Enchanted University of Magemenos

Chapter 59:Figure in the distance

"But still, can't it be my decision whether I want to stay with my lock or find my key?" I ask, trying to keep my tone steady despite the irritation bubbling up.

Nathan barely glances at me, his eyes fixed on his own card as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. "Your wish," he says, his voice as cold as ice.

His indifference stings, but I can't let it show.

"This was surely a yes—how did he agree so fast?" I think, I am trying to make sense of his abrupt acquiescence.

I muster a smile and say, "Thank you!" My voice is bright, despite the chill his response left behind.

You always speak unwanted things very unnecessarily," he says with a dismissive tone.

Before I can retort, the automated voice cuts through the air: "Your game will begin in 3...2...1...go."

In a sudden, unexpected move, Nathan grabs my hand and pulls me into a sprint. The force of his grip and the urgency in his stride leave no room for protest. We're racing through the field, his pace relentless, as if every second counts.

We reach quite far away from the den, and my legs feel like lead. I can't keep up with Nathan's pace, and eventually, I stop midway, causing a sharp jerk on his hand.

"What?" he snaps, glancing back at me with a mix of irritation and concern.

"I'm tired," I gasp, struggling to catch my breath.

Nathan pulls me to one side, his eyes narrowing in frustration. The glare he gives me feels like a harsh reprimand, his disappointment palpable.

As we stand there, our hands still intertwined, we both look at each other with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. The touch feels unexpectedly intimate in the midst of the chaos.

We both pull our hands away with a sharp jerk, the sudden release of contact almost electric. The space between us feels charged with the tension of the moment.

"If you can't keep up, you can go your own way," Nathan says, his voice cold but tinged with a hint of reluctant empathy.

All his replies, whether it's a simple "Hi" or a command, make me feel like a fan trying to get the attention of a celebrity.

"Fine, I'm coming," I reply, my fist clenching in frustration and a forced smile plastered on my face, which must have been painfully obvious.

"Nathan, wait for me!" I catch up to him, trying to keep pace.

"In the first round, where were you?" I ask, genuinely curious. "I mean, even if you tell me, I wouldn't be familiar with the place."

Before I can finish, Nathan cuts me off with his usual bluntness. "I was with the den the entire time."

"What? Wow, you surely have the guts," I reply, astonished by his boldness.

"okay so ,You're the one who handed out all the keys?" I ask, a mix of disbelief and admiration in my voice.

"Yeah," Nathan replies, not bothering to look back. His tone is clipped but matter-of-fact. He's not interested in playing the hero or explaining his actions—he's just focused on the game.

As I sprint to catch up, it feels almost like a child chasing after a parent holding a coveted treat. The imagery isn't lost on me—I'm the one trying to keep pace, desperately trying to stay in sync with him. The contrast between his nonchalant stride and my hurried, almost frantic steps makes me feel like I'm constantly struggling to match his effortless grace.

"Nathan, I'm really curious about how you—"

I wince as my forehead collides with his broad back, which feels like solid rock due to his rigorous workouts. His sudden stop catches me off guard, and I stumble back a step, rubbing my aching head.

"Why would you stop suddenly?" I groan, rubbing my aching forehead. "I almost got a concussion!"

I follow Nathan's intense stare and see him glaring at a figure in the distance. It's not a girl but a guy, and I immediately recognize him.

Keth. wow , this jerk is still alive.

The guy I thought was a goner. Seriously? It's like a bad soap opera twist—just when I thought he'd been eliminated, here he is, strutting around like he's auditioning for a comeback role. I almost laugh at the absurdity of it all.

"Damn, Nathan's probably thinking Keth's looking at him," I think to myself, realizing that Keth's gaze is actually fixed on me. Maybe Nathan's relieved to see a familiar face, but I'm not so sure about Keth's intentions.

I try to reassure Nathan, "Oh Nathan, he's coming for me, not you."