Day 3 Part 5

Ilka, in her small, crimson form, settles herself onto my forehead, perched there like a queen surveying her kingdom. "How many of them did you kill?" she asks, her tone bordering on playful.

I roll my eyes, a soft chuckle escaping my lips as I gather my clothes. "I didn't kill any of them," I respond simply, my eyes on the lake's mirror-like surface. Ilka's energy flutters against my skin, akin to a spark in the wind.

"Huh!? You didn't kill any of them! Then why are you acting like you fought!?" Ilka's high-pitched voice rings in the quiet morning air, her annoyance clear and somehow, charming in its own way.

I can't help but smile at her outburst. 'This damn bastard. Me? I could've fought one of them but why would I do that when I have Isadora? Why take any unnecessary risk?' I muse, trying to explain myself. However, in the end, I simply opt for an easier answer. I doubt she would let anything slide regardless.

With a swift motion, I grab Ilka with my fingers and toss her up in the air, interrupting her train of thought. "Stop acting like it's a big deal. Isadora dealt with them before I had a chance to fight," I say nonchalantly. Isadora is the only one capable of killing them by herself.

"That girl huh? Well, she is better than you," Ilka retorts, landing gracefully on the water's surface. Tsk, is she trying to show off? Walking on water is not that impressive.

Ignoring her jab, I start to clean my clothes, each motion filled with deliberate effort. "Ugh, I need some sleep. This is going to be a tough week," I mutter to myself, since we spit up from the group we will only need to fight once more.

"Tsk, for someone that did nothing, you sure are lazy. I'm guessing you won't be training," Ilka scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest.

To be honest, she has a point. But right now, I'm too tired to engage in a battle of words with her. Instead, I shake my head, my mind already made up. "Yes, I won't be training, but you won't have to go in the sword again. We've split up from the main group, no one here should be able to detect you. Just stay quiet, please. I don't want to get distracted by you," I reply, a hint of exhaustion creeping into my voice.

As I start my trek back to the group, the morning sun warms my back, a comforting, familiar sensation. The chirping of the birds intermingles with the soft rustling of the leaves, creating a soothing melody. With every step I take, the weight of exhaustion grows heavier, my body begging for some much-needed rest.

"Ilka," I begin, my voice echoing in the tranquil wilderness. She turns towards me, her crimson form flickering like a small flame in the morning light. "Wake me up if you see any monsters around."

Her response comes in the form of a click of her tongue, an exasperated sigh that is so typically her. "Tsk, such a lazy bastard. Fine, I'll keep an eye out."

I don't bother responding, her words fading into the background as I finally spot a flat rock, bathed in the gentle rays of the sun. The perfect spot to catch some sleep.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Amid the sound of waves and the occasional seagull's cry, Thaddeus and I observe the holographic screens projected around us. Each screen showcases various perspectives of the islands, illuminating the yacht's interior with their vibrant displays. Here we sit, two seasoned professors watching our students' struggles like a twisted form of reality television.

Thaddeus, comfortably nestled in a plush chair, looks like a scientist observing an experiment. His gaze is intense, focused. "How interesting, to think someone knew about Islevores. Isn't V quite interesting?" he muses, drumming his fingers on the armrest.

Casually, I swirl the rich, red wine in my glass, a wicked smile tugging at my lips. How amusing it is, how they don't know what's happening. I bring the glass to my lips, savoring the sweet bitterness on my tongue before answering, "Well, that goes to show some students read on beasts. It's not like Islevores are unknown beasts."

Underneath my polished professional exterior, I'm screaming. This damn situation threatens to cut my vacation short! I can't accept this! They're too quick, too smart. Damn these talented bastards! Why are they so damn fast!? What was that girl's name? Seraphina? Dammit! I knew my class was going to leave the Island because of V but class B should take its time!

As the screens continue to flicker, showing the students' progress, I stifle a sigh, maintaining my professional demeanor, ugh these kids are driving me insane. "So far both classes are doing well. In fact, I'm grateful a class had information regarding the beasts because of that we were able to see the difference within the fights. I'm pleased with their current abilities, they should be able to leave the Island sooner than we expected," I say, trying to sound positive. But in my head, it's a completely different story. 'Please, stay a bit longer, I haven't tried all the wine yet!' I silently beg the screens.

