I Don't Need To Log Out

"We should be way ahead. It took us only 45 minutes to find two markers. The record for finding just one marker was 57 minutes," Mei said, her voice filled with pride. She glanced at Arlon, her smile wide. "It's all thanks to your memory and that Blink spell, Arlon."

Arlon, walking a step ahead, didn't break stride. "We can't know what will happen next, so let's not slow down. I also worked alone on the second marker. I want this to be a group lesson, like the first challenge."

June looked over at Mei curiously. "How long does it usually take students to finish this mission?"

"Hmm," Mei said, tilting her head in thought. "It varies each year. We gathered at 1 p.m., and the lesson started at 1:30. The time limit is five and a half hours, so everyone has to be done by 7 p.m."

June nodded. "And do most groups finish within the time limit?"

Mei laughed. "This is the Cardon Academy. Of course, almost no group stays out until the time is up. Last year, every team finished well before the deadline. Even the slower ones usually wrap up within five hours."

"The fastest group?" Arlon asked, his tone neutral but curious.

Mei grinned. "The fastest group last year finished in just over four hours, which is impressive. But the absolute record is three hours and forty minutes.

That one belongs to none other than Lord Zephyrion's group, if you didn't know."

Arlon blinked in surprise, though his face remained calm. He hadn't known that Zephyrion was once a student at Cardon Academy.

June, however, had a different reaction. Her eyes lit up, practically sparkling. "Do you think we could break Lord Zephyrion's record?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Mei laughed, a playful glint in her eyes. "Hahaha! So you really understood my meaning, sister. I thought I was being subtle."
Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

June's determination was evident as she clutched her staff. "It'd be incredible to beat a record set by Lord Zephyrion himself."

"I don't think anyone will be able to surpass our record after this," Mei said confidently, her grin widening.

Arlon didn't respond, his thoughts already elsewhere. I've always worked alone. But if I'm going to improve, I need to change that. I'll make sure the next marker is a true team effort.

---

"We did well accepting those students here," said a stout Dwarf man, stroking his thick gray beard as he peered into a glowing orb hovering in the center of the room.

His tone was both impressed and cautious. "Two markers in 45 minutes... What in Trion's name did Lord Zephyrion send us? They're not ordinary."

Across from him, lounging on an elaborate cushion, was a Fairy woman with shimmering wings that caught the faint light of the orb.

She rested her chin in her hand, her expression a mix of curiosity and intrigue as she observed the images flickering within the orb—scenes of the guest students and their teams moving through the forest.

"Sigh..." came a voice from behind them. Professor Elwyn, leaning casually against a carved wooden pillar gestured toward the orb. "Don't focus on them exclusively, Borik. Check on all the students' progress. This isn't just about the first group. We still have an entire academy to oversee."

Borik grumbled under his breath but waved his hand over the orb, causing the image to shift.

It now displayed a group of third-year students carefully navigating a set of rope bridges strung high above a canyon.

"Happy now?" Borik muttered, though his eyes drifted back to the guest students' progress. "Still, you can't deny it. That Arlon fellow and his team are cutting through the challenges like butter. If they keep this up, they might even set a new record."

The Fairy, Cika, who was also the head teacher of the academy, remained silent, her gaze distant as though lost in thought.

Finally, she spoke, her voice soft but firm. "It seems like Lord Zephyrion isn't sitting idly while the enemy grows bolder. But what I want to know his how that Arlon boy found the markers directly."

---

Arlon led the way through the dense forest, his movements deliberate and precise.

He had recorded the map, including the marker locations, and guided them through the winding paths without hesitation.

Behind him, Mei and June followed closely, exchanging the occasional glance.

Every time they did, June remembered what Mei said. Knowing someone would confess was already embarrassing, but knowing she would be turned down was worse.

"Here," Arlon said, stopping abruptly.

The clearing was empty at first glance, devoid of any glowing markers or obvious signs of a challenge.

But at its center lay a series of stone slabs, each engraved with intricate runes and symbols.

The slabs were arranged in a circular pattern, their carvings faintly glowing with magical energy.

June frowned, stepping closer to the nearest slab. "No marker? Did we take a wrong turn?"

"No," Arlon said confidently. "The marker is here. It's hidden behind this puzzle." He gestured toward the runes. "This is the challenge."

Mei crouched down to examine the slabs, her sharp eyes scanning the symbols. "Runic combinations," she murmured. "It's a sequence puzzle. If we align these slabs in the right order, the marker will probably appear."

"Perfect," June said, already stepping back. "You've got this, Mei."

Mei smirked. "Of course. Just give me a few minutes to—"

"Wait," Arlon interrupted, his tone firm. "We're solving this as a group."

Mei raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Why? I can handle it. These puzzles are my specialty."

"And that's exactly why we need to do this together," Arlon replied. "This isn't just about finishing the lesson. It's about learning to work as a team. The academy wouldn't give us these challenges if they didn't want us to figure that out."

June crossed her arms. "So, what's your plan? Mei obviously knows the most about this stuff."

"She does," Arlon acknowledged. "But puzzles like this aren't just about knowledge. They're about observation and coordination.

I've noticed some patterns in the carvings already, and you're good at spotting small changes, June. We'll need that. This won't work if we just rely on one person.

Also, as you can see, there are three spots created for three students to solve. Doing it alone may lead to the puzzle to reset or a trap to be activated."

Mei stared at him for a moment before letting out a small laugh. "Alright, fine. You're the leader. Let's see how this 'teamwork' plan of yours works out."