ã€ŠLabyrinth Of Puppetsã€‹


 Chapter 1: Welcome to Rosetta!

    Opening~

    The booming explosion of steam roused Chris from his slumber.

    ¡°¡ªRosetta! I repeat! We¡¯ve arrived at Rosetta!¡± a feminine voice spoke through the communication crystals adorning one corner of the train¡¯s ceiling.

    Chris shook his drowsiness away and turned towards his right. A giant, obsidian obelisk towering in the middle of the academy caught his attention the instant he looked out the window.

    Chris admired the building while the passengers around him began to rose one by one, murmuring their excitements as they stepped past the exit. With a yawn, Chris picked up his luggage and descended out of the train as well. He had been sitting for far too long. Not to mention the road from Rosenbaum to Verbanil didn¡¯t offer an interesting enough view to keep him awake. The snow covered plains of Rosenbaum were magnificent in their own right, yes, but staring at that endless horizon of white would put anyone to sleep and the ocean view right afterwards didn¡¯t last for long. From the beginning, he knew he¡¯d sleep the entire way. A fact that made him wish he should¡¯ve ridden in the first class cabin, but he couldn¡¯t. No divine blessing, no money, no authority ¡ª he lost it all the moment he gave up his position in the Order. But despite his grievances, Chris felt glad to be free. All for the sake of his goals.

    Chris shifted his beret and continued outside. Bustling as he expected, he convinced himself to grab a quick bite before entering the academy since there was still the entrance exam he had to worry about.

    After passing several fancy restaurants did Chris located a food stall in the marketplace. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure what they were, but the taste suggested something akin to chicken intestines. Perhaps a monster¡¯s? Chris shook the idea off and choked it down. He didn¡¯t have that extra quarter to satisfy his palate. Not yesterday, not today, and definitely not tomorrow.

    ¡°Taking the entrance exam?¡± asked the middle-aged man watching him behind the food stall.

    Chris took another bite before nodding, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to hurry then?¡± The man asked while fanning his meat sticks. ¡°Today¡¯s the last day of admission, and it¡¯s best to secure a spot before noon. Otherwise, you¡¯d be stuck waiting on a huge line. Or so I heard.¡±

    ¡°Not to worry, sir. I have time to spare.¡±

    No need to worry indeed. Chris spent the remainder of his fortune securing a spot in the academy. All he needed to do now was to take the entrance exam to fully complete his admission if he took out the complications that came with it of course.

    After grabbing another stick of who-knows-what, Chris advanced to sight-see. He saw more and more students of all kinds littering the streets as he near upon the giant wall enclosing the academy itself.

    Chris stopped midway to pay his respect towards the statue of Lord Verbanil on the central plaza. He had much respect towards the man, but didn¡¯t have plenty of patience towards his one and only son. Having spent four years together in the knight¡¯s academy was more than enough headache in his part. Chris knew that his life would spiral into hell if that bastard knew he was here. Mostly because the man child couldn¡¯t accept Katalina¡¯s rejection and somehow connected it to Chris. Nevertheless, all of it was behind Chris now. He plan to start a new life in the academy not as a Schweitzer, but as Christopher Noire. Dear Father and Lord Brother wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. Especially if there¡¯s a risk of finding out that the youngest son of House Schweitzer practices what could be considered the polar opposite of Divine energy ¡ª the usage of mana. There was no other choice for him to further study magic other than to carry his mother¡¯s name. Thank Marrietta¡¯s dress code too that Exquisitors like him had mostly gone out on public with their helmets on.

    But enough of that. Chris headed inside the admission halls and was quickly obstructed by lines after lines of students. The old man from before was right. There was no way to identify which one was which in this confusion.

    After scanning the horrible trainwreck for fifteen minutes, Chris finally saw the signboard for those who had appointments like himself. He breathed a sigh of relief once his eyes landed upon the short line of six other students standing in front of him. Five minutes in waiting and Chris was ushered to sit on a sofa inside by a girl who seemed no older than twenty five. Her hair tied up in a single braid and she wore a sky-blue blouse with an embroidery of a white feather on her left chest pocket. Crossing her long legs in front of Chris, she began to read the information he handed out prior to his admission.

    ¡°¡­Christopher Noire,¡± she finished by repeating his name, giving Chris a puzzled look.

    Chris knew the meaning of that pause, so he smiled in return. The Noires, after all, are a line of famous astrologers. Luckily for him though that his mother originated from one of the lower branches and wasn¡¯t prominent in particular not unlike his father who was a celebrity all his life. Hailing from one of the main houses who once walked alongside the ¡®Prophet¡¯ definitely have its merits.

    ¡°You¡¯re not baptized under Her Lordship¡¯s holy light?¡± The girl asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Chris flatly said. ¡°My grandmother had a vision of my future as a magician when I was a child, so she opted that I pursue the path of a magus instead of directly serving the Divine.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± The girl shifted her legs and looked at him straight into the eyes. Her bright cyan eyes shone abruptly, as if scanning his thoughts, but Chris didn¡¯t mind. He had nothing to hide as far as his primary goals were concerned. ¡°And you plan to make that a reality by becoming an adventurer?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My goals are the mysteries of the labyrinths themselves. How they were made, what they were made of, who made them? Seeking the answers to these questions excite me.¡± Chris further voiced his thoughts while gripping his fist. ¡°It is my life and my passion, and I believe Rosetta is the best place to help me reach those answers.¡±

    No doubt his fiery words had left an impression, as the girl¡¯s lips loosened into a slight smile. ¡°Just don¡¯t dabble into cult sorcery if you don¡¯t want the Order on your back, got it?¡±

    ¡°But of course.¡± That was the last thing he wanted right now.

    ¡°Now then, let us finish the preparations and begin the exam.¡± The girl said, bringing out a pair of sharp-looking needles from her breast pocket and a single sheet of magic formula.

    Per her instructions, Chris shed blood by poking a needle on his right index finger, dropped three drops on the magic formula on the table, and squared his right palm on the center. The room darkened around him in a single blink, as if he was isolated in a blackened space and sat on an invisible chair. No traces of the girl or the room he was in before, but Chris didn¡¯t panic. He sat there and watched as the magic formula crawled on his hand and formed the image of a bracelet. With a sapping sound, the bracelet snapped itself around his wrist like a snake. Then, as if finishing the ritual, everything resumed to normal once more a second afterwards. Lifting his gaze from the bracelet he looked at the girl again only to find her revealing a full smile. Forget about asking. The next part of the exam would be nothing but trouble.

    * * *

    The practical part of the exam bothered him the most. Sure it was easy for a guy who once wielded his own ¡®Diviner¡¯, but what the hell was that monster? The screams of despair from the nearby rooms were no doubt the cause of an accident he didn¡¯t want to think about. The term ¡°no pain, no gain¡± wasn¡¯t enough to justify losing a hand or an arm entirely. So much for their given scholarships. Those poor students were nothing but guinea pigs!

    Brushing those thoughts aside, Chris felt a sense of relief washed over him as he bounced on top of his new bed. Even the freshman dormitory lavished in the finest agricultural equipment he had ever seen in his short twenty-two years of life. Who uses a magic-inscripted lock on their own bathroom anyways? Not Chris or any of the Schweitzers for sure.

    But Chris knew the Order deemed it necessary. In a facility where mana is loose, those magic inscribed locks also act as a form of surveillance towards their ¡®walking prisoners¡¯. Students bearing Demon Blood in their veins would be ¡®silenced¡¯ immediately, no question asked, if they do decide to abuse it. Not like Demons had the courage or means to do so in this current environment as well, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt the Order to safelock.

    The last Demon awakening he was involved in was a disaster after all. DAMNATION ¡ª death after death, killings after killings, heads crushed like melons. Two years had past since then, yet the images in his head still felt like yesterday.

    Chris raised his hand to the ceiling and stared at his bracelet. ¡°Welcome to Rosetta, huh?¡±

    When did the cogs of fate began to turn? Things have changed since then. Perhaps there was no point musing about such pointless things. Chris had made a promise to himself to move forward and beyond. Even though the path he chose would one day lead him to perdition, there was no turning back.

    ¡°On my honor, I swear to you.¡±

    For a Schweitzer would walk no other.

    * * *

    Chapter 1: Welcome to Rosetta!

    Since long ago, one of the puzzling places in this world is the labyrinth: a complex maze filled of death-dealing traps and monsters. Others who had braved these mysterious floors managed to attain wealth, fame, and even innovation, but some of the unfortunate ones experienced the most gruesome and painful death.

    Those who are courageous enough to traverse the labyrinth, despite knowing the danger that entails, are called adventurers. Schools were erected for the sole purpose of nurturing talented and vigorous youth, hoping that these able bodied youngster could solve the labyrinth¡¯s never ending mysteries.

    This story details the journey of a young man who was born and raised in a family of prestigious knights. Rejecting the life that was set to him, he decides to follow his own path ¡ª to be a Magus. Christopher takes on his mother¡¯s name and enrolls at Rosetta, the biggest adventurer¡¯s academy in all of Scaldus. What will his future bring?

    * * *

    Divine Calendar: Year 1527, Month 4

    ¡°Alright kids, you have one week to finish this assignment. Those of you who couldn¡¯t stomach to rid this academy of their first Ents might as well drop off the boat now. You¡¯re here to become adventurers, you hear me?! So consider this test your initiation to this hell ride. Any other questions?¡±

    No one in the class was brave enough to raise their hand and question this demon teacher. Chris didn''t care. As soon as he dismissed the class and left the classroom, loud sighing blared in response.

    ¡°To think that we¡¯re being sent to a labyrinth on the first day of class, isn¡¯t that too soon?¡± one of the students said.

    ¡°Meh, I¡¯d rather have a shot at this skill bracelet sooner than later,¡± a young man sporting his crimson, shoulder length ponytail replied in a carefree tone. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you think so?¡±

    ¡°Show off,¡± scoffed a girl, crossing her arms in his nonchalance. ¡°There¡¯s a big difference in traversing a labyrinth knowing what¡¯s in it rather than just rushing with an empty head, idiot.¡±

    The young man snickered. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that type of language from an elf. How childish.¡±

    ¡°What was that?! You damn dwarf!¡±

    ¡°Childish, childish, childish, childish, childish, childish, childish, childish, childish¡ª¡±

    With that, the arguments between Chris¡¯ new class started.

    Both parties have their point. Chris couldn¡¯t contain himself to try the Skill bracelet either, yet at the same time he didn¡¯t want to enter the labyrinth in question, although for beginners, without doing his research.

    ¡°Let the idiots fight among themselves,¡± a male¡¯s voice spoke behind him. Chris turned from his chair to look. With a pair of black feline ears, the voice came from a Lynx ¡ª a race originating from the southern lands of Scaldus.

    ¡°Raven Phylix. Nice to meet you.¡± The young man offered a handshake, and Chris accepted.

    ¡°Christopher Noire. A pleasure to meet you as well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little noisy here. You want to head out and hit the library?¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± agreed Chris with a nod. ¡°We only have a week to finish this assignment after all.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s decided then.¡±

    Chris stood up as he grabbed the wooden staff the school provided him yesterday and followed his new acquaintance. They walked down the marble hallways, passing the other classrooms in the first year building.

    ¡°Judging by the staff you carry, you must be a mage, huh?¡±

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    Chris denied the praise with a wave of his hand. ¡°A mage would be too much of a tittle for me right now. I¡¯m still on the apprentice level. What about you?¡±

    ¡°Me? This is all the weapon I need.¡± Raven clenched his fist with confidence, but quickly retracted his action by scratching his head. ¡°Just kidding. I have a spirit stone imbued with [Scaldic Claws] attached on my skill bracelet. See?¡±

    His confidence was understandable. Lynx, after all, is a race infused with tremendous vitality and agility.

    ¡°I see. So a fighter then?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve trained these fists my whole life for this moment, and I¡¯m finally here ¡ª in Rosetta, the adventurer¡¯s academy. It¡¯d be a huge waste not to make use of them.¡±

    Chris admired his diligence. Due to his family background, he too studied martial arts at a young age, but he chose the path where his heart wanted him to be. To be a magus. Although there wasn¡¯t a single day that Chris had forgotten the way his Father taught him how to use the sword. The basics, the form, the style ¡ª all of those were engraved inside of him.

    The two didn¡¯t have much trouble locating their quarry. The library was the pointed obelisk that garnered attention whenever they look up. They waited in line outside before a fellow donning a crimson blazer checked their identification cards and ushered them inside.

    The interior of the obelisk awed Chris. Spiraling stairs, multiple levels, books of different variations adorning the walls ¡ª it was exactly what he had expected.

    Most of the students who entered at the same time continued to their desired destinations. Chris hadn¡¯t spotted a student wearing the same type of Blazer as them, which was green, giving him the conclusion that most freshmen were still in class.

    ¡°Oh! Two fresh meat. How can I help you today?¡± A short girl with two pixie wings protruding out of her back greeted them as they looked around. Her disheveled hair and white lab coat distinguished her from the rest.

    ¡°We¡¯d like some information about this labyrinth our teacher is sending us to,¡± Raven asked.

    The girl laughed as she walked behind a counter. ¡°I see, I see. You two must be Gladius¡¯ students. This always happen every year it¡¯s almost a tradition around here.¡±

    Raven scratched the back of his neck with a wry smile. ¡°You mean sending his students on a treasure hunt on the first day of class?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Without information, kiddies like yourselves wouldn¡¯t know where to go. That¡¯s the purpose of this test. To help youngsters like you gather these information on your own. So if I were you, I wouldn¡¯t question your teacher¡¯s teaching methods. Just think of it as something positive, okay?¡±

    Chris couldn¡¯t help but acquiesce. ¡°Could you help us with the basics then?¡±

    ¡°But of course. As you may have already known, those skill bracelets allow us to perform feats outside of our limitations. By imbuing your skill bracelet with a burst stone, you could increase your physical capabilities, depending on the type and quality of the stone you imbue, while imbuing the bracelet with a spirit stone would allow you to use magic. Each Freshmen starts with a skill bracelet with three free slots plus the additional slot for inventory ¡ª so a total of four.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Chris nodded. ¡°What about the more advance spirit and burst stones? Where do we get them?¡±

    ¡°Some are awarded in class, some are obtained down in the labyrinth, and the others you could buy in exchange for the appropriate amount of Rigal.¡±

    ¡°And a better skill bracelet?¡± Raven continued with the questions.

    The small pixie floated to their eye levels and handed them both a small handwritten guide of the first floor. ¡°Those are hard to say, my dearies, as better ones are hard to come by. The academy grants you with a better bracelet each time you progress a year but you could also research on how to make one yourself. We have all the resources you would need in this library, so feel free to digest those information too, you hear me?¡±

    ¡°I suppose. This library seems like the perfect treasure trove of information for bookworms to abuse,¡± Raven thoughtlessly commented, which earned him a slap in return.

    ¡°How dare you! Don¡¯t look down on these curious children!¡± The pixie flared, puffing her cheeks.

    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± Raven raised his hands in defeat.

    Chris chuckled after seeing the red mark on his friend¡¯s cheek. ¡°I have to agree about its beauty; this obelisk is almost on par with the royal library.¡±

    ¡°Oh! So you¡¯ve been to the royal library, my dear?¡±

    ¡°Twice, yes,¡± Chris said, briefly remembering his first meeting with a Celestian.

    ¡°How lucky! Most, including me, only have the opportunity to appreciate it from afar, and you actually went inside?¡±

    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am, and though I would love to inform you of its graciousness, our time is short.¡± Reading the guidebook took precedence. There was much he needed to do.

    ¡°That¡¯s too bad.¡± The pixie¡¯s shoulders hanged down in disappointment, and all of that sudden burst of excitement in her face disappeared.

    Chris wasn¡¯t late to notice, so he quickly thought of an idea. ¡°Indeed it is. But do not worry. I¡¯ll return and tell the tale when I have more time in my hands.¡±

    His positive words succeeded in lighting her up with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t let me keep you any longer then. Carry on now. Onto your first adventure~¡±

    Chris bowed his head and thanked the helpful pixie before leaving for the labyrinth.

