179: Their Past 1
Alex and Luna appeared in front of a 5 story building painted gold.
They encountered a lot of customers when they entered the Golden Nugget, now Alex's s propriety.
''Welcome, Master."
When one of the waitresses saw it was Alex her face changed, she curtsied to welcome the new owner of the Golden Nugget.
Even if today was her first time seeing Alex, they had been informed about what happened, therefore they knew Alex's face.
Alex nodded his head before with Luna and the waitress, in the addition to the general manager, a golden-haired middle-aged man they went to the VIP room located on the fifth floor.
After they entered the beautifully decorated VIP room, the golden-haired middle-aged man introduced himself.
''I'm Quentin Lafaq, I'm the general manager. The viscount has informed us what happened. We are all honored to have you as the new owner of the Golden Nugget. What are your orders?"
''Nothing for now. Today, I did not come for the matter regarding how to manage this restaurant, but I'm here as a client. As you can see I'm here on a date. Serve us your best dishes.'' Alex ordered.
''As you wishes,'' Quentin said before curtsied and left with the waitress.
''I do not like this man,'' Luna mumbled as she watched Quentin leave.
Alex was astonished by Luna's words because he didn't see, nor detect anything unusual when checking Quentin.
''Why did you say that? Have you noticed something?" He questioned her as he did not take her words as jokes.
Luna considered for a moment how she could explain what she felt,
''I can't say why for sure but I don't like that man not because I've noticed something but because my intuition told me to be wary of him.''
''I see. Intuition, huh!. I'll consider your warning and look into it.'' Alex said with a serious expression on his face. He then mumbled,
''It will be good if I've my private force which can help me gather information.''
Luna smiled she seemed to be thinking about something after she heard Alex's words.
Soon, their table was filled with nothing but food. The two started eating.
After they finished eating and drinking a bit of wine. The two left, Quentin saw them off while looking at Alex with a particular interest.
Their next destination was a jewelry store where Alex brought Luna, lot of accessories, he even brought an extremely beautiful jewel that matched her beautiful hair.
When he gave her the jewel he said, ''A jewel upon you is as a bow on pretty hair, the hair is still the star.''
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Luna suddenly hugged him in front of everyone.
The other customers send a thumb in Alex's direction. Even though his skin was usually thick under so many stares, Alex felt embarrassed.
As their episode at the jewelry store, the two continued their date.
One hour later. Deciding to take a rest, Alex found a bench under the shade for them. They weren't particularly tired, to be honest. But sitting a little was always nice.
Luna sat beside Alex who seemed lost in thought after seeing.
''Do you have fun?" He suddenly asked her this.
''Yeah, I've fun. Today was really fun. Everything seemed to be shinning. It made me feel really happy. Thank you.'' She said.
''There is no need to thank me because I also had fun. Luna, there is something I want to ask you. Can I?" Alex said, his expression turned serious.
Luna's body stiffened for an instant, she quickly composed herself as she had expected something like this to happen the moment she accepted this date.
''Go on. What do you want to ask me?"
Alex nodded his head to Luna's approval. ''I don't know why but I have the feeling that you and I, know each other. I can't recall where. So, can you tell if it's true?"
Luna did not immediately answer, even though she was prepared to hear that Alex may have forgotten about their past, hearing it was another matter, it hurts her little. As if it was only her who kept cherishing those memories.
Shaking her head, she asked, ''Did you remember a girl named Lû?"
''Lû?" Alex said absentmindedly, he seemed to have seen a scene of a younger version of him playing with someone. He could see the other party's face.
''Let's get married when we will grow like this we will be always together.''
''Lû, are you serious?" The young Alex asked.
The scene turned blurry and vanished, Alex, regained focus, he looked at Luna.
''Lû? I can't remember,'' he said eyes clouded in confusion, he only remembered talking to someone named Lû, however, he couldn't see the latter face, nor he knew the latter gender.
'Is this Lû, Luna?' he wondered why looking at Luna who was trying to hide her dejection when she saw that he still couldn't remember.
While scratching his head Alex decided to explain things to her, it was something not a lot of people know about it.
''Excuse me if I hurt your feelings because it seems it is the case but, I had an accident in the past that made me lose all my memories until 10 years old, so,-"
''What?" Luna shouted when she heard Alex's words. She hadn't expected this to be the reason for Alex forgetting their past.
''I'm sorry,''
Suddenly, she felt ashamed of herself holding grudges against Alex when she saw that he ignored her on their first meeting after being separated for eight years. If only she had approached him and asked him why he did not react when she greets him on their day at the school instead of stubbornly waiting for him to approach her.
It couldn't be helped that she reacted that way because of what Alex represents to her.
Back in those days, Luna had thought it was only natural to be with Alex. It was a given that she would grow older with him, and those days they spent together would continue forever naturally. She had been eight years old when she learned that it wasn't meant to be — nine years ago. It was why Luna could remember those days she spent with Alex so clearly, it was as though they had only happened yesterday.
Because Luna liked Alex. She loved Luna, she had become so devastated to be separated from such an important person. It was so painful that she would never forget it. She still remembered the promise they made when they parted, too. There was no binding power at all behind it between two children fleeting promise. Her feelings now could be different from love, but even so, that promise was still something sacred to her. That's why Luna would occasionally remember Alex, even though she had grown older, wondering how he was doing, she did not have his contact, so she couldn't contact him and know how he was doing.
Even though she could not contact him, every time Luna remembered him, she felt warmth in her chest that supported her, as though he was beside her. She wondered how Alex had grown up. Did he still remember the promise as she did? If he did, and they were ever to reunite as they promised, what would they do? Luna thought about those things every time she remembered him.
When she finally learned what happened to him, to his family she wanted to rush there, to console him, to be there for him.
Unfortunately, she couldn't, every day was like torture because Alex did not like social media, she had no getting in touch with him, he was too secretive, so it was hard to get his contact. Even Maria's contact couldn't get anything useful.
Finally, when they reunited again, after the opening ceremony she left Maria and Sakuya to dash toward Alex, eyes filled with happiness she shouted.
''Lex, I'm back.''
However, the emotional reunion she had expected did not happen at all. Instead, what happened next broke her heart into million pieces.
Alex looked at her as one look at a stranger, he said, ''Excuse, do I know you?"
Luna was too shocked to answer. Alex continued, ''Ah! I get it. You are one of my fans. You come for an autograph. Here is it.''
He took out a pen and signed Luna's notebook before leaving the frozen Luna standing as he disappeared into the depth of the school.
It took nearly 45 minutes for Luna to regain control of her emotions. Her eyes were almost moist. Maria and Sakuya were standing beside her, not saying anything.
They had seen the scene from afar and knowing how important Alex was to Luna they could understand how she felt. They were furious again Alex, however, at the same, they felt that there must be a reason for Alex to react the way he did. Therefore, they suggested that Luna must look into it, unfortunately, because of how stubborn Luna was and because Alex rarely comes to school, things remained unsolved until now.
Thinking about all of these things, Luna sighed, 'How unreasonable of me.' she mumbled to herself before looking at Alex and announced.
''Lex, I'm your childhood friend Lû.''
180: Their Past 2
''Lex, I'm your childhood friend Lû.''
The moment Alex heard these words, something broke within his mind, and a lot of things started to pour into his head making his head hurts. Those things were memories, missing memories of his past.
It seemed that Luna was the key to unlock his missing memories.
Alex held his head and tried to endure the overflowing amount of memories pouring into his head.
~Start of a Flashbacks
He saw the scenes of his past where he was five years old and they got a new neighbor, a family of three like his family. The first time he saw her, he mistook her for a boy because of her short golden hair. She likes to dress like a boy. Soon the black-haired boy and the golden-haired girl became friends, so was their families. They went to the same school.
It was five months after they encounter Alex learned that Luna was a girl. They gave each other nickname. For Alex it was Lex, as for Luna, it was Lû. The two became more than friends, they became childhood sweethearts.
Their parents were even happy about this, until that day Luna's parents decided to move overseas because of a job. The two were had vowed to always stay together were forced to part, Luna couldn't stay because they won't be coming soon.
It was before the day of departure that the eight years old Luna called Alex to the park, under the moonlight she was stood there basking in moonlight dressed in a white princess dress. It was her first time dressing like this outside party. The small Alex was captivated, his breath taken away.
''Lû, what do you want to talk about? I thought you'd be sleeping because tomorrow you're departing!" Alex said not hiding his unhappiness about Luna's father's decision to bring Luna with him.
Luna was even more helpless than him. However, there was nothing they could do. It not like the two could elope. Shaking her head she decided to accomplish what she came to do tonight.
Looking at Alex affectionately she said,
''Lex, let's get married in the future. However, tonight I will become your fiancee while you'll become mine. I'm doing this for you to not forget me until I come and also to claim you before another vixen does it.''
The last part of her words was muttered rather inaudibly thus Alex wasn't able to hear him.
The young Alex's eyes shined, ''Lû, are you sure?"
''I'm sure. Let's do it.'' Luna declared.
And under the moonlight, the two children vowed to marry in the future. The moon was their witness. They sealed the deal with a kiss.
Another memory flashed, this time Alex was sitting in the back of a car, he was 10 years old. His parents were arguing about something when suddenly, out of nowhere a heavy truck hit their car.
Bang!
~End of the flashback.
''Ugh!"
He grunted of pain startling Luna.
''Lex, what's happening to you? Lex??" Luna tried calling him several times until Alex stopped her with his hand to indicate it was going to be fine.
Even though she was still worried about Alex's state she decided to believe in his words.
After ten minutes or so, the headache he was experienced stopped, his eyes became clear. He remembered everything now.
''Thank you, Lû. Now, I remember.'' Alex said looking at Luna's eyes filled with affection.
