Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 323: Laxco Mountain

10:00 P.M., a time when no classes were going on.

Adrian was training alone in a dark forest inside Nova.

Shwik—

The sword he stretched out caused the air to undulate. After a light jab, he let out soft slashes, followed by a spinning slash. The perfect flow in his movements made it seem like the sword was protecting the swordsman.

It was a flawless sword technique, sharper than a blade and lighter than a feather.

Just like this, Adrian reflected on his sword technique every night. To not lose the mindset of a Knight, and to advance his sword technique a step further.

Nowadays, there was another reason he was devoting himself to training. That was...

"Are you training?"

At that moment, someone's voice rang out.

Startled, Adrian turned around.

"... Lucas?"

Lucas was leaning against a tree, seemingly having watched his sword training. Adrian put his sword away. Lucas approached him with a smile.

Adrian quickly asked.

"Are you also here to train?"

Lucas shook his head.

"No, I'm just on a walk. Anyways, it's still early in the semester, but you sure are hard at work. If someone saw, they would think you're trying to conquer a Dungeon alone."

"...."

Immediately, Adrian's body shook slightly.

Lucas maintained his smile as he continued to chatter uncharacteristically.

"No way, am I right?"

"...No."

Adrian denied with a smile. However, Lucas eyes were narrowed, giving a meaningful look. Faced with his eyes, which seemingly pierced through everything, Adrian shrunk back slightly.

"You went out last week, right? To Laxco Mountain."

"...."

Adrian silently stared at Lucas's.

Resonance of the sword.

That was what Adrian felt from Laxco Mountain.

At first, he had climbed the mountain to feel its life energy.

However, a sword qi buried in the mountain called him. This strange yet desperate call attracted his attention, and when he went to the epicenter of the sword qi, he found an unidentified Dungeon.

Also at that moment, Adrian received the new quest from his system.

"...How did you know?"

Adrian asked, his voice vigilant.

"I saw you heading towards Laxco Mountain last week. And today, I happened to pass by and saw you training here alone. Putting two and two together, it seemed likely that you were training for something big."

Lucas's words were calm, but there was a sharpness to his gaze that made Adrian feel like he was being scrutinized.

Adrian narrowed his eyes, studying Lucas carefully. He couldn't shake the feeling that Lucas knew more than he was letting on.

"Are you suggesting something?" Adrian asked, his tone cautious.

Lucas chuckled softly, his expression enigmatic. "Just an observation. But if you ever need a partner for your adventures, I'd be happy to join you."

Adrian's gaze hardened, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lucas's offer than met the eye.

"Thanks, but I prefer to work alone," Adrian replied, his tone firm.

Lucas shrugged, seemingly unfazed by Adrian's response. "Suit yourself. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to replace me."

With that, Lucas turned and disappeared into the darkness of the forest, leaving Adrian alone with his thoughts.

As Adrian resumed his training, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. There was something about Lucas's presence that unsettled him, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

But for now, Adrian pushed aside his suspicions and focused on honing his sword technique. He had a mission to prepare for, and he couldn't afford to let anything distract him from his goal.

With determination burning in his heart, Adrian continued to train, each movement precise and deliberate as he prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead in the unranked dungeon.

***

A week passed by in the blink of an eye, and Monday came around once again. There were only two days left until the team submission deadline.

"Hmm...."

Evelyn was in thought, looking at the notebook on her desk.

There was one spot left on her team. She needed someone who is best in close rangee fight as well in long distance.

In short she needs a duel weapon wilder.

And there is only one in her class who is rule weaponist.

Lucas Darkheart.

She sneaked a peek at Lucas seat.

Lucas name popped up often in the class group chat, which showed just how popular he was for the team challenge selection. However, Evelyn was fairly confident that he would choose her if she asked.

There was only one reason that she hesitated to ask him.

She already team up with Isabella, who is also in top 5 and she can't have more then one top 5 in her team.

...And not mentioned that she is also in 7th rank in all over academy.

Her team would become to much overpowered.

So if she wants Lucas to be in her team she has to kicked out the Isabella but she wa reculant to do doing so.

Isabella was the strongest mage in first year hero class and not mentioned she knows all type of nature magic spell.

Ordernery, One mage has one magic appitued but she has all five of them.

That's alone make her tredmous powerful.

So what she do? She couldn't reach the answer right away...

"Hm...."

"What, are you having trouble forming your team?"

At that moment, Sunny, who was sitting behind her, asked.

"No, I'm just thinking—"

"Let me see."

Sunny suddenly reached forward and stole Evelyn notebook.

"Ah, HEY"

"Lyra, Isabella, Gary, and... Lucas? Lucas?"

He repeated Lucas's name loudly. Immediately, the attention of the class fell on her. Naturally, Lucas was included.

Lucas was staring at her. Evelyn felt her face growing red like a tomato.

"Eeee, ee...."

"Didn't you say Lucas—"

"Shut your mouth!"

"Uk!"

Evelyn struck Sunny solar plexus.

Sunny was completely caught off guard by Evelyn sudden attack.

Slumped down on the desk, Sunny endured the pain.

"...uuu.... uuuu...."

Sunny scream rang out intermittently.

"Don't steal and look at other people's stuff

without permission," Evelyn scolded, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment.

Sunny winced in pain but managed to nod in understanding.

"Sorry, sorry... I won't do it again."

With a sheepish smile, he handed Evelyn back her notebook.

Evelyn sighed, feeling a mix of relief and annoyance at the situation. She quickly glanced over at Lucas, who was still watching her with a curious expression.

Quickly she turned her head away from in embarrassment and focused back on her notebook, trying to regain her composure.

As she mulled over her options, Evelyn couldn't help but feel torn. On one hand, having Lucas on her team would undoubtedly strengthen their chances of success in the upcoming challenge. His prowess in combat and versatility with dual weapons would be invaluable assets.

But on the other hand, she couldn't ignore the fact that Isabella was already a crucial member of her team. Her unparalleled magical abilities and mastery of multiple elemental spells made her an indispensable ally in any battle.

Evelyn sighed, feeling the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She knew that she had to choose between Lucas and Isabella, but the thought of betraying either one of them filled her with guilt.