    The labyrinth in question was within the school grounds, to the east. A small, man-made labyrinth to help prepare novices like them for the real deal. Chris didn¡¯t think of entering it today, but after skimming through what was written in the guidebook, he considered the idea to explore the first floor with Raven if they allow him to. It was only the first day of class after all.

    ¡°That girl¡¯s kind of cute, huh?¡± Raven said as they walked along the courtyard.

    ¡°It¡¯s to be expected from someone who shares the same bloodline as Elves; Pixies are a beautiful race.¡±

    ¡°We should¡¯ve asked for her name after all.¡±

    ¡°Looks can be deceiving you know? From her choice of words, she could be decades older than us or something,¡± Chris said with a laugh. ¡°Or do you, perhaps, fancy an older woman?¡±

    ¡°Who cares about age when she¡¯s that cute? Besides, older women just have that charm girls our age don¡¯t have. I¡¯ll have to say they¡¯re mostly brutes walking around with a pair of breasts. Just look at that elven chick in our class. Her lips are the last thing I would want to kiss.¡±

    ¡°Right, right. That aside, Raven, what else did you choose for starting skills?¡± Chris decided to direct the topic to something more meaningful. He knew he didn¡¯t mean it, but he still didn¡¯t want his new friend taking the habit of talking shit behind other people¡¯s back.

    ¡°In the meantime I have two burst stones: [Iron Fist] and [Increase Agility], while the last spot on my bracelet was reserved for [Scaldic Claws]. You?¡±

    Chris looked at his bracelet. ¡°[Invoke Flame], [Regeneration], and [Magic Map]. All of which are spirit stones that consumes small to a moderate amount of mana¡ª¡±

    An unfamiliar tone interrupted Chris mid-sentence. ¡°Smart choice.¡±

    The voice came from a certain fellow, who was leaning against the wall, ahead of them. The tip of his ears peeking out of his curly, blonde hair, was sharp and pointed. With long and narrow eyes, neat eyelashes, pinkish lips, and a thin frame, he could no doubt be mistaken as a girl. But alas, the black trousers that fitted him like a snug gave his gender away.

    ¡°Pardon my rudeness, my name is Arthur Solan.¡± The Elven boy walked forward and slightly lowered his head. ¡°My friends call me Art. It¡¯s unwise to think that all Elves are similar to Lucretia. She¡¯s just quite violent in nature, you see, but a sweet girl nevertheless. So I hope you can forgive her from the bottom of your heart.¡±

    Chris knew that Elves have exceptional hearing but not to this extent.

    Raven was quick to apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to hear that. I didn¡¯t mean it ¡ª honest!¡±

    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s my responsibility as her relative that she wouldn¡¯t be misunderstood.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for apologies, as it¡¯s our fault to begin with. I¡¯m Christopher Noire and this here is Raven Phylix. It¡¯s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Arthur.¡±

    ¡°No, no, the pleasure is mine. And please, just Art is fine.¡±

    ¡°Very well, Art. We¡¯re on our way to the labyrinth; would you like to come?¡±

    The young elf blinked, as if in disbelief. ¡°It would be foolish of me to decline your gracious offer. So by all means, yes.¡±

    With that, Chris gained another companion.

    The initiation labyrinth, or also known as the freshman¡¯s den, did not look any different from any other building outside. But the moment Chris and his group pushed their way through the luxurious doors, his jaw dropped at how spacious it was. Aside from the multiple counters with their own receptionists, there was even a cafeteria on their left and what seemed like a spot for students to vend their goods. Such results must be the effects of Spatial magic.

    Looking around him, Chris recognized some of his classmates standing in line. Some were already carrying their respective weapons on their waist provided by the school which made him think that the initiation labyrinth was indeed there, in that building.

    One lone girl, who didn¡¯t seem like she belonged to a group, caught Chris¡¯s attention. He couldn¡¯t help but nod in satisfaction to those black knee socks going all the way up to her thighs. Chris had a thing for knee socks after all. It was a fascination that sprouted when he was still training to be a Celestian knight.

    The girl noticed his lingering gaze but did nothing to reprimand him. She gave him a sharp glare before she went downstairs to shadow the other group of students.

    ¡°Stop spacing out, Christopher. It¡¯s almost our turn.¡± Raven brought him out of his musings.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± Chris was left scratching his head.

    When their turns arrived, a senior student instructed them to equip their gears. They simultaneously invoked [Inventory], revealing a small window with a blue background in front of them. The senior student then explained each tab that appeared in detail.

    Chris pushed the tab for [Equip] and picked the leather gauntlets on his screen. Small particles of light then emitted around his arms. A second later, when the light fully dissipated, the gauntlets were fitted on both of his arms.

    ¡°Magic has really gone a long way.¡± Now Chris understood why they had to give out blood samples to obtain a Skill bracelet. It was necessary for the bracelet to recognize its user.

    ¡°Indeed. Whoever invented this technology is a genius,¡± Arthur said. His weapon was a crossbow embedded with an inexpensive-looking mana crystal.

    Chris was positive that his weapon works no different from a rifle, as it fires accumulated mana arrows fueled by the user, but Elves still prefer to use their precious bows.

    The thought made him smile. So even someone like Arthur, who appeared like a bona fide gentleman, could be stubborn in his own way.

    Meanwhile Raven equipped nothing but a pair of leather gauntlets, as if to stay true to his words.

    The senior student handed each one of them a shoulder bag before explaining,¡°Keep in mind that, while opening the inventory window is useful, it consumes mana.¡±

    ¡°Understood. It¡¯ll be quite embarrassing if we passed out because of it,¡± Chris said.

    ¡°Remember, no inappropriate behavior while you¡¯re down there!¡± The senior student warned. ¡°All of the loots harvested inside would be confiscated by the academy at the end of the day and exchanged for Rigals. No exceptions. As it¡¯s the first day, you freshmen are allowed to map the first floor, are we clear?¡±

    ¡°Yes sir,¡± the three of them replied.

    The senior student ushered them to a room downstairs. Nothing but a regular room. But as soon as the senior student left and closed the door behind him, their surroundings turned pitch black.

    ¡°Oi, oi, oi, could you two see anything?¡± Raven panicked.

    ¡°Just wait.¡± Chris placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him, knowing how unnatural it must¡¯ve felt for a Lynx to lose sight in the dark.

    ¡°I agree. This is probably part of a spell.¡±

    ¡°Alright guys.¡± With three deep breaths Raven calmed down.

    Light returned in small quantities. Chris noticed how the floors beneath him changed. Grass arose in between the concrete and swayed in a wind he could not feel. The view changed to that of an old ruin overrun by grass and moss.

 Chapter 2: The Freshmanâ€™s Den First Floor Part 1

    Chapter 2: The Freshmen¡¯s Den First Floor Part 1

    ¡°So this is a labyrinth?¡± Chris ran his hand on the surface of the stone doors. The rough sensation, the accumulating dust, and the sticky moss glossing his fingertips ¡ª everything he felt was real.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start by reviewing what Sir Gladius wanted us to do,¡± Arthur said behind him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t we just need to acquire a Cerulean gem on the fifth floor?¡± Raven said.

    ¡°Yes, and that¡¯s the fifth floor, mind you. The FIFTH floor! And we only have a week to accomplish this daunting task. I believe it¡¯s wise if we map the entirety of the first floor today before heading back.¡±

    ¡°No need to argue. Raven, as you¡¯re the only fighter in our group, you¡¯ll act as our vanguard while Art and I will support you from behind, will that be okay?¡±

    Raven made a victory pose. ¡°I expected no less. Leave the dirty work to me!¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Chris invoked [Magic Map]. A worn-down scroll appeared out of thin air and fell on his open palm. Opening it, the map registered his location at the entrance but everything else remained blank. It was just as the skill description had said; he needed to reach the location first before the map could register his entry. The map then dissipated into thin air as soon as he let go.

    ¡°You guys ready?¡± Raven asked as he placed his palm on the center of the door. With the party¡¯s confirmation he slightly pushed his way. There it was, after that eerie creaking, the entrance revealed itself on the base of this giant withering tree.

    The three paced their way down the spiraling stairs. Stone walls surrounded them on all four sides and light was provided by the flame torches that hanged on the walls.

    The first monster that obstructed their way was a ball of fluff that flew about. It looked harmless, cute even. But the three of them were quite familiar with it on an intimate level. To subdue one, after all, was part of the academy¡¯s entrance exam.

    It was an Ent. Hiding behind that harmless facade were sharp fangs that could tear a man¡¯s limb in a single bite.

    Arthur shot it with his crossbow without hesitation. The Ent fell and dissipated into nothingness, leaving nothing but its loot ¡ª a small piece of white fabric ¡ª behind.

    Chris wanted to praise him for that perfect aim but footsteps arousing nearby prevented him from doing so. The three steeled themselves from what could come as disturbing breathing noises could be heard echoing from within the wide passage ahead.

    Raven entered a battle stance three steps in front of Chris. ¡°It¡¯s coming.¡±

    The light from the torches revealed the visage of the incoming monster: A laughing face carved on the surface of a tree trunk. It raised its wooden limbs and smashed Raven with it, but the agile Lynx easily avoided the strike with a simple back step. Raven retaliated with a three hit combo yet even even his [Iron Fist] didn¡¯t seem to affect the monster¡¯s thick skin.

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    ¡°So that¡¯s not enough, eh?¡± Raven cracked his knuckles with a fierce smile. The monster raised its limbs once more but mana arrows hitting key spots one by one prevented their descent. Raven took a deep breath and used that opportunity to invoke his skill [Scaldic Claws].

    Three solid lines of fire protruded out of his knuckles; Raven used that weapon to cut off the monster¡¯s restrained limbs.

    Chris murmured, ¡°Invoke Flame,¡± as he imagined two flame spears surging from beneath the ground to pierce the monster. Mana traveled from his fingertips all the way down to the thicker end of his staff. Due to the nature of the skill bracelet, his hand moved automatically to draw the appropriate magic formation and fire the attack.

    Two flame spears lanced the monster from beneath and swallowed it whole. The monster¡¯s cry of pain seemed like it was still laughing, which somewhat disturbed Chris. When his fire died down Raven picked up the loot its ashes left.

    ¡°A small tree branch? That¡¯s it? I wonder how much Rigal would these loots sell for?¡±

    ¡°Not much, probably. It¡¯s just the first floor in a man-made labyrinth after all,¡± Chris said as he picked up the piece of fabric laying on the ground.

    The three continued with Raven leading the way. Each time a wandering Ent would steer close to their party, the sound of mana arrows being unleashed were heard; sometimes faster than Chris could even notice the monster''s incoming presence.

    ¡°Oi, Arthur, do you have a grudge against those Ents?¡± asked Raven.

    The young elf quietly replied in a murmur. ¡°Eh? No. I just¡­ I just don¡¯t want it to ruin its cuteness, so¡­¡±

    Raven ruffled his hair and blew an exasperated sigh. ¡°Could you stop fidgeting around? You¡¯re a guy, dammit, so stop trying to act cute for Marrieta¡¯s sake! You¡¯re sending me some weird vibes here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speak of Her lordship¡¯s name with that foul mouth, you barbaric fool!¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? What you gonna do about it?¡±

    ¡°Come on now, stop flirting you two.¡± Chris shot a fireball at the incoming Ent. ¡°Look, you guys could continue your little love fest, but not until we¡¯ve finished what we came here for.¡±

    Chris walked ahead after picking up the loot, leaving his two arguing companions no choice but to follow after him.

 Chapter 2: The Freshmanâ€™s Den First Floor Part 2

    Chapter 2: The Freshman¡¯s Den First Floor Part 2

    A tree that stood like a giant barred their way on an intersection and coupled by the long vines protruding out of its branches that made sharp whipping noises, there was no way to go around it. Luckily, it didn¡¯t seem like it was capable of uprooting itself.

    ¡°Let me try my [Revealing Eye].¡± As soon as Arthur invoked the magic words, a bluish light flared on his right eye.

    [Revealing Eye] is a magic skill that reveals a monster¡¯s weak spot. Chris thought of picking it up in the beginning as well but ended up replacing it with [Magic Map] due to it being a costly skill. His tactics, for now, meant survival after all, not firepower.

    But Arthur¡¯s mana arrows, as swift as it was, were easily deflected by its vines. He tried and tried, but to no avail. Even Chris¡¯s flame spells were neutralized by the monster¡¯s recuperative abilities; the incinerated parts regenerated instantly. Nothing they do seemed to work at all!

    ¡°Hey Christopher, it might be hard for you to see, but focus your gaze behind it.¡± Raven stopped him in the middle of a chant and pointed to the darkness ahead. But now that his friend got his attention, Chris was able to spot a red treasure chest resting on top of a pedestal.

    ¡°Can you work your way around it with your speed?¡± asked Chris.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s worth a try though.¡±

    ¡°Great. We¡¯ll support you as usual.¡±

    Chris readied his staff and his imagination as Arthur took a stance with his bow. He thought of conjuring a large flame wall to completely incinerate a single side of this monster, no matter the cost. If the other group ahead of them was able to pass without defeating it, then he was confident that they could do the same. The answers must be hidden in that treasure box.

    After cracking his joints, Raven arched himself down low. Then a cloud of dust was left behind as he leaped with great force! He reached the other side before Chris could even finish blinking.

    ¡°Wow.¡± Chris couldn¡¯t help but sing his praise with an open mouth.

    Although the skill bracelet added to the results, that speed transcended the boundaries of anything he was capable of. It made him clench his fist at the same time. The gap between them two was that big.

    At a spot where the vines wouldn¡¯t reach him, Raven gave Chris a thumbs up.

    ¡°Will you stop showing off and check the chest already?!¡± grumbled Arthur. A vein on his forehead popped when Raven replied by sticking his tongue out. ¡°The nerve of that man!¡±

    Chris sighed, thinking that it¡¯d be great if they could work as a team soon. They were just beginning. The difficulty in the lower levels would sure kick up a notch.

    Lifting his head, the monster in front of him suddenly stopped. It was no different from a regular tree as he saw it now.

    Raven came running behind it. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m guessing the switch I just pressed immobilizes this monster.¡±

    True. It couldn¡¯t be any better the three quickly decided to continue on the western route. But Chris fully burned the monster down with a large flame as soon as they reached a safe spot. It was a success this time, as the monster didn¡¯t regenerate like usual.

    The spoil it left behind was a single green gem radiating with purity; one that would seem like it would sell for a hefty sum. As Chris was enjoying its verdant glow, a mysterious rumbling noise resonated above him.

    A bad sign, he thought. Chris immediately retreated to safety. He watched as the stone ceiling opened and dropped another monster of the same category. It landed on the ground accompanied by a great tremor and an eerie laugh.

    ¡°Seems like returning wouldn¡¯t be easy,¡± said Arthur.

    ¡°True, we¡¯d be nigh depleted of mana by then.¡± Chris slid the gem in his pocket.

    ¡°What do you suggest we do? Should we wrap things up?¡± asked Raven.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just what Art had said earlier. We have to finish mapping the first floor today if we want to have a passable grade on this assignment.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s carry on then.¡± Raven proceeded onward.

    ¡°Seriously.¡± Arthur followed with a sigh.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.The pathway ended with them turning right. And another right. It slowly seemed to turn into a drag as more and more of those laughing trunks pestered them on their search.

    His mana pool wasn¡¯t endless. His repeated use of flame spells, albeit small, was beginning to take its toll on his body. Sweat blotted on his forehead and beneath his armpits too.

    Eventually, they reached a spot where many others students were resting.

    ¡°Eh? Brother?¡± An elven girl rose from the group of girls and jumped straight into Arthur¡¯s arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for leaving without informing you. Are you mad?¡±

    Arthur revealed a weak smile. ¡°Lucretia, how can I be mad? My only concern is your safety. I¡¯m glad to see you and your friends are well.¡±

    Raven coughed loudly, as if to disturb the building atmosphere. Who knew Arthur could radiate such manliness with that slender frame? Not even Chris expected this outcome at least.

