<h4>Chapter 21: Unwanted Attention [1]</h4>


    The world of the novel, [The Enigma''s Truth: Inhuman Mystery] is filled with wars, death, and tragedy as it hurtles towards the four cataclysms that are destined to change its course.


    Technically speaking, there are five cataclysms, but for some reason, I never bothered to mention the first one in the pages of my novel.


    As the story progresses, numerous wars are fought, and countless casualties are suffered.


    Unfortunately, I was unable to finish my novel.


    The fifth cataclysm, which I had nned, involved the destruction of this world.


    Yes, the story wasn''t nned for a happy ending, but instead, it was a depiction of the apocalypse.


    Actually now that I think about it, I am grateful that I never put those dark thoughts into writing.


    If I had, my story would have culminated in the fifth cataclysm wiping out everything and everyone in this world.


    However, even if such a scenario doese to pass, I have no intention of trying to save the world from it.


    Instead, I have other ns, like finding a way to escape from this reality and return to my own.


    I have spent thest few days fighting to keep my mind from bing upset over what has happened to my previous world.


    Unfortunately, my efforts have been in vain, and I havee to the realization that my only option is to find a way back to my own world.


    If my world has been destroyed, it may not be possible to return. I do have some ideas, but I''m not sure what to do yet.


    If my attempts to return to my own world fail, then I will focus on trying to prevent the cataclysms from happening and living the rest of my life in this world.


    At the moment, I was on my way to ss.


    I checked the time ,7:45 AM.


    ''Seems I still have some time before it starts''


    As soon as I entered the ss all the eyes were drawn to me.


    Well not all but like 69% of the attention of the ss.


    Mostly girls and judging by their frowns, I could guess it wasn''t for a good reason.


    ''What''s with these people?''


    Acting like I didn''t feel their piercing gazes on me, I walked up to an empty seat and sat down.


    "Excuse me, but could you please sit somewhere else? No offense meant."


    I tilted my head to see who had spoken; it was a girl with beautiful dark skin and stunning eyes who was sitting to my right.


    ''I remember her— Mist, she is a friend of Freya. During the first day, I had a brief encounter with her.''


    But, unlike her cheerful and kind behavior towards me thest time, she now looked at me with a critical frown


    "What did I?-"


    "Move."


    I looked behind to see the source of this call.


    There stood a girl with an angr face, ck hair, and piercing violet eyes.


    Despite her admirable hourss figure, she looked at me with disdain.


    ''Freya Fretel''


    I instantly connected the dots regarding the strange situation surrounding me.


    A frown etched itself on my face.


    *Sigh*


    I didn''t wanted to create a scene so I got up from the sit I was sitting on and upied another vacant seat by the window.


    I could feel the judgmental stares of some students from time to time.


    "Tsk, these wannabe righteous -hero-extras. They must think the world is just ck and white, judging me for something I didn''t even do," I grumbled to myself.


    I could somewhatprehend why Freya might dislike ''this Noah.''


    If things continued in this manner, I might end up getting cklisted in the ss due to my reputation.


    ***


    "Okay, attendace checkplete. Everyone head towards the training ground!"


    The students promptly obeyed.


    Some might question why physical training took priority over academics, but it was a practical and necessary approach in a world gued by demon invasions wherebat skills could mean the difference between life and death.


    Although some technological advancements existed, they were predominantly for convenience, leaving the world somewhatcking in terms of firepower and medical technology.


    The academy system prioritized training alongside mathematics and mana engineering sses, with electives being the only opportunity to pick and choose a different subject.


    Elective courses wouldmence by the end of this week, offering students a chance to focus on something other than training.


    ***


    (In A21 training ground)


    Third person''s POV:


    Sophia was engrossed in honing her skills , wielding her sword with purpose and finesse.


    As she shed and thrust, Sophia fervently focused on imbuing every movement with mana.


    As a warrior, her prowess with the de was already formidable.


    Sophia''s POV:


    As I continued to practice with my sword, I couldn''t help but notice


    Emily Reed.


    She was one of the standout students of our ss —ranked fairly high in fifth position whereas I was only ranked 20th...


    Emily''s exceptional talent with the bow was just unbelievable.


    Her uracy was impable, and watching her hit the bullseye with ease filled me up with pride.


    Emily had been my friend since preschool.


    We had grown up together with each other''s help in understanding and mastering the skills of mana.


    Without her, I wouldn''t be as sessful as I am right now. A wide smile spread across my face as I gazed at her in admiration.


    However, my admiration quickly faded as I saw "those guys" - boys who would flock around her all the time, chasing her like bees chasing honey.


    Although most boys were interested in swordsmanship rather than archery, a group of boys could always be seen swarming around Emily for obvious reasons.


    They even went to the extent of naming their group "Emily-fan club".


    The name itself made me cringe.


    Sighing in frustration, I returned my attention to Emily, who waspletely engrossed in her training.


    Beads of sweat ran down her forehead and onto her cheeks, yet she kept on practicing with unwavering determination.


    ''Tsk, why does she keep forgetting to take care of herself?''..I shook my head in dismay.


    Strolling towards her, I called out, "Catch!" to get her attention, and as she turned towards me, I threw a bottle towards her.


    Emily caught it with a ''thup''.


    She quickly gulped down the water with a satisfying ''ffuuu'' sound and gave a grateful smile.


    "So, how''s your training going?" she asked, tossing her bow aside.


    I chuckled. "It''s going pretty good, but not as good as your archery."


    "I mean, have you seen yourself hitting those bullseyes? You never cease to amaze me."


    Emily blushed at thepliment "Aw, you''re too kind. But I have to give credit to my bow. It''s a real beauty, isn''t it?"


    I nodded, running my hand along its smooth surface. "It sure is. And speaking of beauty, don''t you think those guys over there are a little too interested in you?"


    Emily rolled her eyes in annoyance, ncing towards the group of boys.


    "Yeah, they''ve been like that since freshman year. I try to ignore them, but they just won''t take a hint."


    "I know what you mean. They even have a name for themselves - ''Emily-fan club''."


    I couldn''t help but shake my head. "It''s kind of pathetic, really."


    Emily giggled, shaking her head, "I wish they would just focus on their own training instead of distracting me."


    As Emily and I chatted, our attention fell on Aeravat, the top-ranked student of our ss.


    Aeravat was a mystery to us all.


    He had appeared out of nowhere , iming the title of the "strongest student".


    I had heard Takahashi and Aurora''s names mentioned before —they were both highly skilled.


    I had always assumed Takashi would take the top rank in our cohort, but then Aeravat burst onto the scene.


    The cogitation behind my ruminative state was none other than the renowned ''Hero Program''.


    The eminence and aptitude of exceptional students like Emily and Aurora has always been quite popr among the pupils vying to enroll in the Arcanum des Academy.


    Between the ages of eleven and fifteen, students from each district attended mid-schools where a varied range of talents flourished.


    These students were all destined for the top academy in their region –in this case the Arcanum des Academy.


    There, they would train assiduously until they reached the age of eighteen.


    Despite the diverse backgrounds and varied learning environments of the iing cohort, all had heard of the prowess of the seasoned top-notch yers in the field.


    Thus, the sudden emergence of someone as talented as Aeravat, without any prior knowledge or reputation, was indeed strange.


    "Who do you think would win between him and you?" I asked Emily before realizing it was a silly question.


    Emily raised an eyebrow and gave me an amused smile, "Between me and Aeravat? Honestly, Sophia, I don''t think I would stand a chance. He''s a mystery to me. I''ve never seen someone like him before."


    But soon we heard amotion at the distance.


    A guy with machete was doing something strange.