ã€ŠI am The Supervillain.ã€‹


 Chapter 1 - The Hero Academy

    ¡°Bye, Dad,¡± Valerie smiled, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry so much, okay? I¡¯ll be fine! I¡¯m twenty years old now, remember? I promise I¡¯ll call you often.¡±

    Her father¡¯s face softened for a brief moment before his brows furrowed again. ¡°How can I not be worried, Val? You¡¯re all I have left.¡± His voice cracked, and he looked down at her with a deep sadness that tugged at her heart. ¡°Pumpkin, I love you more than anything in the universe. You¡¯re my world.¡±

    Valerie blinked back the sting of tears, forcing a smile as she leaned in to hug him. ¡°I know, Dad. I love you, too. But I¡¯ll be okay, I swear.¡± Her voice dropped to a soft plea, ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll take care of your health? Rest once in a while¡­ for me, okay?¡±

    He hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair for a moment longer than usual. ¡°I promise, my little princess. But are you sure?¡± His voice wavered as he pulled back to look at her. ¡°Is it too late to change to a safer college? Being a superhero is dangerous¡­ what if¡ª¡±

    Valerie chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Dad, we¡¯ve been through this. I¡¯ll be fine. You know my powers, and I¡¯m only going to get stronger here.¡± She gently touched his arm, her eyes filled with determination. ¡°Once I¡¯m a licensed superhero, you won¡¯t have to work yourself to the bone anymore. I¡¯ll take care of you.¡±

    Her father sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. ¡°Oh, pumpkin¡­ I can only trust you now. But know I¡¯ll always worry about you.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Valerie whispered, stepping closer for one last hug. She held on tightly, savoring the warmth and comfort of the man who had been her rock for as long as she could remember. ¡°But I¡¯m ready for this, Dad. I promise.¡±

    They stood there , wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, until Valerie finally pulled away, her heart heavy but full of resolve. She gave him one last look before turning toward the dormitory, her steps hesitant at first, but growing stronger with each stride.

    As her father watched her walk away, he whispered softly to himself, ¡°Be safe, my little girl.¡± Then, with a deep breath, he turned and walked back toward the parking lot, leaving his daughter to her new world.

    ¡ª

    The dormitory lobby was grander than anything Valerie had ever seen. Its sleek, futuristic design made it feel more like the lobby of a five-star hotel than a college residence. Glass walls stretched upward, reflecting the dazzling lights of the interior, and the furniture looked straight out of a luxury catalog. Valerie¡¯s eyes wandered from the polished floors to the high ceilings, her heart swelling with awe¡ªand a touch of guilt.

    ¡°How much did dad pay for me to be here?¡± she thought, biting her lip.

    She knew her enrollment here wasn¡¯t cheap, but this¡­ this was beyond anything she could have imagined.

    "I promise I won''t waste this chance, Dad. I¡¯ll get my license, and you won¡¯t have to work another day.¡±

    She made her way to the receptionist¡¯s desk, her shoes tapping softly on the marble floor.

    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Valerie Nordin,¡± she said with a friendly smile, doing her best to project confidence despite the flutter of nerves. ¡°I¡¯m a new student here, checking in for my dorm room?¡±

    The receptionist, a young woman with glasses, looked up and smiled warmly. ¡°Miss Nordin, of course! Just sign here,¡± she said, sliding a sleek tablet toward her.

    Valerie quickly scribbled her signature before receiving a slim, futuristic-looking keycard.

    ¡°Your room¡¯s on the fifth floor,¡± the receptionist said, handing her the keycard. ¡°Good luck, Miss Nordin!¡±

    ¡°Thanks!¡± Valerie smiled back before heading toward the elevator, her heart racing with excitement.

    ¡ª

    Valerie opened the door to her new dorm room, only to find herself face-to-face with¡ªno one? but then a voice called out from the seemingly empty space.

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m your roommate. Nice to meet you!¡± came a cheerful voice.

    Valerie glanced around, her eyes narrowing. There was no one in sight, but the voice was definitely there. Then it clicked. She smirked slightly. ¡°You know, I can see you.¡± looking straight at the source of the voice.

    A gasp filled the air as a figure shimmered into view. Her roommate, a girl with short, dark hair and a mischievous grin, appeared out of thin air. ¡°Wait, what? How?¡±

    ¡°Infrared vision,¡± Valerie replied, still amused. ¡°Sorry if I interrupted your disappearing act. Clearly, you didn¡¯t want to be seen.¡±

    The girl burst into laughter. ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine! I was trying to prank my new roommate, but I guess you¡¯ve got me beat. My name¡¯s Fiona, by the way.¡± She extended her hand, still grinning.

    ¡°Valerie,¡± she responded, shaking her hand. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±

    As Fiona flopped onto one of the beds, Valerie began unpacking her suitcase, placing her belongings neatly into the closet and drawers.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s your story? Where are you from?¡± Fiona asked, propping herself up on one elbow, clearly interested.

    Valerie hesitated for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m from a small town called Alvilla. Nothing fancy. And I¡¯m here, just like everyone else, to become a superhero. To protect people.¡± She kept her voice casual, but there was a quiet determination behind her words.

    Fiona raised an eyebrow. ¡°Country girl, huh? Big city must be a shock for you.¡±

    Valerie shrugged, smiling slightly. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a bit overwhelming, but I¡¯ll manage. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a city girl, born and raised here in Astoria, the crown jewel of Vorenthea,¡± Fiona said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, ¡°and I am here to become its protector¡± Then her eyes widened suddenly. ¡°Wait. Alvilla¡­ like the Alvilla incident? Ten years ago?¡± She leaned forward, eyes filled with curiosity and something else¡ªsympathy.

    Valerie tensed at the mention of it, her hands pausing over her clothes. She hadn¡¯t expected anyone to connect her to that. Fiona took her silence as confirmation and gasped.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°Is that why you want to be a superhero? To protect people because of what happened there?¡± Fiona¡¯s voice softened as she got off the bed and crossed the room, wrapping her arms around Valerie in a tight, unexpected hug.

    Valerie stood frozen for a second, completely caught off guard. ¡°O-okay¡­ yeah, sure,¡± she mumbled, awkwardly patting Fiona¡¯s back.

    Fiona pulled back, her eyes wide and shining. ¡°That¡¯s amazing. I mean, not what happened but¡­ your motivation. You¡¯re going to be an awesome hero, Valerie. I can feel it.¡±

    Valerie blinked, her heart warming at Fiona¡¯s unexpected kindness. ¡°Thanks.¡± She gave a small smile before returning to her unpacking.

    ¡ª

    Valerie finished unpacking, folding her last set of clothes into the closet. She sighed in relief before flopping onto her bed, her phone in hand. She opened the university app and began scrolling through the schedule for the day.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Fiona¡¯s voice cut through the silence. She stood by the door, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed. ¡°Wanna go to the main building together?¡±

    Valerie glanced up from her phone and nodded. ¡°Yeah, sure. We just need to bring the registration documents, right?¡±

    Fiona pulled out her phone, double-checking the email they received. ¡°Yup, looks like that¡¯s all we need for now.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s go,¡± Valerie said, grabbing her papers from the desk and tucking them into her backpack. She followed Fiona out of the room.

    ¡ª

    They joined the stream of other freshmen filing out of the dormitory and onto the campus grounds. The sheer scale of Astoria Heroes University took Valerie¡¯s breath away. Towering buildings of glass and metal lined the walkways, their surfaces glinting under the sun. Technology Valerie had only seen on TV was everywhere¡ªhovering drones, automated benches that adjusted to the person sitting on them, holographic signposts that projected maps and announcements.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Valerie murmured, eyes wide as she took in the sights. ¡°I feel like I just stepped into a different world.¡±

    Fiona laughed, nudging her. ¡°Welcome to the future, country girl. You¡¯ll get used to it. Maybe.¡±

    As they approached the main building, an architectural masterpiece of glass and steel, they saw dozens of new students entering through the grand doors. Inside, the admission office buzzed with activity, but the registration process was surprisingly quick and efficient. Valerie and Fiona received their student cards, sleek devices that doubled as ID, payment cards, and access passes to various parts of the campus.

    An administrator, a woman with silver hair and a stern expression, handed them their cards. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve registered, head to the gymnasium. The welcome ceremony will begin in an hour. Don¡¯t be late.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Valerie nodded, pocketing her card.

    ¡ª

    The gymnasium was massive, more like an arena built to accommodate thousands of students. Valerie and Fiona found seats in the middle, among the throng of excited newcomers. The air buzzed with energy as everyone settled into their chairs, chatting eagerly about what was to come. On the stage, six professors were seated in front of a large banner that read: ¡®Welcome to Astoria Heroes University¡¯. Each professor had a commanding presence, and it was clear they were once legendary heroes in their own right.

    ¡°Think they¡¯ll have sparring demos?¡± Fiona whispered, eyes scanning the stage.

    Valerie chuckled. ¡°I think it¡¯s a little early for that¡­ but who knows? It¡¯s a superhero college.¡±

    ¡°Do you know who they are?¡± Fiona whispered, nodding toward the stage.

    Valerie squinted at the professors, recognizing a couple from news stories and documentaries. ¡°That¡¯s Professor Halstein,¡± she said, pointing to a tall man with silver hair. ¡°He was one of the most famous tacticians in the hero world. Saved countless lives by predicting enemy movements. Now he¡¯s the Head of Strategy and Combat Training.¡±

    ¡°And next to him¡­ that¡¯s Professor Zaira Kohn, right?¡± Fiona added, spotting the woman with glowing blue eyes. ¡°She¡¯s a master of telekinesis and used to be the leader of the Hero Coalition. She¡¯s the Dean of Student Affairs now.¡±

    The conversation was cut short, the room fell silent as Dean Thorne stepped up to the podium.

    ¡°Welcome, new students, to Astoria Heroes University,¡± he began, pausing as a wave of cheers rippled through the crowd. ¡°You stand today at the beginning of a journey that will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. But know this¡ªyou were chosen because you have the potential to become heroes, the guardians of our world.¡±

    The energy in the room was electric, every student hanging onto the Dean¡¯s every word.

    ¡°But being a hero is not just about power,¡± the Dean continued, his gaze hardening. ¡°It¡¯s about responsibility. About sacrifice. The world will look to you not only for protection but for leadership. However, you will not be above the law. In fact, you must hold yourselves to an even higher standard.¡±

    He paused, letting the words sink in.

    ¡°There is one principle we hold sacred here, one that has guided our institution since its founding.¡± The Dean¡¯s voice grew serious, and Valerie could feel the room tense. ¡°We protect life not end it. No matter the threat, no matter the temptation, superheroes must not cross that line. Our duty is to protect life, even that of our enemies. The moment we take a life, we become the very thing we¡¯re fighting against.¡±

    The Dean¡¯s voice softened, but there was a steel edge to his tone. ¡°I know this rule will be hard for some of you. You¡¯ll face villains who will push you to your limits, who will make you question this very code. But we are not just enforcers. We are protectors.¡±

    He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the sea of faces. ¡°In your time here, you will learn more than how to control your abilities. You will learn what it means to be a hero, to stand in the face of darkness that blinds even the brightest of stars, to conquer evil, to rid the world of injustice and sufferings.¡±

    The crowd was silent, the weight of his words heavy in the air.

    ¡°I wish you all the best of luck in your training. Remember, heroes are not born¡ªthey are forged in the fires of their trials. Welcome to Astoria Heroes University.¡±

    The applause thundered around her, but Valerie sat still, lost in thought. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to clap, not for a speech that preached ¡°pretentious Ideals¡±. She witnessed first hand how naive and dangerous these ideals were.

    Suddenly, a voice broke through the applause, silencing the room. A young man, a freshman, had risen to his feet near the center of the gym, his voice steady but loud enough to carry.

    "Excuse me, Dean!" he called out, defiance sparking in his eyes. ¡°Why don¡¯t the heroes do more than just stand guard over a broken system? Why don¡¯t they fix things at the root?¡±

    The murmurs began to ripple through the crowd as the Dean turned his gaze upon the student, his expression unreadable. But the freshman continued, undeterred.

    ¡°For your ideals to work, you need to make sure the justice system works. But it doesn¡¯t. You know it, we all know it¡± he said.

    ¡°Right now, if ten villains are caught, three will escape the so-called ¡®maximum security¡¯ prisons, and two will walk free, never convicted¡ªmoneytalks. They just slip through the cracks¡ªcracks that shouldn¡¯t exist. The system is broken¡ªcorrupt, incompetent. Heroes should be fixing that, not just standing by as ¡®protectors¡¯, to ¡®patch¡¯ things up.¡± His voice trembled with passion, his fists clenched at his sides.

    ¡°Poverty, hunger, homelessness, injustice¡­ They¡¯re what breed supervillains in the first place. Imagine if we could wipe those problems out. With heroes leading, with your powers, influence, and technology, you could actually make this country, no¡ªthe world a better place.¡±

    A tense silence filled the gym. Valerie¡¯s heart pounded; every word he spoke echoed the doubts she¡¯d carried silently for years. ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± she thought, feeling a fierce rush of validation. ¡°Heroes don¡¯t prevent suffering¡ªthey just mop up after it.¡±

    The freshman looked around, his voice swelling with conviction. ¡°But no, heroes here are content to be reactionary, to defend a status quo that serves no one but the rich and powerful. You talk about justice, Dean, but how can you bring justice while you rely on a justice system that is rotten to the core.¡±

    Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Valerie could feel the shifting energy, a mix of awe and tension. The Dean¡¯s face remained stoic, though something cold and steely settled in his gaze.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± came a voice from behind the freshman. Two security officers moved swiftly down the aisle, taking him by the arms.

    ¡°What, are you going to silence me just for speaking the truth?¡± the student spat, struggling in their grip. ¡°Heroes are supposed to be symbols of hope, but you¡¯re just symbols of stagnation, ignorance. The world needs change¡ªheroes have the power to make it happen, but you refuse to act! Like a bunch of cowards!¡±

    The officers pulled him toward the exit as he shouted, his voice growing fainter but still defiant. ¡°Stop defending the status quo! Heroes should be more than that!¡±

    Valerie watched, transfixed, as he disappeared beyond the doors, the silence in the gym heavy and uncomfortable.

 Chapter 2 - Ethics and Heroism

    That evening, after the ceremony, Valerie lay sprawled across her bed, her phone glowing in her hand. The university¡¯s freshman ceremony was already trending, clips flooding social media. Comments ranged wildly¡ªsome praised the guy for his bravery, calling him ¡°true hero,¡± while others dismissed him as ¡°delusional¡± or ¡°conspiracy theorist.¡± Valerie shook her head, scrolling through a stream of polarized reactions.

    ¡°Hey, Val,¡± came a voice from the other side of the room. Fiona, her roommate, poked her head around, hair still wet from the shower. ¡°What¡¯d you think of what that guy said?¡±

    Valerie looked up, her expression thoughtful. ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, but it¡¯s¡­ complicated. Changing how people think¡ªespecially people who benefit from the way things are¡ªis harder than it looks.¡± She shrugged, tossing her phone aside. ¡°What about you?¡±

    Fiona wandered over, sitting cross-legged on her bed. ¡°Honestly, I think he nailed it. Do you think the heroes would step up and make some changes, for the better?¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Nope. Look, where do you think all this¡ª¡± she gestured around the room, at the expensive building and their state-of-the-art dorm¡ª ¡°where do you think the funding for this place even comes from?¡±

    ¡°Sponsors?¡± Fiona guessed.

    ¡°Exactly. And those sponsors are making fortunes off the way things are.¡± Valerie¡¯s tone grew more pointed. ¡°The last thing they want is a bunch of heroes messing with their profit margins.¡±

    Fiona gave her a sly look. ¡°So¡­ do you still wanna be a hero, Val?¡±

    Valerie let out a snort. ¡°Yeah, for the money. Nothing wrong with that, right?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a little¡­ I dunno, Hypocritical?¡±

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Valerie said, rolling onto her back with a smirk. ¡°But I need the money. For my dad.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s playful expression softened. ¡°Fair enough, Val. Fair enough.¡±

    ---

    The next morning, sunlight streamed into their room as Valerie and Fiona made their way through the packed halls, ready for their first official class: Heroic Philosophy and Ethics, taught by the infamous Professor Arizal Thomson.

    The lecture hall buzzed with anticipation. Professor Thomson, a short, thin man with cold, assessing eyes, waited at the front, his stance rigid, arms crossed. As soon as everyone settled in, he cleared his throat.

    ¡°I trust you all remember the¡­ dramatic display at last night¡¯s ceremony?¡± His voice was smooth, controlled. ¡°It seems we have a few among us who believe that heroes should overstep their boundaries. That kind of thinking is dangerous, and will only lead to destabilization and chaos.¡±

    A few students nodded along, but Valerie just rolled her eyes.

    Professor Thomson continued, ¡°A true hero understands the importance of boundaries. We¡¯re here to maintain peace, not disrupt it. That is our ethical duty.¡±

    A student in the back raised his hand. ¡°Professor, should heroes help the government to keep Villains in prisons? I think it is more ethical to do so, to minimize the loss of lives, peace would still be maintained. Because, till today, Villains escape all the time, and then just like that, they¡¯re back on the streets doing what they always do, more people die.¡±

    Professor Thomson gave a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°We should not interfere with government duties, as I mentioned earlier, we have boundaries. The government has measures in place. Heroes should trust them and focus on their immediate duties.¡±

    Valerie couldn¡¯t hold back. ¡°So¡­ just trust them? And do nothing while villains escape over and over? How many people have to die to make you understand that it didn¡¯t work that way? Just like the guy said yesterday, we need to change the system itself for your ideals to work¡­People keep getting hurt, and villains run free. Take the Alvilla Incident, for example.¡±

    The room went quiet, students¡¯ eyes shifting between her and the professor.

    Valerie¡¯s voice grew louder, sharper. ¡°The villain responsible for that massacre had escaped from prison. If the system actually worked, none of those people would¡¯ve died, because that villain would have still been in prison. But in reality the system is a failure. The guy escaped and killed almost the entire town¡­ Look, if you¡¯re not willing to fix a broken system, then stop pretending it¡¯s enough to slap villains on the wrist. Sometimes, the only way to stop the truly irredeemable ones is to end them. Period.¡±

    A murmur swept through the room, a mix of sympathy and unease. Professor Thomson, however, only looked mildly irritated, as if Valerie had interrupted his train of thought.

    ¡°You seem passionate about the topic Miss Nordin. Did you lose someone in that incident?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am from Alvilla. I witnessed the incident first hand¡±

    He clasped his hands behind his back, his voice dismissive. ¡°Miss Nordin, death is an unfortunate but inevitable part of life. Heroes aren¡¯t gods, and your grief doesn¡¯t change the fact that no hero should act as an executioner. You must learn to let go of these¡­ attachments. Accept them. You¡¯re not here to avenge personal losses.¡±

    ¡°Wow, is he serious?¡± She muttered

    Professor Thomson glanced at his watch, already moving on. ¡°Now, to continue, our responsibility is to maintain peace¡ªnothing more. Any deviation only feeds into chaos.¡±

    Memories of Alvilla flooded her mind: the smoke, the screams, the wreckage¡ªand this man¡ªthis self-righteous, condescending man¡ªwas saying that those lives were mere collateral damage, attachments.

    Valerie''s lips curled into a mischievous smile as a glint of rebellion sparkled in her eyes. She leaned forward, voice laced with mock innocence. ¡°Professor, do you honestly believe the world¡¯s at peace? Because to me," she paused, letting the tension hang in the air, "it seems like you¡¯re just confusing peace with¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Miss Nordin!¡± Professor Thomson¡¯s voice cracked like a whip, echoing through the lecture hall.

    Valerie held up her hands, feigning surrender with a hint of sarcasm. ¡°Alright, alright. No need to lose it, Professor. Just trying to have an intellectual conversation.¡±

    ¡°Stop it!¡± he snapped, his face going red.

    She raised an eyebrow, unable to resist. ¡°As you wish, Professor.¡± Then, under her breath, she muttered, ¡°Didn¡¯t think heroes were supposed to be so... sensitive.¡±

    Thomson¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve, little girl.¡±

    Valerie smirked. ¡°I¡¯m 6 ¡®1, Professor. Not exactly little. Unlike¡­.you know.¡±

    A ripple of stifled laughter swept through the room. The professor took a deep breath, his mouth a thin, hard line as he tried to regain his composure. The class was silent, a mixture of nerves and thrill hanging in the air. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡ª

    When the lesson finally ended, Valerie grabbed her things, feeling the heat of the professor¡¯s glare as she walked out. Fiona was waiting in the hallway, eyes wide.

    ¡°Val, that was insane! I can¡¯t believe he didn¡¯t kick you out!¡±

    Valerie grinned, shrugging it off. ¡°He can¡¯t kick me out. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°Oh, really? And why¡¯s that?¡± Fiona shot her a skeptical look. ¡°Are you, like, the president¡¯s daughter or something?¡±

    Valerie chuckled. ¡°Nope. But¡­ you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Soon enough? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Fiona asked, frowning.

    Valerie just smirked. ¡°Two days from now.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s eyes widened in realization. ¡°You mean¡­ The 2124 Future Stars Gala?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± Valerie replied. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to see the ¡®future of heroism¡¯ prance around for ticket sales. They¡¯re not fooling anyone¡ªit¡¯s just a moneymaker, a flashy show, a gimmick.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s tradition! It¡¯s been going on for the last 145 years, plus they are not tickets, they¡¯re donations. And all the big names have been through it.¡± Fiona nudged her playfully. ¡°Aren¡¯t you excited to show everyone what you¡¯re made of?¡±

    Valerie shrugged. ¡°Excited? Eh. I don¡¯t have anything to prove to these people. They want a spectacle? Fine, but I¡¯m not doing backflips just to fit their mold.¡±

    Fiona laughed, a little too loudly, then checked her watch. ¡°Well, at least we¡¯re free now¡ªno more classes till after the showcase. Let¡¯s do something fun while we can.¡±

    ¡°Fun? What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Valerie asked, amused.

    ¡°Shopping?¡± Fiona suggested, her eyes lighting up.

    Valerie gave her a half-smile. ¡°I¡¯m broke. You¡¯d be shopping, and I¡¯d be¡­ watching you shop.¡±

    ¡°Who said you¡¯d pay? It¡¯s on me,¡± Fiona grinned. ¡°Besides, consider it my treat. New friends and all that.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh wow, we¡¯re already at that stage, huh? I mean, I barely know you. This is moving pretty fast.¡± She grinned.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s make it official,¡± Fiona shot back, playful yet sincere. ¡°The start of a real friendship.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Valerie agreed, smirking. ¡°But just know¡ªI¡¯m not a good influence.¡±

    ¡ª

    While Valerie and Fiona were busy trying on jackets, dresses, trendy fashion and laughing over the most ridiculous accessories they could find, a tense meeting was unfolding back at Hero University, deep within the Dean''s office.

    Dean Thorne sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his fingers steepled as he scanned the faces of the twelve professors gathered. Among them sat Professor Thomson, still fuming from his earlier encounter with Valerie.

    Dean Thorne cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Thank you all for coming. I¡¯m sure by now you''ve seen the attention one of our students, Mr. Kian Drexler, has stirred up following last night¡¯s ceremony."

    Professor Radcliffe, a stout man with a gruff voice, leaned forward. "Stirred up? Dean Thorne, the kid practically ignited a media storm. Every platform''s buzzing with clips of his... speech."

    Professor Lang, a younger member of the faculty with a calm demeanor, shrugged. ¡°It''s not exactly unprecedented. We¡¯ve had plenty of students come in with wild ideas. They cool down once they¡¯re taught what a hero actually is.¡±

    ¡°But Drexler¡¯s rhetoric has gone viral,¡± Dean Thorne said, his voice edged with concern. ¡°It¡¯s reaching beyond our campus. This isn¡¯t something we can afford to ignore.¡±

    Professor Thomson crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "And it¡¯s not just Kian Drexler we should be watching. Valerie Nordin¡ªshe¡¯s shaping up to be just as problematic."

    Professor Kohn, a tall woman with glowing blue eyes, raised an eyebrow. ¡°Valerie Nordin? Are we seriously talking about the girl who made you lose your temper in Ethics class, Thomson?¡±

    Thomson¡¯s face reddened. ¡°She didn¡¯t make me lose my temper, Kohn. She has this¡­ rebellious streak. Disrespectful. And her views are suspiciously aligned with Drexler¡¯s. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if they were in cahoots.¡±

    Professor Halstein, who had attended the ceremony, chuckled. ¡°Oh, please, Thomson. It sounds more like she just got under your skin. Students ask questions. That¡¯s normal. Some are a little more¡­ unorthodox than others, but it¡¯s our job to handle it.¡±

    Dean Thorne raised a hand to silence the murmurs. ¡°There¡¯s more to this than meets the eye. The Hero Association has reason to believe that our campus has been infiltrated.¡±

    The room fell silent, every eye on Thorne.

    ¡°Infiltrated?¡± Professor Radcliffe asked, frowning. ¡°By who?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not certain who they are,¡± Thorne admitted, his voice low. ¡°But we have intel suggesting that a member of the group Futuroganti¡ªan underground organization with still-unknown motivations¡ªhas enrolled as a student.¡±

    The room erupted into hushed conversations, tension rising.

    Professor Lang shook his head, incredulous. ¡°Futuroganti¡­ I¡¯ve heard of them. Rumors about an organization pushing for radical societal change. But why here? What would they want with our students?¡±

    Dean Thorne leaned forward. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what we need to find out. But this is no coincidence. The Hero Association believes they may be attempting to recruit some of our more¡­ impressionable new students.¡±

    Professor Kohn frowned. ¡°And you think they¡¯re targeting Drexler and¡­ Nordin?¡±

    ¡°Both of them are among our top ten most powerful first-years,¡± Thorne replied, his voice tense. ¡°They¡¯ve both faced difficult pasts, and both seem to have complicated relationships with authority and the hero community. This makes them prime targets for an organization like Futuroganti.¡±

    Professor Thomson scoffed. ¡°And if you ask me, Valerie¡¯s practically one foot in already. Did you hear her? Talking about how heroes should kill villains rather than ¡®keep them in the prison.¡¯ This girl has issues.¡±

    Professor Lang shot him a sharp look. ¡°That¡¯s a bit extreme, Thomson. Valerie¡¯s just a young woman who lost her mother in that incident. She¡¯s angry. That doesn¡¯t make her a threat.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Dean Thorne interjected. ¡°But this is no time for complacency. If these students are susceptible to Futuroganti¡¯s influence, we need to be vigilant. Losing them would be a blow to our future class of heroes¡ªespecially two of our most promising recruits.¡±

    The room went quiet, each professor processing the gravity of the situation.

    Professor Kohn finally spoke up. ¡°So, what¡¯s our plan, Dean? We can¡¯t very well put them under constant surveillance without raising suspicion.¡±

    Dean Thorne nodded, thoughtful. ¡°I want you all to keep a close eye on them¡ªDrexler, Nordin, and any other student who seems¡­ off. Observe their interactions, their affiliations, any sudden changes in behavior.¡±

    Professor Halstein looked uneasy. ¡°And what happens if we confirm they¡¯re¡­ involved?¡±

    Thorne¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Then we report it to the Hero Association immediately. But until then, we tread carefully. The last thing we want is to drive them away by pushing too hard. We cannot afford to lose students with their potential, and neither can the Association.¡±

    Professor Thomson, still smoldering, gave a curt nod. ¡°I¡¯ll keep a close watch on Nordin in Ethics.¡±

    Professor Radcliffe snorted. ¡°Just don¡¯t let her get the better of you this time, Thomson.¡±

    Laughter rippled across the room, easing some of the tension, though the unease lingered beneath the surface.

    Dean Thorne¡¯s eyes hardened as he surveyed his faculty. ¡°Let¡¯s keep this under wraps. For now, this stays between us and the Association. If Futuroganti is here, our students¡¯ futures¡ªand the stability of this university¡ªare at stake.¡±

    With that, the meeting ended, and the professors filed out, a sense of dread settling over them. As Thorne watched them leave, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far darker than any of them were prepared for.

    ¡ª

    Valerie spun in front of the mirror, showing off a flowy, floral dress that somehow looked equal parts edgy and sweet on her. She turned to Fiona with a grin. "How do I look? Like a dangerous flower?"

    Fiona laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe if that flower had laser vision. But yes, dangerous and beautiful."

    They continued rifling through racks, picking up everything from vintage jackets to trendy boots, trying on random accessories and quirky hats, and laughing as they swapped styles. Valerie even tried on a feathered cape that looked ridiculous but had them both in stitches.

    "Maybe I¡¯ll save this for my superhero debut,¡± Valerie quipped, draping the cape over her shoulder and striking a regal pose.

    Fiona rolled her eyes, chuckling. ¡°More like a villain''s debut, You¡¯d send everyone fleeing with that.¡±

    When they finally finished picking out their finds, they made their way to the cashier. Fiona pulled out her wallet, flashing an array of golden debit and credit cards.

    Valerie''s eyebrows shot up. "Oh wow, are you, like, a trust fund baby or something? Because if so¡­ could your parents adopt me?"

    Fiona grinned, flipping her hair in an exaggerated show of wealth. ¡°Why, yes, I am a proud trust fund baby. I¡¯ll put in a good word with my father. Sisters on a shopping spree?¡±

    They both laughed, leaning into the joke until a figure by the entrance caught their attention.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Fiona whispered, nudging Valerie. ¡°Is that him?¡±

    Valerie¡¯s gaze followed hers. Standing at the doorway was a tall man, just a hair taller than her. His silver hair caught the store lights, and his eyes, a striking red, surveyed the room with a sharp intensity. His entire look screamed effortless style.

    Valerie smirked. ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Mr. Red Eyes, Silver Hair. Guess I¡¯m not as unique as I thought.¡±

    ¡°Well, he definitely stole your look,¡± Fiona teased, nudging her playfully. ¡°Think he¡¯s as intense as he looks?¡±

    ¡°Only one way to find out,¡± Valerie said with a confident smile, taking a step toward him.

    Just as she approached, a sudden metallic clink echoed across the store. Valerie¡¯s head whipped around, eyes widening in horror as she spotted a small, round object rolling across the floor¡ªa grenade.

    ¡°Fi, get down!¡± Valerie yelled, sprinting back towards her friend, her heart racing as she prepared to shield her from the blast.

 Chapter 3 - Icy boy and Dragon Lady

    Valerie held Fiona tightly, shielding her from the blast. The smoke began to clear as she checked on her friend. "Fi? Are you alright?" Valerie asked, brushing some dust from Fiona¡¯s face.

    Fiona nodded, but her voice trembled. "I¡¯m fine. No, no, no, Val, please tell me you¡¯re okay¡ªthere was an explosion¡ª"

    Valerie grinned, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Oh, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯ll take a lot more than that to even scratch me. What matters is that you¡¯re safe."

    She stood, glancing around at the wreckage of the store. Shelves were overturned, walls scorched, charred clothes scattered everywhere, and shattered glass lay across the floor. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Kian, shielding the cashier and another customer with his own body, a wall of fire flickering around him as a protective shield.

    Her gaze shifted outside, and her instincts kicked in as she started to head toward the culprit. But before she could take another step, Kian, now fully engulfed in flames, bolted past her at blazing speed, heading straight for the culprit.

    Valerie stepped outside with Fiona close behind. There, she saw Kian facing off against a man in a fully armored suit, bulky and mechanical, his mask obscuring his face. The armor was laced with glowing lines and thick plating.

    Kian threw a punch, sending a searing column of fire toward the armored man, who staggered back but remained standing. The villain raised an arm, deflecting some of the flames, his armor absorbing most of the heat. Kian responded with a quick follow-up, igniting the air around him, and then unleashing a fiery punch to the villain''s chest, creating a small explosion that rattled the windows around them.

    Fiona leaned toward Valerie, wide-eyed. "So¡­ that¡¯s his power, huh? Fire¡­ man?"

    Valerie smirked, watching the intense fight. "Should I jump in?"

    Fiona squinted. "I think he¡¯s got it¡­."

    But just as she finished, the armored villain blasted Kian with a surge of icy mist from his gauntlet. The vapor instantly froze over Kian, encasing him in a block of ice mid-swing.

    Valerie raised an eyebrow, amused. "Looks like the fire got put on ice. Guess that means it¡¯s my turn. Take cover, Fi. Things are gonna get ugly" she warned Fiona. ¡°Everyone! Take cover!¡± She shouted to the crowd.

    As she approached the armored man, she called out, her voice carrying a playful edge. "Hey, tin man! You might want to consider surrendering because you¡¯re not gonna like what I¡¯m about to do."

    The villain turned, and a machine gun emerged from his wrist, unleashing a rain of bullets straight at her. Valerie¡¯s eyes glowed with a dangerous glint as she kept moving forward, unflinching as the bullets bounced off her skin, completely ineffective.

    "Oh, come on, Sardine Man! Really?" she taunted. "Get it? ''Cause you''re in a can?"

    The villain¡¯s mechanical voice dripped with irritation. "Think that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got, freak?"

    He raised both arms, launching an ice blast followed by a fiery surge, alternating between his offensive tricks. Valerie barely flinched, walking straight through the barrage, the cold and flames sliding off her like a second skin. Within seconds, she was right in front of him.

    "My turn," she said, her tone suddenly chilling. She drew a deep breath, releasing an icy blast that struck the villain¡¯s legs, freezing him to the ground. With a light tap, she shoved him backward; his frozen legs shattered as he fell, leaving him on the ground, immobilized but conscious.

    The armored man struggled, lifting his head to glare at her. "What are you going to do? Kill me? Go ahead, hero. Or maybe you¡¯ll just arrest me? Because trust me, I¡¯ll be back in no time."

    Valerie crossed her arms, considering. ¡°Why are you doing this, anyway? What¡¯s the point?¡±

    The man chuckled, his voice bitter. ¡°Why would I tell you? Go ahead¡ªkill me, in front of these people. Show them who you really are.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes narrowed, glowing red-hot as she stared down at him. A pair of laser beams burst from her eyes, searing the ground beside his head, leaving a molten crater that sank deep into the planet. The villain¡¯s bravado faltered as he stared at the smoldering hole, his face paling.

    ¡°Nice try,¡± Valerie murmured, crouching close. ¡°But I¡¯m not giving you that satisfaction¡­¡±

    She leaned in, lifting him up off the ground, her voice a low, menacing whisper. ¡°But don¡¯t get me wrong. I will kill you¡ªso keep an eye out.¡±

    She straightened up, releasing him just as sirens blared in the distance as the police and hero squads approached. Dropping the villain unceremoniously onto the street, she turned to Fiona with a casual shrug.

    Fiona joined her, looking shaken but impressed. ¡°Remind me to never get on your bad side.¡±

    ¡°Nah¡­ You¡¯re fine¡±

    Valerie and Fiona made their way to the still-frozen Kian, who stood encased in a layer of ice, his once-blazing form now extinguished. Valerie took a deep breath, and this time, as she exhaled, a warm stream of fire melted the ice around Kian. The moment he was freed, he dropped to his knees, dazed but alive. The gathered crowd erupted into cheers, phones flashing as people snapped photos and recorded videos. Valerie and Fiona exchanged waves with the crowd.

    Kian attempted to stand, shaking off the last of the ice. Valerie raised an eyebrow, then grinned, throwing out a playful warning. ¡°Whoa, easy there, tiger! Maybe don¡¯t stand up just yet¡­ unless you¡¯re planning to give the people an extra show.¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    He glanced down, catching sight of his singed, barely-there clothing and gave a sheepish smile. ¡°Right! Happens more often than I¡¯d like. My power¡¯s not exactly outfit-friendly. But hey, you¡¯re one to talk, Miss Dragon.¡±

    Valerie frowned. ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ Val?¡± Fiona gave her a knowing look, then pointed. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to alarm you, but¡­ your clothes aren¡¯t exactly doing their job anymore either.¡±

    Valerie looked down, her cheeks instantly flushing. Her shirt and jeans were charred beyond saving, barely hanging together in pieces. ¡°Oh... right! Good call, Fi. We should probably get going before this gets any more embarrassing.¡±

    Just then, as if by fate, a rescue team arrived, blankets in hand. They handed one to Valerie and another to Kian, who gratefully wrapped himself up.

    A tall hero in a military-style uniform, with gleaming metal accents and a crisp emblem, strode toward them with a grin. ¡°Nice work, young guns. You really handled that situation well.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything but thank you, sir,¡± Fiona replied, standing a little straighter.

    The man chuckled, looking them over. ¡°So, Astoria Hero Uni, huh? Well, they¡¯ve got some promising talent over there. But seriously¡­ you two might want to look into getting some proper supersuits.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s voice was low. ¡°Yeah, I am sorry. Sir.¡±

    With a nod, the hero gave them an approving pat on the shoulder before moving on. Moments later, an officer from their university stepped up, clipboard in hand and looking a bit anxious.

    ¡°Valerie Nordin? Fiona Allen? Kian Drexler?¡± he called out, eyeing them each in turn. ¡°You¡¯re all needed back at the university immediately. Press is already on their way, and we¡¯d like to keep this quiet for now.¡±

    Kian exchanged a glance with Valerie, raising a brow. ¡°Keep it quiet? Kind of hard when half the city was filming us.¡±

    The officer pursed his lips. ¡°Yes, well, we¡¯ll be handling the media from here. Right now, we just need you all back at the Uni for a debrief. We don¡¯t want this spiraling any more than it already has.¡±

    Fiona grinned, nudging Valerie. ¡°Guess we¡¯re already making a name for ourselves.¡±

    Valerie chuckled, readjusting her blanket. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s the right kind of name.¡± She gave Kian a look, then smirked. ¡°Alright, ice boy. You ready to make a dramatic exit?¡±

    Kian laughed, wrapping the blanket around himself like a makeshift cape. ¡°Lead the way, Miss Dragon.¡±

    ¡ª

    Valerie leaned back on the sofa of the dean¡¯s office, barely stifling a smirk as she sipped her tea. The luxurious setting of the dean¡¯s office felt oddly mismatched with the tension crackling in the air. Professor Thomson¡¯s glare was unrelenting, as if he were trying to drill his frustration directly into her mind. Professor Kohn, on the other hand, looked ready to observe the exchange as though it were a sparring match.

    Across from them, Kian and Fiona watched, trying not to laugh as they sensed the impending clash.

    ¡°What are you going to say now, Nordin?¡± Thomson snapped, his tone heavy with disdain. ¡°You tore a man¡¯s legs off. That¡¯s not what heroes do.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow, setting her teacup down with deliberate calm. ¡°The motto was ¡®We don¡¯t kill,¡¯ right? I didn¡¯t kill him. I just¡­ limited his movement.¡± She shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s the problem now?¡±

    Thomson clenched his fists, barely containing his anger. ¡°This little girl thinks she can twist the code however she pleases.¡± He shot a glance at Kohn for support. ¡°Permanent injury isn¡¯t something a hero inflicts!¡±

    Valerie leaned forward, voice smooth but dripping with defiance. ¡°Again, I¡¯m not exactly little, Professor.¡± She paused, her gaze narrowing. ¡°But thank you. You just gave me ideas for the future: villains will live but with a fate worse than death. Next time, maybe I¡¯ll rip their arms off, then their legs off. And then, of course, I¡¯ll rush them to the hospital to keep them alive.¡±

    Professor Kohn stifled a cough, and Fiona¡¯s face contorted as she tried to contain a laugh.

    Thomson¡¯s face was nearly crimson with suppressed anger. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work like that, you¡ª¡±

    Kian chuckled, and Fiona quickly covered her mouth to hide a smirk. Even Professor Kohn joined in with an amused smile, which only made Thomson clench his fists tighter, looking like he was about to explode. But just then, the door swung open, and Dean Thorne entered with the gravitas of someone used to calming storms.

    "Enough, Thomson," he said firmly. ¡°The students did well. They followed the guidelines¡ªwhether intentionally or not¡ªresulting in an effective resolution with minimal collateral damage. That¡¯s exactly the right way.¡±

    Thomson, still visibly frustrated, opened his mouth to argue, but the dean lifted a hand, silencing him.

    Thorne turned his attention to the three students. "Miss Nordin, Miss Allen, Mr. Drexler," he began with a tone of respect. ¡°Today, you showed admirable restraint and control, taking swift action without significant damage to the city. For that, I want to thank you.¡±

    Valerie and Kian exchanged a glance, nodded and smiled at the dean. Fiona, ever the diplomat, gave a polite nod and replied, ¡°Thank you for the kind words, Dean Thorne. But if I may ask¡ªis there a reason we were summoned here? Is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°Oh, nothing serious,¡± Thorne replied, his tone lightening. ¡°We simply wanted to congratulate you¡ªand give you a small reward for your quick thinking.¡±

    Thomson grumbled under his breath, ¡°But, Dean, they¡¯re radicals¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Thomson!¡± Thorne cut in sharply, then turned to Professor Kohn, who stepped forward holding three neatly wrapped boxes.

    ¡°Please accept these gifts as a token of appreciation,¡± Professor Kohn said warmly. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to open them now, or if you¡¯d prefer privacy, you can wait until you¡¯re back in your dorms.¡±

    Kian raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. Valerie smirked, but nodded in gratitude. Fiona stepped forward, saying, ¡°Thank you, sir. We appreciate it.¡±

    With that, Dean Thorne smiled, looking each of them in the eye. ¡°You¡¯re dismissed. Keep up the good work. And remember, the world is watching now.¡±

    The three students nodded respectfully and headed toward the door. But as they walked out, Valerie couldn¡¯t resist throwing a wink in Thomson¡¯s direction, which made him grumble under his breath as the door closed behind them.

    ¡ª

    As soon as the door closed behind Valerie and her friends, Dean Thorne''s smile vanished, replaced by a steely glare fixed directly on Professor Thomson.

    "Thomson," he began, voice dangerously low. "What was that display? Did I or did I not tell you that we need to tread carefully with them?"

    Thomson flinched slightly but squared his shoulders. "I apologize, sir. You did tell us. Allow me to¡ª"

    "Allow you to what?" Thorne snapped, cutting him off. "To jeopardize everything we¡¯re working toward? We need them on our side, Thomson. Those two are among the brightest of this new generation. Do you grasp that?¡±

    Thomson hesitated, his frustration clear. ¡°But¡ª¡±

    "No fucking ''but.'' She bested you, and you¡¯re acting like a petulant child. You''re a professor¡ªact like one."

    Thomson''s mouth opened as if to retort, but he seemed to think better of it, lowering his gaze instead. "Of course, sir," he muttered.

    The dean straightened, his icy gaze unwavering. ¡°Professor Kohn, please guide Professor Thomson to the exit.¡±

    "Right away, sir," Kohn responded, her tone a mix of amusement and professionalism.

    Kohn gestured toward the door. ¡°Come along, Thomson. The council has plenty to discuss, and you¡¯ll sit this one out. I¡¯d suggest cooling off in your office.¡±

    Thomson clenched his fists, his face contorting with barely contained rage. ¡°You can¡¯t do this. I¡¯m a member of the council, too.¡±

    Kohn shrugged, giving a small smirk. ¡°I¡¯m just following orders.¡±

    Thomson stormed out, his footsteps echoing down the hall as he muttered under his breath, "Just you wait, Nordin. This isn¡¯t over.¡±

    Unbeknownst to Professor Thomson, two figures lingered in the shadows, observing his outburst echo down the hallway.

    A woman leaned forward, her silhouette barely discernible in the shadow. ¡°What do you think, boss?¡±

    The man beside her chuckled softly, his voice a low rumble. ¡°He¡¯ll do¡­¡±

 Chapter 4 - Viral

    As moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across their dorm room, Valerie and Fiona sat on their beds with the Dean¡¯s gift boxes in hand, anticipation sparking in their eyes.

    ¡°What do you think is in this box?¡± Fiona murmured, her fingers already slipping under the lid.

    Valerie shrugged, grinning. ¡°Only one way to find out. Let¡¯s open them.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s eyes widened as she lifted the contents from her box¡ªa pristine white supersuit with sleek purple accents. Its design was modern yet functional, with metallic panels protecting vital areas.

    ¡°Oh my god, this is exactly what I wanted!¡± Fiona¡¯s face lit up as she examined it.

    Valerie¡¯s grin grew. ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Try it on!¡±

    As Fiona slipped into the suit, it fit her like a second skin, moving with her seamlessly. She activated her invisibility, practically vibrating with excitement. ¡°Hey, Val, try using your infrared vision. Can you see me?¡±

    ¡°Easy,¡± Valerie said confidently, her eyes glinting red as she scanned the room. But to her surprise, Fiona was invisible, blending perfectly into the room¡¯s temperature. ¡°Wait¡­ I don¡¯t see you. Hold on¡ªtry moving.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Fiona¡¯s voice sounded somewhere across the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re still in the same spot¡­ wait, where¡¯d you go?¡± Valerie said, baffled.

    ¡°Right behind you!¡± Fiona popped back into view, laughing. ¡°This suit is amazing!¡±

    Valerie chuckled, shaking her head. Then, she turned to her own box, the curiosity and excitement building. She pulled out a black supersuit, trimmed with intricate gold plating on the chest, shoulders, elbows, and knees, with matching golden gauntlets and boots. She turned it over in her hands, admiring the weight and durability.

    ¡°There¡¯s a note here,¡± she said, unfolding a small piece of paper. ¡°¡®The entire set is bulletproof, fireproof, self-repair technology¡­¡¯ Did you get one of these notes too?¡±

    ¡°Let me check,¡± Fiona replied, her grin widening. ¡°Ooh that¡¯s why! Mine says it also adapts to my powers. I think they¡¯ve thought of everything.¡±

    The two spent the next few minutes admiring their new gear, exhilarated by the possibilities. Just as they began to relax, there was a tapping on their window.

    They opened the curtains and looked up, surprised to see Kian floating outside, gesturing to his own suit¡ªa dark, fiery red with metallic orange accents, engulfed in his fire, without burning the fabrics. He struck a pose, smirking as he gave them a thumbs-up, then flew off into the night, clearly enjoying himself.

    Valerie rolled her eyes, laughing. ¡°Well, looks like someone else is happy with their upgrade too.¡±

    Fiona laughed along.

    ¡°So... should we wear these under our clothes every day?¡±

    Fiona didn¡¯t hesitate, already tucking her suit under her jacket. ¡°Absolutely. You never know when trouble might hit. Besides, it¡¯s not every day we get something like this¡ªmight as well use it.¡±

    Meanwhile, back in the Dean¡¯s office, a different kind of preparation was underway. The room was dim, the only light coming from the soft glow of a monitor displaying a live map with tiny blinking signals.

    ¡°The suits are online,¡± Dean Thorne said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He leaned back, watching the blips representing Valerie, Fiona, and Kian. ¡°We can track them now. One less thing to worry about. Professor Kohn, I want you to monitor everyone who interacts with them.¡±

    Professor Kohn gave a cautious nod. ¡°Understood, sir. But¡­ are you sure we should track them like this? If they find out, they¡¯ll lose what little trust they have left in us.¡±

    Thorne waved a dismissive hand. ¡°I¡¯ve made sure the tracking devices are embedded deep within the fabric. Even if they search, they won¡¯t find them easily.¡±

    Kohn hesitated but finally replied, ¡°As you wish, sir.¡±

    Thorne''s gaze remained on the monitor, a calculating look in his eye. ¡°Good. This way, we can find out if the Futoroganti is actually targeting them or not¡±

    ¡ª

    Morning came softly, blending with the hum of campus life as Valerie and Fiona moved through their classes. Today was packed with last-minute details about tomorrow¡¯s Gala, but for Valerie, it was all starting to feel a little¡­ hollow.

    ¡°Every class today, it¡¯s all ¡®Enter gracefully, smile bright, reassure the crowd.¡¯ What did I tell you, Fi? This whole thing is just a glorified circus act,¡± Valerie muttered, shaking her head as they walked down the hall.

    Fiona nudged her, unable to hide her grin. ¡°Okay, maybe you¡¯re right, but still! We get to fight real monsters tomorrow. Real monsters! You¡¯re not the least bit excited?¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Valerie shrugged. ¡°Not really.¡±

    Fiona grabbed her arm dramatically. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a killjoy, Val. Just pretend to be excited, for me. Please?¡±

    Rolling her eyes, Valerie grinned, putting on an exaggeratedly cheerful voice. ¡°¡®Oh my god, Fi, I am so excited for tomorrow! Can¡¯t wait to wave at a bunch of people I don¡¯t know!¡¯¡± She waved her arms with mock enthusiasm.

    Fiona laughed, punching her lightly on the shoulder. ¡°Oh, come on.¡±

    But mid-laugh, Valerie¡¯s expression changed, eyes flickering to something in the distance. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Keep talking like normal, but¡­ someone¡¯s watching us. Don¡¯t look back. Just¡­ act casual.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s smile faltered, and her face paled. ¡°Creepy, Val. Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Positive. I can see them, a few rooftops back.¡± Valerie¡¯s gaze barely shifted, but she was certain.

    Meanwhile, on the top of the tallest building on campus, the two shadowy figures watched Valerie with keen interest. The woman turned to her companion with a smirk.

    ¡°Just as expected. She noticed us, didn¡¯t miss a beat. She¡¯s sharp, Boss.¡±

    The man beside her gave a satisfied nod, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. ¡°Yes. She¡¯d be a powerful ally. But we can¡¯t get close¡ªnot with those tracking devices sewn into their suits. They¡¯d be onto us in minutes.¡±

    The woman crossed her arms thoughtfully. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan, then?¡±

    He looked toward the glint of sunlight on Professor Thomson¡¯s office windows. ¡°We target the weakest link. Let¡¯s pay this, Professor Thomson a visit.¡±

    The woman smiled, the expression as sharp as the edge of a blade. ¡°Now, that sounds like a plan, Boss.¡±

    ¡ª

    The garage was silent as Professor Thomson stepped out of his car, the distant sounds of crickets muted behind the thick, isolated walls of his mansion. He hit the switch, illuminating the garage in a harsh, sterile glow. One glance at the security monitor told him the gates were locked. Satisfied, he made his way through the silent house, the vast rooms feeling emptier than usual.

    In the kitchen, he poured himself a glass of water. Just as he raised it to his lips, he felt it¡ªthe unmistakable prickle on the back of his neck, a deep, instinctual sense of unease. Slowly, he scanned the shadows gathering in the corners, thick and heavy, despite the lights. The silence had an unnatural weight, as if the house itself was holding its breath.

    Without another thought, he turned on every light he passed, his footsteps growing quicker, more erratic. He finally reached his office, fumbling with the lock on the door. Inside, he hit the switch¡ªnothing. The lights refused to turn on.

