How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 661: Light 2

Although Kagami had vowed to himself that he would avoid training with freakish monsters like Lucas and Riley ever again, he found himself unable to refuse this invitation.

As was usually the case, the experience left him completely stunned.

Each time he traded blows with them, he was struck by the staggering unfairness of their natural talent.

"Haha... I was aware you were resilient, but by the goddess—at least pretend that it hurt, man."

Kagami offered a weary laugh as he straightened his posture and rolled his shoulders to loosen them.

"But I am hurting..."

Lucas muttered the reply, though the grin plastered on his face suggested he felt otherwise.

The strike had been incredibly rapid—far too fast.

It had required Lucas’s absolute concentration just to intercept the blow.

Kagami’s [Meteor Fist] had crashed directly into his defense, releasing a shockwave that rippled across the training grounds.

Faint trails of smoke rose from his forearms and elbows, where light burns marked the skin that had absorbed the impact head-on.

That hadn't even been the full extent of Kagami’s strength.

Despite that, Lucas had endured it as if it were nothing more than a particularly heavy strike.

"That was my signature move, you know..." Kagami remarked with a heavy sigh. "Anyway, have you had enough for today?"

"I'd like to continue, however..."

Lucas took a moment to survey their surroundings.

The training area was in shambles.

The earth was torn up, stone was fractured, and fragments of the reinforced flooring were strewn everywhere.

Even though this was among the largest facilities in Killian Hall—specifically designed to withstand student sparring—the destruction caused by just the two of them was reaching its limit.

If they continued, the cost of repairs alone would likely bankrupt a person.

"...yeah," Lucas conceded. "It's time to stop."

"Oh? I never took you for the type to worry about things like that."

Kagami arched an eyebrow, his surprise evident.

"Haha... I suppose I was far too oblivious in the past," Lucas admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "These days, I have Janica constantly lecturing me about such matters."

Kagami went silent for a beat before letting out a soft laugh.

"That makes sense."

Lucas loosened his stance and gently moved his hands.

As he relaxed, his divine power began to radiate across the injured areas.

A soothing golden glow shimmered over the singed flesh, mending it until the burns vanished as though they had never occurred.

Kagami observed the process in silence.

"I'm well aware you possess divine powers," he said, shaking his head, "but the sight is still incredible every time. Are you certain you don’t want to be a paladin later on?"

Lucas hesitated briefly before he spoke.

"While that is a noble calling," he stated firmly, "the path I am currently walking is the one I have chosen for myself."

"Knighthood, then..." Kagami exhaled softly. "Well, everyone follows their own aspirations, so I won't criticize your choice."

"I appreciate that."

A short silence settled between the two before Kagami broke it.

"But seriously... that move you just pulled. Are you getting ready for something specific?"

"I am."

Kagami knit his brows, mentally reviewing the exchange.

He hadn't quite grasped it at the time, but just before his fist connected, he had sensed it—mana surging and then violently compressing around Lucas’s arms and shoulders at the final millisecond.

It had been condensed so tightly that it formed an invisible layer of armor over his skin.

It was a remarkable display of control over his massive mana reserves.

Very few would even attempt to concentrate mana around a specific body part in that manner.

Even Kagami found it difficult to contain his own mana when executing his [Meteor Fist].

After all, a single mistake...

Could result in permanent injury.

"I knew you were a prodigy, but damn... this is on another level," Kagami said, shaking his head in disbelief. "If you managed to perfect that—actually, forget I said that. You’ll probably have it finished in a few hours. You’re really pushing yourself this time, aren't you?"

Lucas met Kagami’s words with a smile, the kind that came from a deep sense of purpose.

"If I intend to face my rival fairly," he explained, "without being sidelined by a premature, pointless loss... then I must prepare at least this much."

Kagami’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"So, that technique is meant for Riley?"

Lucas laughed softly, looking away with a hint of embarrassment.

"In a way, yes," he confessed. "To be more precise, it’s a counter I’ve been developing for his [Hidden Blade Technique]. His swordsmanship is built for instant kills. A single perfect strike, and the match is over."

He slowly curled his fingers into a fist.

"Because of that, I need to buy myself time. Even a single second is enough. Just enough to shield my vitals and stay in the fight."

Kagami watched him intently.

Witnessing that degree of resolve—devoid of any doubt or hesitation—he couldn't help but offer a faint smile.

Naturally, he felt a sting of envy.

Anyone would feel that way standing beside someone with Lucas’s absurd talent.

Yet, he couldn't deny the sheer amount of work involved.

Everything Lucas possessed wasn't merely a gift.

He had labored for it.

He had strategized for it.

He had prepared for it.

Most importantly, Kagami could sense the truth.

Lucas wasn't seeking power out of vanity.

He truly desired a genuine confrontation with Riley.

Although Kagami’s strongest bond remained with Riley... Lucas was starting to earn his respect.

"Well," Lucas said, stretching out his limbs, "now that we’ve finished, I’ll be taking my leave."

"Is that so?" Kagami replied. "I think I’ll stick around for a few more minutes."

Lucas looked back at the training field.

It was obvious he intended to keep practicing.

