Chapter 8: Anxiety

As Raka began to regain consciousness, the world around him felt blurry and vague. The cold air touched his skin, but the first thing he heard was the soft, but anxious voice of Lily calling his name.

Lily: (In a trembling voice, mixing relief and worry) "Raka... Raka, wake up!"

Slowly, Raka opened his eyes, staring at the bright sky above him. The sharp sunlight made his vision a little blurry. He tilted his head, looking at Lily's face which was bowed beside him. There were traces of worry there.

Raka: (In a surprised tone, trying to sit up) "Lily? What happened?"

Lily: (Lowering her head, looking disappointed) "We lost..."

Raka was silent for a moment, trying to digest those words. After a while, he lowered his head, staring at the ground.

Raka: (He muttered softly, his voice heavy with guilt) "I see... Sorry, I couldn't do more... I was just a burden."

Lily: (Quickly shaking her head, her tone firm) "No, Raka. You've done more than enough. Far exceeded my expectations. You're even stronger than you think. You just need to be more confident."

Raka: (Smiling slightly, although the shadow of failure was still visible on his face) "Thank you, Lily."

He sighed, then shifted his gaze towards the crowd behind Lily, where a group of people were gathering, cheering and shouting enthusiastically.

Raka: (Looking at the large screen in the distance, starting to worry) "What's happening there?"

Lily: (Smiling faintly, pointing towards the crowd) "They're watching a live broadcast of the class placement exam. This seems to be the final selection, and they're all waiting for the determination of the winner. Among those participants, is there someone you really want to see?"

Raka: (With a sharp look, anxiety began to grow in his chest) "Alya..."

{Switch to inside Monolith World}

In the middle of a field that looked quiet but full of hidden threats, Alya and Kris walked casually. Alya's face looked a little bored, occasionally she let out a heavy breath, looking at the empty surroundings.

Alya: (Kicking a small stone, her face looking annoyed) "This exam is starting to get boring. Everyone we meet loses instantly. There's no challenge at all."

Kris: (Smiling faintly, looking ahead) "Yes, it is. But that's a good thing. At least I don't have to worry too much about keeping you safe, Lady Alya."

Alya: (Snorting, annoyed by Kris's words) "I didn't need your protection from the start, Kris. I can take care of myself and don't call me Lady!"

Kris: (Chuckling, walking casually in front of her) "Alright, I'll tell Master that later."

Alya was silent for a moment, her mind drifting to her brother, Raka.

Alya: (In her heart, a little worried) "Will he be able to be in the same class as me later? Did he pass the exam?"

However, before she could think further, a large fireball suddenly sped towards them with incredible speed.

Kris: (Quickly swinging his sword, cutting the fireball in half) "Watch out!"

Alya: (Staring sharply at the source of the attack, her voice cold) "Who's that?"

Two figures emerged from behind the trees, walking with confident steps. One was an elegant woman with curved dragon horns on her head. Beside her, a gallant Beastman man with shimmering golden hair.

???: (Speaking in a respectful tone) "Apologies for our rudeness, Successor to the Saintess, Lady Alya Celestia. We thought you were just weaklings like the others."

Alya: (Looking at them coldly, her tone firm) "No need for formalities. We're the same age, and we're all opponents in this exam, Keira Draconfall."

Keira: (Smiling kindly, nodding) "Alright, as you wish."

{Outside Monolith World}

Raka stared at the broadcast screen with a worried gaze.

Raka: (He exclaimed inwardly, his eyes widening) "Keira Draconfall?! She's the one who attacked us earlier... Who exactly is she?"

Lily: (Chuckling, looking a little annoyed) "It seems like everything was arranged from the start. The team assignments in this exam feel completely unfair."

Raka: (Confused, looking at Lily) "What?"

However, before Lily could answer, the worry about Alya flooded Raka's mind again.

Raka: (He muttered softly, his gaze returning to the screen) "Alya..."

[To be continued]