She spent another few moments in silence, looking at his face. Not seeing whatever it was she was looking for, she leaned forward, resting her hands neatly on the table. Her expression was serious, but Klarion got the impression that she was secretly pleased he had pressed her for more answers.


    “You may not be aware of this, but Chadwick Copperhand has close ties to Caspian Brightcoin.” At his cautious nod, she continued. “What I am certain you don’t know is that my own family, House Veyrith, has its own history with House Brightcoin — one that has left scars I’m not inclined to forgive.”


    Klarion leaned forward slightly, curiosity piqued. “What kind of history?”


    Yona’s amber eyes darkened, a flicker of something colder crossing her face. “Caspian’s older brother, Aldric Brightcoin, is a name I’ll never forget. Years ago, when I was still a child, my family fell victim to one of his schemes. He manipulated trade agreements, undermined key alliances, and orchestrated a financial collapse that nearly destroyed House Veyrith.”


    Klarion frowned. “Why? What did he stand to gain from doing all that?”


    “Power,” Yona said simply, though she quickly corrected herself. “And pleasure. Aldric enjoys watching others fall. All the better when he has a hand in it. My family recovered eventually, but the damage was done. We lost our standing in the sector’s court, and with it, opportunities that should have been ours. It was a calculated move to weaken us, and he succeeded.”


    The room fell silent for a moment, Klarion taking time to digest her words. Hatsune shifted uncomfortably at his back but said nothing.


    “And now you’re here, talking with me,” Klarion said slowly, piecing it together. “Looking for revenge?”


    Yona’s lips curled back into a faint smile, though this time it lacked warmth. “Revenge is a word some might use, yes. But I prefer to think of it as justice. Aldric is beyond my reach for now, but Caspian? He’s within arm’s length, and his downfall would serve my interests quite well.”


    Klarion leaned back, his arms crossing as he studied her. “And you think helping me will get you there?”


    “I do,” Yona said without hesitation. “Like I said, you have already made an impression with those who are observant like I am. Your rivalry with Chadwick has drawn attention, and only a fool would not see that will lead to a deeper enmity between you and Caspian. You’re in a unique position, Klarion. One that I believe could be mutually beneficial.”


    Hatsune finally spoke, her voice sharp. “And what do you really gain if my lord succeeds?”


    Yona arched her brow at Klarion, not deigning to look at the Leporine. When he gestured for her to answer, she did so, her expression carefully concealing all but a hint of irritation at the interruption by his bodyguard. “Is his success not enough? Damaging House Brightcoin would be poetic justice for what Aldric did to my family and yours. But I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending this is purely altruistic. I gain satisfaction as well as advantages elsewhere, but in exchange, you will gain an ally who understands the intricacies of Imperial politics and the dangers he’s facing at the Academy.”


    Klarion tapped his fingers against the table, his thoughts racing. Her mention of Aldric having taken actions against House Blacksword sent a jolt through him, stirring questions he knew he needed to get answers to. The weight of not knowing more about his family pressed heavily on him, and he cursed not having been able to read the book before having this meeting with Yona.


    “An ally who could provide me information on those topics sounds wonderful, but what’s to stop you from cutting all ties once I achieve your goal for me? If I agree to this alliance, how can you help me beyond this information?”


    Yona’s smile widened, this time tinged with genuine amusement. “Fair questions. Let’s start with this: beyond the political knowledge I possess, I know just as much about a range of fields of study and have access to resources that most scions could only dream of.” She idly tapped her fingers on the table in the same pattern Klarion was tapping, her eyes going to the second book he had come to the Archives to get. “You’ve started researching classes, have you not? Perhaps even hybrid classes?”


    Klarion’s tapping stilled. “How do you know that?”


    “A guess,” Yona said, shrugging. Klarion was not sure if he believed her, but she continued, “And I happen to have some expertise in how to go about unlocking higher rarity classes, as well as the role that Essence plays in that process. Unlocking a class — especially a higher-ranking hybrid one — requires more than just brute strength or luck. It requires understanding and materials, and I can help you with that.”


    Klarion’s confusion must have shown on his face because Yona cocked her head and asked, “Has a professor not told you yet?” When he shook his head, she sighed, eyes closing in exacerbation. “No wonder you didn’t immediately jump on what I am offering you. Alright, I will explain.”


    “The ritual to unlock a class is a constant across the Multiverse, as far as we know,” Yona began. “No matter where you are, the process is identical. However, the ritual is far from simple. The rarity of the class you wish to unlock dictates how complicated — and costly — it becomes.”


    She glanced at Klarion, gauging his reaction. He did his best to keep his expression unreadable, not wanting to give away how excited he was to learn this new information from another scion who had already gone through the process. This alone made meeting with Yona worthwhile, even if the alliance did not end up happening. Still, he noticed that behind him, Hatsune was shifting uncomfortably, her long ears twitching in clear distrust.


