When they entered the forest, the air seemed to grow heavier.
The rustling leaves and occasional gusts of wind were the only sounds, creating an eerie stillness that made the players glance at each other uneasily.
"This place is... quiet," Maria murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's supposed to be," Alia said, leading the way confidently. "The forest is enchanted to keep distractions to a minimum during lessons. It's also a way to heighten your senses—keep your focus sharp."
As they walked deeper into the woods, the trees thinned out, and they found themselves stepping into a large, sunlit clearing.
In the middle of the opening stood several groups of academy students, each wearing the distinctive uniforms of Cardon Academy.
At the center of the gathering was a Fhrem, a race known for their tall, willowy frames and silvery, almost metallic skin.
The Fhrem's piercing eyes locked onto the group as they approached.
"Alia," the Fhrem called out in a melodic voice, "are these the guest students?"
"Yes, Professor Elwyn," Alia replied, her tone respectful. "Nine of them in total."
Professor Elwyn's gaze swept over the players, his expression calm but curious. "Welcome to the Cardon Academy," he said, his voice carrying effortlessly across the clearing.
"Professor Orlen has already spoken to me about you. When I heard you were all Maguses, I assumed most of you would be mages. But..." his eyes lingered on their stances and weapons, "...I see that isn't the case. No matter. This will be a team lesson."
The players bowed slightly and thanked him. They were doing their best to act the part of Maguses.
Since they were humanoid, or directly human, they could only introduce themselves as Maguses.
Otherwise, their camouflage as guest students wouldn't be realistic and their true identities would be discovered.
Elwyn continued, "Today's lesson will focus on teamwork. We'll form three-person groups, mixing our students with you to ensure a diverse learning experience.
First, I'd like our guests to form two-person teams among themselves, and then we'll assign one of our students to each group."
The players exchanged glances, already aware of how this would play out.
"One more thing," Elwyn added, glancing at his notes. "Who are Maria and Carmen?"
Maria and Carmen hesitated before raising their hands, their confusion evident.
"Ah," Elwyn said with a slight smile. "Professor Orlen mentioned you two are summoners. I want you two to be on the same team. You can create a three-person team by yourselves. Don't worry, I will assign Alia with you too as the fourth member."
He turned to Alia to get her confirmation and she nodded without hesitation. She seemed to be relaxed after her sincere talk with Maria.
The players began forming their pairs. The groups were mostly predictable, as they had already worked together before.
Well, there was also one more reason that didn't need to be told.
Pierre and Lei paired up, Zack and Carole naturally grouped, and Maria and Carmen joined Evan to make a three-person team. This left Arlon and June as the final duo. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire
Once the teams were set, Elwyn turned to the academy students. "Now, who would like to join a team?"
The professor moved group by group, assigning students based on volunteers.
The warrior Fairy, Leafa, who had fought June earlier joined Pierre and Lei's group, her confident grin suggesting she was eager to prove herself again.
Sia, the fiery-haired Elf, said that she was okay with joining any group and she was assigned to Zack and Carole's group by chance.
After Arlon's display, she didn't badmouth them.
When it came to Alia, there wasn't much debate—she joined Maria, Carmen, and Evan's team without hesitation.
Finally, it was Arlon and June's turn.
Elwyn barely had a chance to ask before chaos broke out. Almost every female student raised their hand or stepped forward, eager to join their team.
The commotion was immediate, with students whispering excitedly.
"I want to join!"
"Me too!"
"He's so cool. Did you see his fight earlier?"
Arlon sighed inwardly, wishing he could just wander the forest alone with June. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid, he thought, his expression remaining neutral.
But as much as he hated the attention, he knew he couldn't navigate the forest without help.
Elwyn raised a hand to restore order. "Enough. We'll settle this fairly." He scanned the group, his gaze landing on a blonde-haired Magus who had remained quiet amidst the chaos.
"Mei," he said, "you'll join Arlon and June's team."
The girl stepped forward, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Understood, Professor," Mei said, bowing slightly.
The disappointed murmurs of the other students faded as Mei took her place beside Arlon and June.
"Great," Elwyn said, clapping his hands. "Now that the teams are finalized, let's move to the next stage. Your task will be explained shortly. Follow me."
---
The group trailed behind Professor Elwyn as he led them deeper into the forest.
The dense canopy above cast speckled shadows on the forest floor, and the occasional rustle of leaves made the players jumpy.
Evan nudged Zack, his voice low. "Man, this place is kind of creepy. You think they've got anything bigger than summoned creatures in here?"
Zack shrugged. "I'm more worried about tripping over a root than fighting some fake monsters."
June, walking a few steps ahead of them, suddenly slowed her pace and turned around with a sly grin. "Speaking of worries, Zack, I think it's time we addressed something."
Zack raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
June's grin widened. "Remember the tournament? Specifically, the bet we made?"
A visible wave of dread passed over Zack's face. "Oh no. You're actually going to cash that in now?"
"Absolutely," June said cheerfully. "I've been saving this for just the right moment."
The rest of the group perked up, curious. Even Alia, walking near the front, turned her head slightly to eavesdrop.
"So... what do you want me to do?" Zack asked cautiously, his eyes narrowing.