Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey-Chapter 26: A Peaceful Day.

The past four days had been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Aric's unconsciousness after his match with Adrian had cast a shadow over their group dynamics. Things had become awkward between them, leaving an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Adrian, being the kind-hearted leader he was, made the first move to reach out to Aric.

Adrian decided it was time to break the ice. He couldn't stand the awkwardness anymore, and he didn't want things to sour further. With a determined expression, he approached Aric, who was sitting alone by the training grounds.

"Aric," Adrian began, his tone soft but firm, "we need to talk."

Aric looked up, his expression still a mix of frustration and pride. "What's there to talk about, Adrian? You beat me fair and square."

"It's not just about the match," Adrian replied. "It's about us, our friendship. We've been through a lot together, and I won't let a fight ruin that."

Aric seemed taken aback by Adrian's sincerity. He let out a sigh and looked away for a moment before meeting Adrian's gaze. "Whoever tried to say anything about who I am today is because of my family, I'll never forgive them."

Adrian nodded, understanding the weight of family expectations all too well. "I get it, Aric. But remember, you're not defined solely by your family. You're your person, and you have the power to shape your destiny."

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension slowly dissipating. It wasn't an easy conversation, but it was necessary. In the end, they managed to mend things, at least to a certain extent.

However, some tension still lingered, especially between Aric and Emma. Adrian sensed this, and he knew he needed to be the bridge between them. He cared deeply for both of them, and he didn't want their strained relationship to affect the group.

But gradually, they managed to mend things, finding common ground once more. The group was back together, though not without a lingering tension, especially between Emma and Aric. Adrian, the linchpin of their friendship, was there for both of them, offering his support and guidance.

In the novel, Adrian's main group consists of Aric, Emma, Isabella, Lyra, and, of course, Adrian himself. Other characters like Noah, Kael, and others played crucial roles, albeit as side characters who helped the main group grow stronger.

The real problem in Lucas's mind was Evelyn.

He knew almost nothing about her, except for the fragmented memories that haunted his dreams.

She used to be his girlfriend, and their history was shrouded in darkness, pain, and unspoken regrets.

Evelyn's presence in the group, especially her close friendship with Lyra and her apparent closeness to Emma, was a mystery that could change the dynamics of their group at any moment.

Lucas couldn't help but wonder if things might take a turn for the worse.

He hoped they wouldn't, but his uncertainty about Evelyn's role in this new world left room for worry.

As Lucas contemplated these events and the uncertainties that lay ahead, he couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this world he had created. The past four days had been a rollercoaster, and he couldn't shake the feeling that more surprises and challenges lay ahead.

***

Today is a peaceful day for me, not Ravi's training drills, not keeping eyes on the MC and others.

Indeed a peaceful day for me.

And also.

Today marked the sixth day of my classes, and it was the first time I had a non-practical lesson since arriving at the academy. Most of our lessons had been focused on real combat and physical training, which made theoretical classes quite rare.

The subject for today's theoretical lecture was titled "Evolution of Monsters." It sounded like a complex class that delved into the anatomy and biology of monsters and beasts.

Our professor for this class was none other than Professor Theo Rom, a renowned researcher with numerous awards to his name.

He also happened to be the head of the [ Research Department ], which primarily focused on studying monsters and beasts, including their weaknesses, mana cores, and the differences between dungeon monsters and those outside.

Dungeon monsters, as Professor Theo explained, were creatures from different dimensions, such as goblins, orcs, and leeches.

These monsters were found within dungeons and followed different rules of existence.

On the other hand, monsters outside of dungeons were a different story.

They could evolve, much like humans, elves, and other sentient races. They progressed through ranks, from G to F, and so on, gaining new abilities and strengths as they evolved.

The key difference between these two types of monsters lay in the phenomenon known as the "Luminar Crystal."

When it exploded, it not only granted mana to humans but also normal animals, bestowing upon them mana cores.

Over time, these creatures started to gather mana in their cores, transforming them from ordinary animals into formidable monsters.

Some even gained the ability to cast magic, just like the creature I had encountered near Aqua Veil Falls.

In essence, this class aimed to provide us with knowledge about these monsters, their habits, and their evolution, so that we could better prepare ourselves when facing them in the future.

As I sat in the lecture hall, I couldn't help but wonder about the countless mysteries that surrounded this world.

"Now, let's take a closer look at the evolution of a particular creature, shall we?" Professor Theo Rom began, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

He continued, "Consider the common wolf, a creature known to many of you. In the past, these wolves were relatively ordinary, similar to the ones found in the wilds of old Earth. However, after the phenomenon known as the 'Luminar Crystal' occurred, these wolves underwent a remarkable transformation."

The professor pointed to a holographic image of a wolf displayed on the screen behind him. "As you can see, the current wolves in our world exhibit distinct differences from their old, Earth counterparts."

"The first notable change is in their size," Professor Theo Rom explained. "Our world's wolves have grown considerably larger, making them more formidable predators. This increase in size is attributed to the enhanced mana absorption capabilities of their newly formed mana cores."

He gestured towards the image once more. "Additionally, their fur has taken on a bluish hue, a clear sign of their mana-infused biology. This alteration in colouration provides them with better camouflage in certain environments, as well as increased resistance to extreme temperatures."

