Enchanted University of Magemenos

Chapter 86:The real game is about to begin.

Two days pass, and still, not a single moment of peace. Now, the next game looms ahead. Today is the day when we'll all be in one room, waiting to find out who made it out alive. That's when we'll know for sure who the real survivors are. My mind can't stop going to Kate. I just wish she's alive. I need her here.

Nathan is nearly recovered now. He's walking around without support, even if his wounds aren't completely healed yet. But it doesn't seem to matter. The dude is too stubborn to admit any weakness. I catch glimpses of him occasionally—him climbing stairs, moving through the halls—just enough to prove he's almost back to his usual self.

Our rooms are at opposite ends of the building, so I don't really check on him. Not that I wanted to. Seriously, why would I? But I know he's fine. It's impossible to ignore someone like Nathan, even if I tried.

I raise an eyebrow, leaning against the wall as he passes me by. "Hey, Nathan."

He stops and turns, giving me a sharp glare. "What do you need?"

"Did my 'hi' come with a hidden favor request?" I respond, half-smirking, half-annoyed.

He scoffs, not even bothering to mask his irritation. "No, just felt like you only talk to people when you need something."

I blink, a little taken aback. He's really pushing my buttons today.

"Yeah, right," I snap back. "That's why I carried your sorry ass yesterday when you were bleeding out, and then sat next to you for hours, practically babysitting you. Good to know it meant so much to you."

Nathan doesn't flinch. Instead, he steps closer, his voice icy. "This is exactly what girls like you do—take credit for every little thing. I doubt you've ever helped anyone with a pure heart. It's all about what you get out of it."

His words hit harder than I expect, like a slap in the face. Is this guy seriously questioning my intentions? The nerve.

I force a smile, but it doesn't reach my eyes. "Well, at least I don't hide behind a mask of perfection like some people."

I stand there, fighting the storm brewing inside me, fists clenched at my sides. "Wow. Why is everyone like this? Don't I deserve a little respect?" My voice wavers, but I push on, determined not to break. "Yeah, I'm new. Fine. But I want to feel at home too. I want someone I can talk to. Why am I always alone? Why doesn't anyone...?"

I catch myself, the words slipping out too easily, and immediately clamp my mouth shut. The weight of it all crashes down on me—those stupid, pathetic thoughts that I can't control.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them away forcefully. Damn it. Why am I letting his words get to me? He's just a guy. Just... Nathan.

I can feel the sting of embarrassment as the thoughts swirl. This is his problem, not mine. Why am I acting like this?

I glance back at him, fury building as I fight the urge to break down. "You know what, Nathan? Keep your pity party." I turn sharply and storm off, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I shove all the vulnerability deep inside.

I won't let him see me break. Not now. Not ever.

The speakers boom with authority, shaking me out of my thoughts.

"All students are requested to gather in the arena."

The host's voice rings out, echoing through the halls.

The time for rest is over. The final level—the most brutal and unforgiving challenge—is about to begin.

A chill crawls up my spine as I force my feet to move. My heart pounds against my ribs, the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. If this is the last level, then it has to be something beyond anything we've faced before. Something merciless.

As I step into the massive arena, I feel the shift in the air—tension thick enough to cut through. The crowd gathers, uneasy murmurs filling the silence. Every face carries the same expression: fear hidden beneath forced composure.

I scan the sea of students, my mind racing. Is Kate here? Who else survived?

The ground beneath us feels colder. The air is heavier.

The real game is about to begin.