What happened last night?

I find myself facing Ophelia in this dark place. As always, the moments in which I appear here are random; One night, I just go to sleep and find myself here.

(I can tell you are stronger compared to the last time we met)

"Many things happened in the last few days, and in the middle of a fight, I went up a rank."

(I see...)

"Am I at the level where you can help me, now?"

(Not yet)

"How much more should I improve?"

(I don't know)

"You don't know?"

(We will both know when the time is right)

That is too ambiguous. I don't have much time left. I won't be ready before the conflict with the demons starts.

"Ophelia!?"

Ophelia was silent for a long time. Has she fallen asleep? Just as I can't decide when to come, I also can't choose when to go.

Because of the invisible barrier that surrounds Ophelia, I can't get any closer and see. I wonder what she looks like. She has a kind of hood that doesn't let me see her face. All I can see is her figure in the dark, being held by chains.

I knelt, trying to see her face, but there was no point. I tried to bend down even more, when I suddenly heard her voice in my head once again.

(What are you doing?)

"Y-You scared me. If you're awake, say something."

(I was thinking. Even if I can't help you in the way you need, why don't you train while you're here!?)

"Train here?"

(This place is not just a dream. It should be easier for you to practice magic in this place)

"Easier? In what way?"

(The simplest explanation is that in this place, you are not limited by the rules of the real world)

"Well, I can use water magic; what should I do? At the moment, I can only create water balls."

(Water magic focuses on the manipulation of such. Why don't you try to shape the water into something more powerful)

Something more powerful...!? My mana control is still not very good. What could I create?

I started by creating a water ball, which I held in my hand, trying to think of how I could change it. After thinking for some time with the water ball in my hand, I realized that my mana was not decreasing at all. Is this what Ophelia meant that this place works differently from the real world!? It's amazing!! I can keep constantly practicing without the limitation of lack of mana.

After thinking for a long time, I think I now have an idea. Not feeling tired and using as much mana as I want will give me a great advantage. I started practicing while Ophelia gave me some recommendations at times. Let's see how this goes.

I opened my eyes with the light from the window. I felt rested as if I had slept normally even after having trained for hours inside my dream with Ophelia. I was too curious to know if what I practiced would work in the real world, so I got up from my bed and tried to summon a water ball just like in my dream, but I only managed to generate a tiny one.

It looks like I need my staff in the real world.

I grabbed my staff and tried one more time. Once a large ball of water has been summoned, I transform it into what I was practicing all night—a massive spear. I could create a larger one, but the size of the room prevents me. Excellent! It actually worked!

I'm still not at the level where I can create it in one go. I have to make a water ball and then modify it, but it is a significant advance.

Wait... What do I do now? I shouldn't have summoned water into the room. Once I stop using mana, the water will fall and wet everything. Shit, why didn't I think about that before?

I managed to get into the bathroom and cancel the spell there, but both I and the floor ended up soaked.

I took off my shirt when I heard Ryul knock on the door and then walk in.

"Damn, what happened here?" Ryul asked, confused.

Ryul, noticing my wet pants, said in a joking tone, "Darx, did you have one of those dreams!? hahaha!"

"Shut up!"

After changing clothes, a maid arrived, and after apologizing multiple times to her for the mess I caused, I left the room along with Ryul as it was getting late.

We arrived at the dining room, where Leona and Shalia were waiting for us, and we sat down to eat with them.

As we ate, Ryul said, "Want to know what happened this morning? Darx had one of those drea... Auch!"

I hit Ryu in the side, preventing him from saying what he was about to say, leaving Shalia and Leona looking confused.

"S-So, has something new happened?" I say, changing the subject.

"Me!" Shalia said, "From today, I will start learning about healing magic. Yesterday before going to the courtyard, I talked to the castle healers, and they told me they could help me. After finishing training with Dante, I'll go there."

"Wow, that's amazing!" Ryul said.

Leona crossed her arms and commented, "It will be difficult. Make sure you don't give up halfway."

"Of course! Wait for me, and I'll be of more help soon." Shalia reply.

"I'm happy for you," I told her.

Shaila answered with a smile, "Thanks, Darx!"

Still talking with my companions while we finished eating, I noticed that Gerald got up from his table and walked alone out of the dining room.

"I'll be back." I said, getting up from the table, walking out of the dining room behind Gerald.

Gerald was not far away, and it seemed that he was heading to the bathrooms.

"Gerald, wait!"

Gerald turned around when he heard that someone was calling him and when he realized that it was me, annoying, he answered, "Darx!? What the fuck do you want?"

I stopped in front of him and said, "I need to ask you a favor. I know you are an ass, but behave with Syvis and tell your group to do the same."

After seeing me incredulous, he began to laugh hysterically, "Are you stupid? Why would I listen to you? It seems that by being a few days in the castle, you have already forgotten your place. You better disappear immediately if you don't want me to remind you who you are."

"This is the last time I ask nicely." I reply.

