Chapter 46: Tension Rising

Chapter 46: Tension RisingThe buses from Genova Academy rolled into Lugina, the bright morning sun reflecting off their shiny exteriors. Students inside were excited, their chatter filling the air as they looked out of the windows at the unfamiliar city.

On the other hand, staff members were trying to maintain an air of professionalism, giving the students final reminders about the purpose of this expedition.

Eliza stood at the front of one of the buses as she addressed the students.

"Alright, everyone, listen up, we're here in Lugina for the summer expedition, and the focus is twofold. One, you'll be studying professional beast masters in the arena. Watch how they strategize, how they bond with their beasts and learn from their successes and failures. Two, we'll be exploring the surrounding region to tame monsters, an experience to sharpen your own skills as beast masters. You are to observe, learn, and, most importantly, participate, understood?"

The students nodded, some of them more enthusiastically than others. Kenny stared out of the window, clearly uninterested, while Crystal tried to take everything in. Lisa, meanwhile, was sitting with her eyes glued to Eliza, listening carefully to every word she said.

Once the buses came to a stop, the students were ushered out. Their guide, a young man in formal attire with black hair, greeted them with a slight bow.

"Welcome to Lugina. My name is Victor, and I'll be your guide during this expedition. As you've heard from your counselor, your time here will be split between studying professional beast masters and participating in monster-taming activities. We've arranged for you all to be divided into smaller groups to maximize your learning experience, If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask."

A student raised her hand.

"Will we get to participate in the arena matches too? Or is it just observation?"

Victor smiled.

"That's a good question. The arena matches for professionals are highly competitive. You will primarily observe, but if your instructors deem you ready and if circumstances allow, you might get a chance to test your skills. For now, focus on learning from the pros."

Another student spoke up.

"How dangerous are the monsters in the region?"

Victor nodded.

"The monsters vary in difficulty. You will be working under supervision, and our priority is your safety. However, expect a challenge. This is an opportunity to push yourselves and to test your limits in a controlled, yet realistic environment."

After a few more questions, the students were grouped into smaller teams, each assigned a different area of Lugina to explore. Lisa, Kenny, Crystal, and another boy named Julian found themselves grouped together. Julian was tall, lanky, with a carefree attitude and an easy smile.

"Alright, team," Victor addressed them. "Your first task is to head to the arena and observe today's matches. This will give you insight into the mindset of professional beast masters and the strategies they use. Take notes, and if you have questions, feel free to ask one of the staff members present."

Lisa glanced at Kenny, who had his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression sour. "Hey, it'll be fun."

Kenny gave her a sideways glance, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Since when are you this enthusiastic?"

Lisa smiled, a little too brightly.

"Since I realized how much we can learn here. Come on, Kenny, it'll be worth it."

Crystal, who had been observing the exchange quietly, raised an eyebrow, her suspicion growing. Lisa's sudden enthusiasm was... strange, to say the least. She watched as Lisa nudged Kenny, trying to coax a smile out of him, something she had never seen her do before.

Julian grinned, his eyes bouncing between his teammates.

"Well, the guide says to watch arena matches, so let's get to it! Who knows, maybe we'll have a chance to throw hands."

Kenny sighed but relented.

"Fine, let's just get this over with."

The group made their way towards an arena, Lisa relieved. She needed an excuse to slip away and meet somehow with Rowan. She was counting on the fact that he would be visiting the different colleges around the city. She just needed a moment alone with him, a chance to get information about Eratz's whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Eratz, Cassie, Roger, and Colin were finally done moving into their new home. The apartment was located in the heart of Lugina, a stark contrast to their previous apartment.

The space was bright and spacious, with three bedrooms, a large bathroom, a cozy living room, a neat kitchen, and even a balcony that overlooked the bustling city below.

"Wow! This is amazing," Colin exclaimed as she stepped into the living room, her eyes wide. She spun around, taking it all in, her face lighting up in delight.

"Look at all this space," Roger said, dropping a box down in the kitchen and stretching his arms. "I think we have finally found our little paradise."

"Our little paradise for now," Eratz dropped off a few bags.

Cassie smiled, running her hand along the countertop in the kitchen.

"It's definitely a change... everything keeps changing."

Colin's face, however, soon turned into a pout as she peeked into the rooms.

"Wait... Eratz and I don't get to share a room anymore?"

"Aww, are you going to miss me that much?" Eratz grinned at her.

Colin crossed her arms, trying to act tough

"N-No way! I just thought it was fun sharing a room... like in the forest."

Eratz laughed, reaching over to ruffle her hair.

"Don't worry, little one, you'll have more space now to do whatever you want, like cleaning

the room yourself."

Colin huffed, swatting his hand away, though a smile tugged at her lips.

"I can do that too, I'm not a kid, you know."

"Sure, sure," Eratz said.

The atmosphere was light, everyone in high spirits as they unpacked and settled in. Roger and Eratz exchanged teasing remarks as they moved boxes around.

