"Keep tracking," Noah ordered. "And let me know if I'm heading straight for them."
[Affirmative.]
Noah then strode toward the Academy's exit, his pace steady yet purposeful. As he rounded a corner, familiar voices called out to him.
"Noah!" Eva's voice broke through his focus, drawing his attention. He turned, his dark, determined expression softening into a calm, reassuring smile as he faced Eva and Maya.
"Any signs of her yet?" Maya asked, her tone tinged with nervousness as she scanned his face for clues.
Noah gave a brief nod, his response steady despite the turmoil raging inside him. "Yeah, but I'll explain the details later." He paused for a moment, gauging their reactions before adding, "Could you two help me out with something? Report me as sick to the instructors. I'm in a hurry, and I can't afford to waste time."
Eva blinked, confused but quick to agree. "Sure, but—"
Maya stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "Wait, Noah. Are you sure you don't need help? You're acting strange. If something's wrong—"
Noah shook his head, cutting her off with a reassuring smile. "I've got this under control. Just trust me, okay?" His tone left little room for argument, and after a moment of hesitation, both girls nodded.
"Be careful," Maya said quietly, watching as Noah turned and continued toward the exit without another word.
As the doors closed behind him, the calm facade he'd shown them melted away, replaced by a determined glare. The system chimed in again, pulling his focus back to the mission.
[The trail has stabilized. The target is approximately 1.2 kilometers away, moving toward the forest's interior.]
"Got it," Noah muttered, breaking into a run.
The Academy grounds blurred behind Noah as he sprinted toward the forest. The heat of the afternoon pressed down on him, but he ignored it, his focus entirely on the mission. Each step brought him closer to the treeline, where the air was cooler, heavier, and filled with the rustling of leaves.
[The target is moving deeper into the forest. Projected location: a clearing approximately 1 kilometer ahead. Caution is advised—potential threats detected in the vicinity.]
"Threats?" Noah muttered, narrowing his eyes as he slowed his pace slightly, scanning the dense foliage ahead.
[Confirmed. Multiple hostile entities identified. Likely guarding or accompanying the target.]
Noah clenched his fists, his mind sharpening. He didn't need to be told twice—Ben wasn't the type to move without some kind of protection. This was going to get messy.
"Equip [Crude-dagger] from inventory," Noah mumbled as he opened his palm.
[Item [Crude-dagger[F]] has been equipped from inventory!]
In an instant, a rusty dagger appeared in his hand. Noah gripped it tightly, his fingers wrapping around the hilt. The blade wasn't much—just a crude weapon—but it was enough for now. Every inch of his body felt alive with anticipation. This was his moment to act.
He adjusted his stance, settling into a low crouch as he advanced through the forest. The tension in the air thickened with every step. Each rustle of leaves, each whisper of movement ahead, sent a pulse of adrenaline coursing through his veins.
[Warning: Hostile entities now within range. Estimated time to engagement: 30 seconds.]
Noah's grip tightened around the dagger as he moved forward, every muscle coiled and ready. He was close. Too close for hesitation.
With the next step, he broke through the underbrush, entering the clearing where three students stood. A red-haired student was the first to notice him. His eyes widened in alarm, and he quickly signaled the others, motioning for them to prepare for the incoming threat.
They weren't the target he had in mind, but their presence here meant one thing: they were part of Ben's entourage, or at the very least, aware of his plans.
The red-haired student drew a blade, his stance defensive as the others fell into position behind him.
"N-Noah?! What the hell are you doing here?" The red-haired boy questioned, his face a mix of fear and confusion. His grip on his blade tightened, but the uncertainty in his stance was clear.
Noah's eyes narrowed as he sized up the boy. The fear in his voice made it obvious he wasn't prepared for a confrontation, which meant there was a chance to catch them off guard. Still, Noah wasn't taking any chances.
"I'm here for my sister," Noah replied, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of intensity. His focus didn't waver from the group.
The red-haired boy looked back at his companions, his eyes flicking between them. The two students behind him seemed to exchange glances, their expressions unreadable.
"You're wasting your time," the red-haired boy finally said, his tone wavering as he took a step back. "Your sister's not here. She—"
"Where is she?" Noah cut him off, his voice hard. He wasn't in the mood for games or half-truths. The sharp edge in his words made the boy hesitate.
"She's…" The red-haired boy faltered, his eyes darting around nervously. It was obvious he wasn't expecting Noah to show up like this.
"I'm not asking again," Noah said, his voice low and cold. The dagger in his hand felt heavier, its presence a constant reminder that he wouldn't hesitate if things turned violent.
For a moment, the clearing fell into an uneasy silence, the only sound being the distant rustle of the trees. Then, the red-haired boy finally spoke, his voice quieter but still holding an edge of defiance.
"She's with Ben," he admitted, his gaze flicking to the other two students behind him. "But if you think you can just walk in and take her—"
Noah's grip tightened on the dagger. "I don't think, I know."
The atmosphere grew tense as the students braced themselves. Noah could feel the shift, the clear divide between them—he wasn't backing down, and they were starting to realize he wasn't here for a casual conversation.
"Move aside," Noah ordered, his tone brokering no argument.
The red-haired boy hesitated, then glanced back at his companions, who seemed to be weighing their options.
"Ahhhh!" The red-haired boy screamed as he rushed towards Noah the others following behind him.