Author Of Worlds: I Reincarnated Into My Novel As A Random Character
Chapter 21: The Battle Between The Protagonists And The Main Character Had Begun.

Chapter 21: The Battle Between The Protagonists And The Main Character Had Begun.

Just then, a sudden noise echoed from within the monolith, causing all four individuals who were stationed in different parts of the academy treasury to freeze in their tracks. They turned their gazes instinctively toward the same direction.

Glancing toward the eastern section, Matthew noticed a faint silhouette in the distance. His brows furrowed as confusion crept into his expression.

"Is someone else here?" he thought, puzzled. According to the academy’s internal records, no one was supposed to be inside the treasury unless it was the designated day of the month for inventory checks.

He observed the figure vanish around a corner. After hesitating for a moment, Matthew ultimately decided to follow. Without a word, he handed the chunk of adamantium to Axel and moved forward, his footsteps silent and deliberate.

...

Meanwhile, Leo, who had just triggered a dormant artifact within a sealed box, muttered a curse under his breath. He had no idea that anyone else was present in the treasury and did not think much of the sudden noise.

After setting the artifact aside, he resumed his task, sifting through various treasures at a rapid pace.

...

Sylvia also narrowed her eyes in Leo’s direction.

"I need to know what caused that sound," she thought, her instincts sharpened with caution. She knew that getting caught would be nearly impossible to explain, especially since it was well past midnight and she had no official authorization to be inside the restricted area.

Raising her hand, her fingers seemed to grasp the air itself. A moment later, the surrounding air molecules twisted violently, warping into various shapes before finally settling into the form of a slender, gleaming dagger.

"My origin energy is running low. I must be careful," she reminded herself, then moved silently toward the noise, keeping her steps light and controlled.

She had no intention of revealing her presence just yet.

...

Axel quietly collected the adamantium from Matthew and placed it inside his origin ring. From Matthew’s earlier expression, Axel could guess that this was the main objective of their mission.

He sighed in relief and followed closely behind, confident that everything had gone smoothly so far.

"Thankfully, there were no complications," he thought, satisfied.

The two advanced a few paces before coming to a halt.

"This is where I heard it," Matthew murmured inwardly. He crouched behind a tall shelf and slowly leaned forward to inspect the area.

Peering through a narrow gap between the shelves, he scanned the room. To his surprise, he saw no one.

He was mildly startled but not entirely shocked. He still doubted that anyone besides them would be in the treasury at this hour.

That was when he caught a faint whisper, not far from where he stood.

Matthew’s ears sharpened. Without wasting a second, he began trailing the source of the voice, carefully avoiding any sudden movement.

...

On Leo’s side, his hands now held a shimmering crystal, glowing in iridescent colors that cycled through every hue imaginable.

Leo’s eyes widened. He had not expected such luck. After rummaging through countless artifacts, he had finally stumbled upon what he had been seeking.

There was only one reason he was so sure of its identity.

"Congratulations on obtaining the Upgrade Crystal."

"Return to your dormitory to claim your rewards."

His breathing quickened. Unable to contain his excitement, he asked hurriedly,

"System, what does the Upgrade Crystal do?"

"The Upgrade Crystal is a rare treasure capable of enhancing the rank of your abilities," the system replied.

Hearing that, Leo’s heart skipped a beat. What did it mean to upgrade an ability?

His current powers, lightning and earth, were both S grade elemental abilities rooted in the elemental dao path. If he could enhance them further, would he not become even more fearsome?

"So that is why the system issued this mission," Leo thought, filled with satisfaction. Internally, he praised the system. Without it, he would have never known such a treasure even existed.

...

While Leo studied the radiant crystal in his palm, he failed to notice two figures observing him from a short distance, concealed behind a nearby shelf.

From behind the wooden barrier, Matthew locked eyes on the treasure and froze for a moment.

"Is that really an Upgrade Crystal?" he asked himself, stunned.

As the author of this world’s recorded history, Matthew knew better than anyone the significance of that crystal. If he could get his hands on it, his abilities would grow immensely stronger.

"Once I use that crystal, the upcoming dragon invasion will be nothing but a breeze," he thought, his eyes glittering with realization.

He exhaled slowly, trying to contain his rising excitement. No matter what it took, he had to get the crystal.

Yet his focus shifted as he observed the person holding it.

"Who is that? Why does he have the crystal?"

His first assumption was that it must be an instructor. However, upon sensing the individual’s aura, which was merely that of a rank nine Esper, he realized his theory was off.

Instructors were required to be at least rank seven Espers, with no exceptions.

"If that is the case, then taking the relic from him will be far easier than expected," Matthew reasoned, already forming strategies in his mind.

Opposite Matthew, hidden deeper in the shadows, stood Sylvia.

The moment her eyes landed on the glowing crystal, her system flared to life once again.

"Congratulations on finding the Upgrade Crystal. Please obtain it to collect your reward."

"That is the Upgrade Crystal?" Sylvia muttered, astonished. It felt as though she had walked right into a trap set by her own system.

After all, someone had already obtained it.

"Taking it from him will not be easy," she concluded, gritting her teeth.

She then glanced at the amount of atoms she had left. Quietly, she began mapping out a plan to secure the treasure before anyone else did.

...

A long silence stretched between them until Matthew’s eyes lit up with inspiration. He leaned close to Axel and whispered something discreetly.

"Is it really that important?" Axel asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

From Matthew’s expression, Axel could tell that the crystal was definitely valuable. But he needed confirmation.

"Yes, it is," Matthew replied, nodding quickly. His tone was firm, though he struggled to hide the burning desire in his eyes.

Axel gave a short nod in return, agreeing to the plan.

With no time to lose, Matthew leapt from the shadows and swiftly approached the figure with the artifact.

Sensing another presence, Leo instinctively tried to store the crystal inside his origin ring. However, Matthew had predicted this move.

Snatching a box from a nearby shelf, Matthew threw it toward Leo. The decayed material within had begun to break down into fine particles.

Startled, Leo reacted on instinct. He channeled his origin energy, slapping his palm forward. A surge of electricity surged through his hand and shot forward in a wide arc.

The bolt collided with the box, sending it flying across the room.

However, it was too late. The box had already begun to decay, releasing fine particles resembling dust and sand. Caught in the air currents, they scattered, and some of them landed directly in Leo’s eyes.

His vision blurred instantly.

The battle between the protagonist and the main character had begun.