Monster amidst the forest!

She turned around and saw a guy demonstrating as a monster with hind legs and scary face while raising his hands upward and yelling loudly.

" Argh Argh Argh "

He made a funny stance along with his groans which made some students laugh at his act of being childish, which further hyped the monster's existence.

* That's nonsense. * Araina spat out clearly flabbergasted at how the students handled the issue regarding a false monster which doesn't exist. Though she hadn't seen or heard about it, her guts told her not to believe it.

* Well it is true, a colleague of mine who got into the academy last year from my dorm saw it. * The guy who sat close to Araina said in a deep tone, which sounds convincing.

* And how was it ? The monster I mean! * Araina asked with disbelief in her eyes sticking her fork into the bowl of noodles and playing with her food.

* It was very huge, with thick fur and green eyes which could steal one's soul if not careful! * The guy said emphasizing on various details which he had gotten from his colleague who saw the monster.

* Did he report it to the academy's Deans or Head of security for clarification purposes? * Araina asked him, now keen on finding out the entire truth of the matter regarding the monster.

* Sure he did, when the academy security went out on their way to search... it was discovered that the monster left. Only to be seen another time! * He finished his statement while keeping a scary look on his face to further hyped the legacy of the monster.

* That seems like one hell of a high intellectual monster. * A girl from the group of four students seated said, sipping on a can-soba.

After hearing all of these, Araina still wasn't satisfied with their words; she found a lump hole in the story which the guy told her just now. Araina reasoned to herself that if the monster was real and hunts students, then the academy must have eradicated it to safeguard the students or it was part of the academy. And if what this guy said was true then maybe the academy dealt with the monster and kept the students in the dark from finding out about such a vicious existence! Either way the light of discovery burned in her eyes; gleaming much brighter than ever and she muttered to herself * this needs investigating! *

Concealing it from the guy, she turned towards him again with a bright smile on her face.

* When did your colleague see the monster again? * She asked which made the guy scratch his head and tired to recall. Seeing the look in Araina's eyes, Calia was at least certain to some extent that she wasn't going to let this matter drop easily and she was going to find the authenticity of their words; after all she did said she loved adventuring awhile back when they were heading here.!

* He said it was towards this same time, he saw it just outside the academy's gate. * The guy said turning towards his patterns who were discussing something else.

* Excuse me. * Araina said before standing up and she walked out of her seat, heading towards the entrance of the cafeteria; in a bit of leaving.

" Araina. Araina... wait. Don't tell me you are going to search for the monster now ? * Calia asked in a worried tone cause she was now certain Ariana was going out in search of it, despite it not being long they've met; she felt kinda worried for her.

* Just checking if their words are true! * Araina said casually looking at Calia who stopped her on her tracks just outside the cafeteria and they stood at a distance facing one another.

* But the time. If you get caught outside the forest it could be disastrous, it's just our second day here.! * Calia said hoping she could persuade her from ever going.

Though Calia did admit that she just met Araina today, still she felt connected with her which made her positive that Araina was a nice girl just like her.

* You don't worry I won't get caught,

okay * Araina said with an assuring smile on her face while walking way towards the entrance of the academy.

Seeing her leaving all by herself caused Calia to worry even more; a battle ensued within her self, if to go along with her or stay off trouble. Since they both could get into trouble if caught.

The more she hesitated, the more Araina kept moving further from the cafeteria and into the school's garden which leads to a pathway towards the entrance.

She closed her eyes making a mental resolve before coming to a concession. Lifting her hands towards her face, she did a sound traveling spell she had learnt! Calling out to Araina.

* A- RI- A- NA!!!!! Wait I'm coming with you!*

Calia called out to her, in a way that only Araina could hear her voice from drawing much attention to themselves, she informed her that she would be coming with her. Araina heard the sound of her name ringing in her ears which made her halt on her tracks, turning around and checking where the call came from. When she saw Calia running towards her direction while saying * I can't let you go out all by yourself, let's go together. * She closed in on her and panted slowly from running hard.

* Thanks Calia, I would go out while you keep a watch at the entrance! * Araina said to her patting her shoulder and she began walking ahead with Calia who followed after her.

A couple of minutes later they both arrived at the entrance. Araina looked at Calia with seriousness in her eyes and she said.

* This is it... here I go. * And she sneaked out of the entrance. Calia stood there just at the side waiting for her return. Though the academy security defense could not be breached by anyone from outside or within the academy, still the surveillance rate was lower at day comparable to night time.

Hence Araina was able to sneak outside without being caught. She walked through the open space of the academy towards the large forest surrounding the academy.

Walking through the trees into the forest and heading further into its depths, she recalled the guy from the cafeteria did say it was about this time that the monster was seen, it further made her keep her eyes peeled for any strange movements.

Ariana kept walking deeper into the forest, taking note of the time which was already approaching five. When she came across a fallen tree just at the depth of the forest about at a distance; which made her pause in her tracks and study its surroundings.

How the tree fell and what could do such potential damage to an unmoving tree.

The manner at which the tree laid down looked abnormal. From how it was pulled from its root like something huge smashed into it. Traces of something big or a wild animal rammed their body into it was evident on the body of the tree. She bent down and picked a leaf while sniffing at it. One weird method which she picked up from growing up; she has a strange ability of sensing magic energy!

Seeing the trunk of the tree separated from his roots, she started getting second thoughts; like maybe it was actually true. Even though she senses nothing out of the ordinary.

* Something seems to be out of place here...! * Araina muttered to herself. She prepared to stand up and search for further clues which could justify the monster's existence, when she heard a noise further ahead.

It was a sound of another fallen tree which wasn't far from her. It sounded very loud enough for her to hear and she decided to go check out what was behind it. With tension building up inside her from the anticipation of finally seeing the rumored monster.