    ¡°Oh, let me introduce you to my friends. Gentlemen, this is my cousin, Lucretia Solan. But as we grew up side by side, we treat each other more like siblings instead.¡±

    Arthur laughed to explain it in a casual manner, but Chris knew it was more than that. The elven girl had her fingers entwined over his after all and the way she was gazing at him was more than a give away.

    ¡°So this is your brother, huh? A lot more good looking than I thought! Actually, I think beautiful is the right word.¡±

    ¡°Agreed, agreed. His skin¡¯s even more glossier than Lucretia here. Honestly, tell us your secret!¡±

    ¡°Shut it, you two! You¡¯re embarrassing me here!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t his business to intrude so Chris quickly introduced himself and dragged Raven with him, who seemed like he was about to choke from the mushy atmosphere.

    ¡°That damn Arthur is getting all the girls,¡± spat Raven.

    ¡°You should try to get along,¡± said Chris. ¡°Maybe then he¡¯ll show you a few tricks on how to act like a proper gentleman. Girls like those with class, no?¡±

    ¡°You speak from experience?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll mingle.¡± Raven jogged back to the crowd.

    ¡°Now then, I wonder where that girl is?¡± Chris searched the crowd for the mysterious holder of that black stockings: the beautiful demoness.

    Easier than he had expected, he found her, by herself as usual, standing near of what seemed like the entrance to the [Boss Room]. Too busy munching on a muffin, Chris was able to approach without a hitch.

    ¡°Hello,¡± said Chris with his most winning smile.

    Hoever the girl walked away without even acknowledging his presence. That act of indifference made him scratch his head, but he followed nonetheless, as if enchanted by her purple hair swaying side by side.

    ¡°Can you stop following me?¡± The girl said as they stepped out of the safe zone. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just say it already? Non believing heretic. Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re here for?!¡±

    ¡°You misunderstand me. Whether you worship Marrieta or not is not of my concern. I¡¯m only here to make friends.¡±

    ¡°Only here to make friends? Don¡¯t make me laugh!¡± A sword flashed in front of his eyes, cutting the fake skin plastered on his forehead. ¡°How do you explain that mark then?¡±

    ¡°I cannot forsake my origin. I came from a family of Celestian knights, and I was too until the day I gave up my Holy sword.¡±

    ¡°Lies! Even now you Exquisitors are here to judge us? Just because our ancestors were the servants of the fallen God? What a pious spirit you have!¡±

    Her words stung Chris, painfully squeezed his heart with the undeniable truth. Yes, he hunted heretics in the past. Being an Exquisitor runs in his family blood. A brand that caused him to see the harsh truth with his own eyes.

    ¡°No, that isn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Then leave me alone. I do not want your company, nor your needless pity.¡± After leaving Chris with those words, the beautiful demoness disappeared in the darkness.

    It was too late for forgiveness, that he knew full well, but it wasn¡¯t too late for him to atone for his sins. He had to remember: why did he chose to become a magus in the first place?

 Chapter 3: By Marrietaâ€™s Will Part 1

    Chapter 3: By Marrieta¡¯s Will Part 1

    He was born a Schweitzer: a knight among knights, a leader to step above others. But it wasn¡¯t a life that he chose. A life predetermined by his family before his Mother could even flush him out to the world was something he disliked.

    Magic set him free. His love for Marrieta dwindled and replaced by his newfound curiosity.

    That day marked it all, when he sacrificed his name and fought for his beliefs.

    His father disowned him, his brothers thought of him as a traitor, and his fight ended up for naught ¡ª all under Marrieta¡¯s will. But even then, he was just a normal guy who wouldn¡¯t compromise his principles no matter how chaotic things had become.

    But once a Schweitzer would always be a Schweitzer. It was a mark that he could never hope to remove.

    * * *

    There was a change in atmosphere when Chris returned to his group. All five of his classmates, including Raven and Arthur, were all gathered in a semi circle.

    ¡°Where¡¯d you go, man?¡± asked Raven. ¡°Actually, forget I asked. It seems like the [Boss Room] here would be opening soon, but only seven students could enter at the same time.¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason for that?¡±

    ¡°They need to put some restrictions, you see. It¡¯d be nothing but cake walk for a group of twenty students to gang up on a boss after all.¡±

    Chris looked at his classmates again. ¡°Seven students, eh? But counting everybody here we only have six.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, Cecilia was just here moments ago. I wonder where she went?¡± a human girl wearing her chestnut brown hair into two large ponytails said as she gazed around. The beginner¡¯s claymore strapped diagonally on her hips suggested she was a warrior.

    ¡°Forget about her,¡± said Lucretia as she folded her arms. ¡°She never wanted to associate herself with us to begin with.¡±

    ¡°Now, now. It¡¯s thanks to her we were able to get past that sentinel.¡±

    ¡°I could¡¯ve done that too!¡± Lucretia puffed her reddening cheeks.

    The other girl sighed in deference. ¡°Sure, sure.¡±

    The whole party laughed, except for Chris. There was no denying that the demon girl¡¯s words cut him deep. He clenched his heart and shook his head. Not now, he thought. It wasn¡¯t the right time, nor the right place to wallow in such distractions.

    ¡°Before we begin, may I have the pleasure of knowing your names?¡± Chris nodded his chin to his two other classmates.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°Just Tess is fine,¡± said the human girl. The bangs framing her tea colored eyes made her look beautiful as a flower.

    The other girl was a Nymph, giving Chris a friendly smile as soon as their eyes met. ¡°And I am called Luana.¡±

    Her long shiny blue hair is neatly tied on one side by a seashell, gently touching her shoulder. Two green fish fins also served as her ears and on her left hand was a pike for thrusting.

    ¡°So Tess, Luana, Lucretia, Arthur, and Raven? Am I right?¡± His classmates all nodded at his question, Chris smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s beat this boss and freshen up.¡±

    With a loud battle cry, the six of them stood by the entrance with double doors towering all the way up to the ceiling. Raven cracked his knuckles, Arthur readied his bow, Lucretia placed a hand on her rapier, Tess drew her claymore, and Luana took a stance with her spear. Chris tapped his staff on the ground, and the doors majestically opened.

    Their position revealed nothing but darkness. Chris took the initiative, and the group followed his lead. The doors behind them closed with a gust of wind, yet no one bothered to turn and check.

    He heard faint giggling noises; an eerie noise in that silent darkness. Chris tightened his grip on his staff in response. Someone clung to his sleeve, but he couldn¡¯t tell who it was.

    Light began to flare one by one on random directions until the room was fully lighted by the torches that surrounded them. Directly ahead, in the center of the room, was a ball of white fluff. It looked similar to an Ent from behind, albeit twice as large, but its two minuscule arms belied that conclusion.

    Unmoving laughing trunks littered the room. No, it wasn¡¯t a room. It was an art studio.

    Chris realized that when he saw the mysterious Ent carving a face on a tree trunk; the very same monsters that pestered them in this labyrinth.

    Arthur wasted no moment and released an arrow.

    Swoong!

    The mysterious Ent deflected the attack with a single swipe of its knife. Turning around, it looked at them and finally acknowledged their presence. Its flat lips slowly curved to that of a snicker! At the same time the nearby monsters arose from their slumber and their laughing faces morphed into an angry glare ¡ª a very, very angry glare.

 Chapter 3: By Marrietaâ€™s Will Part 2

    Chapter 3: By Marrieta¡¯s Will Part 2

    Six laughing trunks rapidly closed in. Chris wasn¡¯t sure on how things would go he positioned himself in the middle; that way he could jump both ways if something were to go wrong.

    ¡°What do we do, Chris?¡± asked Raven as he bared his flame claws.

    Throughout this exploration, Chris was the one giving out orders. But he was so shaken up by his previous confrontation he forgot to formulate a plan. Adding his three other classmates to the team, there was no strategy. He didn¡¯t even know what skills they hold ¡ª a fatal error.

    ¡°Damn.¡± Chris bit his bottom lip. ¡°Raven, lure out as many monsters as you can. Miss Tess, Luana, and Lucretia, we¡¯ll take out the rest. Art, don¡¯t let that mysterious Ent out of your sight.¡± Chris relayed his orders as he focused on his spell.

    ¡°Roger that!¡± Raven propelled himself to the advancing monsters. Three monsters went after him while the rest went straight to Chris¡¯ direction.

    The girls simultaneously picked out a target.

    There was no way for Lucretia to inflict damage with that rapier, Chris thought. The same could be said with Luana. What about Tess? Her claymore could do the job, yes, but she was only one, and prolonging this fight would be the worst decision. They had to finish the laughing trunks as quick as possible before the others monsters could overwhelm Raven. Naturally, everyone had to focus on offense, but they couldn''t.

    ¡°Dancing sword!¡± screamed Tess. Her claymore radiated a light so bright the monster in front of her momentarily stopped. She started with a thrust that went through the monster¡¯s abdomen. Twisting her sword, she leaped and slashed diagonally then cut the monster once more as she descended, creating that perfect opportunity for Chris to unleash a quick flame spell.

    ¡°Make way, Tess!¡± shouted Chris as he launched his flame spear.

    ¡°Aye!¡± Tess swiftly rolled to the side.

    But even though that attack engulfed the monster in flames, it kept moving. It went after Tess who took cover on the ground. Tess managed to stand on her feet, but the monster already stabbed the pointed end of its limbs at her direction. Tess received the blow with her claymore in a desperate dodge. Her body began to tremble; there was no way for her to dodge the next one!

    ¡°Shit!¡± Chris rushed in and pushed Tess aside as he redirected the monster¡¯s attack. The flames got on his sleeves, but he endured it with a grit of his teeth.

    As a previous Exquisitor, he commanded Cadets back in Knight¡¯s school. So if someone had to step up and be the leader, it had to be him.

    Chris shrieked a battle cry and smashed the monster¡¯s head with his staff. That gave Tess the opportunity to recover, and as soon as she did, slashed the staggering monster in twain.

    One down¡ª

    The taste of iron suddenly invaded his mouth. What happened? He couldn¡¯t tell. Everything seemed to stop as the world constricted to that tiny focal point on his chest, which was covered in blood.

    A blade was sticking out. His first instinct was to heal his wound, but blood spurted out of his mouth as he tried to invoke [Regeneration]. Then the blade was pulled, and the pain intensified. Chris dropped on one knee. He heard a voice, like the cry of desperation heretics often wailed before he passed his so called judgement.

    By Marrieta¡¯s will.

    ¡°Chris!¡± A girl called him by his nickname, pulling his consciousness back to reality. Followed by an angry scream, the gentle hand that was placed on his shoulder disappeared.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Chris invoked [Regeneration] right away. The only monster carrying a blade was that mysterious Ent. Then what happened to Arthur?

    ¡°Arthur¡­ What happened to Arthur?¡± No one answered his question.

    Someone let out a gasp of shock. Chris traced the source. It came from Lucretia, her eyes dilating to something. Chris then turned his head and looked. He found Arthur motionless on the ground, bathing in a pool of blood. No way!

    Lucretia abandoned her post and headed straight to Arthur, leaving Luana with another monster. Fear and confusion was no doubt beginning to take root in his classmates¡¯ hearts.

    To suffer a major injury in this crucial time, what kind of weakling had he become?

    If he only had his Holy sword¡­

    No. There was no use thinking about something he no longer have. He couldn¡¯t rely in Marrieta¡¯s blessings forever. He had to make changes with his own strength, or they would all die ¡ª such is the curse of the labyrinth.

    ¡°Someone! Help!¡± cried Luana. Although she did a wonderful job by herself, it was only a matter of time before she succumbed to the monsters¡¯ barrage.

    Chris wiped the blood of his lips as he pushed himself up. He wasn¡¯t thinking of conserving mana now, as they needed a breathing room.

    ¡°Raven! Gather them all here!¡±

    Before the black-haired Lynx could even respond, Chris had already chanted his skill: [Invoke Flame]. He started sweating as flames accumulated at the end of his staff. What he was conjuring then was without a doubt the biggest flame spell he had ever imagined.

    Raven sprinted to Luana, just enough for the monsters to catch up. Reaching her from the side he grabbed her hand as he rolled and avoided the monsters at the same time. His speed was indeed one of a kind.

    Chris released his spell, spraying hell onto that group of laughing trunks. He had to fully burn them down. He couldn¡¯t afford to make that mistake again.

    He supported himself with his staff as his knees trembled. His wound hurt more than ever, but it wasn¡¯t over yet. A little bit more. Now was the perfect chance to finish that mysterious Ent.

    Scanning the room, he saw Tess locking blades with it. The floating monster pushed Tess and attacked her with a rapid series of slashes. But as it was using a knife, its reach was short. Tess¡¯ claymore glowed as she repelled each and every single attack.

    ¡°Do it now, Raven!¡± ordered Chris with all of his remaining strength.

    ¡°On it!¡± Raven separated himself from Luana and quickly got up.

    But the mysterious Ent retreated before the two could perform a pincer attack. Something was off. It didn¡¯t back away. With a visage twisted by madness it flew straight to Chris, raising the knife in its hand. This monster intended to take him to the afterlife!

    However he tried he couldn¡¯t move. There was no strength left in his legs.

    He couldn¡¯t die. He didn¡¯t want to die. Not there. Not yet.

    A swift sound, like an aria answering his prayer, and an arrow successfully lodged itself on the monster¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take me out of the board yet, monster-freak,¡± said a voice so weak it was almost a whisper.

    The mysterious Ent dissipated into nothingness, leaving nothing but its knife: a sign of their first victory.

 Chapter 4: Christopher Noire

    Chapter 4: Christopher Noire

    Once the situation sucked in, Chris allowed himself to fall. His wound had almost healed but that didn¡¯t mean he regained the blood he had lost. Not to mention he exhausted his mana with that last flame spell. He was ready to call it quits. He¡¯d closed his eyes and sleep then and there if they would allow him to.

    Though they won, numerous miscalculations on his part almost cost this group their life. Not once had he expected that the first floor of this man-made labyrinth be that difficult. Even if that was his first time encountering that monster, Chris couldn¡¯t make any excuses. He underestimated it big time.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Raven offered him his hand, but Chris slightly shoved it aside.

    ¡°Water¡­ Hand me a water flask, will you?¡±

    ¡°Here, have mine,¡± said Tess as she brought a flask out of her inventory.

    ¡°You sure? Wouldn¡¯t that be like an indirect kiss?¡± Chris hesitated.

    Tess smiled, her eyes lit with amusement. ¡°You¡¯d rather kiss this guy then? I didn¡¯t know you swing that way.¡±

    ¡°Of course I don¡¯t. Whatever. Just hand it to me.¡± After drinking, his eyes darted around the area.

    Luana had leaned her back against the wall, as if to rest in a silent prayer. On the other side he saw Lucretia giving Arthur a lap pillow.

    Chris rose unsteadily, then limped to check on the young elf. ¡°Art, you¡¯re not dead yet, are you?¡±

    The joke was in poor taste, but he couldn¡¯t help it.

    Arthur was sweating profusely, his face pallid more than it was healthy. It seemed like the poor elf was almost decapitated. The hard, straight line around his neck even after recovering was the proof of that.

    ¡°My apologies for putting everyone¡¯s life in jeopardy,¡± answered Arthur as he covered his eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. We all make mistakes.¡± said Chris with a hoarse voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Brother. Don¡¯t blame yourself.¡± Lucretia¡¯s words were soft and soothing, but her presence promised pain to anyone who would dare condemn him.

    After staying in that horrid place for a few more minutes did the group advanced to the next one. Wide stone steps that lead to the lower levels immediately greeted them outside and on one corner of the room was a stone monument with descriptive writing.

    Tess examined the monument. ¡°Hmm¡­ Place your left palm in the middle if you¡¯d like to create a savepoint and your right if you wish to return to Rosetta.¡±

    ¡°Seems convenient enough. Let¡¯s all create a save point and go back,¡± said Chris.

    His chilled skin began to warm against the stone when he traced his left palm towards the middle. The moment he did so with his right, Chris was overwhelmed with a near churning sensation. His vision distorted and as if flushed down the sink. Then, as if someone hurled it back out in disgust, the pieces returned and everything felt normal once more.

    Chris found himself standing in the middle of an empty classroom.