    Heart pounding, he felt his way to his desk, his hand shaking as he reached for the drawer where he kept an emergency flashlight. A voice, low and chilling, echoed through the darkness.

    ¡°Professor Thomson¡­¡±

    He froze, cold sweat breaking out along his spine. His voice wavered. ¡°Yes¡­ yes, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m here. Who are you? Show yourself! I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m a superhero, damn it!¡±

    A laugh, dark and humorless, echoed around him. ¡°Not much of one now, are you? Your powers don¡¯t work in the face of fear, Professor.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± he snapped, though his voice betrayed him. Just then, he realized, to his horror, that he had indeed lost control over himself. His pants were wet.

    ¡°Seems like you are,¡± the voice sneered.

    Professor Thomson swallowed hard, his hands trembling. ¡°What¡­ what do you want?¡±

    There was a pause, then the voice spoke again, each word like the edge of a knife cutting through the darkness. ¡°We want your cooperation. Miss Nordin, your¡­ beloved student. You don¡¯t want her to be in that school, do you?¡±

    He swallowed hard, attempting to regain his composure. ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯m a professor; I care deeply for all my students.¡±

    The voice laughed, low and menacing, as a blade made of shadows pressed against his neck. ¡°Spare me the lies, Thomson.¡±

    Thomson¡¯s bravado crumbled, his shoulders slumping in defeat. ¡°Alright, alright! Yes... yes, that Nordin brat. I want her gone. She¡¯s an arrogant, crude, ungrateful peasant¡ªshe doesn¡¯t belong here, tarnishing our prestigious halls. I don¡¯t even know why the Dean admitted her. She¡¯s a waste of this university¡¯s resources.¡±

    ¡°Then we have a proposal,¡± the voice said, the blade digging in just enough to make his pulse jump. ¡°Give us the access codes to tomorrow¡¯s Gala, and we¡¯ll ensure Miss Nordin won¡¯t be troubling you¡­ ever again.¡±

    A thrill ran through him, pushing aside the fear. The thought of seeing that insolent look wiped from her face, of her being someone else¡¯s problem¡ªno, of her being no one¡¯s problem, ever again. It was all he could wish for.

    ¡°In¡­ in the drawer,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper, gesturing to the desk. ¡°Take it. Take whatever you need. Just¡­ just don¡¯t let them trace this back to me.¡±

    The shadows shifted, withdrawing from him, the blade disappearing as if it had never existed. The room grew lighter, the air warmer, as if whatever darkness had filled it was retreating. In the light of the restored lamps, Thomson fell to his knees, breathing heavily. A laugh, unhinged and elated, escaped his lips.

    He was free. Valerie Nordin¡¯s days were numbered, and he would be the one to witness her fall.

    ¡ª

    Valerie rubbed her left ear, grimacing. ¡°Whoa, urgh¡­ my left ear¡¯s ringing.¡±

    Fiona looked up from her phone, concern flashing across her face. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡± Valerie waved it off and flopped back onto her bed, scrolling through an article.

    But Fiona wasn¡¯t done yet. She nudged Valerie¡¯s shoulder, her face alight with glee. ¡°Yo, Val, check this out!¡±

    Valerie barely had time to react before Fiona shoved her phone in her face. A video was playing¡ªfootage of her and Kian from the recent fight. The title blared: ¡®Half-Naked Heroes Save the City from a Maniac!¡¯ It was going viral, a million views, comments pouring in every second.

    ¡°Oh, come on! What kind of title is that?¡± Valerie groaned.

    Fiona snickered, reading through some of the comments. ¡°¡®Is this a fight or a strip show? Either way, I¡¯m here for it!¡¯¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°No way¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen to this one.¡± Fiona kept scrolling, grinning. ¡°¡®Are they saving us¡­ or seducing us? Asking for a friend.¡¯¡±

    Valerie slapped a hand to her forehead. ¡°I knew it. I knew it!¡±

    ¡°Oh, it gets worse.¡± Fiona stifled a laugh, reading on. "Are they saving the city or auditioning for a bikini calendar?¡±

    Valerie groaned. ¡°Please tell me there¡¯s at least one comment about how we saved the city?¡±

    Fiona¡¯s laugh turned into a giggle fit. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ Oh, here¡¯s one: "They¡¯re the Pervert Brigade!¡±

    ¡°Pervert Brigade?¡± Valerie groaned, flopping back onto her pillow. ¡°I swear, if they start coming up with some ridiculous name¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, they already have,¡± Fiona said, stifling a snort. ¡°Pervert Dragon. That¡¯s the top comment.¡±

    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Valerie sat bolt upright, her face flaming. ¡°Are you serious? How does that even make sense?!¡±

    ¡°¡®Cause, you know,¡± Fiona smirked, ¡°you kind of melted the ice like a dragon, and¡­ well, I think the rest is obvious.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Unbelievable. Can we get this taken down? Report it, or¡­ or hack it or something?!¡±

    Fiona laughed, shaking her head. ¡°How? It¡¯s everywhere! Hey, at least you¡¯re famous now.¡±

    Valerie covered her face with a pillow, muffling her frustrated yell.

 Chapter 5 - Gala

    Morning¡¯s light spilled across campus, bringing with it an excited buzz in the air. Today was the big day¡ªthe 2124 Future Stars Gala. Inside their dorm, Fiona was darting around like a whirlwind, tossing things into her bag, while Valerie moved at her usual, unhurried pace.

    ¡°Val, come on!¡± Fiona begged, pulling her super suit into place under her clothes. ¡°We have to be there in thirty minutes, and you¡¯re still doing makeup?¡±

    Valerie calmly brushed on her eyeliner, adding a smudge of dark eyeshadow. ¡°Relax, we have time. It¡¯s just eyeliner and lipstick¡ªbasic stuff.¡±

    Fiona exhaled, barely suppressing her eye roll. ¡°Well, I¡¯m done waiting!¡± She strode over, grabbing the makeup brush from Valerie¡¯s hand. ¡°Sit still. If you¡¯re going to go at a snail¡¯s pace, then let me just do it.¡±

    Before Valerie could protest, Fiona grabbed her makeup brush and started dabbing, blending, and applying in a flurry. She even picked up the wrong lipstick shade in the chaos¡ªa bright pink instead of Valerie¡¯s usual nude color. When Fiona finally stepped back, satisfied, Valerie looked into the mirror and gasped.

    ¡°Whoa. Who is this?¡± she marveled, turning her face from side to side. The bold pink lip actually looked... pretty amazing. ¡°I look like I could be on the cover of a magazine or something.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now come on, Miss Cover Girl. We¡¯re late!¡±, Fiona said, grabbing Valerie¡¯s arm. ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    Valerie stood still, ¡°Fi, just a minute, I look so¡ª¡±

    With a dramatic sigh, Fiona tugged harder, making zero progress in moving Valerie an inch. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t make me look like a crazy person!¡±

    Laughing, Valerie finally let Fiona ¡°drag¡± her down the hall and out the door. ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They finally made it outside, only to find a massive crowd streaming toward the arena.

    ¡°This is nuts. Everyone¡¯s out here just to watch a bunch of students parade around in suits,¡± Valerie muttered, scanning the sea of people.

    Fiona nudged her. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s a little exciting, isn¡¯t it? Just imagine, this is our first real debut!¡±

    Valerie shrugged. ¡°If by ¡®debut,¡¯ you mean the city¡¯s trending ¡®Pervert Dragon¡¯ and ¡®Bikini Squad,¡¯ then sure, I¡¯m thrilled,¡± she joked, rolling her eyes.

    Fiona snickered, still dragging her forward. ¡°Well, I think they¡¯re about to see a whole new side of you, miss cover girl.¡±

    They reached the entrance, where a group of event staff spotted them. ¡°Miss Nordin, Miss Allen!¡± one called, gesturing urgently. ¡°Right this way, ladies, hurry now. Locker rooms are down the hall¡ªquick, quick!¡±

    ¡°Is the arena always this chaotic?¡± Valerie asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°It¡¯s the biggest event of the year! You¡¯re basically a celebrity right now.¡± Fiona smirked as they rushed through the crowd.

    A second staffer jogged alongside them. ¡°Alright, just a quick touch-up in the locker room, and then you¡¯ll be briefed on your intro.¡±

    They finally made it to the locker room, where Fiona adjusted her suit in the mirror. ¡°This is it, Val. Our first big debut. Nerves? Butterflies?¡±

    Valerie gave her a half-smile, glancing at the reflection of her pink-lipped self. ¡°Maybe a few. But mostly, I just hope they don¡¯t start calling me ¡®Pervert Dragon¡¯ again.¡±

    Fiona laughed. ¡°Better get used to the fame, Pink Dragon.¡±

    Valerie groaned, but couldn¡¯t help laughing as well. ¡°That¡¯s even worse, Fi¡ªif anyone even whispers ¡®Pink Dragon,¡¯ I¡¯m blaming you.¡±

    Just as Valerie and Fiona were settling into the locker room, the door swung open. A tall woman with a commanding presence strode in, her eyes sharp and assessing as they landed on them. Without missing a beat, she gestured for them to follow.

    ¡°Miss Allen, Miss Nordin, this way,¡± she said, her tone all business.

    Valerie exchanged a quick look with Fiona, who shrugged, and they followed her into a separate room. Kian was already waiting there, leaning casually against the wall.

    The woman cleared her throat, capturing their attention. ¡°I¡¯m Bethany Grace, Director of the Arena. We can¡¯t have accusations of favoritism due to your custom suits,¡± she said, producing a new set of gear. ¡°Please change into these. It''s standard issue for the event.¡±

    ¡°Understood, ma''am,¡± Kian responded, already reaching for his suit. Then he turned to Valerie and gave her an appreciative smile. ¡°Miss Dragon, you¡¯re looking even prettier than I remember. But you, Miss Allen, beautiful as always, like an angel.¡±

    Fiona flushed, meeting Kian¡¯s eyes, and for a long moment, neither of them looked away.

    Valerie groaned, rolling her eyes. ¡°Is this a thing now? Alright, get a room, you two.¡±

    Kian laughed, but his gaze remained on Fiona. ¡°Well, wanna go grab a drink? After the Gala?¡±

    Fiona laughed nervously, clearly flustered. ¡°I-I mean, maybe we could... I don¡¯t know, to celebrate or something?¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± He winked, grinning as Fiona¡¯s blush deepened.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Valerie shook her head, smirking. ¡°Alright, whatever, I¡¯m leaving. See you later, Icy Boy.¡±

    She left them to their awkward flirting, chuckling to herself, and headed back to the main locker room. She quickly changed into the standard-issue suit, a deep blue with white metal plating over the shoulders and chest, the university¡¯s emblem gleaming on the right side. The suit was practical, sleek, and felt surprisingly comfortable.

    A few minutes later, Fiona and Kian finally joined her, still smiling and slightly awkward. Valerie couldn¡¯t resist.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you managed to fix your makeup at lightning speed,¡± she teased, eyes twinkling.

    Fiona gave her a flustered look. ¡°We didn¡¯t do anything, I swear! Just talked and got to know each other.¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh, sure,¡± Valerie replied, winking. ¡°I totally believe you.¡±

    ¡°Val!¡± Fiona¡¯s cheeks flared. Then she laughed, realizing Valerie was just messing with her. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, you know that?¡±

    They both shared a laugh as the door opened again and a staff member entered. ¡°Alright, everyone, briefing starts now. Listen up!¡±

    The room went quiet, and the staff member¡¯s serious expression set the tone as he began detailing the event protocols. Valerie and Fiona exchanged a glance¡ªfor today, no more introductory classes, no more rehearsals. The real action was about to begin.

    ¡ª

    The stadium¡¯s lights dimmed, and an electric hum filled the arena. The crowd of 70,000 roared, the air buzzing with excitement as the host took the stage, his voice amplified to a thunderous volume.

    "Citizens of Astoria, welcome to the 2124 Future Stars Gala!¡± he proclaimed, sweeping his arms wide as fireworks exploded overhead in brilliant streams of blue and silver.

    Valerie and Fiona stood in the line with the other freshmen, bowing and waving as they entered the grand arena. Valerie felt a tingle of thrill at the sheer size of the crowd, their enthusiasm washing over her in waves.

    ¡°Wow¡­ I¡¯ve never seen this many people in one place,¡± Fiona whispered, her eyes wide. ¡°And they¡¯re cheering for us. This is insane!¡±

    The host continued his announcements, winding through a series of musical performances that boomed and reverberated through the stadium. Then, with a dramatic gesture, he shouted, ¡°Let the Future Stars Gala begin!¡±

    Suddenly, the entire arena began to shake, and a collective gasp ran through the audience. The stadium slowly lifted, separating from the ground and rising into the sky, levitating above the city. The crowd¡¯s cheers intensified as the ground tilted, rising higher and higher.

    Valerie clutched Fiona¡¯s arm. ¡°What the¡ªwhat¡¯s happening?¡±

    Fiona just grinned, barely able to contain her excitement. ¡°It¡¯s normal! This way, we can go all-out without, you know¡­ leveling the city. Trust me, it¡¯s totally safe¡­ I think.¡±

    Valerie laughed, a little nervously. ¡°Guess I have to trust you on that.¡±

    As they continued to rise, shimmering force fields appeared in layers around the arena, first enclosing the entire stadium and then creating a secondary dome around the audience seats, isolating them from the combat zone. The audience erupted in cheers, thrilled by the spectacle.

    Valerie raised an eyebrow, impressed. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s actually kind of cool.¡±

    Once everything was set in place, a figure appeared, hovering above the platform on a levitating silver disk. He wore a tailored dark suit and held a staff, his figure tall and dignified.

    ¡°Welcome, citizens of Astoria! I am your host, Maximilian Voss!¡± His voice carried over the roar of the audience, amplified yet smooth. The crowd erupted into applause once more as he waved to them.

    ¡°Before we begin,¡± Maximilian continued, ¡°please join me in welcoming the President of Vorenthea, Mr. Anthony Kane, and his vice president, Mrs. Gloria Roberts!¡±

    The spotlight shifted to a tall, stately man in his sixties with silver-streaked hair, standing and waving with a calm smile. Beside him, the vice president waved gracefully, both receiving respectful applause from the audience.

    ¡°And now, to introduce our honored guests¡­¡± Maximilian paused, his voice lowering dramatically. ¡°All the way from Asgard, the strongest hero on the planet, the God of Thunder himself, the mighty Thor!¡± A collective gasp rippled through the crowd followed by thunderous cheers. ¡°And right beside him, the best and greatest tactician the world has ever seen. He has the looks, the charisma, the aura, let¡¯s give it up, for the God of Mischief himself, Loki!¡±

    A roaring cheers rippled through the crowd. Even Valerie felt a shiver of awe as the spotlight shifted to the two towering figures that stood near the edge of the field.

    Thor strode forward, a towering 7 ¡®4 ft tall, with a presence that commanded instant attention. His long, golden hair cascaded around his shoulders, his face adorned with a rugged beard that framed his strong jawline. Piercing blue eyes surveyed the crowd with a mixture of strength and warmth, and he wore Asgardian armor that clung to his bulging, muscular frame, decorated with intricate silver designs that glinted under the stadium lights.

    Next to him stood Loki, equally imposing at 7¡¯ ft tall, yet exuding a different, almost magnetic charm. Unlike Thor, Loki had short, stylishly groomed black hair, and his skin held a subtle blue hue that hinted at his Jotun heritage. His eyes, a startling, vivid green, sparkled with a mischievous glint, and his smile was sharp, cunning, almost playful. Clad in a crisply tailored dark suit that looked both regal and contemporary, he carried himself with an elegance that starkly contrasted with his brother¡¯s warrior-like aura.

    ¡°Even gods!¡± Fiona whispered, eyes wide with awe. ¡°I can¡¯t believe they¡¯re here. They never come to things like this!¡±

    Thor raised his hand, and the crowd erupted in cheers again. His powerful voice echoed through the arena, calm yet commanding. ¡°It is an honor to witness your young champions¡ªour future defenders¡ªtake their first steps toward greatness.¡±

    Loki, standing just a step behind, inclined his head, his expression one of detached amusement. He raised a slender hand, acknowledging the crowd with a wry smile. ¡°Try not to bore us, mortals,¡± he said, his voice smooth and dark, laced with a hint of mockery. ¡°We are, after all, accustomed to¡­ grander battles.¡±

    The audience roared with laughter and applause, enchanted by Loki¡¯s cutting wit, while Thor merely rolled his eyes, an affectionate grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

    Valerie nudged Fiona. ¡°Look at that smirk on Loki. He knows exactly what he¡¯s doing.¡±

    Maximilian¡¯s voice rang out again, ¡°With these honored guests and esteemed heroes, I welcome you all once more to the 2124 Future Stars Gala! Let the games begin!¡±

    As the crowd cheered louder than ever, Valerie exchanged a glance with Fiona. ¡°Alright, Fi. This is not so bad, afterall.¡±

    Fiona nodded, her eyes alight with excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s make sure they never forget us.¡±

    ¡ª

    Blending into the sea of spectators, the two mysterious figures from before watched the scene with a mixture of disappointment and quiet amusement. One of them¡ªthe woman¡ªnarrowed her gaze as Thor and Loki received thunderous applause from the audience.

    ¡°Can you believe this?¡± she muttered under her breath, her tone laced with irritation. ¡°The Asgardians. This complicates things...and here I thought we were about to have a clear path.¡±

    The figure beside her, the towering man cloaked in shadows, let out a low chuckle. ¡°Asgardians, why are they here? They must be looking for entertainment. All Gods and Goddesses are the same, always see us, mere mortals, as playthings to be toying with.¡± he replied with a smirk, his voice smooth but edged with frustration.

    She turned to him, eyebrow raised, awaiting his call. ¡°So? What¡¯s the move, boss?¡±

    His gaze never left the stage, where the gods stood basking in the crowd¡¯s admiration. He clenched his jaw, as if wrestling down a surge of impatience. ¡°Nothing. For now, we wait. They¡¯ll be too hard to go up against in the open.¡±

    She smirked, tilting her head thoughtfully. ¡°Should we inform the others?¡±

    He gave a slow, calculated nod. ¡°No. Let''s watch and see. Our chance will come.¡±

 Chapter 6 - The Oracle System.

    The air grew quiet as a tall figure in a white and gold suit, emblazoned with the emblem of the Hero Association, entered the battleground. He moved with authority, each step resonating across the arena. The sunlight gleamed off the shining hilt of a sword strapped to his back¡ªClayton Romero, known to the world as Sunblade. With his presence alone, the crowd erupted into wild applause, the reverberation of his name rolling through the stadium like a wave.

    Sunblade raised a hand, commanding instant silence. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, surveyed the 102 freshmen lined up before him, and a faint, approving smile touched his lips.

    ¡°Congratulations,¡± he began, his voice carrying the weight of both encouragement and challenge. ¡°To each and every one of you, standing here today as new students of the Astoria Heroes University. You¡¯ve proven yourselves worthy, passing the initial tests to stand among the best this city has to offer. But make no mistake¡ªtoday¡¯s triumph is only the beginning.¡±

    The students watched him intently, some with awe, others with fierce determination.

    ¡°Today, you take your first step toward becoming the legends of tomorrow. The path ahead is treacherous, demanding, and unforgiving. You will be tested¡ªnot just in strength, but in resilience, in integrity, and in heart. Each of you has the potential to become a true hero. But potential means nothing without the will to realize it.¡±

    His gaze moved across the students, settling briefly on Valerie, Fiona, and Kian.

    ¡°As you go forth, remember¡ªheroes don¡¯t seek glory. True heroes serve a cause greater than themselves. And today, that journey begins, with you committing yourselves to the betterment of this city, to those who depend on you, and to one another.¡±

    He stepped back, nodding to his assistants, who moved forward, carrying a tray lined with small, golden devices, each about the size of a coin.

    ¡°This is your Oracle system,¡± Sunblade explained as the assistants handed one to each student. ¡°This device will be your guide, your mentor, and sometimes, your harshest critic. It will analyze your strengths, weaknesses, and potential, providing missions, training modules, and feedback to help you grow.¡±

    The assistants passed one to Fiona, who stared at it with wide, eager eyes, almost bouncing with excitement.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll tell us our potential powers too?¡± Fiona whispered, her voice full of anticipation. ¡°Like, what we¡¯re best at and what we could be? This is amazing!¡±

    Valerie, holding her own Oracle device, shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just a tool. Doesn¡¯t change who we are or what we¡¯ve been through. It¡¯s not like some fancy coin is going to make me into something I¡¯m not.¡±

    Kian laughed softly, eyeing the Oracle with mild curiosity but little enthusiasm. ¡°I agree with Val.¡± He pocketed the Oracle with a casual shrug. ¡°But if it helps keep the Association¡¯s eyes off my back, sure, I¡¯ll use it.¡±

    Fiona shot them both a disapproving look. ¡°You two are hopeless. Come on! It¡¯s not every day we get a device that literally maps out how we can become stronger. Imagine what this could mean for us¡ªfor all of us.¡±

    Valerie rolled her eyes. ¡°Yeah, great. It¡¯s one more thing for the Academy to use to keep tabs on us. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little convenient that this ¡®helpful¡¯ device also tracks everything we do?¡±

    Kian grinned, raising an eyebrow at her. ¡°And here I thought I was the paranoid one.¡±

    Sunblade¡¯s voice interrupted their conversation, reminding them he was still watching. ¡°Remember, the Oracle is only as effective as the effort you put in. The road ahead is not easy. But if you trust in yourselves, in your training, and in each other, you may one day find yourselves among the greatest of heroes.¡±

    With that, he gave them a final, firm nod. The stadium erupted into applause again as Sunblade and his assistants left the stage, leaving the students to contemplate his words.

    Fiona clutched her Oracle device, practically vibrating with excitement. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you two say. This is our first step toward becoming legends. I don¡¯t know about you, but I¡¯m ready to start that journey.¡±

    Valerie smirked, pocketing her own device with a flicker of amusement. ¡°Well, I need that money, and this is the only way I can think of. So yeah, bring it!.¡±

    Kian crossed his arms, nodding with a teasing grin. ¡°Guess we¡¯re all in it together now. I need to get stronger too and change this world for the better!¡±

    ¡ª

    The host grinned, his voice booming with an almost theatrical flair. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, heroes in training¡ªlet the games begin!"

    The freshmen cheered, some with pumped fists, others glancing at each other with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. They were ushered to their seats, right beside the massive arena where each challenger awaited their turn. Fiona looked like she could hardly sit still, while Valerie leaned back, crossing her arms, her expression unreadable.

    The host spun around, making a grand gesture toward the field. "Our main event is a game we call¡­ Rush Attack!" He drew out the name, letting the crowd¡¯s anticipation build. "And trust me, it¡¯s as chaotic as it sounds."

    He pointed to a newly revealed stretch of track. "To start, we''ve got a classic¡ªthe 100-meter dash! Simple, right? Well, if you¡¯re expecting a stroll in the park, think again! We¡¯ve added a few¡­ surprises. Imagine a regular sprint but with wind blades, a couple of flamethrowers, and, oh yeah¡ªrandom explosions. Should be fun!"Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    The freshmen shifted in their seats, and Valerie raised an eyebrow. "Explosions? Is that even safe?"

    Kian chuckled. "Apparently, it¡¯s ¡®hero training.¡¯ If you¡¯re not dodging fireballs, are you even learning?¡±

    The host didn¡¯t pause. He pointed to the next section of the field as it shifted and transformed into a dark, ominous tunnel. "Next, we have the Trapping Tunnel! Our students will have the privilege¡ªnay, the honor¡ªof dodging all kinds of creative booby traps. Sharp spikes, swinging hammers, surprise pitfalls¡ªit¡¯s like a spa day, but for people who think relaxation is for quitters!¡±

    Valerie smirked. "A ¡®privilege¡¯? Yeah, sure."

    Fiona grinned. "Come on, Val. Maybe it¡¯ll be like dodgeball. Just¡­ with a lot more bruises."

    The host moved on, gesturing to a colossal wall that had just risen out of the ground. "And now for the Punching Wall! All our students have to do is punch the wall. The device on the wall will measure the impact of the punches and determine the score. Sounds easy, right? But here¡¯s the catch¡ªit¡¯s reinforced with Kerasitium alloy, a metal so strong it could withstand a nuclear blast. So, if your punches are anything less than legendary, you might just end up with a bruised ego!"

    Kian nudged Valerie, smirking. "Think you can handle that, Miss Dragon?"

    Valerie scoffed. "Please. I could punch through that wall with one hit."

    "Confident, aren¡¯t we?" Kian said, grinning.

    The host laughed, clearly relishing the build-up. "But that¡¯s not all, folks! Next, we¡¯ve got¡­ Block the Thunder! Imagine you¡¯re at a metal concert, except the guitars are attacking you with lightning! The students will stand in front of our lovely Thunder Cannon and try to block an attack. Let¡¯s see if our young heroes can keep their hair frizz-free!¡±

    Valerie muttered under her breath, "Pretty sure they¡¯re just trying to get us electrocuted."

    Fiona, however, was practically bouncing. "This is insane! I love it."

    "And finally!" The host¡¯s voice dropped, dripping with drama as the crowd hushed. "For our grand finale¡­ the Power Showdown! Behold, the Black Stone!" A jet-black monolith emerged from the ground, towering ominously over the arena. "The goal is simple: unleash everything you¡¯ve got, and our trusty stone will give you a score based on the sheer power of your abilities. This isn¡¯t a test for the faint of heart, folks!"

    Fiona gulped, looking at the monolith in awe. "Whoa. That thing looks¡­ intense."

    Kian grinned, nodding. "I¡¯ve been waiting for a real challenge. Time to see who¡¯s got the strongest punch around here."

    The host, clearly reveling in the students'' reactions, added, "Now, will some of you look utterly ridiculous? Most definitely! But remember, this is what makes heroes, folks¡ªthe ones who can dodge fireballs and block thunder with style!¡±

    Fiona laughed. "This guy¡¯s nuts. I¡¯m all in."

    Valerie, finally cracking a smile, leaned back. "Alright, let¡¯s see what they¡¯ve got.¡±

    The crowd roared in approval, and the arena gleamed with the morning light, each obstacle ready to challenge, test, and¡ªif it could¡ªthe freshmen¡¯s spirits. The games had begun.

    "Let''s start with our first student! Please come forward¡ªEdward Anderson!" The host announced with a dramatic flair, making Edward¡¯s name echo across the arena. The audience erupted in cheers, eager to see the first brave soul take on the infamous course.

    As soon as Anderson¡¯s name boomed over the speaker, murmurs began rippling through the freshmen rows, and a visible tension crept into the air.

    ¡°Why¡¯s everyone whispering?¡± Valerie murmured, leaning closer to Fiona.

    ¡°Beats me,¡± Fiona replied, looking around. Then, with a curious glance at Kian, she asked, ¡°Any clue?¡±

    Kian¡¯s eyes hardened as he kept his gaze on the arena. ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s got a criminal record¡­ car hijacks, theft, extortion.¡± he said quietly, though there was no disguising the contempt in his voice. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t even be here. But, thanks to his family, his ¡®record¡¯ just¡­ disappeared.¡±

    Valerie arched a brow, surprised. ¡°How do you know all this?¡±

    Kian¡¯s voice dropped even lower. ¡°We went to the same high school. Anderson... he bullied this girl. He kept at it, pushed her so hard that¡­¡± His voice trailed off, a shadow crossing his face.

    Fiona¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°Oh no¡­ Kian, that¡¯s awful. How could they let someone like him into our school?¡±

    ¡°Money talks, influence buys,¡± he replied, his fists clenching. ¡°He was arrested, but only for a week. Then his family swooped in. And here he is, free as ever.¡± His jaw tightened, the anger barely contained.

    Valerie glanced at him, noticing the haunted look in his eyes. It was clear this wasn¡¯t just a random schoolmate. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Drexlers,¡± she said, placing a hand on his shoulder with a smirk. ¡°He¡¯ll get what he deserves. Just watch me.¡±

    Kian looked up at her, the faintest flicker of hope mingling with apprehension. ¡°Valerie, please¡­ don¡¯t do anything reckless. You could get expelled, and¡­ and you won¡¯t be able to help your dad.¡±

    A spark of defiance glinted in her eyes. ¡°Relax, Kian. They won¡¯t expel me. Trust me!¡± She leaned in, adding with a sly smile, ¡°Just sit back and watch the show.¡±

    Fiona glanced between the two of them, uneasy but oddly reassured. Whatever Valerie had planned, she seemed confident.

    ¡°Ready, set¡­ go!¡± the host¡¯s voice roared through the arena, and Anderson shot off, diving straight into the 100m dash. He sprinted, dodging the swiping wind blades and the bursts of flame like it was all a game, occasionally throwing in a cocky wave or dance move as he dodged. Right at the finish line, he propelled himself forward with a telekinetic push, crossing the line with a flourish.

    The crowd murmured in appreciation as the host chuckled, ¡°Not bad, not bad at all¡ªfor a freshman, right?¡±

    Fiona crossed her arms with a sigh. ¡°Ugh, that wasn¡¯t half bad,¡± she admitted, though a smirk slipped onto her face. ¡°But I was kinda hoping he¡¯d trip over his own ego.¡±

    ¡°Too slow!¡± Valerie scoffed, loud enough for Anderson to hear as he moved into the next stage.

    ¡°Now into the Trapping Tunnel, you go, Mr. Freshman!¡± the host called with a dramatic flair.

    Anderson entered the tunnel and, without missing a beat, used his power to freeze all the traps in his path, strolling through as though it were the simplest obstacle in the world.

    ¡°Creative!¡± the host shouted. ¡°Alright, now punch that wall!¡±

    Anderson approached the punching wall, wound back his fist, and¡­ *thunk*. The arena fell silent as his score flashed on the board: 30/100. A murmur of disappointment echoed through the stands.

    Valerie burst into laughter, clutching her sides. ¡°What kind of sad punch was that? I actually thought he was going to crack the wall or something!¡±

    Anderson shot a glare in her direction, his jaw clenched in frustration, though he tried to keep his composure. His eyes flashed with irritation, and even Thor in the audience let out a deep, amused chuckle, making Anderson¡¯s cheeks burn.

    Moving on to the Thunder Cannon, Anderson gritted his teeth and braced himself. The cannon fired, and while he managed to withstand the attack, it was clear he struggled, his feet skidding backward. His score popped up: 60/100.

    The host continued, unfazed, ¡°Now, Mr. Anderson, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got¡ªhit that black stone!¡±

    Anderson took a stance, concentrating hard as he lifted chunks of rocks from the ground with his telekinesis, hurling them at the black stone target. When he was done, the score came in: 70/100. He lifted his chin proudly, glancing over at Valerie with a smug smile as if he¡¯d won some private victory.

    As Anderson made his way back to his seat, he paused directly in front of Valerie. Leaning just close enough to make sure she heard him, he sneered, ¡°Watch your tongue, Pervert Dragon.¡± His words sliced through the air, and snickers erupted from the other freshmen around them.

    Valerie felt a flash of embarrassment at the nickname, her moment of bravado turning against her.

    ¡ª

    Edward Anderson

    Lvl: 1

    Strength: 30/50

    Speed: 40/60

    Agility: 40/60

    Intelligence: 40/100

    Durability: 60/60

    Power output: 70/80

    ¡ª

 Chapter 7 - Lets go!

    ¡°Yo, Pervert Dragon! Cat got your tongue? Talk to me!¡± Anderson taunted, his voice carrying over the arena¡¯s noise as the other students laughed, all clearly familiar with the viral video that had tagged her with that ridiculous name.

    Valerie clenched her jaw, eyes locked on the course where the next student was taking their shot. Her fists were tight, fingers pressing hard enough to whiten her knuckles. She ignored Anderson, but her silence only seemed to amuse him more.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, bikini hero?¡± he sneered, sending another wave of laughter through the crowd of freshmen.

    Fiona turned sharply to face him, her usual cheer replaced by an intense glare. ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t talk to us!¡±

    Anderson¡¯s gaze shifted, landing on her with an exaggerated smirk. ¡°And who¡¯s this pretty lady?¡± he drawled, eyeing her up and down in a way that made Fiona¡¯s skin crawl. ¡°Why are you sitting with that pervert? Come sit with me. After this little ¡®show,¡¯ I¡¯ll take you out. Show you a real good time. Whaddya say, babe?¡± His leer was unmistakable.

    ¡°Shut up, Anderson!¡± Kian growled, clenching his fists. There was a flash of jealousy in his face, and he straightened, taking a half-step forward.

    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t Kian Drexlers, the ¡®champ¡¯ of Vigon High.¡± Anderson laughed mockingly, tilting his head with a fake sigh. ¡°What are you gonna do about it, Drexlers? Do something, pussy!¡± he said darkly, his voice dripping with menace.

    Kian froze, his face clouding over with a mix of anger and fear, a memory clearly lurking just under the surface.

    Fiona, alarmed, turned to Valerie. ¡°Val, say something!¡±

    Valerie rose slowly, meeting Anderson¡¯s smirking face with a look of cold fury. ¡°If you keep talking¡ª¡±

    ¡°Excuse me, Miss Nordin!¡± The host¡¯s voice broke in over the speakers, cheerful and upbeat. ¡°I believe I called for Brandon Franz, not Valerie Nordin. Quite a difference in names there, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± He let out a chuckle, shaking his head in mock bewilderment. ¡°But please, take your seat. I assure you, you¡¯ll get your chance to dazzle us!¡±

    Valerie sat back down, her mouth pressed into a thin line, but her eyes shot daggers in Anderson¡¯s direction. He grinned, flashing her an exaggerated, mocking thumbs-up before turning back to his seat, the other students snickering along with him.

    ¡°Now, the Great Citizens of Astoria, give it up for our next challenger, Brandon Franz!¡± the host boomed, his voice amplified to thunderous applause.

    ¡ª

    The show continued, as student after student took on the gauntlet. Some stumbled in comically disastrous ways¡ªone poor student barely made it out of the trapping tunnel with a singed suit and a dazed expression, earning gasps and laughter from the crowd. Others managed with competent skill, their efforts rewarded with polite applause, but none were breaking any records or setting the stadium on fire with excitement.

    ¡ª

    From the shadows of the arena, two figures observed the spectacle with veiled interest.

    ¡°Bit pathetic, don¡¯t you think?¡± the woman muttered, crossing her arms. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the Gods up there watching, we¡¯d be done and dusted with this little game by now.¡± She glanced sideways at the man beside her. ¡°What¡¯s the plan, boss?¡±

    He gave a slow, calculated smile, his eyes still fixed on the arena. ¡°Begin the preparations. Call HQ¡ªhave them send in the Beasts, but keep them on standby. The Gods are bored, and if these performances keep dragging, they¡¯ll lose interest and leave. Our agent will make sure the professors will keep showcasing the¡­ less impressive talents.¡±

    ¡°What about Kohn?¡± she asked, lowering her voice.

    ¡°No word yet, but no need to worry,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the access codes Thomson gave us work first.¡±

    ¡ª

    In the VIP section, Thor and Loki were growing visibly restless. Thor¡¯s fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest of his chair, and every so often he shot a glare at his brother.

    ¡°Brother,¡± Thor finally rumbled, leaning forward, ¡°is this one of your pranks? This is not amusing in the slightest. You told me we¡¯d witness something entertaining.¡±

    ¡°Patience, Brother,¡± Loki replied with a sly grin, leaning back with far too much ease. ¡°Mortals have a way of saving their best for last. You¡¯ll love it when the time comes, I promise.¡±

    Thor¡¯s gaze narrowed, unimpressed. ¡°I¡¯ll give you twenty minutes, no more. And if you waste my time, Loki¡ª¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Oh, it won¡¯t take that long,¡± Loki interrupted, eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Do you like fire shows, by any chance?¡±

    Thor¡¯s eyes sparked with interest despite himself. ¡°You know I have always enjoyed a magnificent fire, Brother.¡±

    Loki smirked, his fingers steepled together as he watched the field. ¡°Then sit tight. Our next contender is bound to give you one.¡±

    ¡°Mortal, step forward!¡± Loki¡¯s voice echoed with a chilling authority.

    Dean Thorne scrambled to his feet, bowing low. ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°My brother grows bored.¡± Loki waved a hand dismissively toward Thor, who was now visibly unimpressed. ¡°Send in Kian Drexlers. He wants something... spectacular.¡±

    Dean Thorne blanched, glancing nervously at the other professors, who had all gone very still, avoiding eye contact. ¡°Forgive me, Your Grace, but¡­ our top ten students are to be showcased later. Perhaps¡ª¡±

    Loki¡¯s eyes flashed dangerously, and with a flick of his fingers, a dark energy snaked out, wrapping around the Dean in shadowy chains and lifting him into the air. Dean Thorne gasped, his limbs paralyzed.

    ¡°Are you defying me, mortal?¡± Loki¡¯s voice was a silk-wrapped blade.

    ¡°Please, Your Highness!¡± Dean Thorne¡¯s voice quivered. ¡°If I may suggest¡ªanother student, who is equally promising. I swear she¡¯ll keep your brother entertained. She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s very talented.¡±

    Loki held him there for a beat, the shadows twisting and tightening as if savoring the Dean¡¯s panic. Then, after a long, tense moment, he released him, letting him drop unceremoniously to the floor.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Loki said slowly, a wicked smile forming on his lips. ¡°But if you¡¯ve lied to me, mortal, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    ¡°I would never dare, Your Highness,¡± Dean Thorne stammered, bowing again, his face pale as he backed away. He shot a quick glance at the announcer, who nodded.

    The moment the next student cleared the final trial, the host¡¯s voice filled the arena. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to our next challenger¡­ Fiona Allen!¡±

    Back in the student section, Fiona¡¯s eyes went wide. She turned to Valerie and Kian, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°They¡¯re calling me?¡±

    ¡°Show them what you¡¯re made of, Miss Allen,¡± Kian said, his face breaking into a proud smile.

    ¡°You got this, girl!¡± Valerie gave her a nudge, grinning.

    With one last look at her friends, Fiona took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped into the arena.

    ¡ª

    ¡°Ready¡­ set¡­ go!¡± the host shouted.

    In a blink, Fiona took off, her figure a mere blur as she hit full speed. The machines flared to life, wind blades slicing through the air and flamethrowers sparking up to test her agility. But just as the first blade swung, Fiona vanished.

    ¡°What in the world?!¡± the host shouted, feigning surprise as the audience gasped.

    The crowd watched, puzzled, until Fiona reappeared just inches from the finish line, crossing it effortlessly in under three seconds.

    ¡°The record has just been broken, everybody!¡± The host¡¯s voice boomed over the applause. ¡°What an opener! She didn¡¯t just dodge those traps¡ªshe outsmarted the system itself!¡±

    Fiona barely took a breath before darting into the trapping tunnel. This time, the audience was hushed, eyes glued to the screens as they tracked her movements through the maze of pressure plates, swinging axes, and darting arrows. Her steps were nimble and graceful, weaving between traps with ease. After a moment, her eyes narrowed, and her pace picked up.

    ¡°She¡¯s figured it out, folks! She¡¯s recognized the pattern!¡± the host exclaimed, leaning over his microphone. ¡°Look at that mind at work, tracking each trap like it¡¯s child¡¯s play! She¡¯s through in a staggering six seconds!¡±

    Kian leaned forward, eyes wide. ¡°She¡¯s unstoppable.¡±

    Valerie chuckled, crossing her arms with a smirk. ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±

    The crowd erupted in cheers as Fiona exited the tunnel, but she barely had time to revel in the applause before moving on to the next station¡ªthe punching wall.

    She rolled her shoulders, glancing back at her friends. Kian gave her a thumbs-up, while Valerie shouted, ¡°Knock it out, Fiona!¡±

    Fiona took a deep breath, focused, and threw a punch. The wall lit up with a score of 40 out of 100.

    ¡°Not the highest punch we¡¯ve seen, but certainly nothing to scoff at!¡± the host commented with enthusiasm. ¡°That¡¯s the strength of someone who knows how to stay out of harm¡¯s way and deliver a punch when it counts!¡±

    Valerie whispered to Kian, grinning, ¡°She may not have my strength, but she¡¯s got finesse.¡±

    Kian nodded, his admiration obvious. ¡°She¡¯s doing amazing.¡±

    Fiona shook out her hand and braced herself for the thunder cannon. The device crackled to life, blue lightning arcing and gathering energy. She took her stance, steady and grounded, her muscles tensing.

    ¡°Hang in there, Fiona!¡± Valerie whispered, eyes locked on her friend.

    The cannon fired, a fierce surge of electricity slamming into her. Fiona gritted her teeth, withstanding the blast with visible effort, her muscles straining as she held her ground. The energy subsided, and the score popped up¡ª60 out of 100.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s what I call resilience!¡± The host shouted. ¡°A solid performance against one of our most intense challenges!¡±

    Valerie and Kian cheered, clapping and whistling. ¡°Way to go, Fi!¡± Valerie shouted, pride shining in her eyes. ¡°Tough as nails!¡±

    Finally, Fiona approached the power showdown: the black stone. She stared at it, knowing full well that her ability wasn¡¯t designed for brute-force displays. With a quick inhale, she focused, reaching into her invisibility, a subtle energy pulsing as she raised her hand toward the stone.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, Fiona Allen¡¯s final score depends on this moment!¡± the host announced, building up the tension.

    She released her power, but the effect on the stone was minimal. The score lit up¡ª30 out of 100. A small gasp rippled through the audience.

    Kian winced sympathetically. ¡°Not really fair, is it?¡±

    Valerie shrugged, leaning back in her seat. ¡°Well, she did great. It¡¯s not always about power, you know.¡±

    The host chimed in with an upbeat tone, refusing to let the energy falter. ¡°Well, folks, strength and power come in all forms! Fiona Allen here might not have maxed the numbers, but she¡¯s shown agility, intelligence, and determination¡ªand that, my friends, is what makes a real hero!¡±

    Fiona walked back to her seat, catching her friends¡¯ smiles as they stood to clap for her. She gave them a sheepish grin, muttering, ¡°Guess I¡¯ll need more than invisibility tricks next time.¡±

    Valerie laughed, clapping her on the back. ¡°Nah, you nailed it! Let them wonder what else you¡¯re capable of.¡±

    ¡ª

    Fiona Allen

    Lvl: 1

    Strength: 40/50

    Speed: 90/100

    Agility: 95/100

    Intelligence: 80/100

    Durability: 60/60

    Power output: 30/40

    ¡ª

    ¡°It was magnificent, Brother! She lacked strength but was cunning, smart. She reminded me of you when you were younger!¡± Thor bellowed, his laughter echoing through the VIP section. He clapped Loki on the back, nearly tipping over his goblet of wine.

    Loki smirked, leaning back in his ornate chair. ¡°Yes¡­ magnificent indeed,¡± he said, a hint of intrigue glinting in his sharp eyes. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, his mind clearly working through some devious thought.

    The dean, still trembling from his earlier encounter with Loki¡¯s wrath, dared to step forward. ¡°I¡ªis it to your liking, my lord?¡± he asked cautiously, bowing deeply.

    Loki¡¯s gaze shifted lazily to the dean, his smirk growing into something sharper. ¡°Yes, mortal. You¡¯ve done well¡­ for once.¡± He paused, his tone softening, but his words laced with authority. ¡°I want to speak with her. Have her brought here after the show.¡±

    The dean swallowed hard, glancing briefly at Thor, who was too busy sipping his drink to notice. ¡°Of course, your highness. It will be done immediately after the event,¡± he said, bowing again.

    Thor chuckled, nudging Loki. ¡°You always did have a soft spot for the clever ones, Brother. Try not to frighten her too much when she comes.¡±

    Loki scoffed, his mischievous grin returning. ¡°Oh, I intend no harm¡­ yet. I simply find her... intriguing. Cunning minds like hers are rare in this crowd of muscle heads.¡±

    Thor laughed again, loud and boisterous. ¡°Cunning minds, you say? I suppose that¡¯s why you¡¯ve always liked mortals. They remind you of your own wit.¡±

    Loki gave an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. ¡°Yes, Brother. Let¡¯s go with that.¡± His gaze drifted back to the arena below, locking onto Fiona as she rejoined her group. His grin widened.

    ¡°Let the show continue, mortals!¡± Loki said, raising his hand theatrically, the energy in the air seeming to shift. ¡°Impress us¡ªor bore us at your own peril.¡±

    Fiona Allen, oblivious to the divine interest she had sparked, sat back in her seat, exchanging celebratory high-fives with Valerie and Kian, unaware of what awaited her once the show was over.

 Chapter 8 - The Brave Hero

    ¡°Let¡¯s give it up for our future star, Dion Maxon! He may not have the speed, but his strength rivals even the strongest of the heroes!¡± the host declared, his voice booming across the stadium. The crowd erupted into cheers as the massive figure of Dion Maxon stepped into the spotlight, his footsteps like thunder.

    ---

    Dion Maxon

    Lvl 1

    Strength: 100/100

    Speed: 20/40

    Agility: 30/40

    Intelligence: 40/70

    Durability: 100/100

    Power Output: 90/100

    ---

    ¡°Look at those stats!¡± Kian exclaimed, eyes wide as the giant screen displayed Dion''s numbers. ¡°Maxed-out strength and durability! That¡¯s insane.¡±

    ¡°Forget the stats, did you see him? He just turned himself into this¡­ giant rock monster. That¡¯s so cool!¡± Fiona¡¯s enthusiasm was infectious as she leaned forward in her seat.

    Valerie nodded in agreement, though her eyes were still locked on Dion, silently sizing him up.

    Anderson, seated just a row away, leaned back smugly and chimed in, ¡°Guess who else has a giant rock, Hot Stuff?¡± His smirk was aimed squarely at Fiona.

    Fiona recoiled, her nose crinkling in disgust. ¡°Ew, really, dude?!¡±

    Valerie whipped her head toward him, her expression pure venom. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? Can you not go two seconds without being disgusting?¡±

    Anderson shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. ¡°What? I can say whatever I want. Pervert Dragon, just mind your own business, being a perv and all.¡±

    The nickname was a match to gasoline, but before Valerie could explode, Fiona placed a calming hand on her shoulder. ¡°Val, don¡¯t. He¡¯s not worth it.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°No buts. Listen to me.¡± Fiona¡¯s voice softened, but it carried a sharpness that cut through the noise. ¡°He¡¯s weak and pathetic. He¡¯s as ugly as a blobfish that got punched in the face. He¡¯s got nothing going on except his daddy¡¯s money. He¡¯s just a spoiled brat. Totally not worth our attention.¡± Her words were like daggers, precise and unyielding.

    Anderson¡¯s smirk faltered, his mouth hanging open. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Valerie blinked at Fiona, her anger ebbing. ¡°That¡­ that makes a lot of sense.¡±

    Anderson tried to muster a retort, his face red with embarrassment. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t ignore me. Take that back, I am not¡ª¡±

    The host shouted loudly, cutting Anderson off ¡°Are you ready for the next challenger?¡±

    The audience roared, and Anderson sank lower in his seat, muttering something under his breath. Valerie shot him a satisfied smirk before turning back to the arena.

    ¡°He¡¯s not gonna be happy with that,¡± Kian whispered to Fiona, his voice low and tinged with worry. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to you, Miss Allen.¡±

    Fiona turned to him with a soft smile, brushing off his concern. ¡°No need to worry, Kian. I¡¯ve got Val to protect me.¡± Her gaze drifted briefly to Valerie, who was still intently focused on the stage, her jaw tight.

    ¡°I¡¯ll protect¡ª¡± Kian started, his voice earnest, but before he could finish, the host¡¯s voice boomed across the arena.

    ¡°And now, give it up for our next challenger¡ªKian Drexlers!¡±

    Kian froze, his heart hammering. Fiona placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her smile brighter now. ¡°It¡¯s your turn, Kian. Good luck¡ªand give them hell!¡± Her encouragement sent a warmth coursing through his veins, emboldening him.

    Valerie turned to him, extending a fist. ¡°You¡¯ve got this. Don¡¯t screw up, though, or I¡¯ll roast you.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Kian grinned nervously, returning the fist bump before stepping down into the arena. The cheers of the crowd surged around him, the energy fueling his steps.

    ¡ª

    ¡°Is everything in place?¡± the man asked, his voice a low growl that carried authority. His eyes glinted as he surveyed the arena from his concealed vantage point.

    ¡°Ready to execute your order, boss,¡± the woman replied. She adjusted the earpiece in her ear, her gaze locked on the unfolding event.

    The man¡¯s lips curled into a dangerous smile. ¡°Good. Our time is almost here. Has Kohn found a way to deal with the Gods?¡±

    The woman hesitated, her brow furrowing. ¡°Still waiting for her word, boss. But she¡¯s close.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The man¡¯s smile faded into a cold, calculating frown. ¡°Regardless, get ready. We can¡¯t wait for her forever. Eyes on the target.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± she replied, her gaze shifting back to the arena, where Kian was preparing to take on the challenge.

    ¡ª

    ¡°Ready... set... GO!¡± the host bellowed, his voice reverberating through the excited crowd.

    Kian¡¯s entire body ignited in a brilliant blaze of fire, his flames roaring as he took off like a comet. The wind blades sliced through the air, but Kian leaped gracefully over them, his fiery form untouchable. Flamethrowers erupted in bursts, but they were nothing to him; he ran straight through them as if they were a mere inconvenience.

    The host whistled, clearly impressed. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, Kian Drexlers just served us a flaming hot appetizer! What a fiery display!¡±

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Valerie muttered, leaning back in her seat. ¡°He¡¯s fast but not ¡®Fiona-fast,¡¯ you know?¡±

    Fiona nudged her, her cheeks tinged pink. ¡°Okay, sure, I¡¯m fast, but he¡¯s got more firepower... because, you know... firepower?¡± She laughed at her own pun, the kind of laugh that lit up her entire face.

    Valerie groaned. ¡°Really, Fi? That¡¯s your joke? I expected better.¡±

    ¡°Hey, at least I¡¯m trying,¡± Fiona said with a giggle, still blushing.

    ---

    ¡°To the Next challenge: The Trapping Tunnel.¡±

    Kian barreled into the tunnel, his flames crackling louder with every step. Instead of analyzing the traps or dodging them, he incinerated everything in his path. The sensors, the hidden spikes, the flame jets¡ªthey all melted away, reduced to molten puddles behind him as he charged forward like a living inferno.