With his missing memories now back he knew how important this girl was to him in the past. It was quite tragic that he had forgotten about her, it couldn't be helped because of the accident, even so, she must've felt betrayed when they reunited and Alex forgot about her.
Luna covered her little mouth, her eyes were wide open, she started crying. It cries of happiness as she couldn't believe what happened. It took her few minutes to calm down.
Wiping away her tears, she smiled, ''It's good that you remember everything. Welcome back, Lex.''
''I'm back Lû,'' Alex said while rubbing Luna's head.
It was unconscious action because it was something he usually does in the past when they were a child.
Luna pouted, ''I'm not a child anymore.''
''I know, my bad. And who could have to that our tomboy princess would one day turn into such fine woman?" Alex said teasing Luna.
Luna blushed. Indeed, in the past she was unruly, a tomboy, she likes to hang out with boys. Fight alongside them.
''Do not say that,'' she complained.
Alex smiled not saying anything.
''I wonder how is Aunt May doing?" He suddenly said now that he remembered his past.
By the way, May is the name of Luna's mother, an extremely beautiful woman who was so compassionate that she seemed like a saint.
''Well, knowing mom, she'll be doing fine. I miss her. Unfortunately, it's impossible to go back.'' Luna muttered dejectedly.
Alex regretted having asked that question. He could only sigh.
''Sorry, I shouldn't have asked.''
''Don't worry I'm fine. I was just feeling a little bit nostalgic. Even if I can't see them anymore, I have you, Maria, Sakuya, and little Gracier with me here. I'm not lonely.'' She said, trying to act tough. However, Alex saw through her.
Alex caressed Luna's face affectionately. Now, that his memories were back, they came back with his feelings, it may be childhood feelings but they were still his feelings, he wanted to protect this girl whose feelings did not change after years, after what she experienced.
''Don't worry. I'll protect you. We will create a big family here.'' the last part was said to tease Luna.
Luna blushed, glaring at Alex she said, ''It seems that Lex has become a pervert when I was not looking after you. Do not worry, now it will change.''
''Oh! How so?'' He asked with a smile.
Luna only smiled not saying anything.
Suddenly, as if she remembered something she asked.
''Lex, do you remember that summer when we were seven years old? There was a girl dressed in a red gothic that visit us. We played with her. Do you remember?"
Alex searched in his memories until he found the scene like that. It was a beautiful little girl with black hair, blue eyes, she seemed to have a cold personality.
''Yeah, I remember her now. Why do you bring that up now?" He asked.
Luna smiled while leaning against Alex's shoulder.
''Well, that girl it was Maria.''
''Eh??" Alex exclaimed because he had never thought he had once encountered Maria. They even played for few hours.
Luna smiled seeing Alex's reaction, ''Well, it was my first time seeing her that day. She came with her father who is a mafia boss. I didn't even know that. It was a few years later that I learned what my father does for a living.''
''I see. I want to know how you two, no three became friends. Tell me what happened after we part.'' Alex said.
Luna decided to tell Alex what happened but before that, she decided to use his lap to make herself comfortable before starting.
Minutes became an hour. Luna told Alex what happened, how she became friends with Maria and Sakuya.
''Lû, how do you feel about Maria's condition?" Alex suddenly asked this.
Luna smiled while locking eyes with Alex as she knew he asked this because of her. He was considering her feelings.
''Don't worry, I'm not against it. We have already discussed it. She did what she did to help us. To me as long I'm with you, as long I have a place in your heart it's already enough, I will not be greedy to want you for myself. To me if you herd horses in the countryside, I would then shepherd goats and weave clothes for you, if you go on the battlefield, I'll follow you and watch your back, as long we go through ups and downs in life together, doesn't matter I'm not the only one besides you. Also, those two are my sisters, we know each other well, so I do not mind.''
Luna's words were genuine and sincere. They made Alex feel touched. He felt warmth in his heart. Memories or not, he must never leave this girl go or else he would regret it.
Lowering his head he kissed her on the forehead. It was so sudden that Luna's heart almost jumped out of her heart.
''Don't worry, there will always be a place for you in my heart. Besides you're my first love, my childhood sweetheart, we vowed to stay together until death part us. I may have forgotten in the past but now that I remember, I'll uphold that promise. I'm still your fiance isn't it?" Alex asked with a mischievous smile on his face.
Luna pouted when she saw that Alex was teasing her. Still, she nodded her head. Her feelings for Alex had not changed, not even after she saw that he had forgotten about her. It kept growing and now that he finally remembered, she would never shy in acknowledging her feelings for him. Unlike the others, she already had a head start.
''I was your fiancee, I'm still your fiancee.'' she declared.
Alex smiled while stroking Luna. The two did not say anything, they stayed silent, enjoying a moment of peace where there's the two of them.
After resting for a while, they decided to continue their date.
To make the best of their remaining time, Alex and Luna stood up before continuing to walk hand in hand.
They ate different things, played in different stalls, and simply enjoyed themselves the best possible.
It wasn't a luxurious date. But, for Luna, this was perhaps the best day for her since very long ago.
She only remembered having felt such happiness when she was a child when she was still with Alex. The date continued.
181: Sweet Date
Alex and Luna finally reached a tall hill in a park that seemingly overlooked a great part of the commercial district.
Luna admired the beautiful view while Alex stood behind her and hugged her. Luna did not put any resistance because it was the one she loves that was holding her, she felt at peace inside his arms.
At the same time, Alex on the other side.
He felt all his worries slip away when he holds her like this. For a moment he doesn't need to pretend anymore as it could be said that the one in front of him knows him the best.
''Don't worry I'm here. I'll try to take some of your burdens. I'll be strong enough to not drag you down. I don't know what the third princess wants with you but I will try to help you to the best I can. Unlike others, I'm aware that a storm is coming and you'll be at the center of it.'' Luna said while leaning against Alex.
Alex was surprised by his childhood sweetheart's words.
''Why do think that the princess wants something with me?" He couldn't help but ask as he knew that the information of him visiting the third princess was known by a only handful of people, Luna and others were not certainly part of it. And he was sure that Gracier had not said anything as he had forbidden her of spreading it.
Luna smiled, ''Well, it was not hard to know because she appeared just after you came.
When we were in class, she kept glancing in your way while murmuring something to Lilith beside her. The others may have not noticed it but I'm different.''
''How so?" Alex asked teasingly as he could more or less guess what her answer was going to be.
As expected Luna did not immediately answer, biting her lower lip she muttered rather inaudibly,
''It's because I almost secretly observe you.''
''Hahaha, I'm flattered to have a beauty looking at me. I know some people who will die of jealousy knowing this fact,'' he said while hugging Luna's waist a little bit tighter.
''Humph! Let them be. I'm already taken. Even if I wasn't none of them entered my eyes. There is no they can do that's will change this fact.'' Luna declared.
Alex felt pity for those thinking of getting Luna.
'Well, she is mine. I'll never hand her over to anybody.'
''Do you know why Damien seems obsessed with you? Because I do not think it's only because he's infuriated with you.'' Alex suddenly asked because to him Damien's possessiveness in regards to Luna was strange. From what he gathered, the two had never seen each other, and even if he may have seen Luna in a newspaper, yeah there's a newspaper in this world, this still couldn't explain his unusual behavior.
Luna could not help but sigh, ''I don't know the exact reason but may it's has something to do with the fact that I'm the Saintess?"
Alex pondered over Luna's words for seconds and could not help but find her words reasonable. As the Holy Crux being a religious organization, Luna's status, her class, her power was more than welcomed as she could be used to boost the popularity of the church, getting new believers.
'I wonder what kind of God they worship?' He wondered but he decided to look into it later as he had the impression that what they want Luna for was not only to boost the church's popularity but for something else. As for what their real purpose is, he was going to find out because he couldn't let knowing danger befall his loved ones.
Alex and Luna decided to sit on the nearby bench.
Just as they sat Luna suggested,
''Just lay down a little bit. You seem tired.''
While saying so, Luna repeatedly tapped on her thighs, her suggestion was rather obvious, Alex gulped before laying down, putting his head gently against Luna's thighs.
Alex was currently experiencing what all males desire to experience at least once in their life. The legendary lap pillow.
Gently brushing Alex's hair she said, ''I want to know what you went through. I want to know everything, do not forget any details.''
Alex chuckled as previously it was him that asked to know everything about her encounter with the other two and now it was his turn. The roles have been reversed.
He started recounting all he experienced, about his encounter with Gracier, how he became his sister, what they went through, about the test. He did not tell her about his right eye nor did Luna asked as she knew that there were some things people like to keep for themselves as everyone has their secret.
Even if she doesn't know now doesn't mean it will stay like this in the future.
''Waouh! You went through a lot of things that I'm even jealous of. Well, we are now together, we will adventure together from now on.'' Luna declared before suddenly asking.
''Silveria is not your master, am I wrong?"
Alex chuckled, ''What make you say that?"
Playing with Alex's hair she said, ''Well, it's Athena who said that she's not your master.''
''Athena?" Alex was confused as it was his first time hearing such a name, well except for reading about Athena, the goddess of war in greek mythology. He doubts that it was her Luna was talking about.
''Ah! I forget to introduce her. Athena is my Gift's spirit.'' Luna explained.
Alex's eyes widened. He remembered that Silveria had said something like that.
Leonardo's Gift's spirit is called Arthur.
'I wonder why they possessed names related to mythology characters?' he thought to himself.
''Indeed, she is not my master. We decided to play such a role for our protection.'' Alex explained as there was no benefit in hiding it when the other party was already aware of Silveria's identity.
''I see. A rather ingenious plan. What is your goal, Lex?"