"I wish you luck, then," Kagami called out. "I hope you master that technique."

Lucas paused and gave a nod.

"Thank you..."

"Just make sure you don't get knocked out early in the tournament."

"Don't worry. I won't let that happen."

"Hahaha, take it easy, I’m only joking." Kagami dismissed the thought with a wave and a grin. "Honestly, I doubt anyone could truly challenge you right now... well, perhaps Seo or Rose. But even so, I’m betting on you."

With a final wave, Kagami turned and walked away.

Lucas watched his departure before slowly closing his eyes.

He took a deep breath.

Then exhaled.

His body still throbbed slightly from the earlier impact, a physical reminder that his new technique was still a work in progress.

However, that clash had sharpened his focus.

He could feel his mastery growing, even if only by a small margin.

Just wait, Riley...

His pulse quickened.

Tension, excitement, and anticipation swirled together as he envisioned the arena in his mind.

They would soon meet again.

Not merely as friends training, but as rivals under the eyes of the world.

This time, Lucas would hold nothing back.

He would display everything—his blade, his determination, and his honor as a knight.

This was a rare opportunity.

And Lucas had no intention of squandering it.

Mana began to gather around his form once more, condensing as he focused his will.

Regardless of what obstacles appeared—

He made a silent promise.

He would not fall.

Not until he and Riley stood together at the very end of the tournament.

....

"Look, it’s Lady Rose!"

"Wow... she is truly stunning."

"What brings her here? Is Riley nearby as well?"

A soft murmur always trailed in Rose's wake.

In the past, it had been subtle—hushed whispers and stolen glances.

Now, the attention was more overt and vocal.

Even so, Rose ignored it.

She had long ago adapted to this level of scrutiny, learning how to let the world's gaze slide off her without effect.

"Here are your cream puffs, with extra milk cream and added cheese, dear customer!"

"Thank you..."

Rose took the warm paper bag with both hands, the sweet aroma wafting from within.

She offered a brief nod before exiting the café.

"Please visit us again, dear customer!"

"I will."

The door clicked shut behind her.

She took a bite as she walked, enjoying the soft sweetness on her tongue. For a brief moment, her pace slowed as she savored the flavor.

As usual, the world around her appeared monochrome—flat, lifeless, and devoid of color.

And yet...

It felt unusually warm today.

It was subtle, nearly imperceptible, but she sensed it nonetheless.

It was as if a light breeze of color was brushing against her perception, faintly tinting the edges of her world.

Rose came to a halt.

A small ache throbbed in her chest—not painful, but present.

Her mana circles vibrated softly, standing on the threshold of another breakthrough, another level of power.

She rested a hand over her heart, calming her breathing.

So close...

It was a pity she couldn't spend the day properly with Riley.

A part of her truly wanted to. More than she would ever say aloud.

But she had her own obligations.

Private matters.

She checked the time, nodded to herself, and resumed her walk.

Puff.

A small plume of black smoke manifested near her shoulder, drifting for a moment before taking a solid shape.

"You’ve arrived..."

"Yes. I apologize for my lack of punctuality, milady. Circumstances did not unfold as I had anticipated."

"It doesn't matter."

Rose gestured with the bag.

"Regardless, I have the bread. You mentioned this was her favorite, correct?"

"Indeed... she would frequently visit that café specifically for this."

"I see..."

Rose looked down, her fingers tightening slightly on the paper bag.

The small figure—appearing as a gentleman in a black suit and overcoat—observed Rose in silence for a time before speaking.

"Are you certain you wish to proceed with this?"

"Yes."

Her response was instantaneous.

Oz searched her face for any sign of hesitation, then finally nodded.

"Very well... shall we depart?"

"Yes. Just provide the coordinates."

The moment she spoke, Oz’s perspective shifted.

The world warped—without any lag or distortion—and in a heartbeat, an entirely new landscape appeared before him.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the display.

Teleportation of this caliber and smoothness was not a feat just anyone could achieve.

There was no physical strain, no magical recoil, and no lingering instability in the fabric of space. It was perfect.

"It appears your skill and command over the celestial arts have progressed immensely, Lady Rose..."

Rose had always been a master of magic—celestial magic in particular—but this was a different level entirely. Oz could tell she had evolved far beyond her previous limits.

Rose gave a simple nod to the compliment, her focus already fixed elsewhere.

They were standing on the peak of a sharp cliff.

A gentle wind blew past, carrying the scent of the forest and soil from the depths below.

Beneath them lay a sprawling forest, and further out, a vast mountain range was illuminated by the clear light of the sky.

The view was magnificent.

"She was always fond of high places," Oz remarked softly. "So... I took care to preserve this spot."

Rose nodded again and walked forward.

Her golden eyes centered on the reason for her journey.

Only a few meters from the edge of the cliff stood a lone gravestone.

She knelt down with care, placing the bag of bread before it, arranging it as if it were a sacred offering.

"I've come to visit, big sister..."

The wind picked up again as Rose stared at the stone.

Dorothy Gale.

The name was etched clearly into the rock.

Rose's golden eyes shone faintly as she looked at the name, her face remaining calm—though she was weighed down by emotions she refused to let surface.