    The host doubled over with laughter. ¡°This guy¡¯s not playing chess in there, folks¡ªhe¡¯s flipping the entire board! Too overpowered, ladies and gentlemen! Too overpowered!¡±

    Fiona shook her head, her smile widening. ¡°That¡¯s so gonna cost him his intelligence stat.¡±

    Valerie frowned. ¡°How? He¡¯s doing great.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all about strategy, Val. You¡¯re supposed to outthink the traps, not just blow them up.¡± Fiona gave Valerie a teasing look. ¡°Please, when it¡¯s your turn, try not to wreck the entire tunnel, okay?¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°I promise to, uh... analyze the pattern. And stuff.¡±

    ¡°Sure you will,¡± Fiona said with a knowing grin.

    ---

    ¡°Next: The Punching Wall. Here we go!¡±

    Kian stepped up to the wall, flexing his fingers as his fire concentrated into a focused, searing blaze around his fist. With a deep breath, he reeled back and launched his punch.

    ¡®BOOM!¡¯

    The wall shook violently, glowing molten red at the impact point before recalibrating.

    Score: 80/100.

    The host clapped dramatically. ¡°Drexlers just gave that wall a fiery wake-up call! Ladies and gentlemen, that¡¯s 80 points of raw heat and muscle!¡±

    Valerie gave an approving nod. ¡°Just 20 points behind Rock Guy. Not bad, Fireball.¡±

    Fiona leaned closer, whispering with a sly smile. ¡°I mean, he¡¯s got the power, but where¡¯s the finesse?¡±

    ---

    ¡°Now it¡¯s time for Thunder Cannon¡±

    The cannon unleashed a blinding storm of lightning. For anyone else, this might¡¯ve been the most dangerous part of the trial. But for Kian, it was a feast. The lightning was drawn to his flames, absorbed and extinguished like rain on a bonfire.

    Score: 90/100.

    The host flailed his arms in mock disbelief. ¡°Are you kidding me?! He just ate the lightning! Drexlers is officially a walking power outage!¡±

    Fiona clapped, her blush deepening. ¡°I told you he¡¯s amazing, Val!¡±

    Valerie shrugged, feigning indifference. ¡°Sure, if you¡¯re into fireworks. I still think Rock Guy¡¯s more impressive.¡±

    ---

    ¡°And this is what we¡¯re waiting for, Citizens of Astoria; The Flipping Power Showdown¡±

    Kian stood before the black stone, his flames flaring wildly as he stretched out his arms. Around him, massive pillars of fire erupted from the ground, swirling and twisting like living entities. The arena fell silent as the temperature rose, waves of heat rippling through the air.

    Kian¡¯s flames began to condense, the pillars shrinking and funneling toward his outstretched hand. The fire transformed, taking the shape of a rod of golden lightning, crackling with raw, untamed power. The audience gasped, shielding their eyes from the brilliant glow.

    Hovering a few feet above the ground, Kian aimed at the black stone. With a shout, he hurled the golden rod.

    BOOM!

    The impact shook the entire arena, a shockwave rippling outward as the black stone absorbed the hit. Smoke and ash filled the air, and the golden lightning dissipated, leaving faint scorch marks on the indestructible stone.

    Score: 100/100.

    The host jumped to his feet, his voice full of excitement. ¡°That¡¯s a PERFECT SCORE, folks! Kian Drexlers just unleashed the sun itself, I can¡¯t believe my eyes, he actually managed to scratch the stone, unheard of. Give it up for this flaming superstar!¡±

    ¡ª

    Kian Drexlers

    Lvl: Max.

    Strength: 80/80

    Speed: 80/80

    Agility: 80/80

    Intelligence: 60/60

    Durability: 90/90

    Power Output: 100/100

    ¡ª

    Back in the stands, Valerie and Fiona were on their feet, clapping and cheering.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll admit, that was incredible,¡± Valerie said begrudgingly.

    Fiona¡¯s hands were clasped together, her face bright red. ¡°He¡¯s amazing! Did you see that, Val? He¡¯s like... a literal god of fire!¡±

    Valerie smirked, nudging her. ¡°Someone¡¯s got a little crush.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Fiona blurted, her blush deepening.

    As Kian walked back, he caught Fiona¡¯s gaze. She smiled shyly, her cheeks still pink. ¡°You were incredible out there, Kian,¡± she said softly.

    Kian scratched the back of his head, his flames dimming to an ember-like glow. ¡°Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.¡±

    Valerie rolled her eyes. ¡°Alright, lovebirds, let¡¯s not melt the seats, okay?¡±

    ¡ª

    Thor leaned back in his ornate chair, his booming laughter echoing through the VIP box. ¡°This is more like it! A proper fire show. That lad could give Apollo a run for his money. Thank you, brother!¡±

    Loki smirked, his fingers drumming lazily on the gilded armrest of his chair. ¡°My pleasure, brother. It seems you¡¯ve taken a liking to the boy.¡±

    Thor nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Aye, he¡¯s a promising warrior. Fierce, bold, and unrelenting. Just the kind of ¡®hero¡¯ this world needs.¡±

    Loki¡¯s smile sharpened, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. ¡°It would be... a disappointment if something were to happen to him.¡±

    Thor¡¯s cheerful expression faltered, his brows knitting into a frown. ¡°And what, pray tell, does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Nothing of your concern, brother.¡± Loki¡¯s voice was silky, his tone laced with mock innocence. He gestured toward the arena, where the crowd¡¯s cheers continued to roar. ¡°Please, enjoy the spectacle. I believe there¡¯s one more student who hasn¡¯t had the chance to showcase her abilities.¡±

    Thor leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Loki. ¡°You with your ¡®mysteries¡¯ again. Cease this nonsense, brother. Speak plainly.¡±

    Loki turned to face Thor fully, his smile widening ever so slightly. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be my doing, brother, I assure you. Merely an observation.¡±

    He let his gaze drift past Thor, settling on a shadowy corner of the arena where two figures stood, barely visible to the untrained eye. Loki¡¯s eyes gleamed as he spoke, his words as light as air yet heavy with meaning.

    ¡°But others, well... they might have their own plans.¡±

    ---

 Chapter 9 - Time to shine!

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the great citizens of Astoria, we have reached the end of the gala. Only one student remains. For the last challenger, let¡¯s usher her into the arena! Valerie Nordin¡­ show us what you¡¯re made of!¡± The host¡¯s voice echoed dramatically across the arena, the crowd roaring in anticipation.

    ¡°It¡¯s finally your turn, Val,¡± Fiona said, nudging her friend with a grin. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t just blast the tunnel. Recognize the pattern, okay?¡±

    Valerie took a deep breath, brushing her silver hair behind her ear as she stepped forward. ¡°Yeah, yeah, sure. I¡¯ll ¡®analyze¡¯ or whatever.¡±

    ¡°Good luck, Miss Dragon,¡± Kian said, offering her a fist bump.

    ¡°Sure, thanks. Icy boy,¡± she quipped, bumping his fist lightly before stepping onto the platform.

    ---

    ¡°Thor will surely love her,¡± the Dean murmured to Professor Kohn, his tone brimming with excitement.

    ¡°What do you mean, sir?¡± Kohn asked, her brows furrowing.

    The Dean chuckled knowingly. ¡°Her power is¡ªjust watch and enjoy it.¡±

    The cryptic response made Kohn uneasy. She glanced around the arena nervously, her hand brushing against the sleek device on her wrist. Discreetly, she pressed a series of buttons, her lips tightening into a thin line.

    ---

    ¡°What are you gonna show us, pervert dragon? A strip show?¡± Anderson¡¯s voice rang out from the stands, dripping with mockery.

    A few scattered snickers followed his crude comment, but most of the audience remained focused on Valerie as she stepped into the arena.

    She paused mid-step, turning slightly to glance back at Anderson. Her expression was calm¡ªtoo calm¡ªbut her lips curled into a wicked smile, the kind that sent shivers down the spines of those who knew her well.

    ¡°Oh, you wish. Don¡¯t get too comfortable now, baby!¡± she said softly, her voice carrying just enough venom to silence the laughter around him.

    "Are you ready?" the host shouted, his voice reverberating through the excited crowd.

    The audience erupted into cheers.

    "Go!" the host continued, and Valerie was off.

    The stadium shook as a deafening sonic boom echoed through the air, a powerful shockwave rippling outward. By the time anyone could blink, she was already at the end of the 100-meter dash, standing casually at the entrance of the trapping tunnel.

    The entire arena fell into stunned silence.

    ¡°What just happened? Was that¡­ not even a second? 0.4 seconds?¡± the host bellowed in disbelief, his hand gripping the mic as though to steady himself.

    The camera panned to the students in the stands. Mouths hung open in shock. Fiona and Kian shot to their feet, staring at Valerie as though she had just rewritten the laws of physics.

    "Did she just break the sound barrier in an obstacle course?" Kian murmured, dumbfounded.

    "Yes, I think so," Fiona replied, eyes wide with awe.

    Valerie, completely unfazed by the reaction, cracked her knuckles and muttered, "Easy-peasy. Time for the tricky part."

    ---

    At the trapping tunnel, Valerie stepped inside, only to have a giant hammer drop squarely on her head.

    She didn¡¯t flinch.

    Instead, she frowned and muttered, "Okay, let¡¯s try this pattern thing Fiona keeps talking about. How hard can it be?"

    She took a cautious step forward, her eyes darting to the mechanisms around her. A flurry of darts shot toward her.

    "Whoa!" she exclaimed, bracing herself. The darts hit her skin, only to bounce off harmlessly. She inspected her arm. "Huh. Well, that¡¯s convenient."

    Encouraged, she advanced, muttering to herself, "If this gear moves left, then the next one should¡ª"

    A sudden jet of flames roared up from the ground, engulfing her.

    "Ahhh¡ªoh wait, I¡¯m fine. No biggie," she said, waving away the smoke as if it were an annoying fly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try again. If this thing goes that way¡­¡±

    She stepped forward with exaggerated caution. Suddenly, another flames erupted from the floor, engulfing her.

    ¡°...then that thing will go¡ªOH, COME ON!¡± she yelled, her hair slightly singed but otherwise untouched.

    The audience howled with laughter, the host practically wheezing. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, her brain may be working at half speed, but her strength is working overtime!¡±

    Frustration mounting, Valerie pressed on. ¡°Okay, forth time¡¯s the charm, maybe, actually the third time was supposed to be the charm¡­ whatever! calm down! If I just¡­ Nope, that¡¯s lava. That¡¯s actual lava. Who designs these things?!¡±

    By the halfway point, her patience evaporated entirely. ¡°You know what? Screw this stupid tunnel. Time to redecorate!¡±

    She took a deep breath, opened her mouth and unleashed a torrent of fire, melting the entire tunnel in one go.

    The host could barely contain himself. ¡°Well, folks, we¡¯ve learned one thing today¡ªwhy think your way through a problem when you can burn it down instead? Valerie Nordin, everyone! A true role model for overachieving pyromaniacs everywhere!¡±

    She walked out, dusting off her hands as the crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and hysterical laughter.

    The crowd howled in delight. Fiona collapsed into her seat, shaking her head and laughing uncontrollably.

    "She really tried, though!" Fiona said between giggles.

    "Yeah," Kian replied, smirking. "That was¡­ something."

    ---

    Next up was the punching wall.

    Valerie squared her shoulders, rolled her neck, and grinned. "Time to shine."

    She pulled her fist back and punched the wall with all her strength. The stadium fell into stunned silence for a moment, and then¡ªboom! The force of her punch echoed through the arena. The impact cracked the wall, leaving a massive crater in its center. The machine struggled to calculate her score before shutting down completely.

    The crowd erupted into cheers, their roars deafening as they realized the sheer magnitude of Valerie¡¯s strength.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s not possible! What a Godlike strength!¡± the host exclaimed, his voice barely able to contain his shock. ¡°She just cracked the punching wall like it was made of paper!¡±

    For a moment, the arena was so loud that it seemed to shake with the intensity of the applause. Valerie stood in the middle of the arena, a wide grin spread across her face.

    ¡°I¡¯d say that¡¯s pretty impressive,¡± she said, flexing her hand with a dramatic flourish, raising both arms triumphantly as they chanted her name.

    "Val-er-ie! Val-er-ie!"

    Fiona and Kian exchanged an impressed look, still recovering from the chaos that was Valerie¡¯s performance. ¡°Well, that was something,¡± Fiona said, her face flushed with excitement. ¡°I think that¡¯s the reason why they wouldn¡¯t kick¡ªyep. Got it!¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Kian laughed.

    ¡ª

    In the shadows of the grand stadium, the tension was thick as the two shadowy figures observed Valerie¡¯s display of raw power. Her speed, her strength, her overwhelming fire¡ªall of it had set their plans teetering on the edge of ruin.

    "Boss, we should abort the mission," the woman hissed, her voice laced with urgency. Her sharp eyes darted nervously toward the arena where Valerie basked in the audience''s adoration. "It''s too risky. We can''t deal with the Gods, and that girl? She''s dangerous. I can smell it¡ªher bloodlust."

    The man beside her, their leader, clenched his jaw, his hands trembling slightly. But his resolve remained firm. "No! We proceed as planned. This is our biggest chance. Kohn will handle the Gods, just as we discussed. And as for that girl..." He turned, his gaze hardening. "I''ll take care of her myself."

    The woman gripped his arm. "You can''t! Boss, listen to me! There¡¯s still another day¡ªwe can regroup and¡ª"

    She froze mid-sentence as shadows coiled around them like serpents, binding their limbs and pinning them in place. A chill crept through the air as a voice, dripping with amusement, broke the silence.

    "Up to no good, I see. Tsk, tsk. What are you planning, hmm? Come on, let me in on your ''evil'' master plan. I do love a bit of drama."

    The two figures turned their heads with difficulty, and there he was¡ªLoki. Or rather, something that looked like him. The illusion''s grin stretched wide, its sharp features bathed in an eerie, shimmering light.

    The woman¡¯s voice quivered as she snapped, "How did you find us, you creepy devil?!"

    Loki tilted his head in mock offense. "Creepy devil? Oh, darling, you''ve mistaken me for another god entirely. Creepy is kind of his thing, though, now that you mention it. But I am Loki, the God of Mischief! Surely you¡¯ve heard of me? No? Oh, my fragile heart, shattered!" He placed a hand dramatically over his chest, pouting.

    The pair glared at him in silence, refusing to answer.

    "Ah, the silent treatment," Loki sighed theatrically. "Fine, be that way. But don''t say I didn''t warn you."

    The illusion extended a hand, placing it on the shadowy man¡¯s head. A low hum filled the air, followed by a gut-wrenching scream as Loki¡¯s power invaded the man¡¯s mind. His body writhed against the bindings, but there was no escape.

    Moments later, Loki withdrew his hand, smiling as if he had just solved a particularly amusing puzzle. "Oh my, now that was enlightening. Your little plan... it¡¯s cute. Desperate, but cute."

    The shadows released their grip, and the pair collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

    "Why don¡¯t you just kill us and be done with it?" the man growled through gritted teeth.

    Loki chuckled, his laughter both chilling and infectious. "Kill you? Now, where¡¯s the fun in that? No, no. I¡¯m actually rather intrigued. Go on with your little scheme. But here¡¯s a bit of advice from me to you..."

    The illusion leaned closer, its face mere inches from theirs. "Catch that mortal, Drexlers, before the not-so-mortal Nordin gets to him. Because once she does? Well..." He straightened, grinning maliciously. "Let¡¯s just say you¡¯ll never touch him again with your filthy little hands."

    The two figures exchanged a glance, their faces pale with realization.

    The woman managed a shaky, "Thanks...?"

    "You''re very welcome!" Loki quipped, bowing theatrically. "Now, run along. Mischief awaits!"

    From the VIP section, the real Loki waved cheerfully at them, his grin as infuriating as ever. The pair looked back at the illusion only to find the shadows dissolving into the darkness, leaving no trace.

    The woman rubbed her wrists where the shadows had gripped her. "We¡¯re doomed..."

    "Not yet, you heard the god." the man said, his voice shaking slightly but still resolute. "We stick to the plan. We have to."

    The woman swallowed hard, her eyes narrowing. "And if Nordin interferes?"

    The man¡¯s expression darkened. "The beasts, we¡¯ll use them."

    ¡ª

    ¡°Why are you smiling like a twisted harpy, brother?¡± Thor¡¯s booming voice cut through the arena¡¯s roar, his earlier excitement replaced with suspicion as he glared at Loki.

    ¡°Oh, nothing, dear brother,¡± Loki replied, his smirk growing wider. ¡°I was merely marveling at the mortal girl¡¯s... impressive talents. Truly amazing, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Thor¡¯s frown melted into a grin as he stood up, cheering once more. ¡°Ah, indeed! Valerie is incredible! I¡¯d take her as my disciple in a heartbeat. Her talent is wasted in this petty college.¡±

    Loki¡¯s smirk twisted into something more mischievous. ¡°Congratulations, brother. You¡¯ve finally found someone who acts and talks just like you!¡± He leaned closer, adding in a conspiratorial whisper, ¡°Less brain and more muscle.¡±

    ¡°I heard that, Loki,¡± Thor growled, his voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°For once, you¡¯re wrong. What she did was actually smart! Why dance around a problem when you have the power to crush it outright?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, such wisdom, brother,¡± Loki said, rolling his eyes. ¡°Why bother with the challenge¡¯s intended purpose when brute force will suffice? It¡¯s not like rules or strategy matter.¡±

    Thor huffed, crossing his arms. ¡°Rules are for the weak! Power solves everything.¡±

    "Ah, yes. Of course, You¡¯d say that," Loki said, rolling his eyes. "But don¡¯t you find her... unusual?" He leaned closer, lowering his voice.

    Thor stroked his beard thoughtfully. "She is unusual, but I see no reason to doubt her humanity."

    Loki arched an eyebrow. "No? Not even a smidge of Asgardian blood running through her veins? She certainly doesn¡¯t feel entirely mortal. Is she your daughter by any chance?¡±

    Thor stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm. I did have a fling with a mortal once. But that was 500 years ago, and she wasn¡¯t even from this realm. Hmm... no, no, it couldn¡¯t be. She¡¯s definitely not my daughter.¡±

    Loki chuckled. ¡°Of course not, brother. Let¡¯s leave it at that. For now.¡± He leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to Valerie. ¡°The show isn¡¯t over yet, Thor. Two more challenges await. Let¡¯s see if she surprises us further.¡±

    ---

    ¡°To the next challenge, Thunder Cannon!¡± the host announced, his voice brimming with excitement.

    Valerie approached the enormous device with a casual stride, her silver hair shimmering under the stadium lights. The audience buzzed with anticipation.

    The cannon roared to life, unleashing a blinding bolt of electricity. The thunderbolt struck Valerie square in the chest. She stood motionless, blinking.

    "Is that it?" she said with a smirk. "I was expecting... more." She rubbed her arm playfully. "Kinda tickled, though.¡±

    The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, their initial shock replaced by roaring amusement.

    Thor leaned forward in his seat, his booming laughter echoing across the VIP section. "Kind of tickled! By the stars, I like this girl! A true warrior spirit, unshaken even in the face of lightning!"

    Loki smirked, lounging back in his chair. "Yes, she does seem to have inherited your flair for dramatic one-liners, brother. A match made in Valhalla, truly.¡±

    Thor waved him off, his eyes glued to Valerie. "Enough with your jests, Loki. She¡¯s incredible! I haven¡¯t seen a mortal take on challenges like this before!¡±

    ¡ª

    The host chuckled, playing into the excitement. ¡°Tickles, huh? Well, that¡¯s... humbling. I¡¯d be crying for my mother right about now! Folks, this girl is something else! Onward to the final challenge!¡±

    Valerie stepped forward, her red eyes glowing faintly. The host turned to her, curiosity in his voice. ¡°So, Valerie, do you have anything else in that bag of tricks? Or are fire breath and super strength your entire arsenal?¡±

    Valerie didn¡¯t answer with words. Instead, her glowing red eyes intensified, and twin beams of searing laser energy shot out. They weren¡¯t ordinary lasers¡ªthey were massive, like fiery pillars of wrath.

    The beams struck the black stone target at the center of the arena, causing it to sear red-hot, glowing ominously. A low hum reverberated through the stadium as the impact sent shockwaves rippling across the ground.

    ¡°Score: 100 out of 100!¡± the host announced.

    The audience roared in approval, some students leaping from their seats in excitement. Fiona practically screamed, "Did you see that?! Val, you¡¯re insane!"

    Kian, though stunned, managed a grin. "Insane doesn¡¯t even cover it. She¡¯s unstoppable.¡±

    Thor stood again, raising his arms as if to declare a victory. ¡°Look at her! Perfect in every way! She truly is a warrior deserving of my tutelage!¡±

    Loki chuckled, his tone laced with intrigue. "Oh, brother, I think we¡¯ve just witnessed the beginning of something far more interesting than a mere competition."

    Thor frowned, his excitement briefly dampened. "What are you scheming, Loki?"

    "Me?" Loki feigned innocence, placing a hand on his chest. "Nothing at all. Just admiring the show... and the possibilities."

    Thor turned his attention back to Valerie, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Possibilities? What are you on about?"

    Loki¡¯s smirk returned, but he said nothing, letting the rising energy of the crowd fill the silence. Loki leaned back, his expression unreadable as his eyes flickered with hidden thoughts. "Perfect indeed," he murmured under his breath. "But even stars burn out if someone knows where to strike.¡±

    ¡ª

    ¡°Valerie Nordin!¡± Thor¡¯s booming voice echoed through the arena, silencing the roaring crowd. ¡°Be my disciple!¡±

    Valerie tilted her head, her silver hair shimmering as she smirked. ¡°Only if you beat me in a fight!¡± she shouted back, her crimson eyes glinting with excitement.

    Thor roared with laughter, the sound shaking the very foundation of the stadium. ¡°That¡¯s my girl! Challenge accepted!¡±

    The audience erupted, their cheers a chaotic symphony of anticipation. Valerie flexed her fingers, her fiery aura beginning to shimmer as the thought of facing a god thrilled her. But just as Thor rose, ready to leap into the arena, the force field surrounding the stadium flickered.

    A crackling sound filled the air, followed by three monstrous figures dropping from the sky.

    The creatures were grotesque¡ªa terrifying fusion of genetic mutation and cybernetic enhancement. Their towering frames, easily three times the size of a man, bristled with jagged metal implants and glowing red eyes. They moved with unnatural precision, each one immediately locking its gaze on Valerie.

    The crowd gasped in unison.

    Thor¡¯s face darkened, his hand instinctively gripping Mjolnir. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± he roared, turning to glare at the Professors.

    Professor Kohn stiffened but quickly masked her unease. ¡°It is... part of the show, my lord,¡± she said, her voice even but her eyes darting nervously toward the creatures.

    ¡°Is it now?¡± Loki interjected, his grin widening. His sharp gaze flickered with amusement, though his tone carried a knowing edge. ¡°Come now, brother. Let¡¯s not ruin the fun. Let¡¯s just enjoy the fight!¡±

    Thor hesitated, his knuckles whitening around Mjolnir¡¯s handle. But Loki¡¯s words softened his resolve, and he reluctantly sat back down. ¡°Fine, but if any harm comes to her, I¡¯ll destroy whoever is responsible.¡±

    Loki leaned in with a sly smirk. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t doubt it, brother. Let¡¯s see how your ¡®disciple¡¯ fares.¡±

 Chapter 10 - Pride

    The three beasts tightened their circle around Valerie, their glowing red eyes locking onto her like predators cornering their prey.

    The largest of the trio charged first, its massive frame moving with a speed that belied its size. It swung a clawed fist down at Valerie, aiming to crush her. She raised her arm just in time, blocking the blow, though the force sent her skidding back a few feet, her boots grinding against the arena floor.

    ¡°Nice punch,¡± Valerie muttered, shaking out her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you like mine.¡±

    She surged forward, her fist colliding with the creature''s ribs. The impact was thunderous, causing the audience to gasp. The beast staggered, but to Valerie¡¯s frustration, it shook off the blow as if she¡¯d merely tapped it.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re tough, huh? I like that,¡± Valerie said with a wicked grin, her silver hair shimmering as she ducked under another swipe.

    The second beast took advantage of her momentary distraction, lunging at her from the side. Its razor-sharp claws raked toward her torso, but Valerie spun, narrowly avoiding the attack. She retaliated with a spinning kick, her heel connecting with the creature¡¯s head. The sound of metal on bone reverberated through the arena, yet the beast barely flinched.

    ¡°Okay, these guys are tanky. Fun,¡± Valerie said, her breath quickening, though the thrill of the fight lit her crimson eyes.

    The third beast leapt into the air, coming down with a bone-crushing slam. Valerie darted out of the way, narrowly avoiding being crushed. The ground where she had stood cracked under the impact.

    ¡°This is getting annoying,¡± she muttered, wiping a streak of dirt off her cheek.

    In the stands, the audience was on the edge of their seats, their cheers growing louder with each clash. They thought it was all part of the show, completely oblivious to the danger unfolding before them.

    But in the VIP section, the professors huddled together, their faces pale with panic.

    ¡°Who sent those things?¡± one professor whispered, her hands trembling.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. We need to neutralize this before Thor realizes something¡¯s wrong,¡± Dean Thorne hissed, frantically typing on his tablet.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the farthest corner of the stadium, the two shadowy figures observed the chaos with keen interest.

    ¡°Boss,¡± the woman murmured, her eyes fixed on the fight. ¡°Is she going to hold out against them for long? She¡¯s stronger than expected.¡±

    The man beside her smirked, his voice calm. ¡°She¡¯ll be occupied. Those beasts are enhanced with cutting-edge technology and the finest genetic engineering. Their skeletons and exoskeletons are pure Kerasitium alloy.¡±

    ¡°But she destroyed that wall earlier,¡± the woman said, glancing nervously at Valerie as she ducked under a flurry of blows.

    ¡°That wall was merely coated with Kerasitium, not made of it,¡± the man replied with a hint of disdain. ¡°These beasts are a different story. She can struggle all she wants¡ªit will keep her busy while we finish our work.¡±

    ---

    Back in the arena, Valerie found herself dodging, blocking, and striking in a relentless flurry of attacks. Sweat beaded on her brow as the beasts adapted, working together with unnerving synchronization.

    One of the creatures lunged low, swiping at her legs, while another aimed for her torso. Valerie vaulted over the low strike, twisting mid-air to land a solid punch on the second beast¡¯s jaw. But as her feet hit the ground, the third beast slammed into her from behind, sending her sprawling.

    She rolled to her feet, panting but grinning like a maniac.

    ¡°This is the best workout I¡¯ve had all year!¡± she said, shaking the dust from her hair. Her eyes glowed brighter as she tapped into her powers.

    ¡°Bring it on, tin cans!¡± she roared, charging back into the fray as the audience roared with delight, completely oblivious to the truth.

    Above, in the VIP section, Loki leaned back, sipping a goblet of wine as he watched the chaos unfold.

    ¡°Such a delightful mess,¡± he mused, his smile widening. ¡°Oh, brother, if only you knew what¡¯s really going on here.¡±

    Thor, however, was too busy cheering for Valerie to notice anything amiss. ¡°That¡¯s my disciple! Show them your strength, Young Warrior!¡±

    Loki chuckled to himself. ¡°Strength alone won¡¯t win this fight, dear brother. Let¡¯s see how she fares when the odds aren¡¯t in her favor.¡±

    ¡ª

    The beasts closed in, their glowing red eyes pulsing with a mechanical hum as they advanced on Valerie. She unleashed everything she had¡ªher laser vision carved deep grooves into the arena floor, her fire breath lit up the surroundings with searing heat, and her ice breath created a shimmering frost that crept across the beasts¡¯ metallic exteriors. But none of it made a dent.

    The first beast lunged, its massive arm swinging like a battering ram. Valerie ducked, her breath fogging the air as she exhaled another icy blast. The frost engulfed the creature¡¯s arm, freezing it solid.  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Gotcha!¡± she shouted, spinning to land a powerful kick. The frozen arm bent the other way and cracked from the impact, rendering it useless.

    But the beast didn¡¯t even flinch. Instead, it swiveled its torso, its other arm striking her like a hammer. Valerie was sent flying, slamming into one of the remaining arena walls.

    ¡°Ugh, okay, that hurt,¡± she muttered, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth as she staggered to her feet. Her silver hair, now streaked with dust and debris, clung to her face. ¡°You¡¯re tougher than you look. I like it.¡±

    Another beast charged, its clawed feet leaving craters in the ground. Valerie turned just in time to see it bearing down on her. She inhaled then exhaled fire, intended as a barrier of fire that roared to life in front of her.

    The beast didn¡¯t stop. It ran through the flames, its alloyed exoskeleton glowing red-hot but unscathed. Before she could react, it tackled her to the ground.

    ---

    In the stands, Fiona gripped the armrest of her chair, her knuckles white.

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t anyone stopping this?¡± she whispered, glancing nervously at Kian.

    ¡°This¡­ doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± Kian muttered, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Where¡¯s the host? And why is everyone just sitting there like this is normal?¡±

    Fiona¡¯s gaze darted around. She noticed, with growing unease, that the audience was dwindling. The students from prominent families, including Anderson, had quietly left.

    ¡°Kian,¡± Fiona said, her voice trembling. ¡°Something¡¯s off. This isn¡¯t a show. Valerie¡¯s in real danger.¡±

    Kian nodded, rising from his seat. ¡°Miss Allen, I think we should¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, an icy mist enveloped him, swirling around his body with unnatural speed. Fiona gasped, stumbling back as the mist solidified into a crystalline block of ice, trapping Kian inside.

    ¡°Kian? Kian! What¡¯s happening?!¡± Fiona shouted, banging on the frozen prison.

    Two shadowy figures emerged from the edge of the arena, their forms shifting like smoke.

    ¡°Who¡ªwho are you? What do you want?¡± Fiona demanded, her voice shaking.

    The man ignored her, bending down to lift the frozen block containing Kian as if it weighed nothing.

    ¡°Wait! Stop!¡± she yelled, trying to block their path, but the woman beside the man extended her hand, and a wave of darkness pushed Fiona back. The figures disappeared into the shadows, taking Kian with them.

    Fiona scrambled to her feet, her eyes wild with fear. ¡°Val! Val! Someone kidnapped Kian!¡± she shouted, but Valerie was too busy with the fight to respond

    ---

    But Valerie was in no position to respond. The beasts surrounded her now, coordinating their attacks with terrifying precision.

    The second beast, the one with the broken arm, raised its clawed foot and stomped down. Valerie rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding being crushed, but the third beast was waiting. It swung its tail like a whip, the metallic appendage slamming into her side and sending her sprawling.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Valerie groaned, clutching her ribs as she tried to rise. Before she could get to her feet, the first beast seized her by the ankle, lifting her into the air like a ragdoll.

    ¡°Let go of me, you overgrown trash can!¡± she yelled, blasting it with a point-blank burst of fire breath. The flames enveloped its head, but the beast merely tightened its grip and swung her like a wrecking ball, slamming her into the arena floor.

    The impact left a crater, and Valerie lay there for a moment, dazed. Her vision blurred as the beasts closed in again.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she muttered, coughing as she tried to catch her breath. ¡°Maybe this isn¡¯t as fun as I thought.¡±

    The beasts loomed over her, their glowing eyes locked onto their prey. But even as she lay there, battered and bruised, Valerie¡¯s crimson eyes burned with defiance.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± she growled, her hands curling into fists as she prepared for the next round.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the secluded control room, Dean Thorne stood with a group of panicked professors.

    ¡°Contact the Hero Association,¡± Thorne barked. ¡°We need the Ten Suns here now.¡±

    ¡°Sir, Professor Kohn is missing,¡± one of the professors said nervously.

    Thorne¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°What?! Find her. Now.¡±

    Another professor adjusted his headset, his voice trembling. ¡°The beasts¡­ they¡¯re not registered constructs. Someone brought them here intentionally.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Thorne demanded.

    ¡°We¡¯re¡­ not sure. But whoever it is, they¡¯re using the beasts to keep Nordin busy¡ªand now they¡¯ve taken one of the students.¡±

    Thorne¡¯s face darkened. ¡°This isn¡¯t just an attack on the school. This is war.¡±

    ¡ª

    The battlefield erupted in chaos as the security staff rushed in, EMP rocket launchers locked and loaded. They fired in rapid succession, blue bursts of electromagnetic energy crackling across the arena. Each shot struck one of the beasts, causing them to twitch and convulse as the electricity surged through their cybernetic bodies.

    Valerie, seizing the opportunity, activated her superspeed. The world blurred around her as she darted to the edge of the arena, skidding to a stop by a crumbled wall. She leaned against it, her chest heaving as she caught her breath.

    "Finally, a breather," she muttered, wiping blood from her lips. But her respite was short-lived as the beasts began to recover, their mechanical roars piercing the air. The beasts shook off the effects of the EMP, their glowing eyes reigniting with rage. They turned toward the security staff, and with terrifying speed, one of them lunged, smashing through the team¡¯s defenses.

    ---

    In the VIP section, Fiona burst in, her hair disheveled and her voice trembling. "My Lords, please help her! This isn¡¯t part of the show¡ªKian, my friend, someone took him! Please, you have to do something!"

    Thor stood, his expression darkening. He turned to Loki, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him effortlessly.

    ¡°Loki! Is this one of your schemes?!¡± Thor thundered, his eyes glowing with fury.

    ¡°Brother, please!¡± Loki protested, his hands raised in mock innocence. ¡°There¡¯s no flair in this charade! Look at it¡ªwhere¡¯s the drama, the chaos, the me in it? This is amateur work!¡±

    Thor growled but released him, his gaze softening as he looked at Fiona. ¡°Fear not, young one. I¡¯ll help. Gladly!¡±

    Thor hefted Mjolnir, the ancient hammer sparking to life with arcs of electricity. Runes etched along its surface glowed as he raised it to the sky. Dark clouds rolled in, and the faint rumble of thunder echoed through the stadium.

    But just as Thor prepared to leap into the arena, a sudden shift stopped him in his tracks.

    ---

    Valerie straightened, her posture changing. Her labored breathing ceased, replaced by a calm, almost unnatural poise. Her silver hair shimmered and began to transform, strands turning into a radiant gold. Her glowing crimson eyes brightened into a divine, golden hue.

    She stepped forward with slow, deliberate grace, her movements imbued with an air of aristocratic elegance. Even her voice changed, carrying a regal authority that resonated through the arena.

    ¡°How dare such foul creatures even think of laying a hand on me,¡± Valerie said, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡°You wretched abominations will pay dearly for this insult.¡±

    The beasts, still twitching from the EMP blasts, hesitated. It was as if they, too, could sense the sudden shift in her presence.

    The Oracle System flared up, its voice echoing in Valerie¡¯s mind:

    ---

    New skills detected:

    The Aspects of the Damned:

    7th aspect; Divine Pride.

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Royal Arrogance: Reflexes increased by 200%.  </li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Keen Battle Sense: Grants Future Sight (able to predict enemy movements).  </li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fragility of a Flawless Elegance: Damage received increased by 250%.  </li>

    </ul>

    ---

    In the VIP section, Thor stared, his eyes wide. ¡°Loki¡­ why is she acting like you?¡±

    Loki¡¯s lips curled into a mischievous smile, his eyes glinting with a knowing edge. ¡°Who¡¯s to say, dear brother? This has been a surprise to me, too. I am delighted.¡±

    Valerie continued her regal stride toward the beasts, who now seemed to hesitate under her commanding aura. She raised a single hand, her golden eyes narrowing.

    ¡°Kneel, beasts,¡± she commanded, her voice ringing out like a bell of judgment. ¡°Before I make you regret drawing breath in my presence.¡±

    The beasts roared in defiance, but their movements faltered as if even their enhanced instincts were unsure how to respond to the overwhelming presence before them.

    Thor lowered Mjolnir, watching with curiosity. ¡°This¡­ I must see.¡±

    Loki chuckled. ¡°Yes, let us enjoy the performance, shall we?.¡±

 Chapter 11 - Final Showdown!

    Valerie danced around the battlefield with a regal poise, her golden aura radiating confidence and power. Every swing of the beasts¡¯ colossal limbs missed her by mere inches, yet it seemed intentional, as though she knew exactly where they would strike long before they did.

    ¡°Is that the best you can do, mongrels?¡± she taunted, her tone dripping with aristocratic disdain. ¡°A noble warrior does not fall to such clumsy brutes.¡±

    The beasts roared in frustration, their cybernetic enhancements whirring and sparking as they recalibrated for another assault. One of them leapt high into the air, its claws glinting under the arena''s fragmented lights. But Valerie, with her divine grace, sidestepped effortlessly, her future sight allowing her to anticipate its trajectory. The beast landed hard, cracking the stone floor beneath its weight.

    ¡ª

    Thor leaned forward in his seat, his eyes gleaming with admiration. ¡°By Odin¡¯s beard! Her battle sense is sharper than Laevateinn¡¯s edge. Truly worthy of my praise!¡±

    Beside him, Loki reclined lazily, a smirk playing on his lips. He said nothing, his gaze flickering with curiosity as he watched Valerie move with an elegance that rivaled even the gods. Finally, he turned his attention to Fiona, who stood nearby, her face a mix of awe and worry.

    ¡°Mortal,¡± Loki said smoothly, his voice low yet commanding. ¡°Do enlighten me about the origins of that fascinating girl.¡±

    Fiona hesitated, her hands clenched into fists. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord. I don¡¯t know much. She¡¯s from a small town called Alvilla, and as far as I know, her only family is her dad.¡±

    ¡°Alvilla¡­¡± Loki murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. With a flick of his wrist, a book appeared in his hand, its cover glowing with an eerie green aura. The God of Mischief opened it, the tome flipped through the pages on its own, as though searching for some ancient secret.

    ---

    In the arena, Valerie had shifted tactics. She no longer relied solely on her brute strength. As one of the beasts lunged at her, she sidestepped with ease, raising her glowing eyes. Twin beams of searing red light erupted from her vision, striking the creature¡¯s metallic joint. The metal hissed and glowed, softening under the intense heat.

    The second beast charged, but Valerie leapt backward with the grace of a dancer, unleashing another blast of laser vision toward its exposed arm. The alloy began to glow red-hot, matching the first beast¡¯s condition.

    As the third beast attempted to flank her, Valerie inhaled deeply, unleashing a frosty gale of ice breath. The supercooled air collided with the molten joints she had just heated, causing the alloy to rapidly contract and crack with a sharp, metallic shriek.

    ¡°Crude craftsmanship,¡± Valerie remarked with a smirk. ¡°You should have knelt while you had the chance.¡±

    The beasts faltered, their once-imposing forms now trembling as their damaged joints locked in place. Sparks flew from their cracked exoskeletons, and one by one, they collapsed, unable to move.

    Valerie approached the fallen beasts, her golden eyes glowing with intensity. ¡°Still alive, are you? How unfortunate¡ªfor you.¡± She raised her hand, preparing to finish the job, but backed off as she sensed something.

    Thunder roared overhead as lightning crashed into the beasts, splitting the sky in a violent blaze of light. The creatures convulsed violently before turning into lifeless heaps, their cybernetic cores obliterated. The audience erupted into thunderous cheers, still believing the chaos was all part of an elaborate show.

    Thor leapt from his seat, his boisterous laughter booming like the storm itself. He landed heavily in the arena, his massive form kicking up dust as he carried Mjolnir with casual ease. With a loud clang, he dropped the giant hammer beside him, the weight of it cracking the stone floor.

    ¡°What a brutish sight! Are you sure you¡¯re a god? Such barbaric displays... and how dare you steal my kills?¡± Valerie said, her tone dripping with disdain as she inspected her nails like a queen unimpressed with a court jester.

    Thor threw his head back, laughing heartily. ¡°Steal your kills? Little one, you were dragging this out far too long. A god knows when to finish the job!¡±

    Before Valerie could retort, Thor lunged forward with surprising speed, swinging his massive fist at her. Valerie¡¯s instincts flared, and she stepped aside gracefully, avoiding his strike with ease.

    ¡°What is this? You¡¯re actually attacking me? Without your hammer? How amusing,¡± Valerie taunted, her tone icy and imperious.

    Thor grinned, his movements relentless. ¡°A god needs no hammer to test his disciple!¡± He threw a series of punches, each powerful enough to shatter stone. Valerie weaved through his attacks, her future sight guiding her every step.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Disciple?¡± she mocked, sidestepping a wide swing that stirred the dust around them. ¡°How can I call you my teacher when you can¡¯t even land a punch on me?¡±

    Thor¡¯s eyes gleamed with challenge. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll land a hit, my disciple. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡±

    He feigned to her left, then swung with a right hook. Valerie blocked it just in time, but the sheer force of his blow sent her skidding across the arena. Her heels left deep grooves in the shattered stone as she regained her footing.

    ¡°Rude!¡± Valerie huffed, brushing the dust off her shoulder with exaggerated elegance.

    The fight intensified. Thor¡¯s attacks grew more calculated, and Valerie responded with precision, dodging, blocking, and countering. Her fists and laser vision struck true, yet Thor¡¯s divine durability shrugged off every blow like a breeze.

    ¡°You¡¯re quick and clever, my disciple,¡± Thor praised, his grin widening. ¡°But strength alone won¡¯t be enough!¡±

    ¡°Strength alone? Is that what you think I¡¯m relying on?¡± Valerie shot back, delivering a kick that landed squarely on his chest. Thor barely moved, his grin unshaken.

    ¡°Enough play, my disciple!¡± Thor bellowed. With a flick of his wrist, Mjolnir flew into his hand, crackling with the energy of a brewing storm. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle the full might of a god!¡±

    Valerie¡¯s demeanor stiffened. She moved quickly, evading the hammer¡¯s first swing, but the battlefield changed. With Mjolnir in hand, Thor¡¯s attacks were faster, more precise, and far harder to anticipate.

    Valerie dodged a swing but barely. The hammer¡¯s force created a shockwave that staggered her, leaving her open for Thor¡¯s follow-up strike. She managed to block with both arms, but the impact sent pain radiating through her.

    Thor adapted quickly, analyzing her movements. His swings became less predictable, and Valerie began to falter, her defenses cracking under his relentless assault. Thor pressed the advantage, his attacks now relentless. Valerie evaded where she could and blocked when she couldn¡¯t, but the hammer¡¯s crushing force began to take its toll. Her defenses were wearing thin, and Thor¡¯s adaptability made it harder to predict his moves.

    Finally, Thor swung Mjolnir in a wide arc, and Valerie miscalculated. Her future sight failed to register the sheer speed of the blow. She braced herself, closing her eyes as the hammer descended.

    But the impact never came.

    When Valerie opened her eyes, a shimmering green barrier stood between her and Thor¡¯s hammer. Loki, with his hand raised, stood protectively in front of her. The barrier flickered with an ethereal glow, runes dancing along its surface.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, brother,¡± Loki said, his voice uncharacteristically stern. His playful smirk was gone, replaced by an expression of icy resolve.

    Thor halted, his hammer inches from the shield. He straightened, his face a mix of confusion and annoyance. ¡°Loki, what is the meaning of this?!¡±

    Loki¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯ve made your point, Thor. She¡¯s proven herself worthy. There¡¯s no need to break her¡ªor worse.¡±

    Thor lowered Mjolnir, his stormy expression softening as he looked at his brother. ¡°Loki, she¡¯s my disciple. Let me teach her the way of the gods!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps your lesson is over, Thor,¡± Loki said, his smirk returning as he turned to Valerie.

    Valerie, still catching her breath, looked up at Loki, her golden eyes flickering back to crimson. ¡°You¡­ protected me?¡±

    Before Loki could utter a single word, Valerie''s body wavered. Her golden aura flickered like a dying flame, and her knees buckled. She collapsed to the ground, her silver hair returning to its usual sheen, her features pale and still.

    Loki''s smirk vanished, replaced by a look of alarm that he quickly masked. He moved to her side in an instant, scooping her up in his arms with an unexpected gentleness.

    Thor watched in confusion as Loki¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I said, what is the meaning of this, brother?¡±

    Without answering, Loki shot Thor a disdainful glare. ¡°You¡¯re as oblivious as ever, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said coldly. In a flash of green light, he disappeared with Valerie in his arms.

    Thor stood alone in the battlefield, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the broken arena. Fiona stumbled toward him, panting, her face streaked with worry.

    ¡°What just happened? Where¡¯s Val?¡± she demanded, her voice cracking.

    Thor frowned, his brow furrowed deeply. ¡°That, young one, I do not know,¡± he admitted, his usual booming confidence replaced by bewilderment.

    ---

    Loki reappeared in the medical wing of the university, materializing with a swirl of emerald energy. The sterile room, filled with busy nurses and doctors, fell eerily silent as the god placed Valerie gently onto a bed.

    ¡°Make way,¡± Loki commanded, his voice low but absolute. The medical staff parted nervously, their gazes darting between the unconscious girl and the trickster god.

    Loki knelt beside Valerie, brushing a strand of hair from her face. There was an uncharacteristic softness in his tone as he murmured, ¡°Poor child. You¡¯ve no idea what dwells within you. The Seventh deadly sins¡­ A skill that is both a curse and a gift, both untamed and unkind.¡±

    His fingers lingered on her cheek for a moment longer. ¡°When the time comes, I will teach you to wield it¡ªnot as a burden but as a weapon.¡±

    With a final glance, Loki stood, his usual mischief returning to his expression as he turned to the nurses. ¡°Tend to her. Let no harm come to her¡ªor you¡¯ll have me to answer to.¡±

    As suddenly as he¡¯d appeared, he was gone, leaving the staff in stunned silence. They quickly rushed to work, monitoring Valerie¡¯s vitals and ensuring her condition stabilized.

    ---

    In the control room, the professors huddled around monitors, their faces pale and drawn. The air was tense, their discussions frantic and disjointed. Then, with a flash of green light, Loki materialized before them, his presence sending a ripple of panic through the room.

    ¡°Dean Thorne,¡± Loki said, his voice like ice.

    The dean jumped, nearly knocking over a stack of papers. ¡°Y-yes, my lord! How may I be of service, your grace?¡± he stammered, bowing low.

    Loki¡¯s piercing gaze locked onto him. ¡°Only one, Dean,¡± he said, his voice carrying an unspoken threat. ¡°Valerie Nordin is to be treated as a queen. You will provide her with every resource she needs. You will ensure her safety. Is that understood?¡±

    The dean swallowed hard, sweat beading on his brow. ¡°Yes, my lord. I will ensure it personally,¡± he said, his voice trembling.

    Loki¡¯s lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes remained cold. ¡°Good. Do not fail me, mortal.¡±

    With that, he vanished, leaving the professors staring at the empty space where he¡¯d stood.

    Dean Thorne sank into his chair, his hands shaking as he wiped his brow. ¡°What have we gotten ourselves into?¡± he muttered.

    ¡ª

    Kian groaned as he stirred awake, the cold bite of metal around his wrists and ankles jolting him fully into consciousness. His eyes darted around the dimly lit room, shadows dancing from a single, flickering bulb overhead. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of machinery and the faint scent of damp concrete. He tugged at the chains binding him to the chair, but they didn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse.

    ¡°Hello, Kian. Remember me?¡± A voice rang out from the shadows, smooth and laced with mockery.

    His head snapped up. ¡°Who are you? Show yourself!¡±

    The voice chuckled, soft footsteps echoing as a figure emerged from the darkness. Kian¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as the faint glow from the overhead bulb revealed the familiar face.

    ¡°Professor Kohn? What¡­ What are you doing here? Where are we?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with both relief and confusion.

    The woman¡ªProfessor Kohn¡ªsmiled, but it wasn¡¯t the warm, reassuring smile of a mentor. It was cold, calculated, and sent a chill down Kian¡¯s spine. She stepped closer, her arms crossed, exuding an aura of authority and menace he¡¯d never seen before.

    ¡°We heard,¡± she began, her voice measured, ¡°that Futuroganti had taken an interest in you. So we decided to act first. Consider it... proactive measures.¡±

    ¡°Futuroganti?¡± Kian repeated, his brow furrowed. ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t know anything about them!¡±

    Professor Kohn tilted her head, studying him as though he were a specimen under a microscope. ¡°Oh, come now, Mr. Drexler. Let¡¯s not waste each other¡¯s time with lies. What are you hiding?¡±

 Chapter 12 - Lies!

    The professors reconvened in the grand meeting hall three days later. The atmosphere was a strange mix of tension and relief. The walls were lined with digital monitors displaying various news outlets and social media feeds, all singing the praises of the recent Gala.

    On one of the screens, a news anchor enthusiastically recapped the highlights:

    ¡°Citizens across the city are buzzing with admiration for the spectacular display at the Gala! Especially the unforgettable clash between the mighty Thor and the rising star, Valerie Nordin. Her grace and skill have sparked debates about her potential future as a true icon of our age!¡±

    Clips of Valerie effortlessly dodging Thor¡¯s attacks played in a loop, her golden aura from that night making her look ethereal. Hashtags like #ValerieVsThor, #GoldenGrace, and #NewHeroine trended across multiple platforms.

    Professor Halstein folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. ¡°The citizens are eating it up,¡± he said, gesturing to the screens. ¡°They think it was all part of the show.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s how it should remain,¡± Dean Thorne said firmly, glancing around the room. ¡°The truth about the attack stays within these walls. Chaos is the last thing we need right now.¡±

    Professor Kohn adjusted her glasses and leaned forward, her tone measured. ¡°But is it wise to keep them entirely in the dark?¡ªwe¡¯re leaving the public vulnerable.¡±

    ¡°On the contrary,¡± Halstein countered, ¡°telling them would only invite panic and paranoia. Let them believe in the spectacle. It gives them hope, not fear.¡±

    ¡°Hope built on lies is a fragile thing,¡± Kohn said softly, though her words carried a sharper edge.

    Dean Thorne cut in before the debate could escalate. ¡°Our priority is to maintain order. The citizens feel inspired by the event and by Valerie¡¯s performance. That¡¯s a narrative we can control. Until we know more, that narrative stays.¡±

    Professor Thomson, still nursing his grudge, huffed loudly. ¡°Control or not, what are we going to do about her?¡± He pointed to a paused frame of Valerie on the screen, her golden hair glowing as she exchanged blows with Thor. ¡°She¡¯s dangerous. That kind of power¡ªpaired with her arrogance¡ªwill only cause more problems. We can¡¯t keep coddling her.¡±

    Thorne¡¯s eyes snapped to Thomson, his voice low and cold. ¡°Do you remember Loki¡¯s exact words, Thomson?¡±

    Thomson hesitated, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. ¡°He said¡ª¡±

    ¡°He said,¡± the dean interrupted, ¡°that Valerie Nordin is to be treated like a queen. Not a student, not a liability, and certainly not as a problem. A queen. Do you understand the implications of disobeying that order?¡±

    Thomson¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°I do, sir. But¡ª¡±

    ¡°There is no ¡®but,¡¯¡± Thorne snapped, his voice rising. ¡°Loki chose her. Whether we like it or not, she¡¯s under divine protection. You will ensure she is respected, or you¡¯ll be explaining your actions to a god. And trust me, Thomson, Loki doesn¡¯t take kindly to excuses.¡±

    The room fell silent.

