Chapter 808 - Formation Training
The soft hum of conversation and the faint clink of coffee cups filled the air as the group of three entered the café. The atmosphere was warm, sunlight streaming through large glass windows and casting a golden glow over the wooden tables and polished floors. It was a perfect blend of calm and bustling energy, a stark contrast to the simmering tension that had surrounded their earlier discussion.
Sylvie, Jasmine, and Layla exchanged brief glances before scanning the room. It didn't take long to spot him.
Astron sat at a corner table, his posture relaxed but upright. A worn book rested in his hands, its pages turned with deliberate care. His sharp purple eyes moved steadily across the text, completely unfazed by the chatter around him. On the table before him was a single untouched cup of coffee, steam curling softly from its surface.
Jasmine was the first to react, her lips curving into a grin as she waved. "Hey, Astron!" she called, her voice bright enough to draw the attention of a few patrons nearby.
Astron's gaze lifted from the book, his purple eyes meeting hers with his usual calm. He gave a small nod of acknowledgment but said nothing, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Layla's eyes widened slightly, her surprise evident as she whispered under her breath, "Oh… You're in our team."
Jasmine chuckled at Layla's reaction before stepping closer to the table. "Astron, meet Layla," she said, her tone playful yet warm. "I don't think you've had the pleasure yet."
Astron's gaze shifted to Layla, his expression remaining composed but polite. "Layla," he said simply, his voice even. "The tank of our team right?"
There was no grandeur to his greeting, yet his presence made it feel deliberate.
Layla raised her eyebrows, her surprise morphing into curiosity as she leaned slightly forward. "You knew?" she asked, her tone both inquisitive and skeptical.
Astron's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, though his expression remained composed. "Irina mentioned it," he replied evenly, his voice carrying a calm certainty that made it impossible to doubt him.
Layla's green eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. "And what exactly did Irina say?"
Astron raised an eyebrow at her question, his calm purple eyes studying her for a moment before he spoke. "Layla is our tank," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Even though your rank may not be impressive, your role as a tank in our group composition is valuable. A well-coordinated tank changes the dynamics of any fight."
Layla blinked, clearly caught off guard by his straightforwardness. She hesitated for a moment before tilting her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "And what do you think?" she asked, her voice quieter now, the question laced with genuine curiosity.
Astron regarded her for a moment, his gaze steady. "I can't say anything without seeing you in action first," he said simply. There was no condescension in his tone—only calm honesty.
Layla's smile widened slightly, and she gave a small nod. "I see," she murmured, her voice carrying a note of quiet determination. "Well then… I'll try my best."
Astron gave her a slight nod, acknowledging her resolve, before his attention shifted to the others.
On the other hand, Sylvie had taken a seat beside him, her gaze flitting between Layla and Astron as though trying to decipher the subtle exchange. Jasmine, on the other hand, leaned back in her chair with a satisfied grin, clearly enjoying the unfolding dynamic.
"Well," Jasmine said, breaking the brief silence, "it looks like you were already expecting this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, our team being together."
"Yes."
"Why? Did you know Layla beforehand?"
Astron turned his calm gaze to Jasmine, her satisfied grin met with his usual composed demeanor. At her question, he replied evenly, "Yes. I already knew beforehand."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You knew our team would end up like this?"
"Not exactly," Astron clarified, his tone measured. "But I had an idea of what most people in the class were up to."
Jasmine tilted her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
He leaned back slightly in his chair, his purple eyes steady on her. "I observe people in general. It's always better to have a general idea of their strengths, tendencies, and how they might act in different situations."
'This guy really is weird indeed.' Jasmine thought, her grin softening into something more thoughtful. "I see," she said, her tone carrying a note.
Layla, seated across from Astron, blinked and leaned forward slightly, her curiosity evident. "Wait," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Did you observe me as well?"
Astron's gaze shifted to her, his expression calm but faintly amused. "You're in the same class as us, aren't you?" he replied, his voice as steady as ever.
"Well… yes," Layla said cautiously, unsure where this was going.
"Then the answer should be clear," Astron said simply, his tone making it sound like the most obvious thing in the world.
Layla stared at him for a moment, processing his words. 'He really does pay attention to everything,' she thought, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering across her face. Normally, paying such attention to small details about others would be considered an unnecessary waste of energy. But Astron's calm confidence and matter-of-fact delivery made it seem not only practical but essential. 'I guess there are people like him, after all. Observant, meticulous… and completely unfazed by what others think of them.'
A faint smile curved her lips, and she gave a small nod. "That's… impressive," she admitted, her voice carrying genuine respect. "Most people wouldn't bother."
Astron met her gaze briefly, his expression unreadable but calm. "Most people don't see the value in it," he replied. "But in a group setting, understanding others is just as important as knowing yourself."
'Is it really that important though?'
Layla thought for a second.
'Why even bother? Paying attention to every detail about others… it sounds exhausting.' Yet, as she mulled over his calm and practical explanation, she couldn't help but feel a small spark of curiosity. 'Still… he makes it sound like it's worth the effort. Maybe there's something to it.'
Just then, Sylvie broke the silence, her voice cutting through Layla's thoughts. "Can you understand what I'm thinking now?" she asked sharply, her gaze locking onto Astron's. Her tone was fiercer than usual, and her expression carried a resoluteness that startled both Jasmine and Layla.
'What's gotten into her?' Jasmine thought, her grin faltering as she glanced between Sylvie and Astron. Even Layla, who was usually more reserved, found herself leaning forward slightly, caught off guard by Sylvie's sudden intensity.
Astron's purple eyes shifted to Sylvie, his expression as composed as ever. He tilted his head slightly, studying her with quiet deliberation before replying. "What do you think?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.
"Yes," Sylvie said firmly, her tone unwavering as her glare intensified.
Astron didn't flinch under her gaze. Instead, he remained steady, his voice carrying a faint undertone of bemusement. "I am not a mind reader," he said. "Hence, I can't exactly know what you're thinking."
Sylvie's brows furrowed slightly, her sharp expression faltering just enough to show her unease. "...Then—"
"But," Astron interrupted, his voice soft yet deliberate, "I can reach some conclusions and narrow them down. Though," he added, his gaze steady on hers, "you may not possibly like hearing them."
Sylvie's lips parted, her resolve flickering. "I want to—"
Before she could finish, the café's entrance swung open with a sharp creak, and a presence instantly shifted the room's atmosphere. Heads turned, and conversations hushed as Irina Emberheart strode in, her fiery red hair curled and gleaming under the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her fierce aura radiated through the café, causing a ripple of discomfort among the patrons. Even those who didn't know her seemed instinctively wary.
Irina's piercing yellow eyes scanned the room briefly before locking onto their group. A faint smile curved her lips as she approached, her confident stride causing a few customers to shift nervously in their seats. The air around her seemed to crackle with a barely-contained intensity, a hallmark of her presence.
"You are already here," Irina said smoothly, her voice carrying a mix of warmth and command as she greeted the group. Her gaze swept over Jasmine and Layla before briefly resting on Astron. But when her fiery eyes landed on Sylvie, a fleeting glint flashed within them—sharp and deliberate, gone almost as quickly as it appeared.
Jasmine was the first to recover from the shift in atmosphere, her grin returning as she waved. "Oh, hey, Irina! We were just killing some time while waiting for you," she said, her tone casual but cheerful.
