章 45: Aftermath

Lucius stands before the dissipating remains of the creature, his face neutral but his gaze softening slightly. For a moment, the words of the novel he'd read come back to him, revealing the tragic origins of the creature—a life that had spiraled into dark magic, culminating in this abomination. But he quickly dismisses these thoughts; feeling sympathy wouldn't help him survive in this world.

Ash's voice brings Lucius back to the present. "Lucius, are you okay?" he asks, genuine concern in his eyes.

Lucius gives a dismissive nod. "I'm fine. Go check on Elandrialith; she took quite a hit." Ash hesitates, a question flickering in his eyes, but he nods and hurries over to the dark elf, leaving Lucius alone.

Lucius turns to the creature's remains, where fragments of its mana core still shimmer faintly. Carefully, he picks up a small shard, tucking it into the pouch at his waist. He activates his Aetheris, finding that the static is starting to fade as the device reboots to normal function. The dark aura mist should be dissipating by now, he notes. With a glance, he checks his system display:

[SYSTEM DISPLAY: Lucius Foster's Status]

• Name: Lucius Foster

• Level: 13

• HP: 420/600

• MP: 50/250

• Strength: 71

• Agility: 76

• Endurance: 68

• Intelligence: 83

• Skills:

• Dagger Proficiency: Level 3

• Handgun Proficiency: Level 4

• Combat Awareness: Level 2

• Enhanced Reflexes: Level 2

• New Skill: Malignant Affinity Detection

• Description: Allows the user to sense and identify entities or magic with inherently harmful or cursed mana within a limited range. This ability reveals their weak points and increases the potency of the user's attacks against these targets by 15%.

Lucius smirks at the new skill, Malignant Affinity Detection. This skill could be invaluable for future encounters. The system chimes again with its familiar, unnerving message:

"The World Watches You."

Lucius rolls his eyes, but a hint of curiosity flickers in his mind. Was someone, or something, really watching him?

Just then, Ash returns with Elandrialith leaning on his shoulder, clearly worse for wear. Lucius glances at her battered form and comments dryly, "Quite a look you've got there, Elandrialith."

She glares, eyes flashing. "At least I didn't need rescuing."

Ash chuckles nervously, sensing the tension, but says nothing.

...

In the academy's control room, Grandmaster Veridane stands before the monitors, closely observing the reestablishing connections with the students' Aetheris devices. One professor reports, "Dark aura mist is dissipating, and we've secured some areas. But many students… we weren't fast enough."

Veridane's jaw clenches but he maintains his composure. "Send healers into the grounds for the injured," he orders. Another professor nods and leaves to relay the message.

As markers indicating the students' vital signs begin to populate the screen, Veridane releases a quiet sigh of relief. The second phase of the tournament would have to be cut short; he couldn't risk endangering the students further.

...

Lucius explains to Ash why they'll likely end the second phase early, given the danger they'd all just faced. Ash hesitates, then nods. "Veridane's strict, but he wouldn't risk students' lives for a mere test."

Lucius agrees with Ash's assessment and starts walking east. When Ash questions his destination, Lucius replies, "I'm heading back to the arena; this simulated world is ending soon."

A realization dawns on Ash. "Wait… then Elandrialith…?"

Lucius glances at the dark elf woman, his face impassive. "She's just a simulation—a copy of who Elandrialith once was."

Ash freezes, staring at Elandrialith, who gives a sad, knowing nod. "He told me the truth," she murmurs. "At first, I thought he was lying. But I couldn't remember anything—my past, my family, my life. It was like reaching for something that doesn't exist."

She looks at Lucius, a mixture of frustration and gratitude in her gaze. "You're cold, Foster. I hated you at first. But you kept your promise and saved my forest."

Lucius scoffs. "Don't thank me. I only did it for my own goals." He reaches into his pouch and pulls out a glowing white lily, identical to the one Ash had eaten earlier.

Ash's eyes widen. "Another one? How…?"

Elandrialith eyes the lily but then waves him off. "Keep it. The real Elandrialith might have wanted it, but I don't."

Lucius shrugs, though he raises an eyebrow at her comment. "The real you would've been trouble."

Elandrialith chuckles, her voice softening. "Maybe. But I like to think I would've been… interested."

Lucius raises an eyebrow, eyes cold, but Elandrialith's gaze softens, and she whispers, "Goodbye." As the ground shifts into mist, she gives Lucius a small, sad smile before disappearing into pixels and light.

…..

Veridane watches the monitors as the simulation begins to dissolve, returning the students to the academy arena. "Begin evacuation of all injured students and terminate the second phase," he orders, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily upon him.

As they're returned to the arena amidst the remaining students, Ash stands in silence, looking where Elandrialith once was. "She was… something else," he says softly.

Lucius remains quiet, the corners of his lips twitching with a faint, almost reluctant acknowledgment. The second phase of the Admission Tournament… has ended.