Chapter 227 Chapter 51.1 - Maya Evergreen
Amelia Mayer.
A sophomore-year Arcadia Hunter Academy student.
She was one of the people who knew Maya Evergreen the most, the first-ranked student of their year and the exceptional elemental mage.
Maya was basically the most famous person of their year as she was someone with both success and personality.
She was talented and beautiful, and it was easy for her to approach most people with the same traits. She didn't look down on others, and she didn't talk to people disrespectfully.
In contrast, she helped the students in need, those who wished to get better but couldn't do it with their own efforts.
Sometimes, she was even better than the supposed 'teachers' of the world's best academy. Countless different students had received her grace and her help.
Amelia was also one of those. At the start of her first year, Amelia wasn't having it easy. She was finding it very difficult to adapt to the environment and the heavy load on the backs of students.
That was especially the case since Amelia had awakened her trait, [Sword Follower]. It was a trait that was common, and it wasn't something special in the academy. But in the Hunter industry, her trait was actually respected since it was actually ranked quite high, being unique.
Her talent limit was also around 8. Thus, she was accepted to the academy despite her family not being rooted that deeply. Such talent limit was actually quite high; thus, everyone knew she would be successful.
However, of course, suddenly meeting with countless different gifted students, some talent-wise, some family-wise, and some both, she was overwhelmed. Her grades were not meeting both her expectations and her school.
The lessons were overwhelming, and she was having a hard time grasping both the theory and the practical implications of what they had learned.
Academic burdens, both in theory and practice, weighed heavily on Amelia. The lofty expectations, both self-imposed and those of the school, led her to a point where she felt like she was at the nadir of her life. The isolation during these tough times was palpable as she grappled with the complexities of both her academic and social life.
In her vulnerability, Amelia remained oblivious to the intricacies of the world around her. Unaware of the hidden pitfalls that awaited, her beauty became a magnet for male students seeking companionship.
Naively trusting in the inherent goodness of others, she opened herself up to friendships, unaware that some of these encounters would be more arduous than any lesson in the academy.
As Amelia, in her vulnerability, sought companionship among her male peers, little did she realize the harsh truths lurking behind their seemingly friendly advances.
Oblivious to the intricacies of their intentions, she found herself entangled in a web of deceptive camaraderie. Unbeknownst to her, her beauty had drawn in these male students, not for genuine friendships, but as vessels to satiate their desires.
As the illusion of friendship shattered, Amelia discovered that some had used her as a means to fulfill their fleeting emotional needs, leaving her feeling used and discarded.
The camaraderie she sought turned out to be a mirage, and she found herself questioning the sincerity of those who had once approached her.
This painful realization left an indelible mark on Amelia. The trusting innocence that once defined her interactions with men transformed into wariness.
Gradually, she began to view them as wolves in sheep's clothing, creatures adept at disguising their intentions until the opportune moment. The scars of these experiences deepened, fueling her skepticism toward the genuineness of male connections.
In the midst of Amelia's disillusionment with the insincerity of male connections, a moment of serendipity occurred. It was a time when she felt at her lowest, drowning in skepticism and wariness.
As if summoned by fate, Maya Evergreen, the beacon of grace and kindness, emerged into her world.
Maya's arrival was like a burst of light in Amelia's darkened reality. As she appeared before her, Maya's warm and genuine smile had an immediate impact.
"Amelia, right? What are you doing here alone?"
The memory of Maya's first words echoed in Amelia's mind. They were just casual words, nothing extraordinary. She had heard those words quite a lot, actually. However, different from how she had felt before, those words had resonated with sincerity and compassion this time. In that moment, a glimmer of hope sparked within Amelia's heart.
Maya, aware of Amelia's struggles, extended a helping hand with that same bright smile. In times of need, Maya's support became a guiding light, dispelling the shadows of doubt and mistrust that had clouded Amelia's perception of others.
Maya's actions spoke louder than any words, offering a genuine friendship that was based on understanding and kindness.
Amid Maya's unwavering support, Amelia found herself more drawn to the camaraderie of women.
The contrast between Maya's authenticity and the deceptive actions of certain male peers became stark. The scars of past betrayals started to heal, replaced by a newfound trust in the bonds she formed with women.
Maya's influence played a crucial role in reshaping Amelia's worldview. The once-wary young woman discovered that in the company of certain individuals like Maya, genuine connections could thrive.
As Amelia found solace and support in Maya's presence, the newfound friendship took root, gradually evolving into a source of strength for both women.
However, amidst the warmth and camaraderie, Amelia couldn't help but notice a disconcerting pattern.
'Those pigs.'
The wolves, those deceptive male peers who had once targeted her, now seemed to cast their attention towards Maya.
Despite Maya's cheerful and air-headed personality, she was blissfully unaware of the veiled intentions that lingered around her. As Amelia observed from the sidelines, a sense of protectiveness welled up within her.
