Chapter 24: The Chase Challenge

Curiosity stormed out of the room as if it might tear the door down.

Ash pressed her ear against it, murmuring anxiously,

— I can’t hear anything…

Suddenly, faint whispers of approaching footsteps reached her, and she quickly stepped back.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing Diona, a small flower tucked in her hair. She was holding Y’s hand, a gentle smile lighting up her face.

She stepped forward hesitantly, then leaned in to whisper,

— I’m sorry for disturbing you all…

— Lift your head. No one wants to see you downcast, — Ash said, raising her hand in mild reproach.

— The flower looks even more beautiful… especially on your hair, — Anna smiled, gazing at the bloom.

— You’re all embarrassing me… — Diona’s cheeks flushed crimson.

— It’s time to see Diona’s magic, — Y said calmly.

— And I can’t wait to see it! — Ash added eagerly.

⸻

In Dansleif’s office, he sat behind his desk, with Alexander and Rose across from him, while sheets of applicants for the magic test were scattered over the table.

— Are these all the applicants? — Dansleif asked.

— Yes, they all arrived yesterday, — Rose replied.

As he examined the papers, he noticed Alexander’s eyes fixed on one sheet. Dansleif picked it up and said,

— A girl named “Elishel”… one of the applicants. Do you know her, Alexander?

— You could say that, — Alexander replied with a faint smile.

— What’s your connection with her?

— She’s an old companion who moved into this world with me. She had been with a group of people who went to a small hunters’ town in the south… I was wondering, is she alone now?

— Has she been reviewed? — Dansleif asked.

— Yes, Adrian oversaw that, — Rose answered.

— … Very well, — Dansleif sighed. Then he looked up at Alexander, who spoke hesitantly:

— I don’t know if I should say this, but… there are some issues between her and Y. If Y is one of the exam supervisors, it could unsettle her quite a bit.

— I’ll keep that in mind. Also, Y isn’t the vengeful type, — Dansleif replied confidently.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Alexander quickly gathered the papers, and Dansleif gave permission:

— Come in.

Y entered, accompanied by Diona and the group.

— You’re here to see her magic, right? — Dansleif asked directly.

— That’s right, and there’s no one better than you to explain it, — Y answered.

Rose and Alexander stood.

— We’ll be leaving now… see you later.

— Listen carefully; I won’t repeat myself. Your magic, Diona, is the ability to become a copy of anyone… in short, you can replicate any magic.

— Is that really my magic? — Diona’s eyes widened in astonishment.

— Then Y’s prediction was correct, — Anna said.

— Her magic resembles Y’s weapon, — Ash added.

— Not quite. My weapon absorbs magic from others and relies on my ability to invent techniques myself. There are still many techniques I don’t know how to use. Diona’s magic… is different. It makes her a complete copy of the person, meaning she can use any technique effortlessly, — Y shook his head.

— Her magic is remarkable, but it has conditions for activation. And the condition imposed on her made it even more difficult, — Dansleif smiled.

— Her condition is almost as powerful as mine, — Y muttered.

— That explains the force she unleashed against that giant monster… — Anna said.

— But how can I use my magic then? — Diona lifted her anxious eyes.

— Didn’t Y tell you? — Dansleif smiled.

Everyone turned to Y.

— What does he mean? — Diona asked, confused.

— Y figured out how your magic works some time ago, right? — Anna said.

— I didn’t figure it out, I only guessed. I didn’t have enough evidence, — Y replied.

— Your magic depends on observing those around you and understanding how their magic works, — Dansleif nodded.

Klee and Angela exchanged a silent glance, then looked at Y:

— What about us…? — Klee asked.

— Were we part of Diona’s training? — Angela asked.

— They wouldn’t accept it if I said it was a coincidence, — Anna interjected in surprise.

— I only planned half of these things. Klee and Angela joining wasn’t part of the plan, so I adjusted it to fit everyone, — Y said calmly.

— That’s why you were explaining the basics of magic… — Klee said.

— And the training against you was for that purpose as well… — Angela added.

— No, he genuinely wanted to learn, — Ash objected.

— What about Lunaria? — Klee asked.

— No, I’ve been training with Diona ever since I joined Y about two months ago, — Lunaria laughed softly.

— Doesn’t that satisfy you? — Y raised an eyebrow.

— I feel like I was used somehow… but I don’t know how, — Klee said, puzzled.

— Not used. I was with you throughout the training. The only thing is that Diona’s magic was a secret… until now, — Y smiled confidently.

He approached Diona, lowering himself to her level, and said:

— The choice is yours… do you want to keep the condition or remove it?

Diona glanced at Anna hesitantly:

— What should I do? Which choice would be best for you?

— No, the important question… what do you want? — Anna replied.

— I want to stand with you when things get complicated, without being a hindrance. The condition gives me power, but it also limits me, — Diona muttered.

