Extra's Descent-Chapter 339: Interlude [2]

Evelyn decided to take it easy for the day.

Cadets had started skipping out on review lectures. For that reason, she decided not to hold one, and spend her time for herself.

Evelyn stared at her phone.

[Your birthday is coming up in three days.]

December 14.

That was Evelyn's birthday.

But for Evelyn, it was just another day.

But still, it was the only thing she could remember from her parents.

For that reason, Evelyn always tried to remember it.

But of course, for someone with barely any friends, to the point where she honestly felt like Vanessa was her only friend, Evelyn didn't see the need to celebrate it.

While she was highly respected in Holy Britannia, it only ended there.

Her status seemed to have intimidated people, making them keep a set distance from her. To make matters worse, Evelyn had zero social skills, and was always awkward.

But as a professor, she was like a different person.

As if a switch flicked inside her.

This was why Evelyn always found joy in teaching.

"Hmm…."

She opened the messaging app.

As always, it was filled with notifications of her subscriptions. A group chat with other instructors, and two conversations of specific people.

Vanessa Glory, her best–friend.

And of course, Brandon Locke.

She had sent a reply message to him a while back. But Brandon had never responded.

She was aware he was off somewhere. But if he was looking for her, then why not respond?

"He might be busy."

Who knows?

***

"You're going now?"

"Yes. Thank you for these past few days."

Brandon, who wanted to let Androxus know of his departure, lowered his head in appreciation.

There wasn't much to be done in just seven days. But Brandon could tell a drastic improvement in the technicalities.

Also,

∟ DEF: A+ —[1%]

His defense had broken through the A+ ranks.

How could it not, when Androxus thoroughly crushed him physically?

Seeing the cumbersome look on Androxus' face, Brandon couldn't help but assure him. After all, this wyvern would be a good asset for the future.

"I'll do my best to take care of Aurelia. So don't worry, Androxus."

"Hm?"

"I know you're thinking about her. If that's the case, do you really not want to see her?"

"It's for the best. Now is not the right time."

"Is that so?"

Brandon mulled over his words.

From everything he could surmise from the subtle hints that Androxus gave off, clearly, Aurelia wasn't a ten–year old.

Additionally, there was so much more regarding Aurelia that Androxus refused to disclose.

Whenever Brandon tried to ask any questions regarding Aurelia, Androxus would just tell him the Oracle of Crystallia would reveal everything he wanted to know regarding the matter.

For that reason, Brandon had stopped asking questions.

However, there was one more question lingering in his mind this whole time.

Androxus was without a doubt, strong.

Stronger than Evelyn for that matter.

"Androxus."

"...?"

"If something were to happen, will I be able to rely on your strength?"

Particularly, the war that was soon to come.

"No."

A flat–out refusal.

"Just like you humans, us wyverns have our own matters to settle. I don't think I'll be able to assist you soon."

"I see."

That made sense. But for what those matters were, Brandon couldn't begin to tell.

"Then let me rephrase my question."

Brandon cleared his throat.

"If I were…. to lose myself. Can I come back here?"

Androxus' brows raised as he remained silent for a while. Thereafter, mulling over his words, he calmly said.

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"No."

Androxus decisively refused.

However, Brandon could tell that was all on the surface. Seeing the expressions he was making, it became apparent to him that he was Androxus' only connection with Aurelia.

"You can be more honest with yourself, you know?"

"...."

Androxus' brows scrunched up, clearly irritated by Brandon's statement.

Brandon was well aware that somewhere deep inside, Androxus felt a bit of envy towards him because of Aurelia.

"You'll see her soon."

Brandon flashed him a reassuring smile.

"I'll make sure of it." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Leaving off with those words, Brandon massaged his shoulders and left the mountain soon after.

He didn't expect any kind of physical training. He had only wanted to come here due to the abundance of mana lingering in the atmosphere.

His shoulders were tense.

No, his entire body was sore with clear bruises visible around his figure.

***

Androxus stared down from the cliffside. His eyesight was much better than humans.

Squinting his eyes, and scrutinizing Brandon Locke's departing back a few feet below him, Androxus started recalling the events of the past few days.

While still weak, Brandon Locke showed potential.

There was not much Androxus could do, given the short deadline, but Androxus could swear he was efficient enough during their spars.

Brandon Locke had claimed to be injured, and Androxus could tell he wasn't lying.

