novelzi Chapter 67 69:Team 15
Chapter 67 69:Team 15
"No matter how many times I see that large-scale spell, I still can't get over it, "Melty spoke, eyeing Emilia.
Displacing and transporting many with a flick of a finger was in no way a simple job.
"You were as talented as ever," Professor Linden praised her.
As the students disappeared into the dungeon,
teleported to their starting points, Emilia turned to the professors with a keen look.
"So, what do you think? Anyone caught your eye this year?" she asked.
Professor Haven, pale and frail, leaned against a tree. Despite his sickly appearance, his voice was steady. "Edwin, Freya, and Ava. They've shown promise."
Professor Melty, her icy expression unchanged, barely acknowledged him. "Roderick, Selena, and Ashton," she said curtly. "They're sharp, but we'll see if they can handle pressure."
Professor Alex, his rigid posture and stern face unyielding, glanced toward the forest. "Edwin and Freya have skills but didn't have a mind to go with that," he said flatly. "The rest are unimpressive."
''My..My...Don't be like this. Everyone out here is impressive. Don't be too strict, Professor Linden spoke, easing up the atmosphere.
Emilia smirked, folding her arms. "Quite the list this year. Looks like competition will be fierce."
Alex didn't respond. Melty gave a faint nod. "Only the best should make it through. Anything less is a waste."
Without another word, Alex turned on his heel and began walking into the forest to oversee the cadets. Melty followed soon after, her steps measured and deliberate.
Haven lingered briefly, his tired eyes watching them go. "Let's hope this group surprises us," he murmured before heading in.
Emilia stayed behind for a moment, her gaze on the trees. Finally, she exhaled and walked to the observation tent to oversee the scoring.
...
Thud...!
The world shifted beneath us as we landed, the sudden impact jarring my senses. Around me, towering trees loomed like silent sentinels, their branches tangled in a web that blotted out most of the sunlight.
The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp soil, mingled with the faint metallic tang of impending danger. A gentle rustle came from somewhere in the distance, the kind of sound that set nerves on edge.
I glanced down at the glowing display on the brace wrapped around my wrist. The message was simple yet chilling:
[Objective: Survive for 24 hours. Kill monsters to secure your rank."]
The light from the braces illuminated the faces of my team. The roster confirmed what I already knew:
[Team 15]
Freya Osborne – Student Rank 2
Ryan Trent – Student Rank 7776
For a moment, silence fell over the group. Freya didn't respond, her lips pressed into a thin line. The fact that she couldn't immediately counter my argument made me smirk. It was rare to see her falter, even for a second. But just as I felt the upper hand, Ryan stepped forward.
"You've got some nerve talking back like that," he said, his voice laced with mockery. He adjusted the grip on his war hammer, looking down at me with a sneer. "You're just some low-rank nobody. What do you even know about teamwork or grades? You're lucky we're even letting you tag along."
He turned his head slightly toward Freya, his sneer transforming into an obsequious grin. "Amn't I right, Miss Freya?" he said, practically bowing to her with his tone.
Talia stayed silent, her eyes darting between us nervously. She looked like she wanted to speak but couldn't bring herself to offend Freya.
Freya's gaze snapped to Ryan, her expression darkening. Her eyes narrowed, and the chill in her voice was sharper than ever. "Hey, insect," she said, her tone laced with venom. "Know your worth. And stop looking at me like that, or I'll dig your eyes out."
Ryan froze, the color draining from his face. He took a step back, his bravado crumbling under the weight of her words.
Freya turned away from him without another glance, her cold demeanor firmly intact.
"And you all...Make sure to follow my lead cause if I get a bad grade, I will hold you all accountable".
Meanwhile, I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corner of my lips.
'This will surely be interesting."
....
Around us, the forest seemed to close in, the shadows stretching and shifting with an almost predatory air. The faint sound of snapping twigs in the distance sent a shiver down my spine.
Freya turned away, her cloak swishing as she strode toward the faintly marked path ahead.
Ryan stepped ahead with intention to become a scout and take the danger for Freya.
"Stay out of my way," she said over her shoulder. "If you want to live, that is."
Ryan scowled, adjusting the grip on his war hammer. "She's a piece of work, isn't she?" he muttered, though he didn't sound entirely confident.
"She's strong," Talia offered timidly. "Maybe she has a reason to be like this?"
I snorted. "Strong or not, we're not here to bow to her. Let's just get through this."
The path ahead was narrow, flanked by dense undergrowth. The faint light from our braces cast eerie shadows that danced along the forest floor. As we moved, the sounds of the forest grew louder, the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the unmistakable growl of something far too close for comfort.
"Stop," Freya said suddenly, her hand raised. The cold command in her voice made all of us freeze. Her eyes were fixed ahead, where the undergrowth rustled unnaturally. Without a word, she unsheathed her blade which was a sleek, long black slicing type.
Ryan stepped forward, war hammer at the ready. "What is it?" he asked gruffly.
Freya didn't answer immediately. Her eyes narrowed, scanning the darkness ahead. "Monsters," she said simply, her tone devoid of fear.
"Get ready," Freya said, her voice calm but commanding. She glanced back at us, her expression as cold as ever. "Let's see if your pests can even manage to survive your first fight."
While Freya was preparing, I saw Ryan staring at Freya with twinkling eyes while Talia fiddled her fingers.
Looking at the distant place, I couldn't help but glance at an odd fit and wonder,'If worse comes to worse I can only escape from this group of snotty brats.'