Chương 180: Chapter 166-Chosen Vacation

You know, when you hear that you're going to an island for vacation, you expect sunny skies, a beautiful ocean, good food, and, you know, a generally relaxing time. What I didn't expect was trudging through the rainforest fighting for my life against bugs. Thankfully, Hopper is getting most of the bugs. Might be the purple skin or just my luck, but they seem to be avoiding me.

"So, how far is everyone else?" I ask as Hopper smacks his neck.

"Not far. Should be another 10 minutes. Actually, maybe more if we run into anything dangerous," Hopper explains.

"Dangerous? What kind of danger could be on this island?" I ask as a sudden hint of danger comes from above. Carefully, I turn to see a Giant Python that's watching me from a tree branch. Okay, I see what he meant by dangerous. For the love of the Gods, that thing is big. This is why I much prefer the city. The largest creature I have to worry about is a fat Rat. Damn Tony. Yeah, it's so big it has a fucking name.

"Don't worry about the snake. From the looks of it," he gestures to the bulge in the snake's body, "It's already eaten. As long as we don't provoke it, we should be fine."

"Yeah, don't worry about the big fuck-off snake. Then what danger should I be worried about?" I ask as the forest starts to thin out. A thunderous roar shakes the trees, sending a whole flock of birds flying and even causing the Giant Python to slither away. I'm getting a sense that this island has impeccable timing.

"That's one of the things. Didn't you read the brochure? It literally outlined everything about Iseparar Island in extreme detail. I was actually kind of surprised at how much detail was in that thing." Thinking back, I remember [Throwing] my brochure amongst my stuff. Huh, I guess I didn't read it. Eh. Should be fine. That's what I have Hopper and Penelope for. They read so that I don't have to.

"Must've forgotten it." As the treeline gives way to the beach, Professor Stargazer comes up in a hurry.

"Thank Zeita, you're okay, Chosen One?"

"Just fine. Did anybody else get shunted?" I ask as I look around for the rest of the class.

"Thankfully, you were the only one who was caught in the Mana wave," she says as she ushers us away from the treeline.

"Mana wave?"

"Yes, Mana doesn't like to be stagnant. It often ebbs and flows. It rarely, if ever, interferes with short-range magic, but the greater the range of your magic, the more you have to take it into account."

"Odd, it seems unlike you to not be prepared for something that sounds common," I say in confusion as the sun begins to set beyond the horizon.

"That's the odd thing. I did. This Mana wave was odd. I'll have to look into it before we head back. Wouldn't want to lose you again," she says with a small smile.

"Yup. I would really like that not to be the case. So, where are we staying?" I ask as I look around the beach. Hopper taps on my shoulder and then points further down the beach. A large blue wooden building floats at the edge of the beach. It's not floating very high off the ground. Probably just an inch or two, but floating nonetheless.

"That would be our lodging, Daisy Hall. One of many satellite buildings for Sylvian University. We even have one in the Blight for when the Fifth and Sixth Years go on their excursions. It has every amenity we will need and plenty of space for each of you to have your own room. Not to mention," she gently waves her hand, revealing the multiple magic circles overlaid on the walls for a second, "Enough magical protection to even survive a hit from a Dragon."

"Do we need to worry about a Dragon showing up?" I ask, half-joking. Hopper and Professor Stargazer give me a look.

"You didn't read the brochure, did you?"

"No, he didn't," Hopper says as he hops over to the floating building. She gives me a disappointed look that kind of hurts.

"Iseparar is home to a young Drake that has been on the verge of becoming a Dragon for some time now. It's actually the main reason we use this island. The Drake keeps the other creatures in line while keeping outsiders away, which makes it easier for us to train and study."

"So, what happens when this Drake becomes a Dragon?"

"Well, we had a plan in place to call in the Captain of the Imperial Knights to deal with the threat, but now that Tyra has resumed her position on the throne, it would be better to inform her," she explains as we walk up to Daisy Hall.

"What is she going to do? Beat the new Dragon into submission?" I joke. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"That is what historically happens. Either the new Dragon submits to her power or is destroyed. Dragons have a strict hierarchy, and Tyra sits at the top of that hierarchy," Professor Stargazer says as I help her up onto the step. The door opens before I can get to it.

"Well, look who decided to finally show up," Penelope says with her arms crossed.

"Well, apologies, I wanted to do some sightseeing," I [Lie] as I walk into what sounds like a mead hall. The rest of the class has seemingly settled in and is eating dinner. Who [Cooked]? I doubt anybody in our class is that good at [Cooking]; I would know.