Layla nodded in agreement, offering a polite smile. "Yeah, we figured you'd show up soon, so we were just chatting for a bit."
Irina's lips curved into a faint smirk as she approached the table, her fiery gaze briefly scanning the group. "Good," she said smoothly, her tone tinged with warmth but underscored by her commanding presence. "Then let's not waste any more time."
Without hesitation, she pulled out a chair and sat down on Astron's other side, her fiery hair catching the light as she adjusted her posture. The movement was fluid and deliberate, exuding the confidence and control that seemed to radiate naturally from her.
Astron, seated between Sylvie and Irina, didn't react outwardly to her presence at the start.
PINCH!
Until certain two fingers pinched his arm.
"Did you enjoy sitting beside her?'
Followed by a whisper.
Chapter 809 - Formation Training (2)
"Did you enjoy sitting beside her?" she asked with a whisper, her tone carrying a sharp edge masked by a thin layer of teasing.
Astron turned his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes meeting hers for just a split second before looking away again, unreadable as ever. He didn't answer immediately, but instead, his hand moved with calm precision, gently covering hers. With a quiet but firm motion, he pulled her hand away from his arm.
Irina's fiery gaze flicked to his face, catching the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. It wasn't much—barely noticeable to anyone else—but to her, it was as good as a confession.
"Now that Irina is here," Astron said smoothly, his voice steady but carrying a subtle undertone that betrayed his unease, "let's start."
His calm, composed tone filled the air, but Irina could sense it—this wasn't like him. Normally, he would let others take the lead in moments like this, content to observe from the sidelines. The fact that he was stepping in now, taking charge, told her everything she needed to know.
'He's flustered.'
Irina's lips curled into a triumphant smirk, the heat of satisfaction spreading through her chest. 'Heh… do you see this?' she thought smugly, her fiery gaze flicking to Sylvie.
Sylvie was watching her, her expression carefully neutral but her eyes betraying a flicker of something—curiosity? Annoyance? Irina couldn't be sure, but she didn't care. She straightened her posture slightly, letting her presence radiate with quiet confidence as she turned her attention back to Astron.
"Alright," Irina said, her tone smooth and composed, though the edge of victory lingered in her voice.
Astron adjusted his posture slightly, his calm demeanor returning as he looked over the group. His voice, measured and deliberate, broke the tension lingering in the air. "Let's first talk about what this practice is about."
The others straightened in their seats, their attention sharpening. Even Irina, who had been reveling in her small victory moments earlier, shifted her focus to Astron's words.
"As you know," Astron continued, "we're in the middle of Team Operations and Unit Specialization. Up to now, the course has focused on two primary methods of formation and coordination, both designed to maximize the efficiency of five-member teams in combat scenarios."
He glanced briefly at the others, gauging their reactions before continuing. "The first method we've learned is called Kalthor's Method, named after its creator, the tactician Sorin Kalthor. It's a foundational formation without much flexibility."
Astron's sharp purple eyes scanned the group, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "Today, we'll focus on Kalthor's Method," he said, his voice steady and deliberate. "It's a foundational formation we've all been introduced to in class, but its nuances require consistent practice to master."
He leaned forward slightly, placing his hands on the table as he spoke. "As you know, in the course, we've been taught four primary roles: Striker, Defender, Support, and Tactician. However, in Kalthor's Method, the Tactician role is deliberately excluded. This is because the formation is designed to operate as a cohesive unit without the need for constant commands or adjustments. It prioritizes simplicity and coordination."
Jasmine tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Why leave out the Tactician? Doesn't every team need someone to oversee things?"
"Well, the professor mentioned that it was because when this method was developed, it was tailored for situations where quick adaptability was less critical than efficient execution." Layla chimed in explaining.
"That is right," Astron affirmed. "Kalthor's Method emerged during a time when Awakened units were heavily skewed toward close combatants. Support roles were scarce, and most mages and healers were outliers rather than integral parts of teams. Back then, the challenge was forming functional units with limited diversity in skills."
"Hmm? Professor even mentioned this?"
Astron gave a slight nod, his expression calm and deliberate. "No," he said evenly, addressing Irina's curious gaze. "The professor didn't mention that part. I was just curious and decided to look into it."
Jasmine's eyebrows lifted briefly before she chuckled, crossing her arms. "Of course, you did," she said with a grin. "Leave it to you to dig deeper than anyone else."
Astron said nothing, only giving a small nod as he raised his wrist and tapped on his smartwatch. A soft beep sounded, and a moment later, a projected screen appeared in midair above the table. It displayed a clear diagram of Kalthor's Method, the predetermined team formation document uploaded by the academy.
"Here's the document," Astron explained as the group leaned closer to study it. The formation was displayed with precision, showing five distinct positions: Striker at the forefront, Defender slightly behind them as the shield, Support in the rear, with two auxiliary positions flanking the formation.
"This is the layout we're expected to fit into," Astron continued, his tone calm as he pointed to the positions on the diagram. "It's straightforward."
Layla squinted at the display, her brows furrowed slightly as she processed the information. "So, I'm standing directly in the front?" she asked, pointing at the Defender position marked on the diagram.
"Yes," Astron confirmed. "Your role is to block and absorb the initial impact. You'll be the shield the rest of the team operates around."
"Alright."
Astron's purple eyes shifted to the diagram again as he continued. "On the rear flanks, Jasmine and I will take the position. I'll be using daggers for this formation, focusing on quick eliminations and maintaining our perimeter. Jasmine will handle ranged threats when necessary and provide backup for Irina."
Jasmine grinned, leaning back slightly in her chair. "Got it. I'll keep things covered."
"In the middle," Astron said, turning his attention to Irina, "you'll act as the main damage dealer."
Irina smirked, her fiery eyes gleaming with confidence. "Naturally," she said smoothly. "I'll make sure to live up to expectations."
Finally, Astron's gaze moved to Sylvie, who was listening intently. "And at the back," he continued, "you'll provide support." He stopped for a moment, then turned fully to her. "You're a healer, but in this formation, having a healer isn't accounted for. Will—"
"I'll be fine," Sylvie interrupted, her voice firm as she straightened in her seat. Her green eyes met his with quiet determination. "I can combat just as fine."
The room fell quiet for a moment as her words hung in the air. Astron studied her for a beat, his expression unreadable, before giving a small nod. "Alright," he said simply. "As long as you're prepared."
Sylvie's lips curved into a faint smile, her gaze steady. "I am."
"Then-"
Though there were more discussions going on.
******
The training grounds buzzed with the hum of mana and the faint echoes of other teams practicing in the distance. The academy's practice dungeon loomed before them, a formidable stone structure etched with glowing runes. These runes pulsed faintly, a sign that the dungeon's internal systems were active and ready for their session.
The team stopped just outside the entrance, the air heavy with anticipation. The faint hum of mana in the air seemed to match the rhythmic beat of their collective focus.
Astron turned to the group, his purple eyes steady as he addressed them. "Remember, this dungeon is calibrated for our team's current ranking and capabilities. The monster waves are designed to test coordination and execution, not brute strength."
Irina crossed her arms, her fiery hair catching the light as she smirked. "Good. That means it'll reward doing things the right way."
Jasmine cracked her knuckles, her grin widening. "Let's hope the monsters are ready for us."
"Thirty minutes. That's all we have to prove ourselves."
Layla stood at the front, her shield strapped firmly to her arm. She inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves.
