Chapter 12: An Unexpected Call

The night was cold, with torrential rain pounding Stellar Academy. Raka sprinted across the drenched courtyard, his cloak soaked through, yet he hurried toward his destination: Rose Hall, the girls' dormitory. Light from fogged-up windows shimmered on puddles, casting an eerie grandeur over the scene.

At the entrance of the stately building stood a guard in gleaming lightweight armor, his sharp gaze locking onto Raka as he approached breathlessly.

Guard: (suspiciously) "What brings you to the girls' dormitory at this hour?"

Raka: (panting, handing over a slip of paper) "I… I was invited by Lily, a friend of mine. She needs to discuss something."

The guard scrutinized the note before giving a curt nod.

Guard: (politely) "Ah, so you're the one she mentioned. Very well. You may enter, but return to your dorm before curfew."

Raka: (nodding hastily) "Understood. I won't break any rules."

Once inside, Raka navigated Rose Hall's opulent corridors. Walls adorned with portraits of noble families loomed over plush crimson carpets that muffled his footsteps. He walked cautiously, searching for Room 370 at the end of the corridor. Upon arrival, he hesitated before knocking.

The door creaked open, revealing Lily in simple yet elegant pajamas, her hair loosely cascading. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes held an uncharacteristic gravity.

Lily: (casually) "Good. You're here."

Raka: (averting his gaze, awkward) "Wh-what's this about? Why did you call me?"

Lily chuckled softly and widened the door.

Lily: (gesturing inside) "Come in. The others have been waiting."

Raka stepped in cautiously, finding three others seated in the room. They sipped tea at a mahogany table, but the atmosphere was anything but relaxed. Selene sat among them, alongside two strangers.

Raka: (stiffening, glancing around) "Is this… a tea party?"

Lily: (shaking her head, expression solemn) "No. This isn't a tea party."

Suddenly, the room's mood shifted. The three strangers rose and knelt before Raka, bowing deeply in reverence.

Raka: (staggering back) "Wh-what are you doing?!"

Before he could react, Lily stepped forward, her demeanor formal.

Lily: (respectfully) "Lord Raka… or rather, Lord Eka."

The name froze Raka in place. "Eka"—his true name from his past life—was known to almost no one here.

Lily: (firmly continuing) "Before we explain, allow us to reintroduce ourselves. I am Lilith, Goddess of Despair, here to serve your will."

Raka's mind reeled as if struck by lightning.

Selene: (bowing) "I am Mariana, Goddess of the Abyss, at your command."

The others followed.

Luna: (smirking slyly) "I'm Lumina, Goddess of the Moon. Ready to assist, my lord~."

Tia: (enthusiastically) "I am Tiamat, Goddess of Destruction! Command me, and I'll obliterate anything!"

Raka retreated further, confusion mounting.

Raka: (panicked) "What are you all doing here?!"

Luna broke the tension with a playful grin.

Luna: "Ara, apologies, Lord Eka. You may call me Luna here—my name in this world."

Tia: (chipperly interrupting) "Hi! I go by Tiara Von Drakonis now! Just 'Tiara' is fine!"

Raka's tension eased slightly at their familiar antics, reminiscent of his gaming past.

Raka: (sighing, relaxing slightly) "Alright, Luna, Tiara. But call me Raka. We're not in the real world anymore."

Tiara: (nodding eagerly) "Got it, Boss Raka!"

The mood sobered as Raka turned to Lily—Lilith.

Raka: (sternly) "Explain. Why are you here?"

Lily: (lowering her gaze) "We… incarnated into this world long ago, Lord Eka. When you vanished from your original world, we grew concerned. We came to retrieve you and await your orders. But…"

She paused, meeting his eyes gravely.

Lily: (softly) "You are our creator. Yet this world… is far more complex than we anticipated. We first manifested here 800 years ago."

Silence engulfed the room, heavy with unanswered questions.

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[To Be Continued]