To Luna's question, Alex immediately responded by saying, ''I want to have enough strength to protect my loved ones. To be able to do it I'm must stand at the apex, to become the strongest. I know it won't be easy, I'm just an ant at the moment, there is a lot of stronger people than am I, however, it's only now. This is going to change.''
Even though she could only see one of his eyes, this one was shining when he firmly declared he will stand at the top one day. As his woman, her blood boiled, her battle intense rose, therefore she declared.
''And as your woman, I must help you. I can't say I'll become the strongest but I'll have enough strength to watch your back, I'm not your a battle lover after all.''
Alex's lips twitched when he heard Luna's words, she may foul others but Alex with his memories back know how scary she is. When angry she's like a demon.
''What with that looks?" Luna asked when she saw Alex not responding to her declaration.
''Nothing, I just remembered that someone likes to fight all time when we were child, however now she's saying. Ah! Forget it.'' Alex said with the corner of his lips curled into a grin.
Ouch!
However, soon he cried of pain as his cheek got pinched hard by Luna.
''I dare you to say again. Who likes to battle?''
''It's my dear Lû.'' Alex said with a smile.
Luna was infuriated as she did like people saying she loves battle, it made her appear unladylike. She pouted,
''What if I love to fight? You won't me anymore?''
''What a foolish question is that? Of course, I'll want to you.'' Alex said to her. His tone was firm and sincere.
''Alex, you already know my feelings. Even so, I will still say it right here right now, I can easily confirm. I love you. From the bottom of my heart, I love you. I love you so much it hurts."
She declared in a soft and firm voice. Taking his hand into her, she continued,
''I love you so much that I do not mind sharing you with others. I just want a place in your heart. Today feel like a dream, I know it is not a dream. Please promise you will not disappear from my life as you did in the past, you will forget about me. Because, if this were to happen I think I'll go crazy. Never let go of this hand, never let go of me or not I'll hunt, I'll curse you.''
''Silly girl. No need to worry, I'm here I'm not going anywhere. I'll never let you go. You're mine since that day under the moonlight when became engaged. No matter how many women I'll have, you'll be my number one. Nobody is going to take your place, not even Maria. I vow to take care of you until death part us and even if there's an afterlife we will still be together. It's me who's afraid of you leaving me one day.''
''I'll never leave you. Without you, my life will be meaningless. You know why I have broken down in this unfamiliar world?" Luna suddenly asked.
Alex shook his head.
Luna smiled, ''One part is because I've my sisters with whom we shared a lot of things but the biggest part is because I know that you are here with me. This reason was enough for me to live on, to try to become stronger, for your sake and my sake, for the sake of my sisters.''
''I see, I'm honored to learn this. Don't worry, I'm here now. Please take care of me from now on my fiancee.''
Alex said gently before using his hand to lower Luna's face until he kissed her. It was a light kiss.
This was the second time Luna was kissed in her life, the first time it was when they were eight years old and the second time was today.
All she could remember was how sweet it tasted. Sweet as today's date.
182: Do Not Mess With That Person
Two hours later, their date ended. After accompanying Luna back to their villa, Alex after bidding her farewell left. He refused the invitation to enter the villa as he had a more pressing matter. The mock battles were about to start, so he must use every second he had to train.
Just as Alex started walking back home, he felt a subtle killing intent directed at him. He felt a chill down his spine, without hesitation he summoned Silveria and fired into a certain direction, it was where the killing intent was coming from.
However, nothing happened after the Phantom Bullet passed there. Even his divine sense did not detect anything.
''Maybe it was my imagination.''
〖No, that person fled. He was injured. His speed was too fast, the reason why you're not able to see it.〗Silveria explained.
'Oh? Sil, you're back.' Alex said surprised.
〖Indeed am I. You can't be thinking that you can use me and at the same time I can be also at home?〗she asked.
Alex scratched his head in embarrassment as it was exactly what he was thinking because in the Illusionary Battlefield, she was there while he was using the silver gun, therefore he mistakenly thought that she could be at two different places at the same time. It was to say that even if she was resting in the villa, Alex could use her without her leaving the villa. However, now it seems that assumption was wrong.
〖It's impossible to do what you think. What happened, in the Illusionary Battlefield is because I was in a world I've created myself.〗Silveria explained.
'I see. That aside. I wonder who's after me? Damien's men? Leonardo? Or the third princess?' Alex mused over while walking toward his villa.
〖The other two aside, I do not think it's the third princess. She won't do that because she wants to recruit you, remember?〗
'Indeed. It must not be her. As the culprit being Leonardo, I doubt. Which left us with one person, Damien.' Alex guesstimated.
His face turned cold when he thought that it was Damien's doing. Nobody likes to have his life played with.
'Because of woman, he tries to eliminate me. A woman who isn't it even yours. I'll make you pay.' Alex mumbled, he was seething with killing intent.
Silveria chuckled when she thought that Damien was about to suffer a heavy lost as that person was here. Silveria knew she was protecting Alex and Gracier in the shadow, it has been few days since this started. With her coming, there was no way Damien's will go back unscathed.
•••••
At the same, while Alex was fuming in another location, a black-clothed man was leaning against a wall.
Even though his face was concealed, from his eyes you could feel how much pain he was in. There was a large gaping hole above his right elbow, his right arm was limping.
''Ah, ah, to think that I'll be caught off guard and suffer such grievous wound. If I haven't fled I'd have probably lost my life because of the sudden dangerous feeling I've got.'' the black-clothed man muttered.
The dangerous feeling he was talking about had come from Silveria. What he said was not wrong, if, after that injury, he had not fled Silveria would have killed him.
''Let contact the others.'' the black-clothed man said before using a communication stone to contact his subordinates.
A few minutes later, five individuals dressed in black came and when they saw the state their leader was in, they were baffled. One should know that he was almost Rank 9. So, to be able to injure, the person responsible must at least strong as him or beyond him.
Unfortunately, the one responsible for their leader's injury was only early Rank 7. If they knew this, they will be surprised.
''Leader, what-"
Just as that person was about to ask what happened, he stopped midsentence, no, it would be more accurate to say he was forced to stop as his head had already left his body.
Thud!
The headless body fell onto the ground creating a thud sound.
''What?!!!!" Exclaimed the other four.
Before they could turn around, all four felt their center of gravity shifting, they witnessed their headless bodies followed by eternal darkness.
Five Rank 6 died like that, their leader was scared beyond limit. Only one thought was inside his mind at the moment, 'Flee, I must flee.'
Even though he was injured, this doesn't mean he became weak, that he was useless, he was still expert Rank 8, just a little bit and he would advance into the next Rank. It was to say, he was not a weakling and yet he was not able to see anything when his subordinates were dying one by one in front of him. He only saw darkness, not the person who killed his men.
Suddenly, the shivering injured black-clothed man heard a voice that seemed to come from the deepest part of hell.
''Sigh! You lot, I did not do anything when I saw you moving sneakily around before because I was not planning to ruin his date.
However, instead of appreciating my generosity, you even harbored killing intent toward him just because I went to report something? How dare you. Not even, Slade, your leader dare to be disrespectful in my presence.''
The injured black-clothed man was frozen in terror, when he heard that emotional voice, heard his leader's name, he was able to identify the other party. This person was a nightmare, nobody in the continent dared to mess with this person because of how ruthless this person was, nobody knows this person's gender, however, the number of kills under this person's belt was in the three-digit. Zero, the Phantom, the Death God.
'I'm screwed.' The man thought. When he accepted the mission and started monitoring Alex's on his date, he knew somebody was watching them, he did not dare to act rashly until that person's presence disappeared.
Even after that person disappeared, he was not planning to act but was forced because somehow he was annoyed with Alex's happiness. When he remembered how deeply the Saintess was in love with this man, and because of that his master had no chance of winning the girl's heart, the only solution left was to kidnap her, the black-clothed man was so annoyed that he inadvertently let a little bit of his killing intent slip as for a moment he considered whether or not he should eliminate the threat Alex represented. Damien was like his grandchild after all, he ought to think about his happiness and above everything else Luna was vital for the Holy Crux empire. Therefore he must eliminate any future threat to the empire.
However, just as that idea blossomed inside his mind he was forced to flee because his target injured him and now the grim reaper was here to harvest his life. He regretted his hastiness, how unbefitting of an elite assassin.
Zero dressed in black from head to toe coldly glanced at the injured black-clothed man.
Behind the black mask she grinned evilly, she vanished and when she reappeared she was holding a severed arm in her hand.
''Ahgah!''
Finally aware of what happened, the injured black-clothed man utterly an anguished cry that reverberated inside the alley. The man who previously did not utter any sound even when he suffered such a grave wound, now was crying in pain after having his left arm sliced. It was to be expected, it was not your typical wound, his wound was being corroded by darkness, it was extremely painful, so painful that an assassin trained in the art of enduring pain couldn't do it.
Tossing the arm into the air, Zero destroyed it, not even leaving a speck behind.
Before leaving she said, ''Tell, your master that this will be the only time I'll tolerate such insolence. There won't be a next, if there's I'll personality deliver his head to the Holy Pope. I do not care whether he's the Holy son or not. He must know there is some person he must never touch.''
Even under such inhuman pain, the injured black-clothed man who was now a one-armed man fearfully nodded his head.
Zero disappeared after delivering her message. Taking something out of his space ring, the one-armed man treated his injuries before leaving, he was limping.
In another location, Zero appeared, she sighed, the frightening pressure she was emitting vanished like a lie. Looking in the direction of Alex's villa she mumbled begrudgingly.
''Hmph! I'm busting my ass to protect you and yet you have the leisure to go on date. You even forget about our- Ah! Forget it. I ought to go, no need to think about. His protection is more important.''
She then disappeared again, normally she should have gone toward Alex's villa, however, she made a detour as she must go report what happened.
On the other side, the one-armed man went back home with a special method.
