Ch. 8 New Friends

Gwen's growing popularity after her unexpected victory over Zak, the level-four Assassin, brought her more attention than she ever wanted. What started as a mission to fulfill her senior brother's demand for one hundred friends had spiraled into something bigger. Boys approached her out of curiosity, only to be defeated in arm wrestling by her seemingly miraculous strength. Girls flocked to her for advice, especially once they discovered her uncanny talent for transforming even the plainest appearances into striking beauty.

Her friend-log book, the tangible proof of her efforts, was almost full. Gwen could see her goal within reach. Yet, as she lounged in the academy's garden that day, basking in the satisfaction of her progress, her moment of peace was abruptly shattered.

The shadow of a group of girls fell over her as they approached, their faces wearing expressions that made Gwen's sixth sense tingle with unease. This wasn't the warmth of potential friendship she'd grown used to; it was something colder, sharper.

"Hey," the leader of the group said, her tone deceptively sweet. She was tall, with sharp features and piercing eyes that held anything but goodwill. "I heard you're looking for some new friends. Word is, you'll do anything to achieve your goal."

Gwen eyed them warily, her instincts screaming to stay on guard. Still, she answered, "Yeah. But I'm not sure you're interested in being my friend."

"Oh, we are," the leader replied, her smirk widening. "But friendship doesn't come for free. You have to earn it. How about we give you a little test?"

If this had been any other day, Gwen would have eagerly accepted. After all, the more friends, the better. But the way the girls looked at her as if they were circling prey, made her hesitate.

"Not interested," she said firmly, standing and brushing off her robes.

But the leader wasn't deterred. "Are you sure? If you pass, my friends and I will all become your friends. That's over twenty new names for your little book."

Gwen froze. Twenty friends?

Her mind raced. That was exactly what she needed to complete her list of one hundred friends. Completing it early would give her plenty of time to memorize all the names and impress her senior brother, who surely planned to quiz her as part of their wager.

Her vision shifted to the smug face of her senior brother, who would surely be forced to eat his words if she succeeded. Gwen's lips curled into a smile.

"All right," she said, turning back to face the group. "I accept. What's the test?"

The leader's smirk turned malicious. "If you pass, we'll be your friends. But if you fail…" She paused for dramatic effect. "You'll become our slave."

"Slave?" Gwen's hazel eyes narrowed her expression hardening. "Are you even worthy of making me a slave?"

The girls bristled at her defiance, but the leader quickly regained her composure, her voice dripping with mockery. "Afraid, are you? If you're so confident, prove it. Unless you don't think twenty friends are worth it after all."

Gwen hesitated, weighing her options. If she refused, this group of girls would likely escalate their harassment. On the other hand, if she accepted and failed, the humiliation could ruin her.

Her mind replayed her master's words: Having one enemy is more troublesome than a thousand friends.

Looking at the smug expressions of the girls before her, she realized she might already have enemies. Running away wasn't an option. Her master never taught her to be a coward, and besides, she still had her goal in sight.

"Fine," Gwen said, her voice steady. "I accept your challenge."

The leader's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Great! Meet us at the training field tomorrow afternoon. Don't be late."

The girls turned and walked away, their laughter echoing through the garden. Gwen stood still, watching them leave, her thoughts swirling.

Why do I have the feeling I just walked into a trap?

She sighed and sat back down on the grass, stretching her arms above her head. The peaceful blue sky offered no answers. Instead, she imagined her senior brother's face smirking down at her, his voice taunting her failure.

"Oh, just you wait!" she muttered under her breath. "I'll win this silly test, finish my list, and show you I'm worthy of going to that place."

But the more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became.

The next day, the academy was buzzing with whispers about the challenge. Word had spread quickly, and by the time Gwen arrived at the training field, a crowd had already gathered.

Her opponents stood in the center of the field, the leader radiating smug confidence as she gestured for Gwen to approach.

"So, you showed up," the leader said with a mockingly surprised tone. "I was half expecting you to chicken out."

Gwen didn't respond. She was focused on keeping her composure, her hazel eyes locked on the leader's.

"Let's make this simple," the leader continued. "We've prepared a series of tasks for you. Complete them all, and we'll be your friends. Fail even one, and you'll be our slave. Agreed?"

"Agreed," Gwen said firmly, though inwardly she braced herself for whatever was to come.

The first task was a test of strength: lifting a heavy boulder that none of the girls themselves could manage. Gwen suppressed a smile as she approached the stone. With a small burst of effort that belied her size, she lifted it with ease and set it down gently.

The crowd gasped, and even the leader's smug expression faltered for a moment before she recovered.

"Lucky for you," she sneered. "But let's see how you handle the next one."

The second task tested her agility, requiring her to dodge a series of fast-moving projectiles. To the astonishment of the crowd, Gwen moved with an elegance and speed that seemed almost supernatural. She emerged unscathed, her calm expression never wavering.

The final task, however, was a mental challenge: solving a complex puzzle under a time limit.

The leader smirked as she handed Gwen the puzzle, confident this would be her downfall. But as Gwen studied the pieces, her mind worked with the precision of someone who had spent years mastering magical formations. In less time than expected, she completed it, holding it up triumphantly.

The field erupted in cheers, and Gwen turned to face the group of girls, her expression calm but triumphant.

"Well?" she asked, her voice carrying over the noise. "Are you ready to be my friend now?"

The leader's face twisted with frustration. "Not yet. You still have one last test."

"Tell me about it. What is it?" Gwen smiled widely as she was certain she would win the test.