The object was right in front of Linqin. If she was an inch closer, her clothes would have been ripped and her skin would be torn.

A spear...

Xue's spear.

The sharp, pointed tip was plunged into the ground. There was another sharp tip on the spear protruding towards the left, and its shape seem to resemble a wing, and the wing was connected to the upper body of the spear.

That particular part of the spear was carved in a humanoid shape. It seemed to resemble a fallen angel, especially since the appearance of the spear was a midnight black colour, with parts of it glowing in a mysterious, swirling blue.

The spear was long, almost matching Xue's height.

Linqin felt her legs trembling, and her pale face turned to look at a handsome, ash blond-haired man standing at the entrance of the garden, leaning on the pillar. He seemed eerily composed, however, his eyes were showing hints of murderous intent.

He pushed himself forward, standing straight as he recalled his spear. The girls surrounding Linqin scattered, terrified.

Meanwhile, the blade of water was still aiming for Hana. Some of the students noticed it, only jumping out of the way, except for one who began to shield Hana.

Hana was still confused, unable to see what was happening due to her vision being blocked.

Suddenly, right in front of the courageous man, the ground curved inwards, as if someone with tremendous strength had punched it. That same area of the ground sprung up, forming a wall and blocking the blade of water completely.

Once it absorbed the water blade, it sunk back down into the ground, and the flat ground in front of the same boy was now damp.

Linqin went weak, collapsing to the ground as she saw Xue approaching her, swinging the spear in his hand. Linqin had a crush on Xue, but at the same time, she feared him.

Her fear of him overwhelmed her at this moment.

"Xue."

A voice called out, the storm in Xue's eyes subsided as he paused. He swivelled his head, seeing Cecil fling something in his direction.

A rock shot out from Cecil's robes and it hit Linqin's hand, causing her to release her fan as it dropped to the ground. She brought her trembling hand to her chest, holding the part where Cecil hit her with the rock; it was slightly red.

Xue frowned as Cecil shook her head at him.

"She tried to--"

"Don't do it."

"You dare order--"

"For her sake, Xue." Cecil answered coldly, gesturing her head to Hana.

Xue followed Cecil's line of sight, annoyed at the male students surrounding Hana like flies. He marched towards them, and they backed away from fright. Xue then dragged Hana away who only smiled happily at seeing him.

Cecil sighed in relief, walking leisurely towards Linqin, stretching her hand out to Linqin.

"Do-don't expect me to thank you."

"I don't need it," Cecil withdrew her hand, crouching down as she lowered her voice. "I warned you not to touch Hana again, unless you are seeking for your own death."

Linqin scoffed, trembling. "Yo-you dare to kill me?"

"I don't kill people," Cecil tilted her chin up. "But Xue does, and he doesn't show mercy."

Linqin was quiet.

"This is the third time, Linqin. I won't be able to stop him forever." Cecil reminded her in a haughty tone.

Without waiting for her reply, Cecil left the garden and once she was out of sight, she stumbled, clutching onto the wall for support.

I came here to find Hana to see her performance and have a short rest.

Who knew the protagonist would appear and try to kill someone again?

This is happening too many times...

Cecil shaked her head, she didn't understand why people in this world always hastened to end their life.

Her face was pale, and she closed her eyes, using the wall to support her. The second gate was easier to open, and it took her five torturous hours, just in time for her to drop by to watch Hana.

Due to this new plot she has unlocked, Cecil was surprised to know that Hana did possess some skill. Albeit, it wasn't too impressive, but it was still something.

In the novel, the author only made her sit still and look pretty. Thus, no one could really see her capabilities.

[ Your fifth mission has arrived!
Mission #5 : Freshmen Tournament
Objective : Participate in the tournament and get into the top 15.
Reward : 20 points
Failure of mission will result in a negative 20 points. ]

Seeing this message, her face contorted with vexation. Cecil wanted to say something to the AI, until someone called out to her.

"Cecil?"

Cecil raised her head up at the familiar voice.

"Kai."

"Why are you--oh. You opened your second gate?"

Cecil nodded with a hum.

Kai grinned, seemingly proud for her and he hurried forward to support her, and Cecil allowed him to do so.

"I knew you'll open it soon enough. Congratulations."

"Why are you here?"

"Because of you, Cecil."

Cecil shook her head with a resigned smile, Kai always gave her the same answer. She didn't understand how Kai still hadn't flown over to Hana's side.

She knew, for sure, Kai liked her sincerely. She was honoured and confused. It was the first time in her life that a man liked her, and she also knew she wasn't his fated one.

