Chapter - 35 : A Shadow Doesn't Question Its Light

(Continuation…)

(Rai's POV)

.

"I win!"(Rai)

My fist came to a halt just inches from David's face as victory gleamed in my voice.

—Ding!(:System Notification)

?? Hum…

So, it did count this match as Dual.

◤────────────────────────◥

∇───[Missions]───∇

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•--•

#[4]-|Win Hundred Duals|

➠Reward : {3-Y.Exp} in [Martial Arts]

➥Progression ➠ [83 -Duals] + [1]

∇───────────────∇

◣────────────────────────◢

Yep, it sure did!

Just as I hoped it would be.

Hehe~Meaning I found my punching(:dual) bag(:partner) to level up my {Y.Exp}.

A happy(:menacing) grin tugged at my lips as I observed David, a newfound respect(:use) lingering in my gaze.

"Umm…!"(David)

It seemed my intentions were too transparent, as David made an expression as he sensed something.

"Karnal, are you planning to get rid of this useless Commoner?"(David)

David muttered jokingly yet with a frightened tone.

I was intrigued by his choice of question, but–

"No. Not yet.

"You are still useful."(Rai)

I soon answered in a reassuring, comical tone following his lead.

"Am I, now?!"(David)

David sounded, half-genuinely surprised and sarcastic.

"Yeah.

"I still need sixteen more days to complete the Mission."(Rai)

I added, knowing full well he wouldn't understand what I meant.

It was kinda disappointing when I learned that the System wouldn't consider having another duel with the same partner I had already defeated once in a day.

"Should I be glad knowing that?"(David)

Interestingly, David also ignored the last part and asked in a carefree way.

"Forget about that.

"More importantly, are you planning to join any of the Houses?"(Rai)

I shifted the topic, but I am certain about his choice.

"Nah, no one will bother making me part of any House."(David)

David replied in a not-so-disappointed tone, as if he had already accepted and prepared for that outcome.

"I say you also don't bother with any.

"I will set you up in a good House."(Rai)

"Good House, huh?"(David)

"What? You don't believe me."(Rai)

"Of course I would believe you.

"...but, the House you are talking about is the same house that I am thinking about?"(David)

"Hehe…You have to find that for yourself."(Rai)

Instead of replying right away, I said it in a roundabout way.

David put on a thoughtful expression as he took in my unclear reply.

.

[It isn't very reassuring coming from a guy who already got rejected once by the same person.](David)

Memories of his stupefied expression resurfaced when Kavir said this piece of information on his first day at the Academy.

[But he even seems pretty cool after getting rejected.

[And I guess they do seem to be on good terms from what I have seen, at least.

[In the first place, I still wonder how in the world someone like him can get rejected.

[Damn, I should probably keep these thoughts to myself.

A scene in which a sudden punch that came flying to his face played out in David's mind.

[Yeah, I definitely should keep this thought to myself.](David)

.

Unaware of David's internal monologue and the misunderstanding that was caused by my own shadow, I carried on, seemingly unaffected.

"Anyway, before that…

"Here, take this Bow and shoot five arrows at that target."(Rai)

I instructed, picking up a Bow I had borrowed from the training grounds' weaponry section and tossing it to David.

"Hm? What's this all of a sudden?

"You know I am not good with Bow right?"(David)

David said, as he brought up our first discussion when we shared our proficiencies.

"Then what are you good at?"(Rai)

I added, continuing the conversation.

"Nothing. I am average in Academics and decent in Combats."(David)

David replied honestly about his average level skills.

"Who said that?"(Rai)

I pressed on again.

"What do you mean, who?

"From an early age, I focused on Academics and Close Combat with whatever limited resources I had.

"But I never excelled in Academics, and though I was somewhat skilled in close combat, it wasn't enough."

David explained.

It's true that the fight between us looked like a close one on the outside, but I was on the dominant side most of the time.

And I am surprised he noticed.

I can't speak for his Academics, as I didn't see them for myself.

But the main point of discussion is not that.

"Yeah, that's what I am talking about.

"You never explored any other skills.

"Or more like you couldn't."(Rai)

I pointed out.

"I don't–"(David)

David began to defend himself.

"Have you ever used a Bow in your life?"(David)

I interrupted.

"...No."(David)

David admitted.

"Then why are you saying you are bad at it?

"You should be saying you are not 'trained' in it."(Rai)

I clarified.

"...I guess you could put it that way."(David)

David conceded.

"So, shut your mouth and shoot five arrows from where you are standing."(Rai)

.

(End Of The Scene)

====

(Third Person View–Same Day)

(Time - 8:21 AM)

(Location - AMG Academic Block)

The ringing of the bell rang in the background, marking the beginning of the first day of Academic Classes in the Prestigious AMG.

