Chapter 169
In a dormitory where the lights were out.
Only a faint light flickered in the cool, circulating air.
Faint conversations echoed through the subtle shadows.
A boy sat at a desk.
“······.”
Blue hair touched by the dawn, and eyes transparent to the point of emptiness.
Its uniquely sharp aura resembled someone else's.
The boy was Ruska Beniti.
The Eldest Son of the Beniti Ducal House and the twin brother of the Villainess.
He was receiving a call in a gloomy atmosphere.
<F1>Yes, Ruska.</F1>
A voice emanated from the crystal ball.
Beyond the bluish screen, only a dark shadow flickered.
The boy bowed his head as if responding to the call.
“Uncle.”
<F1>Is your Academy life peaceful?</F1>
“Of course.”
<F1>How is your sister? She hasn't been in touch much lately.</F1>
“She is also doing well.”
The conversation flowed casually.
As if exchanging ordinary pleasantries, the voice from beyond the crystal ball was benevolent.
But perhaps the other party found it difficult to endure such a facade.
Ruska abruptly cut off his uncle.
And then he asked.
“Uncle.”
<F1>Hmm?</F1>
“Was this Academy Attack ultimately the Family’s doing?”
<F1>You're quite direct.</F1>
“How could you…! Four Faculty members died!”
<F1>I'm a little surprised. You also helped plan the infiltration route, didn't you?</F1>
“Had I known it would result in an act of terror, I would not have cooperated! How dare you commit such an act and still…!”
<F1>Ruska.</F1>
“······.”
A chilling resonance pierced through.
The previously mild atmosphere turned to ice.
Frost formed around the transparent crystal ball.
The tension was so sharp it felt like it could cut.
“······I apologize.”
Ruska, who had raised his voice, froze in place.
The flickering flame died down as if it had never been there.
The boy bit his lip.
<F1>You know that I dislike disrespectful individuals, don't you?</F1>
“For a moment… my reason seemed to falter.”
<F1>Be careful.</F1>
“I will bear that in mind.”
His fist clenched tight.
However, the only attitude permitted to him was submissive.
Ruska swallowed his seething rage and apologized.
His usually unyielding head bowed.
<F1>I sometimes wonder if you're mistaken.</F1>
Perhaps to make the boy understand his place, the shadow beyond the crystal ball spoke.
<F1>This Uncle is showing you sufficient mercy, you know.</F1>
<F1>After all, aren't I letting you live?</F1>
Ruska's breath hitched.
A significant threat that would never be uttered in a normal uncle-nephew relationship.
Every word seemed to crush the blue-haired boy.
<F1>Of course… you must fulfill your purpose.</F1>
<F1>If you don't follow the Family's will, I'll have no choice but to cut you off myself.</F1>
<F1>To avoid such a misfortune, effort is required from both sides.</F1>
<F1>I trust you understand your Uncle's words.</F1>
The boy could not bring himself to answer.
He merely clenched his teeth, suppressing his anger.
<F1>You must think of your sister.</F1>
<F1>If you want her to be safe, it would be best to be loyal to the Family.</F1>
<F1>Didn't you follow your Uncle under such an agreement from the start?</F1>
His Uncle held this leverage over him.
Ruska, his spirit broken once more, remained silent.
Perhaps the boy's response pleased him.
The opaque shadow smiled.
<F1>I suppose you understand now.</F1>
“I will keep that in mind for the future.”
<F1>Then, let's end the lecture here… and discuss your next mission.</F1>
“······Next mission, you say?”
Ruska unconsciously furrowed his brow.
The ‘mission’ pronounced by the figure before him.
More precisely, it was about sending him on various errands to achieve his own ends.
Last time, he received orders to investigate the security arrangements of the Academy District.
And that information was exploited in the attack.
*Damn it.*
However, the boy had no choice but to comply.
He was forcibly held by a leash.
As he listened silently, an unexpected name soon reached his ears.
Ruska responded calmly, without a hint of surprise.
<F1>Yuda Sneakers.</F1>
“The Top Student, you mean?”
<F1>Yes… Whether it was the Death Dragon incident last time, or this Gravedigger incident, he's always at the center of resolving these events. And I hear his talent is exceptional, enough to overwhelm Professors.</F1>
“He certainly qualifies as a risk factor.”
<F1>He's quite suspicious in many ways.</F1>
“Do you intend to eliminate him?”
<F1>More precisely, capture him. The Demon Worshippers requested it.</F1>
“Demon Worshippers… you mean the Heretic Cultists?”
The Black Mage organization, Baob.
The boy recalled the organization's name and identified it.
He was hiding the boiling revulsion within him.
<F1>They say he would make excellent research material.</F1>
“It seems they intend to convert him into a Chimera.”
<F1>Perhaps he could even bring about a disaster more formidable than a Death Dragon.</F1>
“But… kidnapping a student won't be easy. Given that there was an attempted attack just a week ago, the faculty's vigilance is at an unprecedented level. I'm concerned we might be exposed in turn…”
<F1>That's why I'm asking you.</F1>
A sinister laugh echoed.
In the pupil reflected in the crystal ball, only greed glinted.
Licking his lips, his Uncle ordered Ruska.
To flounder in the mire once more.
<F1>You bring him.</F1>
“······That’s impossible.”
