As the saying goes like tomorrow never comes, I had been procrastinating to go to the dungeon to get that elixir.
I went to the class, where I could see a lot of students shouting and chatting with each other as usual.
Especially today , I could see a lot of students surrounding the MC Aerox Sun.
"Aerox, did you really defeat the poacher who was Rank-4?"
" I heard a lot about you and even you killed most of the poachers "
" Are you now in Rank-4?"
The students surrounding the MC Aerox Sun were throwing so many questions regarding his fight and the rank.
Though I didn't care much about Aerox Sun, I was a little curious about his skill and potential.
(Did he really killed all the poachers by himself or was he assisted by some of the friends?")
Hmm. Am I jealous of his strength or what?
No No I ain't jealous of his strength or anything else.
As per the novel, Aerox Sun was a strong student and with such a powerful MC, it means the future would be safe.
In my case, I tried my best to kill those poachers.
However, I would say that it wasn't just me but it was because of Silvana that I could kill the poachers.
She is also amazing as written in the novel and now she got a lot of attention from students too.
"Eek. No, it wasn't me. It was actua..."
Suddenly, Silvana turned her head and looked straight at me.
I was already staring at her, and our eyes met.
"Xerox!"
"Huh? What?"
Silvana stood up and quickly walked over to me.
Now what?
"Did your injury heal?"
"Oh, yes."
"Good! I went to visit you at the hospital, but you were asleep, so I left. I heard you recovered, but I couldn't come out because of the reporters."
(Must be tough being popular. Fame has its downsides.)
"Anyway, I need to talk to you. Do you have time after class?"
"Uh… sure?"
Wait, what? Why does she want to talk to me? Did I mess up somehow?
Don't tell me she's going to scold me for being suspicious or for being involved in some weird rumor.
That's the only thing I can think of.
"Xerox, you're acting weird. Are you sure you're okay now?"
"Weird? This is just how I normally act."
"Really?"
(What does she mean? Normally, I'd be researching strange theories, or digging into rumors about the school that no one believes. Is that why she's concerned?)
"Anyway, I need to talk to you alone after class."
Without waiting for my reply, she went back to her seat. Her actions caused a stir in the class.
"What's up with that guy now?"
"Wasn't he the one always coming up with those strange theories?"
"Maybe he's finally found something real to investigate. Or, Silvana might be trying to warn him about his obsession with his conspiracy theories."
"Honestly, what's with him? He's always so into that stuff. Who comes to school just to dig up rumors?"
(What the heck?! I didn't even do anything this time! Why does everyone just assume I'm up to something weird?)
I slumped in my seat, wanting to disappear.
Why do they always think I'm up to some strange plot?
All I've done is follow my weird curiosity about hidden stories and rumors... Okay, maybe I'm a little obsessed, but it's not like I'm hurting anyone.
After a few minutes, Professor Layla entered the class.
As usual, she first took attendance, and then began the announcements.
"After the recent incident, I know many of you are concerned about similar dangers in the future. But I want to assure you, we will do everything in our power to protect you. However, it's best that you focus on your training and become stronger, so you won't need protection. Sooner or later, you'll be facing off against the Poachers and other monsters. It's crucial that you work on improving your abilities."
The incident had a profound impact on the students.
For most of us, that was the first time we had ever encountered a life-threatening situation.
In the novel, this event led to the students of Eclipse Academy working harder than ever to prepare for the dangers ahead.
"If you're injured, you can skip the practical class. Just make sure to get the rest you need,"
Professor Costine instructed.
As I wasn't feeling well, I thought of going home and resting but…
"Xerox. Wait …."
Silvana stopped me as I was about to leave the class.
Just as she told me earlier that she wanted to talk with me alone, she took me to an isolated room.
"Thank you for saving my life Xerox"
(is she confessing to me or what?)
"It's fine!"
"I just wanted to thank you so much for protecting me that time"
"Ahhh… It's not just me who saved you but also Aria. Indeed I was just supporting her"
When I mentioned Aria, I could see some sort of frustration going inside her.
Actually I intentionally mentioned Aria's name to make her jealous.
This is because sometimes, making someone jealous can be a good motivation.
"Xerox, most importantly I am here to discuss about the secret"
"Huh! secret ?"
"Yes the secret between us"
(Is she falling for me Damn… No way!)
"What do you mean by secret?"
"I mean that most of the students think that I have killed those poachers and I m the real hero instead of you who actually put your whole life to save me and the other students"
"Ohh! You was talking about that"
(At first I thought you were trying to pursue me haha!)
"Yes, Were you expecting something different"
"Ahh No.. No. nothing at all and regarding this secret , let's keep it as what the students are thinking"
"Okay as you wish. And once more Thank you Xerox"
After showing some gratitude towards me, Silvana left.
Knock, knock!
"Come in."
After hearing the voice, I stepped inside.
Professor Costine was sitting, reading a newspaper and sipping her black coffee.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Layla."
"Good afternoon. How can I help you?"
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me. If you hadn't stepped in, I would've died at the hands of the Poachers."
"No need to thank me. It's my job to protect my students. It was our mistake that put you in that situation. If it weren't for that, none of you would have been in danger."
"Even so, you saved my life. I'll always remember this and repay you."
I bowed my head to express my gratitude.
Then, I took out my student card.
"I also need to update my rank on the student card."
She took the card from me and looked at it.
"What rank are you at? Rank-2 or Rank-2+?"
"Rank-2-."
"Congratulations! I was shocked when I heard you defeated all those Poachers. I even thought you might have reached Rank-2+."
"About that... Can you please keep it a secret?"
She stared at me for a moment, deep in thought, then nodded.
"Okay."
She updated my student card and handed it back.
With this, I was now able to enter the dungeon.
For the next few days, my classes went on as usual, and I was excused from the practical classes.
After the theory class ended, I returned to my room and meditated to speed up my recovery.
Finally, the weekend arrived—the day I was going to the dungeon.