Extra's Ascent

"You guys think what passed by here in groups will make a return?"

Camelia was cautious.

They needed to understand what they were up against, but at the same time, they couldn't afford to remain idle, waiting for whatever was responsible for the strange occurrences to return.

"Not sure," Ian replied, his voice tight with unease. "And I don't think we should stick around to find out."

Aldrich nodded in affirmation to Ian's conclusion.

"Wha~... Where am I?..."

"Trevor!!"

The simultaneous echoes of Camelia and Aldrich calling out Trevor's name filled the air with relief.

---

"You are telling me, while I was asleep..."

"Drunk," Ian corrected him bluntly.

"Right, drunk. While I was drunk, the second-years planned everything and brought us all out here to this forest for a trial?"

"Pretty much the full gist," Aldrich confirmed.

"Damn. And where are you guys at finding the exit out of here?"

Ian's eyes narrowed. "If you think it's that easy, I recommend you stand up and try doing the job yourself."

His sharp tone did the job of conveying exactly what he thought about Trevor's request.

I don't like you, I think you're a burden, so get to work and ask less questions that won't help.

"Camelia, right... Thank you for saving my life. And Aldrich, good to see you safe and sound."

"If you're done with the pleasantries, we should get going now. Wouldn't want to stick around for our mysterious friends to make a return."

For now, Ian had decided the east route was the best option.

Heading north would lead them along the same path as the strange figures they had encountered earlier, and trailing after them now was the last thing they wanted to do.

South was no better.

Those prints had originated from there, and who knew what else might be lurking beyond?

With that uncertainty, Ian was resolute.

They couldn't go south.

That left east or west, and instinct told him east was the safer bet.

"What's his problem with me? What did I ever do to him?!"

Aldrich helped Trevor to his feet, his body still stiff from staying in one position too long.

"I think it's because you've been annoying and useless when it comes to helping. Then you go ahead and ask where we're at with finding the exit as if we've been playing around this whole time."

Camelia gently took Trevor's arm and rested it on her shoulder when she saw his steps weren't steady.

"Oh, don't worry, I can manage. So, you're saying he doesn't like me because he thinks I'm a bother?"

"Would you like yourself if you were out here, struggling for your life, while watching someone else nap the moment away while you're fighting to survive?!" Aldrich replied, though his words lacked hostility.

"Hey, it's not my fault I got drunk and couldn't be of much use to you guys. But that's going to change now that I'm awake."

They followed Ian, who remained alert, constantly surveying his surroundings as he led the way.

"I don't think that's going to change Ian's opinion of you, Trevor. You're A-class, remember? The only one. He probably thinks you wouldn't amount to much, even if you were awake and healthy."

Truth be told, Aldrich agreed with Ian.

Not just about Trevor being of no help, but about himself too.

He hadn't seen Camelia and Ian in action firsthand, but the aftermath of their battle with the wolf pack was proof enough of their abilities.

They were not opponents to be underestimated and its a good thing they are allies.

Aldrich doubted he could be much help in a fight either, considering their strength.

"Sigh. You watch me, Aldrich. I'm going to show him I'm not one to be looked down on, not at all."

Trevor's determination burned bright.

He was set on changing the perception of A-class students.

Yes, there was a big difference between S-class and A-class, but the structure of the school made A-class students feel like they were less important—just ordinary, replaceable people.

Trevor wasn't having it.

A-class students were important too.

They weren't just extras, and they could become powerful mystics with the right training.

It was just that the S-class students often overshadowed them, and that made it hard for A-class to hold their ground.

"Hey, Ian!" Aldrich called, running up to catch up with Ian, leaving Trevor and Camelia behind.

"See, here's what I was thinking."

He hesitated, unsure how to continue.

"I've been thinking about Eldora Institute and how rigid they are when it comes to handing out tests. Then I thought back to the second-year students who've had to live under the rules and regulations of the institute."

"If you want to make a point, make it faster. We don't have all day to spend here. And I can't let myself be distracted for too long," Ian cut him off, clearly impatient.

Aldrich could understand why Ian wanted to hurry.

Time was of the essence.

But this wasn't something that could be rushed.

Aldrich himself was struggling to find the right words.

He was afraid that just voicing his concerns would confirm his worst fears.

"You know that saying, fake it till you make it?"

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Aldrich hesitated before answering. "See, that's the point. Maybe it does. Don't you think that living with a madman for a year could have unconsciously rubbed off on you? Like... adjusting your behavior to make living with that madman easier, to avoid conflict?"

Ian stopped dead in his tracks. His body stiffened as the realization hit him.

"You're not saying..."

Aldrich gave a slow nod, his eyes locking with Ian's. "I'm not saying anything, Ian. I'm just trying to analyze things the Eldora way."

"Fuck!" Ian muttered, clearly dismayed. "We are royally screwed."

"Yeah..." Aldrich's voice was tinged with a bitter laugh. "That we certainly are, my friend."

Though the situation didn't call for humor, Aldrich couldn't help but laugh, despairingly, of course.