After talking with Riya for a while, he found out other things.
Apparently, the Great One had told her to work with Arin and listen to him, which begged the question—was he perhaps chosen by this Great One? But how? And why?
He didn't know the answer to those questions because the Great One only told Riya to listen to him but didn't explain why or even what his goal was. She had only agreed because he showed her the truth about the death of her mother and brother and because he said there would be hope if she listened to Arin.
'I'm very sure that whatever this Great One is doing, it is certainly related to Alex.'
The Great One had also been communicating with Riya. That was how she found out when he was going to fight Alex in the forest and warned him to be careful. That was also how she discovered that, for some reason, Arin wasn't in the Human Realm, prompting her to make an excuse for the students, Lina, and Tessa.
Arin also realized that she didn't know he had gone to the Vampire Realm or that he was a vampire. She had looked suspicious and even asked him where he went, but he changed the topic, making it clear that he didn't want to talk about it.
The item the Great One had given her was also the same mask and cloak he received as a reward from the system, further reinforcing his suspicion that this Great One had something to do with the system.
He also learned that 'Great One' wasn't this person's real name, and even Riya didn't know what it was.
'No wonder it's not visible on the screen,' Arin thought. 'His real name is still hidden.'
'But for what purpose?'
Arin let out a sigh, tapping his fingers on the table. "That's a lot of information…"
Riya smiled. "But I'm sure most things are cleared up now."
Arin nodded. "That's true."
At least he was no longer confused about Riya, and his suspicions of her had also lessened. He had also gotten a bit of information about the unreadable name he had always been curious about—and still was.
"I always pointed you out in class and even asked you to repeat the last thing I said. And I did that more than once," Riya said. "I hope you won't hold that against me."
"That sure was annoying," Arin admitted. "But I'm not holding anything against you."
"Thank you," Riya said with a smile.
"Class is about to begin. It's time to go," she added.
Arin nodded and stood up but noticed a paper on the table that stood out from the rest because of the long list of items written on it.
He decided not to ask about it, but Riya noticed that he was staring at the paper.
"It's a list of items needed for the joint ceremony," she said. "It was supposed to take place two weeks from now, but the Academy decided to move it back to three days from now."
Arin knew what the joint ceremony was. It was an event where both first-year and second-year students would gather in a hall and have fun together.
It was a formal event, so students were expected to dress accordingly. The curfew would likely be canceled that day since the event would take place at night.
"But why was it moved up?" Arin asked curiously.
"I have no idea," Riya replied. "For some reason, the Academy has been shifting events. They also did it for the expedition."
Arin had a thoughtful expression after hearing what Riya said.
"But I don't think it's anything serious," Riya continued. "They might just be trying to change the pattern of events."
"Though," she added, "I still won't overlook it."
Arin nodded, deciding to discard the thought for now. He would still keep an eye out for anything unusual at the Academy.
As they were both about to leave the office, Arin suddenly glanced at the bracelet on his wrist.
"Wait," he said, stopping Riya before she could walk out.
She turned around to face him.
"I have a request," Arin said. "I don't know if it'll be possible."
Riya smiled, staring at Arin. "Tell me…"
Riya and Arin walked out of the office, and Riya closed the door before they descended the stairs and exited the building.
As they were walking, Riya suddenly cleared her throat, gaining Arin's attention.
"There's been this rumor spreading around that I'm twenty-seven years old," Riya said.
'Why is she suddenly talking about her age?' Arin thought.
"Is it true?" he asked, not wanting it to seem like he wasn't listening.
"Of course not," Riya said. "I'm twenty-one years old."
Arin glanced at her. 'Who the hell would think she's twenty-seven? She clearly looks twenty-one.'
But then, he suddenly realized that he had initially thought she was in her late twenties.
'Was it my imagination?'
They reached the main building and entered the classroom together. As soon as Riya stepped in, all the students quickly sat down.
The class went smoothly before it ended. Riya also made an announcement about the joint ceremony, and as expected, the students couldn't contain their excitement.
Before they left, Riya told Arin that if any issue arose or if the Great One told her anything, she would let him know.
After that, the Weapon Training class was held, and it also ended without any problems.
Arin walked out of the main Academy building before glancing toward the forest. 'I have to meet Tessa today.'
He saw her leaving the building, so he was sure she must have gone there by now.
With that, he began walking toward the forest, and as usual, he wore his mask before arriving.
He entered the forest, and after walking a short distance in, he saw her standing with her arms folded and a calm look on her face.
"Tessa…" Arin called out, making her turn around instantly.
The moment she saw that it was Chaos, a small smile unknowingly formed on her face.