The day after Ray's conversation with Kana Dafger, he returned to consult with his friends about helping Karua's sister. He couldn't simply ignore someone's death if there was still a way to save them.
Aria's finger tapped rhythmically on the library table. Half-read books piled up around her, while other students strolled past, selecting books from the shelves behind. She leaned her cheek against her hand, emerald eyes fixed sharply on Ray across from her.
"So you're saying… Karua did everything because he wanted the Phoenix Tears? To lift his family's curse? And now you want to help the very person who tried to kill you?"
Ray nodded firmly.
"Yeah… I can't just ignore it. I know too much about the siblings now. If I let them die, I couldn't live with myself. Karua said if someone became King of the Black Dragon House, they might be able to obtain the Phoenix Tears that Victor's been keeping. He won them in last year's inter-house games, but hasn't used them yet."
Beside him, Jason sprawled lazily like a lounging serpent, nose buried in a comic. He suddenly raised his head and smirked.
"Pfft—Ray, you're thinking too small. Not nearly as brilliant as the great, cool Jason! Why chase elephants to catch a capybara? Just bribe Witzany with money. Easiest way, trust me."
"Professor Jason. Professor," Aria muttered dryly, rolling her eyes.
Ray smacked Jason's head, burying his face back into the comic.
"Don't joke around, Jason! Phoenix Tears aren't that easy to produce. If it were, I'd have asked Nixie to cry them out for Karua already. The fastest, simplest way is still becoming the Black Dragon King."
Jason only laughed, then got up to smack Ray back, sending his friend's face into the books. Aria stifled a laugh, struggling to stay quiet in the library.
"Idiot Ray," Jason rapped in a teasing rhythm, "you think becoming number one in Black Dragon House is easy? My eldest brother didn't get there until his fourth year. You're clueless, never listen to the news, always lost at sea—idiot Ray~"
Aria exhaled softly, calming herself.
"He's right, Ray. It's not as simple as you think."
Ray frowned.
"Then what? I didn't know… but isn't that still the only way? Karua won't let me help. After leaving the infirmary, he went straight back to beast training, challenging seniors all day, attending every class without sleep. No wonder he's losing his mind."
Jason clucked his tongue.
"Ha! You don't even know? It's Personal Points, idiot Ray. Remember how Snow-White Aria racks them up by flattering professors in class?"
Aria shot him a withering glare and shoved his head back until he nearly toppled, only saved by Ray catching his chair. She folded her arms and looked down at Jason, unimpressed.
Jason groaned, "See? Anyone else gossips, no problem. But when I say something, you get violent! Right, idiot Ray?"
Ray shook his head quickly. "Don't drag me into this, Jason."
Even so, it was true. Spending every day together had worn down Aria's walls around them. She acted cold to outsiders, but with Ray and Jason, she let her guard down.
Finally, Aria sighed and explained clearly:
"Listen carefully, Ray. Personal Points are different from class grades. Class scores just test if you pass a subject. But Personal Points are earned through everything—sports, diligent study, winning duels, or even acts of merit. They determine your rank both in the Academy and within your House. At the end of each year, rewards are given based on your standing."
She pulled out her student ID. Her rank: 210. Ray's card showed 312, Jason's a pathetic 576.
Ray covered his mouth, thinking aloud.
"So… the King of a House must be the one with the highest Personal Points, right?"
Aria nodded. Ray's expression grew tense.
"Then… we'll never make it in time. We don't have accumulated points like the seniors. That's why Karua attacked me—he couldn't afford to crawl upward slowly."
Jason snapped his fingers and pulled out a folded school newspaper.
"Hey, idiot Ray, you can check rankings here!"
He tossed it on the table. Both Ray and Aria froze when they saw Karua's stats.
Karua Karl – Year 1, Rank: 98 (House Rank: 32).
Ray clenched his fists. Just yesterday Karua had been hospitalized.
"That workaholic lunatic! If this keeps up, he'll die before his sister does!"
He shoved his chair back and ran out, bag in hand.