'….Irina Emberheart….I wonder how strong she is.'
The entrance to the dungeon glowed brighter as they approached, the runes reacting to their proximity. As the door slid open with a low rumble, cool air rushed out to meet them, carrying the faint scent of stone and earth.
"Team Irina Emberheart."
The moment they stepped inside, the runes on the walls flared to life, illuminating a wide, circular chamber. At its center, a glowing sigil marked the starting point for the challenge.
A soft, mechanical voice echoed through the space, announcing their trial.
"Training commences. Kalthor Formation. The session begins in sixty seconds. Prepare for incoming waves."
Irina gestured for the team to take their positions.
"Formation," she said simply.
Layla stepped forward without hesitation, positioning herself directly in front of the sigil. Her shield glinted faintly under the rune's light as she planted her feet firmly, ready to meet whatever came her way.
Irina moved to the center, and everyone took their positions.
Sylvie stood at the rear, her eyes flickering with mana as she prepared to support the team. A faint glow surrounded her, while she was looking at the approaching wave.
The mechanical voice echoed again. "Session begins in ten seconds. Initial wave approaching."
RING!
And then the countdown ended, and the sigil at the center of the chamber flared with brilliant light. From the shadows surrounding the room, the first wave of monsters materialized—wolf-like creatures with glowing eyes and shadowy forms, their growls echoing ominously.
The practice started.
Chapter 810 - Formation Training (3)
The wolf-like creatures snarled and lunged forward, their glowing eyes flickering like embers in the dimly lit chamber. Layla took a step forward, planting herself firmly in front of the team. Her shield rose just in time to intercept the first creature's leap, the impact reverberating through her arm as she braced herself.
"Hold the line!" Layla shouted, her voice steady despite the force of the attack. Her shield glowed faintly as her mana reinforced it, creating an unyielding barrier.
Behind her, Astron moved, his daggers glinting as they caught the faint light of the runes. A creature that managed to slip past Layla's defenses found itself swiftly intercepted. Astron ducked low, his blade slicing cleanly across the creature's flank before he pivoted to avoid its retaliatory swipe.
"Cleared one," Astron said calmly, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Jasmine, stationed on the other side, grinned as she slashed the air, creating a crescent sword aura. The projectile streaked through the air and struck a wolf mid-leap, sending it sprawling to the ground. "Nice teamwork," she called, drawing another arrow with smooth efficiency. "Let's keep this up."
At the center of the formation, Irina stood with her fiery yellow eyes locked on the oncoming wave. Her hands glowed with intense mana, the flames coiling around her fingertips like living entities. "Let's turn up the heat," she muttered, thrusting her hands forward.
A torrent of fire erupted from her palms, sweeping across the chamber in a controlled arc. The wave of flames engulfed the monsters in its path, their shadowy forms dissipating into smoke with piercing howls.
"Clean," Irina said with a smirk, her confidence radiating as the flames dissipated, leaving faint scorch marks on the stone floor.
The last of the wolf-like creatures fell, its shadowy form dissipating into smoke as Irina lowered her hands. Her fiery yellow eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she surveyed the now-cleared chamber. A faint smirk curved her lips, the faint glow of residual mana fading from her fingertips.
"Well, that was efficient," she remarked, her voice tinged with pride. "Most groups wouldn't have it this easy, even on the first wave."
Jasmine sheathed her sword, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and surprise. This was the first time she had seen Irina's firepower up close, and the sheer intensity of it left her momentarily speechless. 'So this is Irina Emberheart,' she thought, the name carrying a new weight in her mind.
Layla, still holding her shield at the ready, turned toward Irina with an expression of barely contained excitement. "That firewave…" she began, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It was incredible! You wiped them out like it was nothing!"
Irina's smirk widened, and she crossed her arms, exuding a confidence that bordered on regal. "Humph. This?" she said, her tone almost dismissive. "This is nothing for me."
Layla blinked, her admiration growing. "Waaa… you can do more than that?"
"Of course," Irina replied, lifting her chin slightly as her fiery gaze flicked to Layla. "This is just the tip of what I'm capable of."
"I see…..So this is what top rankers are capable of…."
Layla was seeing a new world for the first time.
"Don't get too loose," Astron's calm voice cut through Layla's admiration. His purple eyes shifted toward Irina and Layla, steady and composed. "The next wave is coming. Be ready."
Irina turned her fiery yellow eyes to him, narrowing them with playful defiance. "There's no need to be this stiff, Astron," she said smoothly, crossing her arms and leaning her weight onto one leg.
Astron tilted his head slightly, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Hmm…" he responded noncommittally, his gaze steady on her.
A mischievous glint flashed in Irina's eyes as she raised her hand, a small flicker of flame dancing at her fingertips. "Then let this fire cleanse your stiffness," she declared, tossing the small flame toward him.
Astron didn't flinch as the flame fizzled out harmlessly in the air before reaching him. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and replied evenly, "Fire doesn't cure stiffness."
Irina smirked, her grin widening as she leaned slightly closer. "My fire cures yours."
For a moment, the air between them seemed to crackle—not with tension, but with a playful energy that left Astron momentarily silent. He simply met her gaze, his calm demeanor unwavering despite the teasing edge to her tone.
"Hehe…" Irina laughed softly, smiling ear to ear as she straightened up, her fiery aura still radiating confidence. The satisfaction in her expression made it clear she felt she had won the exchange.
Jasmine, observing from the side, blinked in surprise. Her eyes flicked between Irina and Astron, piecing together their dynamic with growing curiosity. 'Are they really…?' she thought, her mind drifting to the rumors she'd overheard and the photos she'd seen. Irina's playful behavior and Astron's steady responses suddenly seemed to hold more weight. 'If this is how they act in the middle of training, then maybe there's something to those rumors after all.'
Thinking that, Jasmine turned her gaze subtly toward Sylvie. What she saw only deepened her concern. Sylvie was glaring at Irina and Astron, her usual calm demeanor cracked by the intensity of her expression. It wasn't hard to tell that Sylvie was upset—her sharp green eyes burned with something unmistakable, and her lips were pressed into a thin, tight line.
'Her expression's really not good,' Jasmine thought with a quiet sigh. Being friends with Sylvie for so long, she could easily read the signs. Sylvie wasn't someone who could hide her emotions well, especially when it came to things that truly mattered to her. The tension in her face, the way her hands clenched slightly at her sides—it was all too obvious.
'Poor Sylvie,' Jasmine mused, her heart sinking a little as she glanced back at Irina, who was still brimming with confidence. 'You're really lagging behind, aren't you?' Jasmine sighed inwardly, wishing her friend had more courage to express what was clearly troubling her.
'Let's hope you get your chance,' Jasmine thought, her eyes flicking back to Sylvie. But as her gaze shifted briefly to Irina and Astron again, her thoughts grew more resigned. 'Though, with Irina flying around Astron like that… it doesn't seem like it'll be anytime soon.'
Suddenly, the sound of growls echoed through the chamber once more. From the shadows, more monsters emerged—not only from the front but also from behind, forcing the team to adjust their formation quickly.
Astron's sharp voice cut through the tension. "They're coming from both sides. Sylvie, cover the rear. Jasmine, stay with me. Layla, hold the line!"
Sylvie's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly nodded, mana surging around her as she turned to face the approaching threat. The faint yellow glow of her mana intensified, her movements fluid yet deliberate. A small group of wolf-like creatures lunged toward her, and she raised a glowing hand, a burst of energy colliding with the closest one and sending it sprawling backward.