He immediately entered Damien's study.
Presently, Damien was smiling as he was waiting for his men to come back to tell him how Alex's date went. With this information he would know to proceed, to know whether or not he had a chance, if he doesn't he would retort to the last solution that consists of kidnapping Luna. However, this is the last resort thing, he must carefully plan, it was not something he can do now, it's too soon.
''I will-"
Bang!
Damien stopped talking when he saw one of the men he sent on mission appear in his study room. He immediately falls to the ground.
Seeing his grievous wounds, Damien's complexion sank, he immediately approached the man and held his hand to help him up, but the man stopped him before looking at him with fearful eyes, he warned Damien with sternest that left Damien's speechless. It was the first he acted like this.
''Damien, Do not mess with that person.''
Were the only words he managed to say before leaving this world forever.
''Grampa Stone, Grampa Stone !!"
Damien called the one-armed man several while shaking his body, he was panicking.
However, no matter how many he called the one-armed man whose name must be Stone, there's no response.
Finally aware that his Grampa Stone died, Damien kneeled while looking blankly into space for a long moment before roaring.
''Alexander Kael Touch, you'll pay for this.''
His roar shook the whole mansion. It was a roar filled with hatred.
183: A Nasty Feeling
After roaring, eyes full of madness, Damien calmed down. Sitting on the ground he started pondering.
''What happened?''
''Alex's master must be protecting him, it's why this happened. It was an unwise move I shouldn't have ordered grampa Stone and others to do that. Sigh! There is no need to cry over spilled milk. What I need to do now it's to deal with Alex.''
Damien said, his eyes were vicious. None of the men he sent to monitor returned alive, well, Stone returned but he just said few words before passing away. He must make Alex pay.
For a moment he considered summoning Slade over, but decided not to, at least for the moment.
''I should be able to take care of Alex myself,''
he mumbled before ordering his men to incinerate Stone's body and kept the inside an urn to bring it back to the empire.
Today lost must be repaid.
•••••
On Alex's side. Unaware of the tragedy suffered by Damien's men and his hatred toward him. And even if he knew, he couldn't care less, Alex was holding a party with his sister, Silveria, and his employees.
It was Gracier's suggestion, she was adamant about it, Alex could only relent. When Alex recounted what happened, Gracier and Silveria congratulate him with Gracier suggested that they should celebrate it.
After the party, Alex directly went to sleep.
•••••
The next day after, class started as usual and after class ended, Chris leave these words before leaving,
''Train well. Mock battles are about to start.''
The student's eyes shined as they were eager to prove themselves. Leonardo glanced at Alex and smirked, he couldn't wait to teach Alex a lesson in the incoming Mock battle.
Suddenly, Alex who was silent for a while stood up, his figure blurred startling his friends and when he reappeared, he was already in front of Damien.
Without giving him the time to speak, he punched him in the face. It was a fast and powerful strike, he used seventy percent of his strength. Damien was blasted back, his nose was broken, blood was dripping out of it.
Silence descended upon the whole classroom, every single individual present inside the classroom was astonished by what just happened. They couldn't understand why Alex went and punched Damien.
Leonardo's eyes turned serious, even with his speed, he almost couldn't follow Alex's movement.
'Hehehe, you're not half bad, however, do not get full of yourself. I'm faster.' he thought while grinning.
Coldly looking at Damien who was surprised as the other because he didn't expect Alex to punch him in public, Alex said, his voice was freezingly low, it sent chills down to people's spine.
''Next time you tried something like yesterday I'll kill the moment I see you. She's not yours and she'll never be.''
Alex spun around and approached Luna and others, taking Luna's hand in his own as lovers do, he said, ''Let's go.''
Even though most did not understand what's going on, from Alex's words, it has something to do with Luna.
Talking about Luna, they noticed that the relationship between the two had changed, they look like pair of lovers. Most wondered what happened yesterday for such a chance to happen today.
Damien ground his teeth when he saw how Luna behave, she was smiling looking at Alex with affection. His broken nose had stopped bleeding and was already healing, it was because of his Gift. He's Light element user, also known as Holy Magic.
Outside of the classroom, Chris, their teacher was leaning against the classroom's wall.
When he saw Alex out, he stopped him and asked, ''Why did you hit him?"
Alex smiled, even though he was smiling his eyes were cold, ''Friendly reminder.''
''I see. Do not overdo it.'' Chris said and left.
Alex did not say anything and continued while holding Luna's hand.
En route, Maria suddenly said, ''Somehow, you seem different.''
Without stopping Alex asked, ''How so?"
''You look domineering,'' she said.
Gracier, Luna, Leon, Sakuya, Ferris, Eris, and Kuina nodded their heads, they were also thinking the same thing.
〖Maybe it's because you have regained your lost memories?〗Silveria said.
Alex only chuckled, indeed after regaining his lost memories along with his feelings for Luna, something had changed. However, he didn't know what it was.
While they were eating at the cafeteria, Leon teased Alex.
''Alex, you owe me a good fight.''
''Indeed, I do. Don't worry, I will not go back on my promise. A loss is a loss. I'm looking forward to our fight.'' Alex said with a grin, it was the same grin he wears when fighting against a strong opponent.
''Hahaha, same here my friend, my blood is boiling.'' Leon laughed.
The girls except for Sakuya couldn't help but shake their heads. Sakuya's eyes were shining, her eyes were like that of a predator that could not wait to trample her enemy under her feet. When he locked eyes with her, Alex felt a chill down his spine, he couldn't help but shudder.
'This Japanese girl must not be underestimated.' he thought.
Sakuya smiled sweetly.
''Why did you hit Damien?" Luna asked because to her that know Alex more than others, she knew Alex wouldn't be so angry if Damien hadn't done something unforgivable.
''He sends someone after me.'' It was all Alex said, however, smart as they are, the others understood what Alex's words meant.
Their complexion sank, they found Damien's action despicable, especially the women.
''I see, no wonder you reacted like that. Do not let your guard down. This type of man never learns.'' Kuina warned.
''Don't worry, I will,'' Alex promised.
After eating, Alex decided to go back as he was not going to attend the Magic class. He exchanged few words with Luna before leaving.
However, he had not taken his tenth step when Leon stopped him and hand over something to him, it was black armor, it was Loki.
''Take it, from now on it yours. Do not refuse because it will be like you're looking down on me. Whether you have won or not, I was planning to give it to you anyway. So-"
Alex stopped Leon with a grin, ''Thank you, do not worry, I'm not planning to refuse such a wonderful gift. The moment I see this armor I have desired it, so naturally, I'll not refuse it. Thank you, my friend, I owe you one.'' He said before taking Loki from Leon's hands, he then stored it inside his item box.
''Good, see you tomorrow,'' Leon said and tapped Alex's shoulder twice before leaving.
Alex smiled, warmth filled his heart when watching Leon's back. Leon gave Alex, Loki, because of concern. When he heard Damien sent assassins after him, he judged the latter may do it again, therefore gifting Alex, Loki, was a wise move, with Loki. Alex's safety was almost assured.
This may be a calculated move from Leon's side however, it doesn't matter as he had said, he owed him one. Judging from Leon's character, it was unlikely that he did what he did with something in mind, he was too straightforward to be the plotting type. Still, you can't know a person entirely, better be a little bit prudent and not trust blindly.
〖Don't worry, I've more worldly experiences than you, I've lived longer than you, so, I can say Leon is not a bad person, he will be a good friend. However, whether or not this may change in the future I do not know as human's heart is unpredictable.〗Silveria said.
'I see. I sincerely hope he can become a good friend of mine, a friend to whom I can entrust my back without fearing being betrayed.
Believe me, it's a nasty feeling.' Alex said while recalling a certain incident, back on Earth when he freshly started, he was not even billionaire when one of his friends (his best friend) with whom he was working betrayed him and stole his application, this happened because he trusted the said friend too much to take the necessary precautions to avoid such a situation. Consequently, he lost millions and was forced to start over.
〖I see, so you also experienced a betrayal? I never thought that you've such a past.〗
Silveria mumbled as she didn't expect Alex to have such a past, like her previous owner who was once betrayed by his best friend, Alex was also betrayed by his best friend, how ironic.
'From your words and my senior previous warning, I can say that he has been betrayed by his friend. Am I wrong? Alex inquired as he remembered that in the last vision he had about the previous owner of his Gift, the latter warned him to not blindly trust.
〖Indeed, he has been betrayed by his best friend.〗Silveria did not refute Alex's claim.
'It's the golden-haired young man Arturo isn't it?'
〖Indeed it's him. The previous owner of Excalibur.〗Silveria said, her voice was filled with hatred.
'I see no wonder, the first I summoned you two, even though you were sealed, I detect enmity directed at Leonardo's Gift from you.'
Alex said, remembering what happened the first time he summoned his Gift, he had thought it was his imagination but guess it was not.
Shaking his head Alex decided to postpone questioning Silveria about what exactly happened for two friends to turn against each, for now, he must train.
'Let's go, I must train hard.'
184: Training Resumes
Just as Alex returned home, he decided to resume his training. Laying down, he was brought to the Illusionary Battlefield.
He appeared right inside the Endless Forest.
Looking around him, Alex saw that he was back in his previous location where he massacred a lot of wolves. However, while it was the same location, no dead bodies were laying around, the forest was peaceful.
Summoning his silver gun, Alex started to advance deeper into the Endless Forest, his divine sense was activated.
As usual, Silveria was watching everything from the sky.
After walking for fifteen minutes, Alex's divine sense caught something, at first it was only one red dot moving in his direction at fast speed, however, one turned into two, then three, it didn't stop there it was increasing.
Alex's expression turned serious as he could feel the ground shaking. He immediately used Xerox to create another identical copy of Silveria.
