Chapter 27 - Zeph's fear at Academy Entrance
Zeph's POV
Arriving at the academy was a spectacle in itself, with a multitude of carriages lined up, each representing a different hopeful student.
The reputation of this place was undeniable, with countless heroes having passed through its halls.
I couldn't help but feel the weight of expectation on my shoulders, hoping for a successful awakening that would set me apart in this competitive world.
Thalia, on the other hand, seemed more enamored with the academy's grandeur, lost in admiration of its beauty.
Her excitement was evident, but I had more pressing concerns.
"Valeriana Hedrian," I murmured to myself, the name weighing heavily on my mind.
She held the coveted Rank 1 position in the academy and was destined to be the next queen of the Hedrian kingdom.
Her abilities were the stuff of legends.
Hedrians were known for their exceptional runic control, but Valeriana possessed a unique and powerful skill — advanced mind reading.
Her years of rigorous training had honed her ability to perfection, allowing her to predict the movements and intentions of others as if she could see the future.
It wasn't her mind-reading prowess that concerned me; it was the possibility that she might turn her attention to me and delve into my thoughts.
If she heard my innermost thoughts, I could find myself in a very precarious situation indeed.
There she was, standing beside a young man with the characteristic long hair of a Hedrian. But it wasn't their appearance that made them stand out; it was the palpable aura surrounding them.
Her eyes were the giveaway, devoid of any discernible emotion. I knew better; she was listening to the deepest thoughts of those around her.
After years of hearing every unfiltered thought, it was no wonder she appeared emotionless and untouchable.
I made a mental note to avoid that girl at all costs. The last thing I needed was for someone with her abilities to delve into my mind.
I was about to discreetly change my direction when I heard an untimely voice.
"Don't tell me you're interested in that Hedrian girl."
Damn it, I'd forgotten that Thalia was right beside me. Everyone's eyes were now on me, and it seemed my luck was playing tricks on me once again.
As I noticed her gaze directed at me, my mind began to chant a singular mantra on repeat, "Don't think anything, don't think anything."
Valeriana's POV
'As always, their thoughts are disgusting as ever. What can one expect from these humans, pathetic,' I thought as I continued to read people's thoughts, thanks to my passive ability.
Over time, I had grown accustomed to this power, and it allowed me to see people's true intentions and desires.
My gaze scanned the crowd as I heard a voice
"Don't tell me you're interested in that Hedrian girl"
One that made me feel a sense of disgust. It seemed like the person speaking judged others solely by their appearances.
I turned my attention toward this individual, and my ability naturally picked up on his thoughts, which were a repeating mantra: "'Don't think anything, don't think anything."'
I couldn't believe it. Did he somehow know about my ability? It seemed highly unlikely, but perhaps he was practicing some form of mental discipline.
His outward appearance didn't strike me as barbaric, so there had to be more to this situation than met the eye.
Thalia's POV
As I observed him, my mind raced with thoughts. He was looking at another girl, seemingly oblivious to my attempts to act cute.
Did he have a habit of ignoring me, or was he just preoccupied with something else?
I needed to address this situation first, and then maybe I could devise a plan to make him notice me.
I decided to speak up, my voice intentionally loud enough for everyone to hear, especially that Hedrian girl who had caught his attention. "Don't tell me you're interested in that Hedrian girl," I exclaimed, hoping to grab her attention and perhaps destroy his chance too.
After all, everyone at the academy had amplified mana-enhanced hearing, so my words would not go unnoticed.