Chương 37: Heated

It's a new day, and the members of club SeThan

gather for an impromptu meeting, spurred by the latest edition of Tavill's Eye circulating around the academy. Today's headline reads,

"Fourth year student tries to regain his honor but is once again taught a lesson by the first year," accompanied by a badly blurred image of the fourth year being held and Nathan standing in front of him.

"I should have been there to see the scene,"

Student A says forlornly, a hint of regret in his voice.

"That asshole deserves it. He gave me hell as a first

year, so this is satisfying," Student C chimes in, a joyful glint in her eyes.

The atmosphere in the club is one of amusement and satisfaction. They pass around the newsletter,each member taking a turn to read and chuckle at the events described. For club SeThan, it's another happy day, reveling in the misfortune of someone.

Before us stands the tower, its imposing presence casting a shadow over our group. The tower is divided into two minor sections: physical endurance and mental resilience, both of which must be mastered to at least level 10 before attempting the main tower. The challenge ahead is clear—it's a test of our physical strength and mental fortitude.

The time it takes to achieve these levels varies greatly among students. Some manage to reach required levels in both sections within a month, while others take a few weeks. There are even those who accomplish it in just a matter of days, impressing everyone with their speed and determination. On the flip side, some unfortunate souls may spend up to a year struggling to reach the required levels, facing setbacks and challenges along the way. The lowest level reached is level 13, no one really knows how high the levels go but the highest recorded is level 53 endurance and 41 mental resilience.

As we stand before the tower, I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The main tower looms above us, its mysterious allure beckoning us forward. However, we know we can't challenge it until we've met the criteria set by the minor sections.

The tower is not a free ride; it automatically ejects challengers when their merits are depleted. This means we need to be strategic and efficient with our attempts. I glance at the accumulated merits we have, calculating how much time we can afford to spend in the tower. With our current reserves, we can go for a maximum of three months.

Determined to make the most of our time, I suggest to the group that we acquire additional credit merits at the bureau. A few hours later, we emerge with enough credits to last us over six months. It's a relief to have this safety net, knowing that we have a buffer to rely on during our challenge. The cost is steep but as expected of Tavill, at about 45 merits a day outside the tower.

Inside the tower, the sense of time seems to warp and distort. It's an eerie feeling, not knowing how much time has passed or how long we've been in this place. The air is thick with anticipation and nervous energy as we prepare to challenge the tower.

Damien takes the lead, approaching the bored-looking man seated by a counter. "We're here to challenge the tower," he announces, his voice carrying a hint of determination.

The man barely looks up, his attention seemingly elsewhere. "Sure, just input your merits in here and you can head left, take the stairs turn left then right," he says in a monotone voice, gesturing vaguely to the direction we should go.

Without much ado, Damien steps forward and places his card onto a bland square blue box. The box lights up momentarily as his card is recognized and the merits are deducted.

One by one, we follow suit, placing our cards on the box and watching as the lights flicker with each transaction. Following the directions given, we make our way through the tower, the corridors seeming to shift and change with each turn.

Finally, we find ourselves standing in front of a swirling portal, the gateway to the challenges that await us. I can feel the tension in the air, the weight of the task ahead settling on our shoulders.

"I swear I will kill anyone that gives up. Unless we're ejected from the tower, you will keep going," I declare firmly, my voice echoing in the chamber.

The others nod in understanding, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. Tama, always one to put on a brave front, leaps into the portal with a mock salute. Elizabeth follows suit, waving casually before disappearing into the swirling vortex.

Gregory grunts something unintelligible and strides in confidently, his large frame disappearing into the portal. Lani, as stoic as ever, simply walks in without a word.

Finally, it's Damien's turn. He hesitates for a moment, glancing back at us with a mix of uncertainty and reluctance. I meet his gaze, raising an eyebrow in silent threat. With a resigned sigh, Damien steps forward and disappears into the portal.

Selene and I are left standing before the swirling vortex, the only ones remaining. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. The tower of endurance is known for its grueling challenges, testing both physical and mental strength. The tower of resilience, on the other hand, delves into the depths of one's aura and inner strength.

It's said that the fastest way to improve combat skills is through the tower of endurance, while the tower of resilience is a path to unlocking one's true potential. But it's not without its risks. Many students leave these towers changed, some driven to madness by the relentless trials, it takes weeks for the students to get back to normal, it's why you can only challenge the two minor sections of the tower, once a year only.

"I don't know when next I'ul see you," I murmur, pulling Selene close by her waist.

"Why are you acting like this is farewel?" she teases, squeezing my bicep playfully.

"In a way, it is," I reply, gazing into her eyes. I lift her chin gently and capture her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Time seems to stand still as we lose ourselves in each other.

When we finally part, breathless and flushed, I

reluctantly release her.

"Tenebris, Raijin," I call out softly, feeling the tattoos on my skin shift slightly. My two serpent companions appear at my feet, their scales shimmering in the dim light.

"Let's go, buds,"I say to them, a sense of determination coursing through me.

But before I can move, Selene backs me against the wall, her eyes dark with desire. She grabs a fistful of my hair, pulling me closer, and bites my bottom lip roughly, drawing blood. It stings, but the pain only adds to the intensity of the moment.

I respond with equal fervor, kissing her fiercely as she presses her body against mine. The heat between us is palpable, igniting a fire that threatens to consume us both. Suddenly, Selene breaks away from me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She winks at me before swiftly disappearing into the swirling portal, leaving me breathless and wanting more.

I stand there for a moment, my heart racing, before finally gathering myself. With a smirk, I shake my head at Selene's boldness. She's always been such a tease.

Taking a deep breath, I squat down and cover my face in my palms, after compoding myself I pat my serpent companions reassuringly. They hiss softly in response, ready for whatever challenges await us inside the tower.

A few minutes later, I steel myself and step into the portal.

As the members of Club SeThan watched the scene unfold through the orb, the atmosphere in the room grew noticeably warmer. It was as if the tension between Nathaniel and Selene was palpable, even through the magical device.

"I have to go... uh, do something," Student C suddenly announced, her cheeks flushed. Without waiting for a response, she hastily made her exit, leaving behind a lingering sense of urgency.

The gloomy student, equally affected by the charged atmosphere, chimed in, "I remember I've got a mission report to do." With a quick nod to the others.

The remaining members of Club SeThan shared glances, and also left hastily.