Chapter 97

You want to know

the difference between the master and the beginner?

The master has failed

more times than the beginner has even tried.

-i don't know the author of the quote

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In a matter of minutes, Baozi and I finally arrive at the edge of the forest leaving the snake far behind in our dust. It's so quiet, and beautiful. The trees are a foot taller than Baozi, even if he stands at full height. The earth is mushy with dead leaves coating the ground like a blanket. Then there's the sound of a running lake in the background, and larger than normal insects buzzing around. Yes, there are roaches in this world. I was not surprised as those things don't die. I can hear noises in the distance, similar to a stampede. That means the others are almost here.

Before I leave, I have to do my victory stance. I harness the fire element and in an arrogant display I shoot the fire up into the sky. Baozi does the same, turning his head upwards and letting out a mighty squawk.

"Aah, don't you just love powerful displays of dominance."

"Yes, they're fun and all but Master we're currently participating in a race, there is no time for prating." Without waiting for my response, Baozi advances in the air, speeding back to the starting point. The scenery hasn't changed at all, except for the fact that there's a noticeable trail of charred forestry. With the sounds of fighting and mind tingling feminine cry, I can conclude that the female lead has a offended someone, again.

Tch, that's her problem. I have a hungry bird to feed.

Just as soon as we started Baozi and I arrive at the large field. The professor is standing in the middle of the field with her mount. A cold expression remains on her face as her glasses glare back at the sun's rays.

Baozi settles down away from them, and I take that opportunity to dismount from his head. Stretching my arms and rolling my neck a bright smile is on my face. It's not everyday you get to show off in front of people. This was nice.

Later on, more and more students return. Some out of breathe, others have dirt on their clothes and some look like they are one step away from meeting Yama, the king of hell.

I strain my eyes in an attempt to look for Ora. Where has she gone to? I hope she wasn't the unlucky person that got into a brawl with Elizabeth. Then, when my anxiety has hit its peak, I see her running towards me with bright eyes filled with the expression of wanting to say something, but isn't able to. I know that look, she's coming to gossip.

"Meliaaaaa, my dear friend. You would not believe the scene I just witnessed."

"If it has nothing to do with Sebastian I won't be that interested."

"Oh, but you will darling. It's about Elizabeth, a certain prince and a certain princess." My eyebrows raise in surprise, but I already had an inkling that what she is about to tell me has something to do with our bad luck star. It is like trouble always seems to find her. One of the downsides to being the Female Lead, even though it's technically me but who cares about technicalities.

"Okay fine, even if I say no you're still going to tell me anyway."

"Yay, I love you, have I ever told you that."

"Yes, It's hard not to love someone as beautiful as me, but continue with your praises." I respond in a snobbish voice.

"Whatever, let me tell my story." I urge her with my voice to continue. She always takes so long to get to the good part.

"Well I just happened to be riding Xiao Bao (Xiao Bao is a wolf and earth bear hybrid, he has the body of an earth bear and the snout of a wolf) next to princess Akiko from the kingdom of , the way she looked riding her ice tiger was unnerving so I stayed in the back a little, people like that tend to get pissed off at the tiniest things. All of a sudden Elizabeth passes by me on her mount and she's riding side by side next to Akiko. It looked as though she was trying to tell Akiko an apology as her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked very pitiful. Akiko looked at her in disgust and rage flashed across her face, then I guess that was her blowing point as she smashed her mount into Elizabeth's. At the time I thought Elizabeth was going to die a dog's death, but then all of a sudden the prince from the Kingdom of Beast Tamer's, Maximus came and he stopped Akiko from trying to kill Elizabeth.

Melia, If you saw the way he glared at Akiko! Akiko was so angry that the backlash she got from the unexpected halt of her attack caused her to cough up blood."

"Poor girl, I wonder what Elizabeth could have said to make Akiko so angry."

"I don't know but whatever it is, it must be serious." I nod along with Ora agreeing with her. Sigh, it's a good thing I'm here, I can't let this suppose to be cannon fodder harm important people.

I scan the crowd for the two girls but I only see Elizabeth and Maximus. It looks like Elizabeth has already made a good impression on him. It doesn't bother me, for he had a hand in killing Melia in the otome game as well. So long as he stays amiable and helps me in the upcoming war I won't kill him. However, that doesn't mean he is excluded from getting a taste of his own medicine.

Lost in thought, I did not hear when the professor calls out my name. That is until Ora so kindly elbow bumped me in my side.

"Melia Leigh!"

"Yes teacher!" I shout from the back so she can hear me. Too bad I don't have inner force like the martial artists, instead I have to strain my voice.

" I want you to search the forest for your classmate Akiko. Do you think you can handle such a simple task?" The condescending tone in her voice does not go unnoticed, but I ignore her, the woman probable just needs to find a dual cultivation partner. She needs to get all of those pent up frustrations out.

"Yes teacher!" As I go to hop on Baozi, the teacher's voice rings through the field again.

"No mounts. Walk on foot." Why does it feel as though she is purposely making things difficult for me? Oh well, this just shows how professional she really is. I can feel my favorable impression of her already dropping.

Walking into the forest, I ignore the snickers of my fellow classmates. I can easily take them all in a one on one anyway. The strong always rules the weak.

"Who said the rest of you can make noise! Shut up! We have other things to go over. Don't think I haven't forgotten how poor your forms were during the race." Her voice soon turns to nothing as I continue my walk.

The further I go in the darker it gets. I have to watch out for all kinds of animal traps, unless It's my life's dream to become the snack of a high leveled beast.. Ha, my sardonic comments never fail to keep me company during my time's of loneliness.