Chapter 27: Dorms [1]
The clang of metal echoed through the arena, a jarring counterpoint to the sudden stillness that had descended.
Relief washed over me, mingled with a bone-deep exhaustion that threatened to pull me to my knees.
Emma's rapier clattered to the ground, signaling her surrender.
'Finally..'
-Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
A vibration buzzed on my wrist – a notification from the institute's smart watch.
It could wait.
I knew what it was – confirmation of the match's end.
"Arg.."
My muscles screamed in protest, every fiber protesting against another move.
If I wouldn't have been lost normally, than I would of fainted.
A pitiful way to end the fight.
With a weary sigh, I limped out of the arena.
Unlike earlier, the stands seemed eerily empty, the cadets presumably engrossed in their own matches.
A few lingering observers threw curious glances my way, whispers flitting through the air.
I ignored them, my focus solely on getting back to the dorms.
As I exited the arena, a flash of movement caught my eye.
Two figures rushed towards the arena entrance – no doubt, was her ever-present companions.
'That's why she was familiar.'
Alya and… who was the other one again?
I shook my head, the effort making me lightheaded.
No matter.
The walk back to the dorms felt like an eternity.
Every ache and groan of my body was amplified, a constant reminder of the brutal fight.
I should of just forfeited and walked out... Don't think that's allowed though..
"Sigh....."
I finally arrived...
The Phoenix Halls, normally buzzing with activity, seemed strangely deserted.
It was a relief, really.
No need to deal with curious stares or unwanted questions.
The Phoenix Halls were divided into two distinct sections, spanning two floors.
Each section accommodated one gender, separated by a grand central hall that served as a common area.
That's as far as I know from the game....
Details like the magnificent dome that flooded the space with natural light seemed insignificant at the moment.
All I wanted was the comfort of my own room.
Ignoring the security guard and reaching the doorway, I swiped my student ID card, the familiar click granting me access.
With a groan, I slumped against the wall, catching my breath.
A rustle of movement startled me.
There was – a maid, her initial surprise morphing quickly into professional composure.
"Ah, yes how may I help you cadet?" she inquired, her voice polite.
"Take me to my room," I replied.
I assumed she and everyone working here knew me,
after all, I was the infamous rank 2000 something cadet that got into class A and by extension a room in this drom.
The maid hesitated at first, her eyes scanning my disheveled state.
Than recognition dawned, her face losing colors which was followed by a deep bow.
"O-Of course, Lord Aren. Please follow me."
I did as she said.
My room was located on the second floor, within the section designated for male cadets.
Each room was rumored to be a haven of luxury, with personal maids at your beck and call.
Right now, however, the only thing I craved was a bed and a long, uninterrupted sleep.
The fight with Emma had taken its toll, climbing the stairs sent electric shock up my legs, didn't know that was thing.
After a few grueling minutes, it felt like years, not minutes, before the maid finally stopped at the end of the hall, a single door the only barrier between me and blessed oblivion.
Fumbling in my pocket, exhaustion turned my movements to molasses.
-Chk, Chk, Chk
"Aghh.. common.."
The doorknob turned easily, but a frustrated grunt escaped my lips as I discovered it's locked.
"S-Sir, Aren, your ID card…" the maid began, concern creeping into her voice.
"Ah, right," I mumbled, shoving the plastic rectangle against the sensor.
-Click
A satisfying click echoed in the hallway as the door unlocked.
Slamming it shut with a sigh, I finally had a moment of solitude.
Compared to the arena, this room felt like a palace.
Cozy, not vast, but it held all the essentials – a plush couch begging me to sink in, a flat-screen TV, why was that there?
Don't know and not complaining, but..
Most importantly, a single bed that exuded the aura of a siren song.
Beyond the main living area, another door led to the private bathroom and a compact kitchen.
There was a separate study space just, perpendicular to the bed and there was another door leading to another room.
I knew what it was, so didn't bother checking as my tired brain couldn't even muster the energy to glance its way.
Right now, the soft sheets felt like a gentle lullaby sung by angels, and I was a child finally drifting off to a peaceful sleep.
I practically collapsed onto the mattress, the plushness a welcome contrast to the unforgiving arena ground.
Did my belongings show up in one piece?
Don't know, don't care right now, it was a problem for future me to solve.
Unpacking, showering – even those basic tasks seemed insurmountable.
Sleep, glorious sleep, was all my body craved.
As the edges of consciousness blurred, my mind replayed the fight...
Right, the fight..
'How in the world did I win?'
"Mmmm.."
So sleepy..
T-the fight, maybe..
-!
Yes, this has to be the only explanation...
'Status...'
======Status======
Name: Aren Blackstar
Age: 17 ↼(25)
Overall Rank: [F] ⇀ [F+]
Strength: [F+] [↑]
Speed: [F+] ⇀ [E-]
Stamina: [F+]
Endurance: [F+] ⇀ [E-]
Durability: [F+]
Agility: [F+]
Mana-grade: [F] ⇀ [F+]
Mana-capacity: 1/10
Charm*: [F+] ⇀ [E-]
- - > Acquired Skills:
[Hand to hand combat (Beginner) lvl.3]
[Sharpshooter's Precision (Beginner) lvl.1]
[Predictability (Beginner) lvl.1]
================
F+ and...new.... ski?
pr-predictability?
'I see... that's how I was able to dooodge....'
My eyelids, heavy as lead weights, drooped shut.
The world dissolved into velvety darkness, the only sensation the soft caress of the sheets against my skin.
I couldn't stop my consciousness slipping away.
There was so much more to come and do...
But for now...
'It can wait.'