The wind blew fiercely, making the leaves sway wildly. A thick fog swallowed the path, limiting visibility to only a few meters ahead.
Even so, Aruma kept walking leisurely alongside the girl he had rescued.
From within the fog, the sound of birds rang out—not an ordinary chirp, but as if nature itself was keeping watch over them.
"Move forward," Aruma said briefly."I'll be behind you. It's dangerous if you fall behind."
The girl moved forward as instructed. Each of her steps left faint traces on the dry ground, while Aruma's gaze remained alert, ready for whatever might emerge from the mist.
As she walked ahead of him, Aruma observed her. Strands of her long white hair fluttered in the strong wind, even though the fog obscured their view.
Yet her beauty remained clear—graceful and captivating.
She truly looked like a princess. Even her steps, steady and full of dignity, gave the impression that she came from noble blood.
Aruma glanced back to make sure there was no danger lurking in the thick fog.When he shifted his gaze to the right, a small voice called to him,"A… a… um…"
Aruma turned toward the girl ahead, slightly confused."What is it you want to say?"
The girl lowered her head slightly. From a few steps in front of him, her voice was barely audible,"I… I'm very grateful. If it weren't for you… I don't know what would have happened to me."
Though her voice was soft, Aruma could hear it thanks to his exceptionally sharp hearing.
Aruma simply nodded without saying a word. His once-leisurely pace gradually quickened. Within seconds, he was walking side by side with her.
"You need to believe in yourself. You don't have to keep saying thank you over and over."
Aruma looked at her seriously."I can feel… your mana is vast. Your potential is extraordinary.""Your magic radiates from your very face."
She lowered her head, her grip on her skirt tightening slightly."I… I once caused a disaster with my magic. I can't… let others get hurt again."
"Don't worry… I think we have something in common," Aruma said in a calm tone.
He looked at his palm for a moment."Back then, I couldn't control my power either."
She looked surprised, but a faint smile slowly returned to her lips. Turning to Aruma with teary eyes, she said,"Thank you… I'm glad I met you."
Aruma didn't reply. His expression stayed cold, but that brief glance told her enough. He wasn't indifferent—it was simply his nature… cold, but not without heart.
As they continued walking, she turned slightly and asked,"Um… I still don't know your name. Could you tell me?"
Aruma kept walking without answering, his gaze fixed straight ahead—as if he had no intention of revealing who he was.
She lowered her head again, then spoke in a shy tone,"Ah… it's rude, isn't it, to ask someone's name like that.""I should have introduced myself first."
With a sweet yet uneasy smile, she said,"My name is Roselia… you can call me that."
Aruma only gave her a brief glance before looking ahead again. No words left his mouth.
At the same time, Aruma quickened his pace, now walking ahead of Roselia.
Even after being ignored, Roselia still spoke gently,"It's fine… if you don't want to tell me your name."
From in front, Aruma's voice came calm yet brief,"Aruma. That's my name."
Roselia, who had looked downcast, instantly lit up. Her eyes widened, her cheeks flushed, and a broad smile spread across her face. Her joy was plainly written on her expression.
She looked at Aruma and said,"Thank you… I'm truly relieved to know your name."
Pausing for a moment, she bowed politely."From now on, I'll call you Aruma… please take care of me."
Aruma only gave a faint smile, raising one hand as if to signal acceptance.
He then turned his gaze back to the path ahead."Pick up the pace. We don't have much time to waste, Roselia," Aruma said.
Roselia's smile widened at hearing her name spoken aloud. Her heart pounded rapidly, joy surging in her chest. Her steps grew lighter and more spirited, like a child receiving a long-awaited gift.
Moments later, she quickened her pace until she was walking alongside Aruma again.
From a distance, the two looked like a pair of lovers walking side by side. The birds' chirping grew more melodious, as if welcoming their presence.
————
"RING! RING! RING!"The sound of a telephone startled Yong.
He quickly reached into his pocket and answered the call.
As he picked up, heavy breathing came from the other end—it was Reddit."I've brought three technicians. I'll be back at the Academy soon. Wait there!"
Without waiting for a response, Reddit hung up.He strode forward with the three technicians, got into his black car, and sped toward the Academy.
Yong, having received Reddit's message, patted Jamir's shoulder calmly,"Reddit has brought additional technicians. You don't need to worry."
Jamir rose from his seat."I'll head to the control room. I'll make sure they return," he said hurriedly.
Yong only nodded. Jamir immediately walked out, leaving Yong alone toward the control room.
Yong turned his gaze back to the screen before him—it displayed the number of participants and a constantly changing countdown:[603 PARTICIPANTS — 06:07]
Yong, who had been staring in thought at the screen, was suddenly distracted by the sound of the crowd cheering. He turned to one of the monitors.
The display showed Rey, standing atop the body of a giant worm he had just slain. But Yong's eyes soon focused on another figure near Rey—a participant nearly two meters tall, with a fierce and intimidating face.
The man spoke with Rey—whatever they were saying, they seemed close.
Yong's eyes returned to Rey. The rifle was raised high, then rested at an angle on his shoulder, its barrel pointing backward—as if posing in victory.
The weapon was no ordinary rifle. Looking more closely, Yong realized—it was an artifact, an object holding immense power.
————
Meanwhile, Aruma and Roselia continued their journey. They walked through the forest, hoping to find shelter in a safe place.
Twenty minutes passed. They kept to the path, pushing through fog and dense trees.
Roselia, growing tired, finally spoke,"Aruma… could we rest for a bit?" she asked, panting.
Aruma gave a brief nod."Let's find a spot," he said coldly.
The two began scanning their surroundings, searching for a place hidden enough to rest.
But before they could find one, faint voices came from ahead, beyond the bushes. Several people were speaking—close enough to hear.
Without hesitation, Aruma pushed the bushes aside.
Beyond them was a small group—four men resting and drinking from leather canteens.
Aruma's instincts sharpened. He grabbed Roselia's wrist before she could step forward. In a low voice, he said,"I'm not sure about them… we'd better go.""Just… ignore them and keep moving."
Roselia looked at him in confusion, but before she could respond—
One of the four men was suddenly already standing before them.
The man had curly hair.
He greeted Aruma and Roselia, saying,"Rest here. You must be exhausted," he said, his tone friendly… but his eyes holding something difficult to read.
To be continued…