Vilon was visibly excited about the prospect of learning orb contracting. As Kyren, Hiro, Beatrix, and Zeeha prepared to head to lunch, Vilon said, "I'm really eager to get started on orb contracting. I'll need to stay behind and study. I won't be able to join you guys for lunch."
Kyren, Hiro, Zeeha, and Beatrix nodded, understanding Vilon's dedication. They made their way to the cafeteria, where the lively atmosphere was filled with the buzz of students discussing their training and recent events. The sound of clattering trays and laughter blended into a chaotic but vibrant rhythm.
While eating, the group overheard some students talking excitedly about Rayn. "Did you hear? Rayn managed to integrate a rune with her rare roots," one student said, awe lacing their voice. "It's the first time anyone has exceeded these capabilities like this!"
Hiro's eyes widened, and he turned to Kyren, his voice slightly muffled as he chewed. "Did you hear that, Kyren?" He swallowed quickly, a rare hint of seriousness coloring his usually playful tone.
"Yeah," Kyren replied, his brow furrowing with a mix of concern and deepening anxiety. His heart sank, a gnawing feeling of inadequacy clawing at him. He couldn't help but think about how powerless they seemed in comparison, lacking roots and, by extension, any real way to compete. His fists clenched under the table.
"That's insane," Zeeha said, her frustration evident in the tightness of her voice. Her fork clattered onto her plate. "Does that mean that in the next battle everything will be different? It's a real game-changer." She tried to mask her fear with anger, but her unease was palpable.
Beatrix, usually the one to crack a joke, looked equally troubled. "And that means we really have more problems dealing with that GA," she added, her voice tinged with a rare hint of despair. Her mind raced with thoughts of how outmatched they were. "At this point, we have no chance."
Zeeha nodded, her worry etched across her face. "She can play around with her rune until it runs out, and then she can use her raw energy. What if she can use more than one of those runes? It's like she has a cheat code." Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear of the unknown.
Kyren felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He remembered Rayn's offer—a heavy burden he had carried silently. The thought of accepting her help felt like a betrayal, but the idea of remaining weak was even more terrifying. The conflict raged within him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
When they arrived at their room, they found Vilon surrounded by a pile of books and scrolls, deeply engrossed in his research. His face was a portrait of determination, with shadows of doubt flickering in his eyes. Zeeha approached him, concern evident in her expression. "How's the progress with orb contracting?"
Vilon looked up, his exhaustion plain to see. "I've been studying hard," he said, his voice weary yet resolute. "The success rate for making a rune is only about 5%. Based on my current root management, I need to channel my full power into overcharging the orb within three seconds. It's crucial, and it heavily depends on the orb's material." He paused, his gaze shifting to the pile of ancient texts. "I'm worried about the risk. If I overcharge the orb and it fails, I might destroy it completely. There's a possibility it won't be repairable."
Kyren listened thoughtfully, a plan forming in his mind. He turned to Beatrix. "Beatrix, I was thinking of using my own orb that you gave me for Vilon's experiment. If you're okay with it, I'd like to test it out and see if we can make progress."
Beatrix's eyes softened, and she considered the proposal carefully. The usually light-hearted energy between them turned serious. "If you're willing to take the risk, I think it's a good opportunity for Vilon to gain hands-on experience," she said. "Just make sure you're prepared for any outcome."
Vilon's expression was conflicted, his hesitation rooted in genuine concern. He clenched his fists. "I appreciate the offer, Kyren, but I'm worried about possibly destroying the orb," he said, voice strained. "It's a significant risk, and I don't want to be responsible for that loss." His fear wasn't of failure, but of failing those who believed in him.
Kyren placed a reassuring hand on Vilon's shoulder, his grip firm. "We need to take some risks," he said, his voice steady with a determination he didn't entirely feel. "I know you wanted to test it out too."
Hiro, always quick to lighten the mood, was still taken aback by Kyren's resolve. He grinned, though there was a nervous edge to it, and offered his own orb. "Use mine too, if anything goes wrong."
