Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 113: Daring Valen

Chapter 113: Daring Valen

Sylra’s words about the professors driving off the Eclipse intruders lingered in Alex’s mind, her voice still tinged with the relief and frustration that had colored her earlier outburst. Bastian’s recounting of the chaotic retreat, delivered with his characteristic smirk, painted a vivid picture of the elders’ swift intervention.

The sterile whiteness of the Starhaven Academy clinic surrounded them, its pristine walls and glowing orbs casting a soft, almost clinical light over the group. Alex lay on the clinic bed, his body still aching from the moonshade-poisoned wound, the bandage beneath his gown a constant reminder of how close he’d come to death.

"They got a few students," Sylra added, her golden eyes flickering with concern as she leaned closer to Alex’s bedside. "Some cuts, a few burns from those dark orbs Eclipse was throwing. But the healers patched everyone up. Minor stuff, mostly. They’ve all been discharged already." She paused, her gaze softening as it met his. "You’re the only one still here."

"We were so scared for you," she said, her voice gentle, tinged with the same anxiety that colored Sylra’s words. "You took that hit and just... collapsed. We didn’t know if you were going to make it." Her expression was earnest, her usual confidence softened by the weight of the moment.

Alex nodded slowly, his thoughts heavy as he absorbed the news. The weight of his survival settled over him, a bittersweet relief. Starhaven was safe again, its halls no longer echoing with the chaos of Eclipse’s attack.

But the cost the evolution into a Cursed Ash Elf, the system’s ominous warning that his life was no longer his own, felt like a shadow cast over his victory. He was alive, but at what price?

Bastian, his hair falling across his forehead. His usual playful demeanor faltered, replaced by a quiet intensity as he studied Alex. Bastian’s empathy allowed him to sense emotions like ripples in a pond, and now his eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. "Hey, man," he said, his voice low, almost cautious. "What happened when you were out? Like, when you were... you know, down for the count. Something’s off, I can feel it."

Alex froze, his breath catching at the question. The truth, the searing pain of the system’s evolution, the shadowy aura that had remade him, flashed through Alex’s mind. He wasn’t ready to share that, not yet, not when he barely understood it himself.

Forcing a weak smile, he leaned back against the pillow, his voice tinged with resignation. "I’m fine, Bastian. Really. I don’t remember much, just a blur, you know? I’m just glad to be back."

Bastian’s eyes lingered on him, his lips pursing as if he could taste the lie. Alex could feel the weight of his friend’s scrutiny, the way Bastian’s empathy picked up on the undercurrent of unease beneath his words.

But Alex didn’t care if Bastian suspected something. The truth was too raw, too heavy to unpack in the middle of the clinic with everyone staring. He pushed himself up, ignoring the dull ache in his stomach, and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

The movement drew a sharp protest from a healer who bustled into the room, her robes swishing as she approached, her face stern.

"Young man, you are not cleared to leave," the healer said, her voice firm as she adjusted a tray of glowing vials. "Your injuries were severe. You need rest and observation."

Alex waved her off, managing another weak smile. "I’m good, I promise. If I feel anything weird, I’ll come straight back, okay?" His tone was polite but insistent, and though the healer frowned, she didn’t press further, muttering something about stubborn students as she retreated to her desk.

Sylra and Velenda exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and exasperation, but Bastian just watched, his pursed lips betraying his lingering doubts.

Alex stood, steadying himself against the bedframe as a wave of dizziness passed. He was done lying here, surrounded by the sterile quiet of the clinic.

He needed to move, to feel normal, even if normal was a stretch after everything. "Let’s get to class," he said, his voice firmer now. "I’m not sitting around all day."

The group made their way out of the clinic, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone floors of Starhaven’s halls. The corridors were quieter now, the chaos of the attack replaced by an uneasy calm.

Students moved in small clusters, their voices hushed as they recounted the morning’s events. Alex kept his head down, his thoughts a tangle of the system’s notifications and the lingering ache of his wound.

He was so lost in his head that he almost didn’t notice Valen until the elf stepped into his path, blocking the hallway.

Valen’s dark eyes glinted with malice, his blond hair swept back in a way that screamed arrogance.

He stood with his arms crossed, his posture radiating disdain as he glared at Alex. "Well, look who’s still breathing," Valen said, his voice dripping with venom. "You really think you can deceive us? "

Alex sighed. "What do you mean Valen?"

Valen frowned. "This attack? It’s on you. Eclipse didn’t just show up for no reason. Drop the act, traitor."

Alex’s jaw tightened, his patience fraying like a worn rope. He was exhausted, sore, and definitely not in the mood for Valen’s drama.

The accusation stung, but it was the smugness in Valen’s tone that set him off. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he met Valen’s gaze head-on. "You’re all talk, Valen," he said, his voice low and sharp. "If you’re so sure I’m the problem, do something about it. Stop running your mouth and actually back it up for once."

The words hung in the air, sharp and defiant. Valen blinked, clearly caught off guard. For all his posturing, he wasn’t the type to throw punches, or spells, without a crowd to back him up.

His lips parted, then closed, his confidence wavering under Alex’s challenge. "I’m not stooping to your level," Valen said finally, his voice tight with forced disdain. "I don’t fight traitors. It’s beneath me."

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