"Hey, welcome back, CJ!" Garus says as he eats his steak.

"He seems lively," I say as I wave at Garus.

"I would assume so. He managed to get his [Attribute-Skill] before we left for the trip," Penelope says as Professor Stargazer closes the door.

"It is honestly very surprising to have three students who have gotten their [Attribute-Skill]. Most years I only have one and sometimes none. Now, all that's left of your class is Viola. Well, eventually more of you will reach that point," she says with a proud smile. My gaze lands on Viola, who is pretending, poorly, mind you, not to look at Ruby. I think she has other things on her mind than getting her [Attribute-Skill]. Still, I can't get over nobody being worried about me being lost.

Does nobody care about me? Somebody, please be worried. Oh, how sad it is to be me. Anyway, I'm actually really hungry. Walking over, I sit next to Talon and grab a slice of-"Come on, Chosen One. You need more meat than that if you want to fight the forces of evil. Here, let me," Talon says as he grabs a large slice of ham, slams it on my plate, and then slathers it in gravy.

"Thanks, Talon. I wanted to eat a whole ham to myself," I say sarcastically as I cut into it.

"No problem," he says without taking a single hint. Huh, this is why I don't like talking to Talon. He isn't mean or anything like that. It's the exact opposite. The asshole is too kind and takes everything I say at face value. Which honestly makes me feel like a dick when I'm sarcastic, and I'm sarcastic all the time. Penelope sits next to me and smirks at my troubled expression. Now Penelope, on the other hand… I feel fine being an asshole too.

"Oh, you're also hungry, Penelope," I [Lie], loud enough for Talon to hear me.

"We can't have that, Princess," Talon says as he grabs another large chunk of ham, slaps it onto Penelope's plate, and just drenches it with gravy. Penelope stares straight into my soul.

"Thank you, Talon. I appreciate it."

"Anytime," he says before going back to eat his food.

"Sly. Is this how you plan to make me admit defeat?" she asks in a disappointed tone.

"Not at all. This is just me saying hello. Trust me. You won't see your defeat coming," I say with a wink. With a clap, Professor Stargazer grabs the room's attention.

"Now that we're all together, it's time to go over the ground rules for our trip. As it stands, only Professor Outis and I," she gestures to Professor Outis, who is eating beans with toast, "will be in charge of your studies while we are here. So, sorry to disappoint, but you will still be attending all of your classes." A small groan echoes through the dining room. It was wishful thinking that we would only be messing with magic circles. Professor Stargazer lets out a small laugh.

"Yes, I know, but do not worry; You will have plenty of time to spend on the beach when your classes are over. Now, onto the staff. Currently, there are two staff members on-site here in Daisy Hall. Our Cook, Martin, and our Maid, Veronica. Treat them with respect and patience. They will be taking care of us while we are here. It is only right we do the same." My gaze lingers on the two staff members. Veronica is a human with blond hair, tanned skin, and an almost calming presence.

Martin, on the other hand, is an Elemenati with long fire hair, coal-like skin, and a smirk. It's been a while since I've seen an Elemenati, but given that we're in the Southern Isles, it only makes sense.

"Instead of the Whisperwood Forest, we will be doing your [Leveling] on this island. There are plenty of creatures for you to fight. However, as a warning, do not fight the Drake or go towards the mountain at the center of the island. If you find yourself in a dire situation, head towards the beach. There is a powerful barrier that will stop anything that tries to get through the treeline," Professor Stragazer explains.

"Professor, what about the chants and magic circles?" Ruby asks.

"Thank you for asking. Due to the nature of magic circles, I will be personally teaching each group individually," she says while pulling up a schedule. Professor Outis speaks up, "In the meantime, I will be teaching all of you how to make basic chants and how to eventually make your own." This sounds like a lot more school than I was hoping for on this vacation. Well, I guess I'll make do with what I have. I wonder if there are any tasty monsters on this island. Maybe something pig-like.

Well, I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

"Oh, did everyone remember to bring the supplies I told you about?" Professor Stargazer asks. The whole class nods as they start to pull out chalk and notebooks. Huh, I think I remember what I forgot to bring. Shit. Penelope nudges me in the side and slides over a notebook and a box of chalk.

"Forgot, didn't you? You're lucky I brought an extra set in case mine were broken," she says with a sweet smile as she brushes a drill away from her face.

"... Thanks," I say as I scratch my horn"What are you being weird for? Do you already want to admit defeat?" she asks with a cocky smile.

"Oh, please, Penelope. You're going to have to do more than that," I whisper.

"Good, because that was just me saying hello."