Chapter 145: Chapter No.145 Team Ashwood Assemble (4/?)
[Elara Moonshadow's POV]
As the classes were dismissed for the day, I followed Samael to the fake dungeon where his team was already waiting for him from the distance of course.
I trailed behind them, careful to remain just out of sight. The thrill of being close to him made my heart race. I could see the way his friends laughed and joked, their camaraderie making me feel like an outsider. But soon, I would change all that.
Samael led the way, his posture exuding confidence as he exchanged playful banter with Lily and Liliana. I felt a pang of envy at how easily they connected with him. They were so comfortable around him, while I felt like a shadow lurking in the background. But that would change. I needed to prove I could be useful, valuable—worthy of standing by his side.
As they entered the training grounds, I found a secluded spot behind some trees where I could watch undetected. I pulled out my notebook, doodling some sketches of the dungeon layout I had seen in old academy maps. It wouldn't hurt to have a few ideas in mind when I joined Aiden and Marcus for our strategy session later.
From my hiding place, I could hear their voices clearly.
"Samael, do you think we're ready for the test?" Raven asked, her voice filled with determination.
"Of course," Samael replied, his tone calm and reassuring. "We've trained hard for this. Just remember to trust each other. That's what will get us through."
"Right. We need to stick together," Lily added, her gaze fixed on him with admiration. "You always know how to keep us focused, Samael."
I clenched my jaw, suppressing the urge to scream. Why did they have to make it sound so effortless? Why couldn't I be the one he reassured, the one he trusted?
But there was a glimmer of hope in my plan. I would gain Samael's trust, even if it meant deceiving him at first. Once I was part of his world, I'd show him my true power and worth.
Suddenly, my heart stopped as I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned slightly, ready to bolt, but then I recognized Marcus's voice.
"Did you see that? They're really pumped for this test," he said, his tone laced with irritation. "What a bunch of losers."
"Let them have their fun," Aiden replied dismissively. "We'll show them what real strength looks like soon enough."
Their laughter echoed through the air as they strolled past my hiding spot, completely unaware of my presence. I had to keep my cool and focus on my mission. I had to learn everything I could about their plans without revealing my own.
As they walked toward the main training arena, I noted the way they carried themselves—so full of bravado. It made me wonder how much they would falter when faced with real danger.
"Those few days going to be interesting," I whispered to myself, the thrill of the impending chaos filling me with excitement. "They have no idea what's coming."
With the sun beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the training grounds, I turned my attention back to Samael and his team. I needed to find a way to infiltrate their dynamics, and the upcoming dungeon test was the perfect opportunity.
I watched as Samael gestured animatedly, and my heart swelled. If only he could see how much I wanted to be a part of this—how I longed to stand by his side and prove my worth.
But first, I had to ensure that Aiden and Marcus didn't derail my plans. They were my temporary allies, but I would never let them forget who the real threat was.
As I retreated into the shadows, a plan began to take shape in my mind. I would have to manipulate both sides—the ambitious schemers and the overconfident heroes. The dungeon test would be my stage, and I would orchestrate a symphony of chaos that would lead to my ultimate triumph.
Samael would see me in a new light, and once the dust settled, I would be the one standing beside him.
And nothing would stand in my way.
***
[Samael Ashwood's POV]
Huh! Why is she following me?!
Elara Moonshadow. In our class students call her ice queen, who won't talk to anyone unless necessary or when she's showing off her magic skills. I'd noticed her lurking around for the past few days, always hanging back in the shadows, watching us. It was unsettling, but it also piqued my curiosity. What was she after?
As I tried to focus on the discussion with my team, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was plotting something. Maybe I was being paranoid, but I couldn't ignore the instinct that warned me of her presence.
"Hey, Samael, are you with us?" Raven's voice snapped me back to reality. She was looking at me with concern, her brows furrowed.
"Yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought," I replied, forcing a smile. "What were you saying?"
Lily leaned in, her expression softening. "We're talking about our strategy for the dungeon test. We need to make sure everyone knows their roles and how to work together."
"Right," I nodded, grateful for the grounding effect of their camaraderie. "I think we should focus on communication. If we're caught off guard, it could spell disaster for us."
"Agreed," Liliana chimed in, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We've trained hard for this, and we need to rely on our strengths. Samael, your magic is powerful, and you know how to lead us through tough situations."
I felt a surge of pride at their faith in me. "Thanks, guys. I believe in each of you, too. We're a team, and together we can handle whatever the dungeon throws at us."
As we strategized, I occasionally glanced toward the entrance of the training grounds, half-expecting to see Elara lurking there, plotting her next move. But she never appeared, and I tried to shake off the feeling of unease.
