We continued our hunt for small nests, moving carefully through the forested terrain as we sought out teams that Ren had observed earlier. With Eryndor's tactical mind guiding us, we managed to outsmart two more teams, gaining precious points as the test wound down.
Eryndor devised a brilliant strategy for each encounter, using the terrain to our advantage. For instance, during one skirmish, he led us to a thicket where we set up an ambush. We silently positioned ourselves behind a dense wall of trees while Ren, pretending to be lost, lured a rival team into our trap. As they approached, Eryndor used a flash grenade to blind their front line, catching them off guard. Peter and I quickly overwhelmed their disoriented members, and within moments, we had secured another victory.
Around an hour remained until the test concluded, and we were feeling confident about our score. However, just as we began to discuss our next move, a soft humming sound interrupted our conversation. The noise was so subtle that only someone attuned to their surroundings, like Eryndor, could have noticed it.
"Stay alert," he warned, scanning the area.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, closing in on Eryndor from behind. Without hesitation, Ren reacted, his instincts sharp as he threw his dagger, Shadowfang. This kunai had a unique property—it could return to its user by traveling through shadows within a five-meter range. The blade glinted ominously as it sliced through the air.
The girl deftly dodged the attack, moving with an agility that caught even Eryndor off guard. She was a striking sight—a beautiful black-haired lady with deep blue eyes that seemed to shimmer with a mischievous light. Her long hair cascaded down her back, framing her delicate features. Her slender waist emphasized her graceful movements, and the way she carried herself spoke of confidence and allure.
As she landed gracefully, a smirk danced on her lips. "It's enough, Luna," Eryndor said coolly, turning to face her. "There's no need to disturb me with your meaningless tactics."
Luna pouted, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You never respond to my messages anymore. You've changed," she replied, her tone teasing yet laced with a hint of frustration. "You were so cute back then, playing with me."
Eryndor's expression hardened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "I suggest you stay away from me, Luna. I'm not the same person you knew."
Watching the exchange, I couldn't help but feel like I was witnessing a lover's quarrel. Their history was evident in their banter, yet it was clear Eryndor wanted nothing to do with it. Ren, meanwhile, seemed to be caught between amusement and concern.
"Are you two done? We have a test to finish," Ren interjected, trying to lighten the mood.
Luna shrugged, a mischievous smile still on her face. "Fine, I'll leave you to your little team. Just remember, Eryndor, I'll be watching." With that, she faded back into the shadows, leaving us with an air of tension.
After Luna disappeared, we focused on our task with renewed vigor. We managed to collect 350 points before the test concluded, feeling proud of our efforts. Once we exited the VR simulation, we made our way to the ranking board, our hearts racing with anticipation.
When we arrived, we found our team ranked 26th, a respectable position given the fierce competition. However, Luna and her team, who had skillfully maneuvered through the test, secured 1st place. The realization filled us with mixed emotions—pride for our own efforts and a tinge of envy at their success.
As we celebrated our achievements, Luna reappeared, approaching Eryndor once more. He seemed to ignore her presence, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground. The murmurs of other students reached our ears, a chorus of judgment and curiosity.
"How could one be friends with someone like him?" one whispered. "He killed his mother to enhance the Phoenix bloodline."
"Did you hear about the black magic experiments he conducted on people? How can anyone stand next to him?" another added, their voice tinged with fear.
Ren tried to lighten our mood, stepping forward with a grin. "Hey, Luna! What was your rank in this test?" he asked casually, his tone playful.
Luna turned her attention to Ren, her expression shifting from annoyance to intrigue. "We got 1st place, as you know!" she replied, her voice ringing with pride. "It was a hard-fought battle, but we prevailed."
Selene stepped forward, a regal presence enveloping her. "It was due to our combined efforts," she said, her tone graceful yet commanding. "I couldn't have done it without Luna's skill and agility."
Luna turned to us, her gaze sparkling with mischief. "You should feel honored to be in the presence of the firstborn of the youngest demon god, Quinn Blackthorn!"
As she spoke, a quiet awe filled the air. The name Quinn Blackthorn carried weight among all the races. Quinn was known as the seventh demon god who rose to power after centuries of chaos. Under his guidance, the demon race transitioned from a history marred by atrocities to a more just society. He prohibited slavery and dismantled various terrorist organizations that plagued both demons and humans alike. One significant factor in his rise was the opening of dimensional cracks to the World of Ruin, a space outside of time and space, where ancient gods once resided.
The aura around Luna shifted, and I could sense the respect she commanded, not just because of her rank but also due to her heritage. The whispers of her lineage brought to light the stories I had heard—the tales of Quinn Blackthorn's righteous reign.
While the students around us marveled at Luna and Selene's achievements, Eryndor stood slightly apart, his expression unreadable. It was clear that the past haunted him, but he remained a steadfast ally, regardless of the judgments cast by others.
As the sun began to set, casting golden rays over the garden, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in our team. We had faced challenges together, and there were more to come.
With the warmth of camaraderie surrounding us, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for our diverse group. One thing was certain: we would face it together.