NOVEL WEB Chapter 1427: Talking With Students
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We returned to the academy, where we were able to greet once more all of the students we haven't seen in months. Most of them greeted us formally, especially those that were part of our class, and some other new students as well, which had joined within the time we were absent.
There were some new faces here and there, exuding great potential and talent. They learned about us from our previous friends, and because of the festivities of this day, there weren't any classes, so we were able to catch up with everyone without having to worry about classes.
"Blake, everyone! I'm so happy to see you once more! It has been months!" A girl with long black hair greeted us, Monica. She was a friend we made in the second year, someone we saved from having her Kingdom destroyed by Demon Cultists, where the Cult of Wrath, led by Satan's Avatar was located. Our battle against him helped us grow much stronger.
"Yeah, it has been a while, Monica, I can tell you've grown stronger though," I nodded, analyzing her powerful Aura. "Your Spirits also seem to have grown, did you get a new one?"
"Y-Yeah! But look at you! You've got long hair now?! And you're so much taller… W-Wow…" Monica muttered, blushing as she glanced at me from head to toe. "Heh, Erika and Elizabeth are such lucky girls!"
"Hm?" I didn't really understand what she meant though. "How have classes been? Surely you have been able to do your own things without my assistance at every time?"
"O-Of course I have! Everyone has been working hard, actually," Monica said, looking at everyone else. "Right guys?"
"Yeah!" The students cheered.
"Since you left that we've been working nonstop," said Gray, a slender white haired and red eyed young man. Another of the students from Class 2 that I had a slightly bad first impression, although I taught him to be honest and hardworking with some tough training. "Some of us felt rather annoyed we weren't called to help you out, and it was all because we were weak after all."
"It has truly been quite a long while since our last encounter, Blake! You have indeed changed a lot! I am quite jealous honestly… but don't think I have forgotten our rivalry! I shall continue growing stronger and one day catch up to you… Hmph!" said Clarice, a blonde young lady with sharp blue eyes, long drill-shaped hair and a tall and beautiful appearance. From what I remember, she's from a family of noble warriors and is prideful of her strength. She's slightly too spoiled… however, it seems she was changing for the better now.
"Ah, Clarice… I hope you've been leveling as well, your Talent is among the ones with the greatest potential, and so were your spirits," I said. "I think we can help you train more."
"Really?! Well! I shall take that offer!" Clarice said pridefully. "But what with that niceness out of nowhere? Have you finally fallen for my charms?! I cannot blame you! Ohohoho!"
"…No, that's not it," I sighed.
"Hm, I am happy to see you once more, Blake. Things in the academy have been rather boring without you and your group around," said Clark, a tall and muscular young man, with white hair and a stoic face. His skin was brown colored, like coffee, and he seemed very silent. From what I remember, he's always been the very silent and composed type, hiding his emotions beneath an expressionless face.
"Clark… as stoic as ever," I nodded. "Although I can see you are expressing yourself a bit more, if anything."
"Ah… yes, I've been working on my facial expressions…" Clark sighed. "It has surprisingly been harder than fighting monsters inside dungeons…"
"Um… Hi… Eheh…" Eliana giggled, a girl with long green hair, gloomy green eyes and freckles covering her face. She's gloomy-looking despite being actually cheerful. Her personality is considered "weird" by most, as she's obsessed with collecting herbs, mushrooms, and insects. Despite her weirdness, she has a nice side to her and is also someone that works harder, although she doesn't show it.
"Eliana… I hope we can talk more, I think I've got the perfect training drill for your class and spirits," I said. "Eric and Erika could assist you as well."
"E-Eh? Eheh… R-Really? You're… too kind… thanks…" Eliana grew redder in embarrassment.
"Hello Blake, everyone… Ah, Erdrich! I… I missed you. You look stronger, how have you been?" Patricia said. She was a tall girl with short white hair, her eyes were deep red, and her skin was as white as candle wax. She had several scars over her body, and was rather muscular, she used to be taller than me by a centimeter or two, but now I surpass her by over twenty centimeters, I truly grew up quite a lot. She used to be way more intimidating back then, with a silent personality and a threatening glare, but since then she had opened up to us, especially to Erdrich, whom she became a friend.
"I was looking forward to seeing you again, Patricia, sorry for being away for so long, I also missed you, truth be told," Erdrich smiled charmingly, making the strong, slightly manly girl get all embarrassed, acting quite like a lady. "I've been fine, it was a hard challenge though… but what about you?"
"M-Me? Ah… I've been alright, thank you for asking… Could we talk more… just the two of us? In the cafeteria? I'll pay for the food," Patricia smiled, as she seemed quite considerably in love with him.
"Sure!" Erdrich nodded. "Let's go."
Patricia nodded as the two went to the cafeteria, leaving us without even saying goodbyes… but that was for the best. I already knew there was something going on, but before our return there didn't seem to be any progress. But I think that in their absence, their feelings didn't disappear but only intensified. Erdrich seems more assertive now, he probably realized he can't let go of her.
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