"As for you," Julian walked over slowly with a twisted smile on his face. His nose appeared hooked under his grin, giving a goblin-like appearance. "You will be our scout, traveling all alone to bring back news. Your first mission is to go scout the lightning class out. Make sure you're not caught." He said before walking away.
Traveling alone in the forest was suicidal. There was no need for scouts as the light from the pillars made sure that every class's location was known to the others.
Thus, people traveled in groups of two usually. Nikolai realized that the same thing happened in his past life and he was chased by an Earthen Bear. He only managed to flee at that time because he met the lightning heir.
Nikolai picked up his gun, which he got from the school again, and walked away slowly toward the purple light in the sky. He heard footsteps from behind him and found that Marcus was there.
"Let me accompany you," Marcus said, with the serious expression of a proper servant. "Lady Sira asked me to take care of you."
"Thank you for the offer." Nikolai walked away slowly. "However, I don't need a babysitter. I'll take care of myself until the exam ends."
Even though he made it seem as if he would just hide, Nikolai had no intention of doing so. The class battles weren't only about winning or losing, but also about performance. There would be separate points for individual performance such as leadership, cooperation, and also objective-oriented points.
He went into the forest, leaving Marcus behind filled with dissatisfaction, and ventured deep toward the Lightning Monolith. As soon as he felt like no one was watching him from his class, Nikolai changed directions and went toward the mountain in the distance.
This mountain was the only one in Rohan Academy's Forest. It oversaw the whole forest and a single monster lived on top. The monster was an intelligent one called the Skyward Falcon.
As he started climbing the mountain, Nikolai felt the wind currents change. The more that he walked upward, the more resistance he received.
Nonetheless, he preserved. After climbing half of the mountain and wasting half an hour, Nikolai changed route again. He followed a different trail over the mountain, going toward a cave.
He took out his dagger and gun, prepared for any monsters that would come out. When he went into the cave, he heard the sounds of battle behind him. The battle has begun.
The wind changed again and Nikolai shot a mana-infused bullet at the sphere of light as soon as it appeared. The wind firefly died before it could attack Nikolai.
It took him another few meters of looking before he found the ore. It shone bright green in the darkness, providing him with the necessary light to mine the ore.
He dug around it using his dagger until the giant ore fell. He looked at the liquid-like light inside it and infused his dagger with mana.
'Precise and slow.' He reminded himself as he began extracting the gem from within the ore. This required a high degree of dexterity and mana control, which Nikolai had thanks to his past life. Sweat beads appeared on his face as he worked.
The process was mentally exhausting and risky, as a simple mistake would make the ore blow up in his face. However, when he looked at the wind elemental gem in his hand, he felt like it was too easy.
Nikolai left the cave while holding on to his gem. The wind currents grew milder because the gem repelled them. Nikolai climbed the mountain as the students below fought against each other.
"Who dares ventures to my abode?" An ancient voice boomed in the mountain; a threatening tone intertwined to it. "Go back and you shan't be punished. Otherwise..."
Nikolai ignored it and kept climbing the mountain. The wind grew more violent, but nothing that would make him be swapped off his feet and fly away.
He reached the top of the mountain and the trees began decreasing. On the tip, there was a clear pond of water with a giant flat stone in the middle. On top of the stone stood the Skyward Falcon.
"Greetings, guardian of Rohan Academy." Nikolai bowed as he raised the gem with both of his hands. "Please do not shred me to pieces just yet."
"I see that you're a student of my academy." The Falcon spoke the human tongue. "Speak, what impudent reason brought you here?"
The Falcon's wings spread wide as wind currents flew from beneath it. Green feathers lined its body, filled with elemental winds.
"I brought you an offering. As per tradition, I ask that you listen to a request of mine." Nikolai brought the gem closer and placed it on top of the pond. The wind worked its magic to carry the gem toward the Skyward Falcon.
"Hm..." The Skyward Falcon looked at the gem with its clear blue eyes. "It has been years since an offering was made. Who taught you of this secret?"
"The Wisdom of the Forgotten." Nikolai bowed his head. "I seek help in challenging today's trial."
"Ah, I see." The falcon turned toward the direction of the monoliths. "For such a small request, this wind elemental gem is indeed enough. However, I was asked to not help any students."
"You're not helping me; this is a contract." Nikolai raised his head. "I seek your powers while offering you what I have."
"A contract..." The falcon's voice held amusement. "It is indeed as you say. For someone so young, the wisdom and wits you carry are worthy of doubt."
"For doubt, I shall accept," Nikolai nodded. "Would you help me, great guardian?"
"Very well!" The Skyward Falcon spread his wings. "This contract, I accept! Tell me your name, young human!"
"My name is Nikolai Yaran." He stood up and smiled at the great Falcon as the winds fluttered his clothes. "This contract, I shall accept as well!"