Chapter 393: Target, Southern Islands
Fortress Academy, Black Swan Castle, Clubroom.
The wind traversed through the continuous and vast valleys, over the flourishing forest under the sunlight, and past the lake that mirrored the sky like a mirror, bringing a warm and gentle sensation as it entered the room through the wide and tall windows.
Even without direct sunlight entering the room, the bright and vivid world outside the window still gave a sense of the unique summer heat.
Today, the clubroom’s floor was covered with a layer of light green mats, and several girls were taking a nap inside.
Lolan Hill sat on a round cushion, dressed in a simple white dress. Her bare feet rested directly on the mat. She leaned against the windowsill, looking out at the blue sky and scenery, occasionally closing her eyes for a brief rest.
Now that the courses at the academy had gradually come to a halt, it was said that specific vacation arrangements would be made in two days. During this leisurely period, several of her previous roommates and companions had gathered again.
After the excitement of the recent competition, most people had become somewhat lazy. Now, the few members of the club were using this opportunity to rest properly.
Inside the resting area at the back of the clubroom, Letis and Nia were sleeping on the bed, while Bumansa, unable to stay idle, was busy in the kitchen preparing summer snacks.
Yeling rested her head on Lolan Hill’s lap, sound asleep. This girl had been somewhat nocturnal lately, being particularly energetic at night but wanting to sleep during the day.
Keti and Vimya sat together, and they were listening to Lily, who was explaining the rules of a game involving moving pieces and drawing cards to trigger events. It was similar to a simplified version of Monopoly.
Occasionally, joyful cicada calls could be heard from the distant forest, and a line of white-billed storks flew across the clear sky.
Looking at Yeling, who was sleeping so soundly in her arms, Lolan Hill felt drowsy herself. Leaning against the wall, she slowly closed her eyes, ready to take a short rest. All she could hear were the quiet voices of Keti and Lily playing their game.
A bee seemed to have lost its way, flying in from the window, landing on the windowsill, and then entering the room, buzzing around under the ceiling.
Lily looked up at the tiny bee and made a shushing gesture to the two people in front of her. She then carefully stepped onto the table, preparing to catch the buzzing insect.
Keti watched Lily’s movements with some curiosity, while a smile could be seen under Vimya’s veil. The two watched as Lily tiptoed, stretched out her hand, and tried to catch the buzzing bee.
Once, twice, three times—Lily still couldn’t catch it. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she lightly coated her light pink nails with a layer of red and then jumped up, sweeping towards the little creature.
The bee, in its panic, flew directly into Lily’s palm but managed to escape. However, Lily was not so lucky. After jumping into the air, she lunged towards Lolan Hill’s direction.
In a rush, she steadied herself by pressing one hand against the wall, but her foot landed on Ye Ling’s thigh, who was sleeping. Ye Ling suddenly woke up in alarm, seeing Lily’s face getting closer.
“Ah!” Both shouted in the activity room. As Lily fell, Ye Ling reached out to block her, and they ended up colliding.
Lily’s foot slipped onto a nearby mat, causing her to lean forward. Her forehead hit Ye Ling’s elbow, and she saw stars. Ye Ling quickly reacted, standing up and pinning Lily down on the mat, holding her wrists firmly.
“Lily just hit me again,” Ye Ling accused Lily of having ulterior motives, thinking she intended to harm her, so she needed to punish her severely.
“It hurts, it hurts.” Lily’s forehead turned red, and she said indignantly, struggling further. Soon after, the two were rolling around and wrestling again in the activity room.
Among the group, Ye Ling and Lily were the youngest. Although they often fought, their relationship was actually quite good.
This commotion woke Lolan Hill from her nap. As Ye Ling got up, Lolan Hill also stretched her body.
“Ping pong~ pudding is ready, do you all want to eat?” Bumansa had finished making snacks and brought them out.
The transparent pudding jiggled slightly on the plate, shimmering in the sunlight from afar. The light green and orange fruit chunks were particularly tempting.
“I want to eat it,” seeing the snacks, Ye Ling and Lily immediately stopped fighting. They quickly approached the table, watching Bumansa place the plate on it.
Soon, the two
Lily picked a light green kiwi pudding, while Night Spirit chose an orange peach pudding.
Keti and Vimya each selected a pudding and began to taste them delicately.
“Lolan should pick one too,” Bumansa continued, carrying her plate over.
Lolan Hill sat up, picked up a small dish with light green pudding, scooped out a small piece with a spoon, and then put it in her mouth. The cool, sweet-and-sour sensation danced on her tongue.
“It’s delicious~” She looked up and said to Bumansa.
“Glad you like it.” Bumansa smiled with relief, then turned around, but just then the door suddenly opened.
Alena rushed in, her legs striding wide, one hand holding the door frame, and she announced excitedly, “Have you all thought about where to go for your vacation? I have a fantastic suggestion!”
“Not yet,” the few present shook their heads; they had been resting recently.
“Then come with me on an adventure to the Southern Isles! I am the daughter of the great captain, Jensens!”
“Oh, Alena is finally willing to mention her father’s name.”
“Where are we going on this adventure?” Night Spirit and Lily ran over with interest.
“Right here.” Alena held up the holiday mission announcement.
[Southern Isles, a group of special extraordinary swordfish have appeared near the斑斓岛 (colorful island) sea area, posing a significant threat to passing ships. They need to be cleared. Due to their large numbers and widespread distribution, it is recommended that 5-10 students go together.]
“Going to the seaside in summer would be very comfortable, the weather won’t be too hot. How about it, everyone? Shall we go together?”
“It seems nice.”
“It’s okay.”
“That settles it.”
Thus, the vacation plans for everyone were finalized.
—
I will write some more relaxed scenes next, for rest and transition.
This chapter is winding down, and it feels a bit lengthy. It’s a lesson learned from lack of experience.
In the next volume, the protagonist will not stay at the academy. Other parts of the story and plot developments will be written, and the situation on the continent will gradually change.
The general direction of the upcoming story has been set, but still needs to be refined. So the recent plot will be smoother, for rest and transition.
(This chapter ends)
