Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 78: Names, Part Seven

{October 24}

{Lianna}

The virtual reality chamber hummed with energy as Lianna and Enverna donned their sleek headsets and entered the simulated battlefield.

Thankfully, this place had human simulations as well as Fiend-related ones.

The air inside the training room crackled with tension, mirroring the anticipation that hung heavy in Lianna’s chest.

"Lianna, we’ve got this," Enverna reassured her, her virtual avatar brandishing a spear that failed to capture Storm’s elegance. "You know, if we can maintain our proximity buffs, it’s probably going to be an easy win."

It wasn’t the tourney itself Lianna was concerned about.

Unbeknownst to Enverna, Lianna had the weight of a hidden truth pressing on her shoulders, and the knowledge of the impending threat on President Aria’s life cast a shadow over her confidence.

"Yeah, we’ll be fine," Lianna responded, a forced smile playing on her lips. As they engaged in combat simulations, Lianna’s mind raced, her thoughts consumed by The Lover’s ominous quest.

It affected her training. Her movements were hesitant, a stark contrast to Enverna’s fluid grace.

Enverna, noticing Lianna’s unease, gracefully twirled her spear and then gently tapped Lianna on the shoulder with the back end.

"Lianna, you’re overthinking it. Trust in your instincts, and we’ll make a formidable team."

Lianna nodded, grateful for Enverna’s support, even if it came from a place of blissful ignorance.

They continued their training, the virtual landscapes morphing around them as they faced various opponents, honing their skills for the upcoming tourneys. Lianna, who’d be the one to enter the Support tourney, focused on assisting her fiance from afar while Enverna fought with as much ferocity as she could muster.

As they concluded their session, Lianna’s virtual avatar collapsed to the ground, panting. Enverna’s digital presence extended a hand to help her up.

"See? We make a great team." Enverna smiled as they both took off their headsets.

Lianna managed a smile back, but the weight of the undisclosed information lingered.

She did notice, however, something there, on Enverna’s face as she said that. All of this presidential assassination business had made it difficult for Lianna to focus on anything else, but she could still tell that Enverna’s feelings towards her had... evolved somehow. In what way, she had no idea. But it was clear.

Before they could delve deeper into the conversation, Lianna’s wristwatch buzzed with an incoming call. Zura’s name flashed on the holographic screen.

"Hey, Lianna. Can we talk?" Zura’s voice carried a rare vulnerability, a stark contrast to her usual tough exterior.

"Of course. Give me a few minutes, I’ll be back at the Watchful in a bit."

"Sounds good."

---

{Zura}

In a quieter corner of the guild headquarters, Lianna and Zura sat down on the floor, in the middle of the hallway.

"What’s on your mind?" Lianna inquired, concern lacing her voice.

Zura hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Nothing, really. I was just... Thinking about something, and I don’t really have anyone else to talk to about it."

"Oh? Well, I’m all ears. What’s up?"

Zura repressed the voice in her mind telling her to be quiet. She needed to get this off her chest.

"I’ve been thinking about why my... my family pushed me to join the Annual Player Assessment. I mean, it’s not like them to care about me participating in something like this."

"... You mean, you didn’t choose to join yourself?"

"Not at all," Zura sighed. "They said it would be nice. They told me they’d give me all sorts of rewards if I came out on top. I wouldn’t give a shit about this otherwise."

An understanding was clearly blooming in Lianna’s heart. She chose her words carefully.

"Any idea why they might want you in the tourneys?"

Zura sighed, her shoulders dropping.

"No clue. But, I don’t know. I just don’t feel that motivated about it."

It was easy to see that Lianna’s mind was racing. Looking a little tense, she asked:

"Is there anything else?"

Zura shook her head.

"No, no. I just wanted to vent a little."

"You know, if you’re uncomfortable with this, if you want to drop out of the tourney, you have the choice. No one is forcing you."

Zura shook her head.

"They kind of are, though. I can’t exactly just not go."

"Sure you can. What? Will people be angry with you? Just hide out here for a little while," Lianna stated.

"They’ll just come and grab me, Lianna."

"We’ll hide you," the crimson-haired girl said. "Hell, we can ask the administrator herself to help out. You don’t have to go along with what everyone wants you to do."

Zura considered the offer. Genuinely, she did.

Her gaze locked with Lianna’s. The prospect of defying the gang’s wishes, of stepping off the predetermined path, flickered like a distant star in the night sky. Lianna’s words resonated, offering a glimpse of an alternative that she hadn’t dared to entertain.

