Sophie's question hung in the air like a blade, but its impact hit Indra's mind not with a clean cut, but with the chaotic force of a tsunami. What did he think of her? The simplicity of the question was deceptive, hiding a depth that made his stomach churn.
The truth was, he didn't even fully understand his own feelings. Gratitude was the clearest, most unquestionable emotion. A deep, rooted feeling for her rescuing him from the brink of death after the camp attack, for giving him a home in this strange and dangerous world, for placing him in the Academy, and now, for guiding him on his journey to become strong. He owed her more than he could ever repay.
But was there something beyond gratitude? Sophie was dazzling. Her sharp, exotic beauty, accentuated by her heterochromatic eyes and elegant tail, unquestionably stirred him, speeding up his heart at certain moments. Yet, he wasn't sure if this physical attraction translated into something deeper, into a defined romantic feeling.
They had known each other for only three weeks. An absurdly short amount of time, even considering the intensity with which they had lived it. And yes, they had shared a bed on the first night — a murky consequence of trauma, loneliness, and attraction — and a few times after that. But those encounters felt more about physical need and comfort than a declaration of love. Their relationship was... complicated.
Sophie was a complex person. Initially, she had been rigid and distant, which made perfect sense for a Captain of the Tenth Legion. But quickly — faster than Indra had expected — she had softened toward him, treating him with a mix of protective affection and almost maternal pride. However, at other times, like now, under the influence of wine and intimacy, that facade dissolved, revealing a burning, direct passion that left him breathless. It was confusing. He didn't feel a clear "romantic love" coming from her, but rather a collection of intense and sometimes contradictory emotions.
In summary: they were lovers who genuinely liked each other, shared a deep bond of trust and dependence, but the word "love" still seemed too big, too undefined for what they had. If he had to describe his feelings, it would be with praise for her strength, intelligence, and kindness, but an uncertainty about the final label.
Sophie seemed to read the turbulence in his eyes. Her own gaze, which had momentarily held a vulnerable expectation, softened into an expression of resigned understanding. She didn't seem hurt, just... realistic.
"It's alright." — she said, her voice softer now, the drunken tone giving way to a weary serenity.
"To be honest, I don't have all the answers about what I feel for you either. It's... complicated. For now, maybe it's best if we just continue as we are. Let time decide if this goes somewhere... or not."
It was a sensible answer. The adult response. For a split second, an irrational impulse flashed through Indra's mind — to protest, to declare that he wanted something more, something defined. But honesty with himself held him back. He didn't know if he wanted to. Her proposal was the safest, the most honest.
A lopsided smile formed on his lips.
"Yes, ma'am." — he replied, with a deliberate dash of sarcasm, like a soldier accepting an order from a superior.
The smile Sophie returned was genuine and a little relieved. For a long moment, they simply sat there, smiling at each other across the table, a silent, comfortable truce settling between them.
Then, Sophie's face lit up with the classic "ah, I remembered something!" expression. She made a quick gesture with her hand, and a small, translucent, whitish pill appeared on her palm, emanating a soft light. It was a Soul Nourishment Pill.
"Almost forgot." — she said, pushing the pill toward Indra.
"Now that you're a Graduate, it's crucial to consolidate your Inner Core. It's very common for new Graduates to experience instabilities. And considering the... unusual circumstances of your formation, better safe than sorry."
Indra didn't stand on ceremony. He took the pill with a nod of thanks and swallowed it without hesitation.
Immediately, a wave of pure, revitalizing warmth spread through his body. This time, the experience was radically different from when he was an Apprentice. Back then, the sensation had been subtle, almost imperceptible. Now, with his Magic Veins fully opened and his Core formed, he could feel the pill's energy dissolving like divine nectar, flowing through his energy system and being eagerly absorbed by the pulsating core in his chest. It was like adding dry kindling to a fire—the flame not only burned stronger but also cleaner, more controllable. He felt his energy expand and stabilize in a matter of seconds. The true value of those pills became painfully clear; each one was an invaluable treasure.
Sophie smiled, satisfied to see the subtle change in his posture, the aura around him becoming denser and more stable.
"Good. You're going to need all the energy you can get for when you get challenged."
Indra blinked, the euphoria from the pill receding slightly.
"Challenged?"
"Ah, right." — said Sophie, as if mentioning the weather forecast.
"In the Esoteric Society, it's a rather archaic — and annoying — tradition that new Graduates are challenged to duels on the first rainy day after their ascension. Since the Paranormal Exam is approaching, and you're... gaining a certain notoriety, I wouldn't be surprised if you received a flood of challenges."
Indra felt a chill run down his spine.
"Most scions are much stronger than me. It would be a guaranteed humiliation. Can't I... refuse?"
"You can." — Sophie replied, taking a sip of wine.
"But it would be seen as an act of cowardice, a lack of honor. Your reputation, which has barely begun, would die before it was even born."