'I won't let them approach her.'
Maya, with her genuine kindness and open heart, became a target for those who sought to exploit her naivety.
Determined not to let history repeat itself, Amelia made a silent vow to shield Maya from the wolves in sheep's clothing that circled around her. The scars of Amelia's past experiences fueled her commitment to safeguarding the authenticity and warmth that Maya unknowingly radiated.
She didn't want those wolves to prey on her. She hated that fact to the core.
'Right.'
As those memories of the past came crashing on her, Amelia couldn't help but smile. She turned to look at her deskmate and noticed her thinking about something.
Maya, with her beautiful purple-pinky hair, was pondering about something as she was focused. Her bright blue eyes were focused on the table as if she couldn't see anything else.
'She seems to be out of it nowadays.'
It wasn't that unusual for Maya to be in her own world, but recently, she had been doing this more frequently. That was especially the case after she came back.
'Something happened.'
She didn't know what happened as Maya refused to talk about it, but she knew something had changed inside Maya.
RING!
At that moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. As the bell rang, a group of students seized the opportunity to approach Maya.
"Maya, how are you doing?"
The concern in their voices was evident, and Amelia observed from her desk, her protective instincts kicking in. She knew these students – the ones who often showed sudden interest in Maya whenever something unusual happened.
Maya looked up, her eyes shifting from the table to the group surrounding her. A small, polite smile appeared on her face.
"Oh, hi! I'm doing okay," Maya replied, her voice carrying the genuine warmth that drew people towards her.
"Really? You seem a little off nowadays." Maya was never the type to stay quiet in the classroom. She was especially known for her love for snacks, and everyone knew one must never refuse when she offered.
However, contrary to her habits, she hadn't been given any snacks, nor had she brought any to the classroom. Therefore, some of them naturally thought something was wrong with her.
"Ah…I am just fine."
Maya replied with a small smile.
The other students, sensing Maya's reluctance to delve into personal matters, decided not to persist. Instead, they exchanged casual goodbyes and left, leaving Maya with a moment of respite.
But, as the classroom emptied, a couple of students lingered behind, seizing what they saw as an opportunity.
"Hey, Maya, I know you're really good at [Material Theory for Hunters]. I'm struggling with some concepts. Would you mind helping me out?"
The boy who spoke wore a charming smile, and his request seemed innocent enough. Amelia, however, recognized the ulterior motive hidden behind the words. Maya, being the helpful person she was, often found herself in such situations.
Of course, most of the time, Amelia was the one who fended such situations. Thus, most boys disliked how she acted as a wall. Even now, none of them was aiming for her, different from the past, and their gaze was hostile.
'Sigh….They are at it again.'
She got ready to intercept once again, as she knew Maya wasn't a person to refuse. She already had some excuses in her mind ready in case such a situation occurred, and if it didn't work, she would just follow Maya with the boys, and that would be enough.
But, contrary to her expectations, Maya refused the boys with a smile, "Sorry...I need something to do."
It was the first time Maya had declined such a request, and it caught both the boys off guard.
The boy who had approached, let's call him Alex, felt a sudden awkwardness settle over him. His charming smile faltered, and he exchanged a quick, uncomfortable glance with his friend, Chris.
Alex's internal monologue raced with confusion and embarrassment.
'Did I say something wrong? Why did she refuse? Was it because of me? Was my face not enough?'
His confidence took a hit, and he stumbled over his words for a moment.
"Uh, no problem, Maya. Another time, maybe?" Alex's attempt at nonchalance couldn't completely mask the tinge of embarrassment in his voice.
'Heh, serves you right.'
Amelia couldn't help but smirk, seeing the guy's face crumble. He was visibly embarrassed, and that made her feel good.
Chris, observing the scene, raised an eyebrow. He had expected the usual compliant response from Maya, and her sudden refusal seemed to throw them both off balance.
"Come on, Alex. Let's not bother her." Chris chuckled, trying to downplay the situation. But there was a subtle undertone of amusement in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment that things hadn't gone as smoothly as they usually did. After all, he also disliked the ones who wanted to take advantage of Maya's kindness, and seeing Alex faltering also made him feel good.
'This will be a good lesson for you.'
After all, his friend was overly obsessed with his looks and thought only that mattered. So far, it worked with some girls, but he knew his friend needed a reality check, and now it came.
"Have a nice day."
Maya said as she stood up. She was already ready to leave the classroom with everything in her bag.
"Y-you too…."
Alex stuttered as he watched Maya leave, and Amelia also stood following her.
'Only I am allowed to be her side.'
Inwardly, she felt proud following Maya and the other boys getting the treatment they deserved.
"Maya, where are we going?"
She emphasized the word 'we' so that those guys would know their place.
Maya, however, stopped abruptly and turned to face Amelia. There was an uncharacteristic seriousness in her eyes.
"Amelia, can you please leave me alone for today?"
Amelia's world crumbled…..
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