In the blink of an eye, the days passed, and the day before classes reopened arrived faster than anyone expected. Students who had gone home returned, and the training grounds and shopping areas were bustling with life once again.
Amidst the commotion, the results of the midterm exams were posted on a massive screen in the academy's public training ground. A huge crowd gathered, staring intently at the display. Some were jubilant, some disappointed, and others frantically searching for their ranks.
Once the crowd thinned, a young boy with black hair and pitch-black eyes approached the screen. A few quick glances were enough:
[Rio Flash — Rank 72]
A satisfied smile appeared on Rio's face as he left for the training grounds.
"According to the novel, a new event should start in a few days. I need to train and prepare."
A few days later, Ms. Anna made an announcement:
"As you all know, your midterms have ended. I am happy to report that your class achieved the highest overall scores compared to the other classes. As a reward, your class will go on a tour of the Rault Islands. You already know of these islands, so be prepared; we will depart in two days. Remember not to relax too much, and don't forget your weapons — you will need them for the activities. That is all for now."
The Rault Islands were a cluster of small and large islands collectively known by that name. The islands were famous for being the birthplace of a renowned S-rank water mage. A modest population resided there, alongside several luxury hotels. The islands were picturesque and even housed a few low-rank dungeon gates.
"According to the novel, the Rault Islands are supposed to be beautiful… well, they will be, until our disaster magnet, Fade, arrives."
An S-rank dungeon would open unexpectedly while Fade and his classmates were enjoying their leisure. At first, the islands would remain peaceful, granting the citizens a few normal days. Then, the S-rank gate would burst open, releasing an enormous number of monsters.
Newly opened gates always released a set number of monsters. S-rank gates didn't necessarily release S-rank monsters but flooded the area with creatures below S-rank, causing casualties among students. Eventually, the islands would need to be evacuated due to the mounting danger.
"Several students will fight, and a stalemate will form for a while, but with the sheer number of monsters, they'll have to retreat on the same ship they came on."
Rio shook his head, adjusting his preparations:
"I should brew some potions for emergencies and increase my training intensity. Unlike the protagonist, I don't have heavenly luck. An encounter with an A-rank monster could be fatal."
Two days later, the students gathered to board the train to the nearby port. Excitement buzzed through the air — trips like this were rare at an academy famed for its strict discipline.
Rio took a seat by the window. Just as he was about to close his eyes, a sharp, arrogant voice interrupted him:
"Hey! I'm sitting here because there's no other seat. Don't think about anything else!"
Rio looked at the speaker, expressionless.
"Yeah… okay."
"What is with that unemphatic tone? Humph, who cares?"
"Maintain your distance, and don't even think of touching me — I'll punch your face so hard it'll break your jaw, humph."
Rio remained calm, letting her words wash over him.
"Don't think that saving you once gives you any advantage. You're already lucky to talk to me at all. There are countless suitors and heirs vying for my attention. You're… lucky, humph."
"And don't forget I already transferred enough money into your account. Throwing a little away is nothing, humph."
"Do you even know how many luxury cars I own? Or the size of my villa? Obviously not. How could someone like you even comprehend that, humph?"
Rio blinked, stunned.
"Was Lia always this talkative? In the novel, she was described as someone who rarely spoke to anyone, despised everyone, and only cursed Kira. So why is she chatting nonstop now?"
"It's really strange… Was Lia always such a chatterbox?"