The Extra Seeks Chaos

Chapter 22 Just One Hour

"I need you to do something..." Arin's voice cut through the silence, his tone firm and unyielding.

Tessa's curiosity was immediately piqued. She adjusted her posture, her sharp eyes locked onto Chaos. "What is it?" she asked, her voice steady, though her mind raced with possibilities.

She recalled the pact they had made on the rooftop that day. If he was asking her for a favor, it likely had something to do with Alex.

Arin folded his arms, his gaze unwavering. "It's simple," he replied, his voice cool and controlled. "Find Alex. Keep him away from this forest for at least an hour, no matter what."

Tessa's brow furrowed as she considered his request. Her eyes drifted past Arin, toward the forest. "Why? What's happening here that I need to keep him away from?"

Arin had expected the question and didn't hesitate with his response. "You want to take Alex down, right?" His eyes met Tessa's, a cold determination in them. "This is part of it. Just do it."

Tessa still didn't fully grasp his intentions, but Arin's words made sense in their twisted alliance. Before she could voice her lingering doubts, Arin spoke again.

"Meet me on the rooftop of the library building at nightfall," he instructed. "We have more to discuss."

Tessa took a deep breath, the cool breeze making her black bluish-pink hair flutter around her face. His words had pushed her toward action—after all, this meant they were moving forward with their plan against Alex.

"Fine," she agreed, her voice resigned but determined. "I can stall him for an hour or more." As she said this, her thoughts raced. 'If he wants me to keep Alex away, then something is happening here—something before Alex gets here.'

The girls in Alex's entourage watched the interaction, some beginning to drift away while others lingered, curious.

"So..." Tessa began, her tone shifting subtly. "Do you mind taking a walk with me? I'd love to hear more about you."

Alex didn't hesitate, his enthusiasm barely contained. "Of course! I'd love that," he said, a wide smile on his face. After all, this was Tessa—the girl he considered himself lucky to know.

Tessa nodded, and Alex took her hand, guiding her toward the stairs. The remaining girls exchanged glances, some clearly disappointed as they watched Alex leave with Tessa.

As they walked out of the main building, Tessa could feel the weight of their stares. Being two of the most popular students at the Academy, it was no surprise they attracted attention.

'Just one hour... then I'm out of here,' Tessa thought, pushing down the urge to pull her hand away from Alex's.

Meanwhile, Arin had ventured deeper into the forest, his eyes scanning his surroundings. "It should be around here..." he mused, moving with purpose.

After a few moments, he spotted it—a flower unlike any other in the vicinity. Light blue and glowing faintly, it stood out against the pale pink of the surrounding blossoms.

"There it is..." Arin muttered, stepping closer. The flower's ethereal glow was visible even in the daylight, casting a soft, otherworldly light.

Arin crouched down, examining it closely. "This will do," he said to himself, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. 'With this... there's no doubt I'll gain a significant boost.'

This flower was crucial to his plans, a key component to a Spell that could tip the scales in his favor. And not just any spell—a Spell with immense potential.