[Stage 0: Elender Keep Trial - Time Left: 1 Week]
Objective: Observe, Learn, Prepare
Note: In every shadow and every whispered word, a hint of what may come. Perhaps you will meet them again…
____
"Hmm..."
"So, we just need to observe, learn, and prepare?" Harry muttered, his eyes narrowing as he reread the objective.
"Yes," Tess nodded, her brows furrowing in deep thought. "Though it's a mystery what exactly it means."
Harry shook his head, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "No, it's not that much of a mystery."
Tess and Max both turned to him, curious.
Harry stretched his arms behind his head, adopting a casual tone. "Observe the environment—see how things work around here. The food, the people, even the walls. Pay attention to what they say, how they act, and what they don't say. Watch your allies too. People change when pressure builds and the environment changes." He paused, glancing at their thoughtful expressions before continuing. "Learn from all that. Even the smallest thing might be useful later."
Max gave a small nod while Tess crossed her arms, still processing.
"And prepare…" Harry trailed off, frowning slightly. "That part's trickier. Prepare for what, exactly? A boss fight? The next trial? Or maybe the next stage altogether?" He shrugged. "No concrete idea yet."
Tess blinked at him, then let out a soft chuckle. "Wow. I didn't think you were this smart."
Harry's lips twitched, but he didn't look agitated. "Thanks. Your overwhelming confidence in me is heartwarming." His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Max, still focused on the note, pointed at the last line. "But… what does this mean?"
Tess and Harry both followed his gaze.
"In every shadow and whispered word…" Tess murmured, her eyes narrowing. "I can understand the first part. It suggests there's information hidden in conversations, maybe even in things we'd normally overlook. But..."
"But…" Harry picked up where she left off, his expression darkening slightly. "Who are 'they'?"
A heavy silence settled over the room.
This one… felt simple on the surface. But the more they thought about it, the deeper it seemed.
"I agree," Tess finally said, her voice quieter than before. "It's vague on purpose."
"Well," Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sure we'll figure it out if we just complete the objective."
Tess gave a small nod, her usual calm demeanor returning. "Alright then. I'll take my leave. Get some rest."
"You too," Harry and Max said almost in unison.
Tess gave them a brief smile before slipping out of the room, the door clicking shut behind her.
But not even a minute passed before it creaked open again—without so much as a knock.
A familiar figure stepped inside, arms crossed, a curious glint in her eyes.
"Hey," Caroline's voice cut through the quiet. "Who was that woman? Did you blackmail her? Or were you blackmailed?"
Harry groaned, flopping back onto his bed. "Can't I get one night of peace?"
Caroline laughed, stepping further into the room. "Yes, if you answer my question that is. So, did you seduce her or something?"
Harry let out a slow breath, then stood up with a mock-serious expression, dusting off his shirt like he was about to give a formal speech. "Vice President, how can you speak such vulgar words? Aren't you breaking the student rules? At least be ashamed."
"Urgh..." Caroline rolled her eyes, her playful grin not fading. "Are you still holding a grudge over that? You know my situation, don't you?"
"What are you talking about, Vice President?" Harry raised a brow, his tone dripping with faux innocence. Then he shielded his body. "And should I report you—for barging into two innocent young men's room and talking about love?"
Caroline's face stiffened for a brief second, but then she quickly switched gears, puffing out her cheeks in an exaggeratedly cute, pleading expression. "Classmate Harry, please forgive me. Umm.. Right, I will owe you a favor."
Harry glanced at her, pretending to be moved by her act. After a beat of 'reluctant' thinking, he finally nodded. "Alright… but tell me, what are you really here for first?"
Caroline straightened up, her grin returning. "Of course, I came to check up on my dear classmates. I was worried you might be crying after what happened in the morning. I thought it was my duty to console you."
Harry placed a hand over his heart, looking 'offended.' "Oh my, now I understand why you're a social chameleon! You joined those scums who found joy in mocking pitiful people like us. You..."
But just then, a confused voice cut through their bantering.
"Umm… what's going on, guys?" Max finally spoke up, sitting up from his bed, his brows furrowed. From what he remembered, Caroline was supposed to be this strict, no-nonsense, quiet type of person. But now… she was acting just like Harry.
Caroline turned toward Max with a bright smile, as if she hadn't just been trading sarcastic blows with Harry. "Ah, classmate Max! Just making sure this guy wasn't crying himself to sleep."
Harry shot her a glare. "You're obsessed with the idea of me crying, huh?"
"Maybe because I've seen it before," Caroline teased, winking at Max, who just blinked, even more confused.
Harry shook his head, chuckling under his breath. "You're impossible."
Caroline plopped down on the edge of Max's bed like she owned the place. "So, what's the plan? Any foolish insights from Mr. Fool here?" She jerked a thumb toward Harry.
Harry sighed, flopping back onto his bed again. "Observe, learn, prepare," he muttered. "But no, I don't have all the answers."
Caroline grinned. "Wow, admitting you don't have all the answers? That's a first."
Harry tossed a pillow at her, which she dodged effortlessly, laughing.
Max just watched the whole scene unfold, still not sure how to process the fact that Caroline, the strict Vice President, was acting like this.
"Well," Caroline finally said, standing up and brushing off her skirt. "I'll leave you two fools alone now."
Before Harry could throw another - Max's pillow, she was already at the door, waving goodbye with that same mischievous grin plastered on her face.
As the door shut behind her, Max finally spoke.
"Is she always like that?"
Harry let out a long sigh, putting the pillow back in its place.
"She's worse than that."