Chapter 12: A Surprising Invitation

As usual, after school ended, I made my way to the library, seeking solace within its familiar walls. And as usual, there she was—Sarah—sitting quietly by the window, engrossed in her book.

The image of her sitting there, with the gentle breeze caressing her hair, took my breath away. There was a serene beauty to the scene that captivated me completely.

As if sensing my presence, she looked up from her book and greeted me. "You're late today."

"Couldn't be helped. I got lost in my thoughts and lost track of time," I replied, quickly taking my seat in front of her.

"Are you thinking about the graduation test team?" she asked, hitting the mark. Indeed, I had been contemplating it.

During the practical test, students were required to form teams of four. This not only fostered better teamwork but also provided a chance for late awakeners to survive the test.

Initially, I had planned to team up with Phillip and Mark. However, considering the events of this morning, I doubted they would want to associate with me now.

"Why don't you team up with your two friends?" Sarah inquired.

Her question made me shake my head. I didn't think what had transpired earlier in the day was worth sharing with others. It was enough that I was the only one aware of it, even though I suspected my classmates might have overheard the conversation.

"So what will you do now? Without a team, you won't be able to participate in the graduation test," she pointed out.

I was well aware of the truth behind her words. It had been bothering me since our class teacher made the announcement. If I were still the helpless cripple, unable to fight or contribute in any meaningful way, it might not have bothered me as much. But things had changed now.

Three months was enough time to train in my warrior path and reach a level where I could hold my own against mages. Who knew, I might even progress to the third chapter of the Supreme Warrior Scripture.

Lost in my thoughts, I was taken aback when Sarah suddenly said something that surprised me.

"Why not team up with me?"

"Eh? Sarah, are you joking?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"I'm not," she replied firmly.

"You can't be serious," I insisted.

"I am serious."

Sarah's proposition left me dumbfounded. It wasn't that I didn't trust her, but it seemed impossible. Who was Sarah? She was the epitome of beauty in our school, and there was an air of mystery surrounding her. Given this, I doubted that anyone wouldn't want to team up with her. That's why it had never crossed my mind to consider joining forces with her.

"Why me?" I asked, my voice laced with doubt. Until now, I had never revealed to anyone that I could practice magic. In everyone's eyes, including hers, I was the crippled student. That's why her invitation baffled me.

She simply smiled at me and said, "Do I need a reason?"