    * * *

    Including the girls¡¯ loots to their own, their group made a total of one hundred sixty-five rigals each. Chris sighed like an injured puppy. That wasn¡¯t even enough to buy him a new set of uniform.

    Even the precious Burst stone he was holding onto didn¡¯t fetch for that much money. He wanted to have it appraise instead, but the seniors wouldn¡¯t let him keep it. What a waste.

    And much to Arthur¡¯s dismay, Lucretia sent him to the clinic. He suffered the gravest injury in their group after all.

    ¡°Damn. I thought Arthur¡¯s a lucky man, but perhaps I¡¯m wrong,¡± said Raven as he took a seat beside Chris.

    ¡°Really? It was quite evident from the start who wore pants in their relationship.¡± In one swift motion, Chris stole a fried potato out of Raven¡¯s tray and dunked it in his mouth.

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t steal my potatoes! I like those!¡± growled Raven, taking his tray away out of his Chris¡¯ reach.

    Luana laughed ¡ª girlish, robust, and genuine. ¡°You two are really close. Have you known each other before you enrolled?¡±

    Chris took a sip of his juice before saying, ¡°No. We only met today. What about you and Tess?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re childhood friends.¡±

    ¡°My father is an arms merchant, you see. That¡¯s why he¡¯s always out doing business.¡± Tess explained with a bright smile. ¡°Him and Uncle Malkom are good friends, so he often left me under their care whenever he goes overseas.¡±

    ¡°You two live close to the sea then?¡±

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    ¡°Yep~¡±

    ¡°Must be tough. Sea serpents usually come out of hiding and frequent the waters at this time of the year.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a weakling, Christopher. Even I can handle a sea serpent or two.¡±

    Chris lifted his shoulders in a shrug. ¡°That¡¯s not the point though.¡±

    ¡°Just you wait, our perfect tag team will earn us lots of money!¡± Raven raised his spoon to the ceiling as he said so.

    The girls in front of Chris laughed in unison.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to take us out shopping when that time comes,¡± Luana said, raising herself from her chair. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, so we¡¯ll be heading back to our dorm now. See you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°See you.¡± Chris waved his hand and sent them off with a smile.

    ¡°Thanks again, Chris. You were really cool back there.¡± Tess winked at him before she left the cafeteria.

    His smile widened. Because of that, Chris was unable to deny Raven¡¯s teasing.

    ¡°Lucky you. She seems like a nice girl.¡±

    ¡°She is.¡±

    ¡°That aside, how¡¯s your mana regenerating?¡±

    ¡°About a quarter or so. Even better if you¡¯d hand me half of those potatoes. Why? Do you want to jump back into the labyrinth?¡±

    ¡°As expected of my partner; I was just about to ask you that.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t have charisma, nor was he a fool. Raven was the type guy who chose to blend in the shadows, under someone else¡¯s spotlight, himself.

    * * *

    Striding back to the faculty room, the green-haired pixie let out a long yawn. Because of a certain teacher, the first day of school had always been hectic. Mostly due to freshmen wandering into her precious library unattended. Year after year she bottled it all up. But she wouldn¡¯t take anymore! This year she would finally explode!

    ¡°Just you wait!¡± She slammed the door open and headed straight to the demon¡¯s desk.

    There he was, dressed in somber hues from head to toe, concealing any exposed skin with the help of his gloves and high collared jacket. Protruding out of his straight purple hair was a single horn. His eyes, at least the one she could see, were crimson ¡ª a demon''s trademark. He seemed cold as ice by his outward appearance alone, yet his menacing aura made it even worse!

    The demon crossed his arm. ¡°Why, pray tell, are you still here when you have a labyrinth to explore?¡±

    ¡°But sir!¡±

    ¡°If you do not like my way of teaching, then you are welcome to drop out of my class. This school is built to prep serious students into serious adventurers. You¡¯d do well to remember that.¡±

    The little pixie stood frozen in fear. She wanted to help that poor freshman, but was too terrified to speak up. Defeated, the freshman strode by her, causing the demon teacher to notice her entry.

    ¡°I apologize you have to see that, Miss Lucille.¡±

    ¡°Little Gladius, don¡¯t you think that was harsh of you? I can somewhat understand your approach, but they need your guidance too. Isn¡¯t that why we¡¯re here?¡±

    Gladius sighed. ¡°I understand. I spoke out of line.¡±

    If she knew he was this approachable, she would¡¯ve given him an earful years ago. But it was too late for that, and she had already lost the desire to do so. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just want you to keep it in mind.¡±

    The pixie had to remind herself not to fall for that sinister hotness. No way. A definite no.

    Gladius plopped back to his chair and gathered the papers on his desk into a single stack. ¡°Yet another batch of troublemakers. Miss Lucille, are you familiar with Exquisitors?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Her voice jumped out of her mouth. ¡°Exquisitors are select individuals that carry judgement under Her lordship¡¯s will. There isn¡¯t a soul in Scaldus who hasn¡¯t heard of them. D-Don¡¯t tell me our little Gladius here is under suspicion? Of being a heretic? Is that it?!¡±

    ¡°Relax, Miss Lucille. Take a deep breath.¡±

    She did as he said. ¡°A-Alright. But how come? You aren¡¯t even a Magus to begin with.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid his reasons elude at the moment. But if he came here for that purpose, then I would assume he would¡¯ve gone through the front door.¡±

    ¡°Meaning?¡±

    The demon revealed a curious smile, as if saying this matter was of great importance. ¡°In other words, I¡¯m looking forward to what he¡¯ll show ¡ª In my class.¡±

 Chapter 5: Level 2 Part 1

    Chapter 5: Level 2 Part 1

    Raven was born in Rolfgar; an oasis village located in the deserts of Kasata. He had worked as a mercenary at a young age to support his single mother, going from hunting monsters around the village¡¯s vicinity to escorting merchants who had traveled all the way from the mainland to procure goods in the labyrinth city.

    His mother was a retired adventurer. Night after night when he was still a child would she tell him of her adventures in the labyrinth. She had described it as a frightening place, yet the smile she displayed whenever she talked about his father ¡ª who met his unfortunate end in a labyrinth ¡ª was one of a kind. Eventually, that smile became his driving force.

    Raven had lived his entire nineteen years of life in simplicity, but he had always dreamed of making it big one day. He would frequent the bar where his mother worked at and listen to drunk men bragged their stories for the world to hear. Little by little he saved up enough money to travel north ¡ª to Rosetta.

    * * *

    After finishing the letter he had been writing for the past hour, Raven put his feather pen back on its ink holder. Then he folded his letter and hid it underneath his wooden desk. His mother would surely be delighted to hear about his first labyrinth adventure. Before that, however, he would need to finish the current assignment their demon teacher instructed them to do.

    Raven donned a plain shirt and pants for his morning routine, as he planned to circle the freshman¡¯s dormitory before daybreak could shine in. Silent as it appeared, the hallways were devoid of life as he got out of his room. He knew that most were probably still in bed after the aftershock of that labyrinth exploration yesterday, but not him.

    Freezing wind whipped past his face as he began to sprint on his first lap. The freshman¡¯s dormitory, along with the rest of the school, was a building that exhibited the finest agricultural designs he had ever seen in his life. He didn¡¯t know much to begin with, but he knew what to call fancy when he sees one. The layout was exquisite, the halls riddled with expensive chandeliers. Even his room was fully furnished with everything he might need. Rosetta was truly gifted to be called the most prestigious adventurer¡¯s academy in all of Scaldus.

    But even though it seemed like an establishment for rich nobles to go, Rosetta offered a variety of scholarship programs. Raven qualified due to his inborn gift as a Lynx and presumably his previous experience as a mercenary.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± As Raven proceeded to circle the freshman¡¯s dormitory, he heard a strange noise ¡ª like something sharp severing through the air itself ¡ª that sparked his curiosity. He leaned his back against the wall and peek his head out, wondering to himself what could it be this early in the day.

    Up and down. A student continuously swung his sword up and down. Sweat poured and steam exuded out of his bare skin, yet he repeated that monotonous action again and again, as if lost in his own world.

    Raven didn¡¯t know how much time had passed, but he began to respect this person¡¯s training method. He had seen his fellow mercenaries swing their swords, but not one was as refined as this student before him. It wouldn¡¯t be a mistake to describe it as a polished art.

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    ¡°It¡¯d be a little awkward if you keep spying on me, you know? So would you mind introducing yourself?¡± His polite words may have phrased a question, but his tone left no room for negotiation.

    Raven revealed himself and stepped closer, recognizing who that person was at the same time. That brown hair highlighting glints of auburn belonged to his partner ¡ª Christopher Noire.

    ¡°To think you¡¯d be up this early even after we navigated the entire first floor for the third time last night, you¡¯re quite tough.¡±

    ¡°I could say the same thing to you,¡± Chris said, slashing his wooden sword left and right.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could swing a sword like that. Why¡¯d you assumed the role of a mage?¡±

    Chris shrugged. ¡°Personal reasons.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Raven stretched his arms up high. ¡°Since I¡¯m already here, how about a quick spar between the two of us?¡±

    Raven wasn¡¯t the type of guy to pry into other people¡¯s business, but he couldn¡¯t just leave after seeing that. As someone who grew up guarding merchant goods, he was trained to be alert all the time, which made him noticed the little things other people wouldn¡¯t pay attention to.

    His gait, his poise, and now this display of skill ¡ª he knew something was up with his controlled movements. With this perfect specimen in front of him, it was tempting to try where he stood; whether he was beneath or above him.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind, but are you sure? It¡¯d be hard for me to hold back against someone of your caliber.¡± Chris replied with a snicker.

    ¡°Is that your own way of chickening out? That¡¯s fine with me. I¡¯m not forcing you after all.¡±

    The smile on his friend¡¯s face disappeared the instant he said that. For a brief second, Raven felt as though he was a different person entirely, something akin to a more sinister individual.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a chicken.¡± Then he smiled again, though with hints of bitterness, and all that dark emotions he felt emanating from him vanished.

    Was it his imagination? The morning breeze playing tricks on his mind?

    Raven couldn¡¯t tell what it was, but his instincts told him not to mess with this man.

    ¡­ ¡­ ¡­

    Rave lurched backwards before he fell on the solid dirt. ¡°Dammit!¡±

    That last exchange got him good on the gut. What the hell was that? Even though it was the streets who taught him how to fight, he was confident at his skills. Chris wasn¡¯t even half as quick as him, yet he deflected his attacks with ease.

    ¡°You have good reflexes, but you need to work on skill and precision. Your fighting style as of now could work against mindless monsters, without a doubt, but you¡¯d fail horribly against experienced practitioners.¡± Chris sighed when he kept his mouth shut. ¡°It¡¯s merely an advice, my friend. Take it with a pinch of salt.¡±

    Take it with a pinch of salt indeed. Raven couldn''t help but hide his face in shame.

 Chapter 5: Level 2 Part 2

    Chapter 5: Level 2 Part 2

    ¡°Oh Divine Empress, we thank you for your blessings on this wonderful day, and that you may, under the watchful guidance of your holy light, continue to keep us and our loved ones safe. By your will¡­¡±

    ¡°By your will¡­¡± the words echoed in the dining hall, and breakfast began.

    The dining hall in the freshman dormitory were lined with long, exquisite tables that accommodated seven students on each side. Their morning feast consisted of bread, sausages and casserole made from hash potatoes and thinly sliced pork drowned in a creamy sauce that smelled of fresh herbs.

    ¡°No need to brood,¡± Chris said as he took a sip of his coffee. ¡°We all have our own strength and weaknesses. I just happened to learn from the best, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Look at you brag.¡± Raven raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who taught you swordsmanship anyways?¡±

    ¡°¡­My father did.¡±

    Alphonse N. Scheweizer. Though retired, there was no question that he, who has attained the title of Valiant Knight, was a strong swordsman in his prime. There was a point in his childhood where Chris dreamt of surpassing his father, but all of that admiration lost into obscurity.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Raven knowingly nodded his head. ¡°Your Father, eh?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. However, I don¡¯t want you to misunderstand. You have potential ¡ª one that could take you anywhere. I suggest looking for a martial arts instructor after we finish this assignment. Who knows? Perhaps a beautiful senior wouldn¡¯t mind taking you in?¡±

    ¡°As sweet as that sounds, I highly doubt it''ll be as easy as you say.¡±

    ¡°Better to dream than to give up entirely, right?¡±

    ¡°I suppose.¡±

    Chris spent the remainder of his breakfast hours asking Raven about his mercenary days, what kind of beasts roam the deserts of his hometown, and his parents. He laughed after realizing they didn¡¯t really have much in common, except for the single fact that their mothers were admirable women.

    Born in a family where he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about anything, much less his next meal, Chris couldn¡¯t help but admire his friend¡¯s optimism in life. For a moment, he wondered how he would fare if placed under the same circumstances.

    If he hadn¡¯t been born in his family, if he hadn¡¯t gone to the knight¡¯s academy, if he didn¡¯t become an Exquisitor ¡ª would ¡®she¡¯ still be alive?

    Chris mused these thoughts in his head, and by doing so, subconsciously drawn his mind to the past.

    -I AM THE DEVIL¡­

    The voice of death.

    The transformation.

    The heresy.

    In his powerlessness, he lost the an important person in his life. But he refused to believe that all of it was for naught. He met her for a purpose, and he would not stop until he had proven his cause. He would show his family what it meant to follow his own justice. For that is what it means to be a Schweitzer.

    ¡°Go on without me, I¡¯ll catch up to you later,¡± Chris said after finishing his meal.

    ¡°What about the girls? Didn¡¯t we promised to meet up?¡± asked Raven.

    ¡°Yes, but there¡¯s certain things that I want to look up first.¡± Chris stood up from his chair and picked up his silver tray.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To the library. Just let them know I said hi.¡±

    Chris left the dining hall and headed straight for the obelisk.

    * * *

    Lucille was quietly fiddling on her chair; the usual smile she displayed replaced by a face of worry.

    It all made sense now. How could a young man such as himself would have access to the royal library when only the Celestians, the direct descendants of the Goddess Marrieta herself, were allowed there?

    Panic between other students concerned her the most. But if he was here under the orders of the Church, then the academy couldn¡¯t just kick him out. After all, there is no authority higher than those in the Order themselves. If Rosetta is indeed under investigation, they have no choice but to submit.

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    The church had been meticulous in their investigations, so their academy housing heretics eluded her. Most students bearing demon blood in their veins had avoided pursuing the mastery of magic, as they knew very well what it meant to be the subject of a heresy investigation.

    It meant DEATH.

    Demons of lore, after all, were capable of voiceless incantations, and the Church feared that. They grew wary of their descendants who inherited their large surplus of mana and potential to use the most powerful spells in existence ¡ª Destruction magic.

    But again, there wasn¡¯t a demon capable of voiceless incantations for decades now, and the academy made sure to keep track of those numbers.

    ¡°How can little Gladius be so calm about this?¡± The green haired pixie dejectedly sighed.

    ¡°Excuse me, Ma¡¯am,¡± a voice called out to her. Shifting her round spectacles, she instinctively arched back. The young man who busied her thoughts the whole night was now standing before her, showing a curious smile on his face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked again.

    Surprised at the sudden intrusion, Lucille took a few moments to digest what was happening and blinked twice before murmuring a reply. ¡°Ah! Yes¡­ Sorry¡­ I had trouble sleeping the night before. What can I help you with?¡±

    ¡°Nothing of importance. Could you please direct me to the section where I might find books recounting ancient history?¡±

    ¡®Ancient history?¡¯ Lucille repeated in her head.

    ¡°Of course. But don¡¯t you have a labyrinth to explore?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I do,¡± was his straight up reply.

    Her lips thinned in a formidable line. ¡°And yet you remain here?¡±

    ¡°I simply want a glimpse of your treasury. I don¡¯t believe there¡¯s a written rule prohibiting me to visit the library on the first week of class? Or is there?¡± The student smiled.

    Lucille pressed her chest and sighed once more. ¡°I see.¡±

    That attitude was certainly not like her. It didn¡¯t seem like he came there for any particular motive. She could use this chance to observe him too.

    ¡°Please, follow me.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± The student offered her a grateful bow.