    Halstein smirked slightly, clearly enjoying Thomson¡¯s discomfort, but said nothing. Kohn kept her face neutral, though her mind was racing with the implications.

    The dean leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. ¡°This is not just about Valerie. The stability of our institution¡ªand by extension, this city¡ªdepends on us handling this situation with care. I trust you all to act accordingly.¡± His gaze shifted back to Thomson, sharp as a blade. ¡°And Thomson, for the love of all that is holy, do not screw this up.¡±

    Thomson swallowed hard, his face turning red again, but he gave a curt nod. ¡°Understood, Dean.¡±

    The room grew quiet.

    ¡°Dean,¡± Professor Halstein began, his tone cautious, ¡°isn¡¯t it¡­ peculiar that a god¡ªLoki, no less¡ªwould take such an interest in a mortal like Valerie Nordin?¡± His expression wavered between concern and confusion. ¡°This isn¡¯t typical divine intervention.¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s strange,¡± the dean replied, his voice heavy. ¡°But what choice do we have? A god¡¯s order is absolute, and we are mere mortals in their eyes.¡±

    ¡°Nothing, sir,¡± Halstein conceded with a resigned shrug. ¡°A god¡¯s order is indeed a god¡¯s order.¡±

    The room grew quiet again, save for the faint hum of the overhead lights. Dean Thorne straightened, adjusting his tie. ¡°Now, our most pressing concern is Kian Drexler,¡± he said, his tone resolute. ¡°We need to determine who took him and why.¡±

    A voice from the far end of the table chimed in¡ªProfessor Kohn. Her usually calm demeanor was now tinged with urgency. ¡°Dean, it¡¯s obvious who¡¯s responsible, Futuroganti. As the association informed us before, they¡¯ve infiltrated our systems by sending one of their operatives as a student. This is probably just another one of their schemes to destabilize us.¡±

    ¡°Futuroganti?¡± Professor Halstein repeated, frowning. ¡°Do we have evidence of their involvement?¡±

    ¡°Do we need more evidence?¡± Kohn retorted, her voice sharp. ¡°Do I need to repeat myself? Who else would dare something like this? We can¡¯t afford to ignore the threat.¡±

    ¡°Convenient,¡± Halstein muttered under his breath, earning a sharp glance from Kohn.

    The dean raised a hand to silence the brewing argument. ¡°Kohn¡¯s point has merit,¡± he said. ¡°But we cannot act without certainty. This could be a diversion or a false flag. We need to tread carefully.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Dean,¡± Kohn pressed, her voice softening just enough to seem earnest. ¡°If we hesitate, Kian¡¯s life could be at risk. We must act swiftly.¡±

    Thorne¡¯s brow furrowed. He could feel the room dividing¡ªthose who sided with Kohn¡¯s assertive stance and those wary of her fervor. The tension was palpable, and it was clear that every word spoken carried weight.

    ¡°I agree,¡± the dean said at last, earning nods from some of the professors and uneasy glances from others. ¡°We¡¯ll investigate Futuroganti as our primary suspect. However, we will also consider alternative possibilities. I¡¯ll personally ensure the investigation is thorough.¡±

    ¡°Then what is our next step, sir?¡± Halstein asked, his tone cautiously neutral.

    Dean Thorne paused, his gaze sweeping across the room before settling back on Halstein. ¡°I will convene with the leader of the Ten Suns,¡± he declared. ¡°Their resources and expertise are unparalleled. If anyone can provide clarity¡ªor assistance¡ªit¡¯s them.¡±

    The room fell silent at the mention of the Ten Suns, a group of elite heroes whose reputation was both revered and feared. The professors exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others remained visibly tense.

    ¡°Understood, Dean,¡± Kohn said, her voice calm but with a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. She leaned back in her chair, folding her hands in her lap as though she¡¯d won a silent victory.

    ¡°Good,¡± the dean said, gathering his papers. ¡°This meeting is adjourned. Prepare your departments for any necessary measures, and keep an eye on your students. We can¡¯t afford any more surprises.¡±

    As the professors filed out, Kohn lingered at the back of the room, her expression unreadable. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing slightly before she exited into the corridor.

    In the shadows of the hallway, she pulled out a small device and pressed a button. A faint, distorted voice answered.

    ¡°Report.¡±

    ¡°The faculty is buying it,¡± Kohn whispered, her voice cold and calculating.

    ¡°Good,¡± the voice replied. ¡°Proceed as planned. And remember, Professor¡ªno loose ends.¡±

    Kohn smirked, slipping the device back into her pocket. ¡°Of course,¡± she murmured to herself, disappearing into the maze of corridors.

    ---

    The moonlight filtered through the curtains of Fiona¡¯s quiet dorm room, casting long, silvery beams across the floor. The air felt thick with stillness, broken only by the faint hum of her laptop. For the last three days, Fiona had watched video after video of the Gala. Each clip glorified the spectacle, hailing Valerie as a daring mortal who had challenged Thor himself.

    ¡°She fought a god¡­¡± Fiona murmured to herself. ¡°And now she¡¯s paying the price for it.¡± Her voice broke slightly, and she quickly shook her head as if to ward off her emotions.

    Comment sections buzzed with admiration, memes of Valerie¡¯s golden transformation flooded her feed, and even critics couldn¡¯t deny the grandeur of her performance.

    But as Fiona¡¯s eyes wandered to the other side of the room, where Valerie¡¯s bed lay untouched, the hollow silence in her chest grew heavier. Her friend was still in the hospital, locked in a coma. Valerie¡¯s body had betrayed her, unable to withstand the strain of the transformation, leaving her broken and unresponsive.

    Fiona sighed, closing the laptop with a snap. ¡°Why did I even get attached?¡± she muttered, running her hands through her hair. ¡°I wasn¡¯t supposed to feel like this¡­ Wasn¡¯t supposed to care.¡±

    Unable to bear the weight of her thoughts, Fiona stood abruptly and flopped onto her bed. She rolled onto her side, ¡°And then there¡¯s him¡­¡± she whispered, flipping back onto her back. Her eyes stared at the ceiling as a conflicted smile tugged at her lips. ¡°Kian Drexler¡­ Why does thinking about you make me feel like this?¡± Her hand clenched her blanket. ¡°Is this what love feels like? Or is it regret? No!¡± Her chest tightened. ¡°He¡¯s the target, nothing more!¡± she whispered bitterly. ¡°But¡­ I lost him. I¡ª I actually lost him¡­¡±

    Tears stung her eyes, but Fiona refused to let them fall. She buried her face deeper into the pillow, letting exhaustion take her. Sleep came, but it was restless and full of fragmented dreams.

    ---

    The morning light streamed through the windows, warm and intrusive. Fiona groaned as her alarm buzzed, dragging herself out of bed. She dressed quickly, her headphones already blaring melancholic tunes that only seemed to deepen her sadness.

    ¡°How unprofessional,¡± she muttered under her breath as she slung her bag over her shoulder and left the dorm. ¡°Getting emotional over a teammate and a target? Pull it together, Fiona.¡±

    As she walked across campus, the oracle system popped up in her vision, the translucent blue interface hovering in the air.

    ---

    Fiona Allen

    Lvl: 1

    Strength: 40/50

    Speed: 90/100

    Agility: 95/100

    Intelligence: 80/100

    Durability: 60/60

    Power output: 30/40

    Quests - Path of the Legends: (Status: On Hold - Instructor has not yet assigned)

    ---

    She scowled at the stats. ¡°This isn¡¯t even close to my real stats.¡± she grumbled.

    The day dragged on as classes rolled by, one boring lecture after another. Fiona sat through the same tired rhetoric about hero ethics and proper conduct, her mind drifting elsewhere.

    Her day took a turn for the worse when Anderson swaggered into her line of sight. The self-proclaimed "star of the academy" spent most of his time bullying others and making lewd comments at anyone who caught his eye¡ªFiona included.

    As Fiona stood by her locker, Anderson leaned casually against the one beside hers, his smirk oozing arrogance. ¡°Hey, Fiona. Been keeping an eye on you. You looked lonely yesterday. Want me to keep you company next time?¡±

    Fiona didn¡¯t even look up. ¡°Not interested, Anderson. Go away.¡±

    ¡°Aw, don¡¯t be like that,¡± he drawled, inching closer. ¡°A girl like you shouldn¡¯t be sitting by herself. You need someone to, you know¡­ keep you warm.¡± His grin widened. ¡°And I¡¯ve got plenty of heat to spare.¡±

    Fiona slammed her locker shut, her icy glare pinning him in place. ¡°Try another line, Anderson. That one¡¯s stale.¡±

    He chuckled, clearly unbothered. ¡°Come on, Fiona. Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not curious. A night with me? You¡¯d never forget it.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Fiona said dryly, brushing past him. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know when hell freezes over.¡±

    Anderson raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning. ¡°Fiery. I like that.¡±

    She rolled her eyes and turned away, refusing to engage further. But she could feel his gaze burning into her back, and it took everything in her not to punch him then and there.

    ---

    By the time the day ended, Fiona needed to escape. She found herself by the lake not far from campus, the water¡¯s surface shimmering under the setting sun. The stillness of the area gave her a moment to think, but her thoughts were anything but calm.

    As she stared at the rippling water, a crunch of leaves behind her broke the peace. She turned, her eyes narrowing as Anderson¡¯s goons approached, their hulking frames blocking her view of the path.

    ¡°Can¡¯t a girl get some peace?¡± Fiona muttered, standing.

    Before she could confront them, two shadows moved silently from the trees. In an instant, the goons were yanked into the woods, their muffled grunts echoing briefly before silence returned.

    A third figure emerged, cloaked and hooded, stopping a few feet from Fiona. ¡°We¡¯ve found him,¡± the figure said, their voice low but clear.

    Fiona¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Kian?¡±

    The figure nodded.

    Fiona¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, her earlier sadness replaced by determination. ¡°Prepare for war,¡± she said, her voice cold and resolute.

    The figure bowed slightly before vanishing as quickly as they had appeared. Fiona turned back to the lake, her reflection staring back at her.

 Chapter 13 - The Truth

    The soft hum of machines filled the quiet hospital room, blending with the gentle tap of rain against the window. Valerie sat propped up on the bed, her silver hair tucked behind her ears. Her face, still pale from days of recovery, carried a fragile warmth as she looked at her father, who stood by the door, his coat half-on and his bag in hand.

    ¡°Are you leaving today, Dad? Can you stay a little longer?¡± she asked softly, her voice tinged with hope that she already knew was futile.

    Her father paused, his shoulders slumping just slightly. ¡°I have to, pumpkin. I wish I could stay longer but you know how it is... The factory¡¯s shorthanded, and I was lucky they even let me take these days off.¡± He turned to look at her, his face etched with fatigue and regret.

    Valerie forced a small smile, though her chest tightened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad. I made you worry too much. And¡­ about the bills¡­¡± She looked away, guilt weighing her voice. ¡°I promise to pay it back. All of it.¡±

    The bag in her father¡¯s hand dropped to the floor with a soft thud. He sighed, moving back toward her bedside. Without a word, he sat on the edge of the bed and placed his calloused hand on hers, the same hand that had worked years of double shifts to keep food on the table.

    ¡°Valerie.¡± His voice was steady, but there was sadness in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m always worried about you. That¡¯s what being a father means. It doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re eighteen or eighty¡ªyou¡¯ll always be my little girl.¡±

    She blinked quickly, trying to keep her tears at bay

    ¡°And about the bills¡­ someone already paid them.¡±

    Valerie turned sharply to him, surprise flickering across her face. ¡°What? Who?¡±

    Her father shrugged, a faint smile breaking through his exhaustion. ¡°I don¡¯t know. The hospital wouldn¡¯t say, but whoever it was¡­ I¡¯m grateful. Don¡¯t worry about that anymore, okay?¡± He squeezed her hand. ¡°Even if I had paid, I wouldn¡¯t let you pay me back. That¡¯s not how this works.¡±

    ¡°But, Dad¡ª¡±

    He cut her off with a soft chuckle. ¡°Once you get your license, then you can take care of me. Isn¡¯t that what you always say?¡± His grin widened, though his voice softened again. ¡°You don¡¯t have to, pumpkin. But if that promise makes you happy, I¡¯ll hold you to it.¡±

    Valerie couldn¡¯t hold back the smile that crept onto her face. She sat up slightly and opened her arms. Her father leaned down, pulling her into a warm, firm hug.

    ¡°Three more years, Dad,¡± she murmured against his shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be counting down the days,¡± he replied, his voice a low whisper.

    As they pulled apart, her father ran a hand through his graying hair and glanced at her curiously. ¡°By the way, any idea who paid the bills? I asked the nurse, but she clammed up tighter than Fort Truga.¡±

    Valerie frowned in thought, then a small realization struck. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure, but¡­ I¡¯ve got this friend. She¡¯s from a wealthy family. It¡¯s probably her.¡±

    Her father¡¯s eyes lit up with recognition. ¡°Fiona, right?¡±

    Valerie nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s such an angel,¡± her father said warmly. ¡°I met her the day I came here. She always stayed by your side, barely leaving the room. She looked so worried about you.¡± He hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°But I haven¡¯t seen her for the last two days. I wonder where she went¡­¡±

    Valerie¡¯s smile faltered just a little. ¡°Oh. Well¡­ things probably got too busy at the Uni. She¡¯s always running around doing something.¡±

    ¡°Busy or not, that girl cares about you. You¡¯re lucky to have someone like her.¡±

    Valerie leaned back against the pillows, her heart strangely light despite the lingering ache in her body. A friend. The word settled in her chest, warm and unfamiliar.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she whispered. ¡°I¡¯m proud to call her my friend.¡±

    Her father¡¯s expression shifted, a shadow of worry crossing his face. ¡°Val, listen,¡± he said gently. ¡°Promise me something, okay? Next time, don¡¯t push yourself too hard. You¡¯re practically invincible, I know. But you¡¯re not without weakness.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°My weakness? What are you talking about?¡±

    He hesitated, the weight of years of secrecy evident in his posture. ¡°Exhaustion, Val. You get so focused, so driven, that your body can¡¯t keep up with your powers. This¡­ this wasn¡¯t the first time something like this happened.¡±

    Valerie blinked, stunned. ¡°What do you mean? When else did this happen?¡±

    ¡°When you were little,¡± he said quietly. ¡°There were times when you¡¯d push yourself too hard¡ªsometimes even transform like you did at the Gala. And afterward, your body would just¡­ shut down. You¡¯d be helpless, no longer invincible, for days.¡±

    Her breath hitched. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me this before? Did Mom know?¡±

    Her father sighed, his shoulders slumping. ¡°We didn¡¯t think it would ever happen again. You¡¯ve grown so strong. I thought you¡¯d outgrown it.¡± He paused, his voice growing even softer. ¡°As for your mom¡­ Val, what do you know about her? Did she ever tell you anything about herself?¡±

    Valerie furrowed her brows, her mind spinning. ¡°Mom was¡­ Mom. She was loving and caring. Why? What are you trying to say?¡±

    He hesitated, his hands trembling slightly as he gripped hers. ¡°She wanted to tell you herself, but¡­ that incident...¡±

    Tears welled in his eyes, his voice breaking as he continued. ¡°I¡¯ve carried this burden for so long, hoping the right time would come. Maybe that time is now. Maybe¡­ maybe you deserve to know the truth.¡±

    Valerie stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. ¡°Dad, what are you talking about? What truth?¡±

    He looked up, his gaze distant, as though searching the heavens. ¡°Honey,¡± he whispered, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time. It¡¯s time our daughter knows.¡±

    A single tear slipped down his cheek as he returned his gaze to Valerie. His voice was heavy with emotion as he said, ¡°The truth about your mother¡­ about you¡±.

    ¡°Please I need to know, Dad¡±

    Valerie¡¯s father let out a long breath, his eyes misty with nostalgia. ¡°It all started when I was seventeen,¡± he began, his voice soft but steady. ¡°I worked late nights in the garage with your granddad. We were mechanics¡ªgrease-stained hands, the hum of engines, and the smell of oil¡­ that was my world. I loved it, but it was just another ordinary night for me. Until we heard it.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Valerie leaned forward slightly, captivated. ¡°Heard what?¡±

    ¡°A noise¡ªloud, roaring, like a jet engine, but stranger. It didn¡¯t sound like anything we¡¯d ever heard before. It came from the woods behind our garage, shaking the ground. My dad and I grabbed flashlights and went to check it out. We figured maybe a plane had crashed.¡±

    He paused, his voice lowering. ¡°But what we found¡­ it wasn¡¯t a plane. It was a spaceship. Sleek, smooth, and completely alien. We were stunned. And inside, there she was.¡±

    ¡°Mom?¡± Valerie asked quietly.

    Her father nodded, his face softening. ¡°Yeah, your mom. She was slumped over, unconscious, with a nasty gash on her forehead. We didn¡¯t know if she was alive or¡­ something else. But we couldn¡¯t just leave her there. My dad and I carried her and that ship back to the garage. It wasn¡¯t easy¡ªthe thing was heavier than it looked. We hid the spaceship under a tarp in the barn. If anyone saw us¡­ well, it wouldn¡¯t have been good.¡±

    He smiled faintly. ¡°Your grandma took one look at her and said, ¡®Bring her in. We¡¯ll take care of her.¡¯ That¡¯s how your mom ended up in our house. She was¡­ different. At first, she didn¡¯t speak a word we could understand. But she was alert, always watching, always listening.¡±

    ¡°How long did it take her to learn Vorenthean?¡± Valerie asked.

    ¡°About a month,¡± her dad said, impressed even now. ¡°She was sharp, your mom. Picked up on things fast. And she didn¡¯t just learn the language. She started helping out in the garage too. At first, I thought she was just curious. But it turned out she had a real knack for engines. She¡¯d take one look at something, and she just knew how it worked.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Better than you?¡±

    He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Not always. Your mom was good¡ªreal good¡ªbut there were some things I had over her. For one, she didn¡¯t understand the small-town charm of fixing up old beaters or making do with what you had. She was used to advanced tech, so when it came to improvising, I had the edge. I¡¯d rig up something with duct tape and baling wire, and she¡¯d just stare at me like I was a magician.¡±

    Valerie grinned. ¡°That¡¯s sounds like you, Dad¡±

    ¡°But there was something else,¡± he added, his smile turning wry. ¡°Her strength. She didn¡¯t know her own limits, not at first. I can¡¯t tell you how many bolts she snapped clean in half or how many tools she bent out of shape just trying to use them. She¡¯d grip a wrench too hard, and it¡¯d warp like it was made of clay. Your granddad would tease her about it, but I could tell it frustrated her. She didn¡¯t like feeling out of control.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s expression softened. ¡°That sounds¡­ hard for her.¡±

    ¡°It was,¡± her dad said. ¡°But she adapted. We worked on it together. I showed her how to handle things gently, how to focus on precision instead of brute force. I think she appreciated that¡ªme being able to teach her something, even though she was so much smarter and stronger in other ways.¡±

    He smiled, the memory clearly warming his heart. ¡°We had this one moment¡­ I¡¯ll never forget it. She was struggling to fix a stubborn transmision. I came over, showed her how to hold the wrench just right, and our hands brushed. She looked up at me, and for the first time, I saw her drop that guarded, serious expression. She smiled¡ªreally smiled¡ªand I swear, my heart nearly stopped.¡±

    Valerie blinked, touched by the tenderness in his voice. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ really sweet, Dad.¡±

    He chuckled softly. ¡°Yeah, well, it wasn¡¯t all smooth sailing. The sheriff came by one day, asking about strange sightings in the area. We had to hide her in the barn while my mom stalled him. Your mom was crouched in the hay, holding her breath. When the sheriff left, she burst out laughing¡ªsaid it was the most excitement she¡¯d had in weeks. I told her to take it seriously, and she just smirked and said, ¡®I had it under control.¡¯ That was your mom¡ªalways ¡®under control¡¯.¡±

    He grew quiet for a moment, his smile fading. ¡°When you were born, we decided to keep everything a secret. Your mom didn¡¯t want you to grow up with the weight of her past. But she did tell me one thing. She said there was something special about you. Something in your blood.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What did she mean?¡±

    ¡°I wish I knew,¡± he admitted. ¡°She never told me much, just that you were extraordinary. She said you¡¯d understand one day. I think she wanted you to figure it out on your own.¡±

    He reached out and took Valerie¡¯s hand, his grip firm but warm. ¡°Your mom¡­ she was everything to me. And you, pumpkin, you¡¯re everything she hoped for. She¡¯d be so proud of you.¡±

    Valerie felt a lump in her throat, tears welling in her eyes. ¡°Thanks for telling me, Dad. I¡­ I wish I could¡¯ve known her better.¡±

    Her father smiled, pulling her into a hug. ¡°She¡¯s always with you, Val. Always.¡±

    They shared a tender moment together, embracing one last time before her dad finally stood, adjusting the strap of his worn duffel bag.

    ¡°Remember what I said, okay?¡± he began, his voice firm but warm. ¡°No more overworking yourself. If things get out of hand, just run. Promise me.¡± Then, his expression softened, pride glimmering in his eyes. ¡°But I have to admit, pumpkin, you did great. Fighting a God and still standing? That¡¯s incredible. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±

    Valerie felt a lump in her throat as she met his gaze. ¡°Thanks, Dad. That really means a lot, coming from you.¡± Then she grinned, adding with mock seriousness, ¡°And don¡¯t forget¡ªyou, too. No overworking yourself!¡±

    Her father laughed, shaking his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work that way. I¡¯m supposed to worry about you, kiddo, not the other way around.¡±

    ¡°Old habits die hard.¡±

    They shared a laugh that lightened the bittersweet weight of his departure.

    Before her Dad, Mr. Nordin, could leave, the door creaked open, and the doctor entered. But there was something peculiar about the way he moved¡ªgraceful yet deliberate, as if every step was part of some unseen performance. He wore a faint, knowing smile, the kind that seemed to hide endless secrets. His sharp, striking features gave him an almost otherworldly air, though he wore normal lab coat.

    Without a word, the doctor strode over to Mr. Nordin and wrapped him in an unexpected hug.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the doctor said softly, his voice rich and smooth, as if each syllable was chosen with care. ¡°Thank you for raising such a fine warrior. And thank you for being everything she needed, even when the world around you made it difficult.¡±

    Her dad froze, his arms awkwardly hanging at his sides. ¡°Uh¡­ you¡¯re welcome?¡± He glanced at Valerie, who looked equally confused. ¡°I think?¡±

    The doctor stepped back, his smile widening ever so slightly, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. ¡°Forgive me. I suppose that was... impulsive. But it¡¯s rare to meet someone who truly understands the weight of parenthood. You¡¯ve done well, Nordin.¡±

    ¡°Well, uh, thanks for the compliment, Doc,¡± He replied, scratching the back of his head. ¡°But maybe give a guy a heads-up next time you¡¯re going in for a hug.¡±

    The doctor chuckled, a low, melodic sound that filled the room. ¡°Noted. Now,¡± he said, turning toward Valerie, his expression brightening, ¡°I¡¯m here for a specific reason. The university has seen fit to reward your courage and strength with an upgrade to your oracle system. Consider it a gesture of gratitude¡ªfor the exceptional potential you¡¯ve shown.¡±

    Valerie sat up a little straighter, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. ¡°An upgrade? What kind of upgrade?¡±

    The doctor retrieved a device from his coat pocket, holding it up for her to see. It was unlike anything she¡¯d ever encountered¡ªsleek, triangular, and etched with intricate carvings that seemed to shift under the light, glowing faintly with an emerald hue.

    ¡°This,¡± he said, his voice almost reverent, ¡°is a prototype. Far beyond what heroes have access to. Faster, more versatile, and equipped with capabilities tailored specifically for someone of your... unique disposition.¡±

    Valerie blinked, her fingers itching to hold it. ¡°It¡¯s... beautiful. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but beauty is secondary to utility,¡± the doctor replied with a sly grin. ¡°This is a tool¡ªa powerful one¡ªbut only if wielded wisely. Use it to grow stronger, smarter. But not yet,¡± he added, wagging a long, elegant finger at her. ¡°Your body is still recovering. Rest first, then explore its wonders.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Valerie muttered, rolling her eyes. ¡°Everyone keeps telling me to rest.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps because you need to hear it,¡± the doctor teased, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.

    He turned back to Mr. Nordin, his tone softening. ¡°Thank you again, Mr. Nordin. Truly. You¡¯ve given her the kind of foundation most can only dream of. I¡¯ll see to it that she has everything she needs moving forward.¡±

    Mr. Nordin hesitated, studying the doctor with narrowed eyes. ¡°Well¡­ thanks, I guess. You seem... very invested in my daughter¡¯s success.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say,¡± the doctor replied, his smile widening, ¡°I have a soft spot for those with great potential.¡±

    With that, he placed the glowing device gently on the table and made his way to the door. Before he exited, he paused, turning back to Valerie with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, and Valerie? Do try not to break this one.¡±

    Her brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Break it? I¡¯ve never broken an oracle system before.¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± he said with a wink, then disappeared down the hallway, leaving Valerie and her father staring after him, perplexed.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± Mr. Nordin asked, his tone half amused, half bewildered.

    Valerie laughed softly. ¡°I have no idea. But I think... he might be the weirdest doctor I¡¯ve ever met.¡±

    Mr. Nordin shook his head, chuckling. ¡°Pumpkin, your life just keeps getting stranger.¡±

    She leaned back against her pillows, a faint smile playing on her lips as she stared at the glowing oracle system. ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

 Chapter 14 - It begins.

    Valerie stood by the hospital bed, her sharp gaze sweeping the room to ensure she hadn''t forgotten anything. Dressed and ready to leave, she was about to turn when her eyes caught the faint green glow of the prototype oracle system sitting on the bedside table.

    "Almost forgot about you," she muttered, picking it up. Turning it over in her hands, she marveled at its design. ¡°So this is a prototype, huh? Looks... fancy.¡±

    The triangular device, etched with intricate carvings and glowing emerald light, felt both futuristic and ancient. She brought it to her left ear, where it clicked into place effortlessly.

    As soon as it connected, the interface sprang to life, floating in front of her like a hologram. The usual mundane blue or yellow display had been replaced with intricate emerald borders that pulsed faintly, as if alive.

    ¡ª

    VALERIE NORDIN

    Level: 1

    Strength: 100/100

    Speed: 100/100

    Agility: 95/100

    Intelligence: 40/100

    Durability: 100/100

    Power Output: 50/100

    ¡ª

    "Well, hello there," Valerie muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Almost perfect stats. But... What''s up with my intelligence? Please tell me that¡¯s the average stats, I am not that stupid right?¡± Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the stats. ¡°And power output¡¯s only 50? Whoa, that¡¯s cool and scary at the same time, imagine how much stronger it will be once I maxed it out. ¡±

    She scrolled down.

    ¡ª

    MAIN QUEST: Become the Champion of the Gods.

    Chapter 1: The End has a Beginning.

    Objectives:

    - Conquer 10 dungeons (0/10).

    Skills:

    > Laser Vision (Mastery: 50.19%)

    > Fire Breath (Mastery: 50.3%)

    > Ice Breath (Mastery: 50.7%)

    > Infrared Vision (Mastery: 100%)

    > Aspects of the Damned, The 7th Aspect: Divine Pride (Mastery: 2.8%)

    - Royal Arrogance: Reflexes increased by 200%.

    - Keen Battle Sense: Grants future sight (predict enemy movements).

    - Fragility of a Flawless Elegance: Damage received increased by 250%.

    ¡ª

    ¡°What the hell is this?¡± Valerie hissed, her voice low. Her eyes darted across the screen. ¡°Is this... normal? Everybody else get quests like this? ¡®Champion of the Gods¡¯? That sounds insane, do I need to become a priest or something? And what''s with these Aspects? ¡®Fragility of a Flawless Elegance¡¯? Who wrote this garbage?¡±

    Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. She turned sharply to see a nurse enter¡ªa striking woman with jet-black hair, piercing green eyes, and a statuesque build. Valerie immediately felt a rare pang of surprise. The nurse was taller than her¡ªa rarity, given Valerie¡¯s towering height of 6¡¯1¡±.

    ¡°Miss Nordin,¡± the nurse said with a soft, melodic voice. ¡°Are you ready to leave? Is there anything I can assist you with?¡±

    Valerie blinked, quickly shutting the holographic interface. ¡°No, I¡¯m good. Just about to head out.¡±

    The nurse nodded but lingered, her vibrant green eyes studying Valerie with an intensity that made her slightly uncomfortable.

    ¡°Actually...¡± Valerie began hesitantly, rubbing the back of her neck. ¡°Can I ask you something? Have you ever heard about someone becoming ¡®The Champion of the Gods¡¯?¡±

    The nurse tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a small, enigmatic smile. Gods¡¯ Champion, you say?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Valerie continued, her tone more defensive now. ¡°My system gave me that quest¡ªto become the Champion, Sounds ridiculous, right?¡±

    The nurse¡¯s smile deepened, though there was something unreadable in her expression. ¡°I¡¯ve met many heroes, some of them the most powerful beings alive. And yet... I¡¯ve never heard of anyone receiving a quest like that. The most ambitious quests I¡¯ve seen were to become Legends.¡±

    ¡°Figures,¡± Valerie muttered, crossing her arms. ¡°The doctor told me this system¡¯s a prototype, so maybe it¡¯s just... experimental?¡±

    "Perhaps," the nurse mused, her voice carrying a playful lilt, yet undercut by a strange gravity that sent a shiver through the air. "Or perhaps it is your destiny¡ªto rise as a champion, one who dares to bring salvation to the very imperfection of the Gods themselves.¡±

    Valerie frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    The nurse didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she simply adjusted the clipboard in her hands and said, ¡°Regardless, I hope you complete your quests. After all, lives often hang in the balance of such grand ambitions.¡± She turned to leave, pausing at the doorway to glance back. ¡°Safe travels, Miss Nordin.¡±

    Valerie stared after her, unsettled by the strange interaction. ¡°Thanks... I guess.¡±

    Once the nurse departed, she turned her attention back to the glowing oracle system, its ethereal light casting shifting shadows across her troubled face. "Champion of the Gods?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with disbelief. "What does that even mean? Gods don¡¯t need champions¡­ do they? And why me? I don¡¯t worship any gods. Shouldn¡¯t they choose a priest or someone more¡­ devout?" Her fingers hovered over the oracle''s interface, trembling slightly as her mind raced. "And dungeons? Are we talking medieval prisons? How does one even conquer a prison? None of this makes any sense!".

    Tucking the thoughts away for later, she took a deep breath and left the hospital, stepping into a world that suddenly felt far more uncertain.

    ¡ª

    ¡°Fi, I¡¯m back!¡± Valerie called as she pushed open the door to her dorm room, the familiar scent of lavender air freshener and leftover pizza wafting out to greet her. She set her bag down by the door and added, ¡°Thanks for paying the bill, I promise I¡¯ll pay it back¡ª¡±

    Her words trailed off as she lifted her gaze. The room was empty.

    ¡°Weird,¡± she muttered, frowning. The usually chaotic space¡ªmarked by Fiona¡¯s colorful clutter and half-finished energy drinks¡ªfelt eerily still. ¡°It¡¯s already nighttime. Do night classes exist? Or did I miss something?¡±

    Shaking her head, she decided to let it go. Fiona was probably off somewhere doing school stuff, or partying somewhere, maybe. Valerie moved to her bed, tidied up for the next day, and changed into her comfortable night pajamas¡ªan oversized shirt with the words ¡°Keep Calm and Smash Villains¡± printed across the front.

    Sliding under the covers, she grabbed her phone and for the first time after being hospitalized, began scrolling through the news and social media. Her fingers paused as a headline caught her attention: "Valerie Nordin vs. The Mighty Thor: The Battle That Shook the Gala."

    ¡°Whoa,¡± she whispered, clicking on the video.

    The screen filled with dramatic footage of her clash with Thor, filmed from multiple angles by attendees at the gala. The comments section was flooded with awe and excitement.

    ---

    ¡°Did you see how she took that hit?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s like a tank disguised as a supermodel!¡±

    ¡°Valerie managed to give a God, yes a God, a run for his money! Unheard of¡±

    ---

    Valerie¡¯s eyes widened as she watched herself in action. The scene where her hair turned from silver to gold played in slow motion, and her glowing red eyes stared back at her through the screen. Her voice in the video was deeper, regal, and commanding.

    ¡°Why did I talk like that?¡± Valerie groaned, cringing at her own words. ¡°¡®Bow before your¡ª,¡¯¡± she mimicked in a mocking tone. ¡°Ugh, I sound like a spoiled brat or something. Ew, ew!¡±

    Still, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. The praise in the comments, the recognition¡ªit was intoxicating.  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    She continued scrolling, finding more videos and articles about the event. Many were calling it the greatest gala in history, thanks to her unexpected performance and Gods¡¯ involvement. For a moment, she forgot about everything else¡ªher near-death experience, the cryptic oracle quest, and even the odd nurse from the hospital.

    Hours passed as she basked in the attention, her grin fading only as her eyelids grew heavy. Eventually, the glow of her phone dimmed, and sleep claimed her.

    ---

    The sun had barely crept over the horizon as Valerie stepped out of her dorm, her white sundress swaying with each purposeful stride. Fiona¡¯s gift hugged her figure perfectly, its floral patterns contrasting with her aura of strength. She looked radiant, yet imposing¡ªa contradiction she had grown used to.

    ¡°Fi, you really outdid yourself with this dress,¡± she murmured, smoothing out a crease.

    The crisp air of the campus greeted her, but something wasn¡¯t right. As she approached the heart of the university grounds, her oracle system flared to life, its emerald interface shimmering in her vision.

    ---

    Dungeon Detected.

    50m Ahead.

    Judgment: 56% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: Non-Lethal

    Execution: Optional

    Reward: 5000 EXP

    ---

    Her heart skipped a beat, and she slowed to a halt.

    ¡°What the hell is this? The campus is a ¡®dungeon¡¯? What do you mean? What even is a dungeon to you?¡± Her voice was barely above a whisper.

    Her eyes darted around the campus. Students milled about, chatting, laughing, oblivious. Yet, above each one, faint glowing words began to materialize. She zeroed in on a lanky guy slouched against a bench, his earbuds in and iced coffee in hand.

    ---

    Judgment: 5% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    ---

    Her breath caught. ¡°No... this can¡¯t be real,¡± she muttered, her fists clenching. ¡°Am I some kind of grim reaper? Is this my life? Punishment? Am I working for the Devil, now?¡±

    The oracle¡¯s silent hum seemed to taunt her, the interface overlaying her vision like an omnipresent reminder of her new role. A smirk tugged at her lips, unbidden.

    ¡°You know what? Maybe this isn¡¯t so bad. No more gray areas. I know who¡¯s bad, who¡¯s good, and who needs a solid beatdown, who needs to be sent six feet under.¡± She nodded to herself, but the lie in her words couldn¡¯t quell the unease pooling in her chest.

    As she neared her building, fate¡ªor perhaps the universe itself¡ªthrew her a curveball.

    ¡°And there she is,¡± a grating voice cut through the morning stillness.

    Anderson. Of course, it had to be Anderson. He sauntered toward her with that predatory smirk she loathed, his eyes raking over her.

    ¡°Morning, Pervert Dragon. Love the dress,¡± he purred, circling her like a shark scenting blood. ¡°Very... sexy.¡±

    Valerie stood motionless, her expression unreadable, but her eyes weren¡¯t on him¡ªthey were on the glowing text above his head.

    ---

    Judgment: 70% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: Optional (Lethal/Non-Lethal)

    Execution: Optional

    Reward: 200 EXP*

    ---

    Her pulse quickened, her jaw tightening. The oracle¡¯s silent judgment was a validation she didn¡¯t know she needed.

    ¡°You¡¯re quiet today, huh?¡± Anderson sneered, leaning closer. ¡°Cat got your¡ª¡±

    Her hand moved before she even registered the decision. A backhand, swift and brutal, connected with his face, sending him flying across the courtyard. He crashed to the ground with a sickening thud, sliding several meters before coming to a stop.

    The silence that followed was deafening. Students froze mid-step, their conversations dying as all eyes turned to Valerie. Some gawked in awe; others in fear.

    ---

    200 EXP Rewarded.

    Level Up!

    Lvl 1 > Lvl 2

    800 EXP needed for the next level.

    ---

    Valerie exhaled slowly, a smirk playing on her lips. ¡°Well, that was... oddly satisfying.¡±

    The oracle chimed again, and her vision filled with a new notification.

    ---

    Achievement Unlocked: Backhand a Monster!

    Reward: Skill Acquired ¨C Eyes of Gods

    (Grants the ability to see target¡¯s emotional state and stats.)

    ---

    Valerie stood her ground, her arms crossed as she surveyed the scene. Anderson was sprawled on the ground several meters to her left, unconscious. In front of her, his three lackeys stood frozen in terror, their wide eyes darting between her glowing red gaze and their incapacitated leader.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Valerie mused, tilting her head as her gaze flicked between them. ¡°So, here I am, standing in front of you, while your boss over there is licking dirt. And you three? Frozen like deer in headlights.¡± She chuckled darkly. ¡°Let¡¯s see what this new skill has to say about it.¡±

    The first one:

    ---

    Frozen in fear.

    Judgment: 10% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    Stats: (Click to open)

    ---

    She frowned. ¡°Ten percent? Barely a misdemeanor. You¡¯re harmless, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    The second lackey:

    ---

    Frozen in fear.

    Judgment: 15% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    Stats: (Click to open)

    ---

    ¡°You too. Just another scared puppy following the alpha around.¡± Valerie¡¯s voice was casual, but the lackeys flinched at her words.

    Then her gaze landed on the third one, and her expression shifted.

    ¡ª

    Frozen in fear.

    Judgment: 80% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: Lethal

    Execution: Optional

    Reward: 600 EXP

    Stats: (Click to open)

    ---

    Her brow arched. ¡°Well, well, well. Looks like we¡¯ve got ourselves a real bad apple.¡± She stepped closer to him, her red eyes locking onto his, and he stumbled back a step, nearly tripping over his own feet.

    ¡°Eighty percent Evil Tendencies,¡± she said, her voice low and dangerous. ¡°Punishment: lethal, but it¡¯s... optional. You must be into some fucked up shit, huh? Wonder how that shitty brain of yours thinks of things.¡± She smirked. ¡°But who am I to play judge, jury, and executioner? Oh wait¡ª¡± She snapped her fingers like a diva. ¡°That¡¯s literally my job now.¡±

    The lackey¡¯s breathing quickened, his face pale as he stared at her.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Valerie said, her voice dripping with mock reassurance. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna kill you. Yet. But...¡± She leaned in, her grin widening. ¡°That 600 EXP is really tempting.¡±

    A groan from Anderson drew her attention. She turned her head, watching as he tried to push himself up off the ground.

    ¡°Why... why the hell did you hit me?¡± he spat, his voice weak but laced with anger. ¡°You psycho¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Valerie appeared in front of him in a flash, her speed startling everyone nearby. Anderson froze, his breath hitching as her glowing eyes bore into his.

    ¡°Oh, look at you,¡± she said, crouching down to his level. ¡°You¡¯re Frozen in Fear. big boy. Tell me, what are you feeling right now? Do you hate me or scared of me?¡±

    ---

    Edward Anderson

    Status: Frozen in Fear / Hate

    Judgment: 71% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: Lethal/Non-Lethal

    Execution: Optional

    Stats: (Click to open)

    ---

    Her smirk deepened. ¡°Hate, too? Good. That¡¯ll make this even more fun. I just found out something really interesting, big boy,¡± She stood up, dusting off her hands as she continued, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

    ¡°You are a glitch to my system, an exploit, an exp farm, something like that. So this is gonna be our little thing, I''m going to ¡®gift¡¯ you a solid backhand every morning starting from today, so make sure you keep your body fit so that I don¡¯t accidently kill you. Got it?¡±

    Anderson¡¯s eyes widened, but he couldn¡¯t muster a response. Around them, whispers rippled through the gathered students¡ªsome in awe, others in fear. Valerie ignored them all, her focus on Anderson and his lackeys.

    ¡°And you,¡± she said, pointing to the third lackey with 80% Evil Tendencies. ¡°I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on you. One wrong move, and you¡¯re next.¡±

    She straightened up, brushing off her sundress as though nothing had happened. ¡°Well, this is fun,¡± she said brightly, her tone a stark contrast to the tension in the air. ¡°See you all tomorrow. Please don¡¯t change, you¡¯re perfect the way you are. My Exp bags.¡±

    With that, she turned on her heel and strode away, her laughter echoing through the courtyard.

    As she walked, the oracle chimed again.

    Valerie grinned to herself, her excitement bubbling over. ¡°This is going to be so much fun.¡±

    ¡ª

    ¡°Boss, boss, this is bad,¡± a panicked voice crackled through Fiona¡¯s communicator. ¡°Something happened with Valerie. She¡¯s¡­ unhinged. She just beat up a student¡ªcalled him an exp bags¡ªin front of the entire college. She¡¯s talking about new skills and some kind of punishment system. Our plan¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Fiona interrupted, her voice sharp despite the chaos around her. Gunfire echoed in the distance, punctuated by the occasional thud of mortar shells. She ducked instinctively as debris from a nearby building rained down. ¡°Did you just say exp bag? Like experience points in a video game? And what¡¯s this about skills and punishment?¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss! She said something about evil tendencies, punishment, and execution. She¡¯s acting¡­ off.¡±

    Fiona frowned, her gaze darting to the man standing beside her, Boyd. He was calm as always, even as the war zone around them erupted in chaos. His dark hair was dusted with ash, and his green eyes betrayed a sharp intellect that seemed to miss nothing.

    ¡°Exp points, skills, evil tendencies?¡± Fiona muttered. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like the Oracle system.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Boyd said, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade.

    Fiona turned to him, her brow furrowed. ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not unhinged,¡± Boyd said, brushing a layer of dust off his shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s her system. But it¡¯s not an Oracle system.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it?¡±

    Boyd hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether to say the words out loud. ¡°The Yggdrasil System.¡±

    The blood drained from Fiona¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± she snapped. ¡°Humans can¡¯t sync with the Yggdrasil System. It was designed for Gods by Gods¡ªit would kill a mortal brain in seconds!¡±

    Boyd tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Unless she¡¯s not entirely human.¡±

    The words hit Fiona like a hammer. She stared at him, her mind racing. ¡°Not human¡­¡± She shook her head. ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain how she survived the sync, but it would explain the exp, the skills, and this¡­ punishment system. The Oracle only unlocks latent abilities. The Yggdrasil System creates them.¡±

    ¡°And evolves the ones that already exist,¡± Boyd added grimly. ¡°If Valerie¡¯s connected to it, she¡¯s gaining power exponentially. But that kind of system doesn¡¯t come without risks.¡±

    ¡°Risks?¡± Fiona¡¯s voice hardened.

    ¡°She¡¯s at the mercy of the system¡¯s algorithms,¡± Boyd began, his tone grim. ¡°Algorithms designed by Gods¡ªbeings who don¡¯t think or act like us. Their logic is beyond human comprehension. This system isn¡¯t just guiding her; it¡¯s reshaping her. And in that process, there¡¯s a real risk she could lose her humanity entirely.¡±

    Fiona clenched her fists. ¡°Then she¡¯ll stop being Valerie.¡±

    Before Boyd could respond, a deafening explosion rocked the area, shaking the ground beneath them. A building several blocks away collapsed in on itself, sending a plume of smoke and ash into the already darkened sky.

    Boyd¡¯s hand shot out, steadying Fiona as she stumbled. ¡°That was close,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Boss!¡± the voice on the communicator screamed. ¡°We¡¯ve lost contact with one of the forward teams! The enemy¡¯s closing in!¡±

    ¡°Hold the line,¡± Fiona barked, her military instincts taking over. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with Valerie after I handle this mess.¡±

    Boyd grabbed her arm, stopping her mid-step. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly. ¡°You need to go to her. If Valerie¡¯s truly connected to the Yggdrasil System, she¡¯s more dangerous than any enemy on this battlefield.¡±

    Fiona hesitated, her mind torn.

    ¡°I¡¯ll save him,¡± Boyd said, his voice steady. ¡°But you¡¯re the only one who can reach her before it¡¯s too late.¡±

    Fiona stared at him for a long moment before nodding. ¡°You¡¯d better not die on me,¡± she muttered, grabbing her gear and sprinting toward the extraction point.

    Boyd observed her departure, his gaze inscrutable, a quiet weight settling in his words. "The Yggdrasil System... it stirs, it awakens," he murmured, his tone laced with reverence and gravity. ¡°Fiona, you must become her anchor¡ªher tether to the fragile essence of humanity. For her heart must not forsake mortal sentiment¡ªto retain the warmth and frailty of a mortal soul.¡±

 Chapter 15 - Contradiction

    Valerie entered the lecture hall, already irritated by the prospect of enduring Professor Thomson¡¯s droning monologue. She picked a seat in the middle row, hoping to stay inconspicuous. Her white sundress fluttered slightly as she adjusted herself in the chair, her annoyance simmering just beneath the surface.

    Professor Thomson, as expected, launched into another one of his grandiose speeches. His voice carried the weight of someone who believed their words would one day be etched into history.

    ¡°Heroes,¡± he began, pacing dramatically at the front of the room, ¡°are not arbiters of life and death. To kill is to fall to the same depths as the villains we oppose. Justice is not vengeance; it is a measured, collective judgment. A hero does not wield power to destroy but to inspire. Take, for instance, The Fifth Sentinel, who subdued the infamous Shadow Craze without bloodshed, though the latter had razed cities. The Fifth Sentinel understood this truth: mercy strengthens society; cruelty fractures it. Heroes must not kill, no matter the evil before them. It is the government¡¯s role, not ours, to determine the final punishment.¡±

    The classroom buzzed with murmurs of agreement, heads nodding in unison, as if they had been pre-programmed to accept this ideology. Valerie sat back, arms crossed, her jaw tightening. ''What a nonsense, the same lecture again?'' she thought.

    Valerie¡¯s gaze sharpened as she activated her new skill, the Eyes of Gods. A faint glow sparked in her irises as she focused on Professor Thomson.

    ¡ª

    Target¡¯s feelings: Prideful and Joyful

    Judgement: 90% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: Lethal

    Execution: Optional

    Reward: 1000 exp

    ¡ª

    Her breath caught. ''Ninety percent?''She leaned forward slightly, narrowing her eyes. Here stood a man preaching virtue and restraint, yet harboring a heart darker than night. A snake, cloaked in academic robes, basking in the adoration of his students.

    Valerie¡¯s mind churned as she wrestled with the implications of the system¡¯s ¡°Evil Tendencies.¡± What did the percentage really mean? Was it a measure of how likely someone was to act on their evil thoughts, or was it a tally of how many traits made up their corruption? Could someone with 90% Evil Tendencies truly be redeemed, or were they already too far gone?

    Unable to shake her curiosity, she decided to test the waters. Raising her hand with deliberate calm, she waited for Professor Thomson¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Yes, Miss Nordin?¡±

    Her voice was steady, but her words carried a pointed edge. ¡°Professor, let¡¯s say I find myself in a position where I have to make a choice: a villain has civilians held hostage. I¡¯ve tried negotiation¡ªit fails. I know the only way to save them is to eliminate the villain. Do I uphold the principles of heroism and let those people die, or do I take action and ensure they live, even if it means breaking the rule?¡±

    A murmur rippled through the classroom. Some students glanced at each other nervously, others leaned in, eager to hear the professor¡¯s response. Thomson¡¯s face darkened slightly, but he maintained his composed demeanor.

    ¡°That¡¯s a complex scenario, Miss Nordin,¡± he began, stepping forward with his hands clasped behind his back. ¡°It is not simply a matter of choosing life or death. When we take a life, even for what we perceive as good, we set a dangerous precedent¡ªnot only for ourselves but for society as a whole. The laws, the principles, the very structure we operate under exists to guide us. To stray from those principles risks destabilizing the trust people place in heroes. Killing should always be the absolute last resort, weighed against the long-term consequences for the greater good.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°So, no sympathy for those unfortunate people? Their lives are just collateral damage to preserve a principle?¡±

    Thomson¡¯s tone turned stern, his gaze locking with hers. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple, Miss Nordin. A hero¡¯s duty extends beyond the immediate moment. If we normalize killing, even under the guise of necessity, it corrupts the very idea of heroism. You may save those civilians, but in doing so, you erode the moral foundation of what makes us heroes. Worse still, you open the door to justifying future killings, and before long, you may find yourself unable to distinguish hero from villain. Killing is seductive in its simplicity, but it leads to ruin.¡±

    Valerie leaned back in her chair, her lips curling into a half-smile. ¡°My morality isn¡¯t that fragile, Professor,¡± she said, her voice calm but sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that taking one life to save many suddenly makes me incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. A true hero should be strong enough to make the hard choices while staying true to their principles. If killing a villain to save lives is enough to turn someone into a villain themselves, then perhaps they were never fit to be a hero in the first place.¡±

    Gasps filled the room. A few students whispered furiously, clearly scandalized. Professor Thomson¡¯s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure.

    ¡°That,¡± he said, his tone heavy with finality, ¡°is exactly why the system exists. To ensure that no single individual assumes they alone can define justice. Heroes are not judges, juries, or executioners. They are symbols¡ªsymbols of restraint, discipline, and hope. Without those values, we are nothing more than vigilantes.¡±

    Valerie said nothing, her gaze steady and unyielding. But inside, her mind was alight. ''Symbols of hope? What hope is there in allowing corruption to fester because no one is willing to do what needs to be done?''

    Her eyes flicked to the glowing words hovering above Thomson¡¯s head again. ''90% Evil Tendencies. A symbol of hope, indeed.''

    For now, she let the conversation drop. There was no point in arguing with a man so entrenched in his ideology.

    As the class droned on, Valerie¡¯s focus remained on the glowing words hovering above Professor Thomson¡¯s head. 90% Evil Tendencies. It had to be more than a mere probability of acting on evil thoughts. Maybe it was an assessment of his traits¡ªa culmination of flaws stacked one atop the other, each adding to the total.