Gerald erased his smile and, annoyed, took a step closer to me. "And if not, then what? What can a low rank like you do to me? You and the dark elf are a mistake. Ruffians like you and non-humans like her should never have been accepted."

I stepped closer and said close to his ear, "If you don't, I will tell your teammates that you are sleeping with the girlfriend of one of them."

Gerald took several steps back, unable to control his shocked expression. "W-W-What are you talking about? You really went crazy. I'm warning you; you don't know who you're messing with. My father is Marquis Levine. If you spread lies, your life will be ruined. I'll make sure of that."

"It's not a lie. I know all about your encounters in the library."

"H-HAVE YOU BE-been spying on me? You damn pervert. But no matter what you say, no one is going to believe you." Gerald responded, trying not to raise his voice.

"I haven't been spying anything. You're just too stupid to hide it." I replied, "But if you keep refusing, I will tell them right now."

"W-Wait! What do you want? Money? Keep quiet, and I'll pay you."

"I don't want your money. I already told you what I want. Stop causing trouble for Syvis and make sure your team behaves too."

"Is that all? Why do you care what happens to the dark elf?"

"It's none of your business. Just do what I told you."

"Something going on?" A woman's voice said behind me.

Darx was so focused on Gerald that he didn't feel her approach. Turning around, I saw that she was Caroline. One of Gerald's team members. For some reason, Gerald turned white as if he had seen a ghost. Caroline is also a noble girl, but unlike the rest of her team, she seems more harmonious.

"I didn't know you two were friends," Caroline said, approaching Gerald and hugging him.

"W-What are you doing here?" Gerald asked. "I told you that I was just going to the bathroom."

"You were taking too long, so I was concerned," Caroline replied.

"And what's going on? What were you talking about?" She asked us.

Gerald turned to look at me, with a look that seemed like he was imploring me not to say anything. I think I understand the situation.

"Oh, sorry, we haven't officially introduced ourselves. My name is Carolina, and you're Darx, right!? I had already seen you around the castle and wanted to talk to you. Besides that, I'm Gerald's fiancee."

I already guessed it...

"It is a pleasure." I said, returning the greeting.

"And what were you talking about? You both looked very excited."

"I-I was talking to Darx about you, of how a few days ago, our engagement was arranged and how happy I am." Gerald replied nervously.

"I'm thrilled too! But I didn't know that you two were so close. I hope we can also get to know each other better from now on, Darx."

"Sure..."

That said, Gerald took Caroline away. I'm almost sure Gerald will do what I told him, but I'll ask Syvis later to be certain. I feel a little bad that a nice girl like Caroline is engaged to a guy like Gerald, but at least it didn't seem like it bothered her. In fact, I think she likes him.

I went back to the dining room to meet my friends and then head to the training grounds. I want to practice my water spear in combat. Upon arrival, Dante was not there yet, and after waiting for twenty minutes, he came. The training would be just like yesterday; just fight until sunset.

The combat began, Dante faced Leona and Ryul in close combat while Shalia helped them from behind. I was waiting for the perfect moment, and when I saw it, I summon a large ball of water that I began to turn into a spear. The way the water flows into the spear splashes small drops of water on my face and all over my body. Unlike in the world, in my dreams, I can feel my mana being drained quickly. Maintaining control of this water spear that is longer than my body is still tough. I threw the water spear against Dante, who realized and surprised he kicked Leona in the stomach then jumped back, managing to dodge the spear.

The spear hit the wall passing through it and leaving a vertical opening in his way. Unlike a water ball attack, the water spear is sharper and could penetrate enemy defenses more easily. Although only doing one spend a large part of my mana.

Dante and the rest looked at me in amazement since I had never made that attack before. The fighting stopped for a moment, and they approached me.

"Darx, what was that?" Ryul asked.

"That attack was incredible! Even I still can't control my water magic like that." Shalia added.

"From what I know, it hasn't been long since you learned to use magic. To think that you can do that in just a couple of days ... that is not common. Now I understand why Harold is so interested in you." Dante said.

Being praised by Dante and my teammates feels good. Ever since I arrived in the city, I have felt like a hindrance and constantly question if I really deserve to be here. Knowing that I am progressing gives me the motivation to continue. I have to thank Ophelia next time.

We continued training, and I managed to use the water spear two more times before running out of mana. My inadequate mana control wastes more than it should, and it takes me a long time to summon the spear. I still have to practice a lot.

The afternoon arrived, and the training ended. After eating, Shalia went with the healers to learn about healing magic, and Ryul went with the monk of the royal guard to ask him questions. Not only the two of them, but I also know that Leona trains on her own at night. I feel like I should be trying harder too.

It's not something I can do on my own, so I decided to ask Leona for help. I headed to where she usually trains on her own-close to the gardens next to the wall that surrounds the castle. It is a quiet place where not many people pass.

Walking down one of the castle corridors, I saw Syvis and the bald nobleman arguing again. This time they finished before I could get close, and each one walked on opposite sides. Syvis was walking in my direction, clearly upset.

"Syvis, there is something I want to tal..."