    She guided the curious student up on the third level and ushered him to a passage where bookshelves containing tomes and scriptures of old decorated the hall. The boy nodded at the sight before him, grabbed a random book from the shelf, and started skimming through the pages.

    In his time of stillness, she heard him mumble the name, Grishna ¡ª the fallen God. She didn¡¯t know why, but she felt an odd sense of foreboding from that word alone.

    ¡°Intriguing¡­¡± He shut the book in his hand and grabbed another. ¡°Would it be okay if I borrow these two books here?¡±

    ¡°As long as you return them in the allotted time, you¡¯re free to borrow up to three books at once.¡±

    ¡°Great.¡± Per her instructions, the student grabbed another book and followed her downstairs to have it registered.

    * * *

    ¡°Would you like to drink this tea? I especially blended it myself.¡± Luana opened her inventory and enticed Raven to a health flask. ¡°It alleviates fatigue, increases energy, and purifies your skin.¡±

    They were on their way to the labyrinth, but stopped when Luana noticed his building fatigue.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that last part is for me,¡± said Raven with a laugh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the smaller details! Go ahead and give it a gulp,¡± Luana merrily said.

    Raven looked at Tess for help, but she urged him to drink it too! With his escape route sealed, Raven had no choice but to comply.

    However the stench of dried squid violated his nose the instant he opened it. ¡°A-Are you sure this is safe for consumption?¡±

    ¡°How rude! Good medicine taste bitter to the tongue!¡± Luana pouted.

    ¡°If you say so.¡±

    With reluctance, Raven pinched his nose and choked down a mouthful of the foul liquid.

    The results?

    ¡°CHRISTOPHER!¡±

 Chapter 6: A Prayer; An Awakening Part 1

    Chapter 6: A Prayer; An Awakening Part 1

    His viewpoint in life began to change when he met her.

    Rumors of a warlock hiding in Reinbark, a small town directly under the Church¡¯s governance east of the holy capital, reached the pope¡¯s ears. The pope regarded the matter with great importance, leaving the Order of the Divine no choice but to send Chris to investigate.

    Though nothing compared to his elder brothers¡¯ achievements, the people of Reinbark showered him with praise and respect as he arrived at the cathedral. His plate mail bore the azure crest of an Exquisitor, the fourth highest rank in the Celestian army, and his dark cloak and horned helmet screamed of authority.

    Chris, however, didn¡¯t partake in the pleasantries. He wanted to finish his mission and get the hell out. He knew from his last assignment not to trust the pope, as he was sent to liquidate a group of heretics under the guise of a simple ¡®peace-talk¡¯.

    The next day Chris found himself strolling the cathedral¡¯s backyard. The crisp air, the peaceful ambiance, the trimmed bushes lined along the canal ¡ª there was no better place to relax.

    Chris sat on one of the wooden benches, as he needed a breather from all of the extra responsibilities he just assumed after climbing up a rank.

    Seconds after, a disturbance came. A person fell from the grownup Piko tree beside him and wrecked a light post as she rolled on the dirt. The sight of her exposed panties threw Chris into a fit of laughter.

    The girl got up. With reddened cheeks and teary eyes, she pointed her index finger at Chris and blamed him for the fall. If he hadn¡¯t come so suddenly, it wouldn¡¯t have scared the bird and she wouldn¡¯t have lost her balance at the same time. In her eyes, it was all Chris¡¯ fault.

    But his brows knitted underneath his horned helmet when he saw what he saw. He couldn''t believe it. The wounds and scratches she sustained from that fall healed in an instant; not even a single mark left on her fair skin. It was vague, but he felt like he got a glimpse of her pupils glowing the color of a red wine too.

    The girl left Chris like a whirlwind after complaining for a full minute. His thoughts then swirled into that dangerous area. Could it be that he found his warlock? And so soon? But that human girl, who seemed like she was no older than seventeen, was dressed in a priestess robe and she wore a small carving of Marrieta around her neck.

    He didn¡¯t want to jump into conclusions, without as much as a single proof, so Chris decided to investigate. He visited the library underneath the cathedral where he did his research.

    But two days around books and Chris found nothing in regards to that instantaneous healing magic. So, in his pursuit of knowledge, he asked the head priest, describing what he saw in detail while leaving out bits and pieces of information about his mysterious girl.

    The head priest answered with a shook of his head, but redirected his search into forbidden tomes. Chris, without as much as removing his armor, delved into his research that instant. As if possessed, he was so absorbed that he forgot his duties. But he didn¡¯t care. If word gets out, that particular place would be the target of a large scale liquidation. There would be no survivors. He knew the system long enough that he grew sick of it.

    After about eight days in the underground library, Chris obtained results: Time magic.

    Whether she was conscious of it or not, what she did was revert her own body clock. That explained why even the blood that trickled down on her own cheek wormed its way back on her forehead.

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    But how? Chris was missing something.

    Half-breeds weren¡¯t uncommon, but there hasn¡¯t been a record of those not inheriting a demon¡¯s genes. The demon¡¯s blood is so strong that it overwhelms the other; thus most half-breeds conceived would only retain a demon¡¯s characteristics.

    Chris further pondered his head for answers. Then, as if a giant wrecking ball hit him straight in the face, Chris remembered: the sight of her pupils turning crimson was not his imagination.

    Shocked at the answers he unraveled, Chris weighed his options. Did the head priest knew? What about the other clerics?

    As Marrieta¡¯s Exquisitor and as a Celestian knight, Chris had a responsibility to uphold, and by not doing so would betray his family doctrine. Yet Chris concluded in his mind that it was still too early, so he moved on to observing the girl instead.

    Famed for being a sloth, Lilia was a simple cleric who wiped Marrieta¡¯s statue every morning. Although she would go about her days shirking her duties, she adored Marrieta like any other, for her servitude in the church gave her meaning in life. It was her way of saying thanks to the kind people who accepted her in when her parents decided to forgo their responsibilities and dump her there. Nonetheless she didn¡¯t held any grudges. She considered herself fortunate, even though the head priest would give her an earful each time she displayed her inappropriate behaviors.

    One regular afternoon, a certain occurrence further strengthened his doubts. Leaves flew in the air and flowers bloomed on top of the neatly trimmed grass while the girl was humming a song.

    That was all the proof he needed; Chris immediately questioned the head priest.

    The old priest prostrated himself, in front of Marrieta¡¯s statue, and admitted to his sin. He knew this decisive moment would come the moment an Exquisitor stepped foot in their cathedral, but they couldn¡¯t just cast the poor child away. Even some of the older clerics supported his decision. They all knelt on the smooth marble floors and begged Chris to reconsider.

    Conflicting feelings fought in his heart. Generations after generations, his family had faithfully served the Celestians and acted as their swords and shields. He was no different.

    But Chris knew that these people did nothing wrong. And to choose one over the other would devastate him. The head priest, after all, stayed true to his faith. He could¡¯ve easily hid the girl from his sight while he was there, yet he chose not to. He believed in him.

    His duty, his family pride, or his own principles? Which weighed more than the other? Chris was lost on what to do. He closed his eyes and recalled¡ª

    ¡®Follow your own justice.¡¯

    There was no need for him to doubt, no need to hesitate, for a Schweitzer would walk no other.

    He repeated the words in his head like a chant.

    After a moment in silence, Chris made his decision.

    ¡°We did not have this conversation,¡± Chris solemnly said before raising his sword up in the air. ¡°Second¡­¡± He channeled his energy into his weapon. In one swift downward slash, it released a vibration that shattered the windows and toppled the chairs, ruining the cathedral¡¯s interior.

    ¡°A heretic of an unknown origin violated this temple. I, Christopher N. Schweitzer, apprehended and killed him on the spot. Are we clear?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± was the grateful reply of the head priest.

    His actions shifted the gears, and from then on he knew, that there was no turning back.

 Chapter 6: A Prayer; An Awakening Part 2

    Chapter 6: A Prayer; An Awakening Part 2

    She was a lovely thing. Petite and fragile. Looking for solace, Chris found himself studying her almost against his will. It wasn¡¯t that she was strikingly beautiful. No. The girl was anything but that.

    ¡°Fancy meeting you here.¡± Chris walked closer and glanced heavenward; only the brightest stars shone out against the indigo sky.

    ¡°Lord Schweitzer¡­¡± Her lips trembled, showing no hints of her feistiness from before.

    ¡°Just Chris is fine.¡± Chris released a soft chuckle. ¡°You know why I¡¯m here, do you not?¡±

    His serious tone eliminated all means of indecisiveness. He was there for answers, and he made sure she knew that.

    Lilia looked at the evening sky, as if to search for something. ¡°I had often wondered¡­ Why am I so different from the rest?¡±

    ¡°In what way?¡± Chris removed his helmet and gazed at the girl who, for a second, mirrored himself.

    Like him she was alone. Uncomfortable. Eager to escape her life but nowhere to go. Ever since he was old enough to wonder, Chris questioned their way of life. His future maybe guaranteed, yet he lacked the freedom to choose. To bear the weight of responsibility hanged on his shoulders. He had no choice.

    ¡°I rarely bruise, my wounds heal instantly, and anything that forms in my mind takes shape whether I like it or not. It¡¯s terrifying.¡± Her voice faltered.

    ¡°I see. Your abilities are considered heresy. And heretics have no place in Scaldus. Even with your meager existence, you endanger others. You wear the mask of a cheerful girl because deep inside you are weak and fragile, cursing your solitary state in the dark. Am I correct in my understanding?¡±

    ¡°Do not mock me!¡± Lilia snapped, tightly clenched her fist.

    ¡°That was unnecessary. I am sorry,¡± Chris softly replied.

    ¡°Speak. What do you mean to do with me?¡±

    ¡°There is no point in keeping you alive with that mentality. I shall end your suffering right here, right now. Your death would absolve everyone here of their crimes ¡ª that I promise you.¡±

    ¡°So you plan to dispose of me, like all the others¡­¡±

    ¡°And what of it?¡±

    Lilia retained her silence.

    Chris sighed. ¡°You should know by now that there are those willing to jump into a pitfall just to pull you out, even if it means they remain behind. Yet why do you give up so easily? Is your life as insignificant as you make it out to be?¡±

    ¡°Then what I am supposed to do in a world that continues to deny my existence?!¡± Lilia fiercely glared at Chris; face to face. ¡°Tell me!¡±

    Without warning his arms stretched forward. He cradled her head above his beating heart, pressing her tear-stained cheek on the cold sensation of his chest-plate. ¡°Look around you. The head priest, the clerics¡­¡±

    ¡°But you said it yourself,¡± her voice began to break. ¡°I have no place here.¡±

    ¡°Then live and make one. Simple as that.¡± His gentle words were the spark. Lilia began to cry in earnest, agonizing sobs that pained him to hear. Minutes later, Chris finally heard a girlish giggle that put an end to her stream of tears. Pulling back, a soft glow has settled at the corner of her dark eyes.

    ¡°You are a big jerk.¡± She showed him a smile before whipping him across the face. HARD.

    Chris was stupefied. ¡°What in the¡ª¡±

    But she slapped him again. ¡°That¡¯s for destroying the cathedral.¡± And another. ¡°That¡¯s for making me cry.¡± Just when Chris braced his cheeks for another impact, her arms intertwined around his neck and she brought his mouth down to hers. For an instant their lips touch; fleetingly. ¡°And that¡¯s for making me fall for such cheesy lines. Jerk.¡±

    ¡°To think the day would come when I would hear those words from a demon. Ah, the world might be ending. But if it makes you feel better, then feel free to kiss me once more. That, I don¡¯t mind.¡± Chris displayed his toothed smile.

    The two of them connected, acquiring the mysterious and intangible bond between two people that deeply trust each other. But Chris was no fool. Deceiving the Order may be an easy thing, but not once had he considered lying to his family.

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    * * *

    After his business at the library, Chris checked on the labyrinth building. The place was even more bustling, unlike before, as all kinds of shops had opened up. He surveyed the area until he saw a sword on display to his liking.

    ¡°You know those useless loots the monsters drop?¡± The vendor asked. ¡°I buy those too, but when a freshman here brings in some striped panties, I couldn¡¯t help but question their mentality. I mean, are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Chris couldn¡¯t even imagine what type of monster would drop some panties. Whoever created this dungeon had their fun. ¡°How much would it be for this sword?¡± He pointed to a shortsword.

    ¡°Hand me three hundred rigals and consider it yours,¡± the vendor replied. ¡°It even comes with its own sheath, so not a bad deal.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Chris lifted the sword and swung it twice. ¡°Good enough. I¡¯ll take it.¡±

    He dropped three copper coins on the man¡¯s open palm. After strapping the sword diagonally on his back, Chris entered the labyrinth via the stone monument.

    Though not as strong as the first, the churning sensation was there. Chris then regained his senses in front of the stairs leading to the second floor. Looking around, he found no one. Yet voices echoed from the two gigantic doors behind him. Other students must be forging their way through. He wished them luck in his mind and hastily descended down the stairs with the wooden staff on his left hand.

    Though the corridor might seem endless, the layout was no different from the first. He stopped when he heard a noise, then dove forward when the flooring beneath him trembled.

    ¡°What the?¡± A wall had emerged, trapping him to continue north. But the next step he took, Chris felt a surge of hostility. ¡°Who goes there?!¡± he demanded.

    Scanning the area, he sensed malice originating from above. A blade descended in a straight line. Clang! The vibrating noise resounded when the blade hit nothing but the floor, as Chris jumped back. Invoking his magic, Chris retaliated with a series of flame spears. But the hooded figure daringly drove forward, sword in hand, and brushed his way past his flame spears.

    In that quick instant, a line of blood drew an arch in the air.

    * * *

    In front of Marrieta¡¯s statue, an old priest silently offerred his prayer.

    ¡°Master!¡± a frantic voice said.

    ¡°What is it?¡± The old priest glared at the younger cleric. Whatever it may that would stop him from offering his afternoon prayers to the Divine Empress has got to be good.

    ¡°The sealed room! Hurry to the sealed room!¡± The younger cleric grabbed him by the elbow and dragged him without even waiting for his response. At first he didn¡¯t understand. There were various things sealed in the underground basement of their cathedral but only one thing could arouse this much confusion from his apprentices. It was that.

    ¡°What happened here?!¡± He demanded explanation to the clerics keeping their distance on the sealed room.

    ¡°Master¡­ It spoke¡­¡± One of them said, pointing to the door encased by several sealing engravement. ¡°The monster said some weird things¡­¡±

    ¡°Weird things?¡± The old priest felt his hair stood on end, but he still shook his head in disbelief. Not possible. It hasn¡¯t made a reaction for almost two years now. Unless¡­

    ¡°You! Send word to Lord Schweitzer right away!¡± he commanded in a fierce tone.

    After his apprentice burst into a sprint to comply, he swallowed a big gulp. Slowly, he placed his ear on the door and listened.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­to¡­pher¡­Where¡­are¡­¡­¡­you? It¡¯s¡­so¡­dar¡­I¡­ can¡­. hear¡­.ces¡­¡­ Hur¡­ry¡­ I¡¯m¡­¡­lo¡­¡­¡­ me¡­ory¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­T¡­e¡­¡­de¡­i¡­¡­¡­con¡­mes¡­¡­me¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 7: Malevolent Part 1

    Chapter 7: Malevolent Part 1

    The stench of freshly drawn blood wafted in the air. Marcus had cut him cleanly, from his waist to shoulder, yet the student refused to fall.

    ¡®Is that it?¡¯ he thought with a pinch of disappointment.

    Then his fading eyes narrowed into slits. Something wasn¡¯t right about him. The mana circulating the student had vanished. His heart hammering in alarm, Marcus willed his puppet to withdraw.

    A patch of fake skin dropped on the floor, revealing the runes inscribed on the student¡¯s forehead. The runes began to glow. He put his hand straight up into the sky. Opening his palm, the student murmured some words he didn¡¯t understand. Streaks of light gathered and formed a huge sword dazzling with purity. Grasping that sword of light, the student leaped into action.

    ¡°Marvelous!¡± At the sight of his silver puppet sliced in two, Marcus nearly fell on his chair; his old veins throbbing with youthful excitement. That speed, that strength, that recuperative ability ¡ª the student greatly exceeded his expectations.