    She recalled their earlier interaction. Thomson lacked empathy, that much was clear, as he dismissed the victims of the Alvilla incident with cold detachment. He belittled people and basked in the superiority of his intellect. Narcissist, she thought, her lips curling in disdain.

    By the end of the day, Valerie¡¯s mind was buzzing. She decided to head into the city, craving distraction and maybe even a hint of human connection. Her friend¡¯s absence had left her feeling a gnawing loneliness she couldn¡¯t quite shake.

    The city was alive, a symphony of sounds and lights that made Valerie momentarily forget the weight of her thoughts. Neon signs flickered above bustling shops, their bright hues painting the streets in pinks, blues, and yellows. The hum of life surrounded her¡ªconversations in passing, laughter from outdoor caf¨¦s, and the distant beat of street performers¡¯ drums.

    She passed by a small plaza where a group of college students was taking selfies near a fountain. The fountain itself was a masterpiece¡ªa towering sculpture of a hero mid-flight, water cascading dramatically from his outstretched hands.

    ¡°Man, they really idolize heroes here,¡± Valerie said under her breath, a small smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°It¡¯s like an Acropolis for cape crusaders.¡±

    A child ran past her, a bright red balloon bobbing in his hand. His laughter echoed as he weaved through the crowd, his parents trailing behind with amused smiles. Valerie felt a strange warmth at the sight, a fleeting reminder of simpler times before her world had been flipped upside down.

    She turned a corner and found herself on a street lined with food trucks and pop-up vendors. The smell of roasted chestnuts and sizzling meat wafted through the air, making her stomach growl. A cheerful man at a kebab stand waved her over, his apron covered in sauce.

    ¡°Best kebabs in the city! Only five credits!¡± he called out.

    Valerie hesitated, then shrugged and approached. ¡°Why not?¡± she said, handing him a crumpled bill.

    As she bit into the kebab, the savory flavors burst across her tongue, and she couldn¡¯t help but let out a satisfied hum. ¡°Damn, that¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°See? Told ya!¡± the man said with a proud grin.

    She continued walking, the kebab in one hand, her other brushing against the smooth railing of a bridge that overlooked the city¡¯s central park. Below her, strings of fairy lights illuminated winding pathways and clusters of people enjoying the cool evening air.

    Valerie let herself drift with the crowd, her heels clicking against the smooth pavement. Massive digital billboards displayed everything from superhero endorsements to movie trailers, their vibrant animations casting moving shadows across the streets.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    As she wandered the bustling streets, the glowing interface drew her eyes, floating above the heads of passersby.

    Evil Tendencies: 5%... 10%... 8%... 3%...

    Most people fell below 10%, their judgments reading as mundane and harmless. But every so often, someone would stand out¡ªa dark figure with a higher percentage flashing above them.

    70%¡­ 75%¡­

    Her mind itched at the temptation. ''I could level up so easily right now,'' she thought, her gaze narrowing on a man whose judgment glowed in bright red. ''But the laws are not gonna be on my side in this case.''

    ¡°This is more complicated than I anticipated,¡± she muttered under her breath, her hands stuffed in her jacket pockets. ¡°Still¡­ all that exp¡­¡±

    Her train of thought stopped abruptly as she passed a sleek glass building. The polished surface reflected her image back at her. Her stride slowed, her brow furrowing. Then she saw it.

    Floating above her own head.

    Judgment: 100% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: None

    Her blood ran cold.

    ¡°What in the actual fuck is this?¡± she whispered, her voice trembling as her jaw dropped.

    ''100%? How is that even possible?''

    She took a step closer to the glass, as if proximity would change the words. But the glowing numbers remained fixed above her head, unrelenting and damning.

    ''Do I have evil traits?'' she thought, her mind racing. ''I mean, I don¡¯t think so¡­ I don¡¯t hurt people¡ªwell, unless they deserve it¡ªbut that¡¯s not evil. Right? Do I act on impulse? Maybe sometimes¡­ but not maliciously. That doesn¡¯t make me 100% evil!''

    She clenched her fists, her breathing uneven. ¡°This has to be a glitch. It has to be. The system¡¯s wrong.¡±

    But as she stared at the reflection, an uncomfortable thought slithered into her mind. ''What if it isn¡¯t?''

    ¡°What if¡­¡± she began to say aloud, then stopped herself. She shook her head violently, trying to dispel the creeping dread.

    ¡°No,¡± she said firmly, her voice echoing faintly against the glass. ¡°This is wrong. I¡¯m not evil. I know who I am.¡±

    But doubt, sharp and unyielding, gnawed at the edges of her confidence. What if the system saw something in her that she couldn¡¯t¡ªor wouldn¡¯t¡ªsee in herself? What if her actions, her choices, had already placed her beyond redemption?

    For the first time since the system had activated, Valerie felt truly afraid. Not of the glowing judgments over others¡¯ heads, but of the one above her own.

    As Valerie¡¯s thoughts spiraled into chaos, luckily, she was jolted back to reality by the unmistakable thrum of helicopter blades cutting through the air. She looked up to see several media choppers heading north, their urgency mirrored by the sudden shift in the city¡¯s monitors.

    The screens, once static or playing mundane ads, now displayed a breaking news alert: ¡°Emergency Evacuation: Villain Activity Detected in the Northern District.¡± The broadcaster¡¯s voice was grim, warning citizens to head to the nearest bunkers immediately.

    Around her, the street erupted into chaos. People ran in every direction, their faces pale with panic. Heroes emerged from alleyways and rooftops, clad in their colorful uniforms, guiding the crowds toward safety with practiced efficiency.

    Valerie, however, had no intention of seeking refuge. Her curiosity compelled her in another direction. As the crowd surged one way, she moved against it, her eyes locked on the helicopters overhead.

    She slipped off her heels, tossing them into her bag, and broke into a run. Her stride was powerful, each step eating up the distance.

    ¡°Hey, you!¡± a hero shouted, spotting her. ¡°Get to the bunkers!¡±

    But as she passed him, her speed made him falter. His eyes widened, and he muttered, ¡°Maybe she¡¯s a hero¡­¡± before turning back to the panicking crowd.

    The streets began to change as she moved further north. The gleaming skyscrapers of the city center gave way to dilapidated buildings and narrow alleys. Trash was strewn across the cracked sidewalks, and the stench of decay hung heavy in the air. Broken bottles, discarded furniture, and graffiti-covered walls painted a grim picture of the city¡¯s forgotten outskirts.

    Finally, she reached the scene. A battle was underway, the crackle of energy blasts and the clang of metal echoing in the distance. Two heroes were locked in combat with a lone villain. The villain, a man in a plain T-shirt and jeans, looked wildly out of place compared to the armored and polished heroes.

    Valerie approached cautiously, staying in the shadows. She could hear snippets of a nearby news crew¡¯s live report.

    ¡°The suspect, identified as Robert Lane, reportedly killed two people during a botched robbery attempt earlier today,¡± the reporter said, her voice sharp and urgent. ¡°Authorities classify him as a mid-level threat, but his actions have already claimed innocent lives.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s gaze shifted to the villain. He was clearly losing. His movements were sluggish, his strikes easily deflected by the heroes. They weren¡¯t going all out¡ªholding back, as usual¡ªbut their combined assault was overwhelming him.

    Then her system flared to life, and the judgment appeared above the Villain¡¯s head:

    ---

    Evil Tendencies: 5%

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    ---

    ¡°What the hell?¡± she muttered, her brow furrowing. ''Five percent? He¡¯s a killer! How does he only have 5%?''

    She studied his face. Sweat poured down his cheeks, mixing with tears. His eyes were wide with fear, darting around as if searching for an escape.

    ''He¡¯s terrified,'' Valerie thought. ''He¡¯s not even wearing a suit. No gadgets, no armor, nothing. Just¡­ ordinary clothes.''

    Her mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. ¡°So it¡¯s not about actions,¡± she murmured. ¡°It¡¯s about traits. He doesn¡¯t have the heart of a killer. Maybe it was self-defense. Or desperation. Something that forced his hand.¡±

    Her suspicions were confirmed as she watched the fight unfold. The villain¡¯s attacks were uncoordinated, more like flailing than calculated strikes. The heroes, on the other hand, were relentless. They knocked him to the ground, their blows landing with sickening force.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± the man screamed, his voice breaking. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to! Please, stop!¡±

    Tears streamed down his face as he curled into a ball, shielding himself as best he could.

    Valerie¡¯s heart tightened at the sight. Or rather, it should have.

    She felt a flicker of sympathy¡ªa faint glow, like a dying ember in the dark¡ªbut it didn¡¯t burn as it should. Her chest felt hollow, empty.

    ¡°Why do I feel nothing?¡± she whispered, clutching her chest as if to summon the missing emotion. ¡°I should feel bad for him. He¡¯s begging. He¡¯s terrified. What happened to me?¡±

    Her system was silent, offering no answers. The faint sympathy she felt warred with the cold logic creeping into her thoughts.

    ''He¡¯s a killer. The system says he doesn¡¯t deserve punishment. But if they keep beating him like this, he¡¯s going to die anyway.''

    For the first time, Valerie found herself questioning not just the system, but herself. Was she truly capable of empathy anymore? Or was it the system that made her unable to?

    ¡ª

    The faint glow of sympathy, fragile and fleeting, still managed to sway Valerie¡¯s actions. Without hesitation, she dashed forward, her speed catching the heroes off guard as she seized both their arms mid-swing, halting their relentless attack.

    ¡°Enough!¡± she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°You¡¯ve won! Stop this senseless beating!¡±

    The two heroes stared at her, dumbfounded. One of them, a tall man with an energy baton crackling in his hand, scowled.

    ¡°Stand aside, citizen,¡± he barked, attempting to pull his arm free. But Valerie¡¯s grip was unyielding, her strength far surpassing his.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re dealing with,¡± the second hero, a woman with a shimmering forcefield encasing her, added. ¡°This man is dangerous!¡±

    Valerie¡¯s gaze burned with intensity. ¡°Dangerous? He¡¯s crying on the ground, begging for mercy. Does that look dangerous to you?¡±

    The heroes faltered under her glare. She released their arms, and they stepped back, wary but silent. Valerie turned her attention to the villain, who was trembling, tears streaking his dirt-covered face.

    She crouched down, her tone softening just enough to sound human. ¡°You¡¯re okay. No more beating. But you need to tell me¡ªwhy did you kill those people?¡±

    The villain sobbed harder, clutching his sides as if trying to hold himself together. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± he choked out. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know I had powers. I was just trying to push them aside, and I¡ª¡± His voice broke. ¡°I pushed too hard. The wall¡­ it collapsed. I didn¡¯t mean to!¡±

    Valerie¡¯s jaw tightened. The system¡¯s judgment of 5% began to make sense. ¡°Then why rob the store?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have a choice,¡± he whimpered, shaking his head. ¡°I needed credits. For¡­ for them. The loan sharks. They said they¡¯d kill¡ª.¡±

    Valerie exhaled, the pieces clicking into place. ¡°Okay, okay. I get it. Your wife, your son, or someone you care about¡ªyour hands were tied.¡±

    The man nodded frantically, his desperation evident.

    ¡°But still, that doesn¡¯t give you the right to commit crime. Remember that, okay?¡±

    The man nodded again.

    Valerie straightened, addressing the heroes again. ¡°You two, that¡¯s enough. No more beating. Just arrest him. He¡¯s not a threat anymore.¡±

    The female hero hesitated, her forcefield flickering. ¡°We still need to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Just arrest him,¡± Valerie snapped, her voice brooking no argument. ¡°Or do you want to keep beating a crying man in front of the cameras?¡±

    The heroes exchanged uneasy glances, then reluctantly nodded. ¡°Fine,¡± the male hero muttered, deactivating his baton.

    Valerie stepped back, watching as they restrained the villain. She turned to leave, her mind racing with the implications of everything she¡¯d just witnessed.

    Valerie paced back and forth, the dim light from the moon casting shadows on the alley walls. Her mind raced, replaying everything she¡¯d learned about the system. The weight of its implications pressed heavily on her.

    ¡°The system doesn¡¯t care about actions,¡± she murmured to herself, staring at the floating interface. ¡°It only sees traits.¡±

    She clenched her fists, trying to make sense of it all. Someone with a low percentage of Evil Tendencies could commit the worst crimes imaginable, and yet the system would deem them unpunishable. No matter what human laws dictated, the system¡¯s judgment would override it.

    ¡°But someone with a high percentage¡­¡± she whispered, her voice trailing off. ¡°They don¡¯t even have to lift a finger. The system would punish them just for existing that way.¡±

    Her breath hitched as the realization fully hit her. The system wasn¡¯t concerned with what a person did. It was about who they were. Their traits, their tendencies¡ªthe things they might not even be able to control.

    ¡°This is insane,¡± she muttered, gripping the edge of her desk for support. ¡°How does this even work with human law? Someone with a high percentage has to commit a crime to be punished by people, but the system would already have passed judgment by then.¡±

    The contradictions made her head spin. The system¡¯s logic clashed with the laws of humanity, creating a murky gray area she couldn¡¯t reconcile.

    A spark of thought flared in her mind, unbidden but impossible to ignore. If the system rewarded actions that aligned with its judgment, didn¡¯t that mean¡­?

    Her heart raced as the idea took shape. She stood frozen, staring at the numbers hovering in front of her.

    ¡°It would be easier,¡± she said aloud, her voice hollow, ¡°to level up¡­ if I were a villain.¡±

    The thought both terrified and intrigued her. Villains didn¡¯t have to wrestle with the contradictions of the system. Their actions matched its expectations, making growth inevitable.

    But at what cost?

    As she was processing things, the familiar interface flashed in her vision.

    ¡ª

    Dungeon Detected.

    Distance: 100m

    Judgment: 100% Evil

    Punishment: Lethal

    Execution: Immediate

    Objectives:

    - Eliminate all targets: 0/180

    Rewards:

    - 5000 EXP

    - Common Sword

    ¡ª

    Her eyes widened. ¡°A dungeon? What a coincidence.¡± she muttered, her pace quickening toward the marker. ¡°It must be the Loan shark¡¯s den, huh?. And rewards too? Not just EXP but an item? Cool, cool.¡±

    The dingy alley gave way to an even darker side of the slums as she approached the source of the alert. Her heart thumped¡ªnot from fear, but from the thrill of something new, something promising.

    ¡°Alright,¡± she whispered, cracking her knuckles as her lips curled into a smirk.

 Chapter 16 - What makes a Villain?

    The rain whispered against the broken pavement, a soft percussion in the suffocating silence of the abandoned street. She stood before the derelict building, an imposing husk of concrete and steel that seemed to lean toward her like a predator sizing up its prey. Seven stories of decay, of barricaded windows and walls scarred with graffiti, formed a jagged silhouette against the stormy sky. The air reeked of mildew, damp earth, and something metallic¡ªlike blood dried long ago.

    The area surrounding the building was no better. Trash littered the ground in unkempt piles, water pooled in the potholes, and the remains of other forgotten structures loomed in the background, silent witnesses to countless unspeakable acts. It was the kind of place that swallowed people whole, leaving no trace behind.

    She exhaled sharply, forcing her pulse to slow. "How do I approach this?" she murmured, her voice barely audible against the hiss of the rain. Her eyes darted to the cameras mounted on the building, red lights blinking like mechanical predators lying in wait. "What¡¯s in there? Monsters? Beasts? Why does the system call this place a dungeon?"

    The word hung in her mind, gnawing at her. Dungeon. It didn¡¯t fit here, not in this desolate stretch of urban decay. Dungeons were supposed to be ancient, underground labyrinths, places where treasure and terror intertwined. This? This was just an abandoned building. Or was it? The system didn¡¯t use terms lightly. That much, she¡¯d learned.

    Her gaze drifted upward, taking in the cracked walls and jagged window panes. Water streamed down the building¡¯s facade, glinting like tears in the dim light. She could feel the weight of it, a malevolent presence pressing down on her like the air was heavier here.

    "I can¡¯t go in like this," she muttered, looking down at herself. Her sundress clung to her in the rain, her heels already sinking slightly into the damp ground. She laughed bitterly, shaking her head. "Yeah, because this screams, ''I¡¯m ready for battle.''"

    She turned away, her heels clicking against the wet pavement as she walked back the way she came. She didn¡¯t notice her hand trembling slightly until she clenched it into a fist. Midnight. She¡¯d return at midnight. Shadows would hide her, cloak her in anonymity. She needed to be invisible for what was coming.

    But as she walked, her thoughts veered to Robert Lane or whatever his name was. His face floated in her mind like a specter, weary and resigned. A man with a low evil tendency score, a man riddled with guilt he begged for mercy, a man who didn¡¯t even know he had powers, a man driven to commit a crime by desperation and circumstance. Yet the justice system had marked him. The law had condemned him.

    "What makes a villain?" she whispered into the rain. Her footsteps faltered. She glanced at the cracks in the pavement, her reflection distorted in the murky water pooled below. The law saw villains in black and white: a crime committed, a villain born. But the Yggdrasil system? The system saw shades of gray. It didn¡¯t care about the act¡ªit cared about the soul. Evil tendencies weren¡¯t about what you did; they were about who you were.

    Her throat tightened as her mind shifted to herself. 100% Evil Tendencies.

    The memory of that number cut through her like a blade. She clenched her jaw, her heart pounding harder. Was that who she was? Evil, down to her core? She didn¡¯t feel evil. She didn¡¯t revel in the suffering of others. She didn¡¯t seek out harm. But then why? Why would the system mark her this way?

    Her fingers dug into her palms, her nails leaving crescents in her skin. ''Is this why the system let me to be the host?'' The thought was a bitter pill. ''Because I can do what others won¡¯t? Because I¡¯m the monster that hunts other monsters? Who even created this system?''

    The rain intensified, soaking through her dress. She shivered but kept walking, her heels tapping a staccato rhythm against the ground. The questions swirled in her mind like a storm. What was she? A hero? A grim reaper? A weapon wielded by the system to strike down evil? Or was she just another pawn, dancing to strings she couldn¡¯t see?

    The derelict building still loomed in her thoughts as she approached her dormitory. She didn¡¯t even realize she¡¯d arrived until her hand brushed the cool metal of the doorknob.

    She paused, staring at the faint outline of her reflection in the glass window beside the door. A woman drenched and haunted, her eyes darker than the stormy night behind her.

    "Guess that¡¯s what I get for trying to figure out what I am," she muttered, a wry smile tugging at her lips. Her voice was heavy, laced with exhaustion and something deeper¡ªsomething fragile.

    Pushing the door open, she stepped inside, leaving the storm behind. But the storm within her? That would follow her into the night. Midnight was coming, and so were the answers she feared most.

    ¡ª

    Now, Valerie stood in front of the seven-story building, her black outfit blending into the shadows. Only the bright orange ski mask and light blue goggles betrayed her presence, an odd splash of color against the dark, desolate street. She adjusted the goggles absently, their familiarity pulling her back to a happier memory¡ªa vacation with her father two years ago. They had gone skiing in the mountains, laughing as they tumbled into the snow, her father¡¯s deep, warm voice teasing her about her lack of balance. It was one of the few memories she cherished.

    Her chest tightened. This was all for him. Every decision, every risk, every rule she had to follow¡ªit was for her father. She needed to become a licensed hero, to keep him from working himself to death. But what she was about to do here could ruin everything. If anyone found out, the heroes would brand her a villain. No more hero license. No more saving her father.

    She shook her head, forcing the doubts away, but the fear lingered, gnawing at the edges of her resolve.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    The voice shattered her thoughts. She spun around to find three men emerging from the shadows. The leader was clad in black armor, a katana glinting in his hand. His voice was sharp, dripping with hostility.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Spying on us? You better scram, or I¡¯ll kill you.¡±

    Valerie said nothing. She didn¡¯t need to. Her gaze flicked over the trio, the glowing interface in her vision confirming what she already suspected: 100% Evil Tendencies.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Wrong move,¡± she muttered under her breath.

    Before they could react, she moved. Her speed was unnatural, a blur that didn¡¯t even register in their eyes. A moment later, the men lay crumpled on the ground, their bodies lifeless. She stood over them, breathing calmly, the katana now in her hand. Its blade was pristine, reflecting her face back at her like a silent judge.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t feel anything,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her grip on the hilt tightened. ¡°No guilt. Not even a flicker. What¡¯s wrong with me? Shouldn¡¯t I feel something? Was I always like this?¡±

    The silence pressed against her as she stared into her reflection, searching for answers she couldn¡¯t find. The sound of a chime broke through her turmoil, and a familiar glowing text appeared in her vision.

    ---

    Rewards received: 3000 EXP

    Level up!

    Level up!

    Level up!

    ---

    She blinked at the notification, her tension ebbing slightly.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s something,¡± she said, a crooked smile tugging at her lips. The absurdity of her situation hit her. Here she was, questioning her morality while getting a level-up like she was in a video game made her happy.

    ---

    Objectives: Eliminate all targets ¨C 3/180.

    ---

    Her eyes widened at the number. ¡°One hundred and eighty? What is this, a dungeon raid?¡±

    She sighed, shaking her head. ¡°Guess I¡¯d better get to it. The EXP won¡¯t earn itself.¡±

    Her excitement for leveling up replaced her earlier dread as she approached the building. It loomed over her like a sleeping giant, its cracked facade hiding whatever horrors lay inside. She scanned for an entrance but found no windows low enough to break through. Her gaze landed on the door.

    ¡°Well,¡± she muttered, rolling her shoulders, ¡°time to make an entrance.¡±

    With one swift kick, the door flew off its hinges, smashing into someone unlucky enough to be standing behind it. The impact sent them flying across the room. Valerie stepped inside, surveying the scene. A dozen faces turned toward her, their expressions a mix of surprise and anger.

    Her interface flared to life again.

    ---

    All targets confirmed: 100% Evil Tendencies.

    ---

    ¡°Perfect,¡± she said, gripping the katana. A grin spread across her face, almost playful. ¡°Let¡¯s farm some EXP.¡±

    The first floor was a chaotic mess. Bodies moved toward her, weapons gleaming in the dim light. Valerie moved like a dancer, every slash and strike precise. The katana cut through the air, accompanied by the sounds of combat¡ªshouts, grunts, and the clang of steel.

    Minutes later, the room was silent. She stood amidst the wreckage, her breath steady, the blade in her hand still immaculate.

    ---

    Rewards received: 5000 EXP

    Objectives: Eliminate all targets ¨C 15/180.

    ---

    Valerie glanced at the notification and smirked. ¡°Not bad. Wonder how much I¡¯ll get by the time I hit the top floor.¡±

    She strode toward the stairwell, her boots echoing against the cracked tiles. ¡°Let¡¯s see what this dungeon¡¯s got for me.¡±

    The second floor was different¡ªno quiet entry, no time to assess the situation. The moment Valerie stepped into the dimly lit space, a hailstorm of bullets and energy bolts erupted. They struck her with the force of a battering ram, but she didn¡¯t flinch. The impacts felt like an irritating tap on her skin.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± she shouted over the chaos, dodging casually to the side. ¡°I just got here! Can¡¯t a girl make an entrance?¡±

    She glanced down, realizing the blasts had left her skin unscathed, but her clothes were a different story. Her black outfit, carefully chosen for stealth, was now riddled with bullet holes and singed edges.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± she groaned, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°This is precisely why heroes wear armor! I can¡¯t keep going around looking like a Floran cheese pi?ata. Gotta start dodging. Note to self.¡±

    With a smirk, she dashed forward, her katana slicing through the air like lightning. The floor was cleared in a blur of movement, the enemies dropping faster than they could reload.

    ---

    The next few floors blurred together¡ªwave after wave of enemies, each dispatched in seconds. By the time she reached the fifth floor, she was yawning.

    ¡°This is getting boring,¡± she muttered, stepping over the last enemy of the level. ¡°No challenge whatsoever. Maybe the system overestimated this place.¡±

    ---

    Then came the sixth floor.

    Valerie stopped short the moment she stepped in. The atmosphere was different¡ªcharged, heavy. A single man stood in the center of the room, his black mechanical armor gleaming under the flickering lights. Blue streaks pulsed along the edges of his armor like veins of energy. He didn¡¯t speak, didn¡¯t move, just stood there, his katana held in a relaxed grip.

    Valerie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yo, who are you? You look different. Wait, are you the boss?¡±

    Before the words had fully left her mouth, the man moved. No, moved was the wrong word¡ªhe disappeared. In a fraction of a second, he reappeared inches from her, his blade already swinging. Instinct took over. Valerie raised her stolen blade just in time, the clash of metal on metal sending vibrations up her arms. The force of the strike drove her back several feet, her boots screeching against the floor.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± she gasped, her heart pounding. ¡°Okay, you¡¯re fast. Too fast!¡±

    The man stepped back, his movements fluid and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world. He lifted his katana, and the blue light radiating from it grew brighter, almost blinding.

    Before she could fully process his next move, he was behind her. A sharp, searing pain erupted across her back. She screamed, dropping to her knees as blood seeped through the tears in her clothes. It wasn¡¯t just pain¡ªit was a shattering of her invincibility, a cruel reminder of her own limitation.

    She clutched at the wound, her hands trembling as her mind raced. ¡°This¡­ this can¡¯t be happening,¡± she stammered. ¡°I¡¯m bleeding. I¡¯m actually bleeding!¡±

    The man¡¯s deep, resonant voice cut through her panic, calm yet commanding. ¡°You have never known true pain,¡± he said, his words carrying a weight that pressed down on her like an unseen force. ¡°How, then, do you claim to understand strength?¡±

    She looked up at him, her vision blurred with tears. ¡°Who¡ªwho are you? How did you do that? I am supposed to be invulnerable!¡±

    ¡°You wield the Yggdrasil system,¡± he said, his tone laced with both reverence and disdain. ¡°And yet, you know nothing of its power or its purpose. You are but a child playing with a weapon meant for gods.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s mind reeled. ¡°Yggdrasil system? No¡­ No, it can¡¯t be! I¡¯m not a god. Only gods can use Yggdrasil! This is just a prototype!¡±

    The man shook his head slowly. ¡°Clueless child,¡± he said, his voice a rumble of disapproval. ¡°You wield power without understanding. How do you hope to grow into a mighty warrior when your ignorance blinds you to the truth?¡±

    She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to her feet despite the burning pain in her back. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re the Azure Oni, aren¡¯t you? The infamous villain. The one who¡ªwhy are you here? Are you going to kill me?¡±

    The Azure Oni lowered his blade slightly, his stance shifting into one of quiet readiness. ¡°Words are but wind. Stand, and I shall answer with my blade.¡±

    Valerie gritted her teeth, forcing herself to her feet despite the pain. Blood trickled down her back, soaking into her already ruined clothes. She raised her katana, shaky but determined.

    Before she could catch her breath, he attacked again. His movements were fluid, almost beautiful, but deadly. Valerie barely managed to dodge and parry, her own strikes clumsy in comparison. His blade bit into her skin more than once, each cut eliciting a sharp cry of pain.

    Her system flashed warnings in her vision, but she ignored them. She stole a glance at him, desperate for some clue to his nature. To her shock, his Evil Tendencies were low¡ªtoo low for someone with a body count like his. .

    ¡ª

    Judgement: 8% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    ¡ª

    ¡°What the hell are you?¡± she muttered, gripping her katana tighter as she prepared for his next assault.

 Chapter 17 - Oddy!

    The Azure Oni moved with a precision that was almost poetic, his every strike an intricate dance of power and grace. Valerie, drenched in sweat and blood, stumbled backward, her breath coming in sharp gasps. His katana flashed like lightning, each strike deliberate, yet there was restraint¡ªa sense that this was not mere combat, but a lesson.

    ¡°You wield the strength of a mountain,¡± the Oni intoned, his voice like a distant rumble of thunder, ¡°yet you scatter it like sand in a storm. Strength without control is no strength at all. Your blade is silent, but your rage screams louder than you know. That is your greatest weakness.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Valerie spat, her voice trembling with pain and frustration. She forced herself to her feet, gripping her sword tightly though her hands shook with the effort. ¡°Fight me! Stop lecturing me like I¡¯m a kid!¡±

    The Oni¡¯s eyes gleamed beneath his helm, faintly glowing with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. He began to circle her, his steps slow and deliberate, his blade held loosely at his side. ¡°A warrior does not rage blindly, child. Anger is a blade that cuts both ways. Wield it carelessly, and it will carve your defeat before the enemy ever lifts their weapon.¡±

    Valerie screamed and lunged at him, swinging her sword with all her might. But he was gone before the blade even came close.

    Suddenly, pain erupted across her body¡ªsharp, searing, relentless. She collapsed to her knees, her screams echoing through the chamber. Blood streamed from a dozen fresh cuts that seemed to appear from nowhere.

    ¡°How¡­¡± she gasped, struggling to lift her head. ¡°How are you doing this? What are you?¡±

    The Oni sheathed his katana with a click that reverberated in the tense air. ¡°You fight with the strength of a beast,¡± he said, his tone laced with both pity and disdain. ¡°But beasts do not conquer. They only destroy. A true warrior triumphs not through brute strength, but through mastery of mind, body, and spirit.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just¡­ talking nonsense,¡± Valerie stammered, clutching her sides. ¡°I fought Thor. He didn¡¯t make me bleed. He didn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    The Oni¡¯s laughter was low and rumbling, as if he found her naivety amusing. ¡°Thor? Do you truly believe the god of thunder gave you his all? You are but a child playing with fire. His mercy allowed you to leave unscathed, nothing more.¡±

    The weight of his words hit her harder than any blade. She stared at him, wide-eyed, her earlier bravado replaced with doubt.

    ¡°Why?¡± she whispered. ¡°Why do you even care? You¡¯re supposed to be a killer¡ªa merciless villain. But your Evil Tendencies¡­¡± Her voice faltered as she glanced at her interface. ¡°They¡¯re so low. How is that even possible? You¡¯ve taken so many lives.¡±

    The Oni tilted his head slightly, his gaze unwavering. ¡°You measure evil by numbers. By the lives taken or spared. How shallow.¡±

    ¡°Then what should I measure it by?¡± she demanded, her voice cracking.

    ¡°By purpose,¡± he replied, his tone firm but not unkind. ¡°Every life I take is weighed against the balance it disrupts or restores. I am not a killer for pleasure, nor a destroyer for chaos. I am a blade, wielded to protect what must endure. To you, that may seem like evil. But the system you wield sees through your ignorance to the truth.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s hands trembled. The weight of his words pressed down on her chest like an immovable stone. ¡°If you¡¯re so noble,¡± she said, her voice barely audible, ¡°then why fight me? Why not just walk away?¡±

    The Oni unsheathed his katana again, its glow illuminating the room. ¡°Because you are blinded by arrogance, child. You think yourself invincible. You flaunt your strength, yet you have no understanding of what it means to wield it. That is dangerous. To yourself and to others.¡±

    ¡°Then kill me,¡± Valerie said, tears streaking her face. ¡°If I¡¯m so dangerous, just end it.¡±

    The Oni stepped closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over her. But instead of striking, he lowered his blade. ¡°Death is a mercy you have not yet earned,¡± he said softly. ¡°Live, and learn from this pain. Learn humility. Learn control. Only then will you be worthy of the strength you carry.¡±

    He turned and began to walk away, his steps echoing in the silent room. ¡°Remember this, child,¡± he said without looking back. ¡°The strongest warriors are not those who wield the heaviest swords, but those who wield their own hearts with wisdom and grace. Until you understand this, your strength will remain a curse, not a blessing.¡±

    Valerie watched him disappear into the shadows, her body broken but her mind racing.

    She lay motionless in a crimson pool, the metallic scent of her own blood filling her nostrils. The faint glow of her system¡¯s HUD blinked erratically, its cold numbers and readouts offering no comfort. Her body ached in ways she hadn¡¯t thought possible, but the physical pain was a whisper compared to the storm raging in her mind.

    Her breath hitched as she tried to move, her muscles stiff and unresponsive. Each shallow inhale brought a wave of agony, but she welcomed it¡ªit was real, tangible, unlike the chaos of her thoughts.

    "Purpose," she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible. "What is my purpose? I know what I want... but is that the same thing?"

    Her fingers twitched, then her arm, as she forced her body to obey her will. Slowly, agonizingly, she pushed herself up, her bloodied hands slipping on the floor. Her sword lay a few feet away, its hilt gleaming faintly in the dim light. She reached for it, her movements shaky but determined.

    ¡°If this is truly the Yggdrasil System,¡± she muttered, her voice growing steadier as her strength began to return, ¡°then how did I manage to use it? Mom said there was something special in my blood. Maybe that¡¯s how.¡±

    She clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her blade as she finally stood upright. Her legs wobbled, but she didn¡¯t fall. Not this time.

    "Am I a god?" The question lingered in the air, heavy with doubt. She shook her head violently, as if trying to dispel the thought. "No. That¡¯s ridiculous. I¡¯m just a daughter of a human and an alien."

    But even as she said it, her mother¡¯s face flashed in her mind¡ªher gentle smile, her enigmatic words, the stories she told late at night. Valerie¡¯s eyes narrowed, her chest tightening. "Alien? That¡¯s just a convenient label. Someone or something that¡¯s not from here. But what if... what if Mom was more than that?"

    Her thoughts spiraled as she stumbled toward the stairs leading to the final floor. The pain in her body dulled as her system worked overtime to heal her, but her mind remained sharp, questioning. "Mom died. Mortals die. She couldn¡¯t have been a god. Could she?"

    When she reached the seventh floor, the scene before her was almost laughable. The remaining villains¡ªthose filthy sinners¨Cwere cowering in the corners. Their faces were pale with terror, their weapons discarded at their feet.

    Her gaze swept the room, catching sight of the gaping holes in the floor, remnants of her battle with the Azure Oni below. The memory of his words, his effortless skill, still stung. Her fingers twitched around the hilt of her sword.

    "You¡¯re pathetic!" she spat, her voice cold and detached, unclear if it was directed to herself or the villains. She took a deep breath, her chest glowing with an intense, fiery heat. Her power surged to the surface, raw and untamed.

    The villains whimpered, some begging for mercy, but she silenced them with a single glare.

    Her mouth opened, and a torrent of fire erupted from her lips. The flames were blinding, scorching hot, consuming everything in their path. Walls melted, floors buckled, and the air filled with the acrid stench of burning flesh and metal. Their screams were brief, swallowed by the inferno she unleashed.  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    When the blaze subsided, she stood amidst the smoldering ruins, her chest heaving. The once-formidable structure was reduced to ash and molten debris. Slowly, she turned and staggered out of the burning building.

    Valerie stood still, her chest rising and falling with exhaustion as she gazed at the inferno consuming the collapsed building. The fire roared like a beast, devouring everything in its path. She wiped rain from her face as the skies opened up, the downpour washing away the grime, soot, and blood from her battered body.

    ¡°I hope this fire is enough to burn any evidence that I was here,¡± she muttered, her voice barely audible over the hiss of raindrops meeting flames.

    A familiar chime echoed in her mind, and the faint glow of her system interface appeared before her eyes.

    ¡ª

    Dungeon Cleared

    Rewards Received:

    5000 exp

    Common Sword

    ¡ª

    Ongoing Quest: Conquer Dungeons 1/10

    ¡ª

    Level up

    Level up

    Level up

    ¡ª

    Lvl 10 Reached.

    Rewards: New Skill: Divine Inquisition (Passive: Able to detect Lies)

    ¡ª

    Her eyes scanned the text, her brow furrowing at the new skill. "Divine Inquisition..." she murmured. ¡°Passive lie detection? That¡¯s¡­ oddly convinient.¡±

    As realization set in, her breath caught. ¡°The Oni wasn¡¯t lying. It really is the Yggdrasil System. No other system can grant abilities like this.¡±

    A sharp sound snapped her out of her thoughts: the distant wail of sirens. Panic surged through her.

    ¡°I need to get outta here,¡± she hissed, clutching her sword tightly as she darted into one of the dark, twisting alleys of the slum. Her boots splashed in puddles, the water masking her hurried footsteps.

    Her thoughts swirled, chaotic and relentless. ¡°What did Mom mean by something special in my blood? If Only a God could wield the Yggdrasil System¡­¡± She paused, pressing herself against a damp brick wall to catch her breath. Her fingers tightened around the sword as the realization hit her. ¡°Then that means Mom¡­ Mom must¡¯ve been connected to one. A daughter? A granddaughter? A descendant?¡±

    She laughed bitterly, her voice echoing through the alley. ¡°A God, huh? That¡¯s rich. Which God, though? Mom¡¯s from another planet, so¡ª¡± She cut herself off, shaking her head. ¡°Ugh, I don¡¯t know!¡±

    She paused, her grip tightening on the sword¡¯s hilt. "Does that make me a descendant of a god, too?"

    A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she emerged into a slightly broader alley. "What the hell, Mom? Could¡¯ve mentioned this before dying." Her sarcasm rang hollow, swallowed by the patter of rain.

    The absurdity of it all clawed at her sanity. She stepped out into the rain, her sword gleaming under the faint glow of a streetlamp. Spreading her arms wide, she shouted mockingly into the night.

    ¡°Listen up, mortals! I am a fucking God!¡±

    As if in response, her system interface lit up again, brighter this time, with a pulse of energy that made her heart race.

    ¡ª

    Hidden Quest:

    Valerie¡¯s Codex (Discover the truth about the host¡¯s true nature)

    Progress: Codex found: 1 of 66 (Realizing host¡¯s Godhood potential)

    Rewards: Cursed Body of a Death God.

    Do you want to receive the rewards now?

    Yes/No

    ¡ª

    She froze, staring at the words with wide eyes. ¡°What the fuck is this?¡± she whispered, her voice shaking. ¡°I¡¯m a God? Wait¡­ a Death God? God of Death? What?!¡±

    Before she could process, the interface blinked again.

    ¡ª

    Host¡¯s Godhood: 5%

    Current Level: Demigod

    ---

    Her breath hitched. ¡°So¡­ Now you¡¯re answering questions?¡±

    The interface glitched momentarily, and a new message scrawled across her vision.

    ¡ª

    System is evolving¡­ please wait.

    ¡ª

    Valerie sat in the alley, drenched and shivering, her back resting against the damp wall. The rain had softened to a drizzle, and faint sirens in the distance signaled the arrival of the fire department at the burned ruins she''d left behind. Her fingers tapped impatiently on her knees, her eyes locked on the glowing interface hovering before her.

    ¡°Come on,¡± she muttered. ¡°Evolve already.¡±

    Finally, the interface lit up again, its familiar glow pulsating softly.

    ¡ª System has evolved:

    But instead of the usual lines of text, a voice echoed in her mind¡ªsmooth, calm, and eerily alive.

    ¡ªHello, Valerie. Please give me a name.

    She froze, her eyes widening. ¡°Whoa, you speak now? And¡­ you sound alive?¡± Her shock turned into a smirk. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯re all odd, strange, jarring, weird, and just a little scary... I¡¯ll name you Oddy Jerry. Oddy for short.¡±

    The voice responded with a deadpan tone.

    ¡ªRight. The ¡®I¡¯m-really-bad-at-naming-things¡¯ clich¨¦. Figures. As you wish, Val. I accept the name.

    Valerie raised a brow, a faint grin tugging at her lips. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you full of personality, Oddy? Alright then.¡± She paused, her expression turning serious. ¡°So, the Yggdrasil System, huh? Am I the only one that has¡­ you?¡±

    Oddy hesitated for a moment, then answered.

    ¡ªChecking database: On this planet, there are currently seven demigods on the path to Godhood, including you, Val.

    Her jaw tightened. ¡°Seven? Great. Just when I thought I was special. How many demigods are there in total?¡±

    ¡ªIn the universe: millions. On your planet: seven.

    She blinked, her breath catching. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re telling me there are millions of Gods in the universe?¡±

    Oddy¡¯s tone turned instructional, almost condescending.

    ¡ªIn the previous era, there were 230 million participants all across the universe on the path to Godhood. Only twelve managed to complete the journey.

    Her eyes widened. ¡°Twelve out of 230 million? That hard, huh?¡± She exhaled slowly. ¡°So¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Oddy interrupted.

    ¡ªYou still have an unreclaimed reward: Cursed Body of a Death God. Would you like to receive it now?

    Without a second thought, Valerie shrugged. ¡°Yeah, why not?¡±

    Oddy¡¯s tone turned clinical.

    ¡ªInitializing transformation. Transformation may cause slight discomfort.

    Her eyes shot open. ¡°Wait, what? Tell me what¡ª¡± Her words died in her throat as her body locked in place. A sudden, searing pain coursed through her, starting deep in her bones. She tried to scream, but her jaw wouldn¡¯t move, her voice trapped inside her head.

    Her muscles clenched involuntarily, and her vision blurred.

    ¡ªTransformation: 20%... 30%... 40%.

    Oddy¡¯s voice droned on, detached and clinical.

    ¡ªThe host is experiencing slight discomfort. Slowing the process to prevent overload.

    Valerie¡¯s fists clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms. Her mind screamed in protest. ''Slight discomfort, my ass!'' she wanted to yell, but no sound escaped her lips.

    The pain intensified, spreading like wildfire through her entire body. She felt her skeleton shifting, cracking, and restructuring itself. Her fingers spasmed, and the sword she¡¯d been holding shattered in her grip, the metal groaning under the pressure.

    ¡ªTransformation: 86%.

    Finally, her voice returned, and she let out a guttural scream that echoed through the empty alley. ¡°Fuck you, Oddy. I should¡¯ve named you a lying bastard instead!¡±

    ¡ªTransformation completed. Congratulations, Valerie. You¡¯ve reached the next stage. Please go home, clean up, and enjoy the rest of your night. Good night.

    Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath. The rain fell in earnest now, washing away the sweat and blood that clung to her skin. She glared at the void where the interface had hovered.

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t just leave like that!¡± she shouted, her voice raw. ¡°What the hell just happened to me?¡±

    Silence.

    <hr>

    Valerie stood in her dorm bathroom, a towel wrapped loosely around her as steam from the shower swirled around her. She wiped a circle on the fogged-up mirror and leaned in close, her fingers tracing her features.

    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s this ¡®transformation¡¯ all about?¡± she muttered, her reflection staring back at her. ¡°Nothing¡¯s changed. I¡¯m still me.¡±

    Her gaze lingered on her damp hair and tired eyes, searching for anything out of

    the ordinary. She grabbed the towel, drying off her arms, and froze when her fingers brushed the back of her left ear.

    ¡°Wait¡­ what the¡ª¡± Valerie turned her head, craning to get a better look. Her eyes widened. ¡°Where¡¯s the coin thingy? The system? It¡¯s gone!¡±

    She frantically patted the spot, her heart racing. In its place was an emerald-green rune, glowing faintly as if etched into her skin.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± she breathed, leaning closer to the mirror. She pressed the rune experimentally, and it immediately lit up.

    Suddenly, shimmering runes began to cascade across her skin. Lines of emerald light raced down her arms, around her back, and across her right arm.

    ¡°Whoa! What is this?!¡± she gasped, watching the glowing patterns shift and settle.

    On her left arm, the runes formed into an intricate design, depicting a warrior standing tall on the edge of a mythical city.

    ¡°That¡¯s Asgard¡­¡± she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The warrior clutched a massive sword, their stance proud and resolute.

    She turned her attention to her right arm, where the runes began to weave together, forming the image of a colossal serpent winding through her skin, its body coiling and twisting as though alive.

    ¡°A giant serpent?¡± she said, her voice tinged with awe. ¡°Am I¡­ a Norse demigod?¡±

    Finally, she twisted to get a look at her back in the mirror. The runes there converged into a single, intricate symbol¡ªa Valknut enclosed within a serpent biting its own tail.

    Her breath hitched. ¡°The Valknut¡­ and the Ouroboros?¡± She stared, her fingers brushing lightly over the design. ¡°What does it mean?¡±

    ¡°Oddy,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°You better start explaining. Now.¡±

    But the system remained silent, leaving Valerie alone with her thoughts, her reflection, and the haunting beauty of the runes etched into her skin.

 Chapter 18 - Rancid!

    Professor Kohn paced her dimly lit office like a cornered animal, her every step sharp and restless. Her breath hitched as her fingers pressed harder against the comm device in her ear.

    ¡°Kohn!¡± a frantic voice roared in her ear. ¡°The enemy forces breached the West Bank HQ! Where the hell is the backup?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re on their way,¡± she shot back, her voice tight and clipped. ¡°Whatever happens, you cannot let Futuroganti get their hands on the hostage.¡±

    The reply came like a punch to the gut. ¡°The higher-ups are ready to cut their losses, Professor. Too many of our men are dead already. They¡¯re considering handing him over.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kohn froze mid-step, the blood draining from her face. ¡°Are they insane? Listen to me¡ªif Futuroganti is willing to burn this much for one hostage, he¡¯s more valuable than we realize. We cannot give him up. Do you hear me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your call!¡± the voice snapped, laced with exhaustion and frustration. ¡°We¡¯re drowning out here! Wait¡ªhold on¡ª¡±

    Suddenly, chaos erupted on the other end. Shouts, followed by the deafening whine of energy blasts, filled the line.

    ¡°EG7? EG7!¡± Kohn¡¯s voice cracked as the comm went dead, the silence cutting through her like a blade. ¡°Shit!¡±

    She stumbled back into her chair, trembling hands raking through her hair. Her mind reeled, piecing together fragments of information, but no solution came. ¡°Damn it, I underestimated them. That kid¡ªhe¡¯s the key to something. What the hell are they hiding?¡±

    Before she could spiral further, a sharp knock shattered her thoughts. Her head snapped toward the door, heart pounding.

    She exhaled shakily, forcing herself to sit upright. With one last steeling breath, she smoothed her face into a mask of calm, burying the storm beneath.

    ¡°Enter,¡± she commanded, her voice cool and steady. But inside, urgency churned like a raging fire.

    ¡°Professor, the Dean wishes to see you immediately,¡± the college staff member announced, his tone formal but edged with curiosity.

    Kohn turned from her desk, her expression unreadable. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be there. In his office, I presume?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Professor. I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Thank you.¡±

    The door closed with a soft click, and silence engulfed the room. Kohn exhaled slowly, her calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly. Her mind began to spiral, threads of worry unraveling into chaos.

    ¡°Does he know?¡± she muttered, pacing the small office like a caged predator. ¡°No, I covered my tracks¡ªmeticulously. But the Dean isn¡¯t an idiot. He¡¯s unraveled worse conspiracies than this. Damn it.¡±

    The gala incident clawed its way back to the forefront of her mind¡ªthe chaos, the unleashed beasts, the disastrous gamble involving Loki and Thor. She had orchestrated every detail, ensuring her organization¡¯s operatives could infiltrate undetected. And now, it seemed, the aftermath had returned to haunt her.

    She paused mid-step, gripping the edge of her desk for support. ¡°Get it together, Kohn. You¡¯ve handled worse.¡±

    With a deep breath, she grabbed her coat and smoothed her expression into one of serene professionalism before leaving the room.

    <hr>

    The Dean¡¯s office loomed ahead, its dark wood door like the imposing gates of a courtroom. Professor Kohn paused just outside, taking a deep breath and adjusting her glasses. She carefully arranged her face into an expression of calm professionalism.

    ''Don¡¯t let him see weakness. Don¡¯t let him see doubt.''

    Knocking firmly, she heard the authoritative voice from within. ¡°Come in, Professor Kohn.¡±

    Steeling herself, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the Dean seated behind his vast mahogany desk, his sharp eyes locking onto hers immediately. The weight of his gaze was almost suffocating, but Kohn didn¡¯t falter.

    ¡°You wished to see me, Dean?¡± she asked, her voice even and polite.

    ¡°Have a seat, Professor,¡± he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. His tone was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. ¡°We need to discuss some¡­ troubling matters.¡±

    Her stomach twisted as she obeyed, settling into the chair with a practiced poise. Inside, her heart pounded furiously. ''Stay calm. If he truly knew, he wouldn¡¯t be this composed. Or would he?''

    ¡°I assume this is about the gala incident,¡± Kohn ventured, her tone carefully measured to convey concern without defensiveness.

    The Dean¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t waver as he leaned forward. ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve been reviewing the events that transpired. The Beasts infiltrating an event designed to showcase our brightest future¡ªit¡¯s a disaster unlike anything we¡¯ve faced. And worse¡­¡± He paused, his voice lowering. ¡°It reeks of an inside job.¡±

    Kohn stiffened imperceptibly. ¡°An inside job? That¡¯s a serious accusation. Do you have evidence?¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± the Dean replied, his gaze narrowing. ¡°But it¡¯s clear someone with access to the security protocols facilitated their entry. The timing, the precision¡ªit wasn¡¯t a random attack.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± Kohn said, feigning outrage. ¡°Someone familiar with the system had to have been involved. Have you identified any suspects?¡±

    The Dean¡¯s piercing gaze didn¡¯t waver as he spoke. ¡°Professor Thomson.¡±

    Kohn blinked, genuinely caught off guard. ¡°Thomson? Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s one of the few who had the access codes,¡± the Dean explained, his voice measured. ¡°And his behavior since the incident has been¡­ odd. He was evasive when I questioned him, nervous. He avoided eye contact. It¡¯s as though he¡¯s hiding something.¡±

    Her mind raced. ''Thomson. Of course. The weak-willed idiot must have buckled under the slightest pressure. But this could work.''

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ troubling,¡± she said, carefully masking her relief. ¡°But perhaps his demeanor is due to the immense pressure we¡¯ve all been under. His Highness Loki¡¯s presence has made things tense for everyone.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± the Dean allowed, though his expression remained skeptical. ¡°But following orders doesn¡¯t change one¡¯s entire demeanor. I plan to interrogate him further.¡±

    Kohn nodded solemnly. ¡°Understandable. If there¡¯s anything I can do to assist, you need only ask.¡±

    The Dean studied her for a moment too long, his gaze sharp and probing. Then, he leaned back in his chair, his expression softening slightly. ¡°I appreciate your cooperation, Professor. Your integrity has always been an asset to this institution.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dean,¡± she replied, forcing a polite smile. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever is necessary to protect our work here.¡±

    As she exited the office, her outward composure remained intact, her grip on her coat tightened as she continued to stride down the corridor, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

    ''Thomson, you¡¯re the perfect scapegoat,'' Kohn thought with a sly smirk as she strolled down the hallway. ''Everything will fall on you. But enough about that. Let¡¯s focus on our rising star. Where are you, Miss Nordin? What¡¯s so special about you that even a god takes interest?''

    Lost in her musings, Kohn¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a familiar figure¡ªa man whose presence commanded attention. Gabriel Anderson, a prominent politician, a former hero and influential businessman in the city, strode purposefully toward the Dean¡¯s office. By his side was his son, Edward Anderson, a student at the academy, who looked uncharacteristically sullen.

