A quest.
It's obvious something catastrophic is meant to happen at the banquet, and somehow I'm supposed to stop it.
I get brainstorming immediately after school.
—
In front of me, is a madman's scrambling of notes, papers, and scribbled out ideas. My own work.
"Murderer?"
"Terroist attack?"
Those two sticky notes are in the middle, as my two most likely options. I mean, almost all disasters are one of those two. At the same time as brainstorming, I'm doing twenty pushups every ten minutes to keep on training.
God, I am so screwed.
My development had reached a plateau. There was exponential improvement that was happening within the first few days had slowed.
My combat ability was now of a C ranker. My experience actually fighting was that of an F ranker.
How could I gather allies if my reputation was terrible, and no one has any reason to trust me?
I couldn't, so I resorted to solving this situation on my own.
I would scout out the setting of the banquet a day before, making up some excuse. Then, on the day of, I need to look around all the back areas, dressing up as staff. Of course, I have a card up my sleeve. But I needed to save it for last.
—
Training — one day before quest.
Sweat drips down my brow, as I hack at the training target with the remainder of my strength after a whole new day of classes. Stab, side step, slash, charge — finishing strike. I'm panting when the combo ends.
Elemental magic is still my weak point, so I've been focusing on combining physical with a bit of lightning for an extra punch for now.
I sense steps behind me, and I turn around on instinct. Aleyna Delacroix seems surprised that I noticed her.
"You again," Aleyna observes. "I still don't get you. You shouldn't be able to hear me walk." She sighs, deeply.
It's sad to say, but Aleyna is the closest thing I have to a friend. We've talked multiple times. That's all, and yet that's more than with anyone else. Caelus and I have exchanged greetings — but that's about it. Just a result of Caelus' overly friendly personality.
I smile, wryly. "Oh, well, guess I got lucky or something," I reply. "You're here to train too? But it's a Friday night. Anything.. exciting that you people do?"
Aleyna scoffs. "You don't know me." Her voice is firm, and irritated. Her steps seem harsher as she walks away, off into another section of the facility.
So, I already annoyed her. This is why I think having no friends is fine for my lifestyle currently, which is just training.
Next, I do calisthenics. Pushups, crunches, mountain climbers, squats, anything to train up my body. I feel the burn in my muscles, the tension, and I push through with pure will. Motivating myself with proving my own body wrong and growing stronger.
My mind is distracted though. Aleyna.. could she help me?
I get up, wipe off my sweat with a new towel, and then chase after her in the direction she went.
I see her, battling 5 enemies at once in the simulator. Holographic silhouettes of people wielding weapons come at her, while they deteriorate with one swift blow of ice to the head.
She moves gracefully and with style. The picture of elegance with each motion she makes — calculated and efficient at the same time.
I'm standing awkwardly at the exit of the chamber, silent, and staring at her. The round of fighting ends, the whirring of electronics quieting, and our gazes meet.
She inevitably has to exit, and I stop her.
"I need to talk to you. It's serious," I say, swallowing nervously. "The banquet. Something is going to happen, and people will die. I need your help figuring out what's going on." The words tumble out of my mouth before I have time to reconsider.
Aleyna stares at me. "Are you crazy?" She asks, bluntly. "Why would I believe you?"
I sigh. "Okay, why would I lie about this? I'm desperate right now. I'm trying to stop some deaths here, alright?" My impatience soars, building with my underlying frustration with the current situation.
This stupid system isn't helping me right now. It only gave me a monumental challenge and then left me on my own. I've been training for hours, planning, yet I can't even be sure if it will pay off.
I take a calming breath. "Anyways, there's no point in me lying to you," I conclude.
Aleyna seems, surprised for some reason. "..I see." she murmurs, to herself. Her finger toys with the end of her silky hair, gaze absent. "What do you want me to do, then?"
Is that her accepting my plea? "Is that— a yes?" I can't hide the hopeful tone in my voice. "Why? So quickly?"
She pauses. "I'll tell you if you tell me why you're strong but weak at the same time." Aleyna seems genuinely curious, and determined to find out.
"..I have a skill that boosts all my traits, but my technique doesn't improve," I slowly say, making sure not to reveal too much. "Now, what about you?"
She grinds her jaw, eyes flickering to the floor. "My innate skill lets me tell if someone is lying."
That's.. insanely overpowered. Maybe not from a battle stand point, but in life?
My eyes are wide, and I probably look a bit ridiculous. "Oh, that makes sense," I reflect, nodding. "Huh." I stare at her for a moment. "I have had a pet before," I state, examining her.
"That's a lie," she confidently replies, unbothered.
I haven't had a pet before, she's right.
And that means she's perfect for investigating.
A somewhat maniacal and victorious grin crosses my lips — unhinged. I can't help it, after finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I can actually stop this, with her help. Oh my god, I have a chance.
Aleyna looks grossed out at my expression, side eyeing me and brows scrunched together. "What are you doing?" She rolls her eyes, annoyed.
"Just.. happy," I basically crumble to the floor in relaxation. 30% rank progression.. oh, I can almost taste it.
I collect myself and stand back up. "Come with me. I've already created a plan for this. We have today, and then the time tomorrow before the banquet starts. Quickly."