My gaze then flits to the one person who I've come to respect in this circus: V. That man has it harder than me. He's got to be a student, do all the work, take all the classes, and pretend to be weak while hunting down some damn cult. Poor guy, how does he deal with it all!

With a sigh, I gulp down the rest of my wine, the warm liquid doing little to alleviate my anxiety. Standing up, I straighten my clothes, brushing away invisible dust. The holographic screens continue to show scenes from the island, each one more frustrating than the last.

The words "The kids won't be having any difficulties for now, I'll check on them later," slip out from my mouth smoothly, as I keep my eyes on the holographic screens.

Thaddeus nods, adding, "Indeed, I might need to add another challenge within the test. They are more talented than expected. I will have another professor to keep an eye on them."

Inside, my heart leaps with glee. 'Go on, make their lives a living hell. I need a damn break!' I cheer silently.

Nodding in agreement, I respond, "Alright, I will head to my room," as I drift towards the counter. An array of wine bottles waits for me, all begging to be sampled. The thought of an uninterrupted evening with these beautiful bottles is tempting, to say the least.

The soft sound of approaching footsteps interrupts my blissful moment. It's Duke Alister, with his regal stance and air of superiority. I force a smile onto my face, greeting him with a respectful, "How is your stay, sir Duke?"

Seriously, why can't these blue-bloods leave me alone?

Duke Alister's response is polite, a hint of appreciation in his tone. "My stay has been enjoyable, I'm grateful the test is being taken on my land, it makes it easier for me to look after my daughter. I apologize if I've been an inconvenience."

I find myself studying him. Unlike his daughter Isadora, he doesn't have those striking black eyes. Instead, he has a pair of piercing blue ones. And his black hair is different too. It makes me recall that time I saw Isadora's deceased mother. The girl is a spitting image of her.

"Not at all, the presence from a man such as yourself is always welcomed, your achievements are truly incredible," I reply, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. 'Why don't you go bug Thaddeus for once?' I want to yell, but I keep my composure.

Then comes the question I didn't anticipate. "My daughter as you know... she's very quiet. Seeing her interact with others makes me quite happy. As her professor I wanted to ask you how she got close to the boy and the girl."

This catches me off guard. The fact that he's even asking me this... It's none of my business. But of course, I'm forced to answer. Inwardly, I can't help but let out a sigh, 'Why can't these people give me a break?'

My mind races, searching for a plausible explanation. 'Why would I know that!? Just because I'm their professor!? Do these people expect me to know everything about my students!? Well, obviously if V wanted to get close to someone, he'll find a way, that's part of his profession, but just how did he do it!?'

A light bulb goes off. I remember those two chatterboxes talking about Isadora's strange eating habits. She only ate bread. So V took pity on her and started cooking for her. Yes, that sounds about right. And Biana just tagged along because she liked V's food.

A crafty smile tugs at my lips as I weave this story together. "Of course, it's my job to know such things after all. The boy is named V," I point at one of the holographic screens, showcasing V sleeping on a rock. "V saw your daughter eating stale food in the cafeteria multiple times. He felt bad eating his food while seeing her eat so poorly, so he started making food for her as well. Over time, she gradually accepted his food. The other girl is Biana, and she likes to eat V's food so she's always around him. Although I wouldn't say they're close friends, she seems to acknowledge them at the very least."

Inwardly, I'm applauding my quick thinking and cursing the fact that my wine tasting session is still on hold. I could Be drinking right now! Fuck I hate it when people bother me! Mother Earth please give patience.

Duke Alister nods, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I see... Thank you for your time." He then proceeds to walk away, leaving me in the comforting silence of the observation room.

With a sigh of relief, I grab my bottle of wine and head towards my room, cautiously looking around to make sure no one else tries to halt me. Finally alone, I kick off my shoes and leap onto the soft bed, the bottle of wine in my hand, Finally some peace for today I'm going to enjoy this hehe.