Encounters and Enigmas

After submitting my exam and surprising everyone with how quickly I finished it, I found myself wandering around the academy. The wait for the exam results, which were due later that day, left me restless and frankly a bit bored. Plus, I was starving, so I decided to find the dining hall to quiet my growling stomach.

As I walked through the hallways, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the place. The architecture here is amazing; every corner is filled with details and style. And by the way, "Where the hell is the dining hall?" I muttered to myself as I wandered aimlessly. There was no one in sight to ask for directions. Man, this is frustrating.

In the midst of my search, I ran into another girl who was part of the protagonist's circle in the game. Her name was Elara Valtoria, and true to descriptions, she exuded an aura of serenity. She had silver hair cascading in soft, shining waves, as if each strand had been bathed in moonlight. Her large, expressive violet eyes seemed to hypnotize anyone who looked into them, as if they could see directly through your soul and decide if you were worthy of her attention.

Elara had a presence that might be intimidating to some, but to me, it was more like seeing a beautiful painting in a museum: you appreciate the beauty but couldn't help but feel there was a barrier between her and you. Moreover, she wore a dress that seemed to have been crafted by fairies on a starry night, adorned with golden details that highlighted her elegance. It was as if nature itself had dressed her.

And though Elara was stunningly beautiful, I must admit that in my opinion, Seraphina remained the most beautiful of them all. But don't tell anyone, I don't want my thoughts getting into indiscreet ears.

Apparently noticing my gaze, Elara approached me with a smile, though I could tell her brows were slightly furrowed, or perhaps it was my imagination.

"Hello, Cassian Nightshade, right?" she greeted me with a warm smile.

"Yes, that's right," I replied, somewhat surprised that she knew my name. I mean, how would she know the name of a newcomer who had been at the academy for just over an hour and a half? Elara, don't tell me you're a stalker.

"You might find it a bit odd that I know your name," she said, as if reading my mind. "But as a second-year student, I was one of the people who helped program and mobilize the new students. Thanks to that, I know most of the names of incoming students," she explained proudly.

Well, that solves the mystery of how she knew my name. Otherwise, how would she know? It's not like she could hear my thoughts, right? Haha, what a silly idea.

"Ah, I see," I responded, trying to sound natural. "Actually, I was looking for the dining hall. I'm starving and have no idea where it is."

Elara chuckled softly and then gave me directions to the dining hall. "It's not hard to find once you know where to go. Just follow the main hallway and turn right after the inner garden."

"Thank you, Elara. You're a lifesaver," I said with a grateful smile.

"You're welcome, Cassian. Good luck with the exam results," she said before continuing on her way. I like this girl; she has a pretty relaxed aura, and above all, she resolved my dilemma of knowing where the dining hall was.

Wait... I just called her by her name. Of course, you'll think I'm foolish for saying it that way, but guys, she never told me her name. I said it reflexively, as she is one of the girls in the protagonist's harem. But wait... there's something weirder: she didn't react to that, but rather seemed to know that I knew her name. Or maybe she did tell me her name, or not? Or maybe she senses that I know her because of her status? Well, I guess that will remain a mystery.

I followed her directions and finally found the dining hall. However, there wasn't much food to my liking. What a disappointment. I ended up with something light. After eating, I decided to head to the Combat Department to see how the protagonist was doing in the practical exam. I mean, I have to know if the protagonist attended, you know? Just in case the author removed him from the story. If so, not even praying to all the gods that exist could save my butt from future events.

Well, I guess I worried for nothing. There he is, the guy getting ready to enter the forest where they would do the practical exam. I also noticed other characters near him who were also preparing to face the exam, but I'll talk about them later.

By the way, Lucas was like an enigma wrapped in an enigma. His long, wavy hair fell with a naturalness that soap opera stars would envy. I think I remember him having shorter hair. The strands moved with every step he took, as if they had a life of their own. His facial features, finer and softer than butter on a hot morning, made him look like he was taken from a Renaissance painting, but with a modern touch of confusion. Why are his facial features so fine? I didn't remember them like that; it makes him look cute, by the way, no homo.

He wore loose clothing, especially baggy pants that seemed to defy the laws of gravity by hiding his figure. Every movement was a blend of grace and determination, as if he were navigating a minefield of curious looks with absolute ease. His voice, soft but confident, resonated in the air like a melody in an empty room, leaving a lasting impression even from a distance. Well, I never knew he wore that style of clothing, but I guess it's cool.

Although he tried to blend in with neutral tones and calm gestures, it was impossible to ignore Lucas's presence. It was as if he carried an aura of intrigue and mystery that effortlessly drew gazes. From my position, I found myself wondering what secrets lay behind those deep green eyes that seemed to scrutinize the world with curiosity.

Well, I guess there are slight changes in Lucas from what I remembered. Well, as long as his personality doesn't change and they don't take away his powers, everything's fine.

Just as I was about to leave, a cold voice called me.

"Cassian Nightshade, can you come here for a moment?" Her voice was authoritative but not aggressive. I approached, a little nervous.

"Yes, Professor," I replied.

Well, surprise or not. It turns out that the person who called me was none other than Selena Everhart, a teacher in the Department of Magic, and she also assists the Department of Engineering due to her extensive knowledge acquired in her long life. This woman is much older than you think. Right at that moment, Selena looked at me with cold eyes. Hey, Professor, don't look at me with those eyes. I answered your call! Those eyes are scary...

But leaving that aside, she's the person I wanted to find, as in the novel "Legends of Aetheria," she was a character who helped Lucas a lot. Of course, for that to happen, I need her to be interested in me. Well, it would have been hard if she only took into account strength like she did with Lucas, but knowing her, I know she's also interested in people with great knowledge and my friends. That's where I come in, the first step is already complete, and it was her looking for me. The second part, I suppose, will be more complicated, as I have to prove my value and intellect to get her support.

I guess all that's left is to pray, right? Wish me luck.