    Kohn adjusted her expression into one of polite concern as she approached.  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°Mr. Anderson, good afternoon,¡± she greeted, her tone warm and professional. ¡°I¡¯m Professor Kohn, one of the faculty members here. You seem troubled¡ªis everything alright?¡±

    Gabriel¡¯s face darkened further. ¡°I need to speak with the Dean immediately. How could he allow my son to be humiliated like this?¡± He placed a protective hand on Edward¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Humiliated? By whom?¡± Kohn inquired, feigning shock and sympathy.

    ¡°Valerie Nordin!¡± Gabriel snapped, his voice filled with indignation. ¡°She assaulted my son in broad daylight! Is this the behavior we expect from a future hero? She must be punished.¡±

    Kohn¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest, though she masked it behind a facade of concern. ''Valerie Nordin, he says?. Perfect.''

    ¡°That¡¯s outrageous!¡± Kohn exclaimed, her voice filled with righteous indignation. ¡°Who would dare to mistreat the son of such a respected figure?¡±

    Gabriel nodded, his anger palpable. ¡°It¡¯s unacceptable. She will face justice, or I¡¯ll make sure this institution regrets it.¡±

    ¡°Allow me to assist you,¡± Kohn offered, her smile calculated. ¡°I¡¯ll personally escort you to the Dean¡¯s office. This matter must be addressed immediately.¡±

    Gabriel nodded in gratitude, and Kohn¡¯s mind raced with possibilities as she led them down the hall. ''Finally, an opportunity to deal with Valerie. Let¡¯s see how she wriggles out of this.''

    <hr>

    Meanwhile, across campus, Valerie Nordin was absorbed in her System.

    A familiar chime echoed in her head as she pulled up her stats.

    ---

    VALERIE NORDIN

    Demigod

    Level: 10

    Strength: 10/100

    Speed: 10/100

    Agility: 10/100

    Intelligence: 4/100

    Durability: 10/100

    Power Output:5/100

    Skills:

    Active Skills:

    > Laser Vision (Mastery: 50.19%)

    > Fire Breath (Mastery: 50.3%)

    > Ice Breath (Mastery: 50.7%)

    > Infrared Vision (Mastery: 100%)

    > Eyes of the Gods (Mastery: 10%)

    > Aspects of the Damned, The 7th Aspect: Divine Pride (Mastery: 2.8%)

    - Royal Arrogance: Reflexes increased by 200%.

    - Keen Battle Sense: Grants future sight (predict enemy movements).

    - Fragility of a Flawless Elegance: Damage received increased by 250%.

    Passive Skills:

    > Divine Inquisition (Able to detect lies)

    ---

    Valerie sat cross-legged on her bed, frowning at her interface. Her brow furrowed as she stared at her stats.

    "My stats... are lower? What?! I got weaker?!" She jabbed at the floating screen in disbelief. "I¡¯m pretty sure I maxed out some of these! Why¡­?"

    She groaned, burying her face in her hands. Then, like a flicker of light in her brain, an idea clicked.

    ¡°Wait. No. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m weaker,¡± she said, sitting upright, her finger pointed like she¡¯d solved a murder case. ¡°It¡¯s that my limit is higher. Yes, that¡¯s gotta be it!¡± She nodded confidently.

    ¡°Oddy, am I right?¡± she asked, turning to her ever-sassy system.

    ¡ª You are correct, Val.

    "Hey! Look who decided to finally crawl out of the void! Where¡¯ve you been? Napping?¡±

    ¡ª I was recharging. The energy needed to evolve you was out of this world.

    ¡°Oh, well, excuse me, Mr. High Maintenance.¡± Valerie smirked. ¡°Thanks for that, by the way. I¡¯ll send you flowers later.¡±

    Oddy didn¡¯t dignify her sarcasm with a response, but Valerie pressed on.

    ¡°So, about that ¡®Valerie¡¯s Codex¡¯ thingy. Do I get a reward every time I unlock one? There are 66 of them, right? That¡¯s, like, 66 rewards? Please tell me I get 66 rewards.¡±

    ¡ªYes, you are correct. ¡®Valerie¡¯s Codex¡¯ is a series of truths about your nature. Most demigods begin with 20 codex unlocked, as they already know the basics of who they are. You, however, lived your life as a clueless mortal, completely unaware of your lineage. Your knowledge begins and ends with your parents.

    ¡°Ouch, Oddy. You didn¡¯t need to come for me like that,¡± she muttered, rolling her eyes. ¡°Fine. So I start at square one. No biggie. What if I just¡­ guess the next one?¡±

    ¡ªYou can try, but it must align with the truth, and you must accept it in your heart. Speaking it without belief will not suffice.

    Valerie squinted at the interface, her competitive streak kicking in. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s play. Prepare to be amazed, Oddy, for I am the Champion of the Gods!¡±

    Silence. Not even a flicker from the interface.

    She puffed out her chest, trying again with more flair. ¡°I am the Champion of the Gods, and I accept the role with all my heart!¡±

    Still nothing.

    ¡ªSuch an embarrassing sight. You are not there yet.

    "Shut up, Oddy. No one likes you." She flopped back onto her bed, arms crossed like a sulking child.

    After a moment, her eyes lit up. ¡°Oh wait, I¡¯m an idiot! It¡¯s right there! The ¡®Cursed Body of a Death God.¡¯ The answer was staring at me all along!¡±

    She jumped up, dramatically raising her arms like a prophet. ¡°BEHOLD! I AM A GOD OF DEATH!¡± She closed her eyes, waiting for the satisfying ping of success.

    Nothing.

    She cracked one eye open. ¡°Uh¡­ THE God of Death? Question mark? Exclamation point?¡±

    "Nothing? Really? What else could it be?" she muttered, pacing frantically. Her mind spun with fragments of thoughts, each more chaotic than the last. Then, like a flash of lightning, realization struck her.

    Her ability¡ªthat ability. To see people¡¯s true nature, to judge, to punish, to execute. The glowing interface that appeared above their heads like a silent verdict only she could read.

    Her eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. "Right, this must be it," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and exhilaration. "I am the god of punishment?" She paused, considering. "No¡­ no, it¡¯s more than that."

    A slow, wicked grin spread across her face as the answer crystallized in her mind. "I get rewards¡ªactual rewards¡ªfrom sending evil souls to the afterlife." Her voice rose, filled with unrestrained glee.

    "You know what? I got it." She spread her arms wide as if declaring her dominion to the world. "I AM THE GOD OF DAMNATION!"

    Suddenly, the interface lit up, and she gasped.

    ¡ª

    Codex Unlocked: 2/66

    Reward: The Heart of the Abyss.

    Would you like to claim the reward now?

    Yes/No

    ¡ª

    Valerie blinked. ¡°Wait, that actually worked?¡± She glanced around the room. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Yes please, claim the reward! Wait wait no no no¡­ stop, I didn¡¯t think straight¡±

    ¡ª Claiming reward. Brace yourself, Val. The transformation will cause a slight discomfort

    ¡°Slight discomfort, my ass¡ªoh GODS!¡± Valerie gritted her teeth, her voice breaking into a scream as the pain surged through her body like an electric storm.

    Her heartbeat accelerated to an inhuman pace, pounding like a war drum in her chest. It felt as though her ribs would crack under the pressure. ¡°GODDAMNIT! MOTHER¡ªFUC¡ª¡± Her scream cut off as she doubled over, gasping, every nerve in her body alight with agony.

    Then it hit¡ªa searing, boiling sensation in her veins. Her blood felt molten, her skin slick with a black, rancid substance that oozed out like tar. The stench was unbearable, a mix of decay and sulfur.

    Through her blurred vision, she saw it: a heart. Not her own, but something otherworldly. Suspended in the air, it pulsated with an eerie rhythm, a chilling combination of terror and awe. The organ¡¯s outline resembled a heart, but within it swirled an abyss¡ªa gateway to endless void.

    The heart pulsed once, then shot straight into her chest with an explosive force.

    ¡°ARGH!¡± Valerie screamed as her body convulsed. The black substance gushed out faster now, drenching the floor as her skin seemed to shed its impurities.

    ¡ª

    Extracting impurities.

    ¡ª

    The voice of the system felt distant, almost mocking her suffering. Minutes passed in what felt like an eternity of torment. Then, suddenly, the pain stopped. Valerie collapsed to the ground, her breathing ragged and her body trembling.

    She slowly pushed herself up, wincing, and caught her reflection in the mirror. Her skin glowed, unblemished and radiant, as though she¡¯d been sculpted from marble. She moved her fingers, testing her joints. Her body felt... different. Lighter. Free.

    ¡°Whoa, Oddy... I feel¡ªbetter?¡± she muttered, her voice still hoarse. She took a deep breath and paused, her nose crinkling in disgust. ¡°Oh my gods, what is that smell?!¡± She gagged, looking down at the sludge pooling around her feet. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that gooey, disgusting shit came out of me! Ugh, guess who¡¯s cleaning at the crack of dawn.¡±

    The system chimed in before she could finish her tirade.

    ¡ª

    Passive Skill Unlocked: Death¡¯s Merciless Grip.

    (Strike absolute fear into the hearts of those with 60%-100% Evil Tendencies. AoE: 30m radius.)

    ¡ª

    ¡°Death¡¯s Merciless Grip?¡± Valerie frowned, tapping the interface for details. The description expanded, and her eyebrows shot up.

    ---

    Absolute Fear:

    A state that drags target(s) into the depths of their worst fears, impairing rational thought.

    - Effects: 30% drop in stats, triggers a flight response.

    - Bonus Effect: Individuals with low willpower lose consciousness in the user¡¯s presence.

    ---

    ¡°Okay... that¡¯s¡ªwow. Useful for scaring the crap out of people, sure, but not exactly stealth-friendly.¡± She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°How am I supposed to interrogate someone if they pass out the second they see me? Or worse, bolt screaming before I can even ask where the bathroom is?¡±

    A sudden thud outside her room snapped her out of her thoughts.

    ¡°What now?¡± Valerie muttered, walking to the door. She swung it open to find a neatly dressed staff member sprawled on the floor, clutching a letter.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Valerie groaned. ¡°I didn¡¯t even do anything yet!¡±

    The System immediately triggered, overlaying her vision with judgment stats.

    ---

    Judgment: 62% Evil Tendencies.

    Punishment: Lethal/Non-Lethal.

    Execution: Optional.

    ---

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± Valerie sighed, rubbing her temples. ¡°I knew this skill was going to be a problem.¡±

    Valerie crouched down and pried the letter from the trembling hand of the unconscious staff member. The envelope bore the university¡¯s official seal, and inside was a neatly folded message from the Dean.

    "Miss Nordin, report to my office immediately."

    Valerie let out a frustrated sigh. "What now?" Her thoughts raced as she glanced at the unconscious woman.

    "Am I in trouble?" she muttered, pacing in her room. "Wait... Anderson. Oh no. I really shouldn¡¯t have sent him flying like that." She slapped her forehead. "Stupid, Valerie. Stupid! If they expel me, that¡¯s it¡ªdream¡¯s over. No license, no career. And Dad..." Her voice broke. "He¡¯ll work himself to death just to keep us afloat. I can¡¯t let that happen."

 Chapter 19 - Fear!

    Inside the grand, wood-paneled office, Mr. Anderson¡¯s booming voice filled the space. He was pacing furiously, his son Edward sitting quietly, his face pale.

    ¡°Explain this!¡± Mr. Anderson slammed his tablet onto the Dean¡¯s desk, a video playing on repeat. The clip showed Edward being launched across the campus yard, arms flailing like a ragdoll.

    ¡°This is what¡¯s happening under your watch? Violence, humiliation, and chaos?¡± he thundered. ¡°I¡¯ve donated a fortune to this institution, and this is the thanks I get? My son turned into a laughingstock?¡±

    The Dean, a composed man with a weathered face, raised his hands in a calming gesture. ¡°Mr. Anderson, please, rest assured that the matter is being handled. We¡¯ve investigated the incident, and I¡¯ve already summoned Miss Nordin to my office.¡±

    ¡°Investigated?¡± Anderson scoffed, slumping into a chair. ¡°You call this an investigation? My son is traumatized, and you want me to just sit quietly? What kind of father would I be if I allowed this to slide?¡±

    ¡°I understand your concerns,¡± the Dean replied evenly, his voice carefully neutral. ¡°That¡¯s why Miss Nordin will be here shortly to provide her side of the story. I assure you, the university takes incidents like this very seriously.¡±

    Professor Kohn, who had been standing to the side, decided to chime in. ¡°And rest assured, Mr. Anderson, justice will be served. Miss Nordin¡¯s behavior will not go unpunished.¡±

    The Dean shot her a sharp look, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. Kohn immediately looked away, her earlier confidence faltering.

    But then, something shifted. Kohn¡¯s chest tightened, her breathing grew erratic, and a cold sweat broke out across her forehead. Her heart pounded violently in her ribcage, as though being squeezed by an invisible hand.

    ¡¯What¡¯s happening to me?¡¯ she thought, panic rising. Her vision blurred, flickering in and out of focus. She clutched the edge of the desk to steady herself, but an overwhelming sense of dread consumed her.

    Edward wasn¡¯t faring much better. His hands trembled as he sat frozen in his chair, eyes darting wildly as though trying to find an escape.

    The door creaked open, and Valerie stepped inside, her presence calm and polite. She flashed the Dean a small, respectful smile.

    ¡°Dean Thorne, you wanted to see me?¡± she said, her tone even.

    But to Kohn, the room darkened as Valerie entered. It was as if a shadow darker than the void itself enveloped the space, pulling all the light and air with it. Valerie¡¯s figure twisted in Kohn¡¯s mind, appearing as a being cloaked in black flames, her eyes glowing with an unearthly, malevolent light.

    Kohn¡¯s knees buckled. Every fiber of her being screamed to run, but her legs wouldn¡¯t obey. She gripped the desk harder, her knuckles white, desperately trying to steady herself. ''This¡­ this isn¡¯t human. What is she?!''

    Edward let out a strangled whimper, his wide eyes fixed on Valerie. He shrank into his chair, trembling uncontrollably.

    The Dean, oblivious to the silent chaos unfolding, gestured for Valerie to take a seat. ¡°Miss Nordin, thank you for coming on such short notice. We have some serious matters to discuss.¡±

    Valerie glanced around the room, her gaze lingering on Kohn and Edward, both of whom seemed paralyzed with fear. She raised an eyebrow, confused but kept her composure.

    ¡°Of course, Dean,¡± she said smoothly as she sat down, crossing her legs. ¡°I¡¯m here to clear up any misunderstandings.¡±

    Meanwhile, Kohn bit her lip so hard it drew blood, her thoughts spiraling into incoherence. ¡¯I have to leave¡­ but I can¡¯t move¡­¡¯

    Valerie¡¯s fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of her chair as her gaze shifted between the individuals in the room. The system interface flickered to life above their heads, displaying unsettling truths only she could see:

    Dean Thorne: 45% Evil Tendencies

    Gabriel Anderson: 50% Evil Tendencies

    Professor Kohn: 100% Evil Tendencies

    Edward Anderson: 70% Evil Tendencies

    Her eyes narrowed. ¡¯Kohn¡¯s at 100%?¡¯ She glanced at the professor, noting the subtle tremble in her hands as she fought to remain standing. ¡¯Impressive she hasn¡¯t crumpled yet, but it explains why she looks like she¡¯s seen a ghost. The fear skill is sure scary¡¯

    Her attention was drawn to the text hovering ominously above Kohn:

    Execution: Immediate.

    The words pulsed with an eerie energy that made her uneasy. ¡¯Immediate Execution? Seriously?'' Valerie thought, biting her lip unconsciously. ''That¡¯s... not gonna end well for me, it¡¯s the easiest way but they¡¯ll label me as a murderer. But there¡¯s no way someone this ¡°evil¡± is just a harmless professor. Maybe there¡¯s more to her. I¡¯ll figure it out. And that exp reward¡ª1800 EXP? Holy shit!¡¯'' She smirked faintly.

    ¡°Look at her!¡± Mr. Anderson¡¯s voice thundered, shattering her thoughts. ¡°She¡¯s biting her lip and staring at her professor like some depraved predator! Dean, are you seriously considering letting someone like her stay here? She¡¯s violent, unfit, and clearly disturbed!¡±

    Valerie snapped out of her trance, blinking at the accusation. ¡°What? Oh, no, no, no!¡± She waved her hands defensively, scrambling for an excuse. ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡ª! I mean, I was just thinking about food! Burgers, to be exact. I skipped breakfast this morning.¡±

    The Dean, seemingly unphased by the bizarre turn of events, pressed the intercom on his desk. ¡°Send burgers to my office. Immediately.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s brow furrowed. The Dean¡¯s accommodating tone felt out of place. ¡¯Why is he treating me with kid gloves?¡¯

    ¡°Thank you, Dean, but I¡¯m fine,¡± Valerie said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the matter at hand.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± The Dean folded his hands neatly and nodded. ¡°Mr. Anderson has raised serious concerns. He claims you humiliated his son yesterday. Could you recount what happened, in your own words?¡±

    ¡°Quickly!¡± Mr. Anderson barked, his face red with irritation.

    Valerie caught the Dean¡¯s tone again¡ªsoft, respectful. It gnawed at her curiosity, but she forced herself to focus. She turned her attention to Edward, who sat stiffly in his chair, beads of sweat trailing down his pale face.

    ¡°First of all, I¡¯d like to apologize,¡± Valerie began, her voice calm and measured. ¡°I acted rashly, and I should¡¯ve thought twice before reacting.¡± She glanced at Edward, whose eyes widened slightly, his fear almost palpable.

    She hesitated for a moment, then decided to change her approach. ¡¯I really don¡¯t want to get expelled because of this shenanigans, I need the license, only one way to solve this problem, acting! Ready¡­. Action!¡¯ She dropped her gaze, letting her shoulders slump slightly as if the weight of her words was too much to bear.

    ¡°But,¡± she continued, her voice trembling, ¡°your son did something I couldn¡¯t accept.¡±

    Mr. Anderson¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. ¡°What are you insinuating?¡±

    Valerie let her lips quiver, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°That morning, I was wearing a sundress my best friend bought for me. I was walking across the campus, minding my own business, when your son...¡± Her voice cracked, and she looked down, covering her face as though reliving a traumatic memory. ¡°He lifted my dress and said something vulgar about my¡ª¡± She choked back a sob.

    The Dean leaned forward, his tone gentle. ¡°Take your time, Miss Nordin. You¡¯re safe here.¡±

    Mr. Anderson slammed his fist on the desk, his voice booming. ¡°Lies! In the video, she clearly yelled at my son, calling him her ¡®EXP bag¡¯ or some ridiculous nonsense! Stop this farce!¡±

    Valerie¡¯s heart skipped. ¡¯Video? Damn it, I didn¡¯t see any video.¡¯ But she quickly masked her surprise with righteous indignation, her voice rising with passion.

    ¡°That was me trying to protect my dignity!¡± she shouted, glaring at Mr. Anderson. ¡°Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to be harassed like that? I had to stand up for myself! I had to show I wouldn¡¯t be a victim!¡±

    Edward flinched, visibly shrinking under the weight of her accusations. His pale face now resembled a ghost¡¯s.

    Mr. Anderson turned to his son, his eyes blazing. ¡°Edward! Say something! Is any of this true?¡±

    Edward opened his mouth, but no sound came out. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his wide eyes darting between Valerie and his father.

    ¡°Edward!¡± Mr. Anderson¡¯s voice grew more forceful, but his son remained frozen, trembling in his chair.

    Valerie crossed her arms, the corner of her lips curling into a faint smirk she carefully hid. ¡¯Gotcha.¡¯

    The silence stretched unbearably. Finally, the Dean cleared his throat, his calm voice cutting through the tension. ¡°Miss Nordin, is there anything else you wish to add?¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Valerie softened her tone, casting a quick, sorrowful glance at Edward. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to make this a big deal,¡± she said, her voice laced with feigned regret. ¡°I thought an apology would be enough, but if you want the truth... there it is.¡±

    The Dean nodded, his gaze shifting to Mr. Anderson, whose face was now flushed with embarrassment and anger.

    Edward¡¯s trembling hands clutched the armrests, his head hanging low. Valerie glanced at him one last time, satisfaction blooming in her chest.

    Mr. Anderson slammed his fist onto the desk, his voice sharp and unyielding. ¡°This is absurd! There¡¯s no proof that my son did anything of the sort. You can¡¯t base your decision on her baseless accusations. I will not stand for this!¡±

    Dean Thorne remained composed, folding his hands neatly as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°Mr. Anderson, if this were an isolated incident, perhaps your argument might hold weight. However¡ª¡± The Dean paused, pulling a thick stack of letters from his desk drawer and placing them on the desk between them. ¡°¡ªthese arrived over the past few days. I think you¡¯ll find them... enlightening.¡±

    ¡°What is this?¡± Mr. Anderson demanded, snatching a handful of letters and skimming through them. His face darkened as he read, his jaw tightening with each sentence.

    ¡°These,¡± the Dean explained calmly, ¡°are letters from the parents of students who have complained about your son¡¯s behavior. He has a history of physically bullying weaker students and making inappropriate, often lewd remarks toward female classmates. While, to our knowledge, he hasn¡¯t crossed the line into physical harassment, his actions have caused significant distress. Ms. Nordin¡¯s account aligns with the pattern we¡¯ve observed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s preposterous!¡± Mr. Anderson barked, slamming the letters back onto the desk. ¡°My son is not capable of such behavior. These are lies!¡±

    The Dean sighed, his expression remaining neutral. ¡°If you would direct your attention to the monitor, Mr. Anderson.¡± He pressed a button on his desk, and the large screen behind him flickered to life, displaying footage of the campus yard.

    The video showed Edward in the midst of a group of students. He laughed loudly, shoving a smaller student aside before gesturing crudely toward a passing girl. His words were inaudible, but the girl¡¯s uncomfortable expression was clear.

    The camera shifted to another clip¡ªthis time of Valerie, stepping in to stop two heroes from beating a subdued villain. The villain was on his knees, defenseless, as the heroes advanced. Valerie placed herself between them, raising her hands and speaking firmly, her expression resolute.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Mr. Anderson demanded, his face pale as the footage played.

    The Dean turned his steely gaze back to him. ¡°This is Ms. Nordin¡¯s intervention, caught on news cameras and praised by the public. You see, Mr. Anderson, this footage was aired on the news. Ms. Nordin¡¯s actions were lauded by the public as a shining example of what a hero should be. She demonstrated compassion, restraint, and moral integrity¡ªvalues we strive to instill in all our students.¡±

    Mr. Anderson scowled, his bluster faltering under the weight of the evidence. ¡°And what does this have to do with my son?¡±

    The Dean¡¯s tone grew sharper, his patience thinning. ¡°It means, Mr. Anderson, that if I were to punish or expel Ms. Nordin based on her altercation with Edward, the public would demand to know why. And when they see these footage¡ªboth her actions and your son¡¯s behavior¡ªthey will not look kindly upon your family. The university would also suffer for expelling a student who embodies our principles. Tell me, Mr. Anderson¡ªhow do you think this will play out in the court of public opinion?¡±

    Valerie sat quietly, her face a mask of innocence, though her mind churned. ¡¯So I was praised for that? Great... except this kind of attention is exactly what I don¡¯t need. They¡¯re using me to push their agenda. I really don''t wanna be a tool for their ¡®heroism¡¯ ideology. This could get annoying.¡¯

    She allowed a faint, conflicted smile to appear, playing into her image as a humble, misunderstood student. ¡°I only did what I thought was right,¡± she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

    The Dean nodded approvingly. ¡°And that, Ms. Nordin, is precisely why you are a role model for this institution.¡±

    Valerie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. ¡®This is just another obstacle in my way. But if playing their game keeps me here, then so be it.¡¯

    Mr. Anderson, still fuming, turned to Edward, who had sunk lower into his chair, visibly shaken. ¡°Edward, are you going to let them humiliate us like this? Say something!¡±

    Edward stammered, his voice barely audible. ¡°I-I...¡±

    The Dean cut him off with a firm voice. ¡°Mr. Anderson, I suggest you take this as an opportunity to reflect on your son¡¯s behavior. We are more than willing to provide guidance and support for him, but this institution will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind.¡±

    The room fell silent, the weight of the Dean¡¯s words settling like a heavy fog. Mr. Anderson clenched his fists, his defiance waning under the scrutiny of the evidence.

    Valerie leaned back slightly, her gaze calm but steely.

    ¡°Professor Kohn, what do you think? You¡¯ve been silent this entire time,¡± the dean said, his voice calm yet commanding. All eyes turned to Kohn, who sat stiffly in her chair, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the edges of the table struggling to maintain her composure under the suffocating weight of absolute fear.

    Valerie leaned back in her chair, legs crossed with an air of smug amusement. She rested her elbow on the armrest and tilted her head, her face a picture of feigned innocence. ¡°Professor Kohn, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re on my side. After all, I only stood up for myself. He started it.¡± Her voice was sweet, but her smirk betrayed her.

    Kohn swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Y-yes¡­ absolutely. Miss Nordin, you¡­ you did the right thing. Of course.¡± Her words came out in fragments, her gaze darting away from Valerie¡¯s piercing eyes.

    Valerie¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Ah, see? Even Professor Kohn agrees. Dean, I think that settles it, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The dean nodded, about to close the discussion. ¡°Indeed. If there are no further objections¡ª¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!" This is far from resolved!¡± Mr. Anderson¡¯s voice boomed as he slammed a hand on the table. His face was red with frustration, but before he could continue his tirade, a sharp knock interrupted him.

    ¡°Enter,¡± the dean called, straightening his glasses.

    A staff member walked in, balancing a tray piled high with burgers, fries, and drinks. He placed the food neatly on the desk and handed out portions to everyone present.

    ¡°I hope this is to your liking, Miss Nordin,¡± the dean said, smiling warmly. ¡°Please, enjoy. Let¡¯s have breakfast together while we discuss this matter further.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes sparkled as she reached for her food. ¡°Oh, thank you, Dean. That¡¯s very kind of you.¡± She unwrapped the burger with an exaggerated air of gratitude.

    The group began eating, albeit with varying levels of enthusiasm. Even Mr. Anderson, begrudgingly biting into his burger, gave a reluctant nod. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Our kitchen staff prides themselves on preparing meals that are both nutritious and delicious,¡± the dean said, gesturing to the food. ¡°We believe a healthy mind begins with a healthy body. A well-fed student is a focused student.¡±

    Valerie gave a polite nod, savoring her fries. ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more, Dean. This burger is fantastic.¡±

    While Valerie and the others enjoyed their meal, Kohn and Edward sat frozen in terror. The food before them twisted into grotesque illusions. In their distorted minds, Valerie wasn¡¯t biting into a burger¡ªshe was feasting on their heads, presented on a silver platter.

    The vision became unbearable. Kohn let out a strangled gasp, her eyes rolling back as she collapsed forward onto the table. Edward wasn¡¯t far behind, slumping in his chair with a faint groan.

    Valerie blinked, holding a fry halfway to her mouth. ¡°Uh¡­ did they just pass out?¡±

    The dean glanced at the unconscious pair, his brow furrowing in concern. ¡°Odd. Perhaps they also skipped breakfast this morning. Low blood sugar, maybe.¡±

    Valerie stifled a laugh, taking another bite of her burger. ¡°Guess they couldn¡¯t handle the intensity of the discussion.¡±

    Mr. Anderson scowled, but even he couldn¡¯t suppress a smirk as he reached for another fry. ¡°Maybe next time we discuss this without the theatrics.¡±

    Even though Edward and Kohn had collapsed, the dean and the others made no move to call for medics until they had leisurely finished their breakfast. Only when the plates were cleared and drinks consumed did the dean finally signal for assistance.

    Medics arrived promptly, hoisting the unconscious Edward and Kohn onto stretchers. Mr. Anderson, his hands shoved into his pockets, walked alongside them, his face tight with disapproval.

    ¡°Due to this¡­ bizarre turn of events, we will postpone this discussion for now,¡± he said, his tone biting. ¡°Mark my words, Dean¡ªthis matter is far from resolved.¡±

    He paused at the door, his gaze sharp as he turned to Valerie. ¡°And you, Miss Nordin, how long do you think you can keep up this innocent act? Enjoy it while it lasts. The truth always reveals itself.¡±

    Valerie raised an eyebrow but remained silent, her smirk hinting at mockery.

    Mr. Anderson then turned to the dean, his voice filled with righteous indignation. ¡°And you, Dean¡ªhow could you be so blind to the great evil standing right in front of you? You¡¯ve seen the signs. The end of all things has already begun.¡±

    The dean responded with a placid nod. ¡°Of course, Mr. Anderson. Perhaps next time, we¡¯ll see each other in a different light.¡±

    Valerie watched Anderson storm out, the medics following close behind. When the door finally clicked shut, she turned to the dean, her brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Uh, Dean? Can I ask something?¡±

    ¡°Certainly, Miss Nordin. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    ¡°Who is that guy?¡±

    The dean chuckled softly and leaned back in his chair. ¡°Mr. Anderson is a former hero¡ªa Templar, to be precise. He¡¯s a devout worshiper of Athena, one of the few who helped usher in order during chaotic times. Don¡¯t be fooled by his youthful appearance. He may look thirty-five, but he¡¯s actually 356 years old. Athena herself granted him longevity to continue his crusade.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°A Templar? A knight devoted to Athena?¡± She crossed her arms, mulling it over. ''A 356-year-old knight with a grudge? That¡¯s just great''.

    The dean smiled kindly. ¡°Indeed. There¡¯s much to learn about him¡ªand perhaps about yourself as well. Now, Miss Nordin, if there¡¯s nothing else, you¡¯re free to go.¡±

    Valerie nodded. ¡°Thanks, Dean. I appreciate it.¡±

    Once Valerie left, the dean stood, a contemplative expression replacing his usual calm demeanor. He walked to a discreet panel in the corner of his office, pressing a hidden switch. A section of the wall slid open, revealing a dimly lit chamber.

    Inside stood a towering statue of Loki, its mischievous grin etched in stone. The dean knelt before it, bowing his head.

    ¡°My lord,¡± he murmured reverently, ¡°I witnessed something magnificent today. Absolute Fear. The sheer power of it was awe-inspiring, a testament to your divine plan. My faith in your cause has only deepened, and I swear to guide her toward becoming what you require. I will not fail you.¡±

    The statue seemed to glint in the dim light, as if approving of his pledge.

    <hr>

    Back at the dorm, Valerie pushed open the door to find Fiona crouched over a bucket, furiously scrubbing at the black goo that coated the floor. She wore a mask over her face and had a sour look in her eyes.

    ¡°Val!¡± Fiona snapped, not even looking up. ¡°What the hell is this?! Why does it smell like a thousand skunks exploded in here? Did you shit your pants or something?!¡±

    Valerie blinked at the scene, then burst out laughing. ¡°Oh, hey, Fi. Uh¡­ I can explain. I promise.¡±

    ¡°You better explain!¡± Fiona pointed an accusing finger at her, the sponge in her other hand dripping with goo. ¡°I was out for, like, ten minutes, and I came back to this?! What even is this sludge? It¡¯s alive, Val! I swear it tried to bite me!¡±

    Valerie scratched the back of her head sheepishly. ¡°Yeah, about that¡­ remember when I said I¡¯d try to keep things low-key this semester?¡±

    Fiona glared at her, hands on her hips. ¡°Oh, you mean the semester that¡¯s literally a week old? Yeah, I remember. And this?¡± She gestured to the mess. ¡°This is low-key?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ slight hiccup?¡± Valerie offered, grinning nervously.

    Fiona groaned, tossing the sponge back into the bucket. ¡°You¡¯re buying me lunch for this. And dinner. And dessert. And maybe a hazmat suit.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± Valerie smirked. ¡°But first, let me tell you about my new heart.¡±

    Fiona froze, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Val¡­ what did you do?¡±

    Valerie gave her a sheepish grin. ¡°You might wanna sit down for this one.¡±

 Chapter 20 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 1

    Valerie and Fiona sat at a corner table in the bustling campus cafeteria. Fiona¡¯s eyes were wide with disbelief as Valerie casually sipped her coffee, waving at passing students who recognized her. The videos of Valerie¡¯s exploits¡ªfighting Thor, breaking up a senseless beating of a villain by the Heroes of Astoria¡ªhad made her something of a campus legend.

    ¡°This is actually insane!¡± Fiona finally blurted, setting her fork down with a loud clink. ¡°How do you even function with all that? You can see who¡¯s evil, who¡¯s not, and you¡¯re just¡­ okay with it? Like, don¡¯t you feel anything for the people you¡¯re supposed to punish? Any guilt?¡±

    Valerie, mid-wave at a group of students gawking at her from across the room, turned back to Fiona with a shrug. ¡°Nope.¡±

    Fiona blinked. ¡°Nope? That¡¯s it? ¡®Nope¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Look, Fi,¡± Valerie said, leaning back in her chair, ¡°I don¡¯t feel guilty because they deserve it. The Yggdrasil System doesn¡¯t make mistakes. Evil is evil.¡±

    Fiona leaned forward, her voice dropping into a fierce whisper. ¡°But what if they haven¡¯t done anything yet? What if they¡¯re just¡­ I don¡¯t know, thinking about it? Do you punish them for thoughts alone?¡±

    Valerie paused, tapping her fingers on the table as she considered. ¡°Well¡­ if the system marks them as evil, there¡¯s a reason. I don¡¯t have time to second-guess divine judgment, you know? But it¡¯s not like I can just go around ¡®unaliving¡¯ people willy-nilly.¡±

    ¡°¡®Unaliving¡¯? Seriously?¡± Fiona shot back, her tone dripping with disbelief. ¡°Do you hear yourself? You¡¯re talking about people like they¡¯re NPCs in a video game. You can¡¯t just collect EXP like it¡¯s a goddamn farming simulator!¡±

    Valerie shrugged, setting her coffee down. ¡°If the Yggdrasil System says they¡¯re evil, then they are. I mean, sure, it¡¯s a bit tricky because, you know, there are laws and stuff. I can¡¯t just¡ª¡± she mimicked slitting her throat, ¡°¡ªyou know, without consequences. Even the worst villains have legal protections. But I still need the EXP, so¡­¡± She trailed off, a wry smile creeping onto her face.

    Fiona¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°You¡¯re telling me the only reason you¡¯re not wiping out ¡®evil¡¯ people left and right is because you don¡¯t want trouble with the law?¡±

    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Valerie said with a casual shrug.

    Fiona¡¯s expression darkened, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. ¡°You¡¯re talking about killing people like they¡¯re nothing but EXP bags. Do you even hear yourself? You¡¯re gonna lose your humanity if you keep thinking like that.¡±

    Valerie rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t see them only as EXP bags. They¡ª¡± She stopped herself, biting back her words. ¡°You know what? Forget it.¡±

    ¡°Wow. Really?¡± Fiona threw her hands up in exasperation. ¡°You actually think they¡¯re just EXP bags. You need therapy, girl. Like, immediately.¡±

    Valerie waved her off. ¡°Whatever. By the way, Professor Kohn canceled the last class today. Wanna head into the city? Blow off some steam?¡±

    Fiona narrowed her eyes. ¡°Wait, how do you know the class is canceled?¡±

    Valerie grinned sheepishly. ¡°Well¡­ I may have gotten into trouble this morning for slapping Anderson yesterday. Kohn showed up to punish me or something, but she fainted instead. Couldn¡¯t handle my aura.¡±

    Fiona gawked. ¡°Because of your skill? What¡¯s it called again? ¡®Death¡¯s¡­ merciless grip?¡¯ Ugh, what a cringy name. Let me guess¡ªProfessor Kohn is evil too?¡±

    ¡°Hundred percent,¡± Valerie said without hesitation.

    Before Fiona could respond, a loud thud drew their attention. A student had collapsed just inside the cafeteria entrance. Gasps erupted around the room as people rushed to help.

    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Fiona said, her voice tinged with dread, ¡°he¡¯s evil too?¡±

    Valerie glanced at the unconscious student, her eyes narrowing as the Yggdrasil System overlaid a percentage above his head. ¡°Eighty-two percent.¡± She grinned mischievously. ¡°Might have to kill him at some point. The EXP reward is probably worth it.¡±

    ¡°Valerie!¡± Fiona gasped, horrified.

    ¡°Relax, I¡¯m kidding,¡± Valerie said, throwing up her hands in mock surrender.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t joke about that!¡± Fiona said, crossing her arms in exasperation.

    Valerie leaned back in her chair, laughing. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll behave. Let¡¯s just get out of here before someone else passes out.¡±

    <hr>

    The heart of the city buzzed with life. Valerie and Fiona strolled through the bustling streets, their laughter weaving through the vibrant chaos. Neon signs glowed above them, and street performers entertained clusters of passersby. They ducked into shops, browsed trinkets, and indulged in sugary snacks. Yet, amidst the cheer, Fiona¡¯s unease lingered like a shadow. Her eyes darted nervously to the side every time someone collapsed after crossing Valerie¡¯s path.

    ¡°Fi¡­¡± Valerie¡¯s voice broke through the hum of the crowd, soft yet carrying an edge of vulnerability. She stopped walking, forcing Fiona to turn toward her. Her usually sharp gaze had softened. ¡°Are you scared of me? Because of¡­?¡±

    Fiona froze for a moment, her smile faltering before she plastered it back on. ¡°No, of course not!¡± she said quickly, her tone a little too bright, a little too forced.

    A faint shimmer flickered in Valerie¡¯s crimson irises as her interface lit up:

    ¡ªThe individual is lying.

    Valerie¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, her shoulders sagging slightly. ¡°You know¡­ you can¡¯t lie to me, Fi. I have a skill for that too,¡± she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

    Caught, Fiona sighed, rubbing the back of her neck as she glanced away. ¡°Alright, fine. I¡¯ll be honest¡­ A little bit, yeah. I am scared. I mean, Val, you¡¯re not exactly human anymore. You¡¯re a demigod, soon to be an actual god. That¡¯s¡­ a lot to process.¡±

    Valerie held Fiona¡¯s gaze, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. ¡°Fi, I¡¯ve never been just a human. My mom¡­ she wasn¡¯t from this planet. So, yeah. I¡¯m different. I¡¯ve always been different. And now? Now, I¡¯m¡­¡± She trailed off, her voice dropping as if she didn¡¯t dare finish the thought.

    Fiona stepped closer, her hand reaching out to tap Valerie lightly in the shoulder, ¡°You know what? Who cares?¡± she said, her voice warm and steady. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re a demigod, a god, or whatever else the universe decides to throw at you. I¡¯m here. And I¡¯ll make sure you stay human¡ªmaybe not physically, but in here.¡± She tapped her finger gently against Valerie¡¯s chest, right where her heart would be.

    Valerie¡¯s interface stayed silent. No warnings, no lies detected. Just truth.

    A genuine smile spread across Valerie¡¯s face, one that reached her eyes. For a moment, the weight of her new reality felt lighter. ¡°Thanks, Fi,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°No need to thank me,¡± Fiona replied with a wink. ¡°You¡¯re stuck with me, whether you like it or not.¡±

    With that, they resumed their walk, the unease between them dissipating. The city¡¯s energy seemed brighter, their laughter mingling with the life around them. For now, they were just two friends enjoying the day, finding solace in the fact that even gods need someone to remind them of their humanity.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    <hr>

    Morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the dormitory hall, illuminating Valerie and Fiona as they stood by the door. Both were clad in sleek, armored uniforms, the polished material reflecting their anticipation. Today was pivotal¡ªthe day mentors would be assigned. Yet, despite the crisp morning air and the buzz of excitement, Valerie¡¯s face betrayed her unease.

    She adjusted her gloves absentmindedly, her crimson eyes flickering with worry. ¡°This is bad, really bad,¡± she muttered under her breath.

    Fiona, ever perceptive, stopped mid-step and turned to her friend. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Val? You¡¯ve been fidgeting since we got ready.¡±

    Valerie hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°The Oracle System¡­ I don¡¯t have it anymore. What am I supposed to do now? How do I explain it to the professors?¡±

    Fiona frowned, then placed a reassuring hand on Valerie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I forgot about that... I honestly don¡¯t know. I promise we¡¯ll figure it out once we get there, okay?¡±

    Valerie gave a weak smile. ¡°I wish I had your confidence.¡±

    Fiona grinned. ¡°Borrow some of mine. Let¡¯s just get to class first. We¡¯ll deal with whatever comes next.¡±

    ¡°Should I just tell them what happened?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not. Can you even imagine? if the news broke out, you would be swarmed by reporters, paparazzi, bootlickers and worse of all, Villains. Also, the Government will keep an eye on you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Fi, I get it. Let¡¯s just go!¡±

    The two made their way across the campus to the grand gymnasium. Its towering dome loomed above the students gathering within, all buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Inside, rows of glowing orbs lined the room. Freshmen were already placing their Oracle Systems against the spheres, their glowing interfaces lighting up in sync.

    Valerie slowed as they approached, her unease growing. Fiona shot her a quick glance but said nothing, staying close for support.

    Just as Valerie stepped toward the line of orbs, a professor in a flowing crimson robe intercepted her. ¡°Miss Nordin, Miss Allen,¡± he said, nodding curtly. ¡°You¡¯ve been reassigned. Follow me.¡±

    Fiona and Valerie exchanged confused looks but followed without question. The professor led them to a smaller, more private chamber adjacent to the main gym. Here, the atmosphere was different¡ªintense and almost suffocating. A series of larger, differently colored orbs sat atop pedestals. This was where the top ten students, the elite, would receive their mentors.

    The tension in the room was palpable. One by one, students approached the pedestals, their Oracle Systems glowing brightly as they connected. Valerie, however, stood frozen at the back, her heart pounding.

    Valerie leaned closer to Fiona and whispered, ¡°Maybe I should just tell them, you know? About everything.¡±

    Before Fiona could respond, a voice, deep and commanding, echoed behind them. ¡°What is it that you wish to reveal, child?¡±

    Both girls turned to see the source of the voice. A towering man stood before them, his presence almost suffocating. Taller than Valerie¡ªan impressive feat¡ªhe had jet-black hair streaked with silver, a face that carried the wisdom of a seasoned warrior, and eyes that seemed to pierce through one¡¯s soul.

    Valerie¡¯s chest tightened. There was something about him¡ªan air of familiarity she couldn¡¯t place.

    The man addressed Fiona first, his tone firm but respectful. ¡°Miss Allen, your mentor awaits. If you would be so kind as to join him.¡±

    Fiona gave Valerie a concerned glance before nodding. ¡°Catch you later, Val.¡± With a reassuring pat on Valerie¡¯s arm, she disappeared into the crowd.

    Valerie turned back to the man, studying him. ¡°Do I¡­ know you? The way you speak¡ª¡±

    ¡°I am Ryuu Oda,¡± he interrupted, his voice steady as steel. ¡°From this moment forward, you are my disciple, child. You may address me as master.¡± He bowed deeply, his movements deliberate and dignified.

    Caught off guard, Valerie hesitated before bowing back. Her crimson irises flickered as her judgment interface activated.

    ¡ª

    Judgment: 8% Evil Tendencies

    Punishment: None

    Execution: Forbidden

    ¡ª

    ¡°I do know you,¡± she murmured, squinting at him. ¡°I think. Or maybe¡­ doesn¡¯t matter. Anyway, about the Oracle System¡ªI don¡¯t have it anymore. Kind of a big deal.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s lips curled into a faint, almost amused smile. ¡°You have no need for such trivialities, child. Now tell me, what have you learned thus far about being a warrior?¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes widened slightly. The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. ¡°Wait.. wait a minute¡­ being a warrior? I¡¯ve heard this question before¡­I knew it¡ªyou¡¯re the Azu¡ª¡±

    ¡°Answer the question,¡± Ryuu cut her off, his voice sharp enough to silence her excitement.

    ¡°Yes, master,¡± Valerie muttered, regaining composure. She scratched her neck awkwardly. ¡°Uh¡­ something about purpose? And how a good warrior doesn¡¯t need a big sword or whatever?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Pathetic,¡± he said bluntly. ¡°You have learned nothing. But worry not, child. I will carve these lessons into your mind with my steel.¡±

    ¡°Oh, great. Sounds¡­ comforting,¡± Valerie muttered, averting her eyes.

    Ryuu turned his gaze toward the nearby arena. ¡°Prepare yourself. We will spar here, before the Academy¡¯s eyes. This place has an unhealthy obsession with parading its talents. Let us indulge their whims.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s energy shifted instantly. Her lips curled into a grin. ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯ll beat you this time, old man.¡±

    As they walked toward the gymnasium arena, Valerie caught sight of Fiona conversing with her mentor¡ªa tall man with flowing blond hair and piercing emerald eyes. There was something hauntingly familiar about him. Valerie squinted, but for some reason, her judgment interface failed to activate.

    ¡°Weird,¡± she muttered under her breath. ¡°That¡¯s new.¡±

    Shaking it off, she turned her focus to the sparring match ahead. After all, she was about to go head-to-head with the legendary Azure Oni for the second time. Her blood raced with anticipation.

    The gymnasium roared with cheers, the applause echoing off the walls as mentors sparred with their students. Yet, the Azure Oni stood still amidst the noise, his gaze sharp and unimpressed, like a general watching a poorly disciplined army.

    ¡°This,¡± he muttered under his breath, ¡°is what they call the future of heroes? A shameful display. No discipline. No honor.¡±

    Valerie glanced at him, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. ¡°Old man¡­ I meant¡­Master, why are you even here? You are a supervillain.¡±

    Ryuu Oda, the Azure Oni, folded his arms across his chest, the scars on his forearms catching the light. ¡°I am here, child, because I gave my word¡ªa promise made long ago. You will come to understand its weight in time.¡±

    Valerie tilted her head, trying to read the man beside her. ¡°A promise? To who? What kind of promise?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s piercing gaze met hers. ¡°One that ties you to it, though you may not yet realize it. For now, let your questions rest. You will have your answers when you are ready to bear them.¡±

    Before Valerie could press him further, their names were called. The sparring had been unremarkable so far, but the atmosphere shifted as they stepped into the arena. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

    ¡°That¡¯s the new professor, I heard he was a formidable hero in the past¡­¡±

    ¡°And Valerie Nordin¡­ She fought Thor himself!¡±

    Ryuu stepped into the ring with quiet dignity, shrugging off his dark blue suit jacket. He folded the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows, revealing forearms etched with scars¡ªmarks of countless battles fought and won.

    Valerie, watching him, leaned closer. ¡°Master, should we use swords?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°No,¡± he said, his voice firm and calm. ¡°The world must never know of the swords we wield, least of all yours. That side of you must remain in shadow.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but Got it,¡± Valerie said, nodding.

    Ryuu turned to face her fully, his presence commanding respect. ¡°Prepare yourself, child. Land a single blow, and the match is yours. But know this¡ªyour strength alone will not carry you.¡±

    Valerie smirked, rolling her shoulders. ¡°Are you sure you can handle my punches without your armor, old man?¡±

    The corner of Ryuu¡¯s mouth twitched in faint amusement. ¡°You speak with the confidence of a lion, yet you are but a cub in the wild. Begin.¡±

    Valerie lunged forward, her fist aimed at Ryuu¡¯s chest. With a subtle shift of his weight, he sidestepped, her punch grazing empty air.

    ¡°Too slow,¡± he said, his tone measured, almost disappointed.

    Grinding her teeth, Valerie spun into a high kick. Ryuu didn¡¯t move until the last moment, his body swaying like a reed in the wind as her kick swept past him.

    ¡°Power without precision is meaningless,¡± he said.

    She growled, charging at him with a flurry of punches and kicks. The speed of her attacks increased, each strike more aggressive than the last. But Ryuu moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, dodging her blows effortlessly.

    ¡°Control your anger, child,¡± he said, his tone almost fatherly. ¡°It blinds you to openings and exhausts your strength.¡±

    The students and mentors watching struggled to keep up with the fight. To them, the two figures were blurs of motion, their movements too fast for the untrained eye.

    ¡°Stand still and fight me properly!¡± Valerie snapped, frustration mounting.

    Ryuu¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°A warrior does not demand the battle to suit their weaknesses. Adapt, or be defeated.¡±

    Valerie roared, leaping into the air for a downward strike. This time, Ryuu stepped into her attack, catching her wrist mid-air. In one smooth motion, he flipped her onto the ground.

    ¡°Reckless,¡± he said, his tone carrying a mix of disapproval and patience. ¡°Your body is a weapon, child, but you wield it like a sledgehammer when you should be holding a blade.¡±

    She slammed her fists against the floor and pushed herself up, panting. Her muscles burned, her body screaming for rest, but she refused to stop.

    ¡°Again,¡± she growled, her movements slower now, but more deliberate. She feinted a right hook and followed with a spinning elbow strike, catching Ryuu off guard for the briefest moment. Her elbow grazed his shoulder.

    Ryuu stepped back, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. The crowd erupted in applause, though Valerie barely heard it over the sound of her own heavy breathing.

    ¡°You have landed a blow,¡± Ryuu said, his voice calm and steady. ¡°But only just. Your movements are wasteful, your technique unrefined. You fight as though you are at war with yourself.¡±

    Valerie sank to her knees, sweat dripping from her brow. ¡°So¡­ did I pass?¡± she asked, a weak grin on her face.

    Ryuu extended a hand, helping her to her feet. His expression softened, though his tone remained firm. ¡°You have potential, child. But potential is a seed¡ªit must be cultivated, or it will wither. Discipline will be your greatest weapon. Remember that.¡±

    As they exited the arena, Ryuu leaned closer. ¡°Next time, child, I will not be so lenient.¡±

    Valerie smirked, her exhaustion giving way to determination. ¡°Good. I wouldn¡¯t want it any other way.¡±

 Chapter 21 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 2.

    Centuries ago, in the land of Runesia, the moon hung high in the night sky, its silver light painting the sprawling lands with a tranquil glow. The air was crisp, the kind that carried the whispers of ancient spirits through the rustling leaves. All seemed at peace¡ªuntil a sliver of red light pierced the darkness. It grew rapidly, transforming into a fiery blaze that consumed the thatched roof of a house within a dojo complex. The fire roared to life, spreading mercilessly to neighboring homes, its ferocity mirrored by the sound of boots marching through the gates, heralding destruction.

    This is the tale of Ryuu Oda, a man of unparalleled skill, honor, and dignity¡ªblinded by the pride he held in his blade. A master swordsman who, in his hubris, would lose everything he held dear.

