Irish and I were about to leave, needing to return to our classroom. Lunch break was long, so we didn't need to worry.
Smiling, I couldn't help but think about what the novel said—how she gets easily flustered and embarrassed when someone touches her ear.
Her beautiful purple hair cascaded over her shoulder, maybe even longer. When the wind blew over her, it felt like it was tempting me to squeeze her ear.
Just as I was almost tempted to touch her small, delicate ear, she suddenly turned around and darted her blue eyes toward me, giving me a bright smile.
She tilted her head like a beautiful swan on a lake as she noticed the yellow in her eyes intensify—something that only happened when her mother was excited to meet her, or when she was about to do something she neither liked nor disliked.
She furrowed her brows, suspecting me—as if I were a thief about to do something.
When she suddenly turned away again, I looked ahead and saw the building where our classroom was.
I didn't dare make eye contact with her. My face flushed with embarrassment and a bit of sweat formed from being caught off guard.
With her being as innocent as an angel, I couldn't possibly do anything indecent.
"We're here. Let's go back to our classroom now—it's getting quite hot," I said, speaking in a slightly exaggerated tone.
She giggled, a sound like a bird humming.
"Silly, it's only about 20 degrees."
My face froze. I didn't say anything as we walked back to class. The air between us felt awkward, but she remained cheerful like a bright, charming swan. Others greeted her warmly.
When we arrived, she waved goodbye with a charming smile. I nodded, staying silent.
I sat down and noticed Fiona and Gab already there, like two birds in love with each other.
Once Lyra returned, the classroom went silent and class began again. Since she was mostly a mage, it was all about mana. Still, the academy had cultivators as well—it wasn't lacking in them.
After an hour, she left gracefully as the next teacher was about to arrive—a cultivator. Most students paid attention to this class too, since if they ever fought a cultivator, they'd need to know how to defend themselves.
Time passed slowly, and eventually, class ended.
Looking out the window, I saw a beautiful scene as the sun descended.
I yawned, remembering that I still had to prepare for the dungeon.
Dungeons are classified into two types:
1st Type:
Like normal dungeons—predictable, releasing increasingly powerful monsters. These are ranked from 1 to 8 stars. The higher the stars, the stronger the dungeon.
2nd Type: Trial Dungeons
These are sudden dungeons where your body weakens and you pass out, waking up in another place. High risk, high reward.
You can only escape once someone obtains the dungeon's reward—either by defeating all monsters or finding the reward by luck.
What I'd be facing was a trial dungeon—and one of the hardest: a maze where monsters lurk within.
It was either a 6 or 7-star dungeon, but luckily, the monsters had almost no senses—only hearing or detecting breathing. If you breathe too loudly, they'll hear it and attack.
I planned to draw the layout of the maze, and somehow, I remembered it perfectly—as if I had read the novel a thousand times. I yawned and stopped thinking about it, since I still had a week left.
I walked outside and headed to the training ground, yawning in boredom just watching people train.
Somehow, I missed Clara—her brutal training really helped me grow fast.
Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and saw Irish with her bright and energetic smile.
"Wanna spar?" she asked, raising her staff.
I smiled and nodded, not wanting to be rude.
My plan was to act weak so she'd let her guard down.
She was also a 2-star early-layer mage. When we started, I used the Grabbing Shallow technique to control two swords and fight her.
She was surprised by how bizarre my technique was, but didn't dwell on it.
After a few exchanges, she could tell I was quite skilled at sword control. With a few more moves, I faked being exhausted of Qi.
She looked a bit disappointed in my performance and gave me some comforting words and mild praise.
She was considered a genius for reaching 2 stars at such a young age.
I smiled, nodded, and complimented her hair—knowing she liked being praised.
She nodded, and a faint red blush spread across her delicate ear. Seeing that, I slapped my face to regain control. The slap echoed.
The training ground fell silent.
"…"
Her ears flushed even more. Startled, she caressed my face and gave me a cute glare.
"Seriously, do you like hurting yourself?"
I just stood there with a blank expression and suddenly said in a hurry,
"I need to go back now—I forgot something!"
I left without glancing back, not wanting to be tempted any further. It was too damn awkward.
I returned to my room—now much more spacious, with various new additions, even a bathroom.
I took a bath first. Afterward, I got dressed and started sketching the maze.
The maze was massive. The entrance was a wide wall overgrown with plant veins, showing how ancient it was.
There were two paths—left and right. The main MC, like a leader, would guide them to the treasure: a mountain of swords and gold, along with two artifacts.
At the center was the Holy Sword—the ridiculously overpowered weapon meant for the MC.
It could literally cut reality if used to its full potential.
There was no way I could get that sword. Only he could wield it.
I sighed, shaking my head. I really needed a storage bag.
And that's when I realized—I was broke.
The Empress didn't give me anything but a ride here.
For fuck's sake—how am I supposed to survive?
I either have to grovel before the Empress… or grovel to Clara for money and do some favors.
Which I don't trust—who knows what she might do to my body?