The academy's grand halls stretched endlessly, their walls adorned with tapestries of historical battles and portraits of legendary figures. Eren moved cautiously, his head low as he navigated the corridors. The aftermath of the survival exercise still lingered in his mind, but today's priority was simple: avoid unnecessary attention and stick to his routine.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
As Eren rounded a corner near the academy's botanical gardens, he nearly collided with someone. He stumbled back, an apology already forming on his lips, but the words caught in his throat when he saw who it was.
Elara Synn, one of the heroines of The Sovereign Chronicles, stood before him. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, and her emerald eyes were as sharp as they were striking. She was a force to be reckoned with—a prodigy in elemental magic and a fierce defender of justice. In the novel, she was beloved by readers for her fiery determination and unyielding sense of right and wrong.
And she was also the person Raynor Velcroft had humiliated at the start of the story.
Elara's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned. "Velcroft," she said coldly, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "What are you doing here?"
Eren's expression remained unreadable, his tone flat. "Walking. Same as you."
Her gaze hardened at his nonchalant reply. "I don't trust you, and I doubt I ever will. Whatever game you're playing, I'm not interested."
Eren shrugged, his voice devoid of emotion. "Believe what you want. I'm not here to convince you."
For a moment, the two stood in silence, the tension thick in the air. Elara's emerald eyes searched his face, as if trying to find a crack in his stoic exterior. But Eren didn't flinch. He had no interest in rekindling old dramas or proving himself to anyone.
"You haven't changed at all," she said finally, a bitter edge to her words.
Eren's lips twitched in a faint, humorless smirk. "Maybe. Or maybe you're just looking for someone to hate."
Her jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned sharply on her heel and walked away, her silver hair swaying with each step. Eren watched her go, not out of regret or concern, but to ensure she didn't try anything as she left.
The Survival System chimed softly in his mind as he resumed his walk.
Quest Unlocked: Indifference Maintained
Objective: Continue to avoid unnecessary involvement with key characters while focusing on personal survival.
Rewards: 20 Experience Points, Enhanced Stealth Skill (Basic).
Eren ignored the notification, his thoughts already drifting back to the tasks awaiting him in the forest. Whatever animosity Elara held toward him was her burden, not his. He had no intention of wasting energy on people who couldn't let go of the past.
As he exited the main hall and headed toward the outskirts of the academy, a single thought crossed his mind: if everyone insisted on seeing him as the villain, then that's exactly what he'd let them do. It was easier that way.