Noah's POV
After the battle, we were all completely drained. With exhaustion weighing heavily on my limbs, we called for a carriage to take us back to the academy. The journey was a blur, my body aching from the toll the fight had taken. As we arrived, a throng of people eagerly gathered around, demanding answers and praising our bravery. Yet, despite their cheers and questions, I slipped away from the crowd. I didn't have the energy to deal with it, my body protesting every step. The final move had nearly broken me, and only Olivia's divine power had allowed me to endure the aftermath.
They were all talking about how the academy would honor us for our bravery, but all I could think about was how much more I needed to improve. Each time I used that power, I felt the intense backlash that came with it. If not for Olivia, I would've been in far worse shape.
After a few hours of sleep, I finally managed to pull myself together. It was time to check the system rewards.
"System, show me my rewards."
[Well done, Host, for completing the quest.]
[Displaying Quest Rewards:]
Demon Slayer's Blade: A powerful sword that deals extra damage to demons.
Amulet of Protection: Grants a defense bonus and resistance to dark magic.
Experience Points: Significant XP for leveling up to level 10.
2000 CP
[Does the host wish to level up?]
"Yes," I replied instantly, a surge of energy rushing through me as the system activated.
[Host has leveled up to Level 10.]
[You have unlocked 'Light' as a new element and received 30 skill points.]
"System, show me my status."
-: [System Status] :-
Noah von Augustus
Race: Human
Age: 16
Level: 10
Class: None
Potential: Limitless
Basic Stats:
Strength: D+
Agility: D+
Endurance: D+
Intelligence: C+
Charm: S+
Mana: D+
Skills:
Skill Weaver
Mind Acceleration
Flash Step
Fireball
Basic Swordsmanship
Mana Sense
Mana Control
Nature's Embrace
Fire Cannon
Echo of Oblivion
Wind Blade
Dark Cataclysm
Fire Lance
Demonbane Slash
Sword Art: Eclipse Blade Art (Grade 3)
First Form: Shadow Strike
Second Form: Gale Dance
Third Form: Phantom Edge
System Skill: Authority of Creation
Inventory:
Demon Slayer Sword
Amulet of Protection
"System, can I get a class?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
[Affirmative, Host can use Authority of Creation to create a Stone of Trial.]
"Stone of Trial? What is that?" I asked, intrigued.
[Stone of Trial will teleport you to an unknown space where you can encounter legacies of ancient, legendary, and even divine magic and weapons. It is primarily used by those dissatisfied with their assigned class who wish to earn a better one. Since you currently have no class, you can take multiple trials.]
[So, I can earn both a magic and a sword class if I complete both trials?]
[Affirmative. Does the host wish to use the authority?]
"What's the price of this stone?" I asked, already dreading the answer.
[Cost depends on the rarity of the stone:]
Common: 100 CP
Rare: 200 CP
Epic: 400 CP
Legendary: 800 CP
Mythical: 1600 CP
Divine: 3200 CP
(Current balance: 4000 CP)
"Why is everything so expensive? Can't I get a discount?" I grumbled.
[No, Host. I must tell you, this is not a shop. You are using the system's authority to create something that normally shouldn't exist, which justifies the price. My duty is to guide you on your path, not to rob you.]
"Alright, I understand. Create the Divine Rank Stone," I said, defeated.
[Stone of Trial (Divine) has been created.]
I looked down at the golden and black stone pulsating in my hand, as though it had a life of its own. Just as I was about to use it, a notification popped up.
[Host is advised to learn a light magic spell before using it.]
"I see," I muttered, pausing. From my past life, I knew the system only gave such advice when it was truly important. Light magic—it seemed like a good idea to get a handle on that first.
But before that, I figured I should claim my reward from Scarlett. After all, I hadn't forgotten the sweet surprise she'd given me earlier.
Scarlett's POV
The night was quiet, with only the soft rustle of the wind outside my window to break the silence. I lay on my bed, clutching a pillow to my chest, my face buried in its softness. My mind replayed the events of the day, but most of all, it kept returning to the kiss I had shared with Noah.
The memory of it made my heart race. I couldn't stop thinking about how fiercely I had kissed him, how his strong chest had felt beneath my hands, how I had traced the hard lines of his abs with my fingers. No, what am I even thinking? I buried my face deeper into the pillow, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"What have I done?" The thought gnawed at me. "How am I supposed to face him now? What will he think of me?"
I couldn't shake the anxiety that swirled inside me, each new thought making it worse. I had crossed a line, and now I was terrified of the consequences.
The doorbell rang suddenly, startling me out of my spiraling thoughts.
Ding dong.
I froze for a moment. "Who could be here at this hour?" My heart pounded. Slowly, I pushed myself off the bed and made my way to the door, my mind racing.
When I opened it, there he was—Noah, standing in the doorway with a warm smile that made my heart flutter. But along with that flutter came a wave of fear. "Is he going to punish me? Will he break our friendship?"
Before I could think any further, Noah stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The soft click echoed in the silence of the room, the tension thick in the air. I stood there frozen, unsure of what to do or say.
Then, without warning, he stepped forward, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. In an instant, he pulled me into a deep kiss.
Hmm~
The world around us melted away as I melted into him. His lips were warm, inviting, and filled with an overwhelming sense of connection. All my worries, all my anxieties, dissipated in that moment, replaced by a flood of emotions: relief, desire, and something deeper than I could name.
"Slurp~ Hmm~"
I kissed him back, my hands finding his shoulders, feeling the strength beneath his skin. The kiss deepened, and the heat between us ignited something I'd been trying to suppress.
As we pulled apart, breathless, I gazed into his eyes, searching for any sign of how he felt. All I saw was warmth and understanding.
"Scarlett," he said softly, his voice reassuring. "I don't want to lose what we have. I just... I couldn't stop thinking about you."
My heart soared at his words. A smile spread across my face. "Me too," I admitted, my cheeks flushing again. "I was so scared you'd think differently of me."
Noah shook his head, stepping closer again. "You don't have to be scared. I like you, Scarlett. More than I thought I would."
His words lifted the weight from my shoulders, and a sense of hope blossomed within me. I reached up and brushed my fingers against his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. "I like you too, Noah. I really do."
In that moment, everything felt right. Whatever came next, I knew we would face it together.