing beside the Dungeon Entrance, both hands crossed at her back, Lady Magda's expression darkened as she reviewed the failed attempt of the disqualified team — ira's.
The feed on the classroom's massive viewing orb replayed the scene of chaos: beasts overwhelming their formation as lina shouted conflicting commands.
The hissing sound of the Mock Dungeon sizzled in the room as the faint mist spilled inside. ira's team trudged out. Their faces were pale, their clothes dirtied and singed. lina led the group, her jaw set in a tight line as though she was holding back the sting of defeat.
Erebelle followed behind, her expression cold, fists clenched at her sides. Nyssa appeared tired, though her head was bowed low. Your journey continues with empire
Being forced out of the Dungeon was rough, and the group returned to their seats, the anger and humiliation there for all to see. ira was usually quiet but she appeared completely subdued in fact, her head also bowed as Nyssa placed her hand over her shoulder.
They had all suffered fatal and serious injuries inside the Dungeon and therefore, since no one was able to carry on, they lost. However, once they left the structure, their injuries all disappeared.
Since this Dungeon was artificial, it didn't follow all the rules of a real one, especially the rule of Life and Limbs where every injury sustained in a Dungeon are real and replicated in the outside world.
Nonetheless, the loss itself stung more than an actual injury.
Once they all took their seats, Lady Magda walked towards them, her voice sharp but not unkind. "A lack of orderliness and leadership is the root cause of your failure. lina, as the leader, you hesitated in key monts. You were too proud to accept suggestions from your teammates, and yet too unsure in yourself to make any smart ones. Undeniably, that has cost you dearly. Leadership requires balance — assertiveness, yes, but also humility to trust in the strengths of others."
lina clenched her fists, glaring down at the desk.
"It's not her fault alone. You all clashed against each other too many tis, unable to find coordination when you all clearly had the sa goal in mind. Arguing with your team leader all the ti doesn't make you the right, misunderstood person. It only makes you difficult to work with."
Cecilia, sitting so distance away, bristled, her gaze shooting daggers at lina who shot back at her. It was clear the professor's words were directed at how they conducted themselves inside the Dungeon.
Nonetheless, those two Daughters had never liked each other. There was no love lost between them.
Aryanne's team fared better, presently at 129 points, and arriving at the final Lobby.
Lady Magda pointed to the screen. "I would suggest that you take note of Aeric of Starlight's progression and the way he impressively coordinates his team."
The girls all looked at Aeric's team scoreboard and were surprised to see that they were ahead with a score of 172. lina's eyes widened at the tally. 'Sister is… losing?'
~ ~ ~
Back in the Mock Dungeon, Aeric and his team were now sitting in a small alcove, passing around flagons of water and munching on a bread snack to recover their stamina.
Phoebe sprawled on the ground, her hair a tangled ss. "Lady Magda said these beasts are only half as strong as real ones, but they felt plenty strong to ."
Aeric nodded. "I've noticed that too. They probably selected stronger variants for the training. Perhaps the idea was if they found stronger beasts and could create copies that had half their strength, they would still be stronger than conventional beasts."
"Ooohhh," Phoebe exclaid like she had just been told the most mind-blowing thing ever. "That makes total sense!"
The team all looked at her, wondering if she was drunk.
Celestia, who was sitting closer beside Aeric, and leaning against the wall tilted her head to his side and asked in a soft tone. "Do you think we'll win? I really want to see the look on Aryanne's face when you beat her. And… sorry, but I also want to see the look on your sister's."
Aeric chuckled softly. "Eh, it doesn't matter as much now. I think it's great that we all learnt sothing today. This was actually harder than I expected, but I'm also having more fun than I thought I would." He paused, then added with a smirk, "Damn Aryanne, lina, and my sister."
Celestia raised a brow. "You're not as angry as I thought you'd be. If I were you, I'd be hell in heaven enraged with them. I'd hate them forever. I already do."
"Who says I'm not angry?" Aeric replied, his tone quiet but firm.
Celestia hesitated before asking, "You are? Hmm. What about Misty? Are you angry with her too? She's… well, she was part of what happened in the Heart Hunt. She and Rosette."
Aeric's gaze shifted to where Misty sat, looking small and unsure. Phoebe was next to her, chattering animatedly, but Misty seed lost in thought. Aeric sighed. "She's trying, but I don't know if her naivety ans innocence. I also can't see a reason to bother when I can just ignore her till I forget about the both of them. Ti will tell."
Celestia looked into his eyes, and found herself getting red cheeked once again. "You picked in front of everyone," she said, unable to hold back her smile.
Aeric t her gaze, a cozy warmth in his eyes. "I'll do it again too. It's kind of what you did on my first day. I'd never forget that."
Celestia's smile faltered a little, and then returned.
"So..." Aeric started. "Are you still on for that walk?"
Celestia's eyes squeezed as her smile stretched to uncontrollable lengths, her heart beating. "Yes. Of course. I can't wait."
Aeric smiled back.
Their mont was interrupted by Nyx, who stood a short distance away, arms crossed and looking serious. "Starlight?"
Aeric turned to her, frowning slightly. "What is it?"
Nyx's tone was firm. "I need to talk to you. Now."
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