The Survival of the Third-rate Villain

With all the students done with the matches, the assessment came to an end.

Sariel stood at the center of the arena, his voice echoing clearly—

"That concludes this semester's assessment. Congratulations everyone."

"You've all grown stronger."

The other professors behind him nodded in agreement.

"The full rankings will be posted later in front of the Xapham Hall. Be sure to check them out."

He added with a small smile.

Though honestly… Everyone already had a rough idea about the top rankings.

Their eyes?

They all glanced at one person.

Raye.

"..."

He just ignored them.

Anyway—

Clap- Clap- Clap—

The students began clapping as the closing ceremony came to an end. Some were clapping because it was finally over, others clapped simply because they were in awe of what they witnessed today.

"Remember to not be complacent and still aim higher, always do your best... And also, enjoy the progress of your growth."

And after a few more words from Sariel—

"You may now leave."

He dismissed them.

Tap- Tap- Tap—

The students started moving, slowly filing out of the Training Ground. One by one. In groups. In pairs.

Some were quiet.

Some were loud, still talking about the matches.

"My ears are still ringing... I should buy ear plugs are Kyle's General Store."

But all of them were thinking the same thing—

This year's third-years... were something else.

...

...

*****

"So, where are you guys going next?"

Devin asked as the group exited the training grounds, casually stretching his arms behind his head.

"I'm heading back to my dorm, I still have something to finish."

Lena replied, brushing her hair back.

"Training. Still have a few things to work on."

Allen added right after with a straight face. He was filled with adrenaline at the moment, pushing him to train.

"Well me... I'm going to the shop and help Kyle. He said he needs help with some of the business partners."

Devin mumbled. Then he turned to the others.—

"How about you guys?"

Lycus scratched his cheek with a little grin.

"Well... Sofia and I have a plan."

Sofia's eyes widened a bit, but she said nothing—her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink.

Everyone stared at them for a second before nodding in quiet understanding. The two of them have a date.

"Nice."

Devin muttered with a smirk, then turned to Raye.

"What about you?"

Raye smirked.

"Same. Jerusha and I have our own thing for the rest of the day."

Jerusha giggled beside him, holding his arm.

Devin, Allen, and Lena all furrowed their brows in sync.

Then slowly, all three turned their heads toward Leon.

With an awkward smile and a small laugh, Leon rubbed the back of his neck.

"Ah, well... Aria and I have a plan too."

He said.

"Ugh, come on!"

Devin groaned, dragging his feet dramatically as he walked faster.

"Are we the only ones left single or something?"

Allen complained jokingly, smiling at the three.

Lena just sighed and picked up her pace, a small smile on her face though.

Raye, Jerusha, and Lycus all burst out laughing at the sight of them.

Meanwhile, Sofia, Leon, and Aria just smiled quietly to themselves.

*****

Given that each of them had different plans—

The group naturally separated after saying their goodbyes to each other.

"Later."

"Take care."

"Don't die."

"Shut up."

They all chuckled as they went their own ways.

And now...

Only Raye and Jerusha were left alone.

"Hmm... Is there somewhere you want to go?"

Raye asked her casually as they walked side by side.

Jerusha turned to him and with a sweet smile—

"Anywhere's fine. As long as I'm with you."

Her voice was soft, honest, and sweet—so sweet that Raye slightly blushed hearing it.

He scratched the side of his face and cracked out a small smile. His expression stayed calm though.

"Then... How about we roam around town first? Maybe find a nice place to eat later."

They weren't that hungry yet, so there was no need to rush.

And hearing his suggestion, Jerusha beamed.

"Sounds perfect."

She replied.

And with that—

The two of them made their way toward town.

...

...

...

The sun was starting to set, casting a warm orange glow over the town.

Raye and Jerusha walked down the cobbled streets, the atmosphere light and peaceful. Laughter and chatter echoed from the various stalls and shops, the town alive as usual.

"Look, that place sells candied fruits."

Jerusha pointed at a stall with glittering treats on display.

"You want one?"

Raye asked, already taking a step toward it.

Jerusha nodded.

"Just one. We can share."

Raye raised an eyebrow, but he didn't comment. He just smiled and paid for it.

A few moments later—

"Here."

He offered it to her.

But Jerusha leaned forward instead and took a small bite from it—her eyes curved happily.

"Mhm~ It's good."

Raye took a bite too.

"Not bad."

They wandered around after that, visiting a few more stalls, trying out some random mini games and snacks.

At some point, Jerusha dragged Raye to a booth where people were sketching caricatures.

"Hell no."

Raye flatly refused the moment she suggested it.

"Ehh, it'll be funny."

Jerusha giggled.

"Ugh... Fine."

Raye gave in.

And so, they did and have their portraits drawn exaggeratedly. Though, the artist had a hard time because Raye and Jerusha were just too handsome and beautiful... They couldn't draw them in ugly cartoons without making it far from their appearance.

So in the end, Raye and Jerusha just ended with chibi drawings of themselves.

Despite that, the two of them laughed and kept going, sometimes stopping to look at street performers, sometimes just quietly walking with their hands lightly brushing.

Then suddenly, as they turned a corner—

"…"

They saw Lycus and Sofia walking ahead of them. Lycus noticed them first, eyes widening slightly.

Sofia followed his gaze and her cheeks immediately turned a shade redder.

"Ah—"

Jerusha blinked.

"…Oh."

Raye and Lycus locked eyes for a moment, both a bit caught off guard. Then—

They both just gave each other a small nod.

Jerusha smiled. Sofia shyly did the same.

And without saying a word, they walked past each other...

"...That was kinda funny."

Raye muttered.

"We just caught them in the middle of a date."

Jerusha followed.

"You say that like we're not in one."

Raye smirked.

They continued walking again, the street leading them toward a slightly more crowded plaza.

And there—

"Oh."

"Ah."

Raye and Jerusha both blinked when they saw Leon and Aria in front of a small fountain, clearly on a date too.

The two pairs froze for a second.

"..."

"..."

Then, they just greeted each other with a short wave.

"Hey."

"Enjoy."

"Haha..."

Leon scratched the back of his head, looking like he had no clue what to say. Aria gave a small nod, a little flustered.

Then, like earlier, they just passed by one another with light smiles.

"...We're all really the same, huh?"

Raye chuckled under his breath.

Jerusha laughed beside him.

"Yeah... I like it."

And with that—

They continued their evening. Just the two of them.