Ludven went to explore the source of the noise. He found a girl-she looked about four years younger than him.
Looks like she wasn't as lucky as I was.
She tried to stand but tumbled back to the ground. Her left leg seemed to be injured.
"Damn it! How could I be so careless?" she scolded herself. "If I had just packed some pillows to fall on…"
I highly doubt that would've done… anything. I should probably help her.
Ludven walked up to the girl. She looked up, startled.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
"Easy there." Ludven raised his hands. "My name is Ludven Amadiel. I just want to help."
"Oh! Well, I'm Kay Tenoro," she said, calming down. "Can you carry me until I find my friends?"
That's... a very bold ask for a stranger. She's way too trusting.
"I'll do you one better." Ludven took his violin out of its case. "I'll heal you."
He played a few beautiful notes. Kay's leg began to glow—and just like that, it seemed good as new.
Kay stared in disbelief. "What just happened? It almost looked like you used music to heal my leg."
"That's because I did."
"Oh I see." she said, smiling.
She screamed, "AHHHHH! DEMON!"
Before Ludven could react, she landed a clean three-piece combo, then ran and hid behind a tree.
Ludven, in pain, groaned. "What the hell was that for?"
"Don't give me that!" Kay shouted from behind the tree. "You have the devil's magic. Sound magic."
Sound magic. The rarest power there is in this world.
On top of being rare, it is feared. Many people believe that it's the same magic Lucifer uses to steal, kill and destroy.
...Idiots
-----------------------------------------
"I promise you, I'm not the devil or any other demon," Ludven said, raising his hands again. "Think about it—would a demon help an injured girl instead of eating her on the spot?"
"Well, no" she said, sounding unsure."they wouldn't but..."
Ludven continues"and you can clear see i don't have horns, wing, tails, or more then one head."
Kay avoided eye contact "well, yes, but..."
"So I'm not a demon. You shouldn't treat people differently just because they're different." Ludven scolds. "Honestly, that just common sense!"
Kay slowly stepped out from behind the tree, dusted herself off, and approached him.
Is she going to hit me again?
But instead, Kay bowed deeply
"I'm sorry." she said sincerely "Your right, I was too quick to judge. I hope you'll still help me find my friends."
Ludven looked at her and smiles.
"Thanks, I really—" He paused, thinking. "Wait... when did I agree to help you find your friends?"
"Obviously, that's what a kind-hearted gentleman would do!" she huffed.
"But we're in the middle of an exam!"
"That didn't stop you from healing my leg! Besides, the exam hasn't even..."
"Hello?" a loud booming voice echoed through the forest. "Can everyone hear me?"
is that Mr.Kobayashi?
"I'll get straight to the point," the voice continued. "There's a tall tower in the middle of the monster-infested forest. Your job is to reach it and climb to the top within seven days. If you don't... well, do try to make it home alive."
The voice paused.
"As for rules? There are none. Even if you kill your fellow examinees, you'll still be able to pass."
Kay looked horrified. "He can't be serious..."
"The life of a noble is filled with life-or-death situations—on and off the battlefield. Compared to that, this should be nothing. Now then, the exam... begins!"
Silence followed.
---------------------------------
Ludven glanced at Kay, who looked shaken.
Man, look at her. Guess I wasn't the only one that didn't know how extreme this test would be.
But unlike her, I can adapt. She'll most likely die on her own.
Ludven sighs." Fine. I'll help you get to the tower."
"HAVE YOU EVEN BEEN LISTENING?" she yelled" we have to find my friends"
"Have You?" Ludven replied in an exasperated tone."the goal is to get to the tower. Everyone, including your friends, will be heading that way. Meaning, if we head towards the tower..."
"We'll Find them!" Kay beamed." Man you're a really smart aren't you?"
Ludven already seemed tired of her, "no, anyone with a brain can come to that conclusion."
Kay grinned and started pushing him toward the trees. "Alright, let's get a move on!"
I'll keep her safe for now.
Who knows... maybe this girl destined to die can be useful before her time runs out.