Yet, the fear of repercussions gnawed at Zura’s resolve. The shadows of her gang’s influence loomed large, and the consequences of defiance seemed daunting. She could take a beating, but what if they outright killed her?

The room they stood in held a tense silence, the weight of unspoken possibilities hanging in the air.

For a moment, the room remained quiet, the weight of unspoken decisions echoing in the stillness. Then, with a resigned sigh, Zura shook her head.

"I appreciate it, Lianna, I really do. But this is my mess, and I’ve got to see it through. Thanks for listening, though.

Lianna nodded.

"If you ever change your mind or need help, I’m just a message away."

---

{October 25}

{Lianna} 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

The next day dawned with crisp clarity in the air as Lianna and Enverna made their way to the bustling stadium where the Annual Player Assessment would unfold.

The grandeur of the venue loomed before them, its towering arches and holographic displays made Lianna feel so much smaller.

As they entered the stadium, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Adventurers from all walks of life congregated, their vibrant gear adorned with intricate designs and glowing enchantments. The air was thick with the energy of anticipation, each participant exuding confidence and determination.

Lianna scanned the diverse crowd, her eyes darting from one adventurer to another.

Each had a unique presence, warriors clad in gleaming armor, mages surrounded by an aura of mystic energy. The stadium was a mosaic of colors and personalities.

Enverna observed the surroundings with a calm demeanor.

"Quite the gathering," she remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Lianna, however, felt a twinge of nervousness. The weight of The Lover’s revelation and the unknown threat on President Aria’s life lingered in the back of her mind.

[Man, I wish I could just... take a moment and scan all these people. Who am I supposed to be keeping my eyes on?]

Amidst the sea of adventurers, Lianna couldn’t help but notice the varying degrees of confidence on display.

Some exchanged banter with camaraderie, while others stood alone, their expressions a mixture of stoicism and competitive zeal. The air was charged with the unspoken challenge that awaited each participant.

Enverna smiled, her elegant composure unwavering.

"Looks like we’re in for a show. Let’s give them a run for their money."

As they made their way further into the stadium, the distant hum of the crowd enveloped them.

The stage was set, and the tourney awaited. As the adventurers continued to gather in the bustling stadium, the energy of anticipation heightened.

Among the crowd, Zura made her entrance, a mix of determination and uncertainty in her eyes. Lianna spotted her from a distance and waved enthusiastically.

"Zura! Over here!" Lianna called out, beckoning her to join them.

Zura navigated through the sea of adventurers, her gaze finally locking with Lianna’s. With a hesitant smile, she made her way over and took a seat beside Lianna and Enverna.

"Hey, Zura! Ready for the tourney?" Lianna grinned.

Zura nodded, though a shadow of doubt lingered in her eyes.

"As ready as I’ll ever be. Thanks for the invite."

"No problem. The more, the merrier!" Lianna replied, gesturing to the arena unfolding before them.

As the three of them settled into their seats, Lianna couldn’t help but notice the peculiar amulet hanging around Zura’s neck.

Gleaming and golden, it emanated an unusual aura, catching Lianna’s attention. Her Instinct tingled.

[Oh, is this a System item?]

Lianna’s eyes glazed over for a moment as she processed the information.

Then, she saw it.

Sacrificial Amulet

{Accessory}

{Unique}

{Effect: This device is set to explode at the demand of its maker.}

Lianna’s heart almost stopped beating when she saw that.

[What... The... Fuck?]

Suddenly, things made much more sense. Not as far as who was doing this and why or anything of the sort, but *how* they actually planned to kill the president.

Despite the urgency, Lianna maintained a composed exterior, engaging Zura in casual conversation.

"Nice amulet, Zura. Where’d you get it?"

Zura fidgeted with the amulet, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"It’s a... uh, a family heirloom. Supposedly, it brings good luck. Why do you ask?"

Lianna forced a casual shrug.

"Just curious. Family heirlooms always have interesting stories, right?"

Enverna observed the exchange with a discerning gaze. Lianna shot her a discreet glance, signaling the urgency of the situation without alarming Zura.

Using {Through Enverna’s Eyes} but on herself, she allowed Enverna to see and feel what she was experiencing, locking her eyes on that amulet and pulling its status up.

Enverna’s eyes widened as her senses were returned to her.

[Yeah...] Lianna took a shuddering breath. [That’s not good. That’s not good at all.]