A heavy silence fell, broken only by Y’s faint smile:

— That’s not a problem.

Everyone turned to him.

— I won’t deny that the condition has drawbacks, but in truth… it’s perfect for you.

— Exactly, the condition only allows the use of magic if she or someone she knows is in danger, — Dansleif added.

— I’ll keep the condition as it is, — Diona said firmly.

— A wise choice, — Ash smiled.

— Let’s go rest now, — Y said.

— Don’t forget, the test is in a week, — Dansleif reminded them.

— I’ll be ready, — Y replied confidently.

⸻

After the training ended, Y sat on the ground, silently gazing at the sky.

A gentle voice came from behind:

— You really love the sky…

He turned slightly and found Rose standing there, a soft smile on her lips.

— You could say that, — he replied calmly. — To me, the sky is like a living painting… changing every time I look at it.

— I agree, it’s beautiful. Tell me… do you enjoy life at the academy? — Rose asked.

— It’s a new experience. Beneficial for everyone… and that’s enough for me.

— I heard you train during the day and read at night. What drives you to put in all this effort?

He paused for a moment, then spoke softly,

— The fear of helplessness. Sometimes I see people dying in my dreams… and I’m powerless to save them. That’s what I hate most.

— I didn’t expect that… someone like you, with all that strength and intelligence, fears helplessness? — Rose murmured in surprise.

— No matter how smart or strong I am… in the end, I’m just an ordinary human, — he answered simply.

Suddenly, Diona jumped from behind, attempting to surprise him, but Y caught her lightly before she hit the ground.

— That’s dangerous, Diona! — Rose exclaimed, worried.

— Don’t worry, I was sure he’d catch me, — Diona said playfully.

Y lifted her and placed her on his shoulder, his tone warm:

— Is it time for your training?

— That’s right! — she answered enthusiastically.

— Then let’s go.

Rose watched them walk off under the golden sunset, a clear smile on her face.

— It seems that not having magic made him more human than all of us.

While resting on his shoulder, Diona tilted her head toward him and whispered:

— Do you still remember your old promise?

— Of course, — he replied with a faint smile — have you decided what you want now?

— I want to play a game of chase… but I want a lot of people to join us. Can you make that happen?

— Yes, that’s possible.

From a nearby shadowed corner, a calm female voice emerged:

— I envy her for that…

Y immediately turned toward the darkness, his tone cautious yet not hostile:

— How can we help you?

The girl stepped slowly into the light, a faint smile on her face.

— You have sharp senses, like us.

Diona stared at her in astonishment:

— She looks like me…!

— No, you’re the one who looks like me, — the girl said confidently. — How old are you, little one?

— Twelve.

The girl smiled softly:

— I’m fourteen.

— That means you’re about the same age as Leona! — Diona said excitedly.

— My name is Lauma, and I assist Dansleif, — the girl replied gently.

Lauma bore a striking resemblance to Diona: short brown hair curling lightly beneath a colorful hat, a white shirt under a brown vest, and a small white scarf tied to her tail fluttering in the wind.

She stepped closer, her expression serious:

— Dansleif wants you, Y.

⸻

Excitement rippled through the academy, anticipation of the upcoming events lingering in the air. Meanwhile, caution weighed heavily in Dansleif’s office, where Y stood calmly before him.

— I heard you want me, — Y said, folding his arms.

— That’s correct, — Dansleif replied in a low tone. — What I’m about to tell you is extremely secret, so do not tell anyone you don’t trust.

He paused, then continued in a serious voice:

— There’s a traitor inside the academy… be wary of everyone.

Y raised an eyebrow slightly:

— From what you’re saying, you haven’t found them yet?

— That’s right. I personally checked everyone accepted into the academy, and found no trace of betrayal.

— So… magic wasn’t enough?

— Not necessarily, — Dansleif answered. — Perhaps the traitor doesn’t even realize they’re a traitor.

Y studied him intently:

— You mean they’re being used without knowing it?

— Exactly.

The two exchanged a brief, analytical glance. Then Y spoke sharply:

— You must have suspicions about their identity.

— Yes, but I have no concrete proof.

— And what about the exams? Having a traitor among us is dangerous.

— I’ll think about it… that’s all I have for now.

Y fell silent for a moment, then stepped closer with calm, measured movements, until he stood beside Dansleif and whispered softly in his ear.

Dansleif smiled faintly:

— I agree. Follow me.

The two left the office, where they met Diona and Lauma.

— I’ll go rest a little… — Lauma said, yawning.

But Dansleif stopped her:

— Not yet. There’s one last thing.

— One last thing? What is it?

— Let’s begin.

Dansleif struck the ground with his staff, and in an instant, they were transported to the main courtyard.

Lauma stepped back anxiously:

— Why the courtyard?!

Dansleif raised his hand, and massive magical screens materialized across the academy, broadcasting the courtyard live.