"Don't, Hiro," Kyren replied firmly. "We need that orb." His tone left no room for argument, and Hiro sighed, deferring to his friend's judgment.
"So, where do we test it out?" Vilon asked, anticipation and uncertainty battling within him.
"Let's go to the event hall," Zeeha suggested, her tone decisive but laced with worry. She couldn't help but glance at Vilon, silently hoping he was ready for whatever came next.
The group made their way to the spacious event hall, its walls lined with reinforced barriers to withstand even the most volatile of experiments. The hall's versatility made it the perfect stage for their attempt, but the air felt heavy with the weight of their hopes and fears. Kyren handed his ring to Vilon, his heart pounding.
"Be careful," Zeeha said, her voice steady but thick with concern. "Remember, we're testing something new."
Vilon nodded, swallowing his fear. He steadied himself, drawing on every ounce of focus he had left. With trembling fingers, he began the ritual, channeling his full lightning roots into the orb. The energy crackled, and a powerful vortex of lightning erupted, filling the room with blinding light and a deafening roar.
The display was awe-inspiring yet terrifying, a storm barely contained. Vilon's strength waned, and he collapsed. Zeeha rushed to catch him, her heart racing with worry.
The orb in the ring glowed an ominous red, casting eerie shadows across their faces. The tension was thick, and the silence that followed was suffocating. They waited, breathless, but the effect they had hoped for never came. The ring remained unchanged, and the sense of defeat was palpable.
Kyren and Zeeha exchanged glances, relief mingling with disappointment. At least the orb hadn't been destroyed, but they were no closer to a solution. Vilon, still groggy, began to sit up, his eyes clouded with regret.
Kyren and Zeeha huddled together, analyzing the results. "We have three possible explanations for what went wrong," Kyren said, his voice calm but thoughtful. "First, Vilon might not have powered up as quickly as needed for the ritual."
"What do you mean?" Hiro asked, confusion written across his face.
"Based on Vilon's study," Kyren explained, "the orb needed to reach its critical point in 3 seconds. But from our observations, it took Vilon 10 seconds to reach full power."
"That means the orb only needed maximum power for 3 seconds," Zeeha added, her analytical mind working furiously. "So the 7 extra seconds Vilon spent powering up were unnecessary."
"If Vilon wants to test it again, he needs to power up for 7 seconds before holding the orb," Kyren concluded.
Vilon, still catching his breath, nodded resolutely. "I'm ready to try again."
"But not today, right?" Beatrix interjected, concern evident in her voice.
"Yes, not today," Kyren agreed. "Vilon needs to be in perfect condition, and this ties into the second possibility."
"What is it?" Hiro asked, eager but apprehensive.
"The second and third possibilities are connected," Zeeha said, her voice grim. "It could either be that Vilon's power was not enough, or it was too much. We don't know which yet."
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a voice dripping with mockery. "Looks like someone's testing out today's topic, and I assume you failed," Rayn said, stepping forward, her future guild members flanking her. Her presence was a storm cloud darkening the room.
The group fell silent, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Hiro struggled to keep his temper in check. "Then teach us how you succeeded," he spat, barely holding back his frustration.
One of Rayn's guild members smirked. "Looks like they're begging, Lead," he said, sneering.
Rayn's gaze was icy as it shifted to Kyren. "Why would I teach my enemies?" she replied, her tone filled with contempt. Her eyes locked with Kyren's, silently taunting him, as if to say, Look at what you've declined.
Kyren's jaw tightened, and he made a decisive move. "Let's go, guys," he said, his voice unwavering. With a gentle but firm push, he guided his friends away, signaling that they didn't need Rayn's help, no matter how dire things seemed.
Rayn's thoughts simmered with smug satisfaction as she watched them leave. I know you're regretting your decision now, stupid Kyren.
As they walked away, Beatrix muttered under her breath, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "We don't need them anyway," she insisted, though a hint of doubt lingered.
Zeeha nodded in agreement, though her eyes reflected the storm of worry brewing inside her. "We'll figure this out on our own," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.