Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 139 - 137: Serious contestants

The Phantom Fours stepped closer, moving with the smooth, confident precision that made it impossible for anyone to ignore them. Their presence alone seemed to shift the energy of the chamber. It made their group look more powerfully and untouchable.

Eryx, as bold as ever, leaned toward her, so close that she could feel the heat radiating from him. His voice was a low, teasing whisper, brushing against her ear:

"You know... I love it when my princess makes her own choices. Choosing me... it’s more than satisfying. It makes me want to keep you in my arms all day... all day long."

Athena’s breath hitched, her face heating instantly. She tried to keep her expression neutral, to look composed in front of the others, but her cheeks betrayed her. A faint flush rose across her face, spreading like wildfire down her neck, and she had to turn her gaze to the floor for a brief moment, silently pleading with herself to regain control.

Alaric, standing just a step away from Eryx and Athena, stiffened slightly at the audacity in Eryx’s words.

The phantom four’s boldness, especially Eryx’s, was clearly rubbing him the wrong way.

"Scholar Athena Asher, you are yet to select your final ally. Proceed. Your selection is required to continue." the mechanical voice spoke.

Athena scanned the students, eyes darting across the room. Then she saw her...a young girl standing slightly Infront of the crowd. Her hair the color of vivid flames and her eyes, that glimmered like molten metal, almost unnatural in their intensity.

The girl’s eyes widened in surprise. "M-me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Yes," Athena said simply, nodding at her.

The girl’s steps were tentative at first, but she quickly made her way toward Athena. When she reached the front, she murmured a soft, shy, "Thank you."

Athena offered a small smile in return and nodded once, acknowledging her presence.

The mechanical robotic voice filled the chamber once more. "Scholar Athena Ashbourne has completed her selection. All chosen allies are present. Remaining scholars, prepare for the next riddle. Your intellect and strategy will now be tested. Pay attention. Participation is mandatory."

The remaining students murmured among themselves, some anxious, some excited, while Athena and her allies...Felicia, Levi, Leo, Alaric, Armand, the Phantom Fours, and the red-haired girl, stood together at the front, composed and ready. They didn’t leave the center of the room, they stayed where they were, their eyes fixed on the crowd, silently observing the reactions of the other scholars.

The Visionary Chamber hummed with quiet tension as the mechanical voice rang out again. "Scholars of Gravecrest Academy, the next riddle is as follows:

’I am found in water, yet I never get wet. Remove my first letter and I am a crime. What am I?’"

The words echoed through the chamber, bouncing off the glass walls, as hundreds of students froze, processing the riddle.

"Fish?" someone shouted from the left.

"No, no, it’s a puddle!" another countered, pointing vaguely toward the translucent blue walls of the chamber.

"I think... it’s a river," a tall boy offered, nervously adjusting his uniform tie.

"Impossible," someone muttered, rolling their eyes. "A river doesn’t commit crimes!"

"Wait, wait!" one of them barked. "It’s got to be something in the water, like... an anchor!"

"An anchor doesn’t steal anything!" another shot back. "I heard a story about pirates in the freshman dorm, maybe it’s pirate!"

The arguments escalated, louder, more frantic. Students started gesturing wildly at one another, pointing fingers, stomping, and even pacing in small circles as they tried to convince the others their answer was right.

Amid the chaos, Athena stood with her allies. Her arms were crossed loosely, her eyes fixed on the crowd, and she let the bickering wash over her. She leaned closer to Felicia, who was watching her with wide, curious eyes.

"The answer is shark." Athena murmured, voice low and steady.

Felicia blinked. "What? How do you...?"

"My dad," Athena said quietly, her tone soft but heavy, almost painful. "He... he taught me a lot of things when he was still alive." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Felicia’s eyes went wide, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged Athena tightly. "I’m so sorry," she whispered, voice muffled against Athena’s shoulder.

Athena let out a short, incredulous laugh and patted her friend’s back. "Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine," she said softly, smiling despite the ache in her chest.

Meanwhile, the surrounding students were still in heated debate.

"It has to be a dolphin!" one girl insisted.

"No, whale are in the water too!" a boy shot back.

"whales don’t commit crimes!" someone argued.

Azrael, arched an eyebrow, arms folded, watching the madness with quiet amusement. "They’ll probably break the chamber before someone gets it right," he muttered.

Suddenly, a student in the crowd, a girl with short silver hair and piercing green eyes, blurted out confidently, "Shark!"

The mechanical voice boomed immediately. "Correct. Scholar Seraphine Loxley, you have provided the correct answer. Please proceed to select ten allies for the next round."

Seraphine stepped forward gracefully, scanning the crowd before pointing at her chosen allies.

Athena remained composed, arms loosely crossed, observing the rival team. Felicia leaned slightly toward her, whispering, "They’re serious contenders."

Athena simply nodded, her eyes still glued to them.

After what felt like hours, the six group was created, other students who weren’t among the six groups left the chamber, and they didn’t participate.

"Scholars of Gravecrest Academy. All six groups have now been finalized. You will now choose a name for your group. You have two minutes to decide. Failure to comply will result in the system assigning a name arbitrarily."

Athena turned to face her allies. Her palms were clammy, but her eyes were sharp.

"Okay," she said, trying to sound calm, "let’s figure out a name. We only have two minutes, so... fast ideas, anyone?"

Felicia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Team Athena! It has a nice ring to it!" she exclaimed, gesturing dramatically.

Athena shook her head quickly, a small laugh escaping her. "Nope. Not happening. I don’t want it to be about me. We’re a team. Not just me."