Chapter 413 94.1 - Not every negative thing is negative

Chapter 413 94.1 - Not every negative thing is negative

The end-of-the-semester duel festival for freshmen was in full swing, and the academy grounds buzzed with excitement and activity.

Among the many booths set up for the event, one in particular stood out, drawing a steady stream of visitors.

The booth, adorned with colorful banners and enticing aromas, was dedicated to selling chips and snacks. Behind the counter, Maya and her friends worked with cheerful efficiency, their presence adding a magnetic charm to the scene.

Maya, the top seat of the sophomore year, was at the center of attention. Her reputation had spread far and wide, and many students flocked to the booth not just for the delicious snacks but to catch a glimpse of her.

Maya's gentle nature and radiant smile, as she prepared and served the snacks, played a significant role in attracting the crowd. She moved gracefully, her hands deftly handling the various ingredients, while her laughter and friendly banter with customers created a warm, inviting atmosphere.

"Here you go! Enjoy the snacks and have a great time at the festival!" Maya said, handing a bag of chips to a group of excited freshmen. Her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth, making each interaction feel personal and special.

Beside her, Amelia stood, her smile matching Maya's in brightness but with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She helped Maya prepare the snacks, her enthusiasm seemingly masking her deeper emotions.

Amelia's hands moved quickly and skillfully, yet there was a slight tension in her posture, a reflection of the inner conflict she kept hidden.

"Amelia, could you pass me the seasoning mix?" Maya asked, turning to her friend with a grateful smile.

"Of course, Maya!" Amelia replied, her voice cheerful. She handed over the mix, her eyes lingering on Maya for a moment longer than necessary. Despite the sadness she felt, despite how heartbroken she was, she couldn't help but be proud of her 'friend's' accomplishments and the joy she brought to others.

As the line of customers continued, many of them exchanged excited whispers about Maya.

Of course, not everyone there was a student at the academy. In fact, most of them came from the outside.

"Who is this big sister? She is so beautiful."

A young kid looked up, his eyes locked on Maya while he and his mother were passing through the boot.

"That big sister?" the mother teased her young son, a playful glint in her eye. "Would you like to marry her?"

The kid blushed furiously but mumbled, "I want to."

Maya, overhearing the exchange, couldn't help but smile. She called the kid over to the booth, her gentle demeanor putting him at ease. "I'm flattered," she said warmly, "but I'm afraid I can't marry you. There's someone else that I want as my husband."

Suddenly, the chatter around the booth quieted. Her friends, who had been busy preparing snacks, looked up with wide eyes. The crowd, including the mother and her son, seemed to hold their breath as they waited for more. Maya's serene and beautiful smile spread a radiant warmth, captivating everyone around her.

'Ah....She must have said this so as not to let the kid down. Maya, you are too kind!'

Aside from only one person, everyone was thinking about this, as they knew about Maya's character.

Aside from one.

As Amelia knew Maya and about her feelings.

'Right...' The kid, feeling a bit shy, looked down at the ground, clearly unsure of how to respond. Maya knelt down to his level, her smile never wavering. "But how about I show you a magic trick instead? Would you like that?" Yôur favorite stories at novelhall.com

The kid's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. Maya stood back up, flicking her fingers with a practiced ease.

In an instant, the elements responded to her command. Water swirled in the air, forming delicate shapes before cascading down like a gentle waterfall. Air currents danced around, lifting leaves and creating miniature whirlwinds.

Earth rose up, forming intricate patterns on the ground, while flames flickered and twirled, creating a mesmerizing display of light and warmth.

But now, with the demonic energy coursing through the air, that facade was slipping.

In the distance, another explosion rocked the ground, sending a plume of smoke skyward. Maya's heightened senses picked up the cries of fear and pain from the festival grounds.

Every instinct screamed at her to go and help, to use her powers to protect the innocent.

But she knew she couldn't risk it. Not now, not when she was so close to losing control.

She sank to the ground, pressing her back against the tree and closing her eyes. She needed to center herself, to find the strength to resist the overwhelming hunger. She pictured Junior's face in her mind, drawing strength from the memory of his calm, steady presence. He had always believed in her, always trusted her to do the right thing.

"I can't let him down," she whispered. "If it is known, I will never see him again."

She manipulated the earth, plugging her nose so that she couldn't smell anything.

Then she focused on her breathing, taking slow, measured breaths to calm her racing heart. Following that, she reached for her spatial storage and took out a small pouch.

GULP!

And then started drinking it. Even though she didn't know if this would quench her feelings, she left herself in the relief of his blood.

The sounds of the festival and the forest blended into a distant hum, and she found a sliver of peace amidst the chaos.

Just like that, she closed her senses, leaning on that tree.

She could hold herself until everything ended. At least, that was what she wanted to believe.

*******

The world was dark, as she intended.

Her senses dulled to the chaos outside.

Until that moment.

Like a whisper through the void, the throbbing sensation returned, a relentless pulse that cut through her self-imposed isolation.

Her eyes snapped open, the darkness replaced by a crimson haze. The demonic energy that had been a distant hum now roared in her ears, and she felt it—three distinct blood scents wafting through the air.

The first two were thick, rich, and tantalizingly close. The third was more subtle, hidden beneath the overpowering aroma of the other two, but it was there, beckoning her.

"No..." she muttered, her voice a faint echo of defiance. But her body betrayed her, muscles tensing, fangs elongating, and her eyes now a deep, unrelenting crimson.

The primal hunger surged within her, overwhelming any semblance of control she had left.

SWOOSH! With a speed that defied her human past, Maya dashed through the forest, her movements a blur. Trees and underbrush seemed to part before her as she followed the scent, her mind consumed by the need to sate the thirst that gnawed at her very being.

As she neared the source of the blood, the scene came into focus. Two figures carried by a slightly tall, bulky person.

One of the figures had fiery red hair, while the other one had silvery long hair flowing down.

"Grrr....."

And she instantly attacked, not being able to contain her desires.