"Ray! Wait!" Aria called after him. Jason groaned.
"There he goes again, meddling in other people's business…"
Black Dragon House Arena
The earth dragon swung its stone blade in a savage arc. A massive treant boar behind it fell to pieces, collapsing in the arena.
"Winner: Karua Karl!" the referee declared, raising a flag. Karua swayed on his feet, glasses slipping, his black hair hiding his face.
Draeger leveled up to 32. New skill unlocked: Thorned Forest.
Karua had already defeated over twenty seniors in a single day. His House rank now stood at 20.
He raised both arms, laughing madly.
"Anyone else? Seniors, who dares? I'll wager Draeger itself—defeat me and it's yours! Lose, and you hand over your rank and points!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Ray and his friends pushed into the arena, shocked at what they saw.
Aria whispered, "He's climbing by wagering. No one does that… unless they have nothing left to lose."
Ray broke into a sweat.
"He's gambling Draeger's life… because he knows he's out of time."
Jason cackled nervously.
"Insane! Idiot! You can climb ranks anytime during your school years, but he's betting a legendary beast? Totally extreme!"
Ray snapped at him.
"Don't laugh, Jason! He's sacrificing everything for his sister—no matter the cost, no matter the exhaustion or hatred. Don't you dare laugh!"
Karua tugged at his hair, hiding a smile. Quietly he murmured, "Ray… you'll die one day because of that kindness."
Jason waved sheepishly.
"Hey, gloomy guy! Didn't mean to laugh! You're cool beating all those seniors—but obviously, I'm way cooler! Hahaha!"
Karua's laughter was louder, wilder. Sleep-deprived and unhinged, he clawed at his scalp, sending shivers through the crowd.
"Come on, come on, COME ON! Who dares!?"
"Enough already! Go sleep, psycho," Ray barked, striding onto the stage. He grabbed Karua by the collar and dragged him off like a ragdoll. The audience gasped—Ray wasn't afraid. To him, Karua looked more pitiful than terrifying.
"R–Ray… wait… I still want to fight…" Karua gasped weakly, legs dangling. Ray hauled him to Aria and Jason, who caught his limp arms.
Then a new voice rang out.
"I'll take that challenge."
The crowd parted as Myra, Victor's second-in-command, strode in, dark skin gleaming, curly hair bouncing. She placed a hand on her hip, smiling dangerously.
"That's Myra… Black Dragon's number two," Aria muttered.
Karua's voice trembled.
"Ray… let me go. Just a few more steps… just a little more and I can—"
"Forget it. You're in no state to fight her," Ray interrupted firmly. "If anyone should fight in your place, it'll be me."
Karua's eyes widened as Ray stepped past him.
"I don't need your help, Ray!" Karua spat bitterly. "I'll do everything myself. This isn't your problem—don't meddle!"
Ray turned, gaze fierce.
"I promised your sister I'd be your friend. And as a friend, I can't just stand aside."
"You're not my friend!" Karua's eyes welled with tears.
Jason smacked his head.
"Shut it. If my buddy says you're his friend, then you are. Don't argue."
"Jason, calm down," Aria muttered, restraining him before Karua passed out completely.
Ray walked into the arena, Nixie's flames flaring behind him.
"I won't let you carry this alone, Karua. You don't need to trust me—or any human. But trust in your sister, who already believes in me."
Karua's tears spilled over, soaking his glasses. He pulled his hair down to hide his face.
Ray pointed forward.
"Come, Senior Myra. Let's fight. Nixie—ignite!"
A blazing phoenix unfurled its wings.
Myra smirked.
"Cute boy. Very well… Nightry, come forth."
Beast Profile
Name: Nightry
Species: Phantom Butterfly
Level: 48
HP: 4,000
MP: 10,000
Element: Dark
Rarity: Rank A
Description: A shadow butterfly, seen as a harbinger of death and ill omen. It manipulates darkness and illusions, confusing enemies before draining their life force.
Skills: Veil of Darkness, Illusion, Doppelganger, Dark Sphere, Blood Drain.