Furthermore, Cecil was sure what she felt for him wasn't the same type of "like".

The type of like I have for Kai, is similar to that of a sister liking her younger brother. I am also his greatest fan, and I can't help but treat him well.

This adorable, silly man...why does he like me? And how can I fix this? I really can't bear to hurt him, not only because he is the protagonist...but because this past month, I really enjoyed being with him.

Cecil sighed, ruffling Kai's hair and he leaned into her touch, asking her. "Where do you want to go?"

"Since Hana was snatched away by Xue, I shall retire for the day."

"You went to find Hana? Even if you just opened your second gate, you shouldn't be so exhausted."

Cecil waved it off, "I encountered an unexpected situation, but it's already over."

The two of them began to walk in the direction of the dorm catered for the female students of the earth division.

The female students roamed about the dorm area, and the more curious ones eyed Cecil and Kai. They were popular among the students, and some of them even suspected them to be a couple.

At first, many of the girls were envious and spiteful of Cecil, especially due to her haughty and cold mien. Now, they were starting to be less spiteful but still remaining envious.

After all, Kai was the academy's golden boy and treasured disciple of the principal.

"At this rate you are going, you'll be at the third gate soon and your element will evolve."

"It seems so."

Kai smiled, and the way Kai looked at Cecil could make one melt into a puddle. "I'll cheer for you, and whenever you need me, come find me in the fire division."

"Thank you, but I'll be fine on my own." her tone was soft and her eyes downcast.

Kai couldn't help but admire her long eyelashes.

Suddenly, those eyelashes lifted and Kai found himself looking at Cecil's pellucid and mesmerising eyes.

His heart skipped a beat, and he blinked rapidly.

"Kai, you..."

"Ye-yeah?"

"I...I can't like you, as a man. You know that, right?" Cecil said, her voice cautious.

Her eyes clearly reflected her conflicted emotions, and Kai knew she wasn't lying.

"I know," Kai gave her a half-hearted smile. "But I don't know why, I can't stop liking you."

Cecil felt her heart ache for this man, she didn't come to this world to look for love. Neither did she ask to be here, and in this position.

She only wanted to help the protagonist, but she seemed to be causing him distress instead.

"You are a good friend to me, and I really appreciate you. I just can't...bring myself to like you," Cecil swallowed, sounding vulnerable. "I really...don't want to hurt you."

Kai scratched at his head, the deed was already done, he was already hurt. He knew, long ago, that this woman wouldn't come to like him.

It hurts, but seeing her this vulnerable makes it worse.

"I'll be fine, Cecil. I am not that fragile," Kai stepped forward, hesitating, before hugging Cecil lightly. "It's my choice, the hurt that comes along is for me to experience."

Cecil didn't resist, and the hug attracted a huge commotion.

"Bu-but--"

"You should go in and rest now, in another week, it'll be the tournament among the freshmen division." Kai withdrew from the hug.

Kai was a sophomore, thus, he would only be participating as an audience.

Cecil gazed at him, wanting to say more but she didn't know what.

"...alright." she sighed heavily. "You are going to be there too, aren't you?"

"Of course, to support you--"

Cecil became troubled and Kai panicked.

"To support you, Hana and th-that guy!"

"Xue?"

"Right, Xue."

Cecil smiled, nodding and she headed back to her dorm. Kai watched her figure disappear completely before leaving.

***

Another week passed, and the four of them only saw each other from time to time, they were all busy training for the tournament. However, unlike the others, Cecil wasn't focused on the tournament.

She wanted to withdraw from the tournament, until the mission popped up.

If she could, she wouldn't want to lose any points. From reading the novel, she could gauge that her skill level could land her in the 12th place. Nevertheless, as soon as she touched the 15th place, she would remove herself from the tournament.

She didn't have time to concentrate on the tournament with the deadline of Kai's soul absorption approaching. Moreover, her mind was focused on another thing.

The sword mound.

That was where every single individual would receive their sword, meant for their elemental training after they evolved.

Cecil couldn't be bothered about her sword, she only wanted one thing from the sword mound.

A herb.

***

Pt. 1

《 start 》

Why did I stop when I heard that woman's voice?

Why did I listen to that woman?

Why did I obey her? Again?

For Hana's sake?

...no...all of it wasn't for Hana's sake.

《 stop 》

***

Pt. 2

《 start 》

She likes me not.

She likes me.

She likes me not.

She lik--

Oh, crap, I need to start with "she likes me" first. It's seven petals.

...what am I doing, when I already know her answer?

Whatever, I'm still doing it anyway. She likes me, she likes me not, she likes me...

《 stop 》