Enchanted University of Magemenos

Chapter 37:Top ten

"Oh my god!" I shrieked, heart hammering against my ribs. "Last question and already my leaderboard rank did a nosedive from a measly six to a twenty-six? No! No way! This can't be happening!"

The automated voice buzzed back to life, unfazed by my outburst. 

"Your seventh and final question is: Why does the peculous you're currently in experience complete darkness with no sunlight for a whole day on the 21st of May every year? Choose wisely. Your options are:

a) Due to Princess Sierra's death

b) Lord Thanta's anger broke the day

c) Curse by human world

d) Breaking of Sierra's stone

And your time starts now."

The red light from the previous wrong answer seemed to haunt me . Panic gnawed at the edges of my mind. This was it - my last shot. One wrong answer, and who knew what the consequences might be?

I knew there were previously five Sierra's Stones but one broke and hence there are only 4 now, the one that broke was broken on the death of Sierra which was on 21st of May so I am hoping that's the answer.

Ignoring the other options with a reckless abandon that sent a jolt of anxiety through me, I slammed my hand down on option D: "Breaking of Sierra's Stone."

The room fell silent. The oppressive aura thickening. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the automated voice's judgment. Seconds stretched into an eternity. Sweat beaded on my forehead. Had I chosen wisely... or sealed my fate?

A wave of relief washed over me as the automated voice boomed, "Your answer is....Correct." a soft, calming blue glow. I glanced at the leaderboard – position 10! A joyous shout erupted from my lips, a mixture of relief and exhilaration.

Heads swivelled in my direction, surprised by my sudden outburst. A mix of expressions – curiosity, relief, and perhaps a hint of envy – flickered across their faces. I couldn't help but grin – I'd done it! Against all odds, I'd cracked the final question and secured a coveted spot in the top 10.

Just then, the automated voice crackled to life once more. "You have cleared this round, congratulations." A wave of information scrolled across the screen, detailing the passage I'd just read about Master Caporaso and the fifth Sierra's Stone.

Description read:On 21st may Master Caporaso broke the 5th Sierra's stone to fulfill his wife's last wish.The stone was barrier between the human world and the peculous and hence after breaking the barrier stone ,he was cursed.

"Wow," I breathed, leaning closer to the screen. "These facts are even more intriguing than the novels I devour! Who knew I'd find myself so engrossed in history and lore?" Never had I imagined I'd be captivated by such things, yet here I was, completely enthralled by the story of a broken stone and a cursed man.

The automated voice's pronouncement hung in the air – "You have cleared this round." It felt more like a beginning than an end. This strange place, with its cryptic challenges and captivating history, had me hooked. What new puzzles awaited in the next round? What secrets would I uncover about the peculious world I now inhabited? A thrill of anticipation coursed through me. I was ready for whatever came next.

Nathan as usual was in top 1 and Kate in 38 ,but their ranks don't matter actually as they are just illusion but mine was a matter of life and death.

Suddenly, a familiar embrace enveloped me. "Lyssa, you made it to the top 10! I'm so proud of you!" Kate chirped, her usual warmth radiating through the hug.

"Easy questions, huh?" a voice dripping with sarcasm slithered into my ear. Of course, it was Nathan, perched on his usual top spot . "Took you long enough to crawl to number 10." This guy. He had a knack for getting under my skin.

Frustration bubbling over, I spun around, catching a glimpse of Nathan's retreating back. "Hey Nathan!" I called out, my voice firm. He paused, a sliver of annoyance flickering across his face before he turned back. "I didn't – at least let me finish!" He held my gaze for a moment, then shrugged and started to walk away again.

"Kate why is your brother like this?"I glare at Kate

"Ugh, that guy!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "He just gets on my nerves." Turning to Kate, I explained, "okay do me a favour and convey my words to your beloved brother .I was about to tell him that I don't believe in putting others down to feel better about myself. It's more rewarding to celebrate everyone's accomplishments, don't you think?"