    But that wasn¡¯t enough in itself. He needed more data. Marcus summoned his whole arsenal of armored puppets. But the student, who moved like a whirlwind, eliminated them all as quick as they appeared. One by one toppled on the ground in an unforeseen sword strokes until he had fully run out of pawns.

    ¡°You!¡± The student gritted his teeth in frustration and glared at the ceiling, straight to his crystal orb ¡ª to him. ¡°This will NOT happen again!¡± He roared at the top of his lungs. ¡°Know that your next attempt will be your last, for I will HUNT you down like the animal that you are ¡ª even if it means toppling this whole academy upside down! You have been warned. Ignore it, and consider your life forfeit.¡±

    Malevolence flashed in the student¡¯s eyes, and the utter conviction of it struck his heart with fear. Though it wouldn¡¯t matter, Marcus released his spell and unbarred his path.

    ¡°A real monster,¡± said the old mage as he calmed his breathing.

    The council had warned him not to stimulate any unwanted hostility from the student in his current state, not until they had unmasked his real intentions. But for an aged magician like himself, sating his thirst for knowledge meant everything.

    The student accompanying a group of freshmen yesterday limited his adjustments. Though strengthened to a higher degree, he knew those monsters weren¡¯t enough to bring out an Exquisitor¡¯s real skill. He pondered on how he could separate the student from his group of friends.

    Imagine his surprise after finding out that the chance presented itself. Summoning his prized puppets in his dungeon, Marcus waited in ambush. And now that he had seen the real deal, his curiosity about Exquisitors and their Holy swords ever grew stronger.

    * * *

    The sword in his hand dissipated as he placed a palm on his forehead.

    ¡°Please¡­ Please remain sealed¡­¡± he prayed in the faintest of whisper. He spent so much time strengthening the seal, gave up everything; he wouldn¡¯t let a single outburst destroy it.

    As soon as the familiar sensation left his body, Chris sighed in relief. He then switched his gaze to his assassins. No blood, no reaction, he wondered what they are.

    ¡°Armor?¡± What he found was a lifeless suit of armor. Though the others were clothed differently, they all carried the same concept; a purple gem was embedded on their chest sockets.

    He knew the purpose of those gems. It served to provide link to an inanimate object through a person¡¯s mana, giving the puppeteer free will as if they were their own limbs. And for someone to control this many at the same time could only mean a capable mage confronted him.

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    Chris reminded himself to be wary. He had made countless enemies in his time as an Exquisitor, and it wouldn¡¯t surprise him if one of those was this foolish magus.

    Suppressing his anger, he took the gems and weapons before gathering the puppets in one pile and incinerating them whole. That ought to teach that mage a lesson.

    Continuing on, a dark, flabby creature carrying a trident spotted Chris and let out a shriek. It scurried to his direction while raising its short limbs. A step away, Chris spun his staff and hit the monster straight on its face. The force of the blow smashed the monster¡¯s head in and sent it sliding back. Chris delivered a small fireball on its trail, and with it ignited the monster in flames. Disappearing with a poof, the monster left a piece of its dark wing in place.

    * * *

    ¡°Hey, took you long enough.¡± Raven waved at him by the safe zone. Then his feline ears twitched as his eyes narrowed at the state of his clothes. ¡°You okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, just a flesh wound.¡± Chris shrugged it off. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He questioned Tess who was intently gazing at him.

    Tess nodded her head. ¡°On your forehead. What is that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Chris smiled. ¡°Just a small burn.¡±

    ¡°Ehh¡­ It doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡± Tess wore a look that told him she didn¡¯t believe a word he said.

    But the last damn thing he wanted was to allow more people into the fog of his pain. Reaching for the fake skin in his pocket, Chris hid the markings with his right hand as he cast [Regeneration]. ¡°See? It¡¯s gone now.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Luana interrupted. ¡°By the way, Christopher, you look exhausted.¡± She opened her inventory and offered him a health flask. ¡°I just happen to have the perfect potion to alleviate stress! Go ahead and give it a try~¡±

    Chris knew better when to argue, especially when a girl flashed him such an innocent smile. Stress relieving medicines were much needed too. Raven¡¯s visible smirk, however, gave him an eerie suspicion. Chris frowned after opening the bottle. ¡°Luana, what kind of mixture did you put in here?¡±

    ¡°How rude! That¡¯s like asking a girl for her weight! Stop being a wimp and become the perfect specimen!¡± Luana snatched the bottle from his hand and stuffed it into his mouth. ¡°How is it? Pretty good, eh?¡±

    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re right.¡± Chris nodded in agreement after chugging it down.

    ¡°No way.¡± Raven stared at him, his mouth agape.

    ¡°Oh yes way~¡± Luana elbowed Raven on the ribs.

    ¡°So a mixture of¡­¡± Tess made a note while mumbling some words on the side.

    The useless banter went on and on.

    After thanking Luana for her medicine, Chris inquired about the girls¡¯ abilities. Focusing on offense, Tess carried the burst stone for [Dancing Sword] and the spirit stones for [Freeze Link] and [Blaze Link]. Luana, on the other hand, equipped the burst stone for [Triple Stab], while having [Water Jet] and [Regeneration] for backup magic.

    When he asked Luana to demonstrate her magic, he realized the difference with his own. Skill bracelets assists the user into performing feats outside of their limitations. Even a user who hasn¡¯t used magic in their lifetime could perform magic as easy as reciting the skill¡¯s name. [Water Jet] is one of those cases. His [Invoke Flame], on the contrary, required an image in his head for the magic to conjure.

    ¡®Speed magic and their advantages.¡¯ Chris made a mental note.

 Chapter 7: Malevolent Part 2

    Chapter 7: Malevolent Part 2

    -  Rosenbaum Castle Solar  -

    Exquisitors: The guardians of the law and order in all of Scaldus. The proud commanders of the Celestian army. Under direct supervision of the Empress herself, each wields legal power over a land of their choosing.

    Katalina V. Seraphine is one such knight. Hailed as a prodigy before even graduating in the knight¡¯s academy, she succeeded her mother¡¯s territory, Rosenbaum, and attained the sixth Exquisitor seat at the young age of twenty-three.

    Donned in a dark full plate armor adorned by protective runes and crimson linings, her appearance struck fear in foes and allies alike. But through her ominous helmet that boasted two long horns was a tender smile. A smile reserved for another.

    Katalina gazed at the land beyond her walls. It was her duty to protect their people now, yet deep inside she knew that what she had concealed inside their walls could very meant be the spark of their own destruction. Christopher¡¯s parting words had been a curse. She began to feel the coldness of fear stabbing her on the back.

    ¡°Katalina.¡± A distant voice yet so familiar. How she wished it was the latter, yet she knew that was naught but superficial thinking.

    Katalina turned and faced the overwhelming presence that emerged; the shadow bore the silhouette of a man. She stepped forward, bowing with accomplished grace. ¡°My, Lord Philippe N. Schweitzer. To whom do I owe this sudden visit?¡±

    ¡°Spare me the sarcasm.¡± The dark figure quipped. ¡°Tales have reached my ears, and I do not like the sound of it.¡±

    She met the shadow¡¯s gaze with steady eyes. ¡°Please, pray tell, what are these tales you speak of?¡±

    ¡°Do not play your games with me woman.¡± The shadow phrased his authority. ¡°You do not want Rosenbaum to be another Reinbark. What are you two hiding?¡±

    Katalina¡¯s face lost its smile. ¡°Nothing. I have not heard from him after he left his seat open.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The shadow strode past her, stopping in front of the glass windows. ¡°From your reaction when he received his sentence, I suspect your bond is close. Too close,¡± he emphasized. ¡°Love, after all, can drive us to the extreme.¡±

    The shadow¡¯s words provoked a girlish giggle, but suppressed before it could reach her lips. ¡°Forgive me, but for Lord Philippe to believe in nonsensical words such as love, it was the most amusing thing to hear.¡±

    ¡°Surely then it would be wise, to better guard your tongue?¡± The shadow warned, his anger spilling over like a bubbling cauldron.

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    Katalina bowed her head once more. ¡°I hear and obey.¡±

    The shadow continued, ¡°I have seen many, too much in fact, abandon their oath for the very same reason. My brother is one of them. And I suspect you too is under its influence.¡± Though tension thrummed off him, his voice was monotone.

    Katalina faltered over a catch in her throat, recalling the fire that raged when Christopher betrayed his oath; not to the Divine Empress, but to her. ¡°I severed our bond the moment he took ¡®that¡¯ wench under his wing. I am no traitor.¡±

    ¡°Then swear upon your oath to the Empress.¡±

    ¡°By Her will, I will not lie to you.¡± Her voice strong and carrying resolve in the cold air.

    Silence descended on the hall. She didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Very well.¡± The shadow broke the silence. ¡°I will question you no longer.¡±

    ¡°If I may be so bold to ask, what has Lord Christopher done this time?¡±

    The shadow sighed. ¡°I thought this a chance to let him learn the harsh truths of the world, but the fool continues to bring shame on our name. Now he has gone to Rosetta to pursue the arcane, as a student.¡±

    ¡°Rosetta?¡± She repeated. ¡°The adventurer¡¯s academy?¡±

    ¡°The very same. I do not know what that little wench of his drilled in his mind, but he believes her salvation hidden beneath a labyrinth.¡±

    Katalina stiffened. ¡°He seeks the forbidden then?¡±

    The shadow shook his head. ¡°I do not know. His actions elude me. It had always been.¡±

    True. Christopher wasn¡¯t one to explain, not even to her.

    The shadow gestured a curt bow before opening a portal of unknown location. ¡°My apologies for doubting you, Katalina,¡± he said. ¡°You have become a fine lady; Madam Seraphine would be proud.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± was all she said before the shadow stepped into the portal he created.

    A terrible sense of weakness assailed her. She sat on a chair and drank a glass of water. She cursed herself for being an idiot, for believing that man who she once cherished the most was sincere. That artifact he left her wasn¡¯t for the good of the world. It was for that damn woman. Everything he did had been for her, constantly chasing the shadow of one who had already past.

    In the end, Katalina was left wondering in between the riddles of his true motives.

    ¡°What is it that he truly seeks?¡±

 Chapter 8: Pretty Boyâ€™s Dilemma

    Chapter 8: Pretty Boy¡¯s Dilemma

    Monster and the stone hallways; those were the two things that occupied Chris and his group for the last four days. In the second floor they encountered an Ent of a higher variation: One that carried a trident that matched the height of a grownup male, spitting fireballs while letting out some cute little noises. After its defeat, the cretin dropped its trident for Luana to use.

    After that, mapping the third floor was no easy task. The stone walls were charged with electric magic and a single mishap would send them charred to the clinic. But the group persevered, mowing their way through a large meatloaf who acted like a centipede.

    It was then that Chris questioned the labyrinth¡¯s difficulty in his head. He found the first floor leagues harder than the other two, added to the fact that he had Arthur and Lucretia then. He knew something was amiss, as a mere few days wasn¡¯t enough to provide them improvement. Sure they have better teamwork and understanding, but not so much that they could communicate with their eyes.

    The fourth floor proved its worth as a joke. A man-sized eraser wearing a freshmen blazer cluttered the hallways, brandishing a sharpened pencil as if it were a spear. Perhaps there was a meaning behind the designs, but he couldn¡¯t get around it no matter how much he pondered. Thus Chris concentrated on one thing: burning them down.

    * * *

    -  School Clinic  -

    Arthur woke to find himself lying on the clinic¡¯s bed. His head in a daze he tried to recall what happened. It seemed like whatever sedative the doctor gave him worked wonders. Feeling lightheaded with a mixture of relief, he tried to move his arm, starting from his fingers to hand. When the sensations returned he clutched onto the sheeting to pull himself up but stopped when he heard an audible moaning on his right. Angling his head, he saw Lucretia fast asleep while hugging a pillow.

    Arthur eased back and listened to her breathing for a few minutes before it all came running back in his mind: His first day in a labyrinth had been a disaster. On top of endangering her life, it was her who saved him. Again. It had always been like that. Even back when they were still in Shanoa, Lucretia had always put up for him. He thought to escape her grasp and come back as a better man, thus he enrolled at Rosetta, but she followed him even here. And the same thing occurred, as if he was trapped in an endless cycle.

    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re awake.¡± Lucretia¡¯s voice resounded as he lost himself gazing at the ceiling.

    ¡°I am,¡± he answered back without looking. As he took a deep breath, he felt the bed shifting to accommodate a person¡¯s weight. Lucretia straddled on top of him, dove forward as if to tease.

    A seductive smile widened her pinkish lips. ¡°What are you thinking?¡±

    Arthur brushed the golden hair that fell on his cheeks. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Reaching up he slid his thumb across her slim nasal bridge, pressed one corner of her lips.

    Lucretia reacted in a feminine giggle. ¡°You lie. Brother has been awake for a while now yet you say nothing. Why is that?¡±

    ¡°I do not want to wake you up.¡±

    ¡°Brother could wake me up anytime.¡± She leaned down on his chest while supporting her head with one hand. Trailing down while drawing random circles, her index finger stopped beneath his groin.

    ¡°Lucretia! This is a clinic! A-A place for the sick to rest!¡± he complained, but made no attempt to stop her advance.

    ¡°Tis fine.¡± She pointed to the privacy panel. ¡°Ms. Sage has left a while ago. It¡¯s just us here.¡±

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    Gazing into her crystal clear green eyes, he was at the edge of losing his rationality.

    ¡°But¡­¡± Before he could finish, Lucretia dove in and snatched his lips with her own. He felt a stirring below the belt, and it seemed as though the temperature around the room had shot up.

    Arthur dropped into the pit of his desires.

    * * *

    It was mid-afternoon; the sun was flaring on the sky. After selling their loots from the fourth floor, they all decided to visit Arthur. Him and Lucretia not showing up in schedule meant that he was still lying in bed. Suffering injuries was one thing, but it might be due to his mana lines disrupted that lengthened the course of his stay, Chris thought.

    On the way to the door of the clinic, Raven stopped. His ears twitching in his silence.

    ¡°You guys. How old are you?¡± he asked in a serious tone.

    ¡°Huh? Are you stupid? Why would we tell you our age?¡± Luana barked at him, arms crossed.

    ¡°I stand with Luana. That is confidential information, and not for the boys to know,¡± Chris interjected with a smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll lose anything,¡± said Tess.

    ¡°Just answer me dammit!¡± The lynx growled, blushing red hot.

    ¡°I¡¯m eighteen. And Lulu¡¯s two months older. In fact her birthday is on¡ª¡± Luana stuffed a sticky substance in Tess¡¯ mouth.

    ¡°Noisy Tess!¡± grumbled Luana, dragging Tess with her to the other side of the building.

    Chris stood quietly and watched the scene unfold, as he knew what got the Nymph agitated. Starting at the age of eighteen, every time their month of birth approaches, Nymphs undergo a change in behavior. The books he read about it didn¡¯t explain the cause, but Nymphs usually hunger for Essence whether it be from the same gender or not. It was one of the reasons why Nymphs were fabled as seductresses ¡ª described as an alluring race from myths and legends. And looking at Luana, Chris saw the potential. A very dangerous potential.

    In the end, the two never returned. Whatever happened behind the scenes, Chris could only imagine ¡ª the horror!

    Raven said, ¡°Good. This is an event for the guys anyways.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s got you so interested?¡± Chris scanned the vicinity and found no one but them. The clinic was isolated from the rest of the buildings and a sound barrier was placed on the rooms to lessen the noise coming from the injured patients. It was understandable, yet he still thought of it as weird.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± Raven turned and placed his ears on the door. Then he gestured for Chris to come along.

    Chris allowed the boy inside him to take over. He placed his ear beside his partner in crime and listened. Grunting, panting, begging, moaning ¡ª it was a mixture of everything.

    Chris gasped at what he heard. It was ¡®that¡¯.

    ¡°Should we take a peek?¡± asked Raven with bated breath, his feline ears dancing left and right.

    ¡°Nah, we shouldn¡¯t intrude.¡± Chris shifted a turn and pressed his back against the door, as treasured memories from knight school prevailed in his mind.

