章 7: Chapter 7

An eighteen-year-old Lara woke up and got out of bed. She glanced in the mirror, striking a pose and admiring herself. Two years ago, her body was still developing, but now it was almost fully matured.

At 180 cm (5.9 feet) tall, Lara was one of the tallest women around. She hoped she wouldn't grow any taller, as she felt that 180 cm was the perfect height for her. Her body was toned with muscle but not bulky or shredded, maintaining around 19 percent body fat. With thick and toned legs, wide hips, a well-toned backside, a small waist, and an ample bust, Lara could confidently say that her physique resembled the classic/legend Lara Croft.

Her body attributes—strength, speed, durability, stamina, and reaction—were already around peak human condition, and she felt she could still improve. While she didn't have any systems, she considered her body a cheat.

Life at the academy was pretty monotonous for Lara, and she didn't expect much more from it. She didn't attend for the fun; she was there to acquire skills that would aid her future adventures, such as sailing and seamanship, expedition planning and camping for survival skills, mountaineering, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Academically, her journey was also smooth sailing. She advanced her knowledge of other languages, history, and various types of engineering with ease.

Luckily for her, she didn't face the conflicts she had experienced in high school.

The most awesome thing was that she was finally an adult and had escaped the clutches of education. When Winston asked her if she wanted to go to a university, she responded that she would rather revive Red Skull than attend another school.

Today was graduation day. Lara had already packed her belongings; only the maids needed to take care of them, and she needed to finish the graduation ceremony.

Leaving the dorm for the graduation ceremony, Lara was intercepted by a girl around her age—taller than Lara at 182 cm (close to six feet). She had long dark hair and blue eyes. Roma was one of Lara's friends, perhaps her only friend at this school. Lara felt that Roma was a good girl with a head on her shoulders, not arrogant or snotty like some of the other noble children. She was quiet and smart—smarter than Lara—and she even helped her understand things she didn't. Roma also had a calming presence.

"Are you excited, Lara?" asked Roma in a soothing tone.

Lara nodded. "Yeah, I can finally escape the tight clutches of education and Winston's nagging."

Roma said, "In the future, you might want back these leisurely peaceful times."

"Yeah, yeah," replied Lara.

"Or maybe I'm wrong," said Roma. "You're an unpredictable person."

After the ceremony, Lara and Roma walked outside the school. Hugging, Lara said, "I'm going to miss you a bit."

Roma responded, "Really, only a bit?"

Lara smirked. "Hey, it's an honor to be missed only a bit by the most awesome tomb raider."

"How many tombs have you raided so far? Zero," said Roma. "So you're not even a tomb raider."

Lara laughed. "I'm so awesome that I already am the best without trying."

"Tone it down a bit. You sound like that little playboy Tony."

"You're kind, right? But I don't give a fuck."

At the same time, Winston stepped out of the car. Seeing him, Roma greeted, "Good day, Sir Winston."

Winston nodded with a smile. "Good day, Lady Roma."

Lara watched this familiar interaction closely. From what she observed, Roma's education in manners was quite impeccable. When she wasn't with Lara, Roma behaved like an old English noble. Even when she was with Lara, she retained some of those refined manners.

After some time had passed, Lara was taking photos with Winston and Roma when another car arrived. Seeing the new vehicle, Roma said, "Lara, my car has arrived. Call me when you miss me."

"Okay, bye," Lara replied.

Turning to Winston, she said, "Let's also go."

At the same time, Roma looked through the rearview mirror at Lara. Her ears began to transform into elf-like ears, and then she vanished from the car.

Back at Croft Manor, Lara stared at the vibranium on the table, knocking herself against it. "I'm so fucking stupid. How can I weave it into my clothes if I don't have nanotechnology? Ugh."

Winston tried to comfort her. "Young lady, there's no need to be upset. Even though you can't use it now, maybe you can in the future."

'Fuck, if I want to do something with it, I either go to Wakanda or find some nanotechnology. Fuck, fuck,' Lara thought as she got up. "My sweet vibranium enchanted clothes will have to wait. Winston, please store the vibranium somewhere safe."

'The journey to Siberia has to be done without vibranium,' thought Lara, feeling a bit depressed. 'And Croft Holdings R&D team sure can't make nanotechnology.'

'There's no use moaning,' Lara thought to herself.

At the same time, Ana was talking on the phone with her brother Konstantine. "Konstantine, Lara is going to Siberia. From what I understand, the Divine Source is located there in the ancient city of Kitezh."

Konstantine responded, "I also learned about it. The Soviets are looking for it too. I heard they even sent a Black Widow to Croft Manor. I am already in Siberia; you should come as well."

"What?" asked Ana. "Lara didn't tell me anything."

Konstantine said, "That's why you should come. There's no use in you monitoring Lara when you don't even know what's happening at the manor."

Guys, I need your help to pick between two covers.

And can somebody guess who Roma is?