After the event unfolded, they found themselves seated once more, a heavy silence hanging between them.
The weight of what they had witnessed left them with no option but to rest and let the enormity of it all sink in.
Rael's mind began to churn once more, mulling over the possibilities that lay ahead. The glory points he had earned weighed on him, an important help that could shape his future development.
The allure of enhancing his cultivation was undeniable, but he couldn't ignore the attention it might attract. The eyes of his peers and superiors could be relentless and unforgiving .
Perhaps they would even interrogate him with some spells , and if they found out about the system, it would be the end of him
As he wrestled with his thoughts, Rael's focus shifted to his abilities. The extraction ability beckoned, an intriguing path that promised strength without overt attention.
He decided to invest in it, increasing his extraction proficiency, with a steady supply of harvested blood it will be the best choice
. he planned to channel his points into levelling up his regeneration ability next.
with that being decided . he shifted his attention to something else as he can't do it while he was with Daniel . He will probably notice his strange condition when he levels up .
Recollections of the agonizing pain he had endured resurfaced, gnawing at his heart, but he steeled himself with a famous saying from his previous life: "No pain, no gain."
After a period of contemplative rest, Rael finally felt the call of cultivation. The quietude of his surroundings allowed him to focus .
---
A few hours elapsed, marked by the passage of time in the most gentle of ways.
An unexpected notification chimed from the ring adorning Rael's finger, abruptly pulling him from his meditation. His eyes met Daniel's, who was already on his feet, an air of anticipation around him.
"It seems they've convened a meeting to assess the damage," Daniel shared, his voice calm yet charged. "Let's go ."
The two friends embarked on a brief journey, traversing the landscape altered by chaos. The meeting point lay beyond the academy's boundaries.
after ten minutes they arrived at the meeting place .
Upon seeing the place , Rael was overcome with shock. This place had once been a familiar route for their missions, a serene and enchanting forest they had traversed many times. But now, its transformation was beyond comprehension.
The forest's once-grand trees, lay in ruins. Not a single tree remained upright across the horizon. The landscape resembled a chaotic tapestry of nature's fury unleashed.
Some areas bore the scars of an earthquake's cruel embrace, with the ground fractured and heaved in twisted disarray.
Nearby, charred remnants marked the spots where torrents of flame had danced in a chaotic manner , turning foliage to ash. some still burning .
In jarring juxtaposition, an expanse was covered in a crystalline sheet of ice, an eerie frozen tableau amidst the destruction.
Yet, something else caught his eye – trails , gashes cleaved into the very earth as if struck by blades of wind.
These paths, extending for hundreds of meters, left visible imprints on the ground. The wind's might, harnessed and weaponized, had carved a trench, adding to the chaos that had unfurled
The scene before Rael was a symphony of destruction, an orchestra where fire, earth, ice, and wind clashed with raw might. The result was a sprawling panorama of devastation, stretching beyond the horizon in all directions.
"This, this is the might of a master magus," Rael murmured, his voice tinged with shock.
Daniel's response was measured, his tone revealing experience that transcended mere surprise.
"Yet, what's even more staggering is the number of students present here there are only 600 students and the professors are already looking as if they are about to start their speech ."
Rael's gaze shifted, eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "Wait, you mean... 400 students died here?"
Daniel's voice held a note of somber wisdom.
"
" you are ignoring the fact that we are just first-year students they didn't send someone very strong after us . and we are also the strongest among the first-year students so our survival was not that hard .
Others likely fought back rather than seek refuge. But this kind of battle is not something normal students can participate in. "
As the truth settled in, Rael grappled with the gravity of the situation. The words weighed heavily on his heart as he considered the extent of their vulnerability.
Before they could ponder further, a professor's voice resonated through the air, pulling their attention to a figure that commanded respect. The gravity of the situation painted the professor's expression with a mix of sorrow and determination.
"Dear disciples," the professor's voice carried across the somber gathering.
"The Orcs have launched an attack, a declaration of war upon us. We have decided that the place of our battle should be the meeting place so that you can all witness your weakness.
If your comrades are killed, you are humiliated, or you want to protect your families and dear ones from the upcoming chaos you must first know that you are far from being able to do anything. "
The professor's words were like a drumbeat, echoing within the hearts of the students. Rael's mind swirled with a mix of emotions, grappling with the truth of their weakness. The dire circumstances necessitated an unwelcome but vital reality check.