Y stepped forward with measured strides, his voice amplified through the screens:

— Attention all students… a special event awaits, and the prize: any magic of your choice from Dansleif.

A wave of murmurs and excited chatter swept through the academy.

— Events? — Lauma whispered in astonishment.

Y smiled confidently:

— Yes. Everyone participates… even the principal and the teachers.

He paused briefly, then raised his hand, pointing toward Diona and Lauma. The cameras on the magical screens immediately focused on them.

— The game is “The Chase.”

Location: the entire academy.

Targets: these two girls.

Catch one of them, and you win… there may be multiple winners.

Dansleif raised his hand, releasing a sealing spell that nullified all magic. A giant hourglass appeared in the sky, glowing with ethereal blue light.

— The rules are simple: no magic. Everyone has an equal chance. Twenty minutes only… and the game begins now!

As the countdown started, the courtyard erupted in excitement. Students and teachers surged forward, laughter and shouts blending into a chaotic symphony.

— Wait! Who said I’d participate?! — Lauma shouted, turning in alarm as a student lunged from behind. She twisted lightly, dodging, and laughed playfully:

— That fast? You’ll need a hundred years to catch me!

Diona grabbed her hand, laughing:

— No time to protest… it’s time to run!

They darted through the academy halls, weaving between dozens of students. Tables shook, walls trembled, and the air was alive with energy.

Diona ducked under a student’s outstretched arm, while Lauma vaulted over a wooden shelf, landing gracefully amid cheers.

— Ten minutes left! — Dansleif’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers.

Spectators gathered, laughing and shouting:

— It’s like a festival!

⸻

Bursting into the tree-filled garden, the girls felt the wind slap their faces. They leapt between branches, nimble and fluid, while some students attempted to block them with ropes and nets.

Lauma tossed a handful of dirt behind her, causing pursuers to stumble.

— They won’t catch us that easily! — she shouted, panting but smiling.

— This is so much fun! — Diona laughed, her breath short but exhilarated.

— Five minutes left! — Dansleif’s voice rang out again.

The crowd cheered, some rooting for the pursuers, others for the girls.

⸻

Scaling a short wall, they reached a low rooftop, the pounding of footsteps behind them echoing like thunder.

Wind whipped through Diona’s hair as she leapt to an adjacent rooftop. Lauma followed, but her foot slipped.

She grabbed the edge, nearly falling, but Diona’s hand caught hers firmly, pulling her up.

— I’m not used to running this long! — Lauma muttered, laughing nervously.

— Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall, — Diona said firmly.

From below, Ash waved and shouted:

— Hurry! Don’t let them escape!

Anna teased from the screen, arms crossed:

— Even you can’t catch them, Ash!

⸻

Finally, the girls reached the academy tower, students chasing like it was a real battle. Bodies collided, labored breaths mixed with frantic shouts.

— One minute only! — Dansleif announced, booming.

At the top, wind battered their faces. Diona and Lauma stood at the edge, pursuers closing in, and only empty space ahead.

Y appeared, stepping steadily, his voice calm as if the outcome was already certain:

— Time is almost up…

— We’re trapped! — Lauma screamed.

Diona gripped her hand firmly, a defiant smile on her lips:

— They won’t catch us that easily!

Together, they jumped from the tower. The crowd below screamed in shock.

Three… two… one…

At the last moment, Y dashed like lightning, leapt after them, and caught both in his strong arms, landing safely amid everyone’s astonishment.

⸻

A stunned silence fell, as if time itself had paused. Then the courtyard erupted into applause and cheering:

— Incredible!

— He caught them like they were feathers!

Diona smiled from Y’s arms:

— I knew you’d save us…

Y set her down gently, speaking calmly:

— Did I keep my promise?

— Yes… and it was really fun, — Diona replied playfully.

Lauma, still panting, looked at Diona:

— Your name is Diona, right? Tell me… what if Y hadn’t been here?

Diona hesitated, then laughed softly:

— I didn’t think about that… I only do these things when Y is beside me.

⸻

Meanwhile, Ash, Lunaria, Anna, Klee, and Angela continued watching through the floating magical screens.

Klee smiled lightly:

— You don’t seem scared of seeing Diona jump from the tower.

Ash laughed:

— That’s a familiar sight for us, isn’t it?

Lunaria’s eyes shone as she watched:

— That moment reminds me of the jump Diona and I took from the mountain during my training… and Y appearing then.

Anna added with a soft smile:

— She really does love jumping from heights.

⸻

Meanwhile, Dansleif approached Lauma, who turned to him, still pondering Diona’s words.

— Was joining the game your idea? — she asked curiously.

— No, it was Y’s idea, — Dansleif replied with a mysterious smile. — He said you looked a little sad.

— Sad? Why would he say that?

— Who knows? That’s beyond my expertise. But tell me, Lauma… did you enjoy it?

She avoided his gaze, trying to hide the faint smile forming on her lips.

— Yes… just a little.