C1116
"Cheers!!"
"Congrats!!"
Inside one of the Hyperion Hub's relaxation facilities, three glasses filled with sparkling beverages clinked against one another as three figures were celebrating the successful duel of one of them, who had just beaten seven people and rose through half of the privileged class ranking.
"It's truly an amazing fight, Julian! The way you treat that Nephilim, that sure took a lot of guts from your part!"
"Hahaha, thanks Roran. It's indeed a tough one, but I have it all under control!"
Hearing such a reply, the golden-haired young man squinted his eyes as he said, "Do not think that I wouldn't find out!" Seeing the look thrown at him, Roran continued, "I know that you still keep your true strength hidden! As for the reason why... I'm guessing you want to save it for the final test!"
Boisterous laughter resounded in the air. The young man whom Roran was talking to patted him on the shoulder saying, "I really couldn't hide anything from you, pal!"
Upon hearing the word 'test', the last person in the room had their interest piqued. The girl who was sitting among them swiftly asked about the matter.
"You two already know what this year's final exam is about?" Klea asked, very curious.
It was Roran who nodded and answered the beautiful black-haired girl. "I should be official in a few days, but my family... and of course the Nephilim, already knew about it."
"Wow, what a privilege," Klea commented, to which the golden-haired young man just responded with a wry smile.
Roran then shared the details of the final test he had received. Apparently, the test would be separated into two parts. One would be a small group mission which would be held in three weeks and followed with a tournament shortly after.
"Actually, the tournament format wasn't held every year; it's a rare occasion. It's just that, I heard the headmaster insists that it needs to take place this year."
Hearing that, Julian added what he knew. "That's right. Apparently, it's because of the two people on the top of the ranking, and that Dragon bloodline. Those people also what gives much pressure to Eeshoo"
After he said those words, Julian suddenly noticed Klea's cold gaze. A moment later, realization dawned on him as he swiftly said, "And of course, our own champion Emery! Hahahaha.."
Barely averting a disaster, the Roman then told Klea that this tournament would be a great opportunity for the Earth group.
"Since elite acolytes are allowed to join, you Klea, Chumo, and that Thracian, can prove your worth one last time!"
The news certainly made Klea excited about the upcoming event they were about to face. Hence she nodded her head at the Roman's words, before continuing to hear the details of the second part of the final test.
As for the group mission, it turned out that Headmaster Delbrand had prepared missions that were customized to each and every one of them.
"Well, there should be nothing to worry about. Being an elite would already be enough for a pass from the academy, and if you want some honorable title upon graduation, you just need to make sure your grades are in the top 300."
In the previous final tests, half of those ranks would normally be filled by the privileged acolytes, leaving only one hundred spots that were being fought over one thousand elite acolytes that might have participated.
Before long, Roran excused himself with the two as he apparently had some business he had to take care of. The room couldn't help but feel emptier with his departure as only Klea and Julian were left in the premises.
With only two of them here, Klea looked at the Roman with a serious expression saying, "You are much stronger and more confident now, Julian. So are you ready to share what happened to you in that place? How did you get so strong so quickly?"
To her surprise, she saw a hesitant look appear on Julian's face for a moment before he finally spoke.
"About this... hmm... I actually can't really show it here.." Staring at her, he said, "I will... later when we return home."
"What? On Earth?" Klea repeated, making sure what she heard wasn't wrong. "Now you are making me even more curious. Tell me, what is it?"
Still, the Roman shook his head, refusing to elaborate on the secret of his power.
"No no no... you will judge me badly if I tell you now... We will be home in less than two months, just wait until then."
Realizing that she wouldn't get her question answered now, Klea just snorted. "Huh! You're just killing me right now with all this suspense."
"Hahaha, don't be angry..." Julian turned silent for a second before he said with a serious look.
"You remember that night... just before Emery entered privilege class?.. We promised that we will not get left behind... we will catch up... that's all I am trying to do..."
The roman continues saying "I will certainly need your help for this to succeed, that's why... Please be patient and trust in me."
Saying those words, Julian took out something from his storage ring and showed it to Klea. It was a beautiful silver bracelet adorned with a mesmerizing ornament of a birds eye.
"What is this?" She asked.
"Think of it as a gift from my travels."
When she checked what it was, Klea realized that it was not simply a beautiful-looking bracelet. It was a magical artifact.
[Bracelet of Horus]
[Artifact - Tier 5]
[Enhancement boost]
"You see, this bracelet should help strengthen the one you currently have. When I saw this during my travels, it immediately made me think of you. It's something worthy of a queen."
Klea didn't hear half of what Julian said because she was distracted by the bracelet. On the other hand, the Roman seemed satisfied seeing such a reaction and said, "Come on, put it on! Let me see you wearing it!"
Currently, Klea has already wore two bracelets. The [Bracelet of Anu] on her left wrist and the rainbow gem bracelet Emery gifted her on the right.
Julian already grabbed her right hand and was about to take off the bracelet there thinking that it was just an ordinary bracelet when Klea suddenly stopped him and pulled her hand away.
Seeing the look on the Roman's face, she smiled and said, "Thank you for your gift, Julian... but I don't need it. You can take it back."
She quickly stood up and excused herself, leaving the Roman in his confused state.
As she walked out of the room, Klea couldn't help but lift her head and look upon the vast expanse.
"When will you return, Emery?"
To be continued