The announcement continued, revealing plans for a temporary halt to lessons and return home for the students. The academy needed time to heal, to rebuild. The fallout from the devastation was not just physical, but psychological and emotional as well.
For the students, the professor's statement was like a bomb thrown between them. They started talking and discussing the academy's decision to suspend lessons. Rael was not an exception as he turned to discuss with Daniel but the latter had a calm expression on his face as if he was expecting this .
Daniel's calm demeanor amid the turmoil was a testament to his understanding of the situation. Rael couldn't help but voice his astonishment.
"Aren't you surprised?"
A smile played on Daniel's lips, a mixture of experience and insight in his eyes.
"The academy's state and the extent of this destruction were evident to me. The suspension, however, might be longer than anticipated due to the extent of the damage."
"And your plans? are you going to head back to your family's territory ? why don't you come over with me ? " suggested Rael
Daniel's response was measured, his gaze steady. "I can't . the situation of the kingdom is already very unstable. and returning now with you to the third princess territory might fuel the fires of uncertainty in the kingdom. my presence would be construed as a political statement, one that could destabilize further."
The weight of reality bore down on Rael's hopeful suggestion. "So, my invitation is off the table?"
A soft chuckle escaped Daniel's lips. "Not entirely. Give it a week or two, and you can visit me . I'd like nothing more than to have you as a guest."
The notion brought a warm smile to Rael's lips. "Count on it."
As the day wound down, Rael found solace in his familiar room, untouched by the devastation outside. Settling onto his bed, he took a moment to savor the quietude.
With determined purpose, he settled into a cross-legged position on the bed, his mind focused on one task - levelling up the Extraction ability. The quiet of his surroundings was a canvas for his concentration, and he embraced it fully as he delved into his evolving journey.
As the order to start crossed his mind, he sensed an unusual sensation. It was as if tiny needles were scratching at the edges of his consciousness, a sensation that resonated deep within his jaws and head. The discomfort was bearable at the first levelling up as it was a mere whisper of unease. But in the second time , the sensation grew stronger, testing his endurance.
it transformed into an agonizing pressure, a vice grip that seemed to constrict his skull.
His teeth clenched instinctively, a futile attempt to stave off the rising pain. A thought flashed through his mind - clenching his teeth now might waste his progress. With a resolve that bordered on desperation, he suppressed his urge to release the pain through gritted teeth. Instead, he turned his clenched fists into anchors, squeezing tightly as his knuckles turned pale.
a few drops of blood seeped from the tightly clenched fists, a price paid for his determination.
Minutes felt like an eternity as the pain clawed at him. And then, just as suddenly as it had surged, the pressure began to ebb away. Gradually, the agony retreated, leaving behind a throbbing echo. Rael's breaths came in ragged gasps, his body trembling from the ordeal. He wiped the blood from his hands, his fingers stained with evidence of his unyielding perseverance.
Having weathered the intensity of his levelling-up session, Rael's next course of action was refreshingly mundane - a shower to cleanse both body and mind. The water cascaded over him, washing away not only the physical sweat but also the mental strain.
After the invigorating shower, Rael was drawn to the mirror. It had become a habit, a moment he spent gazing at his reflection. An enigma to himself, he couldn't fathom why he found this ritual satisfying.
Perhaps it was a connection to his past life as he was bound by many restrictions that stopped his freedom this life was like a living dream to his past self
His gaze swept over his toned physique, the evidence of his hard work and dedication. This life, despite its complexities and challenges, had become a canvas for self-discovery. As he admired his form, he couldn't help but marvel at the intricacies of fate that had brought him here.
With a final sigh of satisfaction, Rael retreated to his bed, ready to embrace the solace of slumber.
it was in the serenity of that moment that a knock interrupted his thoughts. The sound was unexpected, yet it carried a sense of familiarity. "Who is it?" Rael inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Open the door. It's me, Daniel," came the reply.
As the door swung open, Rael was met with his friend's presence, an easy camaraderie that felt like a reassuring balm. "What brings you here?"
Daniel's explanation was simple, yet revealing. "My room's shower's malfunctioned, and I hoped to borrow yours."
"Of course, come in," Rael welcomed him, a sense of comfort in their exchange.
After the necessary arrangements, Daniel departed, leaving Rael with his bed once more. With a sigh, Rael settled onto his bed .
And as sleep gradually overtook him, he found himself immersed in a world of dreams .