The girl nods understandingly and gives you a reassuring pat on the shoulder before returning to her friends. You watch as she rejoins their conversation, relaying your words to them. Some of the girls look surprised or impressed by your response while others just shrug it off, clearly not interested in hearing either side's version of events.

You take a deep breath and step inside the common room, making your way over to one of the comfy-looking couches by the fireplace. As you sit down, you can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring... and whether things will ever return to normal again.

You watch as Elena stomps off, dripping wet. "What did you do to her?!" a classmate asks, looking worried. "She was just trying to help you get better!"

Shrugging nonchalantly, you reply, "Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine." Inside, however, you can't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction at getting the better of your bully for once.

You take a look at your holographic game screen that displays your level, stats, and abilities. Your health points are currently full, but you've got plenty of mana left to use for spells. Your strength and dexterity have increased since using the Earth and Wind elements during training.

As for new abilities, you notice that using different elemental powers has unlocked some interesting passive skills. For example, now you have a small chance of inflicting burns or chills on your enemies when attacking with Fire or Ice magic respectively.

You clutch at your chest, gasping for air. The orb's power surges through your veins, filling you with energy and strength unlike anything you've ever felt before. Your senses are heightened, every nerve ending tingling with newfound awareness. And then... something else changes. A strange presence settles within you, like a shadow cast over your heart.

What do you do now?

The knowledge settles into your mind like a lead weight. You are now the Plaguebearer, a being capable of spreading disease and suffering across the land. But with this newfound power comes a terrible burden. Do you use it to help those in need or become a tool of destruction? The choice is yours...

Elena grins broadly at your question. "Well, I've been working closely with some of the city guards," she says proudly. "Teaching them new techniques and strategies to better defend our walls. We're going to need every advantage we can get when those demons attack."

Shizuku chimes in next, her voice calm yet determined. "I've been focusing on improving our intelligence network. Gathering information about enemy movements and strengthening alliances with other kingdoms. Knowledge is power, after all."

Hawk nods in approval before speaking up himself. "

And me? Well, I've been coordinating logistical efforts to ensure our supplies are well-stocked and distributed efficiently. It's crucial that everyone has what they need without waste or delay." His eyes meet yours briefly before returning to his plate.

You listen intently, absorbing each person's contributions. Together, you form an unstoppable force—each skillset complementing the others perfectly. With such dedication and foresight, Luciano stands a fighting chance against any threat.

With a nod, Elena obeys your command and charges towards King Luciano, her sword raised high. She strikes him down with one powerful blow, severing his head from his shoulders. The body collapses to the floor as blood spurts out, painting the throne room red.

Queen Berryl stares at you in disbelief, her eyes wide with fear and anger. She tries to speak but no words come out. "So be it," she finally manages to croak. With that, she raises her hands towards the ceiling and begins chanting a complex incantation. A blinding light envelops her, engulfing her entire body as she is consumed by the magic.

When the light fades, Queen Berryl stands before you once more, but now she is different.

Jessica beams at your reply, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Wonderful! I'll meet you here bright and early tomorrow morning then!" She glances around one last time before adding with a wink, "Don't forget to get some rest tonight." With that said, she excuses herself from the group and disappears into the castle.

As the remaining members of Jessica's guild begin to depart, you can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging wash over you.

The celebration ends and the castle settles into silence once more. As you make your way back to your chambers, you can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over you. Tomorrow promises to be an eventful day - with training in the morning and who knows what else throughout the day. For now though, sleep calls and you should answer its summons before exhaustion claims you entirely.