When the class was over, Teacher Fey raced against the students from the door. She was the first to get out of the room, and this was the first time that I saw a teacher do so.
Usually, it was the teacher who remained behind and went out last.
I didn't mind it and quickly went to the next room where Thomas had his lecture but found the room already empty.
Did their class finish first than ours?
It would be possible if their teacher was on time, unlike with ours.
I half ran back to the dorms, hoping to spot Thomas in our room, but even the area was empty too. There was no sign that it was touched, and it was the same since the time we left it this morning.
Where could he be?
I scratched my head. I was thinking of treating him to lunch, but . . .
I went to the cafeteria next, hoping to spot him, but not even his shadow was present.
<Host could always use Evil Eyes. It would allow you to see everyone's location>
". . ." I was contemplating about it, but I didn't want to use my skills. Using them felt wrong, and I felt like admitting that I lost against the System or something.
And besides, I didn't want to pry into another person's life. If he was in the toilet and just doing his business, then I felt like it would be invasive and would be guilty about it in the end.
I decided to wait for Thomas in the dorms since it was still early. I planned to rest for an hour and eat in the restaurant at eleven together with the kid.
During the four-hour time break, I heard other players, as I passed them, talking about going to the nearby forests and woodlands to hunt beasts and sell their mana cores.
Others went to town and decided to do some quests, while most simply explored the Academy and sat on other lecturers.
I even picked up with my ears that most of them were going to check up on Amara and that Edward guy.
And instead of going back to the dorms like what I had planned initially, I took a side turn and followed the others.
I didn't know what got into me, and I totally lost all reason and walked to the other part of the building where the old students were situated.
It was not like I was still hopeful that Amara would recognize me even after so many years, but I couldn't just ignore my feelings.
<And what feelings are those, Host? Do you still like her or . . . do you want revenge~>
Shut up.
I skidded to a stop, and my world paused when I saw Amara walking in my direction.
Her beautiful face. Her long wavy golden hair. Her slender body and bountiful breasts. Her small smile that could light up the darkest night â€"â€" everything about her was perfect!
She walked with grace and confidence that made me feel like the most worthless person in the world.
She was so close. So very close. And yet so far. She looked like an angel sent from heaven.
However, I knew she was only beautiful on the outside, for there was nothing beautiful about her from within.
My throat tightened as I remembered how she toyed with my feelings. To her, those Magic Pencils weren't worth a single dime, but for me . . . it cost me a month to save for those.
Not only did she toyed with my feelings, but I felt like she slapped on my face on how poor I was. After wasting money on those magic pencils, she threw them away, flipped her hair, and got together with my best friend.
Maybe the System was right about that main quest. Maybe I wanted revenge after what she did to me all these years, that's why I couldn't get her out of my mind after I saw her again.
<Finally! Host realized that the System only provided you with quests that your heart so desired!>
My heart pounded in my chest as if it wanted to escape out of my mouth. My hands were shaking uncontrollably when Amara was about to pass my way.
I couldn't believe this was happening. She was really here. In front of me. Right now.
The air around us seemed to sparkle with magic, and I swear I could hear the sound of angels singing.
But then again, maybe that was just me.
I even heard her voice. It was so sweet, like before, and it made my heart skip a beat.
Our eyes met even for just a second, and I forgot to breathe.
I wasn't expecting anything from this encounter. I just wanted to take a glimpse. But when she totally passed my way, without recognition in her eyes, it felt like heaven and earth slapped me left and right.
<Does the Host like her that much? Then go and claim her! By force if necessary! There's nothing in this world that you couldn't have!>
". . ." I didn't even have the energy to argue with it.
A dull pain in my bones gnawed at me like a stubborn dog. I thought I was used to the pain ever since Soarsie left, but this was another kind of pain that I didn't want to remember.
The pain of betrayal from years ago came to bite me back and reopened the wound, fresh and new.
It was like a hot searing feeling that was ignited by my anger. Even passing the boiling point, it never stops.
<The only way it would stop is when you get your revenge! So go and do that main quest, Host!>
Looking at her back, it was when I noticed that she was with her entourage and, of course, with Edward who was flocked with his own supporters.
My anger was only temporary, but the pain and disappointment were forever. I was drained and didn't have any more will to face the day.
With slumped shoulders, I went back to the dorms. As I walked back, my mind was blank. It was like I was having a nightmare. I felt like my heart had been torn out of my chest.
I entered my room and locked the door behind me. I sat on the bed and stared at the wall for a while before I blinked when I realized that I was already on my bed.
"Are you okay?" asked a voice from beside me.