    She was a stuck-up girl. The perfect student. A chance of fate allowed him to know her, and they taught each other many things. Those secret meeting of theirs eventually turned into something. Like a secret only the two of them could understand. She graduated two years ahead of him, and since then had gone a different way. Their paths had crossed slightly, in professional terms, but that was all. And it would only remain that way.

 Chapter 8: Pretty Boyâ€™s Dilemma Part 2

    Disclaimer: Whatever I have written here is purely my imagination. Any semblance to any religious beliefs is pure coincidence. Thank you for reading. This chapter was a joy to write.

    * * *

    Chapter 8: Pretty Boy¡¯s Dilemma Part 2

    Returning to his room with a cup of coffee in hand, Chris sat on his chair and continued reading from where he left before dinner.

    ¡°¡­¡­the people tired of oppression they sought a hero; one that would liberate them from the tyrannical dominance of the Brandyms ¡ª the demons of lore who preached about their one true God of Creation, Grishna¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­seven decades before the establishment of the Divine Calendar, the prophet Scaldus was born in the farming village of Ruso. It was recorded in history that Scaldus, on that very same day, walked up on his own feet and pointed to the sky. The heavens cried thunderbolts in response, like a premonition of something unprecedented yet to come. The housewife, Lady Josephine, who witnessed this feat spread the tale all across their village and called the baby a Saint. A child of God¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­at the age of sixteen, Scaldus prophesied the coming of the Divine; the Empress that will liberate the people from the Brandyms once and for all¡­¡­

    ¡­¡­the demonic followers of Grishna saw Scaldus a potential threat and labeled him a heretic. Seeking to make an example, the Empire targeted Ruso and set the village ablaze¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­in a desperate battle that appeared as though it would take his life, a sword of unknown origin came before him. He decided to pick it up and used it against the Dark Knight Tristan, seizing victory from the jaws of defeat¡­¡­¡­

    ¡­after surviving the massacre in Ruso, Scaldus was hailed as ¡®The Sword Of The Oppressed¡¯ and his mysterious sword as ¡®The Diviner¡¯. The stage for¡ª¡±

    A polite rapping on his door caused Chris to stop reading.

    ¡°Christopher, it¡¯s me, Art. May I have a word with you?¡± a soft voice spoke behind the mahogany.

    Shaking his frown off, Chris relinquished a defeated sigh and forced himself to get up. He opened the door slightly. ¡°What brings you here?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to ask you something.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Arthur glanced left and right before saying, ¡°I wish to seek your counsel. May I come in?¡±

    This elf visiting him was one of his least expectations. If ever, he expected Raven to come barging in once more like he did last night, asking his company inside the sacred walls of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    Intrigued, ¡°Yes, of course. Have a seat.¡± Chris ushered him to a chair inside. Taking his cup on the table he began, ¡°What is it that you need my advice on?¡±

    ¡°You see¡­ I have some problems¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about Lucretia, isn¡¯t it?¡± Chris sliced straight to the point.

    Arthur flushed. ¡°Y-yes¡­ We are relatives, you see, and yet¡­¡± he stammered, avoiding eye contact.

    Chris enjoyed a long sip of his coffee, leaning on his window stool. ¡°It¡¯s a beast called love. There is no way for us to leash it.¡±

    ¡°But as a devout follower of Her Lordship, it feels wrong to have these feelings for her.¡± Arthur clenched his heart, expressing his plea with aggravation.

    ¡°Such musings are pointless,¡± Chris said, understanding what the elf meant. ¡°Marriage with close relatives have always been frowned upon. It¡¯s the same wherever you go. However, what other people might and would say should NOT concern you. They have their own life to live and you have yours. The only important question is who we choose to become. Simple as that.¡±

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    ¡°What about you? Would you sacrifice everything for the ones you love?¡±

    His eyebrows raised in response. ¡°How did this conversation derailed to me?¡±

    ¡°I am curious. Your words just now display wisdom beyond your years.¡± Arthur¡¯s gaze reminded him of a child eagerly waiting for an answer.

    To talk or not to talk. Chris laughed a little inside.

    ¡°Consider yourself lucky. The evening chill has loosened the knot on my tongue.¡± Chris set his cup of coffee down and took out a valuable from his left pocket.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Arthur frowned, leaning forward.

    ¡°A pendant,¡± Chris answered. ¡°It belonged to Lilia.¡±

    ¡°¡­Lilia?¡± Arthur raised his gaze from the palm-sized carving of Marrieta to him.

    Chris inhaled deeply. ¡°You know why those of the Demon race were persecuted by the order of the Divine?¡±

    ¡°Their heritage?¡± he said with uncertainty.

    ¡°Yes, their heritage. But in truth, Demons are those which connects our world to the Rift ¡ª their hearts to be exact.¡±

    ¡°The rift?¡± Arthur blinked in his confusion. ¡°Where Her Lordship had sealed the fallen God?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Chris conjured a small fireball that lighted his dark room. ¡°Like you and me both, our mana lines serve to convert our inner life force into mana, allowing us to perform magic.¡± He extinguished the small flame as he clenched his fist. ¡°However, unlike us who¡¯s mana lines were predetermined at birth, a Demon¡¯s mana lines expand the more they exhaust it. And once they have reached the point of awakening, their body would be nothing but a host to a foul beast, seeking only death and destruction.¡±

    Arthur swallowed a huge gulp. ¡°¡­And Lilia?¡±

    Chris shook his head. ¡°Consumed by the devil; her spirit is no more.¡±

    ¡°So the Divine Empress has called her to Her side.¡±

    Chris pressed his eyelids close for a moment. ¡°Indeed,¡± he said. ¡°It has been two years since then. I considered following her into death. My thoughts often strayed down that path. But her body, though disfigured and transformed, still howls with life, and I knew then it was not my time. My burden had not yet reached its end. Not until I had sealed her fate. Fully. That is the least that I could do.¡±

    Chris stared at the ceiling, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Legends, rumors, children¡¯s bedtime stories ¡ª Chris would search for answers or Lilia, no, everyone in Reinbark would¡¯ve died for naught.

    ¡°How do you plan to achieve your goal?¡±

    ¡°For now, the answers are beyond me. It¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Arthur rose up from his chair. ¡°A mysterious man you are, Christopher. I have always thought that I am unworthy in the many blessings that I have received, but this meeting with you have given me confidence. Thank you.¡± Arthur flashed him a bright smile.

    Chris returned the smile. ¡°Glad to be of service.¡±

    Arthur gave him his farewell and strode out of his room in a heartbeat. Finally regaining his solitary space, Chris stared into the night¡¯s sky beyond his window.

    ¡®There is blood on my hands. How long will it stay in my heart?¡¯

 Chapter 9: Valstrath

    Chapter 9: Valstrath

    One more day till they reach the allotted deadline. Chris and Raven woke early to get a head start, but found themselves standing in line behind a large group of freshmen. The students murmured among themselves, discussing the new restrictions brought upon their instructors.

    When their turns arrived, Chris saw a familiar figure dressed in white buttoned sleeve and a frilled skirt. Meeting her gaze, he sent the demon girl a wave and a hint of smile. The girl narrowed her brows, returning an annoyed glare. But that was all. No words of disdain were thrown at his face. As Chris approached, however, the girl reached for the sword on her waist, then loosened her grip when a shadow towered over Chris. He turned, and saw a pair of crimson eyes peering through purple bangs, looking down at him.

    ¡°Good to see that you are both here,¡± his demon teacher, Leon Gladius, said as he crossed his arms. ¡°Christopher and Cecilia. Follow me.¡±

    ¡°Eh? What about me?¡± Raven complained.

    ¡°Stay there and wait for your turn.¡± Gladius shot Raven a glare before he turned and walked towards a door on the far left where no crowd has settled. Wordlessly, the demon girl trailed after him.

    ¡°Seems like there¡¯s no choice but to comply,¡± said Chris.

    ¡°I guess so.¡± Raven rubbed the back of his neck as he sighed. ¡°Be careful.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    Following the demon named Cecilia, Chis entered a room that led to another one downstairs.

    ¡°The fifth floor is a special course to test your endurance, strength and adaptability under extreme circumstances.¡± Gladius stood in the center of a magic formation. ¡°Your goal is simple: Track the [Boss Room] and retrieve the Cerulean gem inside. Cooperation is a must. I understand that¡¯s not too much of a problem?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the girl answered in a flat tone.

    Chris sighed, growing serious. ¡°None.¡±

    ¡°Then gear yourselves. We¡¯ll start with the transfer as soon as you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Chris removed his blazer and equipped the leather jerkin he bought the other day on top of his black shirt. As he strapped a short sword on his back, Chris wondered about this unusual treatment. Do they really have to restrict them down to two students? An eerie sensation prickled his scalp, but he decided to go along with it.

    After they both announced their preparedness, Gladius left the room. Then the typical blackness swallowed the light in his vision. But soon, an iridescent blue light glowed around their footing, creating a vortex out of thin air. With his foothold gone and nothing to hold onto, Christopher fell into the abyss.

    He landed on the solid dirt, face first. His vision swirling he shook his head. Not an ounce in his body appreciated the fall just now. No one would. He wondered about the girl. But unlike him, she seemed to have landed fine, brushing the dirt off her skirt. Giving his vision another shake he stood up, and an unfamiliar view greeted him outside of the moss coated ruins.

    Blue and wide, he could see the ocean from where he stood. But Chris focused his gaze on the whirlpools surrounding their coastal landscape, separating him from another island he couldn¡¯t measure the size. Squinting his eyes he saw a building that seemed like a church towering in the middle with a broken statue of a certain individual as its symbol.

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    ¡°Valstrath¡­¡± the girl murmured somewhere.

    ¡°Valstrath?¡± A word unknown to him. Chris tilted his head to the girl¡¯s direction. Crouching down, the girl brushed her fingertips on the surface of a fallen debris. Chris peeked over her shoulder, wondering what it was. Though he recognized some of the alphabets, he failed to read the inscriptions written in the old tongue.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Cecilia stood up as her eyes darted around the area. ¡°An old town that supposedly sunk in the bottom of the ocean 1500 years ago.¡±

    ¡°And yet here we are, in front of it. Whatever happened to the other labyrinth?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me, I¡¯m as confused as you are.¡± After a minute of walking around, she found the stairs hidden beneath a pile of rubble. ¡°Stay here and behave. I¡¯ll see what I can find.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Chris instinctively reached for her hand. ¡°You intend to go alone?¡±

    A small chuckle escaped her lips. ¡°Hah! To think that you didn¡¯t know!¡± Shoving Chris¡¯ hand off, her gaze sharpened. ¡°In Valstrath lies the temple of the dark. You cannot use your Diviner around its walls. And an Exquisitor without his Diviner would just be a liability. You cannot even use magic,¡± she spat, clearly looking down at his abilities.

    ¡°And that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong.¡± Chris invoked a small flame on his palm to prove his point. ¡°I¡¯m no longer an Exquisitor; how many times do I have to say this?¡±

    ¡°I-Impossible¡­¡± Her eyes widened at the sight of his flame. ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°You seem to know an awful lot about Exquisitors. If you tell me why, then I¡¯ll answer your question.¡± Chris sent her a wink.

    ¡°Forget about it then!¡± Reddening in outrage, the girl whirled away from him. She stopped at the edge of a cliff and gazed at the other island. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ Can you feel it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Chris killed the flame with a wave of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s faint, but something is definitely amplifying the strength of my magic here. Though what it is, I do not know. Do you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Standing there, she looked beyond the horizon and remained motionless. The wind blew; a mysterious breeze rustled in the wind. Locking the strands of purple hair behind her ear, she turned to Chris.

    ¡°!!¡± A frustrating hot sensation erupted in his chest. ¡®What manner of sorcery is this?¡¯

    With an innocent smile on her face, she laughed.

    ¡°Lilia? Is it really¡­ you?¡± But when he rubbed his eyes to confirm, the girl was already gone. ¡°No¡­¡±

    He knew it wasn¡¯t real. It was a dream; something his desires made up. Nothing more than a convenient escape.

    ¡°¡­for the last time! Are you coming or not?¡± He heard Cecilia say.

    ¡°C-Coming¡­¡± he replied, taking one last glance at that spot near the cliff. Whether that was nothing but his illusions or some type of magic, he would find out soon enough.

 Chapter 9: Valstrath Part 2

    Happy holidays to everyone. I didn''t want to post this chapter, as chapter 9 is just too long but I am going on a trip for Christmas and New years I figured I wouldn''t want to leave without anything. Here it is. Please rate and review if you like the story so far.

    * * *

    Chapter 9

    As Chris and Cecilia headed down the stairs, Cecilia ¡ª who was leading the way ¡ª would stop every now and then to inspect the light stones illuminating their narrow passage.

    ¡°¡­noson,¡± she murmured.

    ¡°What keeps it lit?¡± asked Chris as he stopped and placed a hand on the wall. Anyone with experience with gem magic would know that a continuous supply of mana is needed for it to keep working, but those setbacks doesn¡¯t seem to apply to the light stones in front of him.

    Cecilia pointed her index finger on the wall, directing his gaze towards the ancient runes. ¡°These runes act like a large torrent that saps the mana in the air itself. And if you look closely, these written verses on the stones are related to the ones inscribed on the walls, creating a bond.¡±

    Chris didn¡¯t fully understand, but he got the gist of it. ¡°So you¡¯re saying these walls itself are one gigantic magic formation?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Cecilia nodded. ¡°Remember when I said that you cannot use your diviner around the walls of Valstrath? These runes are sealing it off.¡±

    Chris agreed inwardly. ¡°Like a ward to fend off evil.¡±

    ¡°Yes. For the denizens of the dark, the divine apostles are their mortal enemy. You are not welcome here.¡±

    ¡°Really? Your ancestors have done a great job then¡­¡± His words earned him an angry glare, but he brushed it off by raising his hands in mock defeat. ¡°Smile more and frown less. It doesn¡¯t do justice to your pretty face.¡±

    ¡°Point taken, ¡®Mr. Christopher¡¯.¡± She emphasized the words with bitter hate.

    Chris looked at the runes again, frowning as he inspected the wall. ¡°But how could it stayed active? Surely some would¡¯ve faded over the passage of time?¡±

    ¡°Again, you have point. But compare it closely. The blood ink varies in this particular verse. As if someone¡­¡±

    ¡°Just recently patched it?¡± he finished.

    ¡°Yes, so we might not be alone here.¡±

    ¡°Should we try destroying the connection?¡±

    Cecilia released a sigh. ¡°For now I wouldn¡¯t dare. Disrupting this circle of magic could sink this island, or more.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?!¡± Chris definitely didn¡¯t want this island to be his tomb he immediately removed his hand from the wall.

    ¡°Idiot,¡± she said, invoking a suppressed giggle before descending down the stone steps.

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    Because of that, Chris felt like it was the perfect time to ask.

    ¡°Cecilia¡­¡± His voice ended up trailing midway, too embarrassed to finish.

    She stopped. ¡°What?¡±

    Gathering his courage, he asked, ¡°Have I done something to you that warranted this much hate? If so, I¡ª¡±

    But she cut him off. ¡°You and your brothers murdered my kin like chattel and you ask me why I hate you? Oh, the irony is not lost in me!¡± She turned to Chris, her crimson pupils flaring with disgust. ¡°What difference are the Exquisitors now from the Brandyms back in the old age? You cannot deny that the Celestians are ruling with steel!¡± She snapped. ¡°And scarce believe the only reason we¡¯re alive is to be their scapegoat. What a joke!¡±

    Not uttering a reply his hands balled into fists, as every insult she just hurled were the truth. However, similar to a coin, every evil he committed contained another side. He did it because it was necessary, or at least he believed so.

    ¡°Something holding your tongue, my lord?¡± Cecilia mockingly continued in his prolonged silence. ¡°Then answer me this: What use is a knight if you would cut your own? NONE! You are nothing but an assassin! Rogues that kill for a living! Breathing the same air as you makes me sick.¡±

    ¡°I am sorry,¡± was all he could muster.