After our meeting, I decided to practice a few spells to help ease my mind. I walked over to the training dummies, channeling my magic into a series of precise strikes, each bolt of energy cracking through the air with a satisfying pop. The repetition was therapeutic, and I lost myself in the rhythm of casting.
But as I practiced, the nagging thought of Elara returned. Why was she so interested in me? I couldn't deny that she was talented, her magic undeniably impressive. But she had always kept her distance from the rest of the class. What could she possibly want from me?
Suddenly, I heard a soft rustle behind me. My instincts kicked in, and I turned to see Elara standing there, her expression neutral but her eyes gleaming with intensity.
"Samael," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I couldn't help but notice your impressive spellwork."
"Thanks," I replied cautiously, unsure of her intentions. "I'm just practicing for the upcoming dungeon test."
"Yeah...right... well good luck~" She didn't wait after saying those words and left s soon as she finished speaking, leaving me feeling even more unsettled.
I turned back to my practice, but the focus was gone. Why had she approached me? Her compliment felt too calculated, and her departure left a lingering sense of unease. I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thoughts swirling in my mind. Elara Moonshadow was enigmatic, and I couldn't afford to let her distract me from the task at hand.
The rest of the day passed in a blur as I trained with my team, the discussions of strategy blending with the echoes of spellcasting. I was determined to keep my focus sharp, but the thought of Elara watching from the shadows nagged at the back of my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was up to something.
-----
Next day.
I walked into the courtyard of Professor Lincoln since its time for my training to start according to the my teacher.
"Ah~ my dear disciple is finally here, I was going to come look for you if you were late," Professor Lincoln greeted me, his voice rich with warmth and humor. His usual handsome face had an odd round glasses perched on his nose, giving him strange a scholarly appearance. His robes, slightly frayed at the edges from countless years of use, swayed as he turned toward the training arena.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Professor," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. "I got caught up with some last-minute preparations for the dungeon test."
"Understandable. The test is approaching fast, and I can see the determination in your eyes," he said, his gaze penetrating but kind. "Today, we'll focus on refining your spellcasting techniques. I believe you're ready for more advanced applications of your magic."
I felt a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. I had trained diligently, but the prospect of pushing my limits made my heart race. "What do you have in mind?"
"Today, we'll work on combining elemental spells for more potent effects. You've shown great control with your lightning and nature magic, and I think it's time to take things to the next level." He gestured for me to follow him into the training area.
"First, let's start with a basic combination—Lightning and Nature," he said and motioned for me to try combining my affinities. His gravitational magic pressed down on my shoulder to make it more challenging, simulating the weight of real combat.
I focused, drawing energy from the environment and letting it flow through me. The air crackled with electricity as I conjured a bolt of lightning, intertwining it with the essence of nature around me. Vines and leaves began to dance at my command, their energy merging with the raw power of the lightning.
"Good! Now, channel that power into a cohesive spell," Professor Lincoln encouraged, his voice filled with excitement. "Think of it as creating a storm in a forest—both beautiful and destructive."
With a deep breath, I visualized the outcome. I released the spell, a spectacular display of sparks and green energy swirling together, striking the ground and sending a shockwave through the earth. The ground trembled beneath me, and I felt a surge of adrenaline.
"Excellent work! That was a strong demonstration," he praised, clapping his hands. "Now, let's build on that. Try to direct the energy toward a target and enhance its effects."
I nodded, eager to put my newfound skills to the test. I took a few steps back and set my sights on a wooden dummy positioned a few yards away. Channeling the combined magic again, I summoned a stream of lightning that danced along the vines, twisting and curling around them until they formed a glowing whip-like shape.
"Let's see how well you can control that," Professor Lincoln said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
I flicked my wrist, sending the magical whip lunging forward. It struck the dummy with a crackle, splitting the wood apart and sending splinters flying. I couldn't help but grin at my success.
"Very impressive, Samael! You're improving rapidly," he remarked. "Now, the key to this technique is not just the power but the control. Let's practice this several more times, focusing on precision."
We spent the next hour honing the combination, and with each attempt, I felt my confidence grow. I was determined to be ready for the dungeon test, to protect my team and lead them through whatever challenges awaited us.
As I finished my training session, I noticed a familiar figure lingering at the edge of the courtyard. It was Elara, her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was watching me closely, analyzing every move.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Professor Lincoln announced, breaking my concentration. "You've done well. Remember, confidence is key. As the test approaches, trust in your abilities and your team."
"And it seems someone is waiting for you~" He added.
Yeah, indeed! seems like a yandere~
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[To Be Continued]
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Stone Me!, I can take it.
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