Days passed uneventfully, each blending into the next without any significant disruptions. Strangely, the rich boy who had threatened the orphan hadn't made any major move. Instead, he merely sent his so-called "friends" to stir up minor conflicts, petty attempts at intimidation that were swiftly dealt with thanks to Nat's overwhelming strength.
During one of their classes, the students were required to test the prowess of their Arcanum. Nat secured an impressive rank, placing 23rd among the freshmen. At first glance, it might seem insignificant, but considering the sheer number of students numbering in the thousands, it was an incredible feat! Dom ranked 54th, Aurelia 544th, and Atlas 467th. However, these rankings only measured the raw potential of their Arcanum; their true standing would depend on their upcoming exam a perilous exploration mission into a mini black hole.
The discovery of mini black holes was a groundbreaking development. Not only did they open up vast new lands for exploration, but they also brought an abundance of new minerals and resources. However, such discoveries came at a steep cost beasts. Shortly after the first wave of explorers ventured into a black hole, they returned grievously wounded. Worse still, they weren't alone. Various magical creatures had followed them back, treating these new lands as their own hunting grounds. Entire cities and populations were wiped from the surface of Keer.
But all of that was history. At present, Dom was taking a bite from a pershe -a sandwich-like meal stuffed with monster meat-. He was deep in a heated argument with Daniel over a subject of monumental importance, one that rivaled even the nation's political crises. They were talking about girls.
"You can't tell me she's not your type, she's literally everyone's type! She's got the thunder thighs, the lean build, and abs that'd make any man drool! She's everything a guy could want!" Daniel stared at Dom like he was ready to strangle him.
"None of that matters. What truly matters is her personality. No matter how many boobs are thrown my way, I only care if the personality is good." Dom nodded sagely, as if he were a wise monk imparting wisdom.
"You might as well be gay. If personality is all that counts, then just admit you could turn gay. Oooh, Atlas must hear about this."
Dom's face twisted in worry. "You know what I mean! Anyway, we should head to the training hall." Swiftly, he used his newly honed skills to make an exit, but not before returning his plate. Atlas casually followed suit, hands tucked casually into his pockets.
In one of the training hall's sparring rings, the two friends faced off, ready for a light bout. Most of the halls were empty, as classes were in session classes neither of them could attend. Each student was assigned coursework based on their Arcanum, and Daniel lacked one, while Dom's lecturer was away, training in the Winter Lands. With nothing else to do, they had decided to practice the combat techniques they'd picked up in their Combat class.
"Ready."
Daniel took a swift step forward, instantly closing the gap between them and swinging a sideways punch toward Dom's abdomen. Dom deflected it with his palm, letting it graze past him. Anticipating this, Daniel pivoted rapidly, using his other fist to launch a backhand strike. Dom caught it cleanly, responding with a flurry of attacks. His opponent scrambled to evade, blocking where he could. When he failed to block, he countered with a punch. If that was intercepted, he retaliated with his legs or even his head. They were practicing Muay Thai, a brutal martial art where every part of the body was a weapon. And yes, even a dick, if wielded properly could also be a weapon.
For over an hour, they exchanged blows, bruising their bodies in the process, until exhaustion finally forced them to a stop. Gasping for air, they guzzled water, checking the time on their devices. It was time to return to their rooms, shower, and head back to the cafeteria to regroup with the others and they really needed that shower.
As they exited, they spotted a group of figures moving toward them. Something about the scene felt off. Instinctively, they paused, trying to discern the abnormality. As the approaching figures drew closer, recognition dawned on them, and they instantly dropped their bags, falling into a battle stance.
Striding toward them, adorned in wealth, was none other than the blonde, the tormentor who had bullied Daniel before.
Despite their battle-ready stance, Dom knew they didn't stand a chance if a fight broke out. Not only were they outnumbered, but they were also drained from their sparring session. Even if defeat was inevitable, they wouldn't just go down without fight, they weren't weak!
"I didn't expect you to play dirty," Daniel remarked.
The blonde trembled, grinding his teeth so hard it drew blood.
"How dare you speak after everything you've done? Shedied because of you and yet you get to walk around, alive, carefree. You deserve death. No, maybe torture would be better." His voice was low and brittle, thick with rage. Killing intent radiated from around his body.
His enemies faltered beneath the crushing force of his bloodlust. Their minds spun in chaos as they struggled to steady themselves.
'Where are the guards?!' The answer was obvious. The blonde had certainly paid for their absence.
"I want to watch you suffer."
The blonde unleashed his aura, swallowing them in its suffocating grip. The world went dark and they collapsed.
"Pick them up. We're leaving," the blonde commanded coolly, addressing his entourage.
....
The wind felt cool as it blew against his skin and the smell of nature founds it way to his nose, it smelt... foul. His face squeezed as the smell seemed to disrupt his senses and torture his nose.
*SPLASH
He jolted awake as a huge bucket of water was poured on his face, making it hard for him to breath. The hoodlums -Blonde's companions- laughed as he struggled to breath. He looked around warily, while struggling to breath and notice that they were no longer in the school, but instead in a forest with no pathway, onle trees and beside him was Daniel, who seemed to have been woken up the same way.
"You are probably wondering where you are." Blonde's voice brought Dom out of his confusion, his voice cold. "This is the beast den that the school owns. The school keeps this place for special events that has to do with hunting down beasts, so that should help you understand that you are currently surrounded with beasts."
Although he was being truthful about there being a lot of beasts in the forest, he lied about being surrounded by beasts. They were currently located close to the entrance of the forest, where no beasts were and a guard was stationed but of course, the guard was duly paid for his absence.
He made them think that he was going to feed them to the beasts but where was the fun in that? He would rather kill Daniel himself, watch the light go out of Daniel's eyes and then maybe feed Dom to the beasts
"Do you really think the university will let you go if you killed us?!" Dom tried to sound convincing but he was obviously scared. The hoodlums laughed again.
"Yes. Yes, I think they will." he continued; "Daniel, if not for you, Audrey would have still been alive but you took her life early, do you have anything to say to yourself?"
Dom turned to look at Daniel and saw him smiling. His body shook when he saw the smile. He wanted to trash around and help Daniel out but an invincible force kept him pinned to the ground. his eyes welled up; 'NO, NO, No! YOU CAN'T DIE LIKE THIS!!'
"Tell th-" not even waiting for Daniel to finish speaking, Blonde conjured a wind blade and slashed his neck like butter.
Time slowed down for Dom. He watched as the head fell down and blood spurted out of the open neck. "Daniel?" His vision turned black.
[System synchronizing with Host...]