Two weeks had passed since my duel with Eric, and my life at the academy had transformed in ways I hadn't expected. The shock of my victory had faded, replaced by a new sense of purpose and determination. I had immersed myself in my training with the Demon Subjugation Club, eager to hone my skills and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead.
In that time, I had discovered something remarkable: after leveling up, I had unlocked new wind abilities. My control over wind magic had deepened, allowing me to manipulate air currents with greater precision. I could now create gusts strong enough to throw an opponent off balance or form protective barriers to deflect incoming attacks.
But that wasn't all. I had also started to explore fire and nature magic. The fire spells were exhilarating—flames that danced at my fingertips, ready to unleash a torrent of heat. Nature magic, on the other hand, connected me to the world around me. I could summon vines to entangle my enemies or create shields of bark to protect myself and others. Each new spell felt like a piece of the puzzle falling into place, and I was eager to see how they would come together in battle.
Classes were going well, too. I found myself excelling in my studies, and my instructors were starting to take notice. I was no longer just a B-rank student; I was becoming a force to be reckoned with. My classmates looked at me with a mix of respect and curiosity, and I could feel a shift in how they perceived me.
Scarlett had also returned to her usual self. After our awkwardness following the duel, we had gradually found our rhythm again. She was as bright and cheerful as ever, her laughter echoing through the halls. I was relieved to see her confidence restored, and it felt good to have her by my side. We often studied together, sharing notes and discussing our classes, and I cherished those moments.
One afternoon, as we sat in the library, I glanced at her. "You've been doing really well in your classes, Scarlett. I'm proud of you."
She smiled, her cheeks flushing. "Thanks, Noah. I've been working hard. I want to keep up with you."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're already ahead of me in some subjects. Just keep believing in yourself."
But as the days passed, a sense of unease began to settle over the academy. Whispers of a new threat spread among the students, and the atmosphere grew tense. I overheard conversations about a powerful demon sighted near the outskirts of the nearby villages, and the stories were chilling.
"Did you hear about Eldridge?" one student said, his voice low. "A shadow demon attacked there at night, leaving nothing but destruction behind."
"Yeah, and it's not just Eldridge," another added. "There have been reports from other villages. People are disappearing, livestock vanishing, and survivors speak of a creature that can manipulate darkness."
A chill ran down my spine. The rumors were becoming more frequent, and the fear was palpable. I knew the Demon Subjugation Club would need to take action soon.
As I walked through the academy grounds, I spotted Olivia speaking with a group of club members. Her expression was serious, and I could tell she was gathering information about the demon. I approached her, my curiosity piqued.
"Olivia, what's going on?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.
She turned to me, her emerald eyes sharp. "We've received reports of the demon's movements. It's been attacking villages at night, and we need to prepare for a potential confrontation."
I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on me. "What can we do to help?"
"We need more information," she replied. "I want you and a few others to scout the area around Eldridge. We need to know what we're dealing with before we make our move."
"Understood," I said, my heart racing with both excitement and anxiety. "I'll gather a team."
As I walked away, a mix of anticipation and tension bubbled inside me. This was it—the moment I had been training for. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and I wouldn't let fear hold me back.
That evening, I gathered a small group of club members, including Scarlett, to discuss our plan. We met in the training hall, the air thick with anticipation.
"Alright, everyone," I began, addressing the group. "We need to scout the area around Eldridge and gather as much information as we can about this demon. We'll leave at dawn."
Scarlett nodded, her expression serious. "I want to come with you. I can help."
I smiled at her determination. "I wouldn't have it any other way."