MTLNOVEL Chapter 40: Chapter 39:The Weight of Expectations
Lila Vermise strode through the halls of Beast Dominion Academy, her polished boots clicking softly against the marble floors. Students parted as she passed, their hushed whispers trailing behind her like a faint breeze.
"There she is—Lila Vermise."
"She's so flawless… I heard she's already at Level 10."
"Of course, she's the top student. Her Celestial Sky Serpent is legendary!"
"I heard she'll be representing the academy in the upcoming Dominion Trials."
She ignored the murmurs, her expression calm and composed, though she couldn't completely block them out. The weight of her reputation was something she had grown used to. It was a constant presence, like the wind against her back—sometimes a gentle push, sometimes a relentless storm.
But the whispers didn't bother her. What bothered her was failing to meet her own expectations.
Lila wasn't just a top student because of her talent. She *had* talent, yes, but it was her relentless discipline and drive that set her apart. Every battle, every assignment, every moment spent training—it was all part of her plan to be the best. To be untouchable.
She turned a corner, her mind still replaying the events of the previous day.
Kai Anther.
His name lingered in her thoughts like an irritating fly she couldn't swat away. His calm demeanor, his unshakable confidence, his ability to turn something as mundane as insects into a legitimate threat—it all gnawed at her.
"He's just an anomaly," she muttered under her breath, trying to convince herself.
But was he?
---
Lila arrived at one of the academy's private training chambers, a large, circular room lined with enchanted stone walls that absorbed even the most devastating attacks. The space was dimly lit, with glowing runes along the walls providing just enough light to see.
"Aetheris," she called, her voice echoing slightly in the chamber.
The **Celestial Sky Serpent** appeared from the shadows, its massive form coiling around her protectively. Its golden eyes gleamed as it studied her, sensing her restlessness.
Lila sighed, reaching up to stroke the serpent's smooth, shimmering scales. "You can tell, can't you? Something's bothering me."
Aetheris let out a low, melodic hiss, its body shifting slightly to encircle her more closely.
"It's that boy," she admitted, her voice quiet. "Kai Anther."
The serpent tilted its head, its glowing eyes narrowing slightly as if to ask, *Why him?*
"I don't know," Lila admitted, stepping away from Aetheris and pacing across the room. "He's nothing like the others. Most of the students here are predictable—they rely on brute force, flashy techniques, or the strength of their beasts to win. But he's… different. He doesn't just fight—he strategizes. He thinks."
She stopped, turning back to face Aetheris. "And that makes him dangerous."
Aetheris let out another low trill, its body shifting as if to remind her of her own strength.
Lila smiled faintly. "You're right. He's not on my level. Not yet."
But even as she said the words, doubt crept into her mind. Kai was an anomaly, and anomalies had a way of upsetting the natural order.
---
The sound of a knock at the door broke her train of thought.
"Come in," she called, her voice steady.
The door creaked open, revealing Nia Silkwood, her ever-cheerful friend and fellow Beast Tamer. Nia's dark brown hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, and her signature playful grin was firmly in place.
"Thought I'd find you here," Nia said, stepping into the chamber. Her black tarantula, *Silken*, skittered along behind her, its glossy legs making faint clicking sounds against the stone floor.
"What do you want, Nia?" Lila asked, crossing her arms.
Nia raised her hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I'm not here to bother you. Just checking in. You've been acting… distracted lately."
Lila frowned, turning away. "I'm fine."
"Uh-huh," Nia said, clearly unconvinced. She leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. "Let me guess—you're thinking about Kai."
Lila's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond.
Nia let out a laugh, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable, you know that? The academy's top student, the Queen of the Sky, and you're losing sleep over some bug boy with an ant."
Lila shot her a sharp look. "I'm not losing sleep."
"Sure you're not," Nia said, smirking. "Look, I get it. He's different. He's weird. But that's what makes him interesting, isn't it? He doesn't play by the same rules as the rest of us."
Lila turned back to Aetheris, her hand resting on the serpent's head. "That's exactly what bothers me. He doesn't play by the rules. He's unpredictable. And unpredictable people are dangerous."
Nia shrugged, pushing off the wall. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just another student trying to prove himself. Either way, you're giving him way too much space in your head."
Lila didn't respond, her gaze fixed on Aetheris.
Nia sighed, her playful grin softening into a more genuine expression. "Look, Lila. You're the best. Everyone knows that. You don't need to worry about Kai or anyone else. Just keep doing what you do best—winning."
With that, Nia turned and walked toward the door, Silken skittering along behind her.
"See you in class," she called over her shoulder before disappearing into the hallway.
---
Lila stood in silence for a long moment, her thoughts swirling.
She wasn't worried about losing to Kai—not really. But she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.
"Aetheris," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The serpent let out a low, questioning trill.
"We need to be ready," she continued, her green eyes narrowing. "If he's going to challenge the natural order of this academy, then it's up to us to remind him why we're at the top."
Aetheris coiled around her protectively, its golden eyes gleaming with a fierce determination that matched her own.
Lila's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Let's show him why they call us untouchable."