Jasmine moved to Astron's side, her sword flashing as she intercepted a monster attempting to flank Layla. "On it!" she called, slashing through the creature with a crescent of energy.
Astron darted forward, his daggers gleaming as he engaged another group. His movements were swift and precise, each strike aimed to neutralize the monsters with minimal effort. "Focus on keeping the formation intact!" he shouted, deflecting a clawed swipe before retaliating with a quick slash.
Irina, standing at the center, unleashed another wave of fire. The searing flames engulfed the advancing creatures in front, reducing them to ash in seconds. She glanced over her shoulder, her fiery yellow eyes locking onto Sylvie. "Need help back there?" she called, a teasing lilt in her voice.
"I've got it!" Sylvie shot back, her voice firm. She stepped forward, her glowing yellow mana coiling around her like a shield. As another monster lunged at her, she dodged deftly and countered with a powerful kick, the mana-enhanced strike sending it flying into the wall.
Jasmine, catching sight of Sylvie's fighting style, blinked in surprise. 'She fights like a mage, but with those kicks and punches… It's like she's combining two styles.' She couldn't help but grin. 'You've been hiding this, haven't you, Sylvie?'
Layla, at the front, braced against the relentless attacks. Her shield held firm, and her confidence grew with each successful block. "Keep it up! We're holding!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
The team worked in harmony, their combined efforts systematically clearing the monsters. Irina's firepower dominated the front, Astron and Jasmine's precision held the flanks, and Sylvie's unorthodox but effective fighting style kept the rear secure.
As the final monster dissolved into smoke, the room fell silent once more. Sylvie lowered her hands, her glowing mana dimming as she exhaled heavily.
"Well," Irina said, smirking as she dusted off her hands. "That wasn't too bad, was it?"
Jasmine glanced at Sylvie, her grin widening. "Not bad at all. Sylvie, where were you hiding that? You've got some moves!"
Sylvie flushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nothing special," she muttered, though her faint smile betrayed her pride.
"That was good."
Astron sheathed his daggers, his calm voice bringing them back to focus.
"You did really well."
Though his purple eyes were locked on Sylvie. It was clear that he was observing her to the full.
Chapter 811 - Formation Training (4)
As the last wisps of smoke faded and the chamber settled into silence, Irina stood at the center of the group, her fiery yellow eyes subtly sliding to the side to observe Sylvie. Her arms were crossed, her posture composed, but her thoughts were anything but.
'She's improved so much,' Irina thought, her lips pressing into a thin line as she watched Sylvie catch her breath. It wasn't just the precision of her movements or the confidence in her strikes—it was the sheer force behind her attacks. Even Irina, who had sought Sylvie out for her talent in mana manipulation, magic, and enchantment, hadn't expected this.
'Sylvie's talents were always in control and refinement, not raw power. At least… that's what I thought.'
Her fiery gaze narrowed slightly as her thoughts turned to the glowing yellow mana that had surrounded Sylvie during the fight. It wasn't just strong; it felt potent, different from anything Irina had associated with Sylvie before. There had been a resonance to it, something that had made the air around her seem heavier, sharper.
'What is that yellow mana?' Irina's mind raced as she replayed the moments of Sylvie's combat in her head. 'Why was it that strong? It felt… off. Not in a bad way, but definitely not normal.'
Her thoughts flicked briefly to Astron, who stood a few steps away, his calm demeanor masking the sharp focus in his purple eyes. She caught the way his gaze lingered on Sylvie, studying her with the same intensity he often reserved for unraveling complex puzzles.
'Did this guy notice it as well?' Irina wondered, her fiery eyes narrowing as she followed his line of sight. Astron wasn't one to miss details, and the way his gaze remained fixed on Sylvie told Irina he had noticed something. 'Of course he did. There's no way he wouldn't.'
Her irritation flared momentarily, but she quickly tempered it, her thoughts shifting back to Sylvie. 'What's her game? Has she been hiding this, or is this something new?'
Sylvie, oblivious to the scrutiny, was brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her faint smile betraying a mix of pride and humility. Jasmine stood beside her, grinning widely.
"You've really been holding back on us, haven't you?" Jasmine teased, nudging Sylvie lightly. "That mana, those moves—you've been training hard."
"It's nothing," Sylvie said softly, though her glowing cheeks suggested otherwise. "I've just been… trying to keep up."
"Keep up?" Irina interjected smoothly, her tone sharp but tinged with curiosity. Her fiery yellow eyes locked onto Sylvie, who blinked in surprise at the sudden attention. "That didn't look like 'keeping up' to me. That was something else."
Sylvie hesitated, her gaze flicking nervously to Astron before returning to Irina. "I've just been practicing," she said simply, her voice steady but guarded. "That's all."
Irina's smirk returned, but it lacked its usual edge, her mind still turning over the possibilities. 'Practicing, huh? If that's all it is, then she's been training with something—or someone—far beyond what she's letting on.'
Astron's voice cut through her thoughts, calm and measured as always. "It was good work," he said, his purple eyes still fixed on Sylvie. "The mana usage, the timing—it was effective. You really have improved a lot compared to when we left off."
Irina's fiery yellow eyes perked up at Astron's words, her sharp gaze snapping to him as his calm, measured tone lingered in her ears.
'When we left off?' she thought, her brows furrowing slightly. The phrase echoed in her mind, tugging at a memory she hadn't revisited in a while. Then it clicked—a scene from the first semester.
'Ah, at that time…'
She could clearly recall Sylvie standing in front of the class, her voice steady but tinged with nervous determination as she asked Astron to teach her how to fight. It had been unexpected, bold even, and Irina had dismissed it at the time as Sylvie's attempt to improve herself.
But now, hearing Astron's words and seeing Sylvie's significant improvement, the memory took on a new weight.
'They were training together, weren't they?'
Irina's fiery eyes narrowed slightly as her mind filled in the gaps, conjuring vivid, unwelcome images. She imagined Astron standing close to Sylvie, his sharp purple eyes focused and precise as he guided her movements. In her mind's eye, Sylvie leaned in, her body brushing against his as he corrected her stance, his calm voice instructing her in that maddeningly composed way of his.
'Tch,' Irina thought, her jaw tightening as the images played out in her mind. 'That's way too close.'
Her fingers tapped lightly against her crossed arms as her imagination took another turn. She pictured Sylvie smiling at Astron, her green eyes gleaming with admiration as he demonstrated a technique. In this imagined scene, Sylvie leaned toward him, her body language too familiar, too comfortable.
'What were they doing during those sessions? Just training?' she wondered, the thought sparking a sharp irritation that she couldn't entirely suppress.
"That training really helped this much?" Jasmine suddenly asked.
Layla, oblivious to the undercurrents of the conversation, tilted her head. "Training? What training?"
Astron, unbothered by the question, replied calmly, "It wasn't thanks to me. Most likely, Sylvie put in the effort herself. When we left off, she wasn't like this."
Sylvie's cheeks flushed faintly, her green eyes flickering with a mix of embarrassment and pride. She hesitated for a moment before taking control of her expression and speaking steadily. "If it weren't for him," she said, glancing briefly at Astron, "I probably wouldn't have taken the first step. So… it was thanks to him."
