Do….Do I accept?


    The interface loomed before me, its eerie glow casting strange shadows across the room. My fingers twitched, hesitation gripping me like a vice.


    I-…


    Please make your decision…


    Death imminent in 10 seconds…


    My breath hitched.


    What?!


    The countdown begins.


    10.


    9.


    My heart pounded in my ears.


    Was this a joke?!


    Would I really die?!


    8.


    7.


    Panic set in. Sweat forming on my palms.


    6.


    I couldn’t risk it.


    I hesitantly pressed my finger onto the Yes button.


    The moment I did, the screen flickered


    Thank you.


    Welcome, Administrator.


    Title: Magic Weaver


    Status: Ryn Ashford


    Race: High Human


    Temple Reward:


    Reward: High Magi Stone, Ability Sacred Shield, Title: Magic Siphoner


    My mana begun to glow as I accepted it.


    “Ryn! Lilli’s getting anxious.” Elnora’s voice chimed in my ear.


    Her voice jolted me back into reality. My gaze lingered at my mana—foreign yet familiar.


    “Y-yeah, I’m on my way,” I replied, shaking my head as I swiped away the screen.


    No time to dwell on this now. I moved quickly, putting on my academy uniform with practice efficiency.


    Whatever had just happened…. I’ll deal with it later.


    As I stepped out into the hall, I quickly realized something—I had no clue where I was going.


    “Uh, Elnora… how do I get out of here?” I asked, scratching my head.


    “When you leave your room, take a left, then a right. You’ll find an elevator—take it to the first floor.” She instructed.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    “A-alright! Thanks.”


    Following her directions, I turned on my heel and made my way toward the elevator. As the doors slid open on the first floor, I saw Alex waiting on me.


    “Took you long enough,” Alex said, crossing his arms as I approached.


    “Where is Elnora and Lilli?” I asked.


    “They went to grab some tea. They’re just outside.” Alex replied.


    We both stepped outside into the open air. Around the corner, at a small outdoor café, Lilli and Elnora sat a table—surrounded by two unfamiliar guys.


    “Took you two long enough she said casually to us.” As she sipped her tea.


    Elnora, on the other hand, silently sipped hers, ignoring the two men.


    Alex cleared his throat. “Sorry fellas but these two are taken at the moment.”


    The guys turned, clearly irritated “These, cute babe are—” They froze their eyes landed on me.


    “Wait isn’t that…. Ryn Ashford.”


    “You mean the Dungeon Master Slayer?”


    Their faces paled. Their confidence shattered.


    “WE ARE SO SORRY!”


    They immediately dropped into deep bows.


    Without waiting for a response, they bolted, disappearing into the crowd.


    “I’m glad you two came in time,” Lilli said with a smirk, as she set her cup down. “I thought I might have to chase those guys away.”


    “Well, next time flaunt your status.” Alex replied shaking his head.


    I sniffed the air. A rich, fragrant aroma filled my senses.


    “Wow, whatever you two are drinking smells really good,” I said inhaling deeply. “I think I’ll go get some as well.”


    “I’ll join you,” Alex added.


    The two of us stepped inside the café, greeted by the sight of a grand, polished interior. The place was elegant—clearly created on the campus for academy students. A massive menu hung above the counter, listing an impressive selection of drinks.


    Alex stepped forward first. “Uh, I’ll have some Black Lotus Tea,” he said, then turned to me. “What about you Ryn? It’s my treat.”


    I scanned the menu briefly. “I suppose I’ll keep it simple—Honey Tea.”


    Alex nodded. “Alright, and he’ll take a Honey tea.”


    Behind the counter, the barista—a dragonoid woman with sleek horns and long, dexterous tail—nimbly behind her prepared our drinks.


    She moved nicely, her hands and tail working in sync as she brewed the tea’s Infront of us.


    A moment later, she placed two steaming cups on the counter. “Here you go—one Black Lotus and one Honey Tea. Have a wonderful afternoon,” she said with a polite smile.


    Taking our drinks, we stepped outside.


    The girls were still seated, slowly savoring their teas. As we approached, they looked up, their eyes glinting with amusement.


    “Oooh, Honey Tea! “Nice choice,” Elnora said, inhaling the warm, sweet aroma filled in the air.


    Lilli took a deep breath as well, then glanced at Alex’s drink. “Wow, Black Lotus? Wasn’t expecting that you probably… picked that because of your soul,” she teased with a snicker.


    “Haha, very funny,” Alex shot back. “At least I don’t have to brush my tail and worry about it matting.”


    “HEY! That’s a serious issue we demihumans struggle with! You’d never understand!” Lilli huffed, clearly frustrated.


    I snickered at their banter.


    “I really like your laugh. Ryn,” Elnora said randomly. She smiled softly. “You seem a lot different since the dungeon and… and I like it.” A faint blush crossed her cheeks.


    “She brings up a good point Leader.” Alex added.


    I hesitated before answering the obvious question. “Well, my priorities changed… I guess I realized I needed to focus on the present.”


    “Wow. You really have changed, Ryn,” Lilli added, her voice quieter. “I was pretty mad at you for keeping things from me.”


    “Tranquila,” Alex whispered.


    Lilli took a deep breath before continuing. “I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me Ryn. Why did you keep it from me?” Worry crossed her face.


    I’m different now I need to tell her the truth.


    “I—I don’t have an excuse,” I admitted, looking down. “I was in a bad place mentally, and I struggled with trusting others.”


    “So… you didn’t trust me?” Lilli continued her frustration clear.


    “No, no! It wasn’t like that,” I said quickly. “I just didn’t trust anyone.” Alex found out on accident, and I confided with Elnora because she became my assistant.”


    Lilli sighed, shaking her head. “I think I understand I may need some time. But I feel much better hearing you admit it and giving me some clarity.” She hesitated before lowering her gaze. “T-thank you, Ryn. And please… no more secrets.”


    I nodded solemnly. “I understand. And I’m truly sorry.”


    Lilli exhaled, resting her face in her arms. Her voice came out muffled. “T-thank you, Ryn…” She blushed.


    Not wanting to ruin the moment, Elnora interrupted. “I hate to interrupt but… we are supposed to report to the headmaster when Ryn woke up.”


    “Oh, good point!” Alex replied, pulling a pocket watch from under his academy uniform as it glowed pink. “Crap! We’re late!” He quickly chugged the rest of his tea before looking at us. “You guys done?”


    I hurried to finish mine, while Lilli and Elnora took their final sips. Without wasting another second, we rushed toward the academy.