“Do you have any questions?” Professor Williams inquired, his gaze sweeping across the students who seemed a tad restless after the lecture. “If not, then we can conclude the class for today.”
The room erupted into a chorus of relieved murmurs and quiet sighs of relief.
“Hooh… Finally…” someone muttered from the back, the sentiment resonating with many.
“I thought this was not going to end ever,” another voice chimed in, capturing the general consensus of the students.
As the students exchanged knowing glances and sympathetic smiles, the professor’s attention returned to the front of the room. His expression remained composed as he addressed the class again.
“Before you all leave, a reminder: the second assignment has been posted on the online portal today. It’s a research task focused on the political intrigues of the Hunted Realms during the Era of Shattered Thrones. Make sure to choose your topics wisely and submit your assignments by the end of next week.”
The announcement was met with a mixture of groans, groggy nods, and a few exchanged looks of concern.
“Another research assignment? Seriously?”
“I can barely keep up with the readings, and now this?”
“Let’s hope he at least goes easy on the grading this time.”
Professor Williams continued, his tone unwavering despite the students’ reactions. “Understanding the political landscape of the past will provide crucial insights into the dynamics that have shaped our world today. Remember, the more you delve into history, the more you can anticipate the challenges of tomorrow. That’s all for today. Have a productive weekend.”
With those words, he left the room, leaving the students alone. Today was the last day of classes for the week, and we were going to have an orientation for the Archery Club.
‘It shouldn’t be that long. But, if I can see Instructor Ethan, I can maybe ask him for some pointers.’ I thought to myself.
The reason why I accepted their proposal was to learn and observe how the Archery Club members used their bows and adapted to their styles, adding them to myself.
Looking at the front desk, I could see Lilia was also preparing to leave. I was not sure, but she was probably in the Archery Club as well.
“Hey, where are you going?” Julia asked, seeing Lilia trying to grab her things. She would do it normally as well, but today for some reason, she seemed to be a little more hurried.”
“I have a club orientation this evening, so I am going to get prepared,” Lilia answered with her usual blunt tone.
“I see. You were in Archery Club, right?” Julia asked since she forgot which club Lilia was in; rather, it was more likely she was not that interested.
“Yes.”
“I don’t understand. Why did you join that club? You don’t have anything more to learn, don’t you?” Irina butted in, looking at Lilia. For instance, she was a mage, but she didn’t join the magic research club, even though she was invited. Since she knew they were only trying to make connections with her and those researchers could never be more advanced than what her family was doing.
“One always has something to learn from others,” Lilia replied calmly, her eyes focused on gathering her belongings efficiently.
Julia looked genuinely intrigued. “Is that why you’re in the Archery Club? You must be quite skilled already.” She was also in the Way of Swords Club, but the reason she went there was to spar with seniors; she didn’t believe those members could help her learn more.
Lilia shrugged, her movements precise and controlled. “Skill is never a reason to stop learning. There’s always room for improvement.” She answered.
‘Ho….This is the reason why this girl was not a heroine in the game.’ Astron thought to himself. As a player who played the game quite a lot, the one he respected the most was Lilia, the girl who never once her way in life. Even though she was slightly egoist and looked down on others, she also sought improvement.
Her duality was the things why players called her ‘Hypocrite Woman,’ but Astron rather respected it. In a way, she was one of that women that prioritized their career.
Irina raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying you’re there to learn from the other members?”
Lilia’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. “I’m saying I’m there to learn from everyone. You never know where you’ll find wisdom. And it is not like I always need to be there. They can’t say anything to me, either.”
With that quote hanging in the air, Lilia efficiently packed her belongings and stood up, her posture poised. “Have a good weekend.” And with those words, Lilia left.
“This girl. Why do I feel like you can never win against her with words?” Irina spoke, looking at Lilia’s departing figure.
“Well, she was always like that,” Victor spoke with his usual calm tone, then shifted his attention to Julia. “Do you want to grab dinner, Julia?” He asked.
“No. I am going to train.” But Julia simply refused and stood up while picking her things up. “And, no. You are not coming with me.” Cutting Victor, who opened his mouth, she left immediately.
‘I should leave as well.’ Confirming that Lilia joined was enough, so I didn’t waste any more time and stood up as well, leaving the class.
“Pffttt….hahahaha….”
“What are you looking at? Tch.”
Though, I could also hear Victor’s grumbling at Lucas and Ethan, who was the subject of his anger. It seemed he was the one that got the short stick. 𝐎𝑣𝗅xt.
While leaving, I again felt gazes on me, but this time there were three of them. It seemed that as time passed, the number of people who gazed at me also increased.
‘Irina, Sylvie’s friend Lora, and that guy.’
Just as my thoughts were consumed by these observations, a sudden collision jolted my senses.
SWOOSH THUD
Though the said ‘thing,’ the collision almost sent me flying if not for my fast reflexes. I turned my attention to the person who collided with me as a fragrant scent of Lilies entered my nose.
