[Pinnacle Academy]
[1 Day Ago]
Damon Bennett.
He'll be a tough villain to catch through the entirety of these next few weeks.
I'll have to manage so other plans for him to be slowed down.
Since he can't be completely stopped.
For now, I could monitor him up until exams co.
Then everything after that is when I'll take action to stop him from taking anyone else.
As Jan and I walked through the hallways towards our classroom, he turned to with a hopeful expression.
"Hey, about yesterday, the advice I gave you... did it work?"
He was referencing to the advice about showing action over words... bullshit.
My face twisted in disgust. "Of course not, you idiot."
Valencia definitely hadn't liked what I did back there.
The trust I'd put in wrapping that scarf, hoping to repair whatever chance I had at being sowhat decent, was thrown out the window.
I wouldn't be surprised if Jan had just spouted so common-sense nonsense that contradicted my own thoughts.
"What?! Co on I think you've took it the wrong way-"
"I don't think I'll take your advice again," I said flatly.
Jan held up his hands in defence. "Don't shoot the ssenger, Rel!"
"I think I would've if I could," I muttered under my breath.
We reached the classroom, and the automatic doors slid open.
The room was already packed, which ant we were in for a practical lesson.
And that ant Mr. Bennett had plans for his today's targets.
While he didn't often lead practical sessions as an assistant teacher, I knew his involvent was a way to scout potential students for Morwen and Vladimir.
"You gonna sit with Bazz and this ti, Rel?" Jan asked, heading up the staircase towards his usual seat.
"No, the view is much better from where I sit."
Jan shrugged with a smile. "Whatever you say, man!"
I returned to my old seat, untouched for a week.
The doors slid open, revealing the familiar plain appearance of Mr. Bennett.
Neatly pressed slacks, that sa boring button-down shirt.
Mr. Bennett entered, exuding his laid-back, cool teacher vibe. He wasn't overly charismatic, but his charm made him extrely likable.
"Morning class," he announced, amusent in his voice. "As you may know, Mr. Kolek won't be here for today's session."
I settled into my window seat, listening to the whispers of my classmates.
"—I kind of prefer him anyway..."
"—Eh, I don't really mind him. As long as he teaches as well as Mr. Kolek."
The rest of the class turned out to be a typical theory session on dungeon exploration, as expected.
Mr. Bennett talked about the different types of dungeons, their dangers, and the strategies for navigating them.
I tuned it out for the most part, my mind already preoccupied with the upcoming eting with the Vice President and...
Ding!
[You've received an email from the rcenaries Cooperation!]
[Dear Rel Laurence, You are required to attend a eting at the main headquarters tomorrow evening at 5:30 PM. Your presence is crucial as this eting will determine your squad and mbers for future missions.]
[Thank you.]
Haah... really?
For the first part I thought it was about what happened at the museum but it seems I avoided whatever happened.
thank god for that.
While I listened on until the end of the lesson the class perked up when Mr. Bennett announced that he would be assisting Mr. Kolek in a practical class later that week.
A ripple of excitent ran through the room, but beneath their enthusiasm, I sensed a darker purpose behind Bennett's offer.
His smile didn't quite reach his eyes, and there was a calculating glint in his gaze that sent a shiver down my spine.
He was definitely plotting sothing.
RING!!!
The shrill bell signalled the end of the first and second periods.
I rose from my seat, a sense of purpose settling over . If the rcenary cooperation intended to send into a literal hell, I needed to be prepared.
And now that I felt a little stronger than the weakling I once was...
SHING
I pulled a key from my pocket.
[Special Passive Ability: Perceptive Mind [Grade 3] Has Been Activated!]
[Item: Silent Abyss Key Rarity [???] - Contents: Contents of this key are unknown.]
Its black obsidian surface glead, its purpose a mystery even to , the author.
But I felt ready, at least as ready as I could be.
It was ti to enter the dungeon.
As the automatic doors opened, a hand slapped on my back accompanied by a familiar voice.
"Rel! Wanna eat with us?"
I turned to see Jan, Lyra, and Bazz grinning at .
grrrrr...
A sudden rumble in my stomach reminded that I'd forgotten to eat breakfast, having overslept after the museum incident.