Irina's fiery yellow eyes flicked sharply between Sylvie and Astron, her irritation bubbling over into words before she could stop herself. "What does that mean, exactly?" she interjected, her tone sharper than intended. "What kind of training were you even doing?"
Sylvie froze for a moment, her expression hardening as she turned to Irina. "Why do you ask?" she said, her voice steady but carrying an unmistakable edge.
Irina crossed her arms, her fiery gaze locking onto Sylvie's. "I'm just curious," she said, though the defensive tone in her voice betrayed her. "I mean, you've improved so much—don't you think it's natural to wonder what exactly you were doing?"
Sylvie's green eyes narrowed, her usual composure slipping as she took a step closer to Irina. "Curious, huh?" she said, her voice tinged with defiance. "You seem 'really' invested for someone who's 'just curious.'"
Jasmine, sensing the tension between the two, glanced nervously between them, while Layla looked utterly bewildered. "Uh… should we—" Layla began, but Jasmine quickly placed a hand on her arm, shaking her head as if to say, Let it play out.
Irina straightened, her fiery aura flaring ever so slightly as she met Sylvie's glare head-on. "I think it's fair to ask, considering how much we're relying on you now. Don't you?"
Sylvie's lips pressed into a thin line, her frustration evident as she retorted, "Fair to ask? Or are you just looking for something to criticize?"
Astron, who had been silent until now, stepped between them, his calm presence instantly diffusing some of the tension. "Enough," he said quietly but firmly, his purple eyes sweeping over both of them. "This isn't the time for this."
"What is enough?" Irina pressed, still lingering in her irritation.
"The talk. The monsters are coming," Astron said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.
The low rumble of growls echoed ominously through the chamber, signaling the arrival of the next wave. The sound was deeper, more menacing than before, and the faint vibrations in the ground hinted at larger numbers.
"Formation!" Astron commanded, his voice slicing through the tension.
The team quickly adjusted, taking their positions without further argument. Layla braced herself at the front, her shield raised, while Jasmine and Astron moved to the flanks. Irina stayed in the center, her fiery gaze sweeping the chamber, and Sylvie held the rear, her yellow mana beginning to glow faintly once more.
The monsters emerged from the shadows in greater numbers than before, their snarls filling the air. Wolf-like creatures were joined by larger beasts with jagged horns and glowing red eyes. The team had no time to waste.
Layla took the brunt of the charge, her shield ringing with the impact of claws and teeth. She gritted her teeth, holding firm even as the weight of the assault pushed her back a step. "They're stronger!" she shouted.
Jasmine darted forward, her sword flashing as she struck at the monsters attempting to flank. But in her enthusiasm, she moved too deep into the enemy lines, momentarily leaving her position. "Got one!" she called, unaware of the gap she'd created.
"Jasmine, fall back!" Astron's sharp voice cut through the chaos as he intercepted a creature that had slipped through. His daggers flashed in precise arcs, neutralizing the threat. "Stay in formation!"
Jasmine blinked, realizing her mistake, and quickly retreated to her position. "Sorry!" she muttered.
Irina, meanwhile, had unconsciously stepped forward, her fiery magic blasting through waves of monsters. Her confidence pushed her further than intended, disrupting the balance of the formation. "Heh. Just di-" she declared, flames surging from her hands.
"Irina, pull back!" Astron called, his tone firm. "You're leaving the center exposed!"
Irina hesitated, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing as she glanced back at him. "I can handle it!"
"Stick to the formation," Astron insisted, his voice unwavering. "This isn't about individual strength."
Reluctantly, Irina stepped back, her irritation simmering as she returned to her position. 'Fine,' she thought, her fiery aura flaring slightly as she refocused on the fight.
At the same time, Layla wavered under the relentless assault, her confidence faltering as the monsters' strength pressed her back. "I… I can't hold them!" she cried, her voice tinged with fear.
"You can!" Astron's voice reached her, calm but commanding. "Focus. Trust your training."
Layla swallowed hard, her grip tightening on her shield as she planted her feet. With a deep breath, she pushed forward, regaining her stance and holding the line.
The team adjusted quickly, their movements more coordinated as they followed Astron's corrections. The wave was fierce, but under his steady guidance, the formation held firm. Irina's flames, Jasmine's strikes, Sylvie's support, and Layla's defense worked in unison, each member contributing to the team's survival.
As the last of the monsters fell, the room fell silent once more, save for the team's labored breathing. Astron lowered his daggers, his purple eyes scanning the group.
"Don't forget the reason we are here."
His eyes were glinting a little.
Chapter 812 - Formation Training (5)
"Don't forget the reason we are here."
Astron looked a little 'angry.'
"The point of this exercise is not to clear the dungeon the fastest," Astron said, his tone calm but edged with firmness. "It's to practice the formation. That means staying in your roles, no matter how tempting it is to break away."
Irina's fiery gaze flicked to him, irritation flashing across her face, but she nodded begrudgingly. "Fine. I get it," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Formation it is."
Jasmine exhaled heavily, nodding as well. "Got it. I'll stick to my lane this time."
Layla, still catching her breath, looked up at Astron with a quiet determination. "Understood. I'll hold my ground."
Sylvie didn't say anything, but her faint nod and the glow of her mana were enough to signal her agreement.
Before anyone could say more, the chamber rumbled slightly, and the mechanical voice of the dungeon resonated through the space. "Final wave approaching. Sixty seconds until engagement. Boss monster and final wave initiating."
The low rumble of growls echoed ominously through the chamber, signaling the arrival of the next wave. The sound was deeper, more menacing than before, and the faint vibrations in the ground hinted at larger numbers.
"Formation!" Astron commanded, his voice slicing through the tension.
The team quickly adjusted, taking their positions without further argument. Layla braced herself at the front, her shield raised, while Jasmine and Astron moved to the flanks. Irina stayed in the center, her fiery gaze sweeping the chamber, and Sylvie held the rear, her yellow mana beginning to glow faintly once more.
The mechanical voice echoed again: "Final wave initiating. Boss monster approaching."
The monsters emerged in droves, their snarls filling the air. Wolf-like creatures with glowing red eyes surged forward, joined by larger, grotesque beasts with jagged horns and thick hides. The ground shook as a towering figure emerged from the shadows—a monstrous creature with glowing veins of crimson mana coursing through its body. The boss monster had arrived.
Layla planted her feet, her shield raised high as the first wave of monsters slammed into her. The impact was thunderous, but she held firm. "They're heavier!" she shouted, her voice straining with effort.
Irina unleashed a torrent of flames, her fiery attacks reducing several creatures to ash. "Keep them off Layla!" she commanded, her hands glowing with mana as she prepared another blast.
Astron and Jasmine moved swiftly, intercepting monsters that attempted to flank the group. Astron's daggers flashed in precise arcs, striking down creatures with lethal efficiency. Jasmine, her sword glowing faintly with mana, struck down one monster after another, her movements fluid yet powerful. However, her eagerness to dive into the fray caused her to drift too far from her position again.
"Jasmine, pull back!" Astron called sharply, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"On it!" Jasmine replied, her cheeks flushed as she quickly retreated to her designated position.
Meanwhile, Sylvie fought off a group of creatures at the rear, her yellow mana glowing brightly as she alternated between ranged blasts and swift, mana-enhanced strikes. Despite her best efforts, the sheer number of monsters began to overwhelm her.
Astron moved to assist, his daggers carving through the advancing creatures. "Stick to your position!" he reminded her, his tone calm but firm.