After he was done, he aimed the two guns forward and kicked the ground,
Bang! Bang! Bang!
While running forward he kept shooting at the incoming horde of Mad boar, it was the name of the incoming monsters.
He eliminated a couple of Mad boar while running toward them as if he was not afraid of clashing head-on with them.
Phantom Bullet
Boom!
A big gap was created in the middle of the Mad boars, more than ten Mad died under Alex's Phantom Bullet. Even so, the gap was soon filled and the monsters continued their mad dash toward Alex, destroying everything in their way.
Alex chuckled before running toward a nearby tree, like an agile monkey he climbed on top of the tree, once at the top, he observed the mad boars started to panic because they lost sight of Alex.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
After firing few bullets to kill some mad boars, Alex jumped on another tree before the one he was using got destroyed.
Alex moved from tree to tree while killing mad boars, it was quite fun, he almost got addicted to it.
The Mad boars were furious as they could not reach Alex. No matter how many trees they destroyed, Alex kept switching to another one.
'Let's see if you will keep acting smug once leader is here.' they thought and stopped pursuing Alex.
Alex was surprised when he saw the mad boars suddenly stopping pursuing him.
Feeling a sudden chill down his spine, Alex jumped toward another tree, when,
Boom!
His previous tree was destroyed by a fireball.
From the other side of the flame was a mad boar, this one was smaller than the usual mad boar, its skin was red compared to the usual gray color.
The most hilarious thing that left Alex's mouth open wide was that this boar was flying, yes, this boar had a pair of small flame wings.
''You gotta be kidding me,'' Alex shouted.
Red boar was the name of this flying boar, he's Level 50.
Coldly staring at Alex, he flapped his small flame wings and dashed toward Alex.
Bang Bang!!!
Not only this unusual boar was faster, but he was also agile, he nimbly dodged Alex's bullet before opening his mouth to spat two fireballs at Alex. The two fireballs combined to become a huge fireball, Alex knew he couldn't avoid the incoming fireball as it was too big and too fast.
Aiming the real Silveria at the incoming fireball he said,
[I'm the master of all creation unleash judgment,
Erase]
The Red boar snickered when he saw what Alex was doing,
'This human has gone mad, a fireball that even I can't do anything about it he thinks he can't fight it? How foolish.'
However, what happened the next moment left him speechless, the fireball he was proud of was simply erased, it disappeared as if he had never existed.
The Red boar had a 'What the hell expression.'
He was so surprised by the incomprehensible thing that just happened that he momentarily stopped, it was a dumb thing to do and Alex was not the one to miss an opportunity delivered to him so nicely.
After using Silveria to fire Erase, Alex moved his right arm and fired two bullets in quick succession at the surprised red boar. The first boar pierced the hide and almost reached the skull, however, it couldn't proceed any further because of the toughness of the hide, however, just as the first bullet almost stopped advancing, the second bullet came and collided against it, thus pushing it forward until it breaks the Red boar skull and entered his brain before exploding, thus killing it.
The Red boar's body shook violently before dropping down from the sky, it dropped in the middle of his subordinates.
Bang!
The other mad boars were scared, it did not take them two minutes to flee for their lives.
Alex sighed before dropping down from atop the tree.
The body of the red boar disappeared like all others after they are eliminated. A small tremor ran through Alex's body. Even without checking, he knew that he was gained few stats points. It was unknown how much he had gained this time as he could check his status, he had tired but it did work.
Shaking his head he mumbled, ''Let's keep going.''
He dashed deeper into the forest, his current location can be considered the outer zone.
There are three zones:
✒ Outer Zone: Alex's current location.
✒ Inner Zone: Where he was heading to.
✒ Core Zone: Where the boss of the Endless Forest is, the boss of the Level 1, Alex must defeat this boss in order to advance to the next level of Illusionary Battlefield.
''The monsters in the Outer Zone are this strong, I wonder how strong the ones located in the Inner Zone are?" Alex wondered while running forward.
Just as he was about to enter the Inner Zone (you can it was the inner zone because the forest on the other side was different, the same thing with the weather, it was snowing.), Alex came to an abrupt stop. He readied his weapons,
In front of Alex was a bear, a big bear.
For a few seconds, Alex and the bear stared at each other's eyes in silence.
This bear was more than 3 meters tall. It had a discernibly strong build and had water all over its fur. In addition, it had 30cm long and sharp claws extending from its paws, it had a sinister feel to it.
''Why didn't the water drip down
from the fur at the top of his head?'' Alex wondered before quickly shaking his head as this was not important. What was important was this monster, unlike the alpha, the Red boar, this monster in front of him was giving Alex an extremely dangerous feeling.
Looking above the bear's head Alex saw its level, he sucked a mouthful of air.
[Wild Water Bear (Mini-boss) Level 60]
''Gaaaaaaaaaaaa~!''
While raising a roar that echoed into the surroundings, it dropped to all fours and dashed toward Alex at extremely incredible speed unbefitting its size.
''Fast''
Alex commented while stepping in the opposite direction to avoid the Wild Water Bear's attack. He decided to counterattack by shooting at close range as he knew this would do more damage especially if he were to fire a Phantom Bullet, however, he dropped the idea and went on defensive instead as the wild water bear attacked him with his tail.
Bang! Crack!
Alex who had crossed his guns to receive the blow was blasted back crashing and destroying a tree. Even though it hurts like hell, he did not have the time to wail as his six senses tingled warning of extreme danger, he quickly rolled to his left to avoid the water balls shoot at him.
While rolling he aimed the two guns in direction of the wild water bear and fired successively,
Bang!!!!
Normally, the monster should have been caught off guard as Alex's reaction speed was faster, the wild water bear shouldn't have seen his counterattack coming and even though if he had, it should be hard for him to dodge.
Unfortunately, it was not what happened, the wild water bear falls back on his back before rolling to leave the bullet's trajectory.
Alex was surprised, even so, he quickly composed himself as he knew in battle one must never lose focus or else you'll lose your life.
Just as that bear stood up, Alex threw his two guns high into the sky, this move startled the monster, however, what came next even more.
Swish! Swish!!!
Alex launched twelve silver knives at the bear in a matter of seconds, he was too fast, the bear was forced to fully concentrate the incoming knives, he hastily created five layers of water shield.
They got destroyed one by one until six knives were left,
''Gaaahhhhh!"
Roaring the wild water bear punched the incoming knives one by one, his fists were coated with water enabling him to not be greatly injured.
Looking at the last knife, the wild water bear grinned before sending a punch toward it.
At the same time, Alex also grinned, extending his two hands he caught the two guns he had previously launched to the sky.
''I knew you will defend against it. I was aiming for this moment after all.''
As if he heard Alex's words, the wild water bear's body trembled, his eyes widened as he knew he was in trouble, he couldn't retract his punch because if he were to do that he would be injured by this sharp knife.
''Phantom bullet'' Alex mumbled while with the gun on his right he fired five bullets.
The six bullets seemed to have combined creating a blueish light that clashed against the extended hand of the wild water bear (the one he used to send punch).
''Arggh!"
That arm got destroyed until the elbow making the wild water bear wail loudly.
Not wasting his time, Alex accel-ed to reappear behind the wild water bear, the silver muzzle aimed at his head.
Unfortunately, before he could pull the trigger, a powerful pressure fell upon him making stopped, it started raining.
''No good, it's a domain,'' Alex exclaimed, he decided to quickly deal with the wild water bear.
'To think even that injured he still has the energy to activate his domain. Ah! I've underestimated this monster.' Alex thought while shooting at the bear, then something astonishing happened.
The wild water bear in front of Alex's body melted in a pool of water.
Smirking Alex fired once again used Erasure on the ground, the wild water bear's Rain down was canceled with the latter body rematerializing.
Bang!
A piercing bullet ended the startled wild water bear's life after he reappeared.
Alex crouched down while breathing hard, he was exhausted, his MP was almost depleted.
''The Inner Zone won't be easy, the Core Zone will be hard, even so I'm clear this level,'' he mumbled while catching his breath.
185: Inner Zone And Experimentation
Twenty minutes later Alex stood up and dusted himself, he had regained more than half of his power, he decided to go into the Inner Zone, he must experience how hard this zone was going to be.
Just as he was about to advance, he heard Silveria's voice inside his head.
〖Congratulation on clearing the First zone: the Outer Zone. Because you've killed a Mini-boss, the boss of this zone, you got a privilege, you can check your status. Do note that it's a one-time use, the next time will be after you killed the Mini-boss of the Inner Zone. Wish you good luck.〗
''Well, it's a good thing I can now check my status even if it's one-time use until I manage to kill the next Mini-boss. I wonder if the Core Zone only has a Mini-boss or it has both, Mini-boss and Boss?" Alex thought.
〖You'll find out once you stepped into the Core Zone.〗Silveria commenter.
Alex chuckled because from Silveria's comment, he was able to find out that the Core Zone probably has Mini-boss and Boss at the same.
''Well, I'm not afraid of a challenge, what I'm afraid of it's not progressing. Let's check my status.'' Alex said before thinking about checking his status. A blue window panel appeared right before his eyes.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 64
Experience Value (XP): 800/18700
Magic Power: 5010
Magic: None
Attack: 1020 (+30) ✒ 1050
Defense: 910 (+30) ✒ 940
Agility: 1020 (+30) ✒ 1050
Intelligence: 910 (+30) ✒ 940
Luck: 700 (+30) ✒ 730
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 3] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level Level 10] (New) [Normal Regeneration Level 5] [Mana Recovery Level 5]
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch} [Hellsing] [Xerox]
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn]』
Alex's eyes shined when he saw that he had gained 30 points. Comparing to last time, he had gained more, it was probably because he just cleared the Outer Zone.
