A Feat for the Strongest Minds [1]

A few seconds ago, Zmey had seen something flying across the pitch-black sky.It was that same thing. The same silvery arrow that gave him a hand in the last fight, even though he didn't demand one. This unnerved him so much that he didn't know when the books fell. He dashed forward as he saw the arrow move in a parabolic arc.Spark stepped closer from his posterior. He looked at the sky with raised brows, watching as the arrow completely disappeared out of view.The previous high-threat elemental had been more treacherous and tough than the lynx. Though Spark excelled in close combat and Zmey was an aggressive fighter... the Horned Hare had them cornered. Its most dominant ability was that of moving like a shadow, running between attacks as if it had frozen time.Zmey creased his brows. Who was the unknown person that shot the hare dead with a silvery arrow? They didn't want to remain hidden - they had shot the same arrow again with the intention of catching his attention.'Well... time will tell what my next action will be,' Zmey thought, putting things in the hands of time as he always does. He knew it was better to let events unfold than to become anxious under pressure.At least some of his past lives taught him that lesson.In a brief moment, he turned and walked past Spark. Then he picked the books back up.In the next second, he opened the map to locate the place marked by a cross-sword. It was almost at the centre, and where they were right now... Symphony Whisperings... was also a central location.Zmey nodded his head. Then he turned and thought when passing by Spark's side, 'Follow me. Others must be getting there already...'At that moment, a thought hit his mind like a sledgehammer. Still walking, he glanced back over his shoulder.'Wait... it has got into a lot of trouble right after getting tamed. Should have got tired by now, I guess.'But he only took that into account. Not like he had the capability to fix things.He faced front, the distant ivy-framed rock mountain alleyway smiling at his face like a clown.'I can't make an Enhancement Pill yet. I could have boosted its stats with it. Well... I guess we won't be teaming up in this final round.'After walking through ranges and riversides, Zmey reached the front of a black cave. It stretched like a black serpent waiting for its prey to come. Like the entrance to the Cultivation Highland. It had a shimmering blue portal as well. Zmey halted as soon as he reached there, only to find figures standing right at the front. They all glanced at him as he arrived from the depths of whichever route he had taken.Zmey creased his brows right away. 'Um...? It's Nero and that girl again...'He could see four people having some creatures around them. He knew almost all: Nero, the girl with whom he had grown close, and his cryptic roommate, Lucian, who acted elderly. The fourth guy, unbeknownst to Zmey, was his seem-alike. He had done well in the last test after Zmey. They both had passed the test at the last minute.To Zmey's dismay, Nero smiled at him from the distance, waving his hand at him as he paced towards him. Like close people do. This is why Zmey felt a growing annoyance towards his approach.Skyler saw him, leaning against the wall of the cave. Her bow was held in between her arms...She chuckled. "It's him. Seems I will get impressed today... because making it to this stage means he's likely on par with me. A sucker he is, though..."Spark loomed outwards behind Zmey. Nero moved closer to him, still smiling.Everyone looked in their direction."Hey... Zmey," Nero said. Zmey could see his hesitation. He had improved unlike recently; he could meet his gaze now.Yet, a hint of that still remains.Zmey didn't force a smile to keep him at ease, nor uncrease his brows. Why should he?"Hey," he replied.Nero looked at Spark. And he pointed at it."Your tame?" he asked. His smile faded when Zmey shifted his gaze with greater intensity. Why, again?'What a ridiculous question,' he thought, then moved to Nero's side. At that moment, he said, "Yes, it's a Spark Bug I unravelled in a valley. I see you got one too..."He saw a green-furred cat walking with a shadowy grace towards Nero. It had emerald blue eyeballs, its claws glinting like silver. Zmey paused, then turned around. Nero bent, picking the cat up on his arm and caressing its fur."It's a Thistle Cat..." Nero said.Zmey nodded with a serious expression. "I see. Well... not what I found interesting. Let's meet up after getting through this. We have things to talk about..."Nero's chest tightened.He stuttered, "Things... like what...?""Just some things," Zmey replied in a neutral tone. He raised his brows. "Important things, they are. Nothing related to what's on your mind right now..."Nero gulped, straightening his back as he prepared for the next word. "What do you think I am thinking...?"Zmey replied immediately, as if he had been waiting for such a question. "Isn't it about what you were before finding yourself back in the dorm?"Nero tightened his fist. Sweat oozed in his palms. Annie, wondering what was happening, stepped a little bit closer. Everyone looked at them with focus.Nero's heart pounded. He always supported Zmey when the other roommates slandered him. But, he knew they weren't saying things. It was the truth, but knowing that shouldn't revert his instincts to support a friend. Yet, at that moment, he wondered whether all his actions were worthwhile. Because, it was very certain Zmey would reveal everything here. He was someone who doesn't care about how others feel.'Curse it...!' Nero cursed.Zmey locked on to Nero's heavy reaction. A wave of something warm surged across his chest. He didn't show it himself, but his inner self seemed excited about this. To feast on the vulnerability of others!Zmey sighed."... Told you I wasn't interested in knowing anything..."Nero gaped."... Have a negative opinion of yourself. Worry a lot about who you have been, who you have always been, and who you will soon be. Only you know yourself better. But I don't. And I don't want to.When you're insecure about your past or present, you open doors for others to prey on your weaknesses. Close the door on me, on everyone. Don't open it no matter the aggressive knocking. Because... you owe no one an explanation of who you are. Be the silly Nero Norman to the world... and be your other self to Nero Norman himself... "Meanwhile, Annie gaped while hearing everything the guy was saying. Wasn't this the same creepy guy?Lucian creased his brows in confusion. This had not been that godforsaken roommate he was unfortunate to have met. Though... he wasn't very warm or considerate, his words could give a hopeless person the strength to fight again.Skyler smiled, having her arms crossed. "Wow, that's some impressive line I have heard in an eternity. Didn't know he knows how to say such words...""... That should tell you why I don't want an explanation. I hate pointless things," Zmey said. In the next second, he turned and walked towards the others waiting at the entrance. Spark walked with caution behind him.Something washed over Spark's face. At the same time, another seemed to build inside it. And right away, it felt something that, looking at its companion, its heart raced with something that strangely came to it as.... admiration.'That was the best way to settle things. "You are admirable, master," Spark communicated to Zmey through telepathy.Zmey glanced over his shoulder. 'First time feeling emotions?''Yes, definitely,' Spark replied immediately.Zmey moved his glance forward. 'That's impressive. You will soon grow in strength too when we get back to the sanctuary...'Somehow, he as well felt something he hadn't felt in a while. He felt at peace—seeing people looking at him with admiration and smiling with warmth. A smile flushed across his face.Nero, in the distance, smiled. 'Both Zmey and Annie... I am happy to have friends like that. They are the best, without a doubt. I should find time to share everything with them.'At that moment.... Alaric's voice toned out without warning."Please proceed through the portal. Hope everyone performs well... alone..."Alone?"It's a feat for the strongest minds."