“Watch where you are going!” And hearing the girl’s voice and seeing the annoyed expression on the beautiful face reminded me who this was.
Green hair and blazing crimson eyes.
‘Lilia.’
It seemed she had forgotten her things inside the classroom. Even though she was fuming at me, there was no reason for me to interact with her any longer.
Cleaning the dust on my uniform, I stood up and walked further without answering.
“Hey, I said some-”
“Don’t talk to me.”
After cutting off the response she was going to give me, I left. There was no need for any further talk since I could easily see where it would go.
Simply she was going to scold me as she usually does with others in her guild and then walk proudly like she was a goddess; after all, that was how she was treated most of the time.
Even though Lilia was a person that sought improvement, this was her weakness–her ego, which was the thing that made her someone that wasn’t liked by the community of players.
And I didn’t like that either. Even though her seeking for improvement was condemnable, her ego was what made her, not a heroine, and she is probably going to live her life all alone until she dies.
It is not like I am different.
Just like that, I reached my room and prepared for the clubs.
*******
The Archery Clubs training area and the place where they had conducted their training was a specially designated outdoor area only for Marksmen. It was away from the heart of the Academy Campus, where most main buildings were located, so it took a little bit of walking for me to reach there.
As I entered the Archery Club’s training area, I was met with a scene that radiated the club’s distinctive pride. Nestled within a serene corner of the academy’s grounds, this secluded haven promised a unique experience.
The training space was a harmonious blend of nature and purposeful design. Towering trees created a protective canopy, their leaves allowing soft sunlight to filter through.
In the heart of this serene setting stood a substantial wooden building—the indoor training hall. Its quaint exterior hinted at the hours of diligent practice that took place within those walls.
It was obvious that the design of this place was inspired by the Elves that invaded this world, but the human touch was also there, showing its modernity.
The outdoor training focal point—a meticulously crafted shooting range. It was a testament to the club’s unwavering dedication, an arena for perfecting the art of archery.
Targets of various shapes and distances were positioned thoughtfully, some stationary while others moved in complex patterns.
Even though there seemed to be a lot to there, since members were gathered on the open area of the Club grounds, I didn’t walk any further.
FLINCH
Suddenly my body flinched as I got chills.
“Tch. Nowadays, it seems everyone likes to glare daggers at others.” I mumbled, clicking my tongue.
Feeling another but a lot stronger stinging gaze, I turned my head to the source. There again, I could Lilia as she was looking at me.
Different from Irene, Lilia’s gaze didn’t look like she was glaring daggers at me, but my senses were saying this was a lot more dangerous. Her slightly calm gaze felt more dangerous.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
Now, some may think that why was I like that to the people whom I know the strength?
The answer is simple. I don’t care.
They could destroy my future career by pressuring me but it is not like I am planning to be a renowned hunter in the future.
It is not something I deserve anyway.
Also, this girl is already a picky person with a high attitude, so unless you simply bow your head and lick such people’s shoes, they will pick up on you regardless of your attitude.
Anyway, while I was thinking about those, I felt two strong presences coming.
Two people before the crowd were intentionally releasing their aura as they were looking at the newcomers.
The captain, Adrian Castillo, stood tall with an air of authority.
His voice rang out with assurance, “Archery is not just a skill; it’s an art, a display of precision and elegance. We uphold the legacy of the finest archers in history, and we welcome those who believe they have what it takes to embrace this noble path.”
I knew him from the game.
He was a highly competitive person whose sole purpose was to become the next Bow Emperor, taking the title of the current one.
An induvial with a cold expression, the tallest among them, a young man with striking silver hair. His posture was impeccable, and his cerulean eyes bore a hint of condescension as he surveyed the assembly.
‘It is really sad that your competitive spirit is toxic.’ I thought.
As an induvial whose purposes clashed with the girl who was glaring daggers at me, in the end, he was going to enter fierce competition with her.
And would lose everything. His title, his name, and his social life because behind his cold fa?ade laid an egoist guy who looked down on others and blackmailed people using his family name and resources.
A person who thought he was of noble blood, a person who was an elitist like Victor.
His gaze stayed on Lilia for a second before turning to the girl who strove forward. But I could see a dirty desire in that gaze; even Lilia seemed to sense it as she tensed up slightly.
Beside Adrian stood a poised young woman with raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her gaze held a touch of haughtiness as she regarded the gathered students. “I am Elara, the vice-captain of the Archery Club,” she announced, her voice silky yet commanding.
“As the captain spoke, our purpose here is to become the best, and those who don’t wish to compete shall take their leave.”
The girl who would later become the best helper of, Lilia and would become the heroine instead of her place-Elara Holden.
With everything set in stone, the clubs started.
————————————
You can check my discord if you want. You can see the illustrations of characters there.
The link to the discord server is in the description of the book.