At the center, Irina faced her own challenge as the boss monster began to close in. Its massive frame moved with surprising speed, its crimson mana radiating an oppressive heat. Irina unleashed a wave of fire, but the creature shrugged it off, charging forward with a deafening roar.
'Hmm….'
"Focus on the legs."
Astron's calm voice came from the side, and affirmed what Irina was thinking.
She thrust her hands forward, unleashing a searing wave of fire that engulfed the smaller creatures in front of the boss while also engulfing the boss monster's legs. The intense heat warped the air around the creature, causing its movements to slow. It staggered, its massive frame swaying as the fire licked at its knees and joints.
"Good," Astron called out, his sharp purple eyes fixed on the monster. "Keep it off balance."
Irina smirked, her fiery yellow eyes blazing with confidence as she shifted her focus. With a fluid motion, she redirected a smaller burst of fire toward the creatures swarming Sylvie's position. The flames struck true, scattering the advancing monsters and giving Sylvie a brief reprieve.
"Thanks!" Sylvie shouted, her voice carrying a mix of relief and determination. She adjusted her stance, her glowing yellow mana surging as she struck down another creature with a well-placed blast. Her movements were steady, but the strain was evident in the faint tremble of her hands.
Meanwhile, Jasmine maintained her position on the left flank, her sword flashing as she intercepted a creature attempting to circle around Layla. Her instinct was to press forward, to take the fight to the monsters rather than wait for them to come. But Astron's earlier reminder echoed in her mind, and she reluctantly held her ground.
'Stick to your position. That's the point of this exercise,' she thought, exhaling sharply as she focused on the task at hand.
At the center, Layla stood firm, her shield glowing faintly with reinforced mana as the boss monster's claws slammed against it with relentless force. Each strike reverberated through her arms, the sheer power of the creature nearly driving her to her knees. "I can't… hold this much longer!" she cried, her voice strained with effort.
"Just a little longer." Irina called from her position, briefly glancing toward the tank. "We've got your back. Just keep it together a little longer!"
The boss monster roared, its crimson mana surging as it tried to push through Irina's fire. The heat slowed its movements, but its raw power was undeniable. Each step it took sent tremors through the ground, and its glowing red eyes burned with fury.
Irina stepped back slightly, her fiery gaze locked onto the towering boss monster. Her hands began to glow with an intense, otherworldly heat, flames coiling around her like living entities.
She inhaled deeply, steadying herself as she began to channel her mana. The fiery aura around her pulsed with growing intensity, the temperature in the room rising as if the dungeon itself was reacting to her power.
"I'll need a moment," she said, her voice steady but focused. "Hold them off while I prepare."
"Go ahead," Astron replied, his tone calm. "We'll handle it."
Jasmine gritted her teeth, her sword flashing as she intercepted another wave of smaller monsters. The arc of energy she created pushed them back, but the strain was evident in her movements. "No pressure, Irina!" she called, forcing a wry grin as she held her position.
Sylvie, meanwhile, unleashed a rapid volley of mana blasts, her yellow energy striking down creatures attempting to breach their formation.
At the front, Layla continued to bear the brunt of the boss monster's relentless assault. Each strike against her shield reverberated through her entire body, her legs trembling under the sheer force. "I really can't!" she cried, her voice strained.
"Just a little longer." Astron called, his daggers flashing as he intercepted a creature attempting to slip past Layla.
"You really are improving."
Irina's fiery aura intensified, the flames around her forming intricate, glowing patterns in the air. The heat became almost unbearable, but she stood firm, her fiery yellow eyes blazing with determination. "It's ready," she said, her voice carrying an edge of finality.
She thrust her hands forward, and the flames coiled tighter, compressing into a glowing cubic structure that shimmered with pure, destructive energy.
"[School of Emberheart, Cubic Expansion!]" she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber.
"You don't need to shout."
"Shut up."
The spell erupted with a deafening roar, the cubic structure expanding outward in a cascade of blazing fire. The flames consumed the boss monster, wrapping around its massive frame and igniting the crimson mana veins coursing through its body. The oppressive heat and brilliance of the attack illuminated the entire chamber, forcing the team to shield their eyes.
The boss monster let out a final, piercing roar as the flames engulfed it completely. Its massive form trembled, the glowing veins flickering erratically before it collapsed to the ground, the fire reducing it to a smoldering pile of ash. The smaller monsters disintegrated alongside it, their shadowy forms dissolving into the air as the dungeon fell silent.
Layla collapsed to the ground, her shield slipping from her grasp as she gasped for breath. Her body trembled, and sweat dripped from her brow. "It's… it's over," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Jasmine leaned against a nearby wall, her sword hanging loosely in her hand as she exhaled heavily. "That was… intense," she said, her grin faint but genuine. "Good job, team."
Sylvie lowered her glowing hands, the yellow mana dissipating as she leaned on her knees, trying to steady her breathing. "We did it," she said softly, her green eyes flickering with relief and exhaustion.
At the center of it all, Astron stood calmly, his sharp purple eyes fixed on the smoldering remains of the boss monster. His daggers were sheathed, his posture steady and unbothered by the heat or the chaos that had preceded the quiet.
"This...." Irina mumbled, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing as she gazed at the smoldering remains of the boss monster. Her hands were still trembling from the sheer mana expenditure, but her expression was one of frustration rather than satisfaction. "This was not the performance I expected."
Chapter 813 - Formation Training (6)
"This was not the performance I expected."
The faint echo of her words hung in the silent chamber, drawing glances from the rest of the team. Jasmine frowned slightly, but she didn't say anything, her exhaustion outweighing her curiosity. Sylvie looked up, her green eyes flickering with a mix of concern and weariness. Layla was too drained to respond, still catching her breath where she had collapsed.
Astron remained silent, his sharp purple eyes observing Irina without a hint of judgment. His calm, composed demeanor contrasted with the tension still radiating from her.
Before anyone could say more, the mechanical hum of the dungeon's mana system faded entirely, and the chamber doors creaked open with a low rumble. A group of instructors, clad in dark uniforms bearing the academy's emblem, entered the room with measured steps. At their head was Professor Darius Kain, his tall frame and sharp gray eyes commanding immediate attention.
"Well done," Kain said, his deep voice resonating through the space as he approached the team. His gaze swept over them, lingering briefly on Layla, who was still kneeling on the ground, and Irina, whose fiery aura had dimmed but not disappeared. "Your performance was commendable."
Irina blinked, her fiery gaze snapping to him. "Commendable?" she repeated, her voice carrying an edge of disbelief. "Professor, with all due respect, this wasn't anywhere near what we're capable of. There were cracks in our formation, and—"
Kain shook his head, his sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly. He turned without another word, his dark uniform swaying as he strode toward the exit. The other instructors followed suit, leaving the team alone in the silent chamber, the heavy door closing behind them with a resounding thud.
The team exchanged uncertain glances, the weight of the professor's cryptic words lingering in the air. Layla sank back onto the ground, her shield resting beside her as she caught her breath. Jasmine leaned against a wall, her expression a mixture of confusion and exhaustion. Sylvie remained silent, her green eyes flickering with unspoken questions.
