The Transmigrated Author
Chapter 87: Exchange (2)

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{Rel's POV}

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[Student Information Has Been Exchanged!]

[Contact: Jae Yoona (Classmate from 1-A) is now your friend on the app: Whatsapp!]

Haah...

My fingers tightened around the unfamiliar weight of the bow. It's been a while since I've used one after the D-League Tournament.

It was almost weird... But to think Jae Yoona, of all people, asking me to study with her and Alice? The irony was almost cruel. I don't know what runs through that mind of hers, The request sounded almost as stupid as Jan's density.

But here I was, about to face Valencia with borrowed equipment and a borrowed prayer, and suddenly my precious solitude was under attack on another front.

haah...

A sigh escaped my lips. Midterms were three weeks after the tournament.

all the first-year students would stop training as a whole and go out to libraries, or travel to cram classes from all around the world, to study for the most important exam that could make or break their ranks.

For me, It wasn't much of a big deal since I'd score rank one on theory anyway...

But I no longer have freedom since helping Alice and Jae meant carving out additional me time for their newly hired tutor aka Mr. Axel.

But hey, a deal's a deal. It wasn't even my study notes anyway... It was the systems.

BZZZT!, BZZZT!

Glancing at my watch, I jolted. Almost showtime! Jan and Louise's match – the main event – was about to begin.

I couldn't miss it. This wasn't just some fight; it was the best opening scene I've ever written, Jan should go all out in this fight and Louise would do the same.

I had to see it play out, and absorb every detail, every emotion… This wasn't something any ordinary author would ever get to experience. Luckily for me, I was very close to being an ordinary one.

Shouldering the bow, I hurried towards the arena, aiming for the best possible seats.

[Sixth Sense (Passive) Has Been Activated!]

Stareeeeee...

A sudden nervousness prickled along my spine. I just felt the eyes of someone staring behind me.

The fact that it was sixth sense activating on its own, I knew the person behind me was dangerous.

Was it just paranoia? But that's impossible. Sixth Sense wouldn't do this unless I was in battle or if someone strong was watching me.

But I could've sworn when I turned the corner I saw a pair of shadows that stretched across the hallway.

...

...

...

As I slowed my pace through the hallway leading to the student section. Every hair stood on end – I couldn't shake the feeling I wasn't alone.

Had this tournament finally pushed me over the edge into full-blown paranoia? A glance over my shoulder confirmed the space behind me. Just my imagination, right?

A sharp turn and I darted into another hallway leading to the third year's section, Hearing a burst of whispers echoed through the empty hall, I put all my senses into listening to their voices.

"...Damn it Julian!" The voice was bright, and the familiarity of this person sounded way too clear and that was when I remembered that this voice was the same voice of Yuka Azira, leader of Legion New Force. Extroverted to a fault, her reputation for ambition was legendary.

What could she possibly want with me?

"Perhaps we should've just walked up to him, Yuka,"

Julian Geogre's reply was measured, his tone calm and thoughtful.

The difference in Yuka's energy was striking. She was a winner of this tournament and She had everything she could ever want... what was she doing playing along with her schemes?

"This isn't some training exercise, Julian," Yuka's voice softened slightly, "We gotta approach this kid with expertise... you know, a winning smile, a little charm..."

Julian let out a sigh. "Look, I only came 'cause you promised me an artifact. Don't expect me to do the talking for you." His tone remained composed, but a hint of reluctance seeped through.

Now this was even more confusing. Why were two Guild Leaders interested in me? I wasn't a fighter, wasn't part of anything interesting. It made no sense. Should I wait for them, try to replace out what they wanted? Or slip away and hide?

I should've been preparing to watch Jan and Louise's fight, not running from guild leaders on… what? Recruiting me? The absurdity of it all was terrifying.

***

As the corner came into view, Yuka practically skipped around it, a wide grin plastered on her face. Julian trailed behind his usual patience in place. But their carefree stroll came to a screeching halt.

Right there, in the hallway, stood Rel. Yuka's eyes bulged.

"EEK!"

she shrieked, jumping backwards and landing squarely on Julian's unsuspecting foot.

He sidestepped with a sigh, leaving Yuka to fall on the floor.

"Owwie!"

She rubbed her backside, then saw Rel staring at her with a look of utter confusion.

"Can I help you, Guild Leaders?" Rel asked, his voice laced with a lot of suspicion.

Yuka scrambled to her feet, brushing off dust that wasn't there.

"Oh! Yes! Um, so..." Her trademark enthusiasm faltered for a moment. Turning to Julian, she hissed,

"What was his name again?"

Julian leaned in and whispered, "I believe it's Rel Laurence. Though the database mentioned two additional names."

Khum...

Yuka nodded, a fake cough escaping her lips.

"Rel! So, um, we couldn't help but notice you and Jan are great friends, right?"

Rel's brow furrowed. "No. We're just acquaintances."

Yuka's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she pressed on.

"Okay... But you and Jan seem close!"

"We're not," Rel stated bluntly.

Yuka gritted her teeth. This kid was more trouble than he was worth.

"Well, regardless," she continued, forcing a bright tone, "I was willing to offer you and Jan a shared early offer proposal on the condition you bring him to us in the guest lobby after the tournament."

Rel already knew it was all about Jan but chose to play it safe.

"Yeah... I'm good. I'll tell Jan to meet you two by the guest lobby though." He paused, then added in a tone bordering on disrespect,

"But I'm not really interested in joining your guild."

Yuka's eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean you're not interested in my guild?" she exploded. "I'll have you know there are many students more talented than you out there begging to be a member of New Force! You... you..."

Bhum!

Before Yuka could finish her sentence, Julian clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Thank you for listening to her request, Rel," he said smoothly. "I appreciate the tolerance you have for her…"

Julian quickly trailed off as he dragged Yuka away, her muffled words floating back,

"Let me go! I'll show that brat some respect!"

Julian cast a final look at Rel, offering a small, apologetic salute before disappearing around the corner, Yuka's muffled sounds echoed throughout the hallway.