    “For scions of the Empire,” Yona continued, “we are fortunate to have access to superior ritual chambers. These chambers don’t just streamline the process — they can amplify the results. A properly equipped ritual chamber can mitigate the inherent risks of attempting to unlock a higher rarity class, and, if you are lucky, even grant you additional stat points during the process. This is an advantage that most people in the Empire can only dream of, and one no scion should squander.”


    Klarion’s expression began to crack, unable to control the feeling of curiosity at learning more about the process. Yona must have sensed it because there was a shift in her posture as she grew more intense.


    “Let me put this into perspective for you,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “Common classes are the only ones that anyone can unlock without materials. That’s why the majority of the Empire’s population — those outside of military service or the nobility — hold common classes. They simply can’t afford the cost of unlocking anything more. For many, even uncommon classes are a distant dream.”


    Hatsune made a small sound of derision, but Yona ignored it, keeping her focus on Klarion. She must have been able to tell that the weight of her words was hitting him.


    “As the rarity of the class to be unlocked increases,” Yona continued, “so do the requirements for unlocking it. An uncommon class might require a handful of rare materials, along with an Essence crystal of the appropriate type. A rare class? That might demand a specific artifact or a greater quantity of rare materials. Beyond that rarity, the resources needed can be extraordinary — costing more than an entire Imperial world produces in a year. And the higher you aim, the more precise you must be. A single mistake in preparation could mean failure, or worse, death.”This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    She allowed a brief pause, making sure that Klarion was keeping up. Despite the newness of the information, he was able to follow her. He nodded for her to continue.


    “Now,” she said, her tone softening as she came to the point she was trying to make, “as scions of Houses bound to an Empire as large as our own, we have the luxury of access. Our birthright provides us with the means to aim higher than most. But even for us, the process requires careful planning. That is what you will be receiving: my assistance.”


    At that point, Hatsune bristled visibly, but Yona did not react. She continued speaking, ignoring the Leporine.


    “Not only can I provide you with advice on what class to pursue, but with my knowledge of the Archives and my understanding of Essence, I can help you narrow your options to something that aligns with both your strengths and your goals. And when you’ve made your decision, I can assist you in tracking down the materials needed to unlock that class.” She leaned over the table, emphasizing the weight of her offer. “This isn’t a decision to be made lightly, Klarion. Choosing a class defines not just your capabilities but your trajectory. A hasty choice could limit you forever. But with the right guidance, you could avoid that risk. That is what I am offering you.”


    Klarion exchanged a glance with Hatsune, who still looked upset with Yona. Her ears twitched, and her tail swished sharply, betraying her simmering frustration. He coughed, loud and deliberate, cutting through the tension. Hatsune blinked, her eyes snapping to him as her glare softened — though only slightly. Klarion arched an eyebrow, a silent question hanging between them. She hesitated, her lips tightening as if to argue, but then she gave a sharp nod, reluctantly signaling her agreement to follow his lead. A knot of tension between Klarion’s shoulders loosened, grateful for her trust despite her clear reservations, and he turned his focus back to Yona.


    “That’s an exceedingly generous offer,” he said. “But it still seems almost too good. Why should I trust you?”


    “Because you have little to lose by doing so,” Yona replied without a moment’s hesitation. “And because, whether you like it or not, you’ll need allies to survive the storm that is coming. Houses Copperhand and Brightcoin are not your only enemies, Klarion. They’re merely the beginning.” She gestured at the book in his hands with the House Blacksword Crest. “I encourage you to read over that. Soon.”


    He held her gaze, unblinking for several long seconds. As hard as he tried, he still couldn’t tell if she was being fully truthful or if she was keeping something back. But she wasn’t wrong. And he was worried he was already running out of time.


    “All right,” he said finally. “I’ll agree to a preliminary alliance. But if you’re lying, or this turns out to be a trap — ”


    “It won’t,” Yona interrupted firmly. “You have my word.”


    She extended a delicate but firm hand across the table, her expression calm but expectant. Klarion looked at it a long moment before reaching out, grasping her hand firmly. Her skin was soft, her grip strong but not overpowering. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a faint blush on her dusty bronze cheeks, but it was gone before he could be sure.


    “Done,” he said, releasing her hand. “We’ll see where this goes.”


    Yona inclined her head, amber eyes gleaming with what he assumed to be satisfaction. “I look forward to working with you, Klarion.”


    Standing, Yona made her way to the door, her movements as light as a gentle breeze and just as difficult to pin down. Her hulking bodyguard opened the door, but she paused on the threshold, one hand resting lightly against the frame, and glanced back at him. Her antlers caught the faint light coming in from the Archive, casting elegant, branching shadows across the room.


    “Remember this, Klarion,” she said, her voice lilting yet edged with steel. “Alliances are rarely what they seem. Be careful whom you approach.”


