Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Meanwhile, Elera safely joined up with other members of the black team with the artifact.

"Elera stole an artifact!"

Six members of Team Black cheered when they saw Elera alive, but Rachel was having many complicated thoughts.

Obviously, it was because of Lucas.

"...."

Elera stared at the artifact in her hand. Lucas had given it to her with a warm smile, and she felt like she could still feel his warmth from it.

"Haa."

She sighed.

'I shouldn't have received it.'

She wasn't deaf. She knew what kind of rumors Lucas's actions created, and she had heard about the rumors going around cadets. Until now, she was telling herself that it wasn't true, that it was only gossip.

But with what happened today, she had to admit that Lucas's feelings were real.

Thinking about it, she felt she should have noticed it earlier. After he became her teammate, he always stayed near her, whether from a distance or close range...

The countless rumors she heard entered her mind once more.

That Lucas would confess to her, that he would serenade her—

However, Elera shook off such thoughts.

She felt that she wasn't in a position to share her feelings with someone. And she just hoped that rumors were just rumors.

But Lucas actions were always misleading.

He could have gotten away with artifact alone but instead he give it to her and even help her to escape while he is fighting against Evelyn and her group.

Elera tightened her grip on the artifact, the cool surface contrasting sharply with the confusing warmth that flooded her chest.

Lucas's actions had always been puzzling, but today had crossed a line she couldn't ignore. She replayed the moment in her mind: the way Lucas had effortlessly evaded Evelyn and her group, how he had shielded her from danger, and most importantly, how he had handed her the artifact as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

A part of her wanted to believe that Lucas was just being a good teammate. But his unwavering gaze, the subtle gentleness in his actions, and the unspoken care in his smile—it all pointed to something more than just camaraderie.

Her fellow cadets were still celebrating, unaware of the internal struggle Elera was facing. She glanced at them briefly, their cheers and congratulations feeling oddly distant. They were proud of her, thinking she had secured the artifact through her own efforts. But the truth was that it was Lucas who had made it possible.

Elera bit her lip, the conflicting emotions swirling inside her making it hard to breathe.

'Why did he have to be so kind?' she thought, frustration mixing with guilt.

Elera had always prided herself on her independence. She didn't want to be seen as someone who needed saving or someone who received favors. And now, because of Lucas, she felt indebted in a way that went beyond just winning a challenge.

One of her teammates, a tall cadet with spiky hair, patted her on the back. "You did amazing, Elera! We didn't think you'd make it out of there with Evelyn on your tail."

Elera forced a smile. "Thanks… but it wasn't just me."

Another cadet, a girl with short hair and a fierce expression, laughed. "Still being modest, huh? We all know you're a top cadet. Lucas just got lucky teaming up with you."

Elera's smile faltered slightly. 'Lucky...?'

If only they knew the truth. Lucas had given up his own safety for her, and now he was out there, facing Evelyn and her group alone. The thought made her heart tighten with worry. She wasn't sure why he would go so far for her, but one thing was clear—she couldn't let his actions be in vain.

"I need to go back," Elera suddenly said, her voice cutting through the cheerful chatter.

The team looked at her in confusion. "Go back? But you've already secured the artifact."

Elera nodded, determination hardening her expression. "I know, but Lucas… he's still out there fighting. We can't just leave him behind."

Her teammates exchanged uncertain glances. "Elera, that's dangerous. The mission is to secure the artifact, not—"

"I don't care," Elera snapped, her voice firmer than before. "Lucas didn't hesitate to help me, and I won't just stand here while he's putting himself at risk."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, slowly, her teammates nodded, recognizing the resolve in her eyes.

"Alright, we'll back you up," the spiky-haired cadet said, gripping his weapon tightly. "Lucas is part of the team too."

With renewed determination, Elera and her team set off, ready to assist Lucas.

As they sprinted through the maze of corridors, Elera couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. She wasn't sure what she would say to Lucas when they found him or how she would repay him for his actions.

But one thing was clear: she wouldn't let Lucas fight alone.

And maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to put an end to the misunderstandings between them.

"Follow me!"

Elera ran down to the sixth floor along with the other members of Team Black.

***

Elera returned to the sixth floor, other members of Team Black following suit. They asked what was going on as they chased after her, but Elera only ran.

"...What."

When they arrived on the sixth floor, they saw three cadets lying on the ground. They were all from the white team, and their hands and feet were tied together, leaving them wriggling like caterpillars.

"Um, what's this?"

The members of Team Black were befuddled by this bizarre scene. Elera head also drew a blank, but she soon realized what happened. She thought that even Lucas wouldn't be able to handle six cadets at once, but it seemed she was wrong.

"Um, Elera?"

"Ah, it looks like the situation is already taken care of."

Elera replied somewhat in awe.

At that moment, a cadet with broad sword walked in from the other side of the lobby.

"Ah, it's Aric! Aric~!"

Hora, one of Aric's lackies, ran up to him. Looking at him, Aric made a leisurely smile.

Although he lost to Adrian, he avoided taking critical damage. After escaping to the sixth floor's residential area, he was catching his breath.

"Nice to see you."

Aric spoke to his team members, then was surprised when he saw Elera.

Elera gave a slight bow in greeting, and Aric greeted back with a light nod.

"Aric, do you know what happened here?"

Hora asked as he pointed at the tied up cadets on the ground. Aric replied in a perfectly calm manner.

"I do. I eliminated two of them."

Immediately, Elera furrowed her brows.

Although what Aric said was the truth, Elera thought he was trying to steal Lucas achievement.

What really happened was that Aric saw Isabella and Evelyn fighting with some nimble guy, and used the opportunity to eliminate two cadets by ambushing them.

Elera clenched her fists, feeling an uncomfortable knot in her chest. It was clear that Aric was trying to take credit for something he only partially contributed to. Lucas had been the one to take the brunt of the battle, drawing attention and fending off most of the attackers. Aric's interference, while helpful, was opportunistic at best.

Aric continued to bask in the attention of his teammates, his expression smug. "It wasn't easy, but with a little strategy, I managed to turn the tables."

Elera's gaze shifted to the tied-up cadets writhing on the floor. She knew the truth—Lucas had been the one putting his life on the line, and now Aric was playing the hero. It made her blood boil.

Trying to keep her composure, Elera stepped forward. "Aric, you may have taken down two, but it was Lucas who handled the rest. He was the one who fought Evelyn and her group head-on."

Aric's smile faltered for a brief moment, but he quickly recovered, shrugging nonchalantly. "Maybe. But in the end, we're all working together for Team Black, right?"

Elera nodded, though she didn't miss the deflection in his words. He was avoiding giving Lucas the recognition he deserved, and that didn't sit well with her.

"Where's Lucas now?" Elera asked, trying to hide the worry in her voice.

Aric gestured vaguely toward one of the corridors. "He went that way."

Elera's eyes narrowed. Lucas was still pushing forward, not even taking a moment to rest. She couldn't let him keep doing everything alone. She turned to the rest of her team. "I'm going after him. You guys stay here and make sure these cadets are secured."

One of the cadets, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, finally spoke up. "Elera, are you sure? We've secured the artifact—there's no need to take more risks."

Elera met cadet concerned gaze with determination. "I'm sure. Lucas didn't hesitate to help us, and I won't leave him out there by himself."

Without waiting for a response, Elera sprinted down the corridor Aric had pointed to, her heart pounding with every step. She needed to find Lucas and make sure he was okay.