"Hello, Levi." Iva lounged on the couch, her tone casual, but there was an intensity in her eyes that made me uneasy.
"What a pleasure to see you, Sister," I replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. She tilted her head, studying me with a scrutinizing gaze.
"What's with the rushed entrance?"
I shrugged, my exhaustion evident. "You know, just want to get some sleep."
Her frown deepened as she turned away, and in one fluid motion, she pulled a gun and pressed it to my forehead. "Why are you avoiding them so much?"
I felt a rush of irritation mixed with resignation. "Shoot me, then. It doesn't change much," I said, meeting her gaze defiantly. "It's because I need to focus on gaining strength over everything else."
Her expression shifted, a mixture of shock and concern. "You need friends, Levi. Go out, talk to them. Apologize for ghosting them for the last month."
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her words. "Pull the trigger."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"
I took a small step forward, forcing her to reconsider. "Do it. See what happens. It doesn't matter. Ask Leon what happened during our personal fight. If I hadn't intervened, he would have died then and there. So go ahead. Kill me."
"Bang."
Dream World
"Damn, she actually pulled the trigger," I muttered, my surroundings shifting to a beautiful forest bathed in ethereal light. Veyrix, my companion, floated beside me, a flicker of curiosity in their eyes. "So, um, what happened when you three combined?"
Veyrix shrugged nonchalantly. "We're a little more violent, but we both took half his mind, so it's minimal at best."
I furrowed my brow, the implications of their words sinking in. "So will I die?"
Veyrix shook their head. "No, but it won't be painless. There will likely be a scar."
We sat in silence for what felt like hours, the tranquil forest around us contrasting with the turmoil in my mind. Eventually, I was pulled back to the real world.
Real World
"Damn, so you don't die, but that skill must have its limits," Iva said, still pointing the gun at my temple.
"So go out there and talk to them," she urged.
I sighed, the gravity of her words weighing heavily on me. Veryix had mentioned that there was a limit to one a week. "Okay, I will. But no guarantee that I'll interact with them daily."
She pressed the gun down harder, her voice firm. "Every day. During school, and respond to their messages."
With a sigh, she stood up and tossed the gun onto the couch. I rubbed the spot where she had shot me, wincing. "That hurts, you know."
"Boo hoo," she replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
I walked out of the room, pulling out my phone to send a message: Meet up with Vesper. I plan to apologize to them all individually.
Just as I sent it, Iva stepped out of her room, crossing her arms and giving me a stern look. "So what about not talking to us for three months?"
I looked down, the memories flooding back. "I'm sorry about that. It's hard to explain. You'll know why in three months."
She sighed and approached me, enveloping me in a hug. "It's just nice to actually talk finally." I stood there, surprised, as she was a few inches taller than me.
"Yeah," I replied, my voice quiet. "Also, what's with the blood all over your face? Did that have to do with Leon?"
"No, just some family bonding," I said, trying to deflect her concern.
She frowned, scratching the back of her head. "That's some weird family bonding, but okay." She released me from her embrace, her cheeks flushed. I wondered if she was embarrassed or had a crush—or perhaps both.
"Anyway, I'll talk tomorrow. I've got a few more 'sorrys' to give. Spoiler: Leon ain't receiving one," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
She chuckled and returned to her room as I headed to Zayne's dorm. I knocked on the door and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. After a few minutes, I texted him, and finally, he emerged, raising an eyebrow at me.
"I'm sorry about my recent behavior," I began, but he smacked me on the back of the head.
"Don't need that. Just come in. I've got a few people over right now."
I stepped into his room, surprised at how he had personalized the space. The floor was made of a special sea rock that radiated heat, and the lights glowed a soothing blue, casting an almost mystical ambiance. A grandfather clock with a quirky design ticked rhythmically in the corner.
"So, what are you all doing?" I asked as Zayne led me into the living room.
"Just playing some games," he replied casually. As we entered, I noticed three others lounging around, their expressions curious as they recognized me.
"Yo, you're Levi Crown, right? Number two who beat Leon before the year even started!" one of them exclaimed.
I nodded, scanning their faces. I recognized Liora, but the others were a mystery. "And who are you all?"
"I'm number 25, Darian," he introduced himself, gesturing to the tall guy beside him. "And he's number 16, Riven."
Liora looked a little different in casual clothes, but it was still her. "Nice to meet you three. I already know you, Liora."
She blushed slightly, avoiding my gaze.
"So, are the rumors true about you?" Darian asked, an amused smile playing on his lips.
"What rumors?" I inquired, curious about what they had heard.
"I heard you faked your death," Riven chimed in, his tone teasing.
I grimaced, the weight of my secret heavy on my shoulders. I needed to fake my death, and in three months, the opportunity would arise.
I sat down, trying to act casual. "I'm a little surprised to see Liora here. I thought you'd be studying or training."
She shrugged, her expression playful. "And I thought you'd be doing dark rituals to summon angels, but you know how rumors are. Disappointing."
Zayne plopped down with a loud sigh, shaking his head at our banter.
"Heard you're the new prodigy student, Levi. 100% on everything," Darian added, looking impressed.
I shrugged, feeling the weight of their expectations. "All I've done for the last three months is train, physically and mentally. Those words at dinner about me being talented might just be true." I relaxed for a moment, enjoying their company, before excusing myself to find Selene.
I knocked on her door, hearing a floorboard creak inside. After a few moments, she opened the door, her expression guarded.
"What do you want?" she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.
"To apologize," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Come in," she said reluctantly, stepping aside. I followed her into the living room, sensing a tense atmosphere.
"No need for the apology," she said, her voice flat.
Something felt off. I noticed a strange aura in the room. "I'll go get some tea, then we can talk," she offered, her tone devoid of emotion.
As she turned to leave, my gut instinct screamed at me to move. Just then, a flash of black chains erupted from the shadows, aiming straight for me.
"HOW?" she screamed, shock evident in her voice.
I summoned Thalassopyr, the blade glimmering ominously as I pointed it at her throat. "Get to explaining… now."
I released my aura, the dark energy swirling around me. I had learned to harness it over the past few months, and I stood my ground, comparable to a second-year student, despite being just a first-year.
"You really are from the Void," she said, her body trembling. "Your aura contains so much pure Void energy. How did I not see it earlier?"
She seemed on the brink of insanity, panic filling her eyes. "Activate Skill Command. Act normal and explain what you know about me," I ordered, my voice firm.
Her eyes glazed over, a puppet on strings. "You are among the top ten students of our year. You use a skill named Obsidian Bloom, which is highly versatile. You also have a soft spot for Vesper."
Interesting. I raised an eyebrow at that. "You use Void and space."
"I don't have space," I retorted, growing impatient as her delusions began to spiral. "And you aren't dating anyone."
Before I could take any more of her random nonsense, I knocked her out with a swift blow, letting her slump onto her bed. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I exited her room.