    Klarion paused in the process of standing up, staring over at Yona. “Is that a warning, or a threat?”


    Her lips curved into another faint smile, though this time it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Neither. Simply the truth. You’re perceptive, Klarion, but trust is a treacherous thing. Guard it well should you seek alliances with others.”


    With that, she turned and stepped out of the room, her bodyguard following closely behind. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Klarion and Hatsune alone in the silence of the study.


    For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Klarion stared at the closed door, his thoughts jumbled. Yona’s words replayed in his mind, but he still could not tell if she had been completely upfront with him, had lied throughout their conversation, and engaged in a mix of both. She had just been too hard to read. Perhaps it had something to do with her class, whatever it was, or that she was a third-year scion.


    “She’s something else,” he murmured finally, breaking the silence.


    Hatsune, who had been standing stiffly by the table, let out an exasperated huff. “That’s one way to put it. I’d call her manipulative and dangerous, but sure, ‘something else’ works too.”


    Klarion turned to face her, his expression wry. “You don’t trust her.”


    “Of course I don’t trust her,” Hatsune shot back, her ears twitching sharply. “Did you see the way she carried herself? The way she looked at you? She’s playing a game, Klarion, and she’s very good at it.”


    “I’m not blind,” Klarion said evenly. “I know she has her own agenda.”


    “Then why agree to work with her?” Hatsune demanded, her frustration bubbling over. “You barely know her, and she’s already talking about revenge and alliances like it’s some kind of court intrigue. How do you know she won’t turn on you the moment it suits her?”


    “I don’t,” Klarion admitted. “But that’s the risk you take with any alliance among the nobility, isn’t it? If I shut out every potential ally because of the possibility of betrayal, I’ll be standing alone when the real threats come.”


    Hatsune crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “And what happens when her ‘help’ comes with strings attached? What if she drags you into something you’re not prepared for? She is a third-year scion!”


    Klarion sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not saying it’s perfect, Hatsune. I’m saying it’s a step. I’m not foolish enough to trust her blindly, but I can’t afford to ignore the opportunities she offers either. Knowledge, connections, resources — I may be new to this game, but even I know that those things matter, especially when you’re up against people like Chadwick and Caspian.”


    Hatsune fell silent, her expression a mix of frustration and worry. Klarion could see the concern in her eyes, the way her hands clenched at her sides as if she was holding herself back from saying more.


    After a moment, she shook her head. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Klarion. Or worse.”


    “I know,” he said quietly. “And I appreciate it. Really. But I have to take some risks if I’m going to survive this. You know that as well as I do.”


    Hatsune sighed again, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Fine. Just… promise me you’ll be careful. Don’t let her sweet-talk you into something you’ll regret.”


    Klarion managed a small smile. “You have my word.”


    Hatsune gave him a skeptical look, but didn’t press the issue further. Instead, she gestured toward the door. “Come on. You said you wanted to get to The Hearth & Ember before Valdre and Redrek, right?”


    “Yeah,” Klarion said, grabbing his books and tucking them under his arm. “Though with meeting Yona, I don’t think I’ll have as much time as I want to read before they get there.”


    “Likely,” Hatsune replied. “Let’s go before I change my mind and drag you back to Blacksword Manor for a lecture.”


    Klarion chuckled, following her out of the study. As they left, Klarion found himself watching the Leporine as she led him in the direction of the exit of the Archives. She had been so stiff and reserved when they had first met, her words calculated and her demeanor almost unnervingly professional. But since then, she had begun to open up, showing a side of herself that he was certain not many had seen. Her sharp wit, fiery temper, and unwavering loyalty had already become constants in his life despite how new they were. They were comforting, in their way.


    He couldn’t help but admire the way she voiced her concerns so openly, especially when they were about him. The other bodyguards he had met so far were more in keeping with what he had expected initially. Silent and subservient to their scions. But everything that Hatsune had been doing and says seems to show that she wasn’t just following orders or protecting him because it was her duty; she genuinely cared. That care shone through in the way she challenged him, questioning his decisions not out of defiance, but out of concern for his well-being.


    Klarion appreciated that more than he could say. Her being around helped ground him, helped remind him that he wasn’t alone in navigating the treacherous world of scions and rivalries. He was glad he had found her in the Hall of Bonds.


    He glanced at her, her ears twitching as she walked ahead. “Thank you,” he said softly.


    “For what?” she asked, glancing back, her tone a mix of curious and suspicious.


    “For being you,” Klarion replied with a smile.


    Hatsune huffed, turning away with a flick of her ears, but not so quickly that he didn’t see the faint blush on her face. “Just don’t make me regret it, Klarion.”


    He chuckled again, falling in step beside her as they made their way out of the Archives and towards The Hearth & Ember where he would be meeting with Valdre and Redrek over dinner. Then, he would explain what had happened in the Dungeon and do his best to convince his friends to help him against the scions who wanted him dead.