The Survival of the Third-rate Villain

Raye, Pyro, and Zephyrus returned to the cabin just before noon.

The sun was up high, casting streaks of warm light through the trees of the forest. Once they got back, Raye dropped his things on a chair outside and stretched his arms.

"Alright. Let's go hunting to store meats."

He said.

And the three of them nodded at one another— then without wasting any more time—

FWOOOSH—!

They all flew up into the [Northern Forest]!

*****

They hunted for nearly an hour. Raye was using his [Telekinesis] to pin beasts in place while Pyro would shoot fireballs and Zephyrus used wind blades to disable their targets.

It was quick. Efficient. They used that opportunity to train as well.

That's why they were only using weak spells and focusing on controlling them skillfully instead.

Anyway, by the time they got back— Raye had more than enough corpses to process.

He started skinning and cutting the aggressive wild boars just outside the cabin while the other two began preparing the firewood and boiling water nearby. Pyro kept pacing excitedly. Zephyrus calmly focused.

After the meat was processed and packed into the cold-box enchanted chest that he bought, Raye dusted off his shirt and headed to the river.

"Time for another bath."

He mumbled to himself.

*****

Splash— splash—

The water was cold and refreshing.

"Fwaaaaaaah..."

Raye sighed.

Steam lightly rose from his body. The fatigue was slowly washing off.

He just lazed around in the water, resting.

Then, after getting the smell of the blood in his body—

Raye got back to the cabin, dried his hair, and dressed in a simple black shirt and loose pants.

His usual training wear. And without needing a break—

He went outside and started his training as well.

"[Telekinesis]"

He muttered.

W H O O O S H~

A few medium-sized rocks floated in front of him.

His mana control was sharper than ever after reaching [S-] Rank. The air around him was swirling faintly, like gravity bending itself for him.

He began multitasking—

One rock spun in a horizontal circle.

Another in vertical loops.

The third rotated with erratic, zigzag patterns.

Then—

"[Electric Pierce]."

He muttered, extending his index finger.

ZAAAP—!

A straight line of lightning burst forth, piercing through the first two rocks with precision. The third dodged. He smirked. That was on purpose. He was testing split-control. Seeing how far he could push his casting speed while maintaining [Telekinesis].

He kept going.

He mixed low-tier fire bolts into the patterns too— then switched to air manipulation, using vacuum bursts to pull and push targets mid-flight.

Every few minutes—

BOOM!

CRACK!

The clearing outside the cabin shook with micro-explosions and bursts of sparks.

And Pyro and Zephyrus?

They were watching him while training too.

Pyro was jumping through hoops of fire he'd made himself, trying to keep his shape stable while increasing heat output.

Zephyrus meditated while holding a leaf suspended midair with his own wind—refining his focus and control.

They all trained under the heat of the afternoon sun...

...

...

...

Until—

"Raye!"

A familiar, soft voice echoed through the trees.

Raye froze.

He looked up.

Jerusha.

She was walking toward the cabin clearing, her soft purple hair dancing with the breeze. She was wearing a white top and light skirt, a small bag on her shoulder.

Raye smiled instantly, like it was natural.

He stored his swords that he was using just now, dismissed his mana, and walked toward her.

"Hey."

He greeted.

"Hi."

Jerusha smiled sweetly.

"I thought you'd be resting today."

"I did."

She tilted her head.

"But then I missed you."

"..."

Raye scratched his cheek, smiling a little bit. He was slightly red and couldn't say anything.

Then from behind him—

-meep! mama!

-Hello, Jerusha.

Pyro and Zephyrus walked over too.

Jerusha knelt down and greeted them with a giggle, patting both of them gently.

"You three really trained all day again, huh?"

She said.

Raye nodded.

"Had to. I'm trying to incorporate more of the electric attribute that I just learned into my style."

Jerusha stood up straight and looked him over.

"You're pushing yourself again."

"It's fine."

He smiled.

She rolled her eyes and poked his forehead.

"Don't forget to rest too, okay?"

"I just need to see you and I'm already well rested."

Raye shot back, a sweet smile on his face.

"..."

This shut up Jerusha, she was blushing, all embarrassed.

Then—

"Anyway..."

Jerusha looked around.

"I brought food. Want to eat together?"

She asked, shifting the topic.

"What is it?"

Raye curiously asked.

And proudly—

"Rabbit stew!"

Jerusha exclaimed.

"..."

Raye softened. Then, with a smile on his face—

"Wow, let's eat then. I'm hungry."

He said that.

*****

They sat near the training field under the shade of the trees.

Jerusha laid out everything that she brought—rabbit stew, fruit slices, and some juice.

Pyro and Zephyrus also got their own portions— they happily munched as the four of them talked and laughed.

It was peaceful. Simple.

No lightning. No explosions. No swords clashing.

Just the breeze... and quiet laughter.

And for Raye—

He wouldn't trade it for anything.

...

...

...

After they finished eating, Jerusha leaned against Raye's shoulder.

"Hm?"

Raye didn't move. He let her stay there, listening to the wind and the birds.

"You're really getting strong, huh."

Jerusha suddenly whispered.

Raye looked up at the sky.

"Still not strong enough."

"You beat Leon."

"Still not enough."

Raye knows what will happen in the future. This peace he was enjoying could end soon... It could even be tomorrow, or the next minute...

And to protect what's important to him, everyone around him— he needs to get more strong, as strong as he can.

Raye can't rank up more, he's already way past his limit. Herbs and enhancement drugs are no use for him anymore.

So now, he was focusing on honing his skills and techniques.

'I can still grow. It's still not enough.'

Raye thought.

Then at that moment...

"..."

Jerusha smiled. And opening her mouth—

"Then I guess I'll keep supporting you until you are."

She said that, replying to his words earlier.

"..."

"...Thanks."

Raye smiled back to her.

*****

Hours passed...

Evening started creeping in. The shadows stretched longer.

Jerusha eventually stood up, saying she needed to head back soon.

"I'll walk you."

Raye said immediately.

Jerusha raised an eyebrow.

"Even after all that training?"

"I'll walk you."

He repeated with a casual smile on his face.

"Haha, alright."

Jerusha laughed and responded.

And so, the two of them walked back, heading to the [Amaya Dormitory].

Side by side.

Just like always.

The two of them even intentionally walked slow. But eventually, they reached their destination and they have to say their goodbyes to each other.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow."

Jerusha and Raye mumbled. And with that, Jerusha entered the dorm, and Raye headed back to the cabin.

...

...

...

A couple of days had passed.

Zion Academy finished preparing and the orientation for the opening of the new semester will take place now.