kingnovel Chapter 67 Bystander
Chapter 67 Bystander
In the early morning, gentle sunlight streamed across the campus. A cool breeze ruffled Maya Ivergreen's hair as she walked, a bag of potato chips in her hand, crunching away wherever she went, a carefree smile on her face.
"Uh-huh......"
Her humming and chewing sounds intertwined, creating a peculiar harmonious melody that could only be heard by the morning birdsong and the occasional early riser. Her enjoyment was evident, as if she had discovered the secret to enjoying the morning—potato chips and solitude.
As she walked, she glanced around, her sharp eyes taking in the tranquil scene. The campus remained quiet, most students still asleep. Maya strolled leisurely until a thought flashed through her mind.
"Mornings are so nice...especially potato chips..."
She nodded confidently to herself. After all, this moment belonged to her, and the potato chips were an unexpected but delightful companion.
Carrying potato chips, Maya strolled through the campus, her footsteps leading her to the training field. The empty path welcomed her, and she immersed herself in the tranquility. The sounds of her chewing seemed to blend with the rustling of the leaves, becoming part of the morning symphony.
“We should train today. I slept all day yesterday,” Maya muttered, her words mingling with the sounds of chewing. Like most students, Maya’s sleep schedule was peculiar. Sometimes she wouldn’t sleep all day, and other times she would sleep all day.
"Today is elemental training," she continued.
The training room appeared before her, and Maya's eyes shone with determination. The Elemental Chamber awaited her, where her abilities would be tested. She finished her meal with the last bite of potato chips and casually tossed the empty bag into a nearby trash can.
As Maya entered the training field, she noticed several academy staff members busily preparing for the day's activities. She smiled at a passing coach, who nodded in response. Maya's reputation as the top student in her second year was already widespread.
The coach paused his preparations, looked thoughtfully at Maya, and then took the potato chips she offered. "Thank you," the coach said gratefully.
Maya's smile widened, clearly pleased with the coach's response. "You're welcome! I find it really refreshing to start the day with some chips."
The coach smiled, munching on a potato chip. "I understand. So, Maya, where are you planning to go this morning?"
Maya tilted her head, her expression mischievous. "I'm going to the Elemental Chamber; it's my favorite place."
The coach smiled and nodded. "You do have a deep connection to that place, and you're always dedicated to mastering your elemental magic."
A determined gleam shone in Maya's eyes. "Of course. It's the perfect environment to challenge myself and make progress. After all, I am the best nature mage in the world."
The coach nodded. "You're always willing to take on challenges. With your ranking as a top student, the Element Room is definitely your stage. Your dedication to improvement is commendable."
Maya's expression turned thoughtful. "Thank you. I also want to set a good example for the younger generation."
The coach's smile softened even more. "You are truly a dedicated student. Your enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring."
Maya blushed slightly at the compliment, but maintained a cheerful expression. "I enjoy the process of learning and growing."
As they were talking, Maya's attention was drawn to a distant crashing sound. She turned her head, a look of obvious curiosity on her face.
"Did you hear that?" she whispered, her gaze fixed on the source of the sound. She felt she knew where the sound was coming from, but couldn't quite place it.
“Hmm… it’s the Phantom Puppet,” the coach replied, turning his gaze towards the direction of the voice. “A freshman came here just now and said he wanted to challenge the Phantom Puppet.”
Maya's face lit up with sudden realization, and she nodded. "Fighting against phantom puppets must be very difficult."
A hint of approval flickered in the coach's eyes. "Indeed. It's truly impressive to see a freshman taking on this challenge with such enthusiasm so early in the season."
Maya smiled contentedly. "The early morning always reveals those who truly yearn for self-improvement."
As they approached the source of the sound, the coach's gaze focused on the training area. "It looks like this freshman is facing a considerable challenge," she observed.
Maya's curiosity grew stronger, and her words became tinged with interest. "I really want to know who that freshman is, and how he behaves in front of the phantom puppet."
The coach's expression turned thoughtful. "While I appreciate their enthusiasm, it's important that individuals recognize the challenges they may face."
Maya frowned slightly, her tone tinged with displeasure. "But isn't the academy meant to push us to our limits and encourage us to strive for growth?"
The coach nodded, understanding Maya's point of view. "Indeed. However, there is a delicate line between growth and taking on insurmountable challenges. Not every battle is worth pursuing."
Maya's eyes gleamed with determination. "I believe that perseverance and determination can overcome any difficult situation."
A gentle smile appeared on the coach's lips. "While that's true, sometimes knowing when to back down is a valuable skill. Wisdom lies in recognizing which battles are truly worth taking on."
Maya stiffened slightly, a hint of disapproval flashing across her face. "But how can we achieve greatness if we always avoid challenges?"
