It has been three weeks since Athenis and Lilith started to practise together. The exam was close: only three days left. Athenis didn't know why she was helping Lilith in the first place. But she couldn't leave her alone either.
Athenis excused herself and stepped into her cottage, where chaos awaited.
"This is hard."
Athenis sighed as she reached for her bottle. Just as she was about to take a drink, something made her eyes narrow—a tiny sparkle, a glimmer of light reflecting off the ground near her cottage. Curiosity piqued, she leaned in slowly, careful not to startle whatever it was.
"Interesting... that's unusual. Never seen a plant like this before."
She kneeled, inspecting it. It's tiny leaves shimmered faintly. She lifted it gently, fascinated by it's delicate, iridescent structure. For a moment, she was captivated by the flower's beauty.
"Interesting... leaf structure, small but dense roots, nutrient uptake seems extremely efficient... looks harmless."
As Athenis turned the plant, suddenly shiver ran down her spine. She noticed the roots stretch farther than she expected, disappearing into the soil. Athenis's eyes widened as she looked at the plant.
"No... wait... these roots... they connect straight to the training area. This plant... no way... Oblivara!"
Athenis's eyes darted toward Lilith, who was training her combat skills few meters away. Athenis muttered under her breath.
"Tentacles grow fast, ground is soft."
Her eyes widened.
"Lilith run! Run Lilith!"
Athenis shouted with all her might, but with the distance between them—and the well-sealed windows—Lilith couldn't hear her.
"Damn it!"
Tentacles are faster, her distance is 12 meters, Lilith's speed 1 meter per second... if I move now—before it fully awakens—I can reach her… just before it strikes!
Athenis dropped the plant running as fast as she could, her eyes widening as its roots surged beneath the ground at a terrifying speed.
Lilith was surprised to see her running toward her.
"Hey watch it-"
Just as she was about to finish her sentence, Athenis grabbed her arm mid-step.
"Move carefully idiot! That plant can strike!"
Lilith's eyes widened.
"Plant... strike huh!?"
They both fell to the ground with a loud thud, their backs slamming against the earth.
Suddenly a tentacle burst out from the ground, shooting toward Lilith's previous position. Athenis had timided it perfectly - just enough to pull her out of danger. The tentacles were sharp with needle like layers so it was obvious that they could have ended Lilith if Athenis wasn't there.
Lilith breathing heavily, turned to tentacles now harmless.
"What the-"
Athenis panting from running, wiped off her sweat still scanning the plant.
"Oblivara. It senses movement through it's roots and can extend its tentacles fast enough to ensnare prey. You... could have been caught if i hestitated for even a second."
Lilith gulped, turning to Athenis.
"What kind of murderous plant is this? Why is it here of all places?"
Athenis smirked.
"That's also torturing me. I don't know where it came from or why it's here, but I'm sure it has its own reasons."
Lilith sighed heavily.
"Damn... i thought i was gonna die or something."
Athenis laughed as she stepped closer, her eyes fixed on the plant.
"Looks like we have an enigma here."
Thud… thud… thud…
Light movements that were barely noticeable, speed that was incredibly fast, sharp senses that experienced many challenging situations and heavy panting from moving one place to another - Anna's hair was disheveled, and her cheeks were flushed from exhaustion. She searched everywhere for that girl but she wasn't able to find anything.
Could it be that I'm not working hard enough… or that girl never existed to begin with?!
Anna sighed heavily, her mind occupied with the thoughts of how to find that mysterious person that seemed nowhere to be found.
Suddenly the door of the main hall opened revealing a tall figure with charming smile and handsome features.
Anna was suprised to see Alpheratz standing there. She bowed quickly, showing her respect.
Alpheratz slowly nodded, his eyes drifting to unknown papers and opened windows. Anna immediately sensed it and slolwy smiled.
"I was cleaning this area, everything was messy so i had no choice."
She couldn't let him know about what Cezanie told her. Alpheratz nodded in understanding. Feeling the awkward tension, Anna tried to start a conversation.
"Sir Alpheratz, I assume you are also participating in the Academy's exam?"
Alpheratz smiled.
"Honestly, I'm not doing anything special—just observing and keeping an eye out for potential danger."
Anna's eyes widened.
Oh, what a dependableperson.
Alpheratz chuckled.
"Sorry for interrupting."
Anna shook her head smiling gently. With that he closed the door and left. Anna sighed in relief - it was a perfect opportunity for her to continue what she was doing. She made sure to find that stranger - no matter what.
The door creaked open, and Alpheratz stepped out. His violet eyes glimmered faintly, catching the light as they narrowed, sharp and calculating.
What is going on here?