Irina's fiery gaze was fixed on the now-closed door, her lips pressed into a thin line. "What was that supposed to mean?" she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
When no one responded, she turned her head toward Astron. Her fiery yellow eyes immediately caught the calm, composed expression on his face. He stood as still as ever, his sharp purple eyes observing the room with an unbothered air. It was as if Kain's words hadn't surprised him in the slightest.
"You…" Irina said, her voice trailing off before narrowing her eyes.
Astron tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "I know what he meant. If you want to ask that."
Irina's gaze sharpened, her fiery hair swaying slightly as she crossed her arms. "And you didn't think to share that with the rest of us?"
"Why would I? You'll figure it out eventually."
"Eventually?" Irina's voice carried a note of irritation, though there was an underlying curiosity. She stepped closer, her fiery presence flaring ever so slightly. "Don't act like you're above explaining things, Astron. If you know something, just say it."
Astron raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. "It's not about being above anything, Irina. It's about letting the lesson settle. If Kain wanted to explain it to you, he would have. My saying it now won't make it click any faster."
"What is this logic? Professor Kain is someone who is outside of our group, while you are not. He might want to teach us, but-"
"What if I want the same thing?"
"What if I want the same thing?" Astron interrupted, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made Irina pause mid-sentence.
She blinked, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing as she processed his words. "You? Want to teach us something?" she scoffed, though the uncertainty in her tone betrayed her bravado. "You're not exactly the mentoring type, Astron."
Astron tilted his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes glinting with subtle amusement. "And you're not exactly the listening type, Irina. Yet here we are."
"What do you mean I'm not the listening type?" Irina snapped, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing. She crossed her arms and tilted her head defiantly. "Are you saying I can't just shut up when I need to? Do you think I'm someone who needs to… shut up?"
Astron shook his head slowly, his expression as calm as ever. "If I were looking for someone quiet, well…"
Irina arched an eyebrow, her fiery presence flaring slightly. "Good that I'm not quiet, then."
Astron's faint smirk returned, his sharp purple eyes glinting with amusement. "Good for you," he said evenly, "but not good for everyone else."
"Bastard," Irina muttered, her tone somewhere between exasperation and grudging amusement. "Shut up."
"You first."
From the side of the chamber, Jasmine leaned against the wall, her arms crossed and her lips curled into an entertained grin. "You were with them on your previous team, right? Was this how they were?"
Sylvie nodded at Jasmine's question, though there was a moment of hesitation in her response. "It was a little different," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the lingering hum of mana in the chamber.
Jasmine tilted her head, her sharp green eyes narrowing slightly as she caught the nuance in Sylvie's tone. "How different?" she pressed.
Sylvie fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her gaze dropping momentarily. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's… hard to explain."
Jasmine's expression softened, her usual teasing demeanor giving way to something more thoughtful. She leaned closer to Sylvie, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "You know, we should probably ask," she said, her tone low but firm. "It's better than just staying in the dark like this."
Sylvie's breath caught at Jasmine's words, her chest tightening. She wanted to ask—to voice the questions that had been swirling in her mind since the dungeon began. But at the same time, the thought terrified her. What if the answers weren't what she wanted to hear? What if knowing the truth only made things harder?
Her green eyes flicked toward Astron and Irina, who were still caught in their back-and-forth exchange. Astron's calm, measured responses seemed to fuel Irina's fire, their dynamic as natural as it was tense. Watching them, Sylvie felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name—a mixture of longing, curiosity, and fear.
Jasmine nudged her lightly, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Sylvie."
"I will try."
The team left the training grounds in silence, their exhaustion palpable. The faint hum of mana and the fading warmth of the dungeon lingered in the air as they stepped into the open corridors leading to the academy's resting area. Around them, other teams and classes exited their respective training sessions, some chatting animatedly while others shuffled in silence, much like Astron's team.
Astron walked slightly ahead, his sharp purple eyes scanning the surroundings, though his expression remained unreadable. The girls trailed behind him, their footsteps echoing faintly against the stone floor.
As they reached the resting area, the group naturally began to split off toward their respective changing rooms. Astron nodded briefly to the group, his calm voice breaking the quiet. "Regroup in ten."
"Got it," Jasmine replied, giving him a quick thumbs-up.
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, her green eyes flicking toward Astron before she turned and followed the others. The girls entered their designated changing room, the heavy door swinging shut behind them with a soft creak.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted slightly. The faint buzz of the other teams outside faded, leaving only the sound of the girls settling into the space. Irina leaned against a locker, her fiery yellow eyes still glinting with the remnants of her earlier frustration. Layla sank onto a nearby bench, her shield finally unstrapped and set aside as she rubbed her sore arms. Sylvie sat quietly, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve, while Jasmine leaned casually against the wall, her sharp green eyes flicking between her teammates.
The silence stretched, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Jasmine cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "Irina."
Irina glanced up, her fiery gaze narrowing slightly. "What?"
Jasmine hesitated under Irina's fiery gaze, the sharp intensity in her amber eyes enough to make her pause. For someone who had no problem teasing others, Jasmine found herself strangely unsettled. Irina wasn't doing anything overt—she was just standing there, her stance casual, but her presence was so fierce it made Jasmine's usual confidence waver.
'This girl… Why is she so intense in moments like this?' Jasmine thought, her green eyes darting away briefly before flicking back. 'Is everyone like this, or is it just Irina? It's like she's ready to set the room on fire if I say the wrong thing.'
Jasmine cleared her throat again, trying to gather her thoughts. "Uh, so… earlier," she began, her tone unusually tentative. "You know, during the dungeon…"
Irina raised an eyebrow, her fiery gaze narrowing further. "What about it?" she asked, her voice sharp but not unkind.
Jasmine shifted on her feet, her usual playful demeanor cracking under the weight of Irina's scrutiny. "Well, it's just… you and Astron. You two—uh—seem to work well together."
"Is that so?" she said, her tone flat. "And?"
"And the pictures…"
Irina sighed, her fiery hair swaying as she leaned off the locker. "Jasmine," she said, her tone carrying a note of warning. "If you've got something to ask, just ask. Stop beating around the bush."
Jasmine winced at the directness but straightened her posture, forcing herself to meet Irina's gaze. "Fine," she said, exhaling sharply.
"Are you and Astron a couple?"
Chapter 814 - Formation Training (7)
Irina froze for a split second, Jasmine's question hanging in the air like a spark threatening to ignite. Her fiery yellow eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and something more as the words settled in her mind.
'Are we a couple?'
The question was deceptively simple, but it sent her thoughts spiraling. She stood straighter, her earlier posture of relaxed confidence shifting subtly as her mind raced. It wasn't the first time this question had crossed her mind—far from it. In fact, it had been haunting her recently more than she cared to admit.
She glanced at Jasmine, her sharp eyes wide with curiosity, and then at Sylvie, who sat still but whose gaze flicked nervously toward her. The room felt heavier, the unspoken tension pressing against her chest as she considered her answer.
'Are we?' Irina thought, her lips parting slightly before closing again. The memories flooded in, vivid and sharp. The confession she'd made to Astron, her kiss that had lingered longer than it should have. At the time, she'd thought that was it. 'I've got him,' she'd told herself, her usual confidence carrying her through the moment.
But then Maya had entered the picture.
Astron's connection with Maya—whatever it was—had introduced a new layer of doubt. She remembered the way he interacted with Maya, the quiet familiarity between them. The way he didn't push her away or avoid her, even when Irina was present. It wasn't jealousy, exactly, but it unsettled her.
