NOVPUBLuka dodged another rumbling stomp, the shockwave almost knocking him off balance.
Still no help from his teacher.
Still no words.
But she hadn't turned away either.
That was something.
And so, Luka kept hoping that somewhere behind those crimson eyes, something inside her shifted, even just a little.
He stumbled, nearly falling, as his foot landed awkwardly on a broken edge.
"Shit!"
His arms flailed as he tried to balance himself, biting down on his lip.
Then, another slip—his body pitched forward—but he managed to catch himself just in time.
It didn't stop.
The ground kept falling away.
Luka kept jumping, dodging, weaving between the Ancient Golems' crushing blows.
No hits landed.
Time passed in blurs.
Luka's breath came in sharp gasps.
His legs burned.
His heart pounded in his ears.
Still no damage to the Ancient Golems.
Still no help from his teacher.
And yet—Luka didn't stop.
A sudden pressure behind his eyes made him blink, and then—drip—a thin trickle of blood ran from his nose.
"Shit…" he muttered, hastily wiping it with his sleeve, never slowing down.
Kira's usual smirk had faded.
'Why isn't he begging for help?'
She tilted her head, observing the boy's face.
No terror.
No panic.
Just strain. Grit. Focus.
'This is… strange. Boring, yes.'
After all, Kira knew that her student hadn't landed a single damaging blow.
He hadn't even tried to escape.
'He should be screaming. Crying. Groveling for me to save him.'
However, her student wasn't doing any of that.
Kira clicked her tongue, looking away for a moment, annoyed at herself.
Somehow, the amusement was fading—and something else was creeping in.
Something she didn't like.
Something she didn't understand.
'Damn it… what is this feeling?'
She bit her finger hard, drawing a small drop of blood. "Ugh! Damn it all!"
Without hesitation, she took her bow.
An elemental arrow—massive and glowing—formed instantly as she drew the string.
With a snarl, she loosed it.
The arrow shot forward, sailing above Luka just as one of the Ancient Golems raised a chunk of stone, ready to hurl it straight at his head.
"What the—?"
Luka glanced up, eyes wide—then grinned for a split second. 'Thank the heavens!'
The arrow struck one of the Ancient Golem's arms, a sharp crack echoing as part of its stone shattered, fragments tumbling into the abyss below.
Still rooted in place—
It began tearing chunks from its own body to throw instead.
'Fuck this! I'm out!' Luka turned fast—too fast—dodging one of the flying boulders by a hair's breadth.
Another slammed down behind him.
No time to think.
Just run.
He dashed forward, leaping across, each jump more and more wider.
Finally, he reached a large wide gap—and jumped without thinking.
'Shit! Too short.'
He slammed into the edge, fingers scrambling—and caught the ledge.
With a grunt, he pulled himself up, breath ragged.
"Holy shit, that was close…" Luka muttered.
Then, looking at his teacher with a crooked grin:
"Thanks for saving my ass."
But she didn't answer.
Kira turned her back, walking away as she slung her bow over her shoulder. "Let's go. Class is over."
Luka chuckled, wiping more sweat from his brow. "Yes, yes…"
He followed, his steps light despite the exhaustion.
Behind them, the boss room slowly began to repair itself.
The Ancient Golems also began to repair themselves as they returned to their sleeping state.
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
"Young Master!" Serene called out, her voice bright and relieved as she waved energetically.
Her maid uniform fluttered slightly from the rush of mana that had come from the active rune circle.
A soft light dimmed around Luka and Kira as they reappeared.
He raised his hand in a casual wave, his lips pulling into a tired but appreciative smile.
"Thanks again for saving my ass," Luka said, directing the comment to his teacher, who stood next to him.
"By the way," he added, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "is there any homework for tonight?"
He prayed he didn't…
After all, who liked doing homework?
Kira didn't answer.
She simply walked away without a word.
Her expression was tense, her brows furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line.
Luka watched her go, a faint sigh escaping his lips. "I'll take that as a no…" he murmured to himself, voice low.
He knew her in-game character well enough to recognize the storm brewing behind those sharp eyes.
Something was bothering her—deeply.
'At least I broke down the first wall…' Luka thought to himself.
Just then, a small blur of white shot toward him.
Snow leapt up and landed squarely on his shoulder, letting out a soft, rumbling growl.
"Hey, little guy," Luka chuckled, reaching up to gently scratch under the chin. "You been good?"
"No complaints from me," Serene answered as she approached. Her ever-present smile curved warmly on her lips.
"He's been quite well-behaved while you were away."
"That's good." Luka turned his eyes to his personal maid.
His stomach let out a low, audible grumble, making him grimace slightly.
"Let's hit the cafeteria. I'm starving… didn't get a chance to eat lunch."
"Of course, Young Master," Serene said, stepping elegantly to the side and falling into stride behind him as he moved.
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
Entering the Academy's cafeteria—
Luka immediately noticed how packed it was.
The clatter of trays, the buzz of conversation, and the smell of freshly cooked food all mingled in the air.
Students formed long lines, trays in hand, their eyes scanning the array of neatly presented dishes behind the glass counters.
Every table seemed full—clusters of friends laughing, talking, and even arguing.
Serene slowed her pace beside him, her eyes scanning the crowded room.
"Young Master… if you prefer, I can retrieve your meal while you head home and rest?" Her voice was soft, deferential, but concerned.
She could see the fatigue in his posture.
Luka stood silently for a few moments, eyes narrowing as he considered it. Then he stepped forward toward the tray rack.
"It's fine. I'm not that helpless."
"…" Serene bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "As you wish. Though… it seems there is no place to sit."
Luka glanced at the jam-packed tables, then shrugged.
"It's fine. We'll just take it to go and eat back home. We'll return the trays tomorrow."
With that, he picked up a tray and handed another to his personal maid. "Here."
Serene blinked, surprised, pointing a slender finger toward herself. "Me?"
Luka gave her a look. "Um, yeah? Aren't you going to eat?"
"Oh… yes! Of course. Thank you, Young Master." Serene accepted the tray with both hands.
The smallest smile touched her lips, though she quickly composed herself.
Luka raised a brow at her reaction, incredulous.
'Do the maids and butlers not eat here or something?' he wondered.
He didn't ask, but the thought lingered as he moved toward the food counters, joining the line at the pizza station.
The scent of melted cheese and roasted garlic made Luka's stomach twist with need.
Behind him, Serene stood on her toes slightly, eyes wide as she looked around the students.
The sight of golden-brown crusts and bubbling cheese made her mouth water.
She instinctively wiped the corner of her lips with the back of her hand.
"It looks so good…"
