novelraw Chapter 89: Dormitory [1]
Chapter 89: Dormitory [1]
"Vergil. Vergil, it’s time to wake up."
A serene and calming voice broke through the murky stillness. Although it was low and distant, it was almost melodic and coated with a familar warmth.
"Mom."
Vergil’s eyelids twitched. Heavy. His body stiffened like a stone sunk deep in cold water. His breath was shallow at first, but slowly returned to its normal rhythm and his fingers twitched against the soft linen sheets.
Dim lights filled the sterile room, long shadows formed across the walls from the flickering lamp embedded in the ceiling, the cool glow of mana pulsating, signalling that its patient and awakened.
[Welcome back.] The mechanical voice rang in his mind.
’You’re not a pretty lady.’
[I can change my voice to one if your desperate.]
’... I regret speaking to you.’
Vergil exhaled, his chest rising and falling in a slow and controlled motion. His entire body ached. His muscles were sore to the point where he could feel each one individually.
’How long was I out?’ he thought groggily.
[It’s already night.]
’That long?’
His eyelids shut once more, the memories of the fight rushed in — the pressure, the excitement and then... his right arm.
’I didn’t think activating my right arm would do that to me.’
[That’s why it’s limited.] The system spoke with a tone of disapproval.
[It was the limit your body can handle. Using two percent takes all your stamina. One punch was enough to put you out of the fight. And that’s without reverting it.]
’So it’s stronger in its original form.’
[Yes. Of course this is only ’partial activation.’]
Vergil gritted his teeth, his teeth sinking into his lips.
This was another problem. His main trump card couldn’t be used and his arm took all his stamina, becoming a ’one use trump card.’
[Just to let you know, I really don’t think you passed. You did what a teacher would say.]
[Poorly]
Vergil gave a half-smile, blinking at the ceiling. ’I would say otherwise. Wanna make a bet?’
There was a pause.
[...I think I’m alright.]
’Pussy.’
Before the voice could respond, soft footsteps echoed against the stone tiled floor outside as a nurse entered the room. Dressed in the dark green uniform marked with the emblem of the academy. Her long black hair was tied neatly behind her, carrying a clipboard in her hand.
Her eyes remained calm, yet widened in surprise. "You’re finally awake," her voice remained even. "Your body is now stable and all your vital signs are normal."
Vergil tried to sit up, wincing slightly. "How long was I out?"
"Almost five hours." She tapped the clipboard gently. "For someone who collapsed the way you did, that’s not bad at all. You recovered faster than I expected."
Vergil swung his legs over the bed, carefully standing up. His body was sluggish, like he was dragging chains with every step. But he forced himself upright.
The infirmary’s floor was cold and the air faintly scented with herbs and potions.
"Don’t overexert yourself," the nurse added after noticing his stubborn determination. "One of the teachers came by earlier. He wanted me to tell you that your room is located in the west wing, third floor. Room 412. I’ll guide you there."
Vergil gave a small nod. "Thanks."
She led him out of the infirmary, the doors sliding open with a faint magical hum after she touched it.
A way of identification perhaps. Never knew there would be some sort of security here.
Outside, the hallway remained quiet, lit by the same floating lamps that swayed gently in place, casting elongated silhouettes across the marble flooring. The academy’s interior now resembled a night of tranquillity.
Haunting. Silent. Peaceful.
Portraits of famed graduates and prodigious students lined the walls. Their weapon of choice were different. Some bore swords, others staffs and one even had a gauntlet.
Vergil kept his head low, his mind simmering with thoughts.
Each step echoed lightly.
The nurse didn’t speak much, only when needed — glancing back occasionally to make sure he followed, but walked slow enough for him to look around which he very much appreciated.
They made their way outside, then ascended the staircase of a polished marble annex. Grand in both material and stature, there were enough rooms to house at the very least more than a five hundred students.
They ascended the staircase slowly, admiring the view the stairs had given him. From where he was at, a large portion of the academy could be viewed. One of the Training Grounds. The main building. And a building positioned opposite him, beyond a small garden containing a fountain.
Would they be there?
Where he was heading to was the male dormitory. Although used right now by the applicants, many would have to vacate after the results if they fail.
Before he knew it they had reached the third floor. "Room 412," she finally said, stopping outside a thick wooden door reinforced with brass edges. The numbers engraved on the small plaque in the middle, shimmered faintly with magical runes.
"This one’s yours. Although you have company."
Vergil stood in front of the door. Her words made him think of what she meant before the light bulb in his brain lit up.
He looked at the brass handle, then back at the corridor.
Nobody. Just him and the nurse. The soft, faint glow from the flickering lights emitted from circular spheres embedded in the ceiling — flickering before coming to a halt.
The silence hung like a curtain around him.
His fingers hovered over the doorknob. Behind the door was the start of his new life. Whether it would lead to good or bad. He didn’t know.
All he knew was that this academy was the start of a new journey.
One that would only begin his story.
A/N
If you’re wondering, the system mentioned there was a limitation when he used partial activation of his right arm. If he activated it fully by transforming, the other party would be more injured.