45 Why Am Getting Uneasy Again?

The test continued and we watched.

Aurelius and his now four-man group already arrived in front of the lake. And guess what?

They saw our villain Emeric being chased by Piras while being bitten continuously.

Lyra, her feelings getting over her, tried to help him by instantly diving into the lake.

Thankfully, there were Ren and Aurelius who were smart and cool-headed who stopped her before she repeated Emeric's mistake. Aurelia reassured Lyra that Emeric would be ok, he was already near the shore. Though it didn't stop Lyra from worrying, it at least managed to calm her down. 

Meanwhile, Emeric managed to reach the shore, albeit with a few more Piras latched onto him than before. Despite his disheveled appearance and the obvious discomfort caused by the Piras' bites, he managed to stumble to safety, his pride wounded but otherwise unharmed.

Then again, I have to be enthused by this guy's tenacity.

He didn't give up even though he was in pain and suffering.

After reaching the shore, he lay down on the grass and decided to rest. But he suddenly noticed Aurelius and his group who were looking at him with different kinds of emotions.

"Tch." He clicked his tongue in frustration while wondering how they managed to get away from that monster. He didn't believe they defeated him since his instincts were screaming at him not to fight with that monster.

"Luck bastard." He muttered as his eyes landed on Aurelius. 

Then he turned back and started to walk away, ignoring Lyra's shouts at him.

 Well, that was a good choice on his part. Or else he would have to face his team members whom he abandoned. And that would be super awkward.

"This boy is also good... But his character is a bit..." I heard the old man's mumbling as he watched Emeric leave.

'Yeah, his character is bad.' I confirmed the old man's words inwardly. 'And it is related to his past and family.'

I remembered the reason behind Emeric's behavior from the novel. His past experiences and family background have shaped him into the person he is today. While he may come off as arrogant and selfish at times, deep down, there is a complexity to his character that hints at a deeper internal struggle.

But regardless of his flaws, in my opinion, there is still potential for growth and redemption.

Then again, who am I to speak? I can't do anything to change Emeric.

Hell, I even became enemies with him.

Sigh... 

Let's not think about it for now.

"Oh, that boy truly is a genius!" My thoughts were broken by the old man's exclamation.

I looked at the screen which was showing Aurelius and his group. As I saw what they were doing, I understood why the old man seemed happy.

Aurelius and the three were currently doing what others wouldn't think of or couldn't do (Such as me).

They were using their abilities and elemental advantage to cross to the other side.

Lyra created a series of sturdy ice platforms and manipulated the water to create a gentle current that carried them across the lake. Aurelius, with his slightly good control over the wind element, guided their progress with precise gusts of air, ensuring they stayed on course and avoided any potential obstacles.

Meanwhile, Aurelia and Ren were in charge of distracting the Piras. Aurelia was controlling several balls of light underwater in order to distract them while Ren used his Earth Element to create rocks and threw them at further places than theirs.

The coordination and teamwork displayed by Aurelius and his group were nothing short of impressive. Despite the chaotic situation and the looming threat of the Piras, they remained calm and focused, utilizing their individual strengths to overcome the obstacles in their path.

But, there were still some Piras that managed to spot them and attack.

Three managed to bite Ren, two Aurelius, and one for both girls. Ren, being strong, quickly removed them and helped others. Aurelius gritted his teeth in pain but managed to free himself from Piras. 

Thankfully, they were already near the shore.

With their combined efforts, Aurelius and his group managed to reach the safety of the shore relatively unscathed, albeit with a few Piras bites here and there. As they stepped onto solid ground, a sense of relief washed over them, knowing they managed to do it.

But, hey. They didn't make their clothes wet by swimming, right?

Well, it would have been certainly awkward. Ehmm. There were two girls after all.

Anyway, since they decided to rest for a while, the old man shifted our attention to another screen which was showing Emeric who already arrived at the start of the third test but standing there confusedly.

I am sure Aurelius and Ren already realized they were being tested. 

But I also know this guy, Emeric, already knew we would be tested.

Then again, he only knew we would be tested, nothing more.

So, what he will do? I pondered as I imagined Emeric searching for easy ways or giving up. (I'm not saying I didn't do those.)

"Oho, he made up his mind, huh?" The old man said as Emeric started climbing after he was sure there was no other way. "He sure has tenacity and willpower."

"Should I..."

"But..."

Huh? What is he mumbling about now? 

And why am I getting uneasy again?

"Ok. Let's wait till everyone finishes." The old man seemed to think of something. And it's probably not a good thing, for me. My gut feeling says so.

Glancing at him from the corners of my eyes, I decided to wait too. 

There is nothing interesting going to happen on the third test anyway. Except for a few awkward moments between the MC and the heroine.

'But I really don't want to see that... Or else my anger will rise again...'