The day's tests concluded under the fading light of dusk. Sullivan stood before the students, his voice steady yet commanding.
"The second test is officially over. Tomorrow, you will face the written examination, an assessment of your theoretical understanding. Two days from now, the combat test will commence. Use this time wisely. Rest well and prepare yourselves for the challenges ahead."
A wave of exhaustion mixed with anticipation rippled through the crowd. Students began making their way toward the teleportation gate, heading to their respective inns and accommodations. Conversations buzzed around Ray, but he paid little attention, keeping his hood low and activating his Mana Concealment. His silver hair and sharp features blended into the crowd, making him appear like any ordinary participant.
As he walked, however, a sharp, malicious sensation pricked by his death sense. He turned his head slightly and locked eyes with a masked man standing in the shadows. The man's scarred face and piercing gaze radiated hostility. Ray's instincts flared, and without hesitation, he released a fraction of his killing intent.
The man froze, his knees buckling. Foam bubbled at his mouth as he collapsed unconscious. The sinister energy dissipated, and those around the masked figure staggered, visibly shaken but unaware of the source. Ray's gaze lingered on the man for a moment.
'I'll interrogate him later', he decided, stepping past the scene without a second glance.
Arriving at the teleportation gate, he noticed Katherine's group, her brother, and guards waiting nearby. Their elegant demeanor and composed expressions marked them as a royal party, people around them walked as if walking on the edge. Ray moved to pass them quietly, but Katherine's voice called out.
"Ray," she said softly, her tone kind and inviting.
"Would you join us for dinner? I... have some questions I'd like to ask."
Ray hesitated, the weight of the day's events pressing on him. He opened his mouth to decline, but Katherine's gentle smile disarmed him. Against his better judgment, he nodded reluctantly.
"Fine," he said simply.
Katherine beamed, her joy evident even through her composed exterior.
---
In his room, Ray prepared himself. After a hot shower, he changed into casual attire—a loose, lightly buttoned shirt, shorts, and sandals. His half-dried hair fell messily over his forehead, softening his usually intense features. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his ocean-blue eyes briefly meeting his own.
'This should be good enough.'
When he arrived at the dining area, the elven group was already seated. Their conversations quieted as they noticed him approaching.
Ray's casual appearance drew mixed reactions. Katherine's and Xavier's personal guards, Sara and Mina, turned beet red, struggling to meet his gaze. Even Katherine herself seemed momentarily taken aback, her composure faltering. She opened her mouth to speak, but it was her wind fairy, Mimi, who broke the silence.
"Wow, Katty! You're totally admiring his charm right now!" Mimi chirped mischievously, fluttering above Katherine's shoulder.
"Is it because he's not wearing his usual black attire? You're so—"
"Mimi!" Katherine's blush deepened as she grabbed the fairy and held her close, whispering hurriedly into her ear. With a quick spell, Mimi was sent back to the spirit realm, sticking her tongue out in defiance before vanishing.
The royal guard and Katherine's older brother, Xavier, exchanged confused glances, clearly unaccustomed to seeing their princess so flustered. Ray, watching the scene unfold, chuckled softly. The rare display of Katherine's vulnerability amused him, and he found it… endearing.
Taking his seat, Ray glanced at Katherine.
"So, what did you want to ask?"
Before she could respond, Xavier leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Ray, I am Xavier Livia, Katherine's twin brother. I wanted to know, do you have any connection to the elves?"
The question hung in the air, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. Ray remained calm, picking at his food before offering a straightforward reply.
"I'm half high-elf, it seems."
The revelation stunned the group. Katherine shot up from her chair, her eyes wide.
"What?! Really? High elves are royalty! Are you sure? Spirits seem unusually drawn to you… and...you also give off a scent similar to us, that of nature's, Just who are you?"
Her voice carried a mix of astonishment and curiosity, but Ray's expression remained unreadable. He gave her a faint smirk before returning to his meal, leaving her question unanswered.
Ray asked, curiosity taking over him,
" Spirits like me? but I have never seen a spirit let alone meet one, so how? "
Katherine replied,
" well, spirits like being surrounded by natural mana, and for whatever reason mana sticks to you all the time...either that or you are blessed by a greater spirit. in your case maybe a spirit King? "
Ray said,
" Then, since you are a spirit king contractee. don't you already know what it is..."
Katty replied immediately,
" I tried asking him but even he doesn't know anything about it and being a spirit king himself felt attracted to you..."
Ray gave up asking anything further, gaining nothing out of the conversation, and continued to eat.
The dinner continued with an air of unease and intrigue. Katherine couldn't take her eyes off Ray, her mind racing with possibilities. For now, though, she decided to wait, knowing the combat test ahead would reveal even more about the mysterious man sitting across from her.
------
In the vast cosmos, multiple realities and a person who overlooks everything, had a slight change in his facial muscles, for the first time since anyone would even see him or he could have seen himself, seeing a certain someone in his spacial gauge...When another person with similar persona, came to his space tearing a part of that dimension and knelt saying,
" They have found the O??#??????"