Amidst the sprawling campus, we could see groups of people in student uniforms walking in different directions.

Despite the near familiarity between the uniforms of the students, except for the variations of colored straps according to their designated years.

They all seemed to be heading to different destinations as they continued walking in the corridors of the huge and majestic-looking Academy.

Nonetheless, there is a similar pattern where the three batches of years are moving towards different blocks.

Considerably, the corridors were filled with the chatter and voices of students.

In the mindset of these chatty groups, one group seems to be noisier than the others.

The group consists of three people of the same age wearing the first year's plain black-patterned uniform walking together in the same direction as the rest of the group.

And of course, the trio is our lead trio.

"Your Highness, can you please reconsider my request once again."(Kavir)

Kavir pleaded with Rai.

"No Kavir. Don't bother.

"I won't let you off this time."(Rai)

As Rai replied, a new presence came close behind the trio, clad in the same uniform.

"So, it was you.

–The voice intervened and stepped forward.

"No wonder your chatter is so loud."(Rosalind)

Rosalind's voice carried an air of familiarity and acceptance. Wishlist Maya was just behind her.

"Come on, Viviana, is this how you greet someone?"

Rai protested.

"You are heading towards the class, right?"

Ignoring Rai's whining, Rosalind questioned.

"Yeah, we are. Where do you think we will go at this time?"

Rai, not at all bothered by it, answered.

"Good, let's go together.

"However, try to keep your voice down."

Rosalind offered as they continued to walk side by side with each other.

"That's harsh!

"And I wasn't even the one who was talking aloud."

Rai complained again, wearing a hurt face.

"Yeah, though I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I happened to overhear your conversation."

Rosalind admitted it before moving on.

"You did…"

Rai muttered in an understanding tone.

"You are Rai's Shadow–Noir Kavir-right?"

She stopped and addressed Kavir directly.

"*nod."(Kavir)

Rai, who also stopped, watched the scene from the sidelines as Kavir simply nodded in confirmation.

"Umm…*nod."(Rosalind)

In return Rosalind also nodded her head as she scanned Kavir up and down with a serious expression.

The atmosphere around the whole group became tense because of her actions.

"A Shadow doesn't question its Light."(Rosalind)

Rosalind stated, with a seriousness that infused the atmosphere as she shifted her gaze from Kavir to Rai.

???....!!

In an instant the scene took a totally dramatic turn.

Her seriousness conveyed a sense of importance. Her eyes were fixed on Kavir as if conveying a secret insight.

The moment hung in the air, pregnant with meaning. It was as if their roles and connections were being revealed in a new light.

Observing this scene unfold from the sidelines, both Rai and David shared a singular thought.

[That was so cool.](Rai)

While Rai managed to contain his impulse to voice the sentiment and potentially embarrass himself, David's thoughts slipped out–

"So...COOL."(David)

Unwittingly as he uttered with childlike amazement, captured by the moment.

"HUH?..."(Rai)

In response to David's words, Rai was jolted from his momentary daze.

Shaking his head as if to clear his mind, he turned towards Rosalind face-to-face.

"Is there something wrong, Rai?"(Rosalind)

She questioned Rai, not understanding his intentions.

Rai, however, didn't reply and lifted his hands towards her face, and Rosalind, though she could clearly see, didn't react as she waited, wanting to know Rai's intentions.

Rai's hand soon came in front of Rosalind's forehead.

–*flick!

??...!!

Suddenly, Rai lightly flicked her forehead with his index finger, making everyone surprised.

"What do you mean what's wrong?

–Rai said, in a low volume in urgency.

"Look at that fellow once, will you?"

–He said, pointing at Kavir.

"What have you done to him?"(Rai)

–He concluded in a sad and pitiful mix of tones.

Then Rosalind and others turned their focus on Kavir, who stood in a dazed state like a statue without a moment.

But one thing was clear, Kavir's eyes were wide open, almost popping out as if he were just struck by lightning.

Then, a second later, he opened and closed his eyes.

And the moment he opened his eyes again, a new realization could be seen in his eyes, as if he had reached a sudden enlightenment.

Then suddenly he turns toward Rosalind with a genuine and respectful ninety-degree bow and said–

"I will keep that in mind, Lady Viviana Rosalind."(Kavir)

Looking at this turn of events, Rai looked at Rosalind again.

Rai said in an irritated tone as he scolded her–

"He is already stubborn as a rock, and now you went and made things more difficult for me."(Rai)

Rai continued his taunts.

While Rosalind looked at Rai with anger and a light pouting face-

"I was simply trying to help you."

Rosalind retorted, rubbing her forehead, though Rai's flick had been anything but strong.

.

(To be continued…)

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Chapter words : 1705

Total words : 49.79K