But I guess there wasn't any choice since a lot happened over these 3 days.
haah...
"Okay fine, let's go."
As Jan and Bazz walked ahead, Lyra fell into step beside , nudging playfully.
"So, how'd you find the trip?" she asked, a sly grin on her face.
"It felt pretty normal," I replied, feigning nonchalance.
"Ho ho... normal?" she chuckled. "After all, you guys fought a monster you've never seen in the books before."
What was she trying to say?
Was there no footage of the creature online?
I hoped so... but if Lyra wanted sothing, she wouldn't let it go until she got it out of .
"What about it?" I asked, trying to sound uninterested.
"You know-"
"Actually," I said, turning to Lyra, "let guess. You went to your uncle to ask about what happened at the museum, but he said no. So you went to Jan, but he was too stupid to explain, and Camila and Valencia are out with a cold they haven't texted since. Am I right?"
Lyra shrugged, a playful smirk on her lips.
"I'm not sure where you got that stupid assumption from... but can you tell anyway?"
haah... who would've known, not ?
I sighed and told Lyra everything, explaining that the information would have been revealed anyway.
As we reached Allen's Cafe, Lyra looked at with wide eyes.
"Wow, that was really detailed," she said. "You could be like an author or sothing."
I rolled my eyes at her comnt, and the four of us entered the cafe.
Inside the cozy cafe, the aroma of coffee and pastries filled the air as we settled into a booth.
Conversation flowed easily between us, touching on everything from our favourite classes to our hopes for the future at Pinnacle Academy.
"What?! I wouldn't have heard those words co from you, Rel!" Jan's eyes widened at my 'dream'.
But I felt it was the perfect conclusion when all was said and done.
"If it's a dream, then it will be one until it's true." Lyra took a bite of her souffle.
"Well, if you want soone to be a part of that, then I'd definitely be open to the idea."
Bazz laughed out loud as Jan flicked a sugar packet at his head.
While we discussed our aspirations, Lyra was particularly lively, sharing stories about her family's contributions to the Visionary Syndicate and her dream of leading one of their squads one day.
heh... how ironic.
Bazz, as usual, was more reserved, but his occasional dry witticisms kept us all entertained.
The lighthearted atmosphere was a welco change from the recent events at the Louvre, and I found myself relaxing in the company of my... friends?
Even Jan, with his endless questions and bubbly personality, didn't seem so annoying at the mont.
RINGGGG...
Suddenly, the school bell's pierced through the chatter, signaling the end of the first break.
I rose from my seat, preparing to leave.
"Aren't you staying for the next classes?" Jan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
I turned to face him, my eyes eting those of Lyra and Bazz as well.
The temptation to leave was strong.
There were so many other things I could be doing instead of studying and living the average school life, even with the added bonus of being heroes.
But I also knew that staying at this academy would bring back painful mories I'd rather forget.
Still, the ti I'd spent here had been... enjoyable, in its own way.
Of course, I'm not leaving yet.
But soday I'll have to walk out of this school.
"I'll try my best to be back by the fifth or sixth period," I finally replied.
"but I can't guarantee it."
Jan smiled, understanding my reluctance. "Okay, whatever you're doing, be safe."
With a nod, I turned and walked towards the exit, leaving the warmth of the cafe behind.
Back in my dorm room, I quickly packed the essentials for my upcoming dungeon subjugation.
Usually, I'd need a full crew or even an entire guild backing , since dungeons are tough to tackle alone.
However, I knew more about how dungeons functioned and that the traditional "clear everything to beat it" approach wasn't always necessary. Despite this, guilds and adventurers still followed that thod.
So, I felt confident for now.
But, given the special nature of this dungeon, I had to assu it could contain any combination of traps, monsters, puzzles, and even bosses.
The system only provided the location, but sothing told a good reward awaited at the end.
"Done."
Finishing my packing, I carefully stowed my silver bow and Axel in a duffel bag.
I decided to keep my academy uniform on, knowing its enchanted protection surpassed my other clothes.
_______
Authors Notes:
- If you didn't know already, Dempsey Anette is Lyra's cousin/ uncle.
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