    <hr>

    ¡°Honey, where have you been?¡± came the soft voice of a woman, tender yet tinged with worry. Her dark eyes sparkled with love as she stepped into the courtyard, a small child clutching the hem of her kimono. ¡°Your daughter has been asking for you all day. She misses you.¡±

    Ryuu, a towering man with muscles carved from decades of battle, turned to face her. His expression, hardened from countless duels, softened as he knelt to embrace his daughter. ¡°Is that so?¡± he said, lifting her high into the air, eliciting a giggle that rang like a melody. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, his heart swelling with pride.

    The woman approached, resting her hand gently on his arm. ¡°Please, Ryuu,¡± she said. ¡°Enough of these endless duels. One day, you may not return. What would happen to our daughter then? To me?¡±

    Ryuu chuckled, the sound rich but tinged with arrogance. ¡°My love, you worry too much. I am the finest swordsman this land has ever seen. No one can best me.¡± He turned his gaze to the little girl in his arms. ¡°Besides, our little Chiyo will grow into a mighty swordswoman herself. With my teachings, she¡¯ll surpass any man on this land.¡±

    His wife frowned, folding her arms. ¡°That¡¯s so unladylike. She will not follow in your footsteps¡ªit¡¯s too dangerous. Please, Ryuu, go take a bath before dinner. You reek of blood.¡±

    He laughed, setting Chiyo down gently. ¡°As you command, my love. And you, my little flower,¡± he said, crouching to Chiyo¡¯s height, ¡°go play with the others. Papa will find you as soon as I¡¯m done.¡±

    Chiyo nodded and ran off to join the other children, her laughter mingling with the sounds of training in the dojo.

    <hr>

    Ryuu¡¯s days were spent overseeing the training of his disciples. His booming commands echoed through the courtyard, his presence like that of a mountain¡ªimmovable, commanding respect. With Chiyo often perched on his shoulder, he would demonstrate techniques, his every move a lesson in precision and power. This was his life, a routine built on discipline and love.

    But peace has a way of drawing shadows.

    One fateful day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting the dojo in golden hues, the gates were flung open. A man strode in, flanked by a band of rough-looking warriors. His steps were confident, his smile sharp and condescending.

    ¡°Ryuu Oda!¡± the man bellowed, his voice cutting through the hum of activity. ¡°Come out and face me! I challenge you to a duel¡­ to the death!¡±

    Ryuu, who had been demonstrating a sword technique to his disciples, paused mid-motion. He straightened, handing his sword to one of his students before turning to face the intruder. His movements were unhurried, his demeanor calm.

    ¡°Speak your name, challenger, so that it may be remembered¡­ or forgotten with the wind.¡± Ryuu asked, his tone soft but laced with an undercurrent of steel.

    The challenger smirked. ¡°I am Kaiden Yuro, the new head of the Seventh Demon Sect. And you, Ryuu Oda¡ªor should I call you the Azure Dragon of the East¡ªwill die today by my hands. Your time as the greatest swordsman is over!¡±

    The mention of his moniker stirred a ripple of murmurs among the disciples. It was a name rarely spoken, a title that carried the weight of legends.

    Ryuu¡¯s gaze sharpened, though his voice remained even. ¡°You know my name, and yet you come here to challenge me. Tell me, Yuro, are you ready to face the consequences of this action?¡±

    Yuro scoffed, drawing his blade in one swift motion. ¡°Enough with your hollow words. Draw your sword, or are you afraid to face me?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s lips curved into a faint, almost sorrowful smile. ¡°Afraid?¡± he said, stepping forward. ¡°A true warrior does not act from fear nor pride. You have brought this upon yourself, Kaiden Yuro. Let us see if your blade can match the weight of your words.¡±

    As Ryuu prepared for the duel, the sun dipped further, casting long shadows over the dojo. The air grew thick with anticipation. His disciples watched with bated breath. He turned briefly to his wife, who stood in the doorway, her face pale but resolute. ¡°Take Chiyo inside. This will be over soon."

    His wife hesitated, but the look in his eyes left no room for argument. She gathered Chiyo in her arms and disappeared into the house.

    Ryuu turned back to Kaiden, his expression grim. ¡°Draw your blade, challenger. You have invited death to my door, and I shall not deny it entry.¡±

    The duel began, and the fate of the dojo¡ªand Ryuu¡¯s legacy¡ªwould be sealed before the sun set.

    In the heart of the dojo courtyard, the air was heavy with tension. The disciples, standing in a semi-circle, barely breathed as they watched their master, Ryuu Oda, face the challenger, Kaiden Yuro. The clinking of blades echoed like thunder in the silence. But it was over in an instant¡ªthree moves, a blur of precision and power. Kaiden fell, his body collapsing onto the ground, lifeless.

    Ryuu sheathed his blade with a practiced grace, his expression calm and unreadable, as though the duel had been nothing more than another day¡¯s routine. The disciples erupted into whispers of awe.  Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t even break a sweat.¡±

    ¡°Master Ryuu is invincible!¡±

    ¡°One day¡­ one day, I¡¯ll be just like him.¡±

    The display of strength, honor, and mastery etched itself into their memories, a moment they would recount for years to come.

    But as the echoes of admiration subsided, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the stillness. An old man stumbled into the courtyard, his face twisted in anguish. His eyes fell upon the still form of Kaiden, and with a heart-wrenching cry, he collapsed beside the body.

    ¡°No¡­ Kaiden! My boy!¡± His voice cracked as he clutched his son¡¯s lifeless hand, tears streaming down his weathered face. The warriors who had accompanied Kaiden stood in silence, their heads bowed, their hands gripping their weapons in quiet frustration.

    Ryuu stepped forward, his expression unyielding, yet not unkind. ¡°Who are you to trespass in my dojo and disrupt its sanctity?¡±

    The old man looked up, his face a mixture of grief and fury. ¡°I am Hiro Yuro¡­ his father. You¡­ you monster! How could you do this? He was just a boy¡ªyoung, foolish, and eager to prove himself. How could you take him from me?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s eyes hardened, his voice steady as stone. ¡°I honored his request. He came to me seeking a duel to the death. A true warrior cannot refuse such a challenge. If his skill was insufficient to match mine, the blame lies with him, not me. I expected more from the kin of a sect leader.¡±

    The old man¡¯s face darkened, his voice trembling with rage. ¡°You fool! He was not the leader of our sect¡ªI am! He was my only son, and now you¡¯ve stolen him from me!¡±

    The disciples gasped, their admiration for Ryuu momentarily overshadowed by the old man¡¯s grief. Even Ryuu faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before his mask of stoicism returned.

    ¡°This was his choice,¡± Ryuu said, his voice quieter but no less firm. ¡°He sought to prove his worth in the way of the blade. I granted him the honor of that fight. Should you wish to seek vengeance, Hiro Yuro, I will welcome any challenge.¡±

    The old man¡¯s face twisted in fury, but there was no mistaking the defeat in his slumped shoulders. He motioned for his warriors to carry Kaiden¡¯s body. As they lifted the young man, Hiro glared at Ryuu with eyes that burned like dying embers.

    ¡°This is not the end,¡± Hiro spat. ¡°One day, you will know my pain. One day, you will lose what you cherish most, and only then will you understand the weight of your pride.¡±

    Ryuu stood tall, his voice a solemn echo. ¡°I await that day, should it ever come.¡±

    The old man turned and left, his warriors following in somber silence. The courtyard was quiet once more, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the wind.

    <hr>

    That evening, the dojo returned to its usual rhythm. Disciples trained, laughter filled the halls, and Ryuu¡¯s wife scolded him as she always did.

    ¡°Another duel? Another life taken?¡± she said, her voice sharp with disapproval but tinged with worry. ¡°Will you never learn, Ryuu? One day, your pride will cost you dearly.¡±

    Ryuu, holding Chiyo in his lap, gave her a tired smile. ¡°I do what must be done. A warrior does not shy from the path he has chosen.¡±

    She sighed, kneeling beside him and stroking Chiyo¡¯s hair. ¡°Just remember, Ryuu, that the path you walk is not yours alone. We walk it with you.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s smile faded as he looked down at his daughter, her innocent eyes shining with admiration for her father. For a fleeting moment, doubt crept into his heart.

    But it passed, like a shadow swallowed by the sun. He was Ryuu Oda, the greatest swordsman of Runesia. His path was his own to carve, and for now, life continued as it always had.

    Unbeknownst to him, the seeds of tragedy had already been sown.

    Months passed, and life at the dojo was peaceful. Ryuu Oda, master swordsman and undefeated warrior, lived his days in a rhythm of discipline, training, and family joy. The laughter of his daughter, Chiyo, and the warmth of his wife¡¯s gentle chiding filled his heart with quiet pride. Yet, in the shadows of his contentment, his pride lay restless, ever vigilant for the next challenge.

    One day, a messenger arrived bearing a scroll. The paper was new, sealed with an unfamiliar emblem. Ryuu unrolled it, his sharp eyes scanning the elegant script.

    ¡°Master Ryuu Oda, your renown has reached the far corners of Runesia. I, Daizo Tenma, humbly request a duel to honor your skill. Meet me at the Red Valley three days hence, where swords shall determine the mightiest among us.¡±

    The challenge was issued. His pride, as steadfast as a mountain, would not let him refuse.

    That evening, his wife found him preparing his armor and blade.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± she asked, her tone heavy with worry.

    ¡°It is a matter of honor,¡± Ryuu replied, his voice firm. ¡°This Daizo seeks to test his mettle against mine. I cannot refuse such a request.¡±

    ¡°You cannot? Or will not?¡± she shot back, stepping in front of him. ¡°Every time you leave for these duels, you gamble with your life. What about us? What about Chiyo? Must your pride always come before your family?¡±

    Ryuu paused, his jaw tightening. ¡°This is who I am. A warrior cannot deny his nature. I promise, I will return soon. Nothing will happen to you or Chiyo.¡±

    Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, ¡°You¡¯re wrong, Ryuu. Pride is a blade that cuts both ways. One day, it will cost you everything.¡±

    He placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. ¡°I will be back before you know it. Trust me.¡±

    She stepped aside, her heart heavy with unspoken fear, and watched as he walked out of the dojo gates, his silhouette framed by the setting sun.

    <hr>

    The journey to Red Valley was arduous, but Ryuu was undeterred. When he arrived at the designated spot, he found only silence. No challenger awaited him. The valley¡¯s barren expanse stretched endlessly, the wind whispering through the rocks.

    ¡°Coward!¡± he muttered under his breath, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. ¡°So much for honor.¡±

    Convinced the challenger had abandoned the duel, Ryuu decided to stay in a nearby inn to rest before returning home. He embraced the local customs, sharing stories with villagers and sampling their food. He thought nothing of the unease that prickled at the back of his mind.

    <hr>

    Three days later, Ryuu returned to the dojo, eager to see his family. But as he crested the hill overlooking his home, his heart froze.

    Smoke.

    Thick, black tendrils curled into the sky, carrying with them the acrid stench of burning wood and flesh. He broke into a sprint, his legs moving faster than they ever had before. When he reached the gates, what he saw brought him to his knees.

    The dojo was reduced to ash and rubble. The once-proud structure that had stood as a testament to his skill and legacy was now nothing more than charred remains.

    Scattered among the ruins were the lifeless bodies of his disciples, their training swords still clutched in their hands. The ground was soaked with blood and tears, the cries of battle long since silenced.

    ¡°Chiyo! Kana!¡± he screamed, his voice cracking with desperation.

    He searched frantically through the debris until he found them¡ªhis wife and daughter. Their bodies lay together, his wife¡¯s arms wrapped protectively around Chiyo as if shielding her from the flames. Their faces, once filled with love and warmth, were now cold and lifeless.

    Ryuu fell to his knees, cradling them in his arms. He let out a cry so guttural, so raw, it seemed to shake the very earth beneath him.

    ¡°No! No! This cannot be!¡± Tears streamed down his face as he rocked back and forth, his once-unshakable pride shattered into a million pieces. For the first time in his life, Ryuu Oda knew true defeat¡ªnot by the blade, but by the cruel hand of fate.

    <hr>

    High above, unseen by mortal eyes, a being watched in silence. Clad in ethereal light, it floated in the heavens, its features obscured but its sorrow unmistakable. A single tear slipped from its glowing emerald eyes, falling like a star through the sky.

    ¡°This pain¡­ I know it well,¡± the being murmured, its voice trembling with ancient anguish. ¡°To lose everything¡­ to be consumed by the flames of pride¡­ I know it all too well.¡±

    The being turned away, its heart heavy with regret and empathy. Below, Ryuu¡¯s anguished cries continued, echoing into the vast emptiness of the night.

 Chapter 22 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 3

    The moonlight spilled through the dorm window, painting the room in soft silver as Valerie paced the floor, her movements restless. Fiona sat cross-legged on her bed, a textbook open but clearly forgotten as she watched Valerie with mild amusement.

    "Fi," Valerie said, her tone serious, "about your mentor... I don¡¯t know, something feels off. I can¡¯t see his EvilTendencies. Did you notice anything weird?"

    Fiona tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Weird? No, not at all. Honestly, he¡¯s amazing. He¡¯s kind, patient, and actually listens. Yesterday, he pointed out things about my form that no one else ever noticed. I felt like he really saw me, you know?"

    Valerie stopped pacing, arms crossing. "Okay, that¡¯s great and all, but don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little... I don¡¯t know, too good to be true? Something about him just doesn¡¯t sit right with me."

    Fiona shrugged, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Not everyone¡¯s hiding some big, dark secret, Val. Maybe he¡¯s just really good at his job. Anyway, how about your mentor? He was insane during your fight. Didn¡¯t even break a sweat while making you look like a total newbie."

    Valerie groaned, collapsing onto her bed with a dramatic flop. "Don¡¯t remind me. He¡¯s way too powerful, Fi. It¡¯s intimidating. I have a bad feeling his training is going to be next-level brutal. He¡¯s unforgiving, but also..." She hesitated, her voice softening. "I don¡¯t know... wise. And weirdly caring?"

    Fiona perked up, grinning. "Oh, so he¡¯s one of those ancient warrior types who drops life-changing wisdom while kicking your butt? I love that. Heroes from Runesia are all about those cryptic one-liners. Way more fun than boring combat drills."

    Valerie snorted despite herself. "Oh, he¡¯s got the one-liners, alright. Yesterday, after I lost my temper, he said, ¡®Control your anger, child. Rage is a double-edged sword¡ªit cuts both ways.¡¯"

    Fiona laughed, tossing a pillow at Valerie. "And he¡¯s not wrong! You were so mad during that fight. I mean, I get it, but come on, Val, maybe he¡¯s onto something?"

    Valerie caught the pillow and tossed it back, rolling her eyes. "Not you too, Fi. Whose side are you on?"

    "Hey, I¡¯m just saying," Fiona said with a smirk, holding her hands up in mock surrender. "Maybe he knows what he¡¯s talking about. He probably has the whole ¡®seen things, been through stuff¡¯ backstory. You should at least try to listen."

    Valerie sighed, leaning back against the wall. "Yeah, I guess. It¡¯s just... hard. He¡¯s so intense, and I feel like I¡¯ll never be good enough to meet his expectations."

    <hr>

    Ryuu stood motionless before the graves of his wife, daughter, and disciples, the cold wind whispering through the charred ruins of his once-vibrant life. The scent of scorched earth lingered, mingling with the weight of his grief. The flames that had consumed his home now burned within his soul¡ªa tempest of wrath and sorrow. Blood trickled from his clenched fists, the sting a pale echo of the anguish within.

    "This tale does not end here," he murmured, his voice low and unyielding, as though the wind itself carried his oath. "What serpent dares strike at the heart of a dragon and believe it shall not face the fire?"

    He turned slowly, the depth of his fury seeming to distort the air around him. His face, wet with tears, was a mask of unshakable resolve. In his mind, one name rose above the cacophony of his anguish: Hiro Yuro. The father of the fallen challenger, and the architect, Ryuu believed, of this vile slaughter.

    "They have sown chaos in fertile soil," he whispered to the void, "and I shall see their harvest reduced to ash."

    Without a glance back, Ryuu began his trek to the Seventh Demon Sect. The path stretched before him like a test of his will, each step accompanied by echoes of laughter now silenced. Memories, both a comfort and a curse, pressed against his mind as he ignored the world around him.

    Villagers hushed as he passed, their whispered observations trailing him like shadows.

    "A man who has lost everything is no longer bound by fear," one said.

    "His wrath walks ahead of him, clearing his path," another murmured.

    But Ryuu heard nothing. His focus was unyielding, his purpose sharp as the blade that rested at his side.

    When he arrived at the iron gates of the Seventh Demon Sect, his presence felt like an approaching storm. The gates loomed tall, yet to Ryuu, they were but twigs before the might of his resolve. With a roar that tore through the stillness, he drove his heel into the gates, splintering wood and bending metal with the force of his fury.

    Guards turned, startled by the thunderous sound. "Who comes¡ª"

    Ryuu did not answer with words but with steel. His blade moved with the precision of a storm, each strike deliberate, unrelenting. Blood painted the stone beneath his feet, and the cries of the dying faded into silence, overwhelmed by the echo of his fury.

    "Bring me Hiro Yuro!" he bellowed, his voice a command that reverberated through the sect¡¯s walls.

    Terrified disciples scattered like leaves before a gale, though one, trembling, pointed toward the grand hall. Ryuu strode forward, leaving a trail of crimson in his wake, the weight of his wrath carried with every step.

    At last, he reached the sanctum. Hiro Yuro stood at its center, flanked by loyal disciples. His calm, weathered visage betrayed no fear, only quiet contemplation.

    "Ryuu Oda," Hiro said, his tone even, a mountain unmoved by the storm. "Why do you bring ruin to this place? Speak your grievance."

    Ryuu¡¯s voice, heavy with emotion, cracked like thunder. "You feign ignorance? My family lies in ash. My disciples, cut down like stalks of wheat. You, Hiro Yuro, have turned my world to cinders¡ªand now you ask why?"

    Hiro¡¯s gaze did not waver. "Anger blinds even the keenest eyes. Are you certain of the path you tread, Ryuu? Or has vengeance cast its shadow over your reason?"

    Ryuu¡¯s blade trembled in his hand, the weight of his rage warring with the echoes of Hiro¡¯s words.

    Hiro¡¯s gaze softened, though sorrow clouded his eyes like a mist over a mountain. "Ryuu, your pain has led you astray. I did not commit this vile act. Though your loss is immeasurable, this path you tread will lead only to your own destruction."

    "Deceiver!" Ryuu roared, his voice shaking the hall like thunder. He raised his blade, its edge glinting with the fire of his wrath. "Do not dare speak to me of destruction when you stand atop the ruins of all I hold dear!"

    Hiro inclined his head slightly, his voice calm yet resolute. "Your heart burns with grief, Ryuu, and it blinds you to reason. If you allow this fury to consume you, you will lose the remnants of your soul to the abyss."

    Ryuu¡¯s footsteps echoed through the hall as he advanced, his eyes like twin flames locked upon Hiro. "The abyss is where I now dwell, Hiro. You sent your shadows to my home and stole from me all that made life sacred. Humanity? That died with my family."

    Their blades met in a cacophony of steel, each strike resounding like the toll of a bell. Sparks danced in the dim light as Hiro parried Ryuu¡¯s relentless assault with the practiced ease of a master.

    "Ryuu, cease this madness!" Hiro¡¯s voice was commanding yet imploring as their blades locked.

    "Silence!" Ryuu snarled, his teeth bared like a wolf''s. "You speak of madness, yet it was you who unleashed ruin upon my home! My wife, my daughter, my disciples¡ªall ash because of you!"

    With a swift motion, Hiro pushed him back and sidestepped his next strike. "I have told you before, Ryuu¡ªI did not commit this treachery! Were I a man of such cowardice, I would not face you now. If I sought vengeance for my son, I would challenge you under the sun, not strike in the shadows like a thief!"

    Ryuu¡¯s voice cracked as he roared, "Your words are as empty as the graves you forced me to dig!" He lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air in a desperate arc, only to be met with Hiro¡¯s unwavering defense.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    With a deft twist of his wrist, Hiro disarmed Ryuu, sending his sword clattering to the stone floor. He stepped back, his voice a sharp command that cut through the silence like a blade. "Enough, Ryuu! Your grief has become your master, and it drives you to madness. Open your eyes, or you will lose yourself entirely!"

    Unarmed, Ryuu lashed out with his fists, his movements wild and driven by despair. Hiro dodged each blow, his form as steady as a mountain. With the hilt of his blade, he struck Ryuu lightly in the chest, the impact forcing him to his knees.

    Hiro knelt beside the fallen man, his voice a blend of firmness and compassion. "Ryuu, I mourn with you. The weight of your loss is a burden I cannot fathom. But shedding my blood will not mend your heart nor bring back those you love. If vengeance is your path, then know this: it is not I who you must fight."

    Ryuu¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he trembled, his body spent and his fury finally dimming. His eyes fluttered closed, and darkness claimed him as exhaustion and sorrow overcame him.

    The hall of the Seventh Demon Sect fell silent, save for the faint sound of Ryuu¡¯s labored breathing. Hiro rose, his expression inscrutable, though the depths of his turmoil rippled beneath the surface. Turning to his disciples, his voice carried the weight of both authority and mercy.

    "Tend to his wounds," Hiro commanded, sheathing his blade with a deliberate grace. "He is no enemy, but a man broken by grief. His actions are not his own but those of a heart consumed by loss. Show him the compassion he cannot yet show himself."

    The disciples exchanged uneasy glances but obeyed, lifting Ryuu¡¯s limp form with care and carrying him out of the hall. Silence lingered like a shadow as Hiro gazed at the bloodstains darkening the stone floor.

    He strode to the edge of the hall, where moonlight spilled through a wide-open window, casting his silhouette against the shimmering glass. For a moment, he studied his reflection, his eyes searching for answers in the face staring back at him.

    ¡°Grief begets vengeance, and vengeance begets ruin,¡± he murmured, his voice like a sigh carried on the wind. ¡°Such is the endless dance of destruction.¡±

    His expression faltered, a flicker of sorrow passing across his features before resolve hardened his gaze. He turned slightly, as though addressing a presence unseen. ¡°I warned you, Ryuu. I told you that pride would become your noose, that your thirst for dominion would devour all you held dear. Yet you chose the sword, blind to its double edge.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s grip tightened on the windowsill, his knuckles pale as he whispered to the night. ¡°Your arrogance was the storm that shattered your home, but you will not see it. No¡­ You needed a demon to blame, and so you forged one from my name.¡±

    As Hiro stepped away from the window, his robes whispered against the stone. His path led him toward the dim corridor, where Akio, one of his younger disciples, emerged hesitantly from the shadows, his face etched with uncertainty.

    ¡°Master Hiro,¡± Akio began, his bow deep but his voice quivering with hesitation. ¡°Forgive my boldness, but... why extend mercy to a man so steeped in blood? He came to slaughter, not to speak. Should he not answer for the lives he has taken?¡±

    Hiro paused, his back to Akio, his silhouette framed by the flickering light of distant torches. Slowly, he turned, his gaze steady and piercing.

    ¡°Akio,¡± he said, his voice calm and measured, carrying the weight of a warrior¡¯s wisdom. ¡°Do you know what marks the difference between a man of honor and a beast driven by rage?¡±

    Akio hesitated, searching for words, but his voice faltered. ¡°No, Master. I do not.¡±

    ¡°Compassion,¡± Hiro replied, his tone solemn yet firm. ¡°Compassion, even for the fallen, even for those ensnared by darkness. A true warrior does not delight in another¡¯s ruin. Instead, he seeks to guide them from the abyss.¡±

    Akio¡¯s brow furrowed, his confusion evident. ¡°But, Master,¡± he said cautiously, ¡°Ryuu came with hatred in his heart and blood on his hands. Does mercy not cheapen justice?¡±

    Hiro stepped closer, his presence commanding yet calm. ¡°Justice without mercy is but another name for vengeance,¡± he said softly. ¡°We do not balance the scales of the world by adding to its suffering.¡±

    Akio¡¯s breath hitched, but he gathered his courage. ¡°Yet, Master, he struck down our brothers without hesitation. Should there be no consequence?¡±

    Hiro¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice taking on an edge like tempered steel. ¡°Do you think I am blind to his actions, Akio?¡± he asked, his tone low but cutting. ¡°Do you believe my mercy to be born of weakness? No. It is born of strength¡ªthe strength to see a man consumed by his own despair and extend a hand rather than a blade.¡±

    Akio looked down, his voice a murmur. ¡°I... I do not fully understand, Master.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s expression softened, and he placed a hand on Akio¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You will, in time,¡± he said. ¡°Remember this: the sword may silence a man¡¯s wrath, but it cannot heal his soul. True strength lies in saving what others would cast aside. Now go. See that Ryuu¡¯s wounds are tended with care. His battle is not over, and neither is ours.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± Akio said, bowing deeply before retreating down the corridor.

    Hiro lingered for a moment, the moonlight painting his figure in silver. Then, without another word, he turned and walked toward his chambers, his steps a quiet echo in the stillness of the night.

    <hr>

    The next morning, Ryuu awoke to the gentle rustling of fabric and the soft murmur of wind through the trees. His body ached, wrapped in fresh bandages, his pride as battered as his flesh. A young disciple stood by the doorway, his posture respectful yet guarded.

    ¡°Master Ryuu,¡± the disciple said, bowing low. ¡°Master Hiro requests your presence at the pavilion by the pond.¡±

    Ryuu grunted, the weight of his anger and sorrow warring with the faint gratitude for being alive. Rising slowly, he dressed and followed the disciple along the serene pathways of the sect¡¯s compound. The still waters of the pond mirrored the morning light, their calmness a sharp contrast to the storm within him.

    At the pavilion, Hiro sat cross-legged, his figure as unmoving as a mountain. He gestured to the cushion opposite him, his expression unreadable yet inviting.

    ¡°Come, Ryuu,¡± Hiro said, his voice steady as the breeze. ¡°Let us speak, not as enemies, but as men burdened by the same sorrow.¡±

    Ryuu hesitated before lowering himself onto the cushion, his movements deliberate, his eyes sharp and defiant. ¡°You summon me here, Hiro, yet do not think I have forgotten. Your actions have carved deep wounds, and I bear their scars.¡±

    Hiro inclined his head slightly, his expression calm, yet shadowed by a subtle weariness. ¡°And what is it you claim I have wrought, Ryuu? Speak plainly, for truth does not cower behind riddles.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s voice was edged with venom. ¡°You speak of truth, yet you live by deceit. My family lies in ruin, my disciples scattered like ash in the wind. You, the supposed master of wisdom, have only sown destruction.¡±

    Hiro sighed, the weight of centuries seeming to hang on his breath. ¡°You accuse with the fervor of a storm, Ryuu, but storms obscure the horizon. Tell me this: do your grievances stem from my actions, or from the pride that blinds you to their cause?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. ¡°Do not presume to lecture me on pride, old man. You have no knowledge of the burdens I carry.¡±

    Hiro leaned forward, his voice low and deliberate, like a steady drumbeat on the battlefield. ¡°Pride is a blade forged by one¡¯s own hand, Ryuu. It is sharp enough to wound others, but its first cut is always to its wielder¡¯s soul. You call me destroyer, but have you ever questioned the architect of your ruin?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s glare faltered, but his silence was filled with defiance. Servants entered the pavilion, bearing trays of food that filled the air with the rich aroma of spices and herbs. Hiro gestured toward the offerings with a serene hand.

    ¡°Eat,¡± he said, his tone as unyielding as stone yet gentle as flowing water. ¡°Even the strongest dragon must heed the call of mortal hunger. It is folly to starve the body while the spirit rages.¡±

    Ryuu hesitated, his pride warring with the pangs in his stomach. Reluctantly, he reached for a bowl, each bite a reluctant concession to his host¡¯s hospitality.

    When the meal was finished, Hiro spoke again, his words deliberate and laden with meaning. ¡°Humility, Ryuu, is not the shackle of the weak. It is the strength to cast aside the illusions of the self and see the world as it is. The proud man stands alone, blind to the hands that could have steadied him.¡±

    Ryuu looked away, his scowl softening as Hiro¡¯s words resonated deeper than he cared to admit. Their conversations continued for weeks, each one a battle of wills and philosophies. Yet, as time passed, Ryuu found his rage ebbing, replaced by a quiet introspection that unsettled him more than anger ever had.

    One day, Hiro offered a path forward. ¡°Ryuu,¡± he began, his voice steady as a mountain. ¡°The past is a river that cannot be swum twice. Join us. Let the present be the forge where you temper yourself anew. Serve not as an outcast but as a brother. Here, you may rebuild what was lost.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s head bowed slightly, his voice quiet and measured. ¡°I will. Not for you, Hiro, but for the man I might yet become.¡±

    <hr>

    The lanterns in Ryuu¡¯s chamber flickered violently, their warm glow devoured by a sudden, chilling darkness. The air grew thick, and the room seemed to shrink as an ominous presence filled the space.

    A voice, smooth as silk yet carrying the bite of steel, echoed from the shadows. ¡°How quaint. A dragon shackled by serpentine chains. Such irony amuses me.¡±

    Ryuu shot to his feet, his hand instinctively reaching for a weapon that was not there. His eyes darted around the dim room until they found the source of the voice: a figure cloaked in faint, ethereal light. The being¡¯s eyes gleamed like stars, and his smirk was both playful and predatory.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ryuu demanded, his voice steady despite the unease clawing at him.

    The figure inclined his head in mock courtesy. ¡°I am Loki, the Trickster, the God of Mischief. But tonight, I come not for mischief. My words carry weight, not jest.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s brow furrowed, suspicion evident in his posture. ¡°A trickster¡¯s words are seldom without strings. What game do you play here?¡±

    Loki chuckled, the sound reverberating like distant thunder. ¡°Games, dragon? No, not tonight. I offer only a warning: beware the serpent who speaks of virtue while coiling tighter around your neck.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Hiro? What are you saying?¡±

    Loki stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet strangely devoid of malice. ¡°I say this: a dragon¡¯s instincts are keen. Trust them. For though a snake may speak of righteousness, its fangs remain poised to strike.¡±

    Before Ryuu could respond, Loki¡¯s form began to fade, the scent of charred air lingering in his wake. His final words hung in the stillness like a whispered command.

    ¡°Awaken, dragon. The truth is not always what it seems.¡±

    Alone in the suffocating silence, Ryuu sank back onto his mat, his heart heavy with doubt and his mind ablaze with questions.

 Chapter 23 - The Unlikely Encounter - Part 4

    The whispers from the god shook his mind, even the brightest sun couldn¡¯t calm the storm raging within. Ryuu sat atop his horse, guarding a traveling merchant caravan, his body moving as if on autopilot. His hands gripped the reins tightly, but his thoughts wandered.

    ¡°If Hiro is truly the snake,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°why go to such lengths to save me? Why give me purpose?¡±

    The doubts lingered, festering like a wound. ¡°But then¡­ Loki,¡± he continued, wrestling with his thoughts. ¡°What if this is his mischief? He is a god I¡¯ve never known. A god from a foreign land. Could he simply be toying with me for amusement?¡±

    Yet no matter how much Ryuu tried to dismiss the whispers as a god¡¯s passing fancy, the seeds of suspicion remained. The storm in his mind churned relentlessly, threatening to consume him.

    After a week on the road, Ryuu finally returned to the sect. The gates opened, and Hiro stood waiting, his expression calm yet commanding.

    ¡°Ryuu, welcome back. Did the road treat you kindly?¡± Hiro¡¯s voice was steady, but Ryuu hesitated, his mind clouded.

    ¡°The road was fine,¡± he replied curtly, dismounting. As he moved closer, Loki¡¯s voice slithered into his thoughts once more.

    ¡°Oh, dragon, look at that ugly snake standing there. Who does he think he is? Fooling a dragon like you? Oh wait, he already has... Never mind!¡±

    The mocking tone grated against Ryuu¡¯s resolve. He clenched his fists, trying to drown out the god¡¯s voice. The audacity of the whisper angered him, but what angered him more was the faint ring of truth it carried.

    ¡°Ryuu?¡± Hiro¡¯s voice pulled him back. ¡°You seem distracted. Has something troubled you?¡±

    Snapping out of his trance, Ryuu quickly bowed his head. ¡°Forgive me, Master Hiro. The journey was long, and I am merely tired.¡±

    Hiro placed a firm hand on Ryuu¡¯s shoulder, his touch grounding. ¡°Come. Rest your weary soul. A troubled mind is a dangerous companion.¡±

    The days that followed brought the usual routine. Ryuu and Hiro often sat together by the lotus pond, speaking of honor, humility, and redemption. Hiro¡¯s words were measured, carrying the weight of a man who had seen the world and its darkness.

    ¡°Pride,¡± Hiro said one evening, his gaze fixed on the water, ¡°is the greatest challenge a warrior must face. It is both armor and chains. Do not mistake your worth for invulnerability, Ryuu. A dragon that cannot bend will break.¡±

    Ryuu hesitated before speaking. ¡°Master Hiro¡­ I must tell you something.¡±

    Hiro turned to him, his expression patient. ¡°Speak, my son.¡±

    ¡°There are whispers,¡± Ryuu admitted, his voice low. ¡°Whispers claiming you are not what you seem. They come from a god¡­ one who calls himself Loki.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s brows furrowed, but his composure remained unshaken. ¡°A god, you say? Gods meddle for their own amusement, Ryuu. Do you not see? These whispers are your doubts given form, nothing more.¡±

    Ryuu nodded slowly, though the turmoil in his heart remained.

    ¡°What a stupid dragon,¡± Loki¡¯s voice sneered in his mind. ¡°I wonder if there¡¯s even a brain inside that thick skull of yours.¡±

    Hiro placed a hand on Ryuu¡¯s shoulder once more, his grip firm. ¡°Let go of these doubts. Doubt is a poison, and faith is the cure. Trust in what you have seen, not in the words of an unknown God.¡±

    ¡°I will try,¡± Ryuu replied, though his conviction faltered.

    Over time, Ryuu found his duties oddly shifting. He was no longer sent on missions requiring a master swordsman. Instead, he scrubbed the compound floors, fed and bathed the horses, and delivered letters to the city¡¯s political elite. At first, his pride bristled at the menial tasks.

    But Hiro¡¯s words lingered. ¡°Humility tempers strength, Ryuu. A blade polished by arrogance will dull. One honed by service will shine.¡±

    Ryuu embraced his new role, finding a strange peace in the simplicity of his labor. Yet, in the quiet moments, as he scrubbed the stables or trekked through the city with scrolls, Loki¡¯s voice would return.

    ¡°Oh, dragon,¡± Loki chuckled, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°What a sight you¡¯ve become. The great Azure Dragon of the East, reduced to feeding pigs and fetching scrolls. Tell me, does the snake hiss orders at you now, or does he save that for later?¡±

    Ryuu clenched his fists, his knuckles white. ¡°This is the path of redemption,¡± he whispered to himself. ¡°I owe Hiro my life.¡±

    But the whispers persisted, gnawing at the edges of his resolve. One evening, as Ryuu returned from delivering a message, he paused at the gate of the compound. The setting sun bathed the sect in golden light, yet the sight felt cold.

    He stared at the pavilion where he and Hiro often spoke, the lotus pond reflecting the fading hues of dusk. His heart felt heavy.

    In the stillness, Loki¡¯s voice returned, softer this time, almost sorrowful.

    ¡°You¡¯re a dragon, Ryuu,¡± the god whispered. ¡°A dragon serves no mortal. Remember that.¡±

    Ryuu closed his eyes, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He took a deep breath, willing himself to dismiss the words. For now, he would stay.

    Over time, Ryuu had grown accustomed to his new life. His katana, once an extension of his very soul, now lay forgotten in his room, gathering dust. The days of intense training and battle felt like a distant memory. His once-sharp instincts dulled with disuse, replaced by a routine of menial chores¡ªcleaning, fetching, delivering messages. Conversations with Hiro, once profound and enlightening, had dwindled to rare encounters. Months would pass without Hiro so much as acknowledging his existence, but Ryuu didn¡¯t mind.

    The whispers, too, had faded, their absence a relief to his weary mind.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    One day, while cleaning the courtyard, Loki¡¯s voice returned, its tone mocking yet tinged with finality.

    ¡°Oh, Ryuu, look at you. A dragon no more¡ªreduced to an ant, scurrying about, doing the same tasks over and over. Not a shred of courage left to question your master. Pathetic. Oh well, I¡¯m done with you. I¡¯ll find another swordmaster to be my herald. Farewell¡­ ant.¡±

    The god¡¯s laughter echoed in Ryuu¡¯s mind before fading into silence. This time, Ryuu felt no anger, no resentment. Only relief.

    ¡°Good riddance,¡± he murmured under his breath. ¡°Finally, peace.¡±

    The days stretched into months, then years. Five years passed. Ryuu¡¯s skill as a swordsman had withered, his once-fluid movements now clumsy and uncertain. But his mastery of chores was unparalleled. He became a fixture of the sect, not as a warrior but as a ¡®servant¡¯. Hiro¡¯s attention had long since faded, his wisdom no longer shared, his presence distant. Yet Ryuu felt content, convinced that he had found a kind of tranquility.

    Then, one morning, Hiro summoned him unexpectedly. Ryuu, surprised, hurried to the elder¡¯s chambers, his heart racing with a strange mix of anticipation and unease.

    ¡°Ryuu,¡± Hiro said, his voice as calm and commanding as ever, ¡°I have a task for you.¡±

    Ryuu bowed deeply. ¡°Of course, Master Hiro. What do you need?¡±

    ¡°There is a merchant caravan departing for Central Runesia. I want you to accompany them, not as a guard but as a messenger. You will deliver this letter to the ruler of Runesia himself.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s eyes widened. It had been years since he¡¯d left the sect. The idea of venturing beyond its walls filled him with a strange excitement. ¡°I will not fail you,¡± he said, taking the sealed letter with reverence.

    The journey began uneventfully. Ryuu rode alongside the caravan, his mind wandering as the familiar rhythm of travel returned to him. For the first time in years, he felt more alive, even if his sword remained sheathed and his duties were simple.

    But as they traversed a dense forest, calamity struck. A group of armed men ambushed the caravan, their faces hidden behind masks, their movements precise and merciless. The rival sect had arrived.

    ¡°Stop them!¡± the merchant screamed, panic in his voice.

    Ryuu instinctively reached for his sword, but his grip was weak, his movements slow. He fought, but each swing of his blade lacked the power and precision of his prime. The soldiers overwhelmed him with ease, disarming him and pinning him to the ground.

    ¡°A blade is no weapon for a servant!,¡± one of them sneered, kicking his weapon aside.

    Ryuu¡¯s heart sank as he was bound and dragged away. The caravan was pillaged, the other travelers captured alongside him. They were thrown into a cold, damp dungeon, the air thick with despair.

    Days turned into weeks. Ryuu sat in the darkness, his body battered, his spirit waning. He clung to the hope that Hiro would send help. ¡®He won¡¯t abandon me now, right?¡¯ But as time passed, that hope dimmed.

    One day, the iron door to the dungeon creaked open. A man entered, his presence commanding and cold. He scanned the prisoners, his gaze settling on Ryuu.

    ¡°You,¡± the man said, his voice sharp as a blade.

    Ryuu stood, his legs weak. ¡°Are you here to free us?¡±

    The man chuckled darkly. ¡°Free you? No. My daughter has taken a liking to you. She finds your¡­ rustic charm intriguing. You¡¯ll make a fine gift for her.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s blood ran cold. ¡°I am no gift,¡± he said, his voice defiant.

    The man smirked. ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice, servant. You belong to me now.¡±

    That day, Ryuu was shackled, a coarse bag placed over his head, blinding him to his destination. He could hear the sound of wheels creaking over uneven ground, the murmurs of guards, and the distant howling wind. His wrists ached against the biting steel, and his heart pounded with an unyielding mix of anger and despair.

    When the bag was finally removed, Ryuu blinked against the sunlight, his eyes adjusting to his surroundings. A grand, yet modest palace stood before him, its walls adorned with banners that spoke of a warlord¡¯s power and ambition. Around him, servants and soldiers gathered, whispering and pointing as he was dragged from the caravan.

    ¡°Look at him,¡± someone muttered. ¡°The new toy for the lady.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s stomach turned. He knelt before a man with a commanding presence¡ªa warlord with scars etched into his face like a map of violence. The warlord¡¯s daughter came running out of the palace, her laughter grating against Ryuu¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Father!¡± she called, her tone spoiled and childlike. ¡°Is that him?¡±

    The warlord nodded, stepping aside as the daughter approached Ryuu. She wasn¡¯t beautiful, nor was she grotesque. Her face carried a cruel arrogance, her eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction. She knelt before him, poking his cheek with her finger as if inspecting a prize.

    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s perfect,¡± she purred. ¡°Just as I asked. Handsome and obedient.¡±

    Ryuu clenched his jaw, his muscles trembling with restrained fury.

    ¡°You¡¯ll do everything I want,¡± she said, her voice dripping with glee. ¡°Won¡¯t you?¡±

    He didn¡¯t answer, his silence earning a sharp slap across his face.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you?¡± she repeated, her tone venomous.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ryuu growled through gritted teeth, his pride crumbling under the weight of the guards¡¯ blades hovering near his throat.

    From that day forward, Ryuu¡¯s life descended into a grotesque nightmare. He became her possession, existing only to satisfy her twisted desires. She paraded him around the palace, boasting of her gift to her friends, who giggled and sneered at him like he was an exotic animal. At night, he was forced to indulge her whims, her cruel laughter echoing in his ears as she drained him of his dignity.

    He soon learned the truth: she had been married once to a weaker warlord, a man her father executed for breaking a treaty. In her bitterness, she demanded compensation¡ªsomething she could control, something that could never leave her. Her father, ever eager to appease her, had gifted her Ryuu.

    His days were spent under constant surveillance, the guards ensuring he could not escape. At night, he endured her twisted fantasies, her cruelty disguised as affection. She kept him bound to her in more ways than one, feeding him a vitality drug to amplify his lust and weaken his resolve. The drug left him in a haze of desire, his body betraying him even as his mind screamed in resistance.

    Yet, deep within, Ryuu¡¯s spirit refused to die. In secret, he began to train again, using whatever moments of solitude he could steal. He practiced with improvised weapons, his once-masterful movements clumsy but slowly regaining their precision. He knew escape was nearly impossible, but he clung to hope like a drowning man to a lifeline.

    One night, after yet another harrowing encounter, Ryuu lay in bed, his body trembling with exhaustion. The daughter lounged beside him, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on his chest, while her friends laughed and drank nearby. He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing, when a voice¡ªfamiliar and piercing¡ªcut through the haze.

    Laughter. A voice he hadn¡¯t heard in months.

    He bolted upright, grabbing a robe and hastily covering himself. Ignoring the daughter¡¯s protests, he followed the sound, his heart pounding in disbelief. He stumbled through the palace, his feet carrying him to the source.

    In the grand hall, surrounded by soldiers and servants, there he was, Hiro Yuro. The elder sat comfortably, a goblet of wine in hand, his laughter echoing through the room. He looked healthier than ever, his face smug and satisfied.

    Ryuu froze, his breath catching in his throat. Hiro turned his head, his eyes locking onto Ryuu¡¯s. A wicked smile spread across his face.

    ¡°Well, well,¡± Hiro said, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Look at you, Ryuu. The great dragon¡­ reduced to a concubine.¡±

    The room erupted in laughter, the sound stabbing into Ryuu¡¯s chest like a blade. Hiro raised his goblet in a mock toast.

    ¡°Tell me, Ryuu,¡± he said, his tone venomous. ¡°Does she treat you well? Well don¡¯t answer it, it doesn''t matter, but hey, look! your ¡®other sword¡¯ seems to be ready for another round of¡­¡¯stabbings¡¯¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s hands trembled at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. Anger, humiliation, and betrayal swirled within him, threatening to consume him.

    ¡°Hiro,¡± Ryuu said, his voice low and trembling. ¡°Why?¡±

    Hiro took a long sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving Ryuu. ¡°Because it¡¯s fun and you¡¯re nothing but entertainment. The look on your face when you wiped horse shit from the floor was so satisfying. I really do hope your wife and child were alive to see it¡­ too bad they were too weak to survive my ¡®visit¡¯¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s vision blurred with rage. The spark of the dragon within him reignited, burning hotter than ever before.

 Chapter 24 - The Unlikely Encounter - Final Part

    Ryuu stood, his body trembling with exhaustion but his spirit ignited with fury. He launched himself forward, snatching a guard¡¯s spear in a wild, desperate motion. The weapon felt alien in his hands, a far cry from the familiar weight of his katana. His unrefined movements betrayed his once-great skill, but his rage propelled him.

    ¡°Hiro!¡± Ryuu bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall. ¡°Face me as a warrior, or perish as a coward!¡±

    He hurled the spear with all his might, his form clumsy but driven by fury. Hiro caught it effortlessly, spinning it in his hand with a mocking grin.

    ¡°Is this what¡¯s left of the great Ryuu?¡± Hiro taunted, his voice coarse like a common brigand. ¡°A child flailing with sticks? You¡¯ve fallen further than I could¡¯ve dreamed.¡±

    Before Ryuu could retort, guards swarmed him. He lashed out, his fists striking with the remnants of his once-deadly precision, but it wasn¡¯t enough. A burly guard tackled him to the ground, slamming his knee into Ryuu¡¯s back. Another wrapped heavy chains around his wrists, yanking him into submission.

    Ryuu knelt, his breath ragged, blood trickling from his split lip. A guard delivered a swift kick to his side, forcing him to double over.

    Hiro stepped forward, the stolen spear resting casually on his shoulder. His laughter was sharp and grating, filling the room with a cruel joy.

    ¡°Ryuu! Ryuu! Ryuu!¡± Hiro sang mockingly. ¡°What a pitiful excuse for a dragon. You¡¯ve been crawling in the dirt for years, and you didn¡¯t even know it! My plan¡­ oh, my plan! It worked even better than I imagined. I thought you¡¯d catch on after a few weeks. But here you are, still the fool!¡±

    Ryuu lifted his head, his eyes blazing. ¡°How could you betray your teachings? How could you betray me?¡±

    Hiro¡¯s expression twisted into one of mock outrage. ¡°How could I?¡± he sneered, leaning closer. ¡°You took my son from me, Ryuu! My only boy, my legacy! What did you expect me to do? Forgive you? Forget? Never!¡±

    ¡°An honorable warrior¡ª¡± Ryuu began.

    ¡°Honorable?¡± Hiro roared, cutting him off. ¡°To hell with honor! To hell with dignity and all that garbage! Look where it¡¯s gotten you, Ryuu¡ªchained, beaten, and at my mercy. Do you still believe in those lies?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve become a coward,¡± Ryuu spat, his voice filled with disdain. ¡°Your victory is hollow, stained by deceit and treachery.¡±

    Hiro laughed, the sound harsh and mirthless. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, does it? You¡¯re beaten, Dragon. Broken. I won.¡±

    ¡°Through dishonor,¡± Ryuu said, his tone steady despite the pain coursing through him. ¡°You may have defeated me, but you¡¯ve lost your soul in the process.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s face darkened. He slammed the spear¡¯s butt into the ground, the sound echoing like a thunderclap. ¡°Don¡¯t speak to me of souls, Ryuu! You¡¯re nothing but a whore now, a toy for that spoiled wench! You think you can lecture me?!¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s gaze softened, an unexpected calm washing over him. ¡°Repent, Hiro. Release me, and perhaps there¡¯s still hope for you. Your path can change.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s laughter returned, sharp and bitter. ¡°Hope? You think I need hope? I don¡¯t need redemption, Ryuu. I¡¯ve learned the truth, thanks to you. Honor is for the weak, for fools. Power is what matters, and I¡¯ve got it.¡±

    Hiro leaned in close, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. ¡°No one else dared to take revenge on you. The sect? Spineless cowards. They moved on, but not me. You made me see the world as it truly is, Ryuu. And for that, I thank you.¡±

    He stepped back, leveling the spear at Ryuu¡¯s chest. ¡°Now, Dragon, it¡¯s time for you to join your family. In hell.¡±

    Ryuu closed his eyes, a bitter smile playing on his lips. ¡°Perhaps. But even in hell, Hiro, I will find you. And there, we shall settle this as warriors.¡±

    Hiro hesitated for a fraction of a second, Ryuu¡¯s words unsettling him. Then he tightened his grip on the spear, the fire of his hatred reignited.

    ¡°Goodbye, Whore!¡± Hiro snarled, raising the weapon to strike.

    Ryuu closed his eyes, his breathing steady as if accepting the inevitable. A dragon defeated by a serpent. But as Hiro¡¯s laughter filled the room and the spear hovered above his chest, the world around him froze.

    The sound of jeers, the movement of guards, even the cruel grin on Hiro¡¯s face¡ªeverything stopped, suspended in an eerie stillness. Ryuu opened his eyes, blinking in confusion. Then, he heard it¡ªa voice, not from the room but from everywhere and nowhere at once. It resonated in his ears, his heart, his very soul.

    ¡°Oh, dragon¡­¡± The voice was deep, commanding, yet laced with mockery. ¡°How far you have fallen. From a predator of the skies to a worm crawling in the dirt. If only you had heeded my words.¡±

    Ryuu turned his head, and there he stood: Loki. Draped in an ethereal cloak that shimmered like the night sky, his sharp, otherworldly features bore both beauty and menace. His piercing eyes glinted with amusement and something deeper¡ªdisappointment.

    ¡°Do you see it now?¡± Loki continued, his tone cutting like a blade. ¡°Those who preach justice with the loudest voices often wield it with the most hypocrisy. What say you, dragon? Have you finally learned?¡±

    Ryuu struggled to find his voice, his throat dry, his pride shattered. At last, he spoke, his tone heavy with regret. ¡°I was wrong. I doubted you, doubted the truth you tried to show me. I should never have seen the world in such stark shades of black and white.¡±

    Loki¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, though his eyes remained stern. ¡°I was never angered by your doubt, dragon, only disappointed. But know this¡ªyou are not alone in your folly. Mortals cling to such rigid ideals, blinding themselves to the complexities of truth. It is a tale as old as Midgard itself.¡±

    Loki stepped closer, his presence almost suffocating in its grandeur. He leaned over Ryuu, his voice softening but losing none of its weight. ¡°So, tell me, dragon: will you let this snake end your miserable story here, in chains, disgraced, and forgotten? Or will you rise again as my herald, to unmask those false prophets and guide others who suffer as you have?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s heart raced. The offer was a lifeline, yet it carried its own weight. He hesitated, his thoughts clouded by the pull of two worlds. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sure, great God. My family awaits me beyond. My disciples¡ªthey deserve to see me again. How can I abandon them?¡±  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Loki¡¯s expression shifted to one of mild impatience, though his words remained calm. ¡°Your disciples?¡± He chuckled dryly. ¡°Fear not for them, dragon. They perished in battle, their valor earning them a place in Valhalla. They feast and fight even now, their spirits unbroken. As for your family¡­ they reside in the afterlife, yes. Maybe in Elysium, or in Helheim. Both realms are dull, I assure you. They will not wither without your company.¡±

    He straightened, his voice growing sharper. ¡°But what of you, dragon? Would they want to see you like this¡ªbrought low, enslaved, degraded? Is this the legacy you wish to leave them? The fate you choose to embrace?¡±

    Ryuu lowered his head, the weight of Loki¡¯s words pressing down on him. He wrestled with his thoughts, comparing the two choices laid before him.

