Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

Andrew, seeing how Seojun and Lila were being mocked, couldn't hold back any longer. He stepped forward, glaring at the bullies.

"Enough!" he shouted.

"You don't know anything about them! Just because you think you're stronger doesn't mean you can treat people like this!"

The crowd fell silent for a moment, but then someone started laughing.

One of the bullies pointed at Andrew, sneering. "Oh, look who's talking! You, with that weak little centipede as a familiar?"

The others snickered, and the lead guy smirked, crossing his arms. "Isn't your familiar just a baby centipede? That thing's so small it can barely be seen. What's it going to do, crawl on us?"

"Yeah," another added, snickering. "A centipede that small will never grow bigger. It's one of the weakest beasts you could have. Almost useless."

More people in the crowd started whispering, throwing mocking glances at Andrew.

"Isn't his familiar only the second weakest kind of beast? How sad."

"Yeah, he's got the little finger-sized centipede. Not even close to a real monster."

Andrew's face turned red with embarrassment, but he stood his ground, clenching his fists. He looked at Seojun and Lila, who were still holding back, staying calm in the face of all the laughter.

One of the bullies shook his head, chuckling. "Three weaklings, all together. It's no wonder they're sticking together." The crowd burst into laughter again, louder this time, and Andrew could only stare down, struggling to find words to defend himself and his friends

Suddenly, a wave of intense heat filled the air, and in a flash, the lead bully's hair was on fire. He let out a loud yell, slapping at his head, while his friends panicked, rushing to help him.

"Put it out! Put it out!" one of them shouted, trying to fan the flames, but it only made things worse as they stumbled around in chaos.

The other participants backed away, looking startled, and just then, a voice broke through the noise

"Enough!" it boomed, carrying a powerful authority. Everyone fell silent as they turned toward the source of the voice.

A tall figure stood there, flames dancing in his hand as he glared at the bullies and everyone else. "All of you, Shut up!" he snapped.

His tone held a threat, and the other participants quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze out of fear. The bullies, still shaken and humiliated, moved back from Lila, but not without glaring at her.

The lead guy mouthed at her, "You'll fall down deeper."

Lila glared right back, her eyes narrowed, refusing to show any fear.

Andrew, meanwhile, let out a sigh of relief, grateful that it seemed to be over. He turned to the person who had set the bully's hair on fire, giving a weak smile.

"Thanks for helping us out there," he started, but the guy cut him off.

"Help you?" he scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I didn't do it for you. I just couldn't stand the noise. You weaklings were just as annoying."

Andrew's smile faded, his face falling as the guy continued. "Do you think I care about you three? Don't flatter yourselves," he said, blowing out the flames in his hand with a bored expression.

Seojun stayed silent, watching the guy with calm eyes, while Lila clenched her fists again, holding back any response. Andrew looked down, feeling embarrassed and unsure, realizing that this "help" wasn't kindness at all

He then walked back to his own group, ignoring everyone else. Andrew, still a bit rattled, moved closer to Lila and whispered,

"Who's that rude guy? Do you know him?"

Lila's face showed a hint of irritation. "I don't know his name, but he's one of the top three here. He made a contract with an S-rank beast—the Skyflare Mane Lion."

Andrew's eyes went wide. "Ohh! So he's amazing! No wonder those guys shut up when he shouted," he murmured, impressed.

Then, an awkward silence settled between them. Unsure of what else to say, Andrew glanced at Seojun, who stood quietly, his expression unreadable as he stared into the distance.

Andrew then noticed Lila was also looking at something. He followed her gaze and saw a woman with a high ponytail. Her hair was a lighter shade of green than Lila's darker tone. She sat on a rock, carefully wiping down a sleek, elegant bow with its fine curves and glowing designs.

"Who's she?" Andrew asked curiously.

Lila sighed, her face tightening. "She's my older sister, Miya Arven. The current top one here."

Andrew hesitated, then asked softly, "Is it okay to ask what happened? Are those things they were saying about you true?"

Lila's face hardened, and she turned away, her voice cold. "I don't want to talk about it, Andrew. Please… just leave me alone." Without another word, she walked off, putting distance between them.

Andrew's heart sank as he watched her go. He thought, '

Does she still not trust me?'

He couldn't help but feel hurt. '

After all this time, she still keeps me out.'

His mind spun with doubt, and he felt like he was failing as her friend.

'

I just want to be her friend, Damn. Is she pushing me away? Annoyed at me? Come on. Why my mouth keep talking? I must have cross the line.'

Andrew sighed.

Just then, Seojun's calm voice broke through his thoughts. "Don't take it personally." Andrew looked at him, confused.

"Ha?" Continue reading stories on m|v-l'e m,p y r

Seojun continued, his voice steady. "Lila isn't pushing you away because she doesn't trust you. She just… needs time. The things people say about her—they're painful. She'd rather keep it to herself than let others see her hurt."

Andrew took a deep breath, realizing Seojun was probably right.

He nodded slowly, feeling a little reassured. "Yeah… maybe you're right. I'll give her space. But I won't give up on being her friend," he said, determined.

Seojun gave him a slight nod, and the two stood in silence, watching Lila from a distance as she walked away, both understanding a bit more of her struggle.

Then, the large screen appeared above the group, and a few floating cameras zoomed into view, swaying slightly as they moved around, capturing everyone from different angles.

The participants looked up, noticing the cameras floating close to them, clearly broadcasting to the screen above.

On the screen, Mr. Gideon appeared with a cheerful smile. His voice boomed, "Attention, everyone! Rest day is over! Starting now, all cameras are back, and everyone watching at home can see you again."

"Now! LET'S THE FINAL TEST BEGIN!"