NOVEL WEB Chapter 34: Underlying currents.
Days had passed since the spectacle of Azvoid's sudden ascension to C-Rank, but the echoes of his breakthrough continued to ripple throughout the White Lotus Guild and beyond. The training grounds had become a hotbed of discussion, with Azvoid's name cropping up at every corner, usually with exaggerated claims of his abilities.
"He leveled up just by fighting someone his rank. What is he? Some kind of monster?"
"F-Rank to C-Rank in a month? Forget genius, that's straight-up unnatural!"
"Maybe he's actually some ancient being disguised as a rookie. Would explain his cocky attitude."
"Hey, if being ancient makes you look that good, sign me up," some random girl giggled.
"I heard he's got stamina for days. Maybe I should test that theory…" another chimed in with a wink, earning a few amused snickers.
Within Azvoid's mental space, Noctis scoffed, his rumbling voice laced with disdain and mild amusement.
"Seems like your sudden growth has made you a celebrity among these weaklings. Can't say I'm impressed."
"Jealous that I'm getting all the attention, Noctis?" Azvoid teased, barely holding back a chuckle.
"Jealous?" Noctis huffed. "I am beyond such trivial matters. But I must admit, their ignorance is…entertaining."
He paused before adding with a mischievous undertone, "I especially enjoyed the part where they speculated about your 'stamina.' I suppose even weak mortals have their interests."
"Even you can't deny my charm," Azvoid shot back, his grin practically stretching from ear to ear.
"Charm? More like your talent is drawing them like moths to a flame. A very temporary flame, might I add."
"Oh, come on. Don't be such a killjoy."
Azvoid couldn't help but overhear the wild remarks as he strolled through the guild hall, drawing all manner of gazes—admiring, envious, and outright hostile. The admiration was usually paired with not-so-subtle checking him out, eyes wandering over his well-built frame with shameless intent.
"Damn, if that's what C-Rank does to a body, then sign me up."
"Focus on your training, idiot. You'll just get crushed."
Azvoid stifled a laugh. The attention was amusing, but his thoughts were far from basking in popularity. His fingers clenched and unclenched, testing the overwhelming strength coursing through his veins. This was it. His efforts were finally paying off.
Noctis's voice cut through his thoughts, growling with approval. "You've only scratched the surface of your newfound power. If you wish to reach heights beyond mortal comprehension, you'll have to push yourself far beyond your current limits."
"I get it, I get it," Azvoid muttered mentally. "But can I at least enjoy this moment?"
"Hmph. Enjoy it while you can. But remember, the abyss does not wait for those who dawdle."
The rumors continued to grow wilder.
"I bet the reason he's so strong is because he's secretly taming some super beast."
"Or maybe he's eating rare treasures like candy. I mean, look at him!"
"Maybe he's just…unfairly talented."
"Hah, unfairly talented? That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard. The guy's either cheating or made a deal with some powerful force. Normal people don't get that strong so fast."
"Hmm. They're not completely wrong, are they?" Noctis chuckled.
Azvoid groaned. "Please, don't start."
Noctis ignored him. "If only they knew the truth. You, the cowardly little human who'd be crushed under his own power if I weren't here to guide him."
"Oh, that's rich, coming from the overgrown lizard who spends his time lounging in my head," Azvoid retorted, rolling his eyes.
"But seriously," Noctis's tone grew colder. "Your rise in power will attract more than just the pathetic admiration of these mortals. You've made yourself a beacon. And something far more dangerous will take notice sooner or later."
Azvoid's expression hardened. He couldn't dismiss Noctis's words. The dragon wasn't one to throw out warnings for the sake of conversation.
"Duly noted. Guess I should be more careful."
"Careful? No. Stronger. Always stronger. So that nothing in this world can ever hope to rival your strength."
Azvoid grinned. "Now you're talking."
As they continued their mental banter, he couldn't help but notice that people were eyeing him with more interest than ever. Not only from the White Lotus Guild but from outsiders. His instincts prickled with an uneasy awareness.
But for now, the thrill of the attention and the challenge that came with it was far more entertaining. And with Noctis grumbling in his head, he knew things would only get more chaotic from here....