BXBX NOVEL Chapter 52: A New Mission
"Congratulations," the clerk said with a polite smile, though her tone was brisk, reflecting the busy nature of the day. "Welcome to the Celestial Academy."
Lucy nodded in thanks, her fingers closing around the ID. As she moved away from the desk, she overheard a nearby conversation that caught her attention.
"Did you hear? To become an inner disciple, you need to reach at least the four-star tier," one student whispered to another, their tone a mix of awe and determination.
Lucy's grip on her ID tightened slightly, and she set her jaw with newfound resolve. That will be my target, she thought, already picturing her future as an inner disciple.
With her goal in mind, Lucy made her way to the mission guild. The atmosphere inside was different—more intense, as disciples of varying levels studied the mission boards lining the walls. The tasks ranged from simple errands to dangerous hunts, each offering the chance to earn points and resources.
As she scanned the available missions, her eyes suddenly landed on a familiar figure. Zeus was there, standing casually near one of the boards. Lucy was surprised to see him; she hadn't noticed him during their journey to the academy.
Zeus noticed Lucy from across the room and made his way over with a polite smile. "Are you Miss Lucy?" he asked, his voice smooth and respectful, though his eyes held a hint of curiosity.
Lucy, still on guard, nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to assess his intentions. "I am. And you are?"
"Zeus," he replied, his tone calm as he studied her reaction. "There's no need to be so tense," he added, picking up on her wariness. "We're similar, you and I—we don't come from noble families."
Lucy wasn't easily convinced by his friendly demeanor. Her expression remained hard as she crossed her arms. "Cut the crap. What do you really want?"
Zeus chuckled, a light, almost amused sound at her bluntness. "Fair enough," he said, appreciating her straightforward approach. "I want to team up with you for a mission."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still cautious. "What kind of mission are we talking about?"
Zeus leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as if to emphasize the seriousness of the task. "It's a mission to eliminate a two-star warrior—a terrorist who's been causing havoc. I'm only a one-star, so I could use your help. It's not too difficult for a first mission, but it's important."
Lucy's eyes narrowed as she weighed his words. "Show me the details," she demanded, her tone steady and unyielding. It was clear she wasn't about to commit without knowing exactly what she was getting into.
Zeus, sensing her determination, offered a small smile and handed her the mission sheet. "Here you go," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.
Lucy took the sheet and studied it carefully. The mission was clear: the target was a two-star warrior who had been terrorizing local villages, leaving destruction in his wake. The objective was straightforward—track down and eliminate the threat.
As she read, Lucy's expression softened just slightly, a sign that she was satisfied with what she saw. "Alright," she finally said, looking up from the paper. "I'll take this one with you."
A hint of satisfaction flickered in Zeus's eyes as he nodded. "Great. I'll be waiting for you at the gate tomorrow."
Lucy nodded once more, her face settling back into its usual guarded expression. Without saying another word, she turned and headed for the exit, her mind already shifting to the challenges of the upcoming mission.
When she arrived back at the house, the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food greeted her. The familiar scent filled the air, bringing a sense of warmth and normalcy after the long day.
As Lucy stepped inside, Lucas looked up from the kitchen, his eyes bright with anticipation. "So, did you make it? Are you a Celestial Academy disciple now?" he asked, his voice filled with hope and excitement.
Lucy's stern expression softened into a smile, and she nodded. "Yes, I am. I've officially become an outer disciple of the Celestial Academy," she replied, her tone carrying a mix of pride and relief.
"That's amazing!" Lucas exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "I knew you could do it. Come on, I've made some food. Let's eat and celebrate."
Lucy's smile grew as she sat down at the table, the warmth of the meal and her brother's presence making it feel like a well-deserved celebration.
The simple dishes before them took on a special meaning, turning the evening into a small victory feast—a moment of shared joy after the day's success.
As they ate, Lucy broke the comfortable silence. "I'll need to leave for a while to complete a mission," she said, her voice steady but tinged with the seriousness of the task ahead.
Lucas looked up from his plate, his eyes reflecting both concern and confidence. "A mission already? Well, good luck, sister," he said, his tone filled with genuine encouragement. "And don't worry about me—I've already taken the potion, so I'm fine."
Lucy nodded, her heart warmed by his unwavering support. "Thanks, Lucas. That means a lot," she replied, her voice softening with affection.
With the meal finished, Lucy pushed back her chair and stood up. "I'd better get some rest," she said, her mind already beginning to focus on the challenges tomorrow would bring.
Lucas nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Get some sleep, Lucy. You're going to do great."
She smiled back, feeling a surge of determination. "Goodnight, Lucas."
"Goodnight," he replied, watching as she headed to her room.
Lucy lay down, her thoughts swirling with plans and strategies for the mission ahead. But as she closed her eyes, she felt a sense of calm, knowing her brother was there for her.