The professor's gaze held understanding. "It's not about running away, Maya. What's important is choosing battles that align with your strengths and have a chance of success. Facing unfavorable challenges can lead to unnecessary setbacks."
However, Maya didn't like talking about these things because they reminded her of the past.
'True fighting is about never backing down, even when faced with an unwinnable battle.'
Feeling she didn't want to continue talking to the coach, she waved and walked towards the element room.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
However, with each step she took, the impact became louder and louder.
Normally, Maya might choose to avoid or ignore these sounds, as the training ground is always filled with various noises.
But the situation was different now; the only sound she heard was the impact from the phantom puppet area.
This piqued her curiosity. And since the other person was a freshman, she became even more intrigued.
Who is this new student? She couldn't help but wonder.
Clang! Crack! Clang! Crack!
The sound of her chewing potato chips mingled with the thud as she slowly walked toward the source of the noise.
There, amidst the constant movement and the clanging of metal, she spotted the junior who had caught her attention during her club activities.
His name was Morse. She recalled being called out as a new member during a club activity, and his casual yet slightly melancholic demeanor left a deep impression on her.
To be honest, as a freshman, his appearance piqued her curiosity, because it was the first time she had seen someone challenge themselves in this way, and it didn't feel bad. She was a gentle girl and was always popular with other students.
Before her, Morse was engaged in a fierce battle with the phantom puppet, his movements swift and precise.
Despite the immense challenge posed by the phantom puppet's mobility, he seemed undeterred. Every dodge, every attack, reflected his determination to overcome this formidable opponent.
There's a reason why the Phantom Puppet is considered one of the most difficult challenges for the trainees.
This is because phantom golems possess an innate ability to adapt their physical characteristics to their enemies. Therefore, they cannot be defeated by brute force alone.
Furthermore, since the academy is filled with wealthy students who spend vast resources improving their physical abilities, they have to rely on skill when they can't utilize that. For this reason, it's generally not recommended for freshmen to fight Phantom Golems, as their skills are often not yet fully developed.
Maya smiled slightly. Seeing his determination, she admired him greatly, which reminded her of her own resolve when facing various magical challenges.
Click, click
As a second-year student, Maya's reputation is no accident; it is the result of countless hours of hard work and determination. Only she knows how difficult it is to put in so much effort so early in the morning.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
As she observed Morse's battle with the puppet, she noticed his movements were constantly changing. It was as if he was adapting to the phantom puppet's attack patterns and learning from each exchange. Just as he was not only attacking while fighting the phantom puppet, he was also observing and absorbing knowledge of the battle.
As a highly skilled supernatural mage, Maya possesses keen observation skills, enabling her to perceive subtle changes in Morse's tactics.
He was like a black hole, absorbing all knowledge.
Morse was unaware that Maya's presence was more than just a silent observer. Her gaze was full of analysis; with every clash, she was assessing his strengths and weaknesses.
However, his physical condition held him back.
She could easily see that the tactics he conceived were actually constrained by his body. Even though the puppet's speed had been adjusted to match his own, he still couldn't fully display his skills.
"Huh...huh..."
She heard his rapid breathing and saw sweat beading on his forehead.
Does he meet the college's standards for students?
This was her second year at the college, and the first time she had seen a student so weak.
'It seems his physical condition is what caused him to rank so low.'
As the club president, she naturally knew Morse's ranking.
But what's more obvious is his lack of skill in controlling his magic. It seems he hasn't yet realized how to effectively manipulate his own power.
Maya frowned slightly, a mixture of worry and curiosity in her eyes. She had seen many students lack control over their magic, but Morse seemed different.
It seems that he does not have a clear understanding of the nature of manipulating magic.
'It was as if he had never used magic.'
Her mind raced, trying to figure out the reasons behind his predicament. Was it a lack of formal training? Or had he not received enough guidance to develop his mana control skills?
Whatever the reason, Maya couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Mana control was a crucial aspect for mages, and a lack of mastery could significantly slow down progress. But that didn't mean it was the same for ordinary hunters.
No, even ordinary hunters need good mana control. After all, whether it's a sword, gun, bow, or any other weapon, it requires mana.
'Without this, he simply cannot survive.'
As Morse continued his fight, Maya's analytical gaze remained fixed on him. She could almost feel his inner frustration, his longing to break free from the obstacles that bound him.
But frustration alone cannot solve the problem; he needs guidance, support, and perhaps even a mentor to help him master the complex techniques of manipulating magic.
Should I help him?
Maya pursed her lips slightly and continued to observe. She was considering whether she should intervene and offer some advice, but a hint of hesitation lingered in her heart.
After all, they are students on their own paths, and unsolicited advice may not be well received.
But at that moment, Morse's aura changed.