Indra let out a deep sigh, resigned to the prospect of being beaten up in public.
"Wonderful."
Sophie laughed, a light sound.
"Who knows? Depending on how the Paranormal Exam is structured, it might be a while before you meet anyone in a duel scenario. And it might only rain after you've gotten stronger. Perhaps strong enough to surprise a scion or two."
The mention of the exam's structure caught Indra's attention.
"What do you mean, 'a while before meeting someone'? Is the exam like the Practical Exam?"
A playful smile danced on Sophie's lips. She stood up, her legs a bit unsteady from the wine, and walked toward him. Instead of answering immediately, she settled onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her face was noticeably flushed, and her breath smelled of the sweet, heavy wine. Indra, a little surprised but not reluctant, accepted her weight, attributing her boldness to the drink.
"The Paranormal Exam." — she began, her voice a whisper near his ear.
"Is much more complex. It happens every ten years, always starting on March 5th. It's administered by the Hall of Justice—the one that used to be called the Hall of Punishment." — She took another seductive sip from her glass, her eyes fixed on his.
"High-ranking Inquisitors are responsible for each phase. There are usually four or five phases. It always changes, but it generally includes a written test, a survival trial, duels, maybe a tournament... In the end, the Inquisitors decide the final ranking and distribute the prizes."
Indra was thoughtful. Prizes from the Esoteric Society would be incredible, but ranking among the top seemed a distant dream.
"How long does the survival test usually last? You said I could evolve during it."
Sophie, now clearly drunk and gradually rubbing against him, murmured,
"Depends on the Inquisitor. But normally, students are dropped into a low or medium-risk Zone in the Realm of Phenomena and given objectives to complete. It's like a... mass survival game. It can last for weeks, even months. Finding or avoiding other students can be a matter of luck or misfortune."
"Luck for not being hunted, misfortune for having no one to help against hundreds of creatures?" — Indra completed, dryly.
Sophie gave a mischievous, excited grin.
"Exactly!"
Indra pondered whether to ask more questions, but Sophie, in her inebriated state, continued.
"In my year, the test was in the Azure-Sky Grove, a Yellow Zone. Full of Malignant Creatures. Many died." — The memory seemed to sober her for a second, her gaze growing distant.
"But taking the exam is the only option for those not from a clan. Without it, you can't enlist in the Twelve Legions, the Hall of Justice, or the High Council. Even for scions, it's a matter of honor. Many would rather die than withdraw and shame their families."
A bitter taste filled Indra's mouth. This was the law of the Other Side in its crudest form: adapt or die. Even those privileged by birth were not immune. Yet, he found the standards absurdly high. Throwing Graduates and Specialists against Malignant Creatures was a death sentence for most. He included himself in that group. His determination solidified. No matter how unfair it was, he would survive. He would train, he would get stronger.
His thoughts were interrupted by Sophie, who hugged him and began swaying side to side, laughing. He couldn't decide if this drunk, clingy side of her was cute or annoying. Suddenly, she stopped, her heterochromatic eyes fixing on his with a sudden, sober intensity that surprised Indra. Her gaze was seductive, direct, piercing his soul.
Without any preamble, she leaned in and kissed him.
It wasn't a long, languid kiss, but it was firm, passionate, and somehow deeply revitalizing, washing away some of Indra's residual fatigue.
When she pulled away, breathless, Indra arched an eyebrow.
"I thought we were going to 'keep things as they are'."
Sophie rested her forehead against his, her lips curved into a mischievous smile.
"This is keeping things as they are. Besides, one thing is one thing, another thing is another thing." — Her gaze was meaningful toward the upstairs bedrooms.
Indra laughed, a sound of surrender.
"Fair enough. I lose."
Before the situation could escalate further, Indra felt a tingle in his Energy Sense. He turned his head and spotted, in the doorway of the more modern living room at the back, the cat watching them with its shocking pink eyes. The feline didn't seem disturbed; in fact, it let out a "mrow" that sounded exactly like a stifled giggle, as if saying "finally!". Without ceremony, it turned and leaped through the open window, disappearing into the night, clearly giving them privacy.
Following the cat with his eyes, Indra noticed that darkness had completely fallen outside. They had spent the entire day talking, immersed in cosmic secrets and personal negotiations. It was Friday night. He had survived three hellish days in the forest, faced unspeakable horrors, and carried the weight of monumental discoveries. He deserved a reward. He deserved some active rest.
With a resolute sigh, Indra stood up, carrying Sophie in his arms as if she weighed nothing. She grunted in surprise but wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
"I thought you were tired." — she murmured, her voice muffled by the fabric of his new shirt.
"I am." — he admitted, starting up the stairs toward her bedroom.
"But apparently, resting is out of the question tonight."
Whatever happened next—whether it was solace, passion, or the complex mix of both that defined their relationship — would remain between them, a private refuge from the storms ahead, both those that would fall from the sky and the ones they had unleashed themselves.