The atmosphere inside the classroom, which was previously buzzing with whispers about Arvin and Allen's relationship, fell silent the moment Professor Elliana's firm footsteps were heard approaching.
As soon as the professor entered the room, the students who had been crowding around Allen immediately dispersed in an orderly fashion, returning to their respective seats as if nothing had happened.
"This morning, we will not be studying indoors!" Professor Elliana began the session with an authoritative tone. "We are going to visit a forest located not far from the capital. Today's session aims to teach you all how to use magic practically in the field and to build the mental fortitude to fight the monsters that inhabit the area!"
A student raised their hand hesitantly. "Why do we have to go straight to the forest, Professor? Isn't it dangerous?"
"For your own experience!" Elliana answered without hesitation. "Magic is not just theory on paper. You need to feel the pressure of a real battlefield so that your combat instincts can be sharpened!"
The students nodded in understanding, though some faces turned pale imagining their first encounter with a monster.
The class group then moved toward the back area of the academy. They crossed a very quiet and rarely traveled path until they finally arrived in front of a giant city wall that bordered the academy's backyard.
Standing there was a large and ancient iron gate. Its surface was decorated with magic seals that glowed dimly. The seal could only be opened with a special key belonging to the academy, a security system ensuring that no intruders entered and no students ventured out without permission.
So, this is the academy's back door that often appears in the game? Arvin thought while looking up at the magnificent gate in front of him. There was a strange feeling swirling in his chest. I used to only see it on a computer screen, but now I am standing here in reality.
Arvin leaned slightly toward Allen, whispering very softly so as not to be heard by others. "Allen, once we are outside that gate, stay close to me. We have to separate ourselves from the rest of the group."
Allen glanced sideways, looking into his husband's eyes with full confidence. "Wherever you go, I will always be with you, My Husband..."
Creak...
The sound of heavy iron grinding broke the silence of the forest as the magic seal opened automatically. The gate slowly began to reveal the lush, mysterious green trees behind it. All the students took a deep breath in awe at the high-level magic mechanism and the scenery before them.
As Professor Elliana stepped out of the gate to lead the way, the students followed suit. Arvin intentionally slowed his pace. Allen, who already understood his husband's intention, adjusted his speed as well. Slowly but surely, the two of them moved back until they were at the very end of the line, far enough not to be strictly monitored by those in the front.
"My husband, what is the real reason we have to separate ourselves like this?" Allen whispered full of curiosity.
"I want to retrieve a valuable item hidden deep within this forest." Arvin replied in a serious tone. "An 'Elixir of Archmage' whose location I know of. I want you and Alrain to drink it later so that your strength will increase significantly."
Allen was touched to hear Arvin's concern, as he was always thinking about his strength. However, shadows of a cruel and brutal past momentarily flashed through his mind. "If that is your wish, I will gladly accept it. But..." Allen looked at Arvin with a pleading gaze, "please don't treat me in a harsh way like you did back then."
Arvin immediately wrapped his arm around Allen's neck, then playfully pinched his spouse's cheek gently. "I won't do that to you ever again, Allen. Trust me. Forget about being harsh, I can't even bear to see you pout because of sadness."
Allen felt his heart warm up. He returned the embrace by wrapping his arm affectionately around Arvin's waist, ignoring the fact that they were still under the academy's supervision.
The group stopped at a large clearing on the edge of the forest. Professor Elliana turned to face them. "Form groups of at least two people! Scatter, find, and kill monsters. Take their body parts or magic crystals as proof for today's assessment!"
The atmosphere suddenly grew noisy with worry. Scattering in an unfamiliar forest was a big challenge for these teenagers. Elliana, realizing their fear, immediately calmed them down. "You don't need to be afraid. In this outer zone, there are only Rank G to Rank F monsters. As long as you are alert, no one will be seriously injured, let alone die."
Hearing the teacher's assurance, the students' confidence returned. They began busily forming groups of three to five people for extra security. However, Arvin stood firm in his decision. He stood alone with only Allen.
"Hey, Arvin! Why are you choosing to be just the two of you?" a well-built male student shouted, trying to interrupt.
Arvin turned, glaring at the student with an intimidating gaze. "Because I am capable of protecting Allen by myself!" Arvin answered loudly, his voice echoing among the trees. "I am not willing to protect a crowd of people who will only be a burden on my journey!"
Arvin stepped forward, then pointed his index finger at the student's chest. "Didn't you hear Professor Elliana's instructions? A group must consist of at least two people, right? I have fulfilled that requirement." Arvin placed emphasis on every word. "Don't force me to get rough with you, Dylan."
The student named Dylan froze. His face turned pale, but there was a spark of surprise in his eyes. He went silent not because of Arvin's threat, but because he never expected that Arvin, the 'King of Terror' in the academy who was usually indifferent, actually remembered his name, even though he felt he was unimportant.
Dylan had no choice but to back down and join another group.
Damn it! Arvin grumbled inwardly while watching Dylan's retreating back. Why are all the 'Romantic Target' characters in this game always so stubborn and act like they know me?
His thoughts drifted back to the past, to the first time he met Allen. He remembered how stubborn Allen was back then when they argued about the library door, to the point where Arvin had to be rough with him just to give him a gift in the form of a potion.
What were the developers thinking when they set these characters up? Arvin cursed in his mind, unable to fathom it. All these romantic targets have a stubbornness that is beyond belief at the start. But strangely, once they become mine, they become so obedient and spoiled. Just look at the cute one beside me. Were those developers truly crazy when they designed their personality scripts?
Despite his grumbling, Arvin could only sigh in resignation. He gripped Allen's hand tighter, ready to lead his beloved through the forest for the sake of obtaining greater power for him.