Looking toward the Inner Zone, Alex's eyes glittered, instead of seeing a dangerous training zone, all he was seeing at the moment was a piece of juicy meat ready to devoured by him.
He licked his lips before shaking his head, his eyes turned serious, and he started walking toward the Inner Zone. Now, that he had recovered his MP, there was nothing to fear.
After walking for few minutes, Alex left the Outer Zone, the green forest full of vitality, and stepped into Ice land, in front of Alex was an Ice forest, there's snow everywhere, the temperature was cold making him almost shiver, if it was only that Alex wouldn't have ground his teeth, the gravity here had increased by 100 kg making the Inner Zone's gravity to be around 350 kg.
''This gravity here is reducing my speed by ten percent, I must quickly get used to the gravity here or else I'll be at disadvantage.'' He said before he started to walk forward.
Alex who had cautiously in the Ice forest suddenly stopped and readied his weapons, because his Divine Sense was activated he was able to detect the incoming monster.
This monster was too fast Alex couldn't shoot the monster before the latter attacked him.
Dodging the blow by stepping sideways, Alex's knife cut through the monster's neck.
Alex quickly cleaned the blood on his cheek, even though he had dodged, he was still injured by the claw of the monster, the monster was too fast.
His eyes widened when he saw the Snow wolf (pure white fur) in front of him, not because it was a wolf but because normally this Snow wolf should be gravely injured after receiving his attack, he should be unable to move, yet it was not the case, the wound the Snow wolf received was regenerating at a visible rate, in a matter of 10 seconds, the bleeding stopped, even the wound itself disappeared.
''Hoh! So monsters here have a special ability. To think the monster I'll encounter here will have the ability to regenerate. In other words, the only way is to deal heavy damage in a single blow without giving it time to recover
or something like that.'' Alex was really surprised.
By the way, the Snow wolf in front of Alex is Level 35, he did not immediately attack Alex as his sneak attack has fallen, even though he had managed to injure this human, the latter wound healed itself faster than him, thus this monster became cautious against the young man in front of him. He was waiting for his two brothers to come over and they will finish this young man.
Unbeknownst to him, Alex was already aware of the incoming monsters. He suddenly had a genius idea, he decided to test it out. The 1st seal of his Death's eye can help him put his enemy inside an illusion, he can manipulate this illusion to their worst nightmare. Then, it's possible to alter this illusion to not be about experiencing a nightmare but to be about something else.
For example in his current case, make the enemy in front of him not see him as an enemy but the two wolves planning to sneak attack him as the wolf's enemy? To see the two wolves as Alex, not as a wolf?
Alex wondered, he decided to test it, removing his eye patch, his blue eye locked the Snow wolf in place. Under such chilling eye, the Snow wolf felt terror for the first time since he appeared, that eye isn't something a human should possess, the Snow wolf wanted to flee, however, he could not move no matter how hard he struggled, he could only helplessly watch as Alex's right blue eye locked him in place and his mind went blank, he saw a scene where Alex massacred his entire family while laughing, besides Alex was another figure who had participated in the massacre.
This figure's feature was a little bit blurred, unclear, somehow, this figure looks like Alex.
Furious after witnessing the massacre of his family, the Snow wolf attacked Alex with all his might, he decided to detonate his body to bring his hateful enemy down with him, if he was able to bring down the second slaughterer as well, it will be good. However, the one the Snow wolf wanted to kill the most was Alex.
~Back in reality.
Alex smiled when he saw his plan worked, he quickly distanced himself from the wolves. Being attacked by their brother was out of their expectations and before they could say anything, the latter detonates his body.
Boom!
One between the two wolves was instantly killed by the explosion, the remaining one was gravely injured, he couldn't move a muscle.
He saw the despicable human who was responsible for their brother's unusual behavior.
''Thank you for taking part in my little experimentation. It was not perfect but it's acceptable.'' Alex said before beheading the injured Snow wolf.
Clap! Clap!
Just after he killed the Snow wolf, Alex heard clapping sounds. Even without turning around to confirm who it was, he knew that it was Silveria who appeared behind him. As for the reason for her applause, 'It must be because of the technique I just created.' he thought.
''Well done Master. To think you'll be able to come up with such a technique. It's pretty unexpected. Against two lower Rank enemies, this technique will be a nightmare, you'll be able to force them to kill each other.'' Silveria compliments him.
Finally, turning his Silveria's direction, he said dejectedly,
''Well, as you can see it's not perfect. I was only able to make him focus on one enemy. A pity.''
''Don't worry you'll have the time to perfect this technique later.'' Silveria tried to comfort him.
Alex smiled hearing Silveria's words.
''For you to appear now, I must assume that it is time to head back?''
Silveria nodded before flicking her fingers, the scene changed and Alex saw he was back in the real world.
Looking at his body, Alex felt uncomfortable, he decided to go take a bath before joining his sister as it was already the hour for dinner.
After leaving his room he saw one of his butlers standing in the corridor. From the look, he seemed to be waiting for Alex to come out.
And when he saw Alex, he curtsied, ''Good evening, master.''
''Evening Karl. You seem to be waiting for me. Is there anything you want to inform about?" Alex asked.
Karl immediately explained the reason why he had been waiting for Alex.
''The young miss said you must not wait for her before eating, she has already eaten. She said she'll be training.''
''I see. You can go back and tell Anna, I'm coming to prepare the dinner.'' Alex ordered.
Karl slightly bowed before leaving.
Once alone Alex sighed, he contemplated whether or not he should visit his sister to check how she's doing, however, he decided not to. Under Ignia's supervision, nothing bad will happen to her.
''Let's go eat, Nemesis.''
As if to respond to Alex's words, Silveria appeared beside him, the two left.
186: It Started
The next day when Alex saw his sister, he was astonished because the latter aura was different from before.
''What happened?" He asked while appraising his sister, he hadn't done this since they came to the capital. If he had, he would know that his sister never slacks off. Every time she came back late, it wasn't because she was hanging with Maria and others, it was because she secretly went farming exp.
Alex was so surprised that he couldn't believe what he was seeing,
『[Gracier Alexandra Touch]
「 Rank 6」
Level 52
Class: Fire Empress
Age: 14
Female
Race: High Half-Elf
Experience Value: 0/8200
Magic Power: 1710 (+35) ✒ 1745
Magic: Fire Magic
Attack: 585 (+35 (+ 70 BP) ✒ 690
Defense: 420 (+35) ✒ 455
Agility: 320 (+35) ✒ 355
Intelligence: 310 (+35) ✒ 345
Luck: 320 (+35) ✒ 355
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Ignia's Bracelet
Skills: [Cooking Level 4] [Sewing Level 3] [Fireball Level 5] [Fire Arrows Level 4] [Meteor (???)] [Fire Snake Level 4] [Flame Shield Level 5] [Presence Detection Level 5] [Chantless Magic Level 5 (+6) ✒ Level 8] [Fire Lotus Level 5] [Archery Level 5] [Blaze Steps Level 2 (+ 3 SP) ✒ Level 5]
Special Ability: [Dragon Eye Level 10 Max] [Flame Wings Level 3] [Dragon's Breath Level 1 (+1 SP) ✒ Level 2] (New)
Titles: [Avenger] [Child of Fire] [The Awakened] [The Diligent]』
Silveria did not seem surprised by Gracier's level as she knew she had been secretly farming exp after classes, she asked her to not say anything, it would be a surprise. She was planning to at least advance to the next Rank before the start of the mock battles.
'She only gained 4 levels with all her secret farming. I guess the other 3 levels that helped her to advance into the next Rank must be Ignia doing. She must have sacrificed some of her blood essences to help little Alexandra advance. She even gained a new special ability. Ignia's sure generous.' Silveria thought.
At the same time as if reading her mind, Ignia said, ''You are the one to talk. You siblings are too generous with your Master. Well, I can only do this much. I hope it will help her a little to have hope to catch with her brother. And more importantly to protect herself, exploring ruins is not an easy thing. I'm too tired, I'll go into slumber to recuperate please look after her for me.''
Leaving these words behind, Ignia went to sleep, she was too exhausted after performing such a secret art on Gracier. She needs a lot of time to recuperate. When Gracier learned the price she'd pay after helping her, she refused, however, Ignia still did it because she saw how dejected Gracier was after not being able to advance into the next Rank at the eve of the mock battles.
Back to Alex and Gracier.
Hearing Alex's question, Gracier smiled embarrassedly before she started explaining what happened.
''I see, you had been secretly farming exp after classes. No wonder, you always come back late. Good job, as expected of my sister.'' Alex said while caressing Gracier's head. The latter was happy to be praised by her brother.
''I must thank Ignia for what she did. Please tell her that I'm grateful for what she did.'' Alex said.
However, the moment Gracier heard Ignia's name, her smile disappeared, this didn't go unnoticed by Alex.
''What happened? Why do you see so down when I mentioned Ignia's name?" He asked.
And before she could open her mouth to explain, Silveria appeared and said.
''She's unable to contact Ignia because she is in a temporary slumber.''
''I see, it must be because of the technique she used on Alexandra. Don't worry Alexandra she will wake up soon.'' Alex tried to comfort his sister.
Gracier nodded her head, her eyes shined with determination. She must perform extremely well tomorrow. She will show them what the Touch family is made of.
After today little episode the two went to school and another day passed.
•••••
Today, the sun was breather than usual as if to announce that this day was going to be exceptional.
Imperial Magic Academy, in a huge stadium, students could be seen standing on a huge platform.
Today was the day the mock battles will start. It was called mock battles but it was more like a little competition held between students. It's to test their strength before sending them to dungeons.
Standing in front of his students, Chris with his arms crossed behind his back observed his students for a moment before announcing.
''The day as come. Today, the mock battles will start. It will be divided into three stages.
