Chapter 41
This is a fictional story by realTensai
"We are here!"
The calming sound of flowing water signaled everyone that they had reached their destination. The steam emitting from the incredible waterfalls rose high into the sky, like clouds assigned to protect them. Rushing by the last few branches and trees, the class finally got to see Awaniko's highlight.
"The Riagra Falls!"
A vast collection of water revealed itself before them, robbing them of their breath. With a current so strong it could force an army of elephants to their knees, the water plunged at least 50 meters. The sheer power and beauty of this natural phenomenon created a sight so magnificent none of the students could ever forget.
"And here we are at the world's greatest waterfalls, the Riagra Falls!" Finriel said, spreading both of his arms. "Just enjoy this amazing sight and get ready for exciting boat tours."
"Let's go take pictures."
The girls transformed into professional models, posing in ways Alvis had only seen on the internet. With the Riagra Falls in the background, the pictures just had to look perfect. Yet their over-the-top effort made Alvis chuckle.
Guess I will take some pics too.
"Yo, Al, Sekki, we absolutely have to take an epic picture together!"
"Fufu, won't say no to that."
"Yeah, let's do it."
Following Dane's suggestion, the other two went along.
"Yo, Gil! Can you take a picture of us?"
He calls him Gil??
Sekki almost dropped his phone after hearing what Dane had asked. Alvis could only gulp, his eyes now on the demon himself. Gilsymbato flapped his black wings before turning around to face them.
"You giants are even more stupid than I thought. I guess my assumption was a bit too optimistic."
"What?!"
"Too stupid to understand, giant boy? Well, that would be my fault. Should have taken your brain capacity into consideration before speaking."
"You—!"
"Chill out, Dane!"
Alvis grabbed his arm, not letting Dane run havoc. Only by using all of his strength could he hold him back.
"Al, let me punch him!"
"No, don't do that. It's Gilsymbato we are talking about."
"You think I would lose? Even if it is him, I will win!"
"No, that's not the problem. You can't use normal logic when you are dealing with this guy."
"How wise of you, elf boy. At least you know your kind can't even comprehend greatness like mine."
"Just go, Gilsymbato."
"Ohh, are you trying to threaten me with those eyes, Alvis?"
Their killing intent clashed, thickening the surrounding air. However, Sekki's coughs and the troubled looks of some of their classmates made Alvis immediately stop. Even Gilsymbato stopped, though the smile on his face never vanished.
"I don't want to waste my precious time any further. The great nature before me is truly worth it more than your bunch. You can see me again later in my room."
His mighty black wings were the only thing they could see as Gilsymbato went away.
"This guy is something else," Sekki said, wiping away the sweat on his forehead. "And we have to sleep in the same room as him."
"It's a miracle we didn't have problems with him until now. Ignoring him is the best way to deal with him."
"He is lucky you held me back. I would've punched that confident grin off his face!"
Alvis smiled, but once more did he look back at Gilsymbato, and his smile grew weaker. It was just for a few seconds, though their mana clash made something clear.
I don't want to have this guy as my enemy.
Gilsymbato's mana was at least at the same level as Alvis'. Probably even higher. After leveling up Assassin's Eye, Gilsymbato's estimated power level was 2500+ but it was his aura that made Alvis wary. It differed from the aura of the organization's boss, yet it was just as suffocating.
"Let's forget this guy and take a picture!"
Dane's genuine smile made Alvis' jaw drop for a second. It was because Alvis knew Dane was not acting that he could only smile, too. Moments like these made Alvis remember what kind of person Dane really was.
"Hah, ignorance is a blessing, they say."
"Couldn't have said it better."
They both laughed.
"Hey, Al, Sekki, what are you laughing about?"
"Haha, nothing. Let's take the picture."
——
The last day of the class trip had come.
Time flies when you're having fun, they say.
Even though Alvis should be sad about the trip coming to an end, the grin on his face didn't vanish once after waking up. Dane had called him a creep multiple times just this morning, but that didn't change anything. No matter how fun the class trip had been until now, the highlight still awaited him. Just thinking about it made Alvis' smile hardly fit on his face. It was the promise he had made to Lia the day they had arrived in Awaniko.
Today, Alvis would have his long-awaited date with her.
"Stop grinning, Al, and let's go."
Dane and Sekki were already waiting at the door, ready to go at any moment. Seeing that, Alvis focused back on the present, put his second shoe on, and stood up.
"I'm ready."
Once more did he check his outfit in the mirror. He wore his blue shirt open, a white t-shirt under it. It fitted perfectly with his white jeans and blue shoes.
"Oh, Al, this shirt really makes you look buff. You almost got as much muscle as me."
"I thought I was the only one who noticed. You must be working out a lot."
Alvis blushed, scratching his cheeks. He couldn't deny that the guy in the mirror looked quite fit. His shirt had been oversized before, but now it fitted tightly. This was the result of his daily training. Every morning before the others woke up, Alvis performed it in the Mana Forest.
"Don't flatter me. Let's go."
They laughed and made their way to the city.
