novelburst
Chapter 197 Smell of tea
Chapter 197 Smell of tea
"Attention, next you will see the leaderboard of the event!" Professor Athena said with a smile.
(Point ranking)
(1st = Anthony Von Valeriano's Group: Points: 150,000)
(2nd = Ezekiel's Group: Points: 90,500)
(3rd = Edward Ironforge's Group: Points: 85,500)
(4th = Angela Benedetto's Group: Points: 75,000)
(5th = Victoria Starfall's Group: Points: 68,800)
(6th = Leandra's Group: Points: 63,000)
(7th = John River's Group: 59,900)
"As you can see, only 7 groups managed to survive," Athena announced, directing everyone's attention to the screen. "The academic points you earned overnight will be received in the respective stones I gave you on the first day of class."
She observed the screen for a few seconds before continuing: "As you can see, the first-place ranking has much more points than all the others, by a large margin. I suppose I don't need to explain why, right?"
A smile formed on Athena's lips as her eyes rested on Anthony. He, on the other hand, felt a chill run down his spine. "Now I will indicate the next event's instructions, which will take place next week," she announced, capturing the attention of everyone present.
"Attention, everyone," Athena began, looking at the gathered students. "The next event will be different from the previous one. Although the location will still be the same dimension created by Cristal, the terrain will be different this time. The theme is easy to understand: it's about collecting minerals or artifacts."
Athena continued explaining: "As most of you will know, in the upper zones, many useful and indispensable things for the empire and yourselves can be found. However, first you will need to know how to find and track them. That's all I can tell you about the next event."
"For now, you have the rest of the week free," Athena continued, "of course, only for some." Her eyes landed on her three favorite students before she disappeared.
***
"So, where are we going?" Charlotte asked with a mix of curiosity and slight impatience, her expectant gaze seeking answers in Anthony's face.
With a smile, Anthony replied, "We're going to see Lysandra." However, the joy in his words was not reciprocated by Charlotte, who pouted in frustration. "She's not available right now. Second-year students also have their own event," she complained annoyed.
Anthony furrowed his brow. Not seeing his wife for long periods of time was starting to bother him. For a brief moment, his mind wandered.
Charlotte's eyes met his, that thought kept running through his mind, he had to talk about it with her, he knew how she felt, he knew what she wanted, and he knew by the way she looked at him, he wasn't so dense not to realize what she felt.
"So, what if you take me to visit your house?" Anthony proposed to Charlotte, keeping his gaze fixed on her eyes. They say that eyes are the windows to the soul, and at that moment, Anthony sought to find some sign in Charlotte's gaze.
Upon hearing his words, Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise, then turned as red as a ripe tomato. "W-what... do you mean?" Charlotte stammered, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Anthony watched her closely, and within himself, a certainty resounded: "So I was right," he thought. He had asked that question to gauge her reaction, and Charlotte's response confirmed everything.
A woman in love never abandons her lover, Anthony remembered how she stayed by his side even when he was dead, with a smile Anthony approached her, grabbed her waist, and leaned towards her ear: "I want you to take me to see your mother, Evelin Darkwood." Charlotte blushed even more and nestled into Anthony's chest as she hugged him. "Okay," she said weakly.
***
"Do you remember the bet we made, don't you?" Athena asked, sitting elegantly while sipping a cup of tea. Her golden eyes wandered through the beauty of the vast garden that unfolded before them: thousands of roses, vibrant-colored flowers, and majestic trees. A small river flowed serenely, with fish swimming placidly in its waters. They were in the middle of the garden, in a charming open-air house.
In front of Athena, her friend Cristal almost choked on her water upon hearing her words. Surprise reflected in her eyes as she processed the question, after a few seconds her mouth opened: "You can't be serious," she said, trembling.
"Oh, this is interesting, tell me what kind of bet you made with the young dragon," the Emperor's playful voice entered the conversation, his gray eyes looking at Cristal. "Come on, darling, don't tease the young lady," the melodious voice of a woman sounded behind him, the woman had black hair and violet eyes, she was the Empress of the empire, wife of Gabriel, Lilia Tudor Grimald.
"I just wanted to know," Gabriel said with a laugh, watching Cristal's reaction, whose face had turned red with embarrassment. He looked at Athena as if he was about to kill her for revealing the bet without his permission.
"She has to ask the young dragon out on a date," Athena commented with a smile, ignoring Cristal's glaring gaze. "And if you lost?" Gabriel asked, intrigued by the situation. "I had to ask him out," Athena replied, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Hmm, from what I understand, he got the first place in the event," Gabriel reflected, showing his curiosity about the matter. "Yes, he did, but he nearly killed his own comrades. He can't control his bloodline," explained Athena with a smile. Gabriel pondered that for a moment. "I guess I'm seeking your help with this issue," Gabriel concluded.
Athena smiled conspiratorially, remembering the days when she, Gabriel, and Noah used to compete for the top spot in class.
"Indeed, with Cristal's help, I'll kill him a few times until he can control it without needing that sword," Athena affirmed with determination. She knew that Anthony could suppress his madness with the sword, but that didn't seem appropriate to her, so she was determined to help him in her own way.
"You're still as tough as ever," Gabriel commented with a playful smile. "That's why you're still single," he added mischievously.
A tremendous pressure quickly filled the area, a blood-red aura and an intense murderous intent emanated from Athena. However, in the blink of an eye, she realized that Gabriel had already left.
"One day I'll definitely kill him," Athena murmured under her breath, pouting in frustration as anger reflected in her expression.