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Chapter 11: Whisper in the Mountains, Shadow in the Heart
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Diamond Academy was buzzing with tension.
The instructors gathered the cadets in the main hall. One stepped forward, expression sharp.
> "An investigation will be conducted within the school. All cadets are expected to cooperate fully."
I leaned back, arms crossed.
"Not my business," I muttered under my breath.
---
The next day, I went to class and reviewed my notes. I had accumulated a massive amount of SP during the last raid.
Still, my thoughts kept drifting to Robert. It's only a matter of time before he snaps... now that he's contracted with a Phantom.
I opened WK.
WK: "What do you want to do now?"
Paul: "Wait—you can talk now?"
WK: "You accumulated enough SP to upgrade me. You've unlocked speech mode."
Paul: "Huh... alright. What about Robert?"
WK: "He's joining the Hunter Club. Keep an eye on him during the Monolog expedition."
Paul: "This is too much work..."
WK: "Well... that's not my business."
I glared at him.
"Don't copy me."
I shut him down.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
---
Saul: Hey Paul.
Paul: Yeah?
Saul: Are you free Wednesday?
I frowned. Why is he texting me?
Paul: Why?
Saul: An investigation team is forming. They need trustworthy cadets. Lila nominated you.
Paul: Lila did...? I'm busy Wednesday. Maybe Thursday.
Saul: Alright.
---
Monolog — the largest mountain range in Belester. Overflowing with life energy and magical herbs, it attracted explorers, hunters... and herb pickers.
I was here to find something — anything — that could help me.
Before I could begin, a man approached.
> "Hey there. Name's Moy Blist. Herb picker. You one too?"
Paul: "No, just searching."
> "You'll get lost without a guide. Come on, I'll show you the area."
He shared tales of his near-death experiences and the rare herbs that changed his life. Eventually, we reached a ridge.
> "Good luck, kid. Hope to see you again—maybe as an expert."
I nodded, then ventured deeper.
---
I reactivated WK.
WK: "How dare you shut me down!"
Paul: "Sorry. Are we in the right area?"
WK: "Yeah. Wait—someone's nearby. Be careful."
I slipped on a patch of moss. My hand brushed a thick stem.
I pulled it out.
Paul: "Bingo."
> [Mystic Herb] A rare herb that increases one's magic power. Can be used to create high-grade potions or enchanted gear.
I bagged it—then froze. Three figures emerged from the trees.
> "Hey, kid. Drop the herb."
Paul: "Me?"
> "Who else?"
Paul: "Sorry. It's mine. Pay the price if you want it."
One lunged. I sidestepped and dropped him with a clean punch. The others rushed me—I moved fast. A few seconds later, they were all on the ground.
I signaled security and moved on.
---
Back in a safe zone, I examined the herb.
WK: "There's a hidden dungeon nearby."
Paul: "Do you want me dead?"
WK: "Eat part of the herb. Sell the rest."
That... actually wasn't a bad idea.
I ate a portion and bagged the rest.
Then I entered the dungeon.
---
Inside, ghost Phantoms floated through the darkness.
I drew my Iron Maw, loaded with light-attribute bullets.
Headshots. One after another.
After clearing wave after wave, I reached a quiet room.
A childlike Specter sat alone.
It looked up. Reached out. My finger twitched on the trigger.
Pain gripped my chest—but I pulled it.
Bang.
> [Hidden Dungeon Cleared] Rewards based on Luck:
1. Specter Seed — Linda, Specter of Chaos and Despair
2. Nexus — Evolving, formless weapon
---
Back in my room:
> [Nexus Bound] All stats +1 Cannot unequip
"Nice." I also got 30 SP.
The Specter Seed, though... intrigued me.
Paul: "Should I hatch it?"
WK: "You'll need your blood. And someone else's. Unique blood."
Paul: "Yeah, because that won't make me look like a freak. I'll wait."
---
The Next Day — Hunter Club Trial, Monolog Forest
Cadets paired up. Lila and Robert teamed up.
Lila: "Why does Paul keep looking over here?"
Robert: "Be careful of him."
Lila: "You're wrong. He's not like that."
They disappeared into the woods.
I followed.
---
Robert: "Lila... before we start. Go out with me."
Lila: "Sorry. I don't date people I just met."
The rejection hit hard. The Phantom inside him stirred.
> "See? She rejected you. Just kill her."
Dark magic surged. I raised my gun. Took the shot.
Deflected.
"Shit."
Robert transformed—fully overtaken.
He leapt, slammed Lila to the ground, choking her.
I aimed. Pulled the trigger.
Bang.
He roared and lunged, crashing into me.
We hit the ground. His hands closed around my throat.
"Let... go... you bastard..."
Darkness crept in.
A flash—Lila, sword in hand.
She struck. One clean arc.
Robert fell. Severed in two.
---
I sat there, gasping.
Lila collapsed beside me.
I gave her a potion. She blinked.
Lila: "So... it wasn't a dream."
Paul: "You okay?"
Lila: "Yeah. You?"
Paul: "Thanks to you."
I covered her with my jacket.
She tried to stand. Her legs gave out.
Paul: "Come on. Get on."
Lila: "What? No—"
Paul: "You want to stay here?"
She finally gave in.
As I carried her, the sun dipped below the trees.
She murmured under her breath:
> "He always shows up when I'm in danger... Does Paul... have feelings for me?"