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Having nightmares. They are becoming more nasty and scary as the days pass. But, thanks to the effect of the potion and his improved willpower, he managed to keep them from affecting his daily routine too much. Despite the growing intensity of the nightmares, Adrian remained focused on his goals, determined to overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.

His relationship with Aria also improved slightly. Though they hadn't had a serious talk about it, they still spent dinner and lunch together. She even started joining him in his morning and night training.

He also monitored the Main Cast and their growth. From what he could see, all of the main cast - his sister, Aurelius, Ren, Irithel, Lyra, and even Emeric were already peak Nebula Acolyte 4 stars, just a step away from reaching the 5 stars.

While he himself reached the five stars just the day after the Joint Class Event.

So, his time was running out as the time passed. They will probably catch up to him by the start of the second semester and will surpass him at the end of the second semester.

Not to mention Aria will probably be the first one to reach the Lunar Tier just after the semester ends. She was a Nebula Acolyte five-star when they entered the academy after all.

Truly worthy of having the highest Tier Ability and talent on par with the protagonist.

"There are only slightly more than two months left till the Competition..." Adrian muttered as he lay down on the grass. Several bodies of monsters were lying down around him, the aftermath of another intense training session. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the valley. The tranquil beauty of the scene contrasted starkly with the turmoil that churned within him.

Adrian wiped the sweat from his brow, his breath heavy. "I need to push myself harder," he murmured, determination hardening his resolve. "I can't afford to fall behind now."

He knew he wouldn't be able to break through the Lunar Tier anytime soon. Maybe never. He would have a chance if he could wait till 'that arc' starts.

'Our villain should start acting soon as well,' He continued with his thoughts. 'But calling him a villain when his actions and mind are being controlled by someone feels a bit wrong, huh? He is sort of a victim as well. Just like that black-haired mad woman.'

'Sigh... It's also around time I start being 'manipulated' by the Dream Stalker too... But what is he gonna do to 'test' me... Urgh... I hope he won't do the same thing he did to Aurelius in the novel... I really don't want my relationship with Aria to worsen,' Adrian didn't want to imagine doing those actions.

Even though he is planning to act as if he is thoroughly been manipulated, he still has a bottom line he can't cross.

'Thankfully, this event didn't play any role in strengthening Aurelius, or else I would have ended up stealing his chance. Thanks to it, it will take a bit longer for him and Aurelia to take their relationship to a new level... Sis, don't worry your brother wishes you the best...'

"..."

'Come to think of it, I have to have a talk with her after all this ends. I only hope there won't be any interference. And she will be willing to hear me...'

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the valley in hues of gold and crimson, Adrian's thoughts grew darker, swirling with the weight of the future and the uncertain trials ahead. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool evening breeze on his skin, and tried to center himself.

"I need to be prepared for anything," he resolved, staring at the sky where the first stars began to twinkle. 'I can't let my guard down, not for a moment.'

Just then, a rustle in the bushes caught his attention. Adrian's body tensed instinctively, but he relaxed slightly when he saw Ardel emerging from the foliage. He walked toward him, his expression stunned.

"You already took care of them?" He asked sitting beside him. "You are amazing. It hasn't been even three minutes since you took off, right? So, you killed them all in just two minutes, taking away a minute for arriving here."

"...Seems so." Adrian chuckled observing the aftermath of the battle he just had. He only used daggers, the first spell he learned, and the Phantom Step. There were more than twenty beasts that were all at the peak rank Elemental Beasts and their alpha, the first Arcane Tier - Second Stage Arcane Conjurer magic beast.1

"But, are we going to spend the night here in the open valley?" Ardel asked glancing around. "It's winter and it will really cold at night. Surely the professor didn't leave us all alone like the first time, right?"

"Well, you know the old man, he does what he says." Adrian smiled wryly remembering the old man Doome's words just before leaving all the students in the middle of an unknown vast valley.

"He told us we would be spending the Friday, Saturday, and even the half of the Sunday here, right?" Adrian recalled. "Then, we can be sure of that and prepare to spend these two nights here."

"T-Then, why didn't we join the others? It would be a lot easier with more people right?" Ardel asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Hmm... You know what attracts the beasts the most at night, in this open field, right?" Adrian asked Ardel. "The fire, the bigger it is, the more attention it will get."

"Y-You mean that's why we left the bigger group? Are they gonna get attacked then?"

"Well, who knows, it's just a speculation on my side. Besides, no one can guarantee whether we will be safe from a night attack too. The only advantage we will have is that we won't be attacked by a lot of or stronger monsters."