"Not now." Syvis responded, walking beside me, cutting off what I was about to say.

I could only see her walk away without being able to say anything.

Confused once again, I set off to where Leona should be. When Leona saw me arrive, she stopped her training, and I asked what I was doing here.

"I noticed you always come here to train at night. I was wondering if you need any help." I said.

"I'm fine." Leona reply.

"I-I see..."

Leona noticing my melancholy, said, "D-Don't take it the wrong way. They are just exercises that I do since I was a little girl. They help me sleep at night."

Leona has also changed a lot since the first time I saw her. She is not very good at expressing her feelings, but she tries more to get along with us. Besides, that is cute how she moves her ears when she is nervous.

"Don't worry, I understand." I reply.

"I-If you want, I can teach you." Leona said with a red face.

"Of course!" I reply.

After training for a while with Leona, she went to her room to rest. I planned to do the same, but since I was near the gardens, I went to sit on one of the benches to think.

Something is wrong with Syvis. I feel like she has some kind of problem, but I don't think she wants to tell me. Even if she did tell me, I don't know if I could help her.

I was sitting thinking when someone covered my eyes with their hands from behind my back.

"Guess who I am?" A woman's voice said.

This brings back memories. Amelia used to do that all the time. But now it is impossible it to be her. For a moment, I thought it was Shaila, but I don't recognize the scent.

Moving her hands, behind me, Caroline put her head on my shoulder and said, "You took too long, so you lost."

Caroline walked around the bench and sat next to me.

"What are you doing here alone, Darx?" Do you like the flowers too?"

"Ah, not really. I was just resting."

"Don't tell me you were training until this hour!? Your team is quite different from mine. My team hardly wants to train during the day, and as soon as it's over, they all leave. It's a bit lonely. I would have liked to be on your team."

Caroline acts quite familiar even though we just met. She also doesn't act arrogant like the rest of the nobles. Now that I think about it, I can ask her if Gerald and the rest caused Syvis problems today.

"How was your training today? Was there any change? I asked.

"A change? Hmm... In fact, today, Gerald behaved better with Syvis and **** the rest to do the same. I think he is already maturing, which is good."

"I see..." I said, smiling.

"You look happy! Are you also glad that Gerald is maturing!? You are good friends, after all."

I can't tell her the truth... "Something like that..."

"Darx, don't move, you have something in your hair."

Caroline reached out her hand to remove what was in my hair. At that moment, I heard Gerald's voice behind me.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Gerald screamed.

We were both surprised by Gerald's sudden arrival, but it was Caroline who answered first.

"I'm talking to Darx. Do you want to join us?"

Gerald angrily approached and took Caroline by the hand and escorted her away with him.

I heard Gerald say as he takes Caroline away. "We can chat another time. You shouldn't be alone with another man at night."

Why was Gerald so jealous if I didn't do anything? Besides, I already told him that I will not tell her anything about the other, as long as he fulfills his promise to behave with Syvis.

Whatever... I also went to my room to sleep.

The next morning I met up with my friends, and we went to train with Dante as usual. Upon finishing, Shalia went with the castle healers and Ryul with the royal guard monk while Leona and I went together to train just like yesterday.

As it was late at night, I said goodbye to Leona, and this time I had the intention of going to the library to speak with Syvis. I feel like she's been avoiding me, and I want to know why. From where I am training with Leona near the gardens, I have to cross the entire castle to get to the library. I just hope Syvis is still there.

Upon entering the castle and walking through two corridors' intersection, I almost collided with Gerald, who was walking fast, quite agitated. I notice that his lip was bloody and swollen.

"Move!" Gerald said, continuing on his way.

What is his problem now? Doesn't matter. I kept walking until I finally reached the library and quickly climbed to the third floor, but Syvis was nowhere to be found to my bad luck.

Disappointed, I went down the stairs, and when I was already descending the stairs of the first floor, I noticed someone's shadow enter one of the small rooms where Syvis explained several things to us last time, and behind the shadow, Syvis entered.

Curious to know what was happening, I went down the stairs and approached the room which in the door had a small window. When I peeked inside, I saw Syvis arguing with someone, but I couldn't see who it was. Besides that, the room seems not to let the sound pass because I don't hear anything they are saying.

Should I go in? No... I don't think it's a good idea. Maybe they are discussing something important. Tomorrow I will try again.

I went back to my room, wondering who Syvis was talking to. I feel that something strange has been going on in the castle since the meeting.

In the morning, this time, it was me who waited for Ryul, who overslept, and when he came out, we went to the dining room. On the way, we saw a commotion in the corridors, and several people were heading to the same place.

"What's going on?" Ryul asked.

"I don't know."

"Let's go see, Darx."

We followed the other people, and upon arrival, there were several people outside a door with Harold and several guards outside. As we could, we sneak through the crowd so we could see inside the room. Inside there was blood everywhere, and on the ground, I could see the feet of someone dead.

"Back off." One of the guards said. "Everyone, stay away."

"I heard them said that it was a ****." A voice said from the crowd.

...Was someone killed?