<F1>Or would you rather pass it on to Emilia?</F1>
“Yuda Sneakers is a core asset of the Faculty. It’s nearly impossible for me to face him alone.”
<F1>Of course, I'm not asking you to do everything. Your role is simply to deliver the ‘item’.</F1>
“Item…?”
<F1>Open the package.</F1>
The box that had arrived with the crystal ball
Ruska, though suspicious, carefully unwrapped the package.
Then, an unexpected item was revealed.
“······A necklace.”
It was a necklace with a reddish glow.
At its center was a hexagonal gem, tinged with blood.
It was an accessory that gave off an unsettling impression.
A Mage's intuition, perhaps.
<F1>This is an item provided by the Businessman's side.</F1>
“I sense a rather ominous aura.”
<F1>An Artifact that suppresses the wearer's mana — more precisely, a restraining device.</F1>
“My mission is to make him wear this necklace, then.”
<F1>Yes… once you put the restraining device on him and lure him to the designated spot, the Family's Mages will step in.</F1>
His uncle relayed the plan.
He also elaborated on the necklace's suppressive power and its excellent camouflage.
It was a restraining device originally used to bind Archmages.
The Businessman's Family, who had been managing it as a collector's item, seemed to have generously provided it this time.
Even for Yuda Sneakers, there seemed to be no escape this time.
Ruska chewed over his complex feelings.
<F1>I hear your sister is quite close with the target?</F1>
“······That’s correct.”
<F1>Then approaching him should be easier.</F1>
The man beyond the crystal ball was smiling with a vile expression.
He whispered into his ear as if coaxing him.
<F1>Once this task is done… I will grant you freedom.</F1>
<F1>And release the oath placed upon your heart, too.</F1>
<F1>Though you'll be cast out of the Family, at least I won't take your life.</F1>
<F1>In short, you'll be free.</F1>
A cunning resonance.
Ruska knew it too.
That it was nothing more than shallow deception, a blatant mockery.
Yet, despite that, the boy could not give any answer other than affirmation.
To protect the only family he had.
*My Sister.*
He picked up the necklace instead of answering.
It was an expression of his intent to comply.
The communication ended shortly after.
The crystal ball's screen also blurred in response.
<F1>Choose wisely.</F1>
<F1>Because you can never escape me.</F1>
Beyond the fading light, the form of a demon remained until the very end.
***
It had been a week since the Academy Closure Order was issued.
The Academy's atmosphere was chaotic.
When information about the previous attack was released, many students expressed concerns about their safety.
Moreover, four Faculty members had died in the line of duty; the matter had grown too large to be covered up any longer.
Ultimately, the Academy had no choice but to hold funerals and disclose the cause of the deaths.
The traces of the Heretic Cult were enough to reopen the Empire's old wounds.
<F1>The great Empire will never yield.</F1><F1>However, since its talents are in danger, the Imperial Family and the Blue Blood will not stand idly by.</F1><F1>Oh, countless lights, gather for the stars of the future.</F1>
The Emperor solemnly conveyed his will.
Upon receiving this news, the Imperial Family and the Nobles hastily sent reinforcements.
Private Soldiers from dozens of Families gathered in the Academy, which was merely the size of a small town.
Among them were the Imperial Knights Order and forces from various Prestigious Families.
Perhaps it was thanks to this…, the Academy's defenses were at an all-time high.
To the point where it felt excessive.
*I understand, though.*
The Empire could not abandon the Academy.
If the Academy were to retreat, it would mean the Heretic Cult's wishes would come true.
They sought to destroy the symbol of hope established after the [Great War].
This was why Gallimard could not easily retreat.
As it would be tantamount to acknowledging the influence of Black Mages on the world.
It wasn't for nothing that strong measures were put in place.
They had to protect the symbol no matter what.
Perhaps it was thanks to the forces uniting for a single goal.
Ironically, the Academy's interior had become excessively safe.
*Of course.*
It wasn't the same as before.
Indefinite Suspension of Classes was decided at the Academy, and students were confined to their Dormitories.
As the danger was still real, it was impossible to proceed with studies.
Because of this, some students even returned to their Main Houses.
Perhaps for this reason, a restless atmosphere lingered in the Academy more than usual.
In particular, the Academy District had become noticeably desolate.
“Hmm.”
Everyone must be refraining from going out.
Even if safety were secured, young students would still be afraid.
Well… though it is the Academy's role to foster such courage.
Given the current circumstances, it was simply regrettable.
“The weather is bright, though.”
A spring breeze brushed my cheek.
I hummed a tune for no particular reason and scanned my surroundings.
The Park, usually bustling with people, had been unusually sparse since the Academy Closure Order.
I sat on a bench, with the almost empty scenery behind me.
“······So, there must be a reason you called me to a place like this, right?”
My gaze turned to the opposite side.
A boy was also sitting on a bench.
We were in the midst of a secret conversation.
“Young Master Beniti.”
“······.”
His characteristic blue eyes stared at me.
I deliberately began, as if testing the waters.
Ruska, who had been silent all along, soon posed a question.
The boy's voice was trembling uncharacteristically.
“Yuda Sneakers.”
His gaze was deeply sunken.
He seemed to be lost in anguish.
“What do you… think of my sister?”
What came back was a rather abrupt question.