"Furthermore," he continued, "these wolves have developed a limited form of telepathy, allowing them to communicate with other pack members over short distances. This telepathic ability enhances their coordination during hunts and contributes to their overall survival."

"In summary," Professor Theo Rom concluded, "the evolution of these wolves showcases the profound impact of mana and the 'Luminar Crystal' on the fauna of our world. It's a fascinating subject for our research department and a testament to the ever-changing nature of our environment."

"It's so boring" I muttered to myself as I sat there listening to the class.

I was drifting into a half-awake, half-asleep state during Professor Theo Rom's lecture on the evolution of monsters.

The topic was interesting, but his monotone voice had a lulling effect that made it hard to stay focused. Suddenly he turned in my direction.

"You on the left"

"…"

He's looking at me, isn't he? Just to make sure I looked behind me to see if anyone had their hands up. Don't want to end up in one of those awkward situations where someone waves at you but it turns out they were waving at the person behind you.

"No don't look behind you, I'm talking to you, dimwit!"

"Me?"

"Jesus Christ! Yes, you!"

This bastard! Is that how you talk to your creator?

Well this man forgive you I have a big heart of gold after all.

"What it is sir?"

Professor Theo Rom's voice pierced through my drowsiness. "Could you kindly enlighten the class with your thoughts on the matter?"

I snapped to attention, rubbing my eyes and racking my brain for an answer.

The question was a bit complex and unexpected: "Why did monsters gain abilities as they evolved from the G to F rank and beyond, with each breakthrough? Why can't humans gain similar abilities as they progress from G to F ranks and so on?"

My mind raced for a unique response.

Pretending to fall into deep thought, I looked at the professor before I started speaking. Of course, I pretended to be nervous at first so that I didn't stand out.

"Professor," I began, "I think the key difference lies in the way humans and monsters interact with mana. Monsters have a more innate connection to mana. They absorb it from their surroundings and incorporate it into their biology as they evolve, gaining new abilities in the process. It's a continuous, natural process for them."

I could sense some curious glances from my fellow students, but I pressed on. "Humans, on the other hand, have a more... 'artificial' relationship with mana. We don't naturally absorb it as monsters do. Our mana cores aren't as deeply integrated into our biology."

"Impressive and…"

Impressed by my answer Professor Theo was about to applaud when he noticed that I still hadn't finished talking.

"Additionally," I continued, "the 'Luminar Crystal' event was a one-time occurrence. It gifted mana to humans and animals alike, but it doesn't continually supply us with mana as monsters gain from their environment. So, our mana cores remain largely static, not evolving as we progress through the ranks."

I glanced at Professor Theo Rom, whose brows were furrowed in deep thought. I could tell he was intrigued, even if my answer had caught him off guard.

"In summary," I concluded, "monsters and humans have fundamentally different relationships with mana, which is why they evolve with each breakthrough, while we humans must rely on external means to access its power ~."

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

"Huh?"

As I was talking I heard a loud shout and felt two large hands holding me down.

"REPEAT WHAT YOU JUST SAID!"

"Hu-h w-what's going on?"

I flusteredly replied as I found Professor Theo's face sticking in front of me. We were so close that his nose was inches away from my face.

Glancing around I noticed everyone staring at me in shock, even Isabell the smart student in class glanced at me for a few seconds.

What happened?

I'm sure I only recited normal information. Everyone should know this stuff…

"REPEAT WHAT YOU JUST SAID!"

I could even feel some of his spit splashing on my face.

Just as I was about to protest I noticed his frenzied eyes staring down at me, and decided against doing so.

"Compared to us huma…"

"NO! NOT THAT PART!"

flinching and taking a step back, I confusedly stare at the professor.

You want me to repeat myself and yet when I do you still shout at me, are you mentally okay?

Noticing my expression, and seeing everyone staring at him. Professor Theo calmed down and took two steps back.

"Cough cough sorry for that."

"No, no, no problem"

I said as I waved my hands.

"Dear student could you repeat~"

Ding! -Dong! -Ding! -Dong!

"It seems that it's the end of the lesson, thank you for your time professor, and goodbye"

"Stop right there" I could not escape from him as grabbed my neck with his [ A ] rank strength.

What is your name and your rank?

"S~Sir my name is Lucas Darkheart and my rank is 1001."

"I know it," he said we frenzy looked into his eyes, seriously it's made me scared of his.

And besides, there are still many students starting at us.

"Lucas why don't you join the [research department] I know that you don't have that potential as a hero but think Lucas with your brain you could help so many people. You should use your talent at the right place."

Yeah right, like I never do that? But I have to somehow escape from his grip first.

"Aa, um sir I like to~ SIR LOOK THERE IS WIDE SKY FALLING!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

"What are you talking about why would~" Now is the right.

I quickly use my strength and manage to free myself from him, and I run.

"What were you saying Lucas Ah, Lucas?" Lucas was not in his place as he turned towards him.

"Hey, where did he go?" Theo asked the nearby student. The student flinched as Theo turned into him.

"Um, he~"

"Speak up boy."

"He left when you are seeing the sky."

"WHAT?"

A peaceful day indeed.