    To accept death meant peace¡ªan end to the torment, a chance to reunite with his family and disciples. He could finally rest, free from the burdens of this cruel world. There was honor in facing his end with dignity, refusing to be manipulated any longer.

    But to rise as Loki¡¯s herald¡­ it meant a second chance. A chance to reclaim his strength, to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. He could be the beacon for others trapped in darkness, just as he had been. Yet, it was no small thing to align himself with a god known for mischief and chaos. Could he trust Loki¡¯s motives?

    Finally, Ryuu looked up, his gaze steady. ¡°If I take this path, what would you demand of me, great God?¡±

    Loki smiled, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. ¡°Only what you already possess, dragon. Your strength, your resolve, your fire. Use them to expose the lies of men and gods alike. Bring balance to the chaos of this world. And in return, I will give you the power to rise once more.¡±

    Ryuu took a deep breath, his decision was made. ¡°Then so be it. I will not let my story end here, not as a pawn of snakes. I will rise, and I will fight again.¡±

    Loki extended a hand, his grin widening. ¡°Wise choice, dragon. Let us see how brightly you can burn when unshackled from your chains.¡±

    Time unfroze, and the chamber was consumed by a blinding light. Ryuu rose from his knees, the chains binding him shattering into a million shards that sparkled like falling stars. His body radiated an intense azure glow, the light carving ancient runes into his skin, their intricate lines forming patterns that pulsed with an ethereal energy, accentuating every muscle.

    Hiro stumbled back, his mouth agape as he shielded his eyes from the brilliance. "What... what is this?! What are you?!" he stammered, his voice barely audible over the hum of raw power filling the air.

    Ryuu stood motionless as black under-armor crawled across his body like liquid shadow, conforming perfectly to his form. Pristine black plating materialized over the armor, seamlessly covering his chest, shoulders, and limbs. The plating bore glowing azure lines that pulsed in rhythm with Ryuu''s heart, an ominous, hypnotic thrum echoing through the room. Finally, a helmet materialized over his head, its sleek design exuding a sense of ancient authority, and a sword formed in his hand¡ªa blade of glowing blue energy that hummed with the fury of a storm.

    Hiro could only stare, terror written across his face. ¡°What¡­ what are you?!¡± he croaked, his voice trembling.

    Ryuu said nothing. He took a step forward, his movements fluid, his form imposing. In a blur of motion, faster than mortal eyes could follow, he vanished. The guards and spectators who had surrounded Hiro barely had time to react before they collapsed, lifeless, one after another. Their bodies fell to the floor like leaves in a storm, leaving only Hiro standing amidst the carnage, trembling.

    Ryuu reappeared, his sword glowing with the remnants of his deadly precision. His voice was calm, but his words carried the weight of thunder. ¡°Hiro¡­ A man I once believed to be a beacon of wisdom. A leader. But now, I see you for what you are¡ªa plague that has sickened the realm with your deceit and cowardice.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s fear broke into desperation. ¡°Stop this nonsense! Answer me, Ryuu! What have you become?!¡±

    Ryuu stared at him, unyielding. ¡°Does it matter? I was blind once, blinded by ideals, by a false sense of justice. I ignored the warnings of a celestial being, thinking myself above reproach. I paid the price for my arrogance. But now, Hiro, tell me¡ªwhat punishment befits a man like you?¡±

    Hiro¡¯s arrogance crumbled into pleading. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ryuu! I didn¡¯t mean for this to happen! I¡­ I was blinded, too¡ªblinded by my rage! I swear, I let my anger consume me. Please, spare me!¡± He fell to his knees, hands clasped together in a pathetic display of submission.

    Ryuu stood silently, his gaze piercing. Loki¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, soft yet chilling. ¡°What will it be, my Herald? Does this serpent deserve death¡­ or something far worse?¡±

    Ryuu lifted his hand, and a sphere of glowing blue energy coalesced in his palm. Its light intensified, filling the room with a divine brilliance that made Hiro recoil in fear.

    ¡°You spoke of power, Hiro,¡± Ryuu began, his voice steady and cold. ¡°You claimed it was all that mattered.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s eyes darted to the sphere in Ryuu¡¯s hand, his voice shaking. ¡°Yes, yes¡­ but what is that? What are you doing, Master Ryuu?¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s lips curled into a grim smile. ¡°Power,¡± he said simply. Without hesitation, he shoved the glowing sphere into Hiro¡¯s mouth.

    Hiro gagged, his eyes widening in horror as the energy surged into him. His body convulsed, glowing veins of blue light spreading across his skin like cracks in fragile glass. The power overwhelmed him, his cries of pain silenced as his body froze. He stood paralyzed, his limbs stiff, his face contorted in eternal terror.

    ¡°This is your punishment,¡± Ryuu said, his voice ringing with finality. ¡°You will live, Hiro. You will see, you will hear, you will feel. But your body will remain a prison¡ªunable to move, unable to speak. And that power you craved so desperately? It will sustain you, keep you alive long beyond the years of any mortal, ensuring you bear this torment for as long as it can.¡±

    Hiro¡¯s eyes darted wildly, filled with terror and pleading, but no sound came from his lips.

    Ryuu turned away, the glow of his armor casting shadows on the walls as he sheathed his sword. His focus shifted to the door at the far end of the chamber¡ªthe room of the warlord¡¯s daughter. ¡°The plague is purged,¡± he murmured. ¡°But my duty is far from over.¡±

    Ryuu pushed open the ornate doors of the daughter¡¯s chamber, his steps heavy but deliberate. Inside, he found her and her friends lounging in a haze of careless luxury. Their laughter echoed, oblivious to the chaos that had unfolded beyond the walls. The daughter of the warlord sat at the center, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her expression one of smug entitlement.

    Ryuu¡¯s hand tightened around his sword hilt, his jaw clenching. For a brief moment, he imagined striking them down, avenging the dignity they had stripped from him. But as his gaze met hers, he saw not malice but emptiness¡ªa hollowness carved by privilege and neglect. His fury ebbed, replaced by an unfamiliar ache.

    He fell to one knee, bowing his head and clasping his hands together as if in prayer. ¡°My Lord,¡± he muttered, his voice trembling with conflict, ¡°what should I do? This woman and her companions humiliated me, stripped me of my dignity, yet I cannot bring myself to punish them. I know they are not the true villains. Their hearts were corrupted by their parents¡¯ failures¡ªby a life of debauchery and twisted desires. Please, my Lord, guide me. Show me the path.¡±

    The room fell silent. The air grew dense, heavy with divine presence. Ryuu sensed Loki¡¯s presence before he heard the whisper¡ªa voice as smooth and sharp as a blade slicing through silk.

    ¡°Oh, dragon, you ask for clarity, and clarity I shall grant. These mortals crave indulgence above all else. They wish for pleasure? Then pleasure they shall have¡­ without end.¡±

    Without warning, the laughter ceased. The daughter and her friends froze, their faces slackening into expressions of unrestrained ecstasy. They fell into a trance, their bodies trembling as they succumbed to an endless tide of pleasure they could neither resist nor escape.

    Ryuu turned his head away, his chest heavy with conflicting emotions. ¡°Is this justice, my Lord?¡± he whispered, his voice low.

    Loki¡¯s laughter echoed in his mind, cold and unyielding. ¡°Justice takes many forms, my Herald. This punishment fits their desires, does it not? They wished to revel in excess. Let them wallow in it for as long as I see fit. Now rise, dragon, and remember¡ªyour sword shall serve my will. Exact justice where it is due, but promise me this: you will always heed my call, no matter where or when.¡±

    Ryuu stood, his azure armor gleaming under the dim light of the chamber. ¡°With all my heart, my Lord,¡± he vowed. ¡°I am yours to command.¡±

    As he left the chamber, Ryuu cast one final glance at the enraptured figures. Their punishment, though divine, unsettled him. Yet he trusted in Loki¡¯s judgment, for it was far beyond mortal comprehension.

    Outside the palace, the air was fresh with the scent of rain. Ryuu descended the steps and stopped as he saw Akio sprinting toward the entrance, his face filled with determination. Ryuu smiled faintly, a small glimmer of hope warming his heart. ¡°Akio,¡± he murmured to himself, ¡°Ever so valiant.¡±

 Chapter 25 - Eternal Cycle

    The mountain air was crisp, the sky a canvas of endless blue, and the rocky terrain beneath Valerie¡¯s feet felt unforgiving. She winced as she rubbed her stinging cheek, glaring at the old man standing before her.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a jerk, old man!¡± she snapped, her voice echoing through the desolate peaks. ¡°You dragged me all the way to... I don¡¯t even know where we are! Some mountain in the middle of nowhere, just to beat me up?¡±

    Ryuu, the Azure Oni, stood calm and unbothered, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He smiled faintly, his expression that of a teacher amused by his unruly student. His glowing staff hummed faintly as he rested it against his shoulder, circling her like a predator assessing its prey. ¡°Discipline, my young disciple, is born of hardship. To wield strength, one must first endure pain.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s rich coming from the guy with zero sense of modern training methods,¡± Valerie shot back, crossing her arms. ¡°At least give me some armor or, I don¡¯t know, anything! Why am I training in this?¡± She gestured dramatically to her gym shorts and top.

    Ryuu chuckled softly, circling her like a predator assessing its prey. ¡°It is a workout, is it not?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but¡ª¡±

    ¡°No buts, my disciple,¡± Ryuu interrupted, his tone sharpening like a blade. ¡°A true warrior does not hide behind shields or excuses. Strength is forged in the fire of adversity, not cushioned by comfort.¡±

    Valerie barely had time to protest before Ryuu¡¯s glowing staff snapped forward, striking her thigh with a sharp crack. She yelped in pain, staggering back as tears pricked her eyes.

    ¡°What the hell, old man?!¡± she screamed, clutching her leg.

    Ryuu¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter. He planted the staff into the ground and folded his arms, his voice calm but unyielding. ¡°Pain teaches faster than words. That sting you feel now? Remember it. Because out there, your enemies won¡¯t hesitate. And the only armor you¡¯ll have is the strength you forge today.¡±

    ¡°You know, most mentors offer encouragement. Maybe even a ¡®you¡¯re doing great, kid!¡¯ But no. You swing glowing sticks at me like I¡¯m a pi?ata.¡±

    Ryuu tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Encouragement can be a crutch if given too freely. A warrior¡¯s strength comes not from kind words, but from scars¡ªboth seen and unseen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re insane, you know that?¡± Valerie muttered, still rubbing her thigh.

    ¡°Insanity and discipline often walk hand in hand,¡± Ryuu said, stepping back and motioning for her to take a stance. ¡°Now, stand. Again.¡±

    Valerie groaned, planting her feet and raising her fists begrudgingly. ¡°This is literally the worst training ever.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Ryuu said, his voice tinged with approval. ¡°That means it¡¯s working.¡±

    Valerie glared at him, muttering a string of profanity under her breath.

    The glowing staff swung again, striking just above her knee. This time, her scream of agony echoed across the mountains, quickly followed by an impressive collection of curses that would make a sailor blush.

    ¡°You suck! You¡¯re the worst sensei ever!¡± she shouted, half-laughing, half-crying from the stinging blows.

    Ryuu smirked, leaning on his staff as he watched her. ¡°And here I thought you weren¡¯t paying attention during our lessons.¡±

    ¡°What lesson?!¡± Valerie shouted, wiping her eyes furiously. ¡°The lesson in how to hate you?¡±

    ¡°No, the lesson in how to endure,¡± Ryuu replied, his tone softening slightly. ¡°Every strike you endure now makes you stronger. Every scream today will be a laugh tomorrow.¡± He paused, his gaze distant for a moment. ¡°A warrior¡¯s body may bruise, but their spirit must remain unbroken. Understand that, and you¡¯ll be ready for whatever the world throws at you.¡±

    Valerie grumbled something under her breath, but this time, she adjusted her stance without complaint.

    ¡°Better,¡± Ryuu said with a nod, stepping back to resume his circling. ¡°Now, prepare yourself. The next strike will be harder.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I hate you,¡± Valerie muttered, gritting her teeth.

    ¡°And yet, you stand,¡± Ryuu said, a trace of pride in his voice. ¡°That is why you¡¯ll succeed.¡±

    The sky above them bore witness to Valerie¡¯s renewed screams, her curses rolling like thunder across the peaks, as the old warrior smiled to himself. The fire was kindling in his student, and soon, she would burn brighter than she ever thought possible.

    <hr>

    ¡°Father, what brings you to this dreary and uninspired realm of mine?¡± Hel inquired, her voice smooth and clipped, carrying an air of regal disdain. Her icy gaze fell upon the cloaked figure standing at the threshold of her grand, austere hall. ¡°And disguised as an old crone again? Truly, your creativity astounds.¡±

    The figure chuckled, the illusion dissolving like mist to reveal Loki¡¯s sharp, mischievous features. ¡°Ah, I see my little charades are wasted on you, dear daughter,¡± he replied, his tone laced with mock deference. His eyes swept across the stark surroundings with an exaggerated air of boredom. ¡°Helheim¡ªever so dull. Tell me, do your subjects find endless monotony inspiring, or do they simply embrace despair out of sheer exhaustion?¡±

    Hel sighed, her tone cool as winter frost. ¡°Your antics have become tediously predictable, Father. And your pranks may work on mortals but¡ª.¡±

    ¡°And Thor,¡± Loki interjected with a sly grin, stepping further into the hall. ¡°Let us not forget the great buffoon himself. Honestly, tricking him is a sport unto itself. Oh, and speaking of divine fools, have I ever told you with the tale of Zeus? I once convinced him that a sheep was, in fact, a celestial maiden cursed by a jealous goddess. The sight of him reciting sonnets to that poor sheep¡­ Well, I scarcely survived the hilarity.¡±

    Hel arched a brow, unimpressed. ¡°Truly, Father, your penchant for the absurd knows no bounds. But spare me the tedious recounting of your juvenile exploits. I have neither the time nor the inclination for such drivel. State your purpose and be done with it.¡±

    Loki feigned a gasp, placing a hand over his heart as if mortally wounded. ¡°You wound me, my dear Hel. You¡¯ve grown far too much like your mother¡ªso serious, so severe. No appreciation for wit or whimsy. But no matter. I bring news, news of great importance. I have discovered someone. Someone extraordinary. Someone¡­ who reminds me of myself, a rebel. A delightful prospect, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Hel¡¯s expression faltered, her usually stoic demeanor giving way to a flicker of unease. ¡°What? You¡­ found her?¡± she asked, her voice lowering. ¡°Father, please, do not entangle her in your schemes. Whatever you are planning, leave her out of it.¡±

    Loki¡¯s grin widened, a glint of malice flickering in his eyes. ¡°Ah, but it is far too late for that, my dear. And pray tell, how dare you and that insufferable sister of yours conspire to conceal her from me? Did you truly believe you could hide her forever?¡±  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Hel stepped forward, her grip tightening on her staff. ¡°She does not belong in your games, Father. She deserves peace, a life untainted by your chaos.¡±

    Loki¡¯s tone turned cold, the mirth draining from his voice. ¡°She is of my blood, Hel. My legacy. And whether you approve or not, she shall take her rightful place. Now, will you fight by my side, or must I remind you precisely who taught you the art of divinity?¡±

    The air grew heavy, charged with tension. Shadows curled around Hel¡¯s feet, a silent testament to her power, as Loki stood unmoved, his smirk daring her to challenge him. The unspoken threat lingered like a storm on the horizon, promising devastation should either make the wrong move.

    ¡°Her mother, my sister, fled for a reason,¡± Hel began, her tone cold yet measured, each word laced with the gravity of her station. She removed her crown with deliberate grace, allowing it to fall to the floor with a resonant clang. The shadows flickered as she turned, revealing the decayed ruin of one side of her face. ¡°Look at me, Father. Look closely.¡±

    Loki¡¯s playful smirk faded, his sharp wit momentarily silenced.

    ¡°This,¡± she said, gesturing to the grotesque ruin of her flesh, ¡°is the gift Odin bestowed upon me when he cast me into this wretched realm. Odin has never concealed his disdain for your bloodline. Look to my brothers. Fenrir, bound and chained like a rabid beast. J?rmungandr, cast into the depths to be loathed and feared. And me? I am left to rule the dead, cursed to bear the mark of his hatred for all eternity.¡± Her voice grew sharper, a blade of simmering anger. ¡°And now you would dare to risk the same fate for that child? That innocent young soul?¡±

    Her gown shimmered as if caught in an unseen wind, dissolving into ethereal shadows. In its place, a suit of blackened armor emerged, scarred yet regal, a testament to countless battles fought. Twin swords materialized in her grasp, their dark blades humming with latent power. Her gaze burned with defiance. ¡°I shall not allow it, Father. Not while I still draw breath.¡±

    Loki¡¯s expression softened, the usual mischievous glint in his eyes replaced by something somber, almost mournful. ¡°No, my daughter,¡± he said softly, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic solemnity. ¡°This is not a matter of choice¡ªit is a necessity. For us. For all of us.¡± He turned, his steps deliberate as he made his way toward the towering doors at the end of the hall. ¡°I regret that it has come to this, truly I do. But I must do what I ought to have done eons ago.¡± He paused, glancing back at her. ¡°I had hoped that, for once, my daughter might see reason and stand by my side. Your niece¡­ She is the key. She will put an end to this eternal cycle. It must end.¡±

    ¡°Father, wait!¡± Hel¡¯s voice echoed, a rare note of desperation cutting through her usual poise. ¡°Eons ago? What nonsense is this? You¡¯re not even older than ten thousand years!¡± Hel¡¯s voice rang sharp and incredulous in the cavernous hall, her icy gaze fixed on Loki. ¡°What do you mean by this eternal cycle? Do you speak of Ragnarok?¡±

    Loki sighed deeply, as if the weight of countless lifetimes rested on his shoulders. He turned to face her, his expression uncharacteristically solemn. ¡°Yes, child, eons ago. You heard me correctly. I have lived through countless cycles¡ªwatched innumerable Ragnaroks come and go. Every time, it ends the same way. Perhaps with slight variations, but the result? Always the same.¡±

    Hel narrowed her eyes, her grip tightening on her staff. ¡°And what result is that?¡±

    ¡°With us¡ªmy family, my bloodline¡ªcast as the villains, the punching bags for the Gods,¡± Loki growled, his voice laced with bitterness. ¡°Destined to suffer, mocked, torn apart by a fate we never chose. But this time,¡± he stepped closer, his eyes alight with a dangerous resolve, ¡°I intend to end it. Once and for all.¡±

    Hel scoffed, though unease flickered beneath her composed fa?ade. ¡°End it? Ragnarok is a set event, Father. A necessary upheaval to maintain balance and cleanse corruption. It is impossible to stop.¡±

    ¡°So I once believed,¡± Loki admitted, his voice low and almost wistful. ¡°Time after time, I tried. I tried to divert it, to delay it, to break free. And yet, I was always the one to ignite the flames. The harbinger of Ragnarok.¡± He let out a bitter laugh. ¡°The irony, don¡¯t you think? But this cycle¡­¡± His voice turned softer, almost reverent. ¡°This cycle is different. This time, I found her.¡±

    ¡°My niece?¡± Hel asked, her tone edged with suspicion.

    ¡°Yes! My granddaughter. My beautiful granddaughter,¡± Loki said, his lips curling into a rare, genuine smile. ¡°Strong. Driven. Unlike any I¡¯ve ever seen before.¡±

    Hel¡¯s eyes narrowed further. ¡°Did she not exist in the previous cycles?¡±

    "Oh, she did¡ªbut I never knew the truth. I never saw her for what she truly was." Loki replied, his smile fading. "Your plan succeeded in those cycles. You and your sister ensured she lived as a mortal¡ªhappy, unaware of her true nature. A hero, praised for her deeds, devoted to peace. Humanity¡¯s shining beacon of hope."

    Hel froze, her mask of indifference cracking. ¡°This¡­ plan of mine. It worked?¡±

    "It worked flawlessly. Your sister¡ªmy daughter¡ªlived through those cycles, cunning beyond measure. So clever that even I could not find her, no matter how I searched. A perfect disguise." Loki¡¯s voice softened as if in reluctant admiration. "But in this cycle, something has changed. She is gone¡ªdead¡ªtaken by the hands of a madman. A madman who knew far more than he let the world believe."

    Hel shook her head, stepping back as doubt clawed at her. ¡°This¡­ this is madness. Is this one of your tricks, old man? How can you even retain memories of a previous cycle? The reset obliterates everything¡ªit is impossible.¡±

    ¡°Nothing is impossible,¡± Loki said with a dangerous smile. ¡°Not for me. Thank your grandmother for that. Unwittingly, she helped me understand the nature of time and space. It was her teachings, however unintended, that allowed me to sever my mind and essence from time itself.¡±

    ¡°You lie,¡± Hel whispered, though her voice trembled with uncertainty.

    ¡°No, daughter, I do not,¡± Loki said, his voice unyielding. He turned sharply and began walking toward the grand door at the end of the hall, his every step echoing with purpose.

    Hel hesitated, then followed, her thoughts a maelstrom of questions and doubts. ¡°And now?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Loki paused at the threshold, his hand resting on the doorframe. ¡°Now, my dear, we end Ragnarok. But first¡­¡± He turned to face her, his grin returning, sly and sharp. ¡°We play the game one final time.¡±

    As the massive door groaned open, the very air of Helheim seemed to shudder. The dull, lifeless skies churned with a feral energy, swirling darkness consuming the heavens. Suddenly, a beam of shadow shot down from above, slamming into the barren wastelands with an earth-shattering force. The ground trembled as runes ignited in black fire, forming a sigil of incomprehensible power.

    From the burning runes rose a colossal gate, jagged and ominous, pulsing with a malice that could only belong to one place.

    ¡°The Void Abyss¡­¡± Hel whispered, her voice betraying a rare tremor. Her hand tightened on her swords as the gate loomed larger before them. ¡°The seal was said to be unbreakable. How has this come to pass?¡±

    Loki stepped forward, his expression a curious mix of awe and amusement. ¡°The birth of a new god,¡± he said simply, his voice soft yet chilling.

    Hel spun to face him. ¡°New gods are born every millennia, Father. That is no extraordinary occurrence!¡±

    ¡°Ah, but this one is different.¡± Loki¡¯s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief and something more¡ªpride. ¡°This is no ordinary godling. She is a new kind of god.¡±

    Before Hel could respond, the sky split open, raining down 180 souls in a torrent of despair. Their wails echoed through the desolate plains as they plummeted into the Abyss, their cries for mercy swallowed by the void. The gate quaked, its flames roaring higher, greedily devouring its first victims.

    Loki watched the scene unfold with a glint of dark satisfaction. ¡°Ah, the first to enter the Abyss. A fitting punishment. Eternal damnation in a realm of pure nothingness, stripped of sensation, with only their thoughts to keep them company. How deliciously cruel. To suffer for all eternity, driven mad by their own minds. Magnificent, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Hel¡¯s expression hardened, but unease simmered beneath her composed exterior. ¡°This¡­ this is not the work of a god. No god would damned their subjects to such torment. This is evil incarnate!¡±

    Loki turned to her, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. ¡°Evil? No, my dear. Not evil. Justice. She punishes only those who deserve it.¡± He paused, his gaze fixed on the towering gate. ¡°And I know one thing for certain: she would never harm the innocent. For if she ever did¡­ she would become her own punishment.¡±

    Hel¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line as she studied her father. ¡°You and your vague riddles. Can you never speak plainly?¡±

    ¡°Where would be the fun in that, child?¡± Loki replied, flashing her his trademark grin.

    Hel turned back to the Abyss, her grip on her swords tightening as the gate¡¯s power pulsed through the air. The sheer weight of it was suffocating, pressing down on her like a physical force. She took a deep breath, her voice quieter now. ¡°Alright, old man. Against my better judgment¡­ I will fight by your side this time.¡±

    Loki¡¯s grin widened, but Hel barely noticed. Deep in her heart, beneath her warrior¡¯s resolve, a new feeling had taken root. It was not anger or even defiance.

    It was fear.

 Chapter 26 - Hes gone.

    The rooftop of the dormitory was quiet, save for the occasional gust of wind rustling through Fiona¡¯s hair. She sat on the edge, one knee propped up, the other dangling over the side, idly twirling a pen between her fingers. A half-filled notebook lay open on her lap, its pages adorned with meaningless doodles¡ªcircles, spirals, and half-finished faces that she didn¡¯t even realize she had drawn.

    The sun loomed high above, but the clouds softened its glare, casting a cool glow over the campus.

    Her earpiece buzzed.

    Fiona tensed, fingers tightening around her pen. Finally, She had been waiting. Hoping. Dreading.

    Tapping the device, she answered. ¡°Boyd?¡±

    A static-laced sigh came through the line. ¡°We got in.¡±

    Fiona felt her pulse quicken. ¡°And?¡±

    A brief pause. Too brief. Too sharp.

    ¡°He¡¯s not here.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s grip on the notebook tightened. "What do you mean he''s not there? Every intel pointed to that base!"

    ¡°We know.¡± Boyd¡¯s voice was steady, but there was an underlying tension. ¡°We breached their security, neutralized the guards, stormed the cell block¡­ but Drexler was already gone.¡±

    Fiona pushed to her feet, pacing along the rooftop. ¡°Did they move him?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Boyd hesitated. ¡°The place was¡­ burnt to hell, Chief. Charred bodies everywhere. Walls melted. Floors cracked. The kind of destruction only he could leave behind.¡±

    A shiver ran through her. ¡°So he got out on his own?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what we thought. But then we found something else.¡±

    The line crackled. Then, a new voice chimed in¡ªone of Boyd¡¯s techs. ¡°Ma¡¯am, we recovered footage. The cell block had a CCTV system¡ªone of the receivers was in a separate building, safe from the fire.¡±

    Fiona¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°Show me.¡±

    A link appeared on her holo-watch. She tapped it. The grainy footage loaded¡ªa dimly lit prison cell, a lone figure shackled against the wall. Kian.

    She exhaled. His silver hair hung over his face, his body bruised, his breathing ragged. But then¡ª

    He spoke.

    To someone.

    But there was no one there.

    Fiona narrowed her eyes, watching as Kian¡¯s lips moved, his expression shifting between disbelief and something deeper¡ªunderstanding. Then, out of nowhere, he reached out¡ªhis fingers closing around¡­ nothing.

    A second later, he lifted his hand behind his ear¡ªthe exact spot where heroes placed their Oracle Systems.

    A spike of unease prickled in Fiona¡¯s chest. Someone¡ªsomething¡ªgave him a system.

    The footage continued. The moment Kian touched the device, his body convulsed. His wounds sealed. His hair¡ªhis distinct silver hair¡ªbled into gold.

    And then¡ªthe massacre began.

    Fiona clenched her jaw as the screen filled with fire and carnage. This wasn¡¯t just Kian escaping. This was something else. Something worse.

    The footage cut out.

    Silence stretched over the comms. Fiona swallowed, trying to steady her thoughts.

    ¡°¡­What the hell happened to him?¡± she muttered.

    Before she could gather her thoughts, Boyd¡¯s voice cut through.

    ¡°By the way, Chief¡­ Why did you leave the war zone?¡±

    Fiona blinked. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The war zone,¡± Boyd repeated. ¡°Why did you leave?¡±

    Fiona frowned. ¡°I left because You insisted that I should help the second target.¡±

    Silence.

    Then Boyd¡¯s voice dropped to something unreadable.

    ¡°¡­I am sorry but I didn¡¯t.¡±

    A chill settled deep in Fiona¡¯s bones.

    "¡­ then who did?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. Chief, what¡¯s going on? I wasn¡¯t even there when you left, but everybody said I was there.¡± Boyd¡¯s voice crackled through the line, his confusion mirroring the storm inside Fiona¡¯s head.

    Fiona pressed her fingers against her temple, trying to steady her breathing. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. It felt like her brain was drowning in static. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about it right now. This is all too¡­ chaotic.¡±

    Kian¡¯s face flashed in her mind¡ªthe last time she saw him, the way he reached out, the way she failed.

    ¡°Do you think it was the same invisible person that talked to Drexler?¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Fiona swallowed hard. ¡°Just¡­ look into it. Let me know if you find anything. I gotta go.¡±

    She ended the call before Boys could ask anything else.

    Fiona¡¯s head tilted up toward the sky, but there were no answers there¡ªonly an endless expanse of dark clouds swirling in the wind. ¡®Kian was gone.¡¯

    Not once. Twice.

    Her stomach twisted, a suffocating tightness forming in her chest. ¡®It was my fault.¡¯

    Her hands gripped the railing so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

    She contacted the higher-ups through her holo-watch. The response? Vague. Cold. Dismissive words wrapped in protocol.

    ¡®As if they didn¡¯t care.¡¯

    She paced back and forth, her breaths uneven. ¡®Don¡¯t panic. Don¡¯t panic.¡¯ But the words rang hollow.

    Because no matter how much she told herself to be rational¡ªher heart wouldn¡¯t listen.

    Her mind screamed at her. ¡®This is why you don¡¯t fall in love. This is why you don¡¯t let emotions get in the way.¡¯

    But it was too late. She had already fallen.

    Then, Valerie¡¯s face popped into her mind.

    Her fists clenched.

    If she were strong like Valerie¡ªif she had even a fraction of her raw power¡ªthis wouldn¡¯t have happened.

    Fiona¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡®Valerie wouldn¡¯t have let them take him. Valerie wouldn¡¯t have failed.¡¯

    A hot, ugly resentment bubbled up inside her.

    ¡®Why was it so easy for her?¡¯

    Why did Valerie get to be so damn strong while Fiona was here¡ªweak. Helpless. A failure.

    But then¡ªguilt crashed over her, heavy and suffocating.

    ¡®How dare I feel this way?¡¯

    ¡®Valerie had nothing to do with this.¡¯ She had no reason to resent her.

    Fiona inhaled sharply, pressing her palms against her face.

    She needed to stop thinking like this.

    She needed to do something.

    Her thoughts raced¡ªfast, desperate. She needed a powerful ally. Someone who could help. Someone who had the strength to actually make a difference.

    Ironically, only one person came to her mind, Valerie.

    The moment the idea formed, she immediately recoiled.

    ¡®No. I couldn¡¯t tell her.¡¯

    Because if she did¡ªValerie would look at her differently.

    Like she was a liar, a traitor, a manipulator.

    Like she was¡­ nothing.

    The thought made her stomach churn.

    Her nails dug into her palms. She hated this.

    She hated how it was so unfair.

    She hated how helpless she felt.

    She hated the idea of needing Valerie¡¯s help.

    She hated that she let her feelings get in the way.

    But most of all¡ªshe hated that she was afraid.

    <hr>

    VALERIE NORDIN

    Demigod

    Level:15

    Strength: 15/100

    Speed: 25/100

    Agility: 25/100

    Intelligence: 25/100

    Durability: 35/100

    Power Output: 10/100

    Skills:

    Active Skills:

    > Laser Vision (Mastery: 50.19%)

    > Fire Breath (Mastery: 60.3%)

    > Ice Breath (Mastery: 60.7%)

    > Infrared Vision (Mastery: 100%)

    > Eyes of the Gods (Mastery: 10%)

    > Aspects of the Damned, The 7th Aspect: Divine Pride (Mastery: 10.8%)

    - Royal Arrogance: Reflexes increased        by 210%.

    - Keen Battle Sense: Grants future sight (predict enemy movements).

    - Fragility of a Flawless Elegance: Damage received increased by 210%.

    Passive Skills:

    > Divine Inquisition (Able to detect lies)

    > Adept Swordsmanship

    <hr>

    Valerie sat cross-legged on her dorm bed, staring at the glowing interface before her. Something wasn¡¯t right. She had leveled up a few times, but this¡­ this made no sense.

    Level: 15

    Strength: 10 ¡ú 15

    Speed: 10 ¡ú 25

    Agility: 10 ¡ú 25

    Intelligence: 4 ¡ú 25

    Durability: 10 ¡ú 35

    Power Output: 5 ¡ú 10

    She frowned. There was no pattern, no logic¡ªat least not at first glance.

    "Why these numbers? Why this weird distribution?"

    She traced her fingers over her arm, feeling the toned muscle beneath. Strength had barely increased, but Speed and Agility had skyrocketed. Durability had shot up as well, but Intelligence? That one stood out the most.

    Then a realization hit her.

    "My training."

    Her sensei never focused on raw power. His methods weren¡¯t about lifting heavier or punching harder¡ªthey were about precision, movement, efficiency. He drilled technique, agility, and control into her with ruthless discipline. He made her faster, sharper, and unpredictable.

    She clenched her fists.

    "If this system is increasing my stats based on training, then it makes sense. That old man pushed my speed and agility over brute strength. That¡¯s why those stats grew the most."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Her eyes fell back to Intelligence: 4 ¡ú 25.

    That one still confused her.

    But then, she thought back to the past few days. She had stopped fighting on instinct alone. She analyzed opponents, adapted to their movements, predicted their attacks. Even in the heat of battle, her mind stayed clear, focused.

    A slow smirk formed on her lips.

    "So that¡¯s it¡­ Intelligence isn¡¯t about books and numbers. It¡¯s about combat sense."

    She let out a deep breath, tension she hadn''t realized she was holding finally releasing.

    "Thank Gods. I¡¯m not actually dumb."

    She had always hated sitting through classes, hated the feeling of struggling through subjects she had no interest in. But this? This kind of intelligence, the intelligence that let her read fights, break down movements, and dominate opponents? This was something she understood.

    It was a relief¡ªan actual, deep relief.

    A chuckle escaped her. "System, you scared me for a second there."

    Her gaze shifted to Divine Pride.

    > Aspects of the Damned, The 7th Aspect: Divine Pride (Mastery: 10.8%)

    - Royal Arrogance: Reflexes increased by 210%.

    - Keen Battle Sense:Grants future sight (predict enemy movements).

    - Fragility of a Flawless Elegance: Damage received increased by 210%.

    That last debuff still made her grit her teeth. Taking 210% more damage was brutal. But¡­ she noticed something.

    When she first unlocked the skill, it had been 250%.

    "So the more I master it, the weaker the negative effect gets¡­"

    If she kept training, kept refining her control, she wondered if she could eventually erase the downside completely. And if that happened¡ª

    Her phone rang.

    Fiona.

    ¡°Hey, Fi. What¡¯s up?¡± Valerie¡¯s voice came through the phone, casual as ever.

    Fiona swallowed hard. She had spent the last fifteen minutes pacing, her mind spiraling, but now that Valerie was actually on the line, her throat felt tight.

    ¡°I need to tell you something,¡± she said, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°Meet me at the rooftop. We¡¯ve got an hour before Thomson¡¯s class.¡±

    A pause. Then, ¡°Okay¡­ why can¡¯t you just tell me now?¡±

    ¡°Certainly not over the phone, no¡­ can¡¯t do,¡± Fiona muttered, her fingers tightening around the railing.

    Another pause.

    ¡°Can¡¯t it wait? I¡¯m in the middle of something.¡±

    Fiona felt something snap inside her. ¡°Val. Just get your ass here. Rooftop, dormitory building. Now.¡±

    A sigh on the other end. ¡°Alright, alright. Geez, you don¡¯t have to yell at me like that. I¡¯ll be there, chill.¡±

    Fiona ended the call and exhaled shakily. She shouldn¡¯t be like this. She shouldn¡¯t feel like this.

    But here she was.

    The rooftop door swung open. A gust of wind rushed in, carrying the scent of the city across.

    Valerie stepped through, stretching her arms above her head, looking like she had just woken up from a damn nap.

    ¡°Wow,¡± she said, strolling toward Fiona. ¡°Kinda romantic, not gonna lie.¡±

    Fiona scowled. ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re annoying sometimes. I hate that.¡±

    "Whoa, where did that come from? I was joking, okay? Chill."

    Fiona didn¡¯t laugh. She didn¡¯t even smirk.

    Instead, she stared at Valerie¡ªreally stared, like she was seeing something beyond the invincible girl in front of her.

    ¡°Val¡­¡± Fiona¡¯s voice was quiet, but thick with something heavy. ¡°What does it feel like?¡±

    Valerie frowned. ¡°What does what feel like?¡±

    ¡°To be you.¡± Fiona¡¯s hands clenched into fists. ¡°To be perfect.¡±

    Valerie let out a breathy chuckle. ¡°Perfect? I¡¯m a lot of things, Fi, but perfect? Not even close.¡± She tilted her head. ¡°What¡¯s going on? You look¡­ off.¡±

    Fiona let out a sharp exhale, shaking her head. Then she looked up, and when she spoke, her voice cracked¡ªraw, unfiltered.

    ¡°Look at you. You¡¯re strong. You¡¯re fast. You¡¯re untouchable¡­ And then there¡¯s your face, your body¡ªbeautiful, tall, flawless¡­ And that damn six-pack that stays even when you do nothing. You don¡¯t even have to try, Val. You eat like a troll, never care about your health, and yet you wake up every day looking like a goddamn goddess.¡± Her breath hitched.

    Valerie¡¯s lips parted, confused. ¡°Uh¡ªFi, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    Fiona swallowed hard, then took a step forward, her eyes burning into Valerie¡¯s.

    ¡°Tell me, Val. What does it feel like to be you?¡±

    Valerie hesitated. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know what you¡ª¡±

    Fiona¡¯s voice cracked. And then it broke.

    "If villains came for me right now¡­ you''d stop them, wouldn''t you?" She let out a shaky breath. "You¡¯d rip through them in seconds. No hesitation. No fear. No struggle. You''d just save me. Because you¡¯re you. Because you always can. Because nothing is ever out of your reach.¡±

    A single tear slipped down her cheek.

    Valerie felt something twist in her chest.

    "Fi..."

    Fiona¡¯s arms hung by her sides, her fingers twitching like she was trying to hold herself together.

    Something wasn¡¯t right.

    Valerie moved.

    Before Fiona could react, Valerie wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close¡ªunshakable, unbreakable.

    Fiona stiffened.

    Valerie leaned down, voice soft but firm. "I¡¯m here. You¡¯re safe. You don¡¯t have to say anything, but¡­ just know, I''m here."

    Fiona stayed still for a moment.

    Then¡ªher hands clenched onto the back of Valerie¡¯s shirt. She trembled, just a little, like a dam barely holding back a flood.

    Finally, she spoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s about Kian.¡±

    ¡°Kian¡­¡± Valerie muttered, the name feeling distant¡ªforgotten. A pang of guilt shot through her.

    She let go of Fiona, taking a step back to look at her. ¡°I¡ª¡± She hesitated. ¡°I forgot about him. I¡¯m sorry, but I was¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Fiona cut her off, her voice unnervingly flat. ¡°You barely knew the guy. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t fine.

    Valerie wasn¡¯t blind. Fiona¡¯s hands were clenched so tightly her knuckles were white. Her lips were pressed together, as if holding back something painful.

    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Valerie¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°Did he do something to you? I¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    Fiona shook her head. ¡°They kidnapped him¡±

    Valerie¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Kidnapped? by who? When?¡±

    Fiona looked down. ¡°It happened when you were fighting those disgusting beasts. They¡­ took him.¡±

    Valerie felt something cold settle in her stomach. ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡± she admitted, her fists tightening. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But Fi, it wasn¡¯t your fault. It was chaos, nobody knew what was happening back then. They caught everyone off guard.¡±

    Fiona let out a hollow laugh.

    ¡°Except¡­ I did.¡±

    Valerie froze.

    Fiona¡¯s voice trembled, her nails digging into her palms.

    ¡°I knew what was happening,¡± she whispered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t out of my control. He was right there¡ªright in front of me when they took him. And I was¡ª¡±

    Fiona¡¯s jaw clenched.

    Her voice broke. ¡°If I was a little bit stronger, I could¡¯ve stopped them. If I had been more careful, the info wouldn¡¯t have leaked.¡±

    Valerie took a step back. ¡°Alright, Fi. What¡¯s going on?¡± Her tone was sharp now. Demanding. ¡°What info? Who were they? How do you know?¡±

    Fiona inhaled sharply, as if trying to steady herself. Then¡ªshe laughed.

    A bitter, broken laugh.

    ¡°Ah, fuck it.¡± she muttered.

    Valerie¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Fi¡ª¡±

    ¡°It''s not like I can lie to you, right? No one can¡± She let out another shaky breath. ¡°Hiding things will just make this worse. I need all the help I can get.¡±

    Something in her eyes shifted. A crack.

    Then she looked straight at Valerie. No turning back.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t completely honest with you.¡±

    Valerie arched a brow. ¡°Yeah, no shit.¡±

    Fiona swallowed. ¡°I didn¡¯t come here to become a hero. And I¡¯m not the daughter of some rich man either. I lied.¡±

    Valerie said nothing, just watched.

    Fiona clenched her fists. ¡°I was gonna tell you later¡­ or maybe not at all. But you¡¯re too strong to ignore. Too dangerous. You weren¡¯t even on the list¡ªKian was. The higher-ups wanted him. But when they saw you, they changed plans.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°And what exactly was the plan?¡±

    ¡°They told me to get close to you. Not just Kian¡ªyou.¡± Fiona¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°They told me to steal your heart. Make you see the truth about the world. Turn you to our side.¡±

    Valerie exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°But you already see it, don¡¯t you?¡± Fiona let out a bitter laugh. ¡°You already know the system is fucked. You already know that heroes don¡¯t actually save people¡ªthey just maintain the status quo. What a coincidence!¡±

    Silence.

    Fiona clenched her jaw. ¡°And then, against all logic, I actually started liking you. As my friend. Everything I said, everything we did¡ªthat was real. But it wasn¡¯t supposed to be like that. My personal feelings weren¡¯t supposed to get involved, but¡­¡± Her voice broke. ¡°Here we are.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s gaze softened.

    ¡°And the worst part?¡± Fiona took a shaky breath. ¡°I fell in love¡­ with Kian.¡± Her throat tightened. ¡°And now he¡¯s gone. And I don¡¯t know where the hell he is. I failed, I was gonna be the one that saved him, but no, someone or something did it first.¡±

    A long silence stretched between them.

    Then, Valerie spoke. ¡°That¡¯s a lot to drop on me, Fi.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°You expect me to be mad?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Valerie shrugged. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not.¡±

    Fiona blinked. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you told me now actually, because things could get ugly if I find out on my own.¡± Valerie said simply. ¡°And I don¡¯t see any lies.¡±

    Fiona narrowed her eyes. ¡°Just like that? You¡¯re not angry?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Valerie crossed her arms. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about any of that. But I do care about you, for some reason.¡±

    Fiona let out a weak chuckle. ¡°For some reason? Well¡­ who am I to complain?¡± She took a deep breath. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m part of Futuroganti. I¡¯m one of their ground leaders.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Futuroganti? A terrorist group?¡±

    Fiona stiffened. ¡°We¡¯re not terrorists. We want to change the system, not destroy it. You know it¡¯s corrupt.¡±

    Valerie tilted her head. ¡°Okay. If you say so.¡± A pause. ¡°So why are you telling me this? You want my help?¡±

    Fiona nodded. ¡°Yeah. Join me.¡±

    Valerie smirked. ¡°Nope.¡±

    Fiona sighed. ¡°Yeah, figured.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Valerie continued, ¡°I¡¯ll help you. But you know why I¡¯m here.¡±

    Fiona nodded. ¡°Yeah¡­ your help is good enough.¡±

    Valerie stepped closer. ¡°Now, we good?¡±

    Fiona exhaled. ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡±

    But Valerie¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°One more thing.¡±

    Fiona tensed. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You know what I am.¡±

    Valerie¡¯s voice dropped, low and deliberate, each syllable laced with an unsettling calm. Cold. Dangerous.

    ¡°You know what must be done.¡±

    Her words twisted, a whisper yet deafening, echoing with something unnatural. Her crimson eyes burned into Fiona¡¯s, their glow sharp as a blade pressed against the throat. Her silver hair flickered¡ªgold, then silver, then gold again¡ªunstable, like the shifting of a storm just before it breaks.

    "Deliver this message to your leaders.¡± Her tone was measured, regal¡ªa queen addressing mere subjects. ¡°Inform them that I shall extend my hand, but only to you. No other. Do not mistake my cooperation for obedience.¡±

    She took a step closer, the air between them thick with something unspoken, something suffocating.

    "And tell them this¡ªstay out of my path. Should they dare attempt to command me, should they so much as whisper a demand in my direction..."

    Her lips curled into a ghost of a smile, the kind that did not reach her eyes.

    "Then I shall come for them."

    The temperature seemed to drop. Fiona¡¯s breath caught.

    "And when I do, not even their screams shall remain. Remember, wench, you shall not lie to me ever again!" Valerie continued, her voice now velvet and venom.

    Fiona stumbled back, eyes wide. ¡°V-Val, you¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re scaring me.¡±

    And just like that¡ªit was gone.

    Valerie blinked, and the fire in her eyes vanished. Her face softened, the danger melting into something gentle, almost fragile.

    She pulled Fiona into a hug¡ªwarm, gentle, almost too normal.

    But Fiona didn¡¯t move.

    She didn¡¯t return the hug.

    Because deep down¡ªFiona wasn¡¯t sure if Valerie was still the same person standing in front of her.

    She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°Val¡­¡± Her throat felt dry. ¡°Who was that?¡±

    Valerie blinked. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°The one that just threatened me. Was that really you?¡± Fiona studied her face, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat would explain what just happened. ¡°You sounded¡­ different.¡±

    Valerie tilted her head, confused. ¡°What? Different? What do you mean?¡± She gave a casual shrug. ¡°Did I sound like I was threatening you? I was just saying I¡¯ll help you¡ªnot your organization. That¡¯s all. Not a threat, just a friendly reminder.¡±

    Fiona narrowed her eyes. ¡°Really? Oh¡­ you just¡­ Val, do you have a split personality or something? You sounded like¡­ like some kind of medieval noble just now. Not like¡­ well, you.¡±

    Valerie let out a laugh, like Fiona had just told her the sky was green. ¡°Really? Wait a minute¡­¡± She held up a finger and turned slightly.

    ¡°Oddy,¡± she called out, speaking into the air, ¡°Oddy, what happened? My friend here says I have a split personality.¡±

    A mechanical voice echoed in her mind¡ªdry, matter-of-fact.

    ¡ªFragile ego; causing Host¡¯s prideful heart to be wounded, triggering the skill Divine Pride and causing a bleeding effect.

    Valerie frowned. ¡°What? My ego¡¯s solid and definitely not fragile, nothing can hurt it.¡±

    ¡ªIncorrect. Host¡¯s ego was bruised due to being kept in the dark. Host¡¯s friend deceived the host, triggering subconscious retaliation. Other possible triggers: A simple Idea of joining and possibly working under someone else.

    Valerie scoffed. ¡°Nah. Not possible. I couldn¡¯t care less about that.¡±

    ¡ªLies detected. Host is lying to herself.

    Valerie¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Nope. Not true. Is this new? It¡¯s never happened before.¡±

    ¡ªNo. This is an unwritten side effect of the skill: Divine Pride. It has happened before¡ªtwice, during the host''s duels with the Azure Oni.

    Valerie frowned. ¡°Really? uhh¡­ no. I think this is the first time.¡±

    ¡ªIncorrect. Host¡¯s wounded, prideful ego was the cause of the losses against the Azure Oni. Host was unable to recognize the side effect due to low mastery of the skill: Divine Pride.

    ¡°Alright, alright, I got it.¡± Valerie cut it off sharply, rolling her shoulders like she could physically shake it off. ¡°Thank you. You can go back to¡­ whatever you were doing before. Now go.¡±

    ¡ªAcknowledged.

    Valerie exhaled slowly, pressing a hand against her chest as she took a deep breath, forcing her heart to slow.

    Fiona still watched her, arms crossed, brow furrowed in suspicion.

    ¡°¡­Are you okay?¡± she finally asked.

    Valerie forced a grin. ¡°Yeah. Totally fine. Just¡ªprocessing.¡±

    She stretched her arms over her head, shaking off the whole conversation like it was nothing. Then she grinned. ¡°So, any idea how to find the love of your life?¡±

    Fiona let out a long, exhausted sigh. ¡°Are we not gonna talk about what just happened? Who the hell were you talking to?¡±

    ¡°My¡­ uh¡­ assistant, Oddy,¡± Valerie gestured vaguely. ¡°The voice in my head. Nothing to worry about.¡±

    Fiona stared at her. She sighed, hesitated, then looked at Valerie¡ªwho was smiling like nothing had happened.

    ¡°Okay¡­ if you say so,¡± she muttered, letting it slide. For now.

    Valerie tilted her head. ¡°So, do you have any leads?¡±

    ¡°No, not yet.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Valerie cracked her knuckles. ¡°Just let me know when you do. You know I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    Fiona exhaled, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that night. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Well, while you figure that out, I need a favor.¡± Valerie¡¯s voice dipped into something darker, something dangerously casual.

    Fiona arched a brow. ¡°What kind of favor?¡±

    ¡°Find me something on Kohn,¡± Valerie said, her tone light, but her eyes burning. ¡°She¡¯s evil. 100% evil tendencies. And I need to, you know¡ª¡± She made a slow, deliberate slicing motion across her neck.

    Fiona¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°Can you not?¡± she protested. Valerie¡¯s casual tone, the way she said it like she was asking for a snack instead of someone¡¯s life¡ªit still terrified her.

    Fiona¡¯s thoughts darkened, a creeping unease settling in her chest. ¡®There must be a mole. Someone who helped the beasts get in. Someone within the academy itself.¡¯

    She clenched her fists, realization striking her all at once.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°Yeah, you might be onto something.¡±

    She turned to Valerie, her expression unreadable.

    And then, without hesitation, she pulled her into a tight hug.

    ¡°Thank you, Val.¡±

    For what, Valerie wasn¡¯t sure.