I Don't Need To Log Out

"So... what do you want me to do?" Zack asked cautiously, his eyes narrowing.

June tapped her chin theatrically. "Hmm, let's see. Oh! I know! You're going to act like a chicken for the next five minutes."

The forest erupted with laughter.

"A chicken?!" Zack sputtered, his face turning red.

"Yep," June said, her tone sweet and innocent. "Complete with flapping wings, clucking sounds, and everything. A bet's a bet, remember?"

"Come on, June. Be reasonable!"

"This is reasonable," she countered, crossing her arms. "You agreed, and I won fair and square. So, let's hear it—'Bawk bawk!'"

"Do it, Zack," Pierre said, stifling a giggle. "I want to see this."

Even Arlon cracked a faint smile.

Zack groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Fine," he muttered. "But you're all going to owe me after this."

He took a deep breath, flapped his arms awkwardly like wings, and let out a half-hearted, "Bawk."

"Come on," June said, laughing. "Put some feeling into it!"

Zack rolled his eyes but committed to the act. He flapped his "wings" more enthusiastically and began strutting around the path, clucking loudly.

"Bawk bawk! Who wants some eggs?!" he yelled, drawing more laughter from the group.

Alia couldn't help but laugh. "This might be the best thing I've seen all day."

Even Leafa joined the laughter with a voice so thin that it was almost impossible to hear while Sia and Mei looked at Zack with weird eyes.

"Keep going!" Evan urged, pulling out a small communication crystal to record it. "This is pure gold."

Zack glared at him mid-cluck. "You better not be recording this!"

"Too late!" Evan said, grinning.

As Zack continued his ridiculous performance, Professor Elwyn glanced back, his expression unreadable.

"Is everything alright back there?" Elwyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Perfectly fine, Professor!" June called out, struggling to suppress her laughter. "Just a little... team-building exercise."

Elwyn gave a small nod. "Carry on, then."

As the professor turned back, Zack shot June a glare. "This is so humiliating."

"Yeah," June said, still grinning. "But you're a pretty convincing chicken. Maybe you missed your true calling."

The group's laughter echoed through the forest as Zack reluctantly clucked his way down the path, muttering under his breath about revenge.

"Why did you make him do that now?" Arlon asked June.

"No reason... I just felt like I wanted to laugh a bit. An 'anything you want' ticket from Zack isn't that beneficial anyway," June answered.

Her answer seemed logical, but Arlon felt like there was another reason behind it. He wouldn't pry into that, though.

---

The group finally reached another wide clearing in the middle of the forest, where Elwyn stopped and turned to face them.

The trees formed a natural barrier around the area, their thick trunks and canopy creating an enclosed, almost arena-like feel.

"Alright," Elwyn began, his melodic voice cutting through the chatter. "It's time to explain today's lesson. As I mentioned earlier, this is a team-based exercise focusing on battle synergy and role adaptation."

The players exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.

"In a real battle," Elwyn continued, pacing slowly in front of them, "you cannot rely solely on individual strength.

Even the most powerful warrior or mage will fall without support. This exercise is designed to test how well you can work together, even when placed outside your comfort zones."

He gestured to the forest around them. "Scattered throughout this section of the forest are magical markers.

These markers are tied to a creature or a challenge—summoned beasts, environmental obstacles, or combat simulations.

Your task is to collect three markers as a team and return to this clearing. However..." He paused, letting the suspense build.

"...the challenges tied to the markers will force you to think on your feet. Some may require combat, others problem-solving, and a few will demand coordination to overcome environmental barriers.

To succeed, you'll need to rely on your team, communicate effectively, and adapt to unexpected situations."

Evan raised a hand. "What happens if we fail one of the challenges?"

Elwyn smirked faintly. "Then you'll waste time, and another team might beat you back here first.

This isn't just about completion—it's about speed and efficiency. Only the first three teams to return with three markers will pass this lesson with top marks.

Ah, I forgot to mention an important thing. Those three will not need to take the exams. The others will need to raise their ranking with the exam."

The players collectively tensed at the mention of the exam.

"Then, isn't it better to come last and raise your ranking in the exam?" one student told the other.

"Hehe! Do you think I didn't think of that?" Elwyn said. He heard what the student said, "The last three groups will also be excluded from the exam. But they will fail it."

Elwyn's eyes swept over the group. "Remember, this exercise isn't about individual glory. It's about how well you can function as a unit. That will determine your success—not just today, but in any real battle you face in the future." Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire

Maria leaned toward Alia, whispering, "So, basically, don't mess this up, right?"

Alia chuckled softly. "Pretty much."

Elwyn clapped his hands. "Now, each team will start from a different point in the forest. You'll be assigned a specific direction to begin your search for markers.

Once you find one, you'll need to decide as a team whether to press forward for another or return here to regroup. Make your choices wisely."

He gestured to a magical projection that appeared in the air, showing the map of their designated forest section. Brightly glowing points indicated the locations of the markers.

"Memorize your routes. The forest shifts over time, so don't rely too heavily on landmarks. Trust your instincts and your team," Elwyn said, dismissing the map with a wave of his hand.

But, unlucky for him, Arlon had already made the system record the markings and the map. Additionally, he was already touching random objects around.

The students nodded, their expressions determined.

"Now," Elwyn said, gesturing to each group. "Take your positions at the starting points. Your lesson begins... now."

With that, the groups scattered in different directions, disappearing into the dense forest, each team heading toward their assigned starting location.