CHAPTER 32: STUDY GROUP [4]

Chapter 32: Study Group [4]

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Azurine Blade?

[Azurine Blade]

[A B-tier Sword treasure. Its blade, forged from a shimmering, azure-hued crystal, is incredibly lightweight and sharp. When its ancient runes are activated, the wielder gains the ability to instantly teleport, or ’blink,’ a short distance, making them nearly impossible to track in combat. This unique ability makes it a highly coveted treasure.]

How would I get it? he mentally questioned the system.

[Upon completion of the quest, it will be added to your inventory.]

That’s convenient, he thought. Arios remembered that in the anime, treasures would be essential in the various special exams, as some would require students to purchase them with points. It would be nice to start stacking treasures early.

But this quest? Arios’s mind reeled. It would be difficult to accomplish, especially given how little Lucy now seems to trust men. If only she was a MILF, her touching me would be enough.

"What are you thinking about?" Lucy asked, pulling Arios from his thoughts.

"Oh, just nothing," he said. "Just thinking about the test, that’s all. And the study groups. We’ll be meeting tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yeah, tomorrow," Arios answered. "Didn’t you see Elisa’s text? Besides, the test is the day after tomorrow, so the group meeting would obviously be tomorrow."

"When you put it that way," she said. "Then okay."

After the thorough cleanup, Lucy said goodbye to Arios and left his room for hers. She had enjoyed her time with him; from the ’physical tutoring’ to cleaning his room, it was a welcome distraction after her recent breakup.

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The atmosphere in Class 1-D was thick with tension. With the test looming, Mrs. Sarah had given them the entire day to make use of their study groups.

"The placement tests were designed to gauge your understanding and identify your weaknesses," Mrs. Sarah announced to the class. "In light of the upcoming mid-semester exams, I’ve decided to give you the entire day to utilize your study groups. This is a critical time for you all to support one another and strengthen your weak points."

A collective sigh of relief and worry swept through the classroom. For some, the free day was a blessing, a much-needed opportunity to catch up. For others, it was another reminder of the immense pressure to perform.

Arios made his way to the library, the designated meeting place for his group. He found his three partners already there, seated at a large, round table. Elisa Ravencroft sat with her usual straight posture, a textbook open in front of her. Across from her was Veyrion Ashthorn, the student the system couldn’t register. His presence was calm, and he seemed to be intently focused on something on his tablet. The final member, Lucy Nightshade, was sprawled in her chair, a tablet in her hand, her expression one of utter boredom.

Elisa began the meeting without preamble. "Let’s start by confirming your scores. Arios, what was yours?"

Arios mentally sighed. He had already gone through this. "53."

Elisa nodded and then turned her gaze to Lucy. "And you, Lucy?"

Lucy didn’t look up from her tablet. She simply held up her hand, showing three fingers, then a thumb, indicating her score was 34. Elisa didn’t seem fazed by her lack of engagement.

"I had time to go through your scripts," Elisa said, her voice even and precise. "I’ve identified the subjects where you are weakest. Arios, you struggle with civics, history, and chemistry. As for you, Lucy, it seems you have a significant weakness in almost every subject."

Lucy finally looked up from her tablet, a flicker of irritation in her eyes. "Then why did you ask us our scores?" she countered, her voice laced with defiance. "If you already went through our scripts, you should know."

Elisa met her gaze, unflinching. "I wanted you to be the ones to share your scores, not me. It would make things more comfortable." She paused, then added, her voice dropping slightly, "It’s a matter of mutual respect."

"What makes you think that?" Lucy shot back. "I’m not uncomfortable at all, and I feel nothing but indifference towards you all."

You sure are a damn good liar, Arios thought, remembering her breakdown from last night.

"I still think we should have a little faith in each other," she added.

"That’s a ridiculous argument," Elisa said. "We have limited time, so please cooperate."

Veyrion, who had been silent up to this point, raised a hand, catching everyone’s attention. He closed his tablet. "I believe Elisa is just trying to make it easier for all of us," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Let’s not waste any more time arguing."

Arios watched Veyrion with a newfound interest. The guy was composed and cool-headed. I’m not the only one here that wants to move things already, Arios mused.

Veyrion’s words seemed to put an end to the squabble. Elisa nodded in thanks. "As I was saying, I’ve outlined a study plan. It will be rigorous, but if you follow it, you will see a definite improvement in your scores."

She laid out a detailed schedule. The first half of the day would be dedicated to Arios and Lucy’s weakest subjects, with Elisa and Veyrion taking turns tutoring. The second half would be focused on mock tests.

"The test begins with the academic portion tomorrow morning, and our class will be in Auditorium 14," Elisa said. "So we have to finish our studying today."

The group spent the next few hours in a haze of studying. Elisa was a ruthless tutor, never accepting an "I don’t know" for an answer. Veyrion, on the other hand, was incredibly patient. He explained concepts in a way that made sense, his voice calm and steady.

Arios found himself surprised. Not only were Veyrion’s teaching methods effective, but he was also incredibly intelligent. Where was this guy hiding? Arios thought. The anime never mentioned him or his intelligence. This was strange, one he couldn’t have predicted.

Lucy, despite her earlier protests, eventually gave up on her tablet and began to listen. She still seemed bored, but Arios could tell she was trying.

As the day came to an end, Elisa closed her book and stood up. "That’s enough for today. Remember, the test is tomorrow. Get a good night’s sleep."

Arios walked with Lucy on their way back to the dorms. "She’s something else, isn’t she?" Lucy said, a weary but impressed look on her face.

"She’s a great student," Arios said. "A little harsh, but her intentions are good."

"I guess you’re right," Lucy said. "I still don’t like her though."

Arios just smiled. He knew that Elisa was more than what she seemed. He was glad to have her and Veyrion on his group. With the test looming, he had a good feeling about everything.