First stage: You'll go on stage and touch that stone for assessment to know your Level, what element you use.
Second stage: Team Combat Assessment: In this stage, you'll form a team to capture the enemy's flag.
Third stage: Individual Combat Assessment, you'll fight against each other.
Let's us begin.''
Alex and Leon looked at each other before smiling, they couldn't hide their desire to battle each other.
Under Chris's supervision, the students started going on the stage to use the assessment stone. This stone can indicate your age, your level, and rank, it will not give the details of your status.
''Amy Stone, Age 17, Level 55 Rank 6, Water element.''
The pink-haired girl touched the assessment stone, she proudly raised her head and looked in Alex's direction.
''What's up with this girl?'' Leon asked Alex.
''Don't concern yourself with her. Let's her be.''
Alex said while ignoring Amy, it was not her first time looking at Alex, she had tried striking conversation with him several times, inviting him, however, Alex always refused as he could feel something fishy behind her behavior. She must be plotting something as Alex was not so conceited to believe she had fallen for him.
''Camilla Asmar, Age 16, Level 55, Rank 6, Dual Elementalist: Fire and Wind.''
''Dodulus Asmar, Age 17, Level 57, Rank 6, Earth element user''
''Kevin Asmar, Age 17, Level 57, Rank 6, Fire element user.''
After the Asmar's siblings passed it was Leonardo's turn.
Before going on the stage, he looked at Alex with a smirk, he then proudly step on the stage.
''Leonardo Dixor, Age 17, Level 63, Rank 7, Triple Elementalist: Holy Magic (Light), Fire and Lighting.''
A burst of astonishing exclamations sounded from the crowd, and lines of gazes of awe and envy landed on Leonardo. He proudly raised his head, he did not forget to look down on Alex with a gaze seeming to say, 'I dare you to do better.'
Alex ignored him as he knew Leonardo had awoken another power the moment he saw him. He was only surprised when he saw Leonardo's current level.
'I guess others must have also increased their level.' Alex thought.
Chris, their teacher was shocked as he was not privy to his students' details. Dual elementalists are rare, however, Triple elementalists are even rarer, and it's the Lightning element to boot, it's an extremely destructive element just like the Fire Element.
Chris chuckled while thinking, as expected of the one with the Hero's class. He decided to focus on the stage as it was now Maria's turn to go on the stage.
''Maria Alexa Rosares, Age 17, Level 63, Rank 7. Ice element user.''
''The rumor is true, she possesses the same element as the Headmistress, no wonder she took her as her disciple,'' Chris mumbled while looking in the direction of the Headmistress, Freya. Elseria was sitting beside her.
After Maria left the stage, it was now Luna's turn.
''Luna Heart, Age 17, Level 62, Dual elementalists: Holy Magic and Water magic.''
Another dual elementalists thought the others.
''Sakuya Hishimiya, Age 17, Level 62, Wind element user.''
After Sakuya passed it was the turn of Gracier to pass.
''Gracier Alexandra Touch, Age 14, Level 52, Rank 6, Fire element user.''
The moment they saw Gracier's assessment, another commotion started.
''So, young.''
''She's the Eighth adopted sister.''
Gracier did not say anything, nor she acted arrogantly she went to stand beside her brother.
''Oh, it now the turn of the Lionheart crown prince to go.''
Someone in the crowd said when he said Leon going on the stage.
''Leon Lionheart, Age 17, Level 64, Rank 7, Lightning element user.''
''As expected of the Lionheart crown prince, he is strong, more than the Hero.''
Leonardo's face darkened when he heard this.
'Even if you are a Lightning user and one level ahead of me if we fight I'll win. I'm stronger than you.' Leonardo thought.
After Leon, Ferris and Eris went on the stage,
''Ferris Wolfang, Age 17, Level 62, Rank 7. Wind element user.''
''Eris Wolfang, Age 17, Level 62, Rank 7, Wind element user.''
Wolfang's royal family was known for being Wind Elementalist, so it wasn't surprising to see both Ferris and Eris being Wind Elementalist.
Damien went on stage,
''Damien Constantine Crux, Age 17, Level 64, Rank 7, Holy Magic (Light)"
Another level 64. Damien did not say anything, he just glared at Alex secretly thinking of crippling in the incoming fight.
''Kuina Eriel Foxia, Age 17, Level 64, Rank 7, Dual elementalists: Fire and Illusion magic.''
Illusion magic is the specialty of the Foxia family. Illusion magic can be said to originate from the Light element, a mutated Light element. Illusion Magic, is considered as element apart from the Light element.
''Tch!"
Leon clicked his tongue in annoyance when he saw that Kuina had caught up with him.
Alex couldn't help but chuckle when he saw this.
His turn was about to come.
187: She's A Monster Same As You
Alex couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Leon's behavior.
His turn was about to come. But Roman will go first. Since the banquet, Roman didn't dare look at Alex in the eyes as if afraid of losing something valuable again. His arrogance had disappeared, he knew that what happened previously was because he was a foul who easily let himself be used. He did resent Alex too much, his father forbade him to try anything against Alex or he will kill him with his own hands if he learned that he did something to Alex.
Shaking his head Roman goes on the stage and touched the assessment stone.
''Roman Fishburns, Age 17, Level 56, Rank 6, Water Element user.''
'Oh! He has progressed.' Alex thought while watching Roman leave the platform. They exchanged a glance, no word was uttered.
Now it was Alex's turn to be assessed, walking on the stage he touched the assessment stone. Leonardo smirked when he saw this as he knew that Alex could not use any Magic. He could not wait to see him get ridiculed.
''Alexander Kael Touch, Age 17, Level 64, Rank 7, No element.''
There was a silence. Before,
''Eh? No element means he can't use magic?''
someone among the students asked.
''Indeed, however, I'm not concerned by that, he is strong, stronger than the Hero, he's strong as Lionheart crown prince and Foxia's crown princess. As expected of the Eighth the one that easily dispatched Roman Fishburns.''
another one said. Most of the people nodded their heads as they were present that night, the night of the banquet when Roman got beaten up in two moves.
Alex calmly left the scene. Leonardo's face at the moment was ugly, he ground his teeth. He expected Alex to become the laughingstock after the result of his assessment his shown, however, it was not what happened, instead he was praised. Not only this displeased Leonardo but what infuriated him more was Alex was stronger than him.
'Sigh! Let call down, shall we? No need to get angry over such a small detail. One level doesn't mean he can beat me. I'll beat so hard that his mother won't recognize him after I'm done with him. After that, I'll be the turn of Leon, Damien, and others. I'm the strongest, I'll show them, I'll show you.' Leonardo calmed down and closed his eyes and when he opened them against his eyes were calm, there was no hatred in them, only the assurance in his strength.
He looked at where Katherina, the second princess was for a moment before closing his eyes again. The last part of his words was destined to Katherina as he had finally noticed like Camilla said, Katherina's interest in Alex after the latter showed his talent. He vowed to destroy that plan as they can never be two captains on the same boat, if Alex was recruited this would mean he and others would lose their place, his goal would never come true. There was no way he was going to tolerate that.
~Back to the stadium.
It was now the turn of the third princess to go.
Everyone was waiting to see the result of her assessment as she was hailed as a genius, not only she's the most beautiful woman, she's also a genius and extremely likable character, loved by everyone, well, except for her siblings who were afraid of her competing against them for the throne.
Artemia went on the stage and touched the assessment stone, the stone shined before showing Artemia's result,
''Artemia Eretria Von Havens, Age 18, Level 73, Rank 8, Dual elementalists: Lightning and Water.''
Another commotion started.
''As expected of the second princess. A genius indeed. Already Rank 8 at 18 years, just a little bit and she'll catch up with her sister.''
''Lower your voice, do you want to lose your head? The Third princess is present, if she learned what you said who knows what she may do.'' someone chided the one that talked earlier, the latter shut his mouth.
''She's indeed talented to be able to wield both Lighting element and Water element. Alex, do you know that there are different types of Lightning?" Leon suddenly asked while looking at Artemia leaving the stage.
''I do.''
Hearing Alex's response, Leon nodded before continuing,
''It's good. Let's take for example mine, I use golden type Lightning, extremely fast and destructive, there is another type of Lightning, blood type, more commonly referred to as Red Lightning, this only pure destructive type of Lightning, only my father can use it. Maybe one day I'll be able to, then there is Black lightning, more vicious, after comes the White Lightning, faster type and also destructive but not as the Red and Black Lightning, though. Lastly, there is the Blue type Lightning, the one the Havens Family used, this type of Lightning is not truly destructive, it possesses one special power, the power to heal.''
Alex was surprised when he heard Leon's explanation,
''Lightning capable of healing? I've never heard of it.''
Leon chuckled, ''Well, maybe in the past but now you have.''
''Well, there's no need to be surprised hearing that there's a type of Lightning that can Heal, as there's also Fire that can heal even though Fire is considered the most destructive element. Rumor has it that there's a type of fire that not only it can heal, but it can also even resurrect its user or people.' Alex said.
Leon was surprised when he saw that Alex even know that, there's only legend though, he never heard of someone capable of using Fire to heal, not to say resurrect like Phoenix.
Shaking his head Leon continued,
''Imagine that you're facing an enemy who's not only faster-dealing damage but also can heal when you injure him? It's like facing nightmare, they are like cockroaches.''
Alex imagined such an enemy and couldn't help but think that indeed such an enemy will be a nightmare. He then looked in Artemia's direction, as if sensing his gaze, she turned into his direction and murmured, 'Let's fight to see who's stronger.'
Alex smiled, his blood started boiling.
Unaware of his friend unusual behavior, Leon added,
''You see, there's a hypothesis that Blue type Lightning user can also use White Lightning making them more dangerous.''
