Reborn: The Villainess Shines

Sitting on a log, I played around with my animal whispering ability to make the time go by faster. I found it truly fascinating by the different the conversation the animals in the woods had toward one another. Just as I was really getting into one conversation, I heard a really loud scream. Surprised, I jumped up in surprise, wonder what I just heard. Seeing that no one in my group came running out of the tents, I assumed it was some animal.

When I heard the scream again, followed by a low and pain-filled voice, I knew that it wasn't an animal. Looking back at the tents, I couldn't just leave my classmates undefended. Calling up a lot of magic, I cast a powerful barrier that not even those imperial soldiers could break. Once I was done with the barrier I used my tracking magic to pinpoint the voice I heard. Getting the location, I ran fast, especially after hearing the voice in pain again.

Finally, when I got to the location, I was greeted by a pack of 'Screecers', a mystical, shadow animal that resembles a house cat in my original world. They were nasty creatures that had a wail that could damages eardrums, claws that could rip through flesh, super-fast, and can emit deadly toxic-acid.

They didn't notice me because they were focused on something in the middle of their pack. As I tried to get a better look at what I thought might be a powerful mystical animal but turns out it was a person. A very foolish person who thought they could single-handed battle a pack of wild 'Screecers'. Casting a fire ring around the person, I was able to stop the 'Screecers's attacks. I then cast water slash to get their attention from the heavily-injured person to me.

When they started to run toward me, I performed dark abyss, it sort of like a black hole that uses my darkness element. My professor at the academy said it was the first time he ever saw such a skill. After making sure there was no more 'Screecers' nearby, I hurried over toward the injured person on the ground. Bending at the knee, I cast quick heal and recover, then I waited for a few minutes for the guy to awake.

Seeing him stir, "Hey, are you awake? Can you stand?" I asked. Not scared more like a surprise to see ruby-red eyes looking back at me. "Really! Are you okay? I cast healing spells on you, but only that can go so far." I said getting closer and holding his back up. The guy jumped up fast at the touch of my hand and turned to face me.

Confused, I stood and gave him a look, "What? Why you stand so fast?" I asked. The guy stared at me for a moment, like he was looking for something but then shook his head. "You? Are you not afraid of me?" He asked in a smooth deep voice.

Tilting my head, "Should I be?" I asked crossing my arms. He stared at me once again, then let out a dark chuckle. "You're quite a brave young lady." He said with a smile. Looking him up and down, "Young lady? You don't look that much older than me?" "Looks can be deceiving?" He said.

'Well he does have a point, even my own mother didn't look her age in my original world.' I thought still looking at the man with ruby eyes. Smiling, "If that's the case then I would think a person older than me would no better than battling a pack of 'Screercers' by himself." I said placing my hands on my h.i.p.s.

Chuckling, "You're right, but I did not plan on fighting those creatures this night." "No one would plan on doing such a thing. Now, how about you tell me what you're doing out here?" I asked the not-so-old guy.

Letting out a sigh, "I was separated from my group, I was trying to meet at our rendezvous spot but came across those nasty creatures." He explained. Staring at me, "So I believe it's time for my young savior to tell me who she is?" He said with a smirk.

I wasn't sure if I should tell him about the real reason I was in these woods, especially not knowing this guy's real identity. "I just a normal person who is doing some training with a group of friends. I happened to hear your screams and as a kind person, I couldn't leave you alone." I said with a smile. "While I'm happy that you saved me, I do not approve of lies." He said in a cold and dark voice, walking closer to me and looking down in my eyes. "Now, this time, how about telling the truth?" He asked.

Backing up, I was shocked that he could tell I was lying and that made me raise my guard. "You ask for the truth but how about you? Why ask my identity when you haven't given yours?" I asked in a careful voice. Letting out a laugh and coming closer to me, "Right! How right you are! My name is Damon, prince of Azure." He said giving me a smile.

'Azure? From what I know this world, there is no kingdom with that name. I played enough otome games to see where this plot is taking me.' I thought while letting out a mental sigh.

"Well, Prince Damon, it's nice to meet you. My name is Nadia from the kingdom of Asteria." I said with a formal greeting. "So what are you going to do now? Do you think you feel well enough to meet with your group?" I asked.

Taking my hand which had me surprised and trying to remove it but only to feel a grip. "I'm great, thanks to you. I need to leave but I'll meet you again my dear savior until that day please be safe." He said then disappeared into a fade. When I looked down, I had a silver pin with a red gem in the middle placed in my hand.