บท 63: Tessa's Guilt
From Dan's expression and his brief words, the students didn't need anyone to tell them that Riya was supposed to announce something. But apparently, she hadn't.
"Tch..." Dan clicked his tongue, a slight frown tugging at his face. "I can't believe she didn't even bother telling them. She always leaves everything for me…"
Though the rest of the students couldn't hear him, Arin caught the words clearly with his enhanced hearing. A small smile tugged at his lips. 'She's always been like that... You'll just have to deal with it.'
Dan cleared his throat and clapped his hands, instantly commanding the room's attention. "Two days from now," he began, "all first-year students will be going on an expedition."
Excitement rippled through the room, students murmuring amongst themselves.
"We're finally leaving the Academy!" one exclaimed.
"Yeah, but it won't be for long," another replied.
"I don't care about that," someone else chimed in. "An expedition means real challenges—actual Beasts to fight."
"And some students might even die, hahaha."
"Is that really something to joke about?"
The murmuring continued. Half the students seemed thrilled at the thought of leaving the Academy for a while. The rest were just eager for some action, a change from the endless training sessions.
Dan waited for the noise to die down. "As you all know," he said, "there are several forests in this city. Not all first-year classes will go to the same one. A few classes will head to one forest, and others will go to another. It's simple."
Arin's thoughts drifted as Dan spoke. 'In the novel, the expedition was set for four days from now... but now it's two days away.' He suspected the Academy had accelerated the timeline because of Arthur's death. They definitely knew that a vampire was responsible. Sending the students out for an expedition was probably a way to distract them, a chance to face real challenges and momentarily forget the tragedy.
Dan cleared his throat again, drawing everyone's focus back. "Clearsky Forest is large, and that's where this class, along with two others, will go. Three classes in total."
The students nodded in understanding. Arin remained deep in thought, barely registering the explanation.
"When the day comes, the rules will be explained," Dan continued. "If you don't have a weapon yet, buy one now or save up and get it before the expedition."
"Understood!" the students echoed in unison.
With that, the class was dismissed. Students began shuffling out, some checking their point balances and talking about which weapons they would buy.
Arin walked past them, his gaze sweeping across the hallway. He spotted Alex talking to Edith, the brown-haired girl he often saw him with, aside from Tessa. They were some distance away, but Arin's enhanced hearing allowed him to catch their conversation.
"I hope you're feeling better," Edith said softly, looking up at Alex with her striking eyes. She was undeniably beautiful.
Alex smiled, though there was a hint of tiredness in his expression. "I'm much better now, thanks to you."
Edith smiled back and gently took his hand. "I'm glad. You know, if you ever need help, I'm here. We'll find the one who did this. They'll pay."
Alex's smile faltered for a moment. "I know you care, and I appreciate it, but... I don't want to drag you into this." He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Besides, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
Edith nodded slowly, still holding his hand. "Okay… but if you ever change your mind, I'm here."
Arin moved on, leaving the Academy building with a faint smile on his face. 'Alex... you never fail to surprise me.'
Once outside, and where no one was present, Arin slipped on his mask and made his way to the forest, heading to the usual spot where Tessa waited. As expected, she was already there.
The moment she saw him, she crossed her arms and spoke sharply. "We need to talk, Chaos."
Arin raised an eyebrow but didn't stop walking. "Well, I'm here. So, what is it?"
"Did Arthur really have to die?" she asked, her voice tight with emotion.
Arin paused. Silence hung between them, the weight of her words sinking in.
Tessa stepped closer, her expression conflicted. "I couldn't sleep last night... I kept thinking about it. Alex is our target, but now... others are getting dragged into this. Arthur got dragged into it."
She stopped just in front of him, staring at him. "I feel responsible, Chaos."
Arin sighed quietly, his expression unreadable. "Tessa, by now, you should know I don't act without reason."
"I do know that," Tessa said, her gaze hardening. "But an innocent person died."
Arin looked at her for a long moment, then asked, "You know Alex's friends, right?"
Tessa blinked, caught off guard by the shift in the conversation. "Yes, I know them."
"And you know their names?"
"Of course."
Arin leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Then tell me."
Tessa squinted in suspicion but answered. "Clark Windcrest, Dennis Blueveil, Ray Ravenblade, Wendy Greenthorn... and Arthur."
Arin nodded slowly, stepping even closer. "Well, you're right, but Arthur..."
"What about Arthur?" Tessa asked, slightly confused.
"You mentioned their surnames... except for Arthur."
Tessa froze, her eyes widening as the realization hit her.
"What?!" she gasped.
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