'If we're a couple,' Irina thought, her fiery gaze hardening slightly, 'then why does it feel like there's still a line I haven't crossed?'
She had planned to address it, to confront Astron and define things clearly between them. She was never one to shy away from her feelings, much less leave important matters unresolved. And yet, every time she'd found herself alone with him, the words wouldn't come. Opportunities had presented themselves—more than once—but she had let them slip away.
'Why didn't I say it?' she wondered, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. 'I'm not the type to hold back, so why couldn't I just ask him?'
The silence stretched for a beat too long, and Irina realized Jasmine was still waiting for her answer. She forced a smirk, her fiery eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned against the locker once more.
"What do you think?" she asked smoothly, her voice carrying her usual edge of confidence.
Jasmine blinked, clearly caught off guard by the deflection. "Uh, I mean… it kind of seems like you are?" she ventured cautiously.
Irina's smirk widened, though the sharpness in her eyes remained. "Then go with that," she said simply, brushing a strand of fiery hair over her shoulder. "It's not like it's any of your business anyway."
Jasmine frowned, her curiosity clearly unsatisfied, but Irina didn't give her the chance to press further. She straightened, her posture commanding as she turned toward Sylvie, who quickly averted her gaze.
"Well?" Irina asked, her tone deceptively casual. "Do you have something to add, Sylvie?"
Sylvie shook her head quickly, her hands tightening slightly on the hem of her sleeve. "No, nothing," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Irina's smirk softened slightly, though her fiery gaze remained sharp. "Good," she said, turning back toward the center of the room. "Then let's focus on what matters. We've got more important things to deal with than gossip."
But even as she dismissed the question aloud, it lingered in her mind, a stubborn spark refusing to be extinguished. 'Are we a couple?' she thought again, the words echoing in the back of her mind.
'If we are really a couple….If Astron really thinks so, then why is he still letting Senior Maya get close to him?'
Irina's smirk faltered for just a fraction of a second as the thought lingered in her mind, gnawing at the edges of her fiery confidence. 'If we are really a couple… if Astron really thinks so, then why is he still letting Senior Maya get so close to him?'
Her fingers tapped lightly against her crossed arms as the question buzzed in her mind, persistent and relentless. Knowing Astron, she couldn't imagine him being careless.
He wasn't the type to play games, much less entertain something as ridiculous as two-timing.
Or was he?
'He wouldn't… would he?' The doubt crept in uninvited, a faint but unwelcome whisper at the back of her mind. 'No way. There's no way. He's too straightforward for that. Too principled.'
But the possibility, no matter how remote, gnawed at her. Irina's fiery yellow eyes narrowed slightly as she pushed the thought aside. 'If he's even considering something that stupid, I'd be…' Her thoughts trailed off, her jaw tightening.
'Greatly disappointed.' The words carried a weight that surprised even her. Disappointment wasn't something Irina handled well, and the idea of feeling it toward Astron was unsettling. She didn't know what she would do if that were the case, and the uncertainty frustrated her more than she cared to admit.
She let out a soft huff, brushing a strand of fiery hair out of her face as she turned her thoughts to a more immediate concern. Her gaze slid to Sylvie, catching the girl fidgeting slightly in her seat. Sylvie's hands were still clutching at her sleeves, her green eyes darting nervously to the floor.
Irina's smirk returned, sharper this time, though her fiery eyes remained narrowed as she studied Sylvie. 'This should stop some vixens at least,' she thought, the edge of triumph flickering in her expression.
Sylvie must have sensed the shift, her gaze flickering up just briefly enough to meet Irina's. The contact was fleeting, but it was enough to make Sylvie straighten slightly, her fidgeting stopping as she tried to compose herself.
'Good,' Irina thought, her smirk softening but remaining firmly in place. 'Let's make sure everyone knows their place.'
The silence stretched between them for a moment before Irina turned her attention back to the center of the room, her fiery presence commanding as always. But even as she exuded confidence, the question lingered at the back of her mind, refusing to be ignored.
'I'll find out,' she promised herself, her fiery eyes gleaming with determination. 'One way or another, I'll figure out exactly what he's thinking. And if I don't like the answer… well, we'll deal with that when we get there.'
*******
The class buzzed with a subdued energy as Professor Darius Kain concluded his lecture, the glowing diagrams of battlefield formations on the classroom's main screen fading into the background. His commanding presence had kept the students focused throughout the session, and now, as he reached the end, the air was tinged with a mixture of relief and anticipation.
Kain's sharp gray eyes swept over the room, his tall frame exuding authority. He tapped his sleek tablet once, and the screen flickered to display a summary of the key points discussed. "That concludes today's lecture on formation adaptability," he said, his deep voice resonating across the room.
The students began gathering their notes, but Kain's next words stilled their movements.
"Before you leave, there's one final matter to address," he said, his tone calm but firm. He gestured toward the class with a deliberate motion. "This pertains to your practical session with Kalthor's Method."
The murmurs started immediately, students exchanging curious and nervous glances. Jasmine, seated near the middle of the class, leaned toward Sylvie. "What do you think he's about to drop on us now?" she whispered, her green eyes glinting with curiosity.
Sylvie shook her head slightly, her green eyes focused on Kain. "I'm not sure," she replied softly, her voice steady but tinged with unease.
Kain raised a hand, silencing the room. "During the practical session, you were required to adhere strictly to Kalthor's Method, no matter how tempting it was to deviate. This was deliberate, as the exercise was designed to test more than just your ability to clear the dungeon."
A hand shot up near the front of the class. "Sir, are you saying there's something we missed?" a student asked, their tone hesitant but curious.
Kain's expression didn't waver. "Perhaps," he said cryptically. "Understanding the nuances of any method requires more than just execution. It requires reflection."
The murmurs grew louder, until Kain's sharp gaze silenced them again. "To aid in this reflection, you will write reports on your experiences with Kalthor's Method during the practical session."
"Reports?" Jasmine asked, her voice carrying over the quiet hum of the room.
"Yes," Kain confirmed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Each of you will submit a report detailing your observations during the exercise. You will comment on the strengths and weaknesses of Kalthor's Method, as well as your team's ability to operate within its structure. This exercise is not simply about what you did, but about what you learned."
Another hand went up, this time from a student in the back. "But Professor, wasn't the point just to stick to the formation? What else are we supposed to analyze?"
Kain's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "If you believe the point was merely to 'stick to the formation,' you've already missed the lesson," he said, his voice carrying a subtle edge. "The true purpose of this exercise was to understand the principles behind Kalthor's Method—the balance between simplicity and efficiency, the trade-offs of excluding a tactician, and the strengths and limitations of your own team."
The room fell silent, the weight of Kain's words settling over the students. Irina, seated near the back, leaned back in her chair, her fiery yellow eyes narrowing thoughtfully. 'Balance and trade-offs, huh?' she thought, her mind drifting back to the dungeon and the cracks in their formation.
Kain continued, his tone steady but firm. "Reports are due by the end of the week. They will be graded not on how flawless your performance was, but on your ability to reflect critically on the experience. A good hunter does not simply act—they learn and adapt."
As he finished, Kain's sharp gray eyes scanned the room one last time. "Any further questions?"
The students exchanged glances, but no one spoke up. The gravity of the assignment seemed to have settled in.
"Very well," Kain said, tapping his tablet once more. The screen behind him powered down, leaving the room bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights. "You're dismissed."