Chương 83: The Third Day of Tests – Part 1/7

The hours of rest were passing slowly. Most of the candidates were using the time to truly rest. Some slept on the grass, others spoke quietly or simply stayed silent, recovering their energy. The healer who had treated Joker passed by the group once more, healing small cuts and bruises that remained. Joker was still leaning against the tree trunk, with Harley lying on her side using his lap as a pillow. The two were silent, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

After a while, Harley broke the silence, her voice low: — You know… today I'm feeling everything for real. The tiredness, the shoulder hurting, my legs heavy… It's strange. Joker looked down at her. — Yeah. Before, we could handle way more. Now it feels like we're… feeling the weight of everything. Harley gave a small smile, still with her eyes closed. — That's it. The seal is making us feel everything for real. There's no escaping the fatigue, the pain… nothing.

Joker stayed quiet for a few seconds, then replied: The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. — I think it's better this way. If we could use everything we have, it would be way too easy. It would be boring. Harley agreed with a slight nod. On the other side of the group, Astrid was lying face down on the grass with her head turned to the side. She spoke, her voice hoarse: — I hate to admit it… but today I'm really feeling my body.

Before, I could fight all day without feeling anything. Today my back is killing me. Rina, who was lying beside her, grumbled: — Me too. My tails are so limp I can barely lift them. Marina, sitting with her back against the tree, commented quietly: — I think it's because of the seal. We're feeling real exhaustion. It's not bad… just… different. Sylvara, sitting with her legs crossed, spoke in a low voice: — Maybe that's what the academy wants. To make us feel the weight of things.

If we didn't feel anything, passing the tests wouldn't have any value. Lirien, whose voice was still a little hoarse, agreed: — I think she's right. Today… I really felt fear during the test. Real fear. Before, I could control it better. Kuroe, who had been silent until then, finally spoke: — Me too. During the test, when the creatures started getting through… I felt like I was going to lose control of my runes. For real. It wasn't just in my head. The group fell silent for a few seconds after that.

Joker looked at each of them and spoke in a more serious tone than usual: — So we're all feeling the same thing. The seal is working. We're… vulnerable. At least for now. Harley opened her eyes and looked up at him. — And you? How are you feeling? Joker shrugged. — Tired. My shoulder hurts. And my head feels heavy. — He paused briefly. — But also… I think I'm kind of enjoying it. Harley raised an eyebrow. — Enjoying it? Joker gave a sideways smile. — Yeah.

For the first time in a long time, I'm feeling like we can actually lose. It's not just a game. It makes things… more real. Harley looked at him for a few seconds, then gave a tired smile and closed her eyes again. — You're really weird, you know that? Joker laughed quietly. — I know. On the other side of the resting area, Lysithea watched the group from afar, sitting next to Elara. She looked more at ease now, seeing that everyone was together and relatively okay.

Elara looked at her and commented quietly: — They're different today. More… real. Like they're actually feeling the weight of things. Lysithea nodded with a small smile. — Yeah. And I think that's good for them. The rest period was coming to an end. Soon, the second test of the third day would begin. And everyone knew that this time, it wouldn't be easy. End of Part 1/7 (continues in Part 1/8)