章 145: Behind the scenes

As Lucavion sped away, Valeria found herself standing in the quiet street, the early morning air cool against her flushed skin. She watched his retreating figure for a moment longer, her fists still clenched at her sides. His presence had been infuriating, and yet... the words he had left behind lingered in her mind, gnawing at her.

'What's your plan now?'

She huffed, starting her run again, though the steady rhythm of her footsteps felt less purposeful than before. The question—though framed in his usual irritating, playful tone—had struck something deeper. What was her plan now?

She had come here to prove herself, to challenge a dangerous bandit leader, and to make a name for herself before her upcoming entrance to the academy. But with Lucavion having already defeated Korvan, that chance had been taken from her.