Chapter 360 Chilly Night 3

Chapter 360 Chilly Night 3

<The night after Callius returned from his 'holiday.'>

"Lirienne, I have a task for you."

Inside the training grounds of the academy, I was talking with Lirienne.

While sparring with her, of course. Considering my new breakthrough and my new powers, I need something to adapt my strength.

And what could be better than sparring with a partner who wouldn't whine no matter how many times she was hit?

<nulli>SWOOSH As her blade glazed through my face, I smoothly side-stepped her attack.

<nulli>THUD And threw a fast kick to her abdomen.

"Huk!"

My kick was connected, making her squirm.

<nulli>SWOOSH However, she smoothly widened her distance as her silver eyes looked into mine. There was something different about her tonight, a change in her demeanor that caught my attention.

'For some reason, I am getting a different vibe from her.'

At first, I couldn't understand why. The moment I met with Lirienne, the sense of battle I sharpened as an adventurer picked up a feeling.

However, it was not a feeling that made me feel endangered but rather made me feel like Lirienne has grown.

And this spar has proven that fact.

"You have improved your magic." She was now actively using her magic. "It seems your enlightenment worked wonders for you."

<nulli>SWOOSH However, instead of answering me, she just bolted to me with her daggers raised, using the annoying ability that made her a signature boss in the game.

<nulli>SWISH The ability that made her disappear.

'On the right.'

However, I knew her enough to predict where she would attack.

<nulli>SWOOSH

And, just as I predicted, she attacked from my right side.

Her speed was faster than before, but that was the same for me. As a matter of fact, in front of my eyes, she was moving slower than before.

'Certainly, being a dragon never disappoints.'

<nulli>THUD

With a smooth palm attack on her chest, I made her squirm once again. I was not even using my aura, but just by my physical strength alone, I could go against the girl who was reaching a 4-star peak rank.

<nulli>THUD THUD THUD

Moreover, this time, I didn't have any intention to let her go. After throwing another three palm strikes to her chest, I rendered her immobile and climbed on top of her.

<nulli>CRACKLE With my lightning-charged hand pointing to her neck.

"This is enough."

And finished the spar with those words.

<nulli>NOD "Hmm...."

She nodded while humming. I could see she was in pain; her body was convulsing. But at this point, Lirienne was trained enough to resist such pain without making any sound.

I made sure of it.

"Take this."

Putting a small portion on her chest, I raised my body.

<nulli>TUCK At least, I tried to.

Different from what I was expecting, Lirienne grabbed the hem of my training shirt. Her arm didn't contain much strength, and I could stand up immediately if I wanted.

But I didn't do it.

Turning back, I saw Lirienne looking at me with eyes that contained clarity that they hadn't before.

"What?"

"....."

"What?"

As she looked at me with clear eyes, her hand moved over my chest without answering.

"What are you doing right now?"

"....I am feeling you....."

Her voice was barely audible, but my heightened senses were able to pick it up.

'She is feeling me? Don't tell me this girl.....'

I didn't know what happened while I was gone, but clearly, something was different about Lirienne. Her gaze at me changed, and her awkwardness also disappeared.

Her hands wandered around my body a little more, but that was enough for now.

<nulli>SWOOSH Putting a little strength on my legs, I stood up, leaving her on the ground.

"Lirienne." nove/Lb-In

"....."

"I have a task for you."

'At this point, Aliya will get too much attention on herself.'

Considering what I was going to do tomorrow, Vincent would not be able to continue his activities like he used to do.

'After all, I am going to crush every bit of their spies.'

And, when I pushed them to reveal their hands, they would need to make a move.

'Aliya will be the best target for them. They will probably use the inside personnel.'

This academy might look safe from the outside, but unless you are a member of a higher rank, it is not.

Every dormitory does have insider personnel working for different factions, and this is where things were going to get tricky.

Looking at Lirienne, I continued my words.

"I want you to watch over someone."

"....."

I could see Lirienne sulking, but I didn't mind.

"Do you know Aliya Norris?"

As I spoke, Lirienne raised her head.

"The girl whose smell is on you?" And asked.

"..."

This time, it was my turn to turn speechless. After all, Lirienne's gaze when she mentioned the smell was certainly not normal.

However, that didn't mean I needed to deny it.

"Yes. She is the girl that was with me today."

I anticipated her resistance and calmly replied, "Because she will be ".....Then....." Lirienne prompted, clearly puzzled.

"Yes, you're going to watch over her," I informed her.

"Why?" Lirienne grumbled, her reluctance evident.

I anticipated her resistance and calmly replied, "Because she will be targeted tomorrow night."

"She will be targeted?" Lirienne's curiosity grew.

"Yes," I affirmed.

But Lirienne, still not entirely on board, muttered, "I don't like her."

"Why don't you like her?" I probed, wanting to see what she was going to say.

"Hmph...."

However, she remained silent, offering no explanation for her aversion to Aliya. Her expression revealed nothing, leaving me to wonder about the source of her dislike.

Of course, that would be if I didn't know her, but I certainly did. If she was able to pinpoint the smell, then that meant she was going into that territory.

But, one thing needed to be cleared.

<Trait [Dragon's Pride] active.>

<nullb> "Lirienne."

As my pressure descended upon Lirienne, I could feel her pupils shaking slightly.

<nullb>"I didn't ask how did you feel."

Those words were enough to make her feel what I wanted to convey. After retracting my aura, I looked into her eyes.

"Make sure nothing happens to Aliya. If not, I am going to kill you with my own hands."

Clearly understanding my intent, Lirienne lowered her head and didn't answer. With those words, I left the place and went to my room.