Ms. Myth had given the class free time on the last day, which was why almost all of them were in the city right now. They could buy souvenirs and enjoy the last day with their friends. But this wasn't the only reason. As fate would want it, that day was the day on which the Awanikans held a big festival. Alvis only knew it was some kind of summer festival, but he didn't care about the details. Everybody looked forward to it and the city was lively and already in festive mode. Alvis and Lia would have their date at that festival, too. He couldn't wish for more. The time until the festival would begin, Alvis would spend with his friends.
"You guys got any idea where to go first?"
"Let's just chill around and buy some souvenirs."
"There is something you have to help me with."
Sekki and Dane stopped upon hearing what Alvis said. Dane was rather nonchalant but still curious and Sekki had his usual amused smile on his face.
"Later this day, I will go on a date with Lia."
"Ohhhh!"
Their eyes widened as they were unable to contain their excitement. Somehow, they seemed more excited about it than Alvis.
"And? What do you need our help for? You want us to give you some tips?"
"No, it's not that. Well," Alvis said, scratching his head, "I want to gift her something."
"Oh, now I understand," Sekki said, nodding. "You don't know what to give her."
"Exactly."
"Don't worry, let me handle that!"
Dane stepped forward, placing his hand on his chest with a confident smile on his face.
"Dane, even though I have to admit that you are somehow popular with girls, you have no idea how they tick."
Alvis could only nod after hearing Sekki's accurate comment. Alvis hated to admit it, but a lot of girls had a crush on Dane. He would never understand why girls liked airheads who were strong and rebellious, but now that he had Lia on his side, he didn't care anymore. However, the worst thing was that Dane didn't even realize how popular he actually was.
"Why do you act like you're an expert, Sekki?"
"I won't say expert, but I had my experiences."
"Whaaat? Experiences? You mean in plural?"
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Sekki said before shaking his head. "Whatever, my past doesn't matter right now. We want to help Alvis."
"Oh shit, you're right."
While they had their brief discussion, Alvis just stood there, but now they focused back on the topic at hand. With looks similar to businessmen sitting in a serious meeting, they stared at each other.
"So, what kind of present do you want to give her?"
"It shouldn't be something too big. But not something small either. Kinda like something in between."
"Hmm, what about a necklace? One you could only get in Awaniko."
"Oh, maybe a bracelet would work too! You could buy two, one for her and one for you."
"Way to go, Dane, that wasn't even half bad!"
"Oh, thanks Sekki. — Wait, was that even a compliment??"
Dane and Sekki were fully engaged, giving Alvis the right impulses.
"I think I know what I will gift her."
"What? The necklace or the bracelet?"
Sekki came in closer, waiting for the revelation.
"A ring!"
"——"
The silence after Alvis' statement spoke volumes. He scratched his forehead, thinking about where he went wrong.
"You said you didn't want something too big, right? So why are you saying you want to buy her a ring? It's as if you want to propose to her, hahaha."
Sekki chuckled, but Alvis and Dane just exchanged serious looks. Their eyes were enough to communicate.
You didn't tell him about your marriage with Lia?
No, the situation never arose for it.
Then do it now!
Communicating with looks alone was a skill only best friends could unlock, and Alvis and Dane had mastered it. But with their brief telepathic conversation over, Alvis had to enlighten Sekki about the state of his relationship.
"Well, to tell you the truth, …."
"WHAAAAT?? You are engaged with Lia??"
"Don't shout!" Alvis said, turning his head left to right to see if anybody overheard them. "People already hate me enough for going out with Lia. What would happen if they find out we are actually married?"
"T-True," Sekki said, clearing his throat. "You just surprised me big time."
"I also didn't believe it at first."
Sekki still seemed overwhelmed, but he calmed down faster than Alvis would have expected.
"Now I understand why you want to gift her a ring. Wait, no, it doesn't make sense. Didn't you give her a ring when you proposed to her?"
"Well, everything went so fast and I didn't prepare it beforehand. So, no, I didn't."
"You proposed to her without a ring and managed to pull it off?" Sekki asked said, gasping. "You're a madman, Alvis. My respect for you just skyrocketed."
They all just laughed.
"Okay, so a ring it is. You got enough money for it?"
"Yes, I sold quite a few of my inventions before the class trip. With Elis— ah, I mean, Mr. Zweistein's help, I can create them way faster."
"Good. Then let's go buy something nice."
——
"We made it in time."
Arriving on the festival grounds, bright colors and lively music awaited them. People from different races, ranging from every age, gathered and laughed together. Enticing food aromas tickled Alvis' nostrils, making saliva build up in his mouth. The sight of all kinds of playing booths had Alvis questioning which one to go to first. But nothing occupied his thoughts more than his long-awaited date.
"You said you two will meet up at six o'clock, so Dane and I will be going now."
"Thank you two for everything today."
"I didn't think it would take so long, but in the end, we found the perfect ring."
"This is what bros do."
Sekki and Dane had genuine smiles on their faces and Alvis could only smile too.
"There she comes," Sekki said upon seeing Lia in the distance.
"You better don't mess this up now."
"You got this, Al."
"Wish me luck."
Alvis did his signature handshake with Dane and his new signature handshake with Sekki. The two then left and went on to enjoy the festival.
I can't disappoint them!
A deep breath in and out did little to calm down Alvis' bouncing heart. But this was simply proof of his excitement. He had waited the entire week for this moment, and now it was here.
His date with Lia would start now.