After a while, Eratz spoke up, his tone more thoughtful.

"I have some matches soon, and I'll do some shopping after, do you guys need anything?"

Cassie looked at him, her eyes softening. She was silent for a moment, then she gave a sad

smile.

"Why don't we finish putting everything in its place before adding more stuff?"

Eratz nodded

"Got it, Aunt Cassie."

Roger clapped Eratz on the shoulder, giving him a grin.

"Look at you, acting all responsible. Why don't you show them the kind of faces you show in

the arena?"

Eratz smirked.

"I could, but I'm afraid to take your throne, Boss."

Roger laughed, shaking his head. Sёarch* The Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Alright, alright, just get out of here you little freak."

With a laugh, Eratz grabbed his phone and headed toward the door. He paused for a moment, looking back at them. Cassie gave him a nod, her smile still in place but her eyes betraying her worry. Eratz returned the nod before stepping out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Cassie, as soon as he left, hurried to the bathroom. She closed the door behind her, her shoulders slumping as she leaned against the sink.

Tears welled in her eyes, her heart filling with fear. She was terrified that Eratz might bump into his family, that they would take him away. She regretted mentioning their location so

casually.

She covered her mouth, stifling her sobs, the weight of her fears overwhelming her. Eratz had become like a son to her, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

Outside, Eratz checked his phone. He sent a quick text to

Mercury:

[How many matches so far?]

The reply was almost instant:

[7 since morning.]

Eratz chuckled, shaking his head.

[7? Pathetic I'll do 8]

Mercury's response came swiftly:

[Break a leg.]

Eratz smiled, tucking his phone back into his pocket.

Mercury, meanwhile, was sitting at a cozy café near a bridge next to an arena. She wore a stylish outfit, a light blue blouse that complimented her eyes, tucked into a high-waisted black skirt. Her shoes were elegant, matching her skirt. She looked effortlessly fashionable,

and smirked, showing her teeth, to Eratz's messages.

"Mercury!" a voice called, and she looked up, her smirk turning into a bright smile.

Two girls approached her, both dressed elegantly.

One had long, dark hair cascading down her back, her outfit a mix of flowing fabrics that made

her look graceful and poised. The other was shorter, with a bob haircut and a sharp, confident

expression. She wore a tailored jacket over a floral dress, giving her an air of chic

sophistication.

"Hey, girls," Mercury greeted, her eyes lighting up.

"We haven't seen you for so long," the taller girl said, her tone playful. "You're always so

busy." "True," added the one in the jacket. "I thought you forgot all about us, being the 'water prodigy' and all."

Mercury laughed, waving her hand dismissively.

"Hey, I haven't forgotten you two. I've just been busy with matches and training, you know

how it is. But I've got more time now." She winked. "I've got a very good pal helping me, so

I'm free for the rest of today."

They took a seat around her table, and Mercury looked at both of them with a genuine smile. "Alright, enough about me. Tell me, what's been happening in your lives?"

The three began chatting, their voices filling the cozy café with laughter and stories.

At the same time, Lisa, Crystal, Kenny, and Julian entered the same café, their group finding a

table not too far from where Mercury and her friends sat.

Julian looked around, clearly in high spirits. He stretched his arms, grinning widely.

"This place is perfect! Let's grab some drinks and enjoy the day."

Crystal sat down, her eyes scanning the café distractedly. She had been on edge ever since the

expedition started, watching Lisa closely.

Lisa, on the other hand, seemed determined to keep a cheerful demeanor. She smiled at

Julian's suggestion.

"Yeah, sounds good. We deserve a little break, right?"

Julian raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Whoa, Lisa's agreeing with me? You're really in a good mood today, huh? I like this version

of you." He looked over at Kenny and nudged him with a playful grin. "And look at us! Two

boys and two girls, it's practically fate. Right, Kenny?"

Kenny shot Julian a withering glare.

"Don't push it, Julian."

Julian put his hands up defensively, a grin still on his face.

"Alright, alright, I'm just saying." He then looked back at Lisa. "But seriously, it's nice to see

you smile. You're always so... serious."

Lisa felt a little annoyed and glanced at Kenny, the boy barely reacting, but she kept her smile.

"Well, maybe I'm trying to change that. We're here to learn, right? Might as well enjoy it too." Crystal narrowed her eyes, her suspicion growing. She watched the interactions, her mind filled with questions. Lisa was definitely acting differently, and it was making her more uneasy by second.

Julian laughed, shaking his head.

"Yeah, yeah, we're here to learn. But I think we're also here to live a little."

He then leaned in, giving Kenny a cheeky grin.

"Who knows, Kenny? Maybe you should start thinking about focusing on one girl, you know?

Might help you with that attitude."

Kenny scowled, clearly annoyed. He looked away, trying to ignore Julian's comments. As he

glanced around the café, his eyes suddenly froze. There, across the room, he saw Mercury.