Saga of Atlantis

Chapter 167: Request.

"Training is one of the easiest and fastest ways for anyone to gain proper control over their mana," I stood in line with all my other classmates as Swordking Mane's voice resonated in the training hall.

"However, having a strong body is also important; the better the container, the better it can handle mana," he continued as he walked in front of us.

"Physical strength is a very important aspect of training with mana, and for Aura users, that's their lifeline," he emphasized, standing before us.

"Now, pair up, all of you. We will have a short sparring match with pure physical strength." With that, he fell silent, and murmurs among the students began.

"Why do you look so happy today?" Fatima asked, standing beside me.

"I do?" I asked, touching my face.

"Yep, you have an extra glow on your face," she replied, squinting her eyes. "So what happened?"

"....Nothing," I replied, memories of last night flooding back. "I just had a better morning."

[Grace slapped you in the morning, remember?]

'That was just a gentle tap.'

[....Right, says the second coming of Aeloria.]

'....I am not a masochist and don't you ever call me that.'

"Emily," I called out to the girl who was slowly walking away from us, trying her best to ignore me.

"...Yes?" She asked, looking at me, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Pair with me," I said, but Fatima quickly interrupted.

"Hey, I want to pair up with her," Fatima replied, grabbing Emily's hand.

"I...I think I will pair up with her as well," Emily added, nodding gently, which brought a smile to Fatima's face.

"You heard her, pretty boy," Fatima said with a smirk, looking at me. "Now, go away, find a partner for yourself."

I didn't reply, but instead, I just looked at Emily, who was trying her best not to make eye contact.

"Sigh... Fine," I replied, starting to look around the place for another partner.

But just as I looked around, another girl caught my eye.

Aeloria walked towards me and stood before me, her eyes fixed on me as she said, "Pair up with me."

"No," I replied, starting to walk away, but she quickly grabbed my hand.

"You want to learn how to use spirit energy, don't you? I can help," she said, gently squeezing my hand.

"....Fine," I replied, noticing a lot of eyes on us, particularly Aron's.

She nodded as she stood beside me.

"....What kind of fucking pervert are you?" she replied, covering her breasts again.

"Open pervert."

"...I didn't ask, idiot, and eww, seriously, open perverts are the worst kind."

"....You have zero rights to criticize me."

"Anyway, what's your answer?" she asked again, returning to her serious self.

"Isn't that obvious," I replied, shrugging my shoulders. "No."

".....I thought so," she sighed, her shoulders slumping as she started walking towards Angelina.

"You didn't teach me how to use spirit energy," I said, making her halt her movement.

"Learn that yourself. I don't want to make you more powerful than you already are," she replied before resuming her walk.

And just as she walked, Mane, who had been looking at us the whole time, quickly approached me.

"How have you been, Eden?" he asked as he stood in front of me.

"Alive," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

"Yeah, it's good to be alive, isn't it," he said with a light smile. "You should cherish your life, Eden."

"....."

"Haven't I told you to do your role properly?" His tone sharpened as he glared at me. "Why did you pull that stunt of yours yesterday?"

Again, I didn't reply but let him talk.

"You had to come in between Cardin and Aron. Because of you, things will get complicated."

"....."

"Looks like my warning is a joke to you. Maybe I should—"

"You know what, fucker," I interjected, making him stop as I walked closer to him. "Do it."

"What—"

"I said do it. Call your fucking wannabe 'real rulers' here. I want to see what the fuck they can do," I growled at him as he looked at me with astonishment.

The last time, I didn't say anything to him because I thought those who are above ascension level are a big deal.

But not anymore... I am a bigger deal than them.

"Think it through before barking at me, Mane," I lightly patted his shoulder as I walked past him.

And immediately my gaze fell on Cardin and Aron.

"Hey, both of you fuckers, how long are you going to delay your match?"