''Isn't it just a rumor?" Alex looked strangely at Leon because the latter tone when he talked was heavy, so he believes that there's more than that to the story.
As expected Leon's next more confirmed it,
''Well, it's a rumor at first until she proved that it can be done, the second princess can also use White Lightning it's why she's hailed as a genius, she only used once to beat the second princess, after that day she never used it again. It's only her who can use this type of Lightning, nobody else in the Von Havens can use it. Not even the First Princess, another talented individual.''
Alex's widened, 'I wonder how Priscilla is doing. She should be fine. Ah! This girl, Artemia is not simple. Well, she's the reincarnated Human Goddess after all. I wonder if Elseria knows this.' he thought while looking in Elseria's direction, the latter chuckled as if to tell him that she knew.
Suddenly, Leon sighed, ''You know, Artemia Eretria Von Havens is a monster. I'm a talented and hard worker but the first time I saw her I felt I'm lacking, I was not that special, I'm ordinary compared to her. You know Alex, I challenged her when we were twelve, I lost in one move, it was pathetic but instead of feeling down after such failure, I vowed to surpass her one day. What if she's a monster? With my hard work, I'll surpass her.''
'Well, the latter is the reincarnated Human Goddess after all, normal that the difference is huge. Even so, I must say you have a strong mentally Leon, you're different from others.' Alex thought.
〖As I said this man is interesting. He will make a good friend. Well, if he doesn't betray you later that is.〗Silveria finally talked.
'Let's hope not.' Alex mumbled as he started to slowly open his heart to this new friend of his. It would shame if the worst-case scenario were to happen.
Unaware of his friend's thought, Leon continued, ''The current me can probably win against her, I'm must train harder. After encountering Artemia, I thought she'd the only one I'll be afraid of, but I guess I was wrong. You appeared, another monster. She's a monster same as you with the difference that you're more dangerous than her. Others don't know but soon they will. What if you can't use magic? What if you appear harmless, to me you are like a slumbering dragon in the process of awakening. You gave me an extremely dangerous feeling, I'm afraid and yet at the same time, I still want to fight you to see if I can or can't surpass the dragon. My friend, I'm looking forward to our fight.''
''Hahaha! Me a monster?'' Alex laughed hard startling the others, they looked at him wondering what has gotten into him.
Ignored them Alex stared at Leon, the latter also did the same thing and then both smiled, it was a fiendish smile full of battle intent.
''I'm also looking forward to our fight Leo.''
188: Team Battle Assessment, Explanation
'A monster huh! I want to be more than that. I must surpass everyone. However, before that I must win, I must come to the top in this competition. Doesn't matter who my opponent will be, doesn't matter if it's a Rank 8.' Alex thought with shining eyes.
Shaking his head he decided to focus his attention on the stage, it was now the turn of Lilith, the demon princess to go.
Everybody stopped talked, their eyes were fixed on the walking princess. Even though most of the students here still held some grudges against the demon race due to their past deeds, it was not intense as they had not experienced how vicious the war was, how vicious the demons were. So, most of them were curious about this brave demon princess, as one must be bold to do what she had done, enroll into a human's institution.
Unbothered by all the curious gazes mixed with a little bit of hate she was receiving, Lilith stepped on the stage and touched the assessment stone,
''Lilith E. Astaroth, Age 18, Level 72, Rank 8, Triple Elementalist: Dark, Wind, and Lightning.''
*Uproar
Whispers were sounding from the crowd as they started to discuss who would win between Artemia and Lilith.
''Eh? Another monster.''
''To think she'd be like the Hero.''
''She mustn't be underestimated. Between our princess and the demon princess who do you think will win?''
''Obviously our princess.''
''No, I bet on the demon princess.''
This became a heated topic, meanwhile,
''Another monster, huh! Seriously I misjudged her, I knew she's strong but not this strong. I wonder what type of Lightning she can use?"
Leon said while observing Lilith leave the stage to join Artemia.
''You'll find out soon,'' Alex said while thinking that he must have a discussion with this princess soon.
A pleased smile of approval was revealed on Chris's face as he nodded at Lilith, it would be a lie if he said he was not surprised and as Lilith's teacher, he was happy to have such a talented student, it doesn't matter if she's demon or devil, she's just his student.
Gazes of awe and envy landed on Lilith when the others saw Chris's behavior. Lilith's expression didn't show any signs of smugness or haughtiness. Her expression remains cold as if there was nothing that could affect her.
Leonardo was shocked as he had not expected to see another person capable of using three elements like him. He chuckled, his eyes shined and he looked at Lilith strangely, it was unknown what he was thinking about at the moment, Camilla observed him before shaking her head.
After the remaining students passed, Chris cleared his throat and spoke in a clear voice,
"Now that the first part of the assessment is over, we will move on to the next part - Team Combat Assessment. You will form a team of three-person for this assessment. The team will be randomly selected. You all will be put on a field where there would be three flags. Two teams will compete against each other to capture as many flags as they can within twenty-five minutes. The flags would be spread around the map, and you would also be given their location through the wrist bands we would give you. Don't worry, from the wristband given to you, you'll know when the other team captured one of the flags, to put it simply it would transmit the movement of the flags directly to your mind and even the cultivation level of the person holding the flag so that you would know whether to deal with that person alone or as a team. Your team member's location would also be made known to you. But know that you can't pass the flags you had captured to your teammates. After clearing your field you can choose to move to another field, I say choose but each team must at least complete two fields."
''What if my team win in the 1st field and lost in the second?" A student questioned.
''Well, you can go try your luck on the next field. Only once, whether you lose or not, you can't continue. For your information, clearing a field gives you 5 pts, is to say if you clear two fields you'll gain 10 pts. What use these points have you may wonder but with them, you can buy a pass to use one of the special dungeons, 5 pts for the pass of 4 hours, 10 pts= 10 hours, 20 pts= 24 hours.'' Chris explained.
*Uproar
Alex was confused as he did not know why the others were behaving so unusually after hearing about the special dungeons.
''What's a special dungeon?" He questioned Leon, the latter was laughing, he stopped and explained.
''As a newcomer, you don't know but the Imperial Magic Academy has special dungeons, nobody knows how they acquired those dungeons, these special dungeons have only a few floors, however, the experience you gain by killing their monsters is huge plus killed monsters span faster inside these special dungeons. For example, goblin gives you 150 XP when first killed right?"
To Leon's question Alex nodded, smiling Leon continued, ''In this special dungeon, a goblin killed will give you 200 XP. Just imagine.''
Finally, Alex was able to understand why the others students were agitated at the mention of points and special dungeons. Starting from a higher Rank, it became harder to level up as you'll need to kill stronger monsters to gain a sufficient amount of XP to level up. If you can use this special dungeon where the amount of XP gained was huge, you may be able to level, it doesn't matter if it's 4 hours, one can do a lot in 4 hours.
''I must acquire at least 20 pts.'' Alex decided.
''Hahaha, I like your current look. Look forward to how many points you'll get.'' Leon said while slapping Alex on the shoulder.
By now, Alex was used to such gestures, he was not surprised anymore and doesn't hurt as it used to. He smiled not saying anything as no word was needed.
Chris, their teacher continued after he saw that they became calm again, ''As I said clearing a field gives you 5 pts, 5 pts to your team, however, if among you three there's someone who did nothing and at the end expected to receive the same points as the others then this person is gravely mistaken as this will not happen, his/her points will be different from others. So, do work with your teammates. Do note that we will be watching everything that happens, we would judge every action you make through a live screen where we can see what you all are doing. Also, if you win in the first field and gained 5 pts and lose in the next field you'll lose the 5 pts previously gained.''
Nobody said anything when they heard as they expected such a rule to exist.
''Teacher, I understand the rules, however, what if we lose because the other group had powerful team members ?" A student questioned while looking in the direction of the second princess and Lilith.
Some of the students present nodded their heads as they also wanted to know how the teachers planned to deal with situations like this.
Chris chuckled before saying, ''If you lose, then you lose. Life is unfair. From your loss you can gain insight, in the future you won't be scared facing stronger opponents. Think of it as a way to train yourself and pray to not encounter a team you can't handle. And you're forgetting an essential point, a team might have a very powerful team member, but the rest of their team members might be relatively weak, or sometimes it might be a balanced team. You can't be sure unless you are in the field and compete as level doesn't mean everything, Level 60 can win against Level 65, don't be afraid because the other party level is a bit higher than yours, try, if the opponent is stronger than you then use your wits.''
Alex and others nodded at Chris's words.
Clapping his hands, Chris took out some blue wristbands which floated in the air, he was using the Wind element to make them float.
Looking at his students, he said, ''These are the wristbands you will put on your wrists and should not be removed for any reason till the assessment is over. And remember, purposefully injuring others without any reason will result in instant disqualification, and obviously, no killings or serious injuries would be tolerated. If you want to eliminate someone, you can simply remove, damage, or destroy their wristband, and they would be instantly teleported out of the field."
Leonardo and Damien both simultaneously clicked their tongues as they were planning to gravely injure Alex if they were to face him in this Team Battle Assessment.
'To bad, I'll teach them a lesson in the individual battle assessment.' Alex thought while putting the wristband on his wrist as another teacher distributed them around. Just as he put it around him, he felt a faint connection with it. He understood that it was to transmit his location and level.
''Ah! It seems we are in the same team.'' Someone said gloomily.
''Roman, huh?!" Alex said after turning around, Roman was one of his teammates, how ironic.
His last teammate was a frail-looking boy named Cyril Fels.
''I- I'll be in your care.'' He said timidly while doing his best to look at Alex and Roman in the eyes. Roman clicked his tongue in annoyance while Alex,
''Well, I guess we would be sticking together for a while." He faintly smiled.
On the three wristbands was inscribed the number 3.