Raynor Velcroft wandered through the academy courtyard the morning after the Veil intrusion. The air was heavy with tension, and whispers about the mysterious crimson-eyed fighter had spread rapidly. While many speculated about the identity of the savior, Raynor stayed quiet, keeping to the shadows as best he could. The less attention he drew, the better.
His thoughts were interrupted when he spotted a familiar figure entering one of the academy's lush gardens. Cassin Verholt, the ever-confident son of a noble house, walked with his usual swagger. But he wasn't alone.
Beside him was a girl Raynor didn't recognize. She had long, silver hair that shimmered in the sunlight, and her light blue eyes carried a serene, almost ethereal quality. She wore the academy's standard uniform, but it seemed to accentuate her regal demeanor. She moved with a quiet grace, a stark contrast to Cassin's boisterous energy.
Raynor froze, watching them from a distance. His Survival System chimed softly, breaking his focus.
System Notification: New Character Identified: Elana Meryn. Details: Daughter of a prominent merchant family. Specializes in healing magic and herbology.
Raynor narrowed his eyes. Another heroine from The Sovereign Chronicles. She wasn't as prominent as Lira or the other main characters, but her role in the story was pivotal, especially in aiding the protagonists during critical battles.
"Great," he muttered under his breath. "Another person to avoid."
Unfortunately for Raynor, fate had other plans.
Cassin and Elana turned a corner, heading straight toward him. There was no time to retreat without drawing attention. Steeling himself, Raynor adjusted his posture and kept his expression neutral as they approached.
Cassin was the first to notice him. His confident smirk faded the moment he recognized Raynor.
"Well, well," Cassin said, stopping in his tracks. "If it isn't the infamous recluse. What are you doing skulking around here, Velcroft?"
Raynor met his gaze with cold indifference. "Walking."
Cassin's smirk returned, but it was tinged with annoyance. "Walking, huh? Didn't take you for the type to enjoy gardens. I figured you'd be busy sulking in some dark corner."
Raynor ignored the jab, his attention shifting briefly to Elana. She watched the exchange with quiet curiosity, her expression unreadable.
"Cassin," Elana said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "There's no need to be rude."
Cassin blinked, clearly surprised by her intervention. He looked at her, then back at Raynor, before scoffing. "Fine. Suit yourself."
Elana stepped forward, addressing Raynor directly. "You're Raynor Velcroft, correct?"
He hesitated before nodding. "I am."
"I've heard about you," she continued, her tone gentle but inquisitive. "Your name has been circulating quite a bit recently. Some are saying you played a significant role during the Veil intrusion."
Raynor's jaw tightened. He hadn't anticipated the rumors reaching her so quickly. "I was just doing what anyone else would have done," he replied curtly.
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Humility is a rare trait here. Most would be boasting about their achievements by now."
Before Raynor could respond, Cassin stepped between them, his posture protective. "Elana, there's no need to waste your time with him. Velcroft isn't exactly known for his charm or his reliability."
Raynor's eyes flickered with irritation, but he maintained his composure. "And yet, here I am, alive and well. Perhaps you should focus on yourself, Verholt."
Cassin's smirk turned into a scowl, but Elana intervened before the situation could escalate. "Enough, both of you," she said firmly. "We're all on the same side here. Let's not forget that."
Raynor inclined his head slightly. "I'll take my leave."
Before either of them could stop him, he turned and walked away, blending back into the crowd. As he disappeared from view, he couldn't help but feel the weight of Elana's gaze lingering on him.
Back in the quiet solitude of his dorm, Raynor reflected on the encounter. Elana Meryn was nothing like he had imagined. Her presence was calm, almost disarming, and her ability to keep Cassin in check was impressive. But her interest in him was dangerous. The last thing he needed was another heroine getting involved in his life.
The Survival System chimed again, pulling him out of his thoughts.
New Mission: Build Rapport with Elana Meryn. Details: Establish a positive connection with Elana to unlock potential support benefits. Optional. Reward: +300 Survival Points, Increased Affinity with Elana.
Raynor stared at the notification, his expression darkening. "Of course," he muttered. "The System just can't let me stay out of trouble, can it?"
With a sigh, he closed the interface. For now, he had no intention of pursuing the mission. His priority was mastering his abilities and surviving whatever challenges lay ahead. But deep down, he knew avoiding Elana—and the chaos she might bring—would be easier said than done.