The Extra Seeks Chaos

Chapter 71 Get ready

Instantly, some of the students began entering the forest while others stayed back, looking for a partner before heading in.

Arin hadn't entered the forest yet, but he wasn't searching for a partner either. After all, he had his own plans.

Alex and Tessa stood together, watching the students already disappearing into the woods.

Alex glanced at Tessa. "You said you'd find a partner, right?"

"Yes," Tessa replied, meeting his gaze. "We're all excited about this expedition and the chance to battle Beasts, but not everyone feels the same. Some are scared. I'll find someone like that to be their partner."

"That way, they'll be more relaxed and confident," she added.

Alex smiled and nodded. "I understand."

He reached out, gently touching her face and caressing it softly. "You're so kind. I'm lucky to have you."

Tessa smiled, holding his hand. "Same here."

With that, she walked away to find a partner, waving at Alex as he headed into the forest alone.

But Tessa didn't actually look for a partner. She stood by a tree, watching Alex until he disappeared from view. Only then did she enter the forest.@@@@

Most of the students had already entered, though a few lingered, undecided about whether to go alone or pair up.

Once Alex was out of sight and Tessa had gone in, Arin slipped quietly into the forest, leaving the remaining students behind.

As he walked, his eyes scanned his surroundings, and soon enough, he found what he was looking for.

"Ah, there it is," Arin muttered, quickening his pace toward a large rock not far ahead.

When he reached it, he leaned his back against the rock and began changing his clothes.

Clearsky Forest was vast, and with everyone spread out, it was unlikely for students to run into each other. That's why Arin felt confident enough to do what he was currently doing.

It was a strange and somewhat embarrassing method, but he didn't have any other choice.

Within seconds, he had donned a black cloak and mask. He didn't want anything that could trace his actions back to him, and his previous outfit was one of those things.

Arin glanced to his right—the direction Alex had gone.

"I made sure to stay close to where he entered. He shouldn't have gone too far," Arin muttered, then started walking in that direction. "Let's see what I can do against him..."

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Tessa gripped her sword as she walked through the forest. This was a forest, and anything could happen, so she could not afford to let her guard down.

Arin stared at her silently for a moment before speaking. "You know, a ponytail suits you."

Tessa's hair, usually flowing with bluish-pink streaks, was now tied back, hiding the colored strands and making her hair appear entirely black. The change was necessary to make her less recognizable, especially considering their current mission.

She crossed her arms, looking away. "Tch... How'd you get here so fast? I thought I lost you."

Arin shook his head. "Girls take too long to get ready."

They continued walking in silence for a while, until...

"Is the ponytail really that great?" Tessa asked suddenly.

Arin glanced back at her, his eyes momentarily lingering on her smooth neck before he snapped out of it.

Before he could respond, he froze, his enhanced hearing picking up the sound of a sword slicing through the air.

"Wait," he muttered, as he turned, facing forward once again.

Tessa nodded, her gaze fixed on the same direction Chaos was looking at.

For a few seconds, the only sound was the rustling of leaves. Then...

*WHOOSH!*

A dead wolf's body was suddenly flung out, landing just a short distance from Arin.

Tessa tensed, but before she could speak, footsteps approached from the direction of the wolf.

A figure emerged, sword in hand, blood dripping from its blade. The figure walked closer, heading towards the dead wolf—and towards them.

"Seraphine, come out," Arin said, eyes locked on the approaching figure.

A deadly smirk spread across his face. "Tessa, get ready.... The target is in sight."

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[A/N]

Sorry for the late update! I was sick, and just got well. So, updates will be regular from now on!

Thank you!!