Chapter 219 Almost Caught



"Time to go back to the Academy~"

Stretching my arms, I weaved my wrist, making the Shadow Armor and Blade vanish into thin air.

I let out a satisfying sigh, feeling my muscles relax and the tension melt away.

For the past few days, I had been fighting non-stop against hordes of Shadows and even Demons.

It was normal that my entire body felt like it had been put through a meat grinder.

But now, it was time to go back to the Academy.

I'd spent most of the one-week break exploring the Dungeon and the classes were about to start again.

"..."

Recalling the combat lessons, I smirked.

I couldn't wait to try the new Mana Art.

Although I've already used it against monsters multiple times, it's not the same as using it against human opponents with different fighting styles and strategies.

"I wonder how Oscar will react..."

Imagining his Silver Spear being blocked by my Shadowy Blade, I smirked.

Maybe I should make a bet...

My thoughts began to steer in an exciting direction as I imagined how much money I could make from this 'fair' bet between friends.

A greedy smile began to spread across my face and an eerie giggle escaped my lips.

However, I was snapped out of my useless thoughts by the distant sound of something flying through the air.

Whoosh...

Frowning, I instinctively dashed toward the forest trees, hiding under their lush canopy.

"What is this now?"

I muttered under my breath, peeking out from my hiding spot.

'Mana Perception...'

The world around me began to morph, a myriad of different colors and energies swirling together in a mesmerizing dance.

My eyes locked onto a specific source of Mana, a shimmering blue light cutting through the air with graceful precision.

"What is a military aircraft doing here..."

I muttered to myself, looking at the aircraft flying closer, its sleek design and advanced technology evident.

Whoosh...

The flying vehicle began to slow down, hovering mid-air, above the village with a low hum.

For a moment, it froze in the sky, its engines emitting a soft purr.

Whoosh...

The aircraft began to descend, slowly and steadily, until its landing gear touched the ground with a gentle thud.

"..."

The corner of my eye twitched seeing the unexpected arrival of the military.

'Why are they here? Could it be!?'

Suddenly, a wild thought appeared in my mind.

What if, somehow, the military discovered the Shadow Dungeon?

Of course, they would want to investigate the area!

I clenched my teeth, looking at the unmoving vehicle.

Although I've killed all or most of the Shadows, the Dungeon portal was still open, so there would be a possibility that they stumble upon it.

Although the portal would disappear soon since I'd killed the Dungeon boss, there was no need for the government to know anything about the Shadow Element yet.

It is an element that is better not known by anyone.

Powerful but dangerous.

I'd rather no one discover it and risk its misuse or exploitation.

Click...

My attention was drawn by the clicking sound of the aircraft.

Somebody was about to exit.

"The trip didn't take that long, did it?"

A woman with long, flowing silver hair stepped out of the aircraft and looked around the area with a smile on her face.

Seeing her, I almost choked.

'Why is Carolina here!?'

Suppressing the groan that was threatening to escape from my throat, I began to massage my eyebrows.

Carolina is a high-ranking official in the military and the woman who is responsible for the safety of Helixia City, including monitoring any anomalies and potential threats.

Her Rank was S and she was known for her exceptional combat skills and strategic thinking.

'Why the hell is she really here!?'

They could've sent any other officer to investigate since Helixia is basically on the other side of the Kingdom and yet they sent Carolina.

A Woman who was basically the best of the best in their ranks.

'Escaping will be difficult...'

Sighing, I began to retreat into the forest, however, my eyes caught sight of another figure emerging from the aircraft.

Blond Hair.

Bow tightly held in her hands.

Emerald eyes that had unnatural calmness.

'Katarina...'

Observing the girl, I quietly cursed my luck.

I needed to leave or else if I'm caught I'd be instantly recognized.

Tap... Tap...

Step by step I began to retreat into the forest, disappearing behind the lush greenery.

It didn't take too long for me to completely disappear out of sight and I began to sprint frantically toward the shore of the river.

Huff... Huff...

Letting out a long breath, I ignored the boat that was docked inside the forest of reeds and dove into the cold water, immersing myself in its refreshing embrace.

The boat was already broken by the Shadow Kraken's attacks and even if the engine would've worked, I wasn't going to risk it being heard by Carolina.

Splash... Splash...

Swimming through the river, I felt the soreness of my muscles threatening to slow me down, but I pushed through.

I couldn't afford to stop and rest.

"Fuck..."

Luckily, nothing attacked me during my swim, and I reached the other side of the river unscathed.

However, curses spilled from my mouth.

My phone was still in my pocket since I forgot to put it into my Spatial Ring and now it was drenched, rendering it unusable.

"How will I know when the train arrives..."

I groaned in frustration as I fumbled with my wet phone, realizing it was no longer functional.

However, just as I was about to walk toward the forest, a face appeared out of the greenery on the other side of the river.

Although we were quite some distance away, I could make out her blond hair and sighed.

'It's Katarina...'

Feeling some relief since it's not Carolina, I didn't hesitate, dashing into the greenery before she could shoot arrows.

I didn't want to get caught since the questioning would be hell of annoying.

I might even be killed or tortured for information.

"Yeah, I'm not staying..."

I whispered to myself, dashing toward the station and suppressing my Mana as tightly as possible.

Whoosh...

Suddenly, the sound of something flying through the air echoed in the area and I smirked.

This was not the sound of the military aircraft but rather the train.

'Come on...'

Picking up my pace, I raced towards the train station, determined to catch the departing train.

With every stride I took, I was getting closer.

Tap...

Soon the ground began to change and I stepped onto the stone platform where the train was waiting, its engine humming softly.

I've made it!

***

Whoosh...

The train began to ascend into the air, slowly moving through the sky and gaining momentum with every second.

It was as if seeing a massive dragon taking flight, the train soared through the clouds effortlessly.

It would soon reach the required height to accelerate and breach the sound barrier.

However...

Whoosh...

Another aircraft suddenly approached the train, a Mana pulse rippling through the air.

It was a military aircraft and it was about to conduct a search on the train's passengers.

***

"I'd be soooo fucked..."

Looking at the train hovering in the air, I chuckled to myself.

Of course, I'm not going to enter a train that could be caught within seconds.

I'd be the dumbest criminal if I did.

I smirked, looking as the train was forced to stop and the military aircraft began their search, systematically going through each compartment and scrutinizing every passenger.

"They won't find me that easily."

Turning around, I began toward the North.

Although I was without transport, I could still make it to the Academy before the break ended.

Tap... Tap...

Throwing the last look toward the train and the aircraft, I began to walk.

***

"You sure you saw somebody?"

Carolina steered the aircraft's wheel to the right, away from the train, allowing the massive transport to continue its journey undisturbed.

"Yes, it was a human figure."

Katarina mumbled to herself, her brow furrowed in frustration.

Not only did she miss a chance to explore a new element because the Dungeon was already closing due to somebody killing its boss.

But also, the only human that she saw within the vicinity escaped from their grasp.

"Damn..."

Whispering, she began to bite her nails nervously, deep in thought about the implications of the escaped individual.

This life was not normal for her.

A new person entered this timeline.

A new element appeared out of nowhere.

The City attack which wasn't supposed to happen for another two years, occurred way too early.

'Too many unknown variables...'

Noticing that all of her calculations and predictions were being disrupted, Katarina's frustration arose once again.

Should she begin to eliminate these unknown variables?

Or should she focus on gaining her own personal strength?

"..."

Looking outside the aircraft's window Katarina sighed.

The world was really hard for this specific girl.