However, to his surprise, Brandon Locke seemed to dismiss his injuries, and fought unbothered.

The way he fought seemed desperate. Like he was willing to cast himself aside to reach new heights.

It wasn't a bad mindset. But neither was it a good fighting habit.

Sooner or later, if Brandon Locke didn't fix that bad habit of his, it would be the reason for his fall.

Androxus had tried getting his thoughts across, but Brandon, as if blinded by something, refused to take his words in.

Additionally, Brandon Locke kept asking him a specific question. After all, Androxus had blurted something out.

If Brandon Locke was a wraith.

"No."

Androxus dismissively shook his head.

Evaluating his abilities and his mana, Brandon Locke definitely wasn't a wraith.

However, he wasn't far from it.

"....His power."

He definitely gets his power from a source.

Androxus was sure of it.

There was a certain fairy tail often told to the denizens of his realm. A fairy tail that parents would often tell to put their children to sleep.

A Wraith belonging to the Circles of Hell—who was banished from their realm.

For that reason, the Wraith was used as a bedtime story, claiming the Wraith had been banished to their realm.

For some reason, the idea just wouldn't leave his mind.

Just one word.

That word flowed out of his mouth,

"Vainglory."

….Sending a chill down his spine.

***

December 12, 2149.

The day of the examinations.

It would range from a five–series of written tests, each spanning for an hour each to ascertain their general knowledge.

"Begin."

Evelyn's voice rang out, commencing the start of the examinations.

Flip—

The sound of papers flipping echoed one after another, and immediately a curse rang out from somewhere.

"Fuck!"

Whoever it was must've been neglectful after studies.

After all, the first phase of the theoretical examinations were nothing but a test of common knowledge.

Knowledge that should've been etched into their minds since childhood.

For Amelia, it was a breeze.

In under ten minutes, she had finished over twenty–three questions.

However, she soon stopped and glanced at the empty seat on her side.

Beside the empty seat was occupied by Raven. Apparently, Brandon and Raven weren't together during the days they disappeared.

"...."

Amelia started to worry. Her mind, both occupied by Brandon's whereabouts, and the test.

"What is he thinking….."

She whispered, sporting a worried look.

However, she held it off for now. The ring had told her he was alive, so she had to focus on the test for now.

Amidst the sound of scribbling pens, the door slowly opened.

Creaaaaaak…..

All heads raised and flicked towards the newcomer. He was arguably late.

He strode with calm and confident steps. Adorning a black turtleneck, along with a white blazer, his pale–white hair was neatly tied to a man–bun.

His entire appearance looked fresh, and Amelia couldn't help but look at him dumbfounded.

"Ah."

A sound of realization echoed from beside her. Belle, who had stopped writing, traced Brandon's moving figure with a baffled look.

"What the…."

Amelia couldn't help but voice out such thoughts.

Brandon stood face–to–face with Evelyn. Amidst the cadets, who looked like they wanted to drop dead after studying late at night, evident by the dark circles around their eyes, Brandon looked the freshest.

"You're late."

"I know."

"Haaa…. Go find an empty seat."

Handing out the questionnaire to Brandon, along with the answer sheet, Evelyn sighed as if she had given up on him.

"Thanks."

"Really?"

That was all he had to say?

Brandon walked confidently, ignoring the attention fixated on him as he walked towards his seat.

Appearing right in front of Raven first, Brandon greeted him.

"You look like you've aged."

Brandon casually teased as he sat right in–between Raven and Amelia.

"I had to pull an all night—Uh?"

Raven, who had just stopped writing, raised his head and looked at Brandon. Blinking his eyes as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing, Raven's mouth parted open.

"You… Look like you've been on vacation."

Brandon grinned, leaning back in his chair as he grabbed a pen out of his bag.

"Good guess."

"Did you even study?"

"I studied…. in spirit."

Brandon shrugged as he wrote his name down on the answer sheet.

"Pftt."

Amelia chuckled as she returned her attention on her own test.

It was plainly obvious to Raven, Amelia, and Belle, that most probably, the main reason why he was late, was because he wanted to look his best during the examinations.

At the moment, he looked like a celebrity.

Having just written her answer down, Amelia commented from the side.

"You always know how to make an entrance."

Maybe for the others, he looked over the top.

But in Amelia's heart, he was the coolest.