    ¡°Save your breath, for your words are wind. And no amount of howling will liberate you from my hatred.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Chris closed his eyes and accepted them all. There was no point in reasoning with her state of mind. Her hatred was deep rooted in the depths of her heart. ¡°Hate me all you want. I would even gladly offer my life, but all I¡¯m asking is for a little more time. Until then I want you, if possible, to set this anger aside.¡±

    ¡°You do not need to ask me; for I am not as heartless as you. To get out of this labyrinth I am willing to cooperate, but that is all. Do not EVEN think for a second that we¡¯re acquaintances. Got that?¡± Cecilia heeled the other way and continued downstairs.

    Chris opened his mouth to ask another question, but held it back. One of the phases of demon awakening is acquiring knowledge from the past. Lilia was the same. The only difference was that after her mind flooded with wisdom of old, she turned insane. Unable to differentiate friend from foe.

    ¡®Could it be?¡¯ He didn¡¯t want to believe it nor did he want the past to repeat itself.

    It was still too early to judge, but now he would act before all is too late.

 Chapter 9: Valstrath Part 3

    Chapter 9: Part 3

    At the end of the narrow passage was a room filled of boxes encased within steel cages. His heightened senses perceived the unnatural sense of risk and danger, as if someone was enjoying their time watching him. Chris looked at the ceiling, but there was none.

    ¡®Was it my imagination?¡¯ He didn¡¯t want a repeat of the last time. It would¡¯ve been fine if he was alone, but having Cecilia here with him added more concern.

    As Chris walked over to inspect the contents, a noise at the far end of the room erupted, spawning dread in his heart. He immediately ducked and hid himself. Searching for Cecilia, he found his demon companion with her back pressed against the crumbling stone wall near the stairs.

    Two voices and a conversation. Whatever it was on the other side were beings communicating in a language he could not understand. He recognized some of the words coming from the old tongue, yes, but the words were so jargon he wondered if it were two infants conversing instead.

    He turned to Cecilia for some answers. The demon girl shook her head as she slowly removed her sword from its sheath. Peeking slightly, her right index finger gestured the word ¡®Baldur¡¯ ¡ª monster slaves created for man labor. Chris read about them once. These monsters were last seen back on the old age only to reappear as dungeon spawns in a labyrinth to the south.

    Chris peeked an eye out. They weren¡¯t much different from a human, but each had horns and upper and lower sets of fangs. Both of the bronze-skinned monsters wore chainmail. One carried a long sword that hanged on its waist while the other boasted a spiked flail on its back. With the back of its hand, one swiped the drool from its mouth. Then the other sniffed the air, slowly turning its head towards Cecilia¡¯s direction.

    Chris returned his head that instant, reaching for the sword on his back. He kept his grip on his sword tight as the footsteps came closer. When he looked at Cecilia again, she twirled her right index finger as a response. What was she trying to convey with those hand signals? He didn¡¯t have the faintest clue.

    Crumbling rocks, and Chris knew the monsters were near. In the count of three, when the sight of bronze flesh revealed itself, Chris sprang himself up and slashed the nearest monster. His sword, however, was deflected with a resounding clang. Eyes widened with surprise Chris jumped a step back.

    ¡®Strong,¡¯ he thought. The way it perceived his attack, as if it had eyes at the back of its head, wasn¡¯t something he expected.

    Back turned from him the monster growled and retaliated with a swift cleave. Transferring the sword to his left hand, Chris bent sidewards, avoiding the attack that came awkwardly. He cut its unprotected hand, then twisted his body and delivered a kick on the monster¡¯s chest. The monster smashed against a steel cage, falling in a slump. Cries of despair followed suit. Then a head rolled on the ground near his shoes before it dissipated into nothingness a second after.

    Looking up, Cecilia pointed towards the monster slumping on the ground. Chris balanced the sword in his hand, walked over the monster, and plunged it directly on its neck. The monster then dissipated into small particles of black light, indicating its death.

    ¡°You okay?¡± asked Chris after returning his sword back to its sheath. He checked the boxes as he waited for a reply, but something horrid involuntary wrinkled his nose. ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°Dried fruits past their expiration date, I bet.¡± Cecilia closed the lid in place. ¡°These underground passages were used as a means of escape and concealment when the Order first began their blood hunt.¡±

    Hearing more detailed information flamed his growing suspicions. It wasn¡¯t unusual for one to study the histories of their ancestors, Chris knew, but for one to delve into it as if it were their own profession ¡ª there was clearly something abnormal about it. Especially now in this day and age where rambling about such things would have one suspected as a heretic, which could lead to death.

    Narrowing his eyes, ¡°How did you come across this information?¡± he asked.

    ¡°By reading a book. What else?¡± Cecilia shrugged while examining the other boxes herself.

    ¡°Interesting.¡± Chris didn¡¯t press the matter at hand and continued towards the next room.

    Gloom became more prevalent, as nothing but candlesticks lighted the halls. In a straight line they continued, halting once in awhile to check for any suspicious involvements. After two more rooms of the same kind they found a set of stone stairs that led to another level upstairs.

    A stream of bats, more than a dozen or so, assaulted them from the darkness above. Chris raised his staff, and a wall of flame swirled around him and his demon companion both, burning the bats like moths drawn into a strong light. But when his flames relaxed, a streak of white light sped towards him. Chris instinctively spun his staff and deflected the blade aimed at his heart.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The monsters hissed as its knife landed stuck somewhere. It released a shriek of some sort, and more monsters came out of the door behind it. At that moment Cecilia stepped in before the monsters could organize themselves. There was a sudden shift in elements as she beheaded a pair in a single slash, then gone off to slash another leg as her sword connected. One body toppled over the other. One even abandoned its comrades, taking its chances, jumping down the staircase, but met its unfortunate end swallowed by Chris¡¯ flame. With the monster barring their path eliminated, Chris and Cecilia entered the next room.

    ¡°Wait.¡± He stopped and raised his hand to signal a stop. A figure, most possibly male judging from its broad shoulders and chest, stood in the center of this octagon-shaped room.

    ¡°It thrills me to finally meet you in person, Lord Christopher N. Schweitzer,¡± an aged voice said behind a mask, followed by a clapping of hands. ¡°Welcome to Valstrath ¡ª to my dominion. Did you like my present?¡±

    ¡°This is your doing?!¡± Cecilia gnashed her teeth. ¡°Let the dark rest!¡±

    ¡°Quiet, little girl. I did not ask you.¡± The masked man replied in a hostile tone.

    Chris stepped forward, recalling their previous confrontation. ¡°I had warned you to steer clear of my path. Surely you are wise enough to grasp my previous warnings if you know who I am?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, shunned by your own family and called a demon worshiper. You, who won his freedom by slaying the beast of judgement ¡ª I know you very well.¡±

    For this person to know his full name definitely meant he had connections to his past. But what surprised him the most was this man knowing the extent of his sentence. Only then did Chris realized what the man meant by ¡®present¡¯.

    ¡°You¡­ Memories are a precious thing, and for you to toy with them like your own plaything¡­¡± Controlling his emotions, Chris clutched his face hard. ¡°Speak now before I cut where you stand, old man. What do you want from me?¡± Chris asked, his tone growing serious.

    ¡°If there is one thing in this world that I hate, it is inefficiency. So let me cut it short. How does it feel to experience the limitations of being human once more?¡±

    Yet another person questioning his use of magic. If he didn¡¯t know better, he would think that him and Cecilia were possible acquaintances. Or were they?

    ¡°If making me feel small and feeble is what you¡¯re after, then you have failed.¡±

    ¡°Wrong.¡± The masked man shook his index finger. ¡°It is knowledge I seek, and you, a man who wields divine energy now uses magic? Conflicting energies cannot exist together, tis common knowledge, or it would prove fatal.¡± The masked man folded his arms, shaking his head. ¡°Until now I cannot grasp the answer to this question it cost me three full days without a bath. But excuse me, that is personal information and not one you would want to know. So please, pray tell, how did you make it possible?¡±

    ¡°That is not for you to know!¡± Chris propelled himself as he released his sword in a downward slash. He, however, hit nothing but the air. The figure disappeared from where he stood.

    ¡°A shame that a man such as you would choose to waste time instead,¡± said the masked man, his voice booming from all directions. ¡°I have told you before: Valstrath is my dominion, and you cannot leave without my approval. I shall have the answers I seek by dawn or you will rot here for the rest of your life. I advise you to choose wisely. Until then¡­¡±

    ¡°Damn you!¡± Chris dropped on one knee and slammed his fist on the ground. His thoughts traveled to that point in time. That time in the past where he revered his elder brothers with utmost respect. But as one climb higher ranks in the Order, their work become more of politics and less of faith. Men of power grew hungry for more, and his brothers weren¡¯t an exception to these numbers. He was naive to run to them for help.

    Under his elder brother¡¯s supervision, a crusade was launched. Slaughtered the people in Reinbark like chattel. Though Chris fought well siding with the townsfolk, he was overcome by superior numbers.

    But one thing remained a mystery. Why spare his life even after his betrayal? Hard as a diamond, unflinching like a rock, his brother Philippe wouldn¡¯t even bat an eye with all the atrocities that he had committed, and some more. Yet he spared him and given him a fair chance to fight for his freedom. He lost his respect, yes, but he could not hate him. Even though his actions caused Lilia¡¯s transformation and eventual death.

    Yet that masked man clearly viewed his memories and spat on them. No one could make light of those memories and live on the same breath. No one.

 Chapter 10: Valstrath: Lower Levels Part 1

    Happy new years to everyone.

    I am starting a character and lore sheet for this story. Here is the work in progress if you''re interested in reading the character profiles.

    <b>Spoiler</b> : <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>Character Sheet

    Christopher N. Schweitzer: ¡°You mistake me for a better man.¡±

    Debut: Chapter 1

    The main character of the story. The former Celestian commander of ------, eight Exquisitor seat of the Holy Celestian Empire. He is the third and youngest son of Sir Alphonse, the 19th head of House Schweitzer.

    Attaining one of the top ranks in the knight¡¯s academy, he took over ----- upon the recommendation of his elder brother, Philippe. There he led a small group of highly trained elites and liquidated heretics from all over Scaldus.

    Though born in a pedestal even among those of the highborn, he is a man who values his own principles more than anything else. After the events that changed his life, he enrolled at Rosetta with reasons only known to himself.

    <hr />

    Cecilia Sieghart: ¡°In Valstrath lies the temple of the Dark. You cannot use your Diviner around its walls. And an Exquisitor without his Diviner would only be a liability.¡±

    Debut: Chapter 1

    A girl of demon origins who goes on the same class as Chris. She likes to keep silence as company and values the history of her ancestors to a fault. Because of the ¡®Blood hunt¡¯ that started 1500 years ago, she bears a deep grudge against Exquisitors and the Order of the Divine.

    <hr />

    Raven Phylix: ¡°True success is not granted from above; it is attained after mountains of hardwork and perseverance.¡±

    Debut: Chapter 1

    Hailing from Rolfgar, an oasis village located in the deserts of Kasata, Raven aspired to live the better life one day. His mother¡¯s smile and positive outlook in life gave him the strength to endure the hardships of being poor. He worked hard as a mercenary to gather enough funds to travel north. He was later admitted to Rosetta because of his inborn capabilities as a Lynx and his background as a mercenary.

    Because he grew up admiring his single mother and the waitresses that she worked with, Raven had taken a liking towards older women.

    <hr />

    Arthur Solan: ¡°

    <hr />

    Luana: ¡°Good medicine taste bitter to the tongue!¡±

    <hr />

    Katalina V. Seraphine: ¡°I only follow my heart; and my heart decrees that I remain at his side. Scaldus be damned!¡±

    Debut: Chapter 7 Part 2

    The Celestian commander of Rosenbaum, sixth Exquisitor seat of the Holy Celestian Empire. Hailed as a prodigy before even graduating in knight¡¯s academy, she later succeeded her mother¡¯s territory, Rosenbaum, at the young age of twenty-three.

    Serious to a fault, Katalina met the young Christopher over an accident that she couldn¡¯t reprimand. Together, the two pursued the unknown and performed various plays in their nightly rendezvous. Christopher captured her innocent heart then, but her feelings strayed on a different path when the two pursued their own careers.

    <hr />

    Lilia Nerfil

    Debut: Chapter 6

    A simple cleric who¡¯s task was to wipe Marrieta¡¯s statue in the cathedral of Reinbark every morning. Although she would go about her days shirking her duties, she adored Marrieta like any other, for her servitude in the church gave her meaning in life. Lilia wanted nothing else but to live in peace and enjoy her days in leisure, but her early awakening to her demon origins caused everything to crumble.

    <hr />

    Philippe N. Schweitzer: ¡°Pledging life-long loyalty; that is the Schweitzer¡¯s way.¡±

    Debut: Chapter 7 Part 2

    A devout follower of the Goddess Marrieta. Valkyries hoping to be wooed by the handsome knight were often left disappointed, as he could manage less than a smile. First born son of Sir Alphonse, and the current head of House Schweitzer.

    <hr />

    Chapter 10: Valstrath: Lower Levels Part 1

    ~ Cecilia

    ¡°What did he mean when he called you demon worshipper?¡± Cecilia grabbed Chris by the arm. Maybe he really had a reason to leave the Order? She had to know, else her display of antagonism beforehand would be hard to stomach. She wouldn¡¯t be different from those who scorned her for having crimson eyes.

    ¡°That is none of your business.¡± Chris sent her a glare that chilled her to the bone. More than enough to loosen her grip, Cecilia took a step back.

    Wasn¡¯t it him who asked her to set her anger aside? Forget it. Gladius wanted them to get along; it was why he paired them together. But she couldn¡¯t just accept someone who murdered her kin for whatever reasons they find convenient, whether previous or not, as an acquaintance.

    After drinking in silence, Chris began walking towards the next room.

    ¡°Where do you mean to go? Shouldn¡¯t we wait here till dawn instead?¡± Cecilia asked.

    ¡°Not going to happen. That man made it clear to follow him deeper.¡±

    Was it really so? His sudden change in demeanor concerned her a little bit. Their previous meeting and conversations explained that he was the carefree type, which she hated. How could one act so nonchalant while carrying the weight of his sins? She thought him insensitive. She didn¡¯t want him to grieve about it all the time, but at least show some remorse. It would make his apologies more ¡®convincing¡¯.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Cecilia followed and watched him from behind, trying to discern what kind of thoughts were running in his head. Their walking abruptly came to a stop when Chris voiced another question. ¡°You¡¯re not in league with that old man, are you?¡±

    ¡®This asshole.¡¯ She was as clueless as him. Didn¡¯t she made that clear already? Their partnership was fixed, yes, but anything beyond that wasn¡¯t something she discussed with Gladius.

    ¡°And what if I am?¡± she quipped. ¡°Who are you to doubt me?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t even answer a simple question.¡± Chris snickered before walking again. ¡°You¡¯ve no use other than breeding.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ª How dare you!¡± Cecilia glared at his back. ¡°Come back this instant and face me like a man, you jerk! Coward!¡± several insults flew out of her mouth.

    ¡°I am not here to participate in your petty squabbles. Find someone else.¡±

    Leaving her with her hands balled into fists, Christopher waltzed into the darkness ahead.

    * * *

    ~Gladius

    ¡°This is not what we talked about!¡± Gladius slammed the wooden table in half.

    For the sake of returning his debt, he agreed to pair Cecilia together with that Exquisitor, but not them getting transported to a labyrinth he hasn¡¯t even heard about.

    ¡°Calm yourself, Gladius,¡± said the Vice-principal. He stood unmoving, gazing at the overview of their academy beyond the window.

    ¡°You ask me to calm when you sent my daughter to your own playpen without as much as telling me? I shall cut you down where you stand!¡± Gladius said, his magic-infused voice shook the entire tower.

    But even that wasn¡¯t enough to move the vice-principal. ¡°Think about it, Gladius. What I did is necessary evil.¡±

    ¡°Necessary?¡± Gladius laughed sarcastically, feinting amusement. ¡°Admit it, Marcus. This is all for the sake of your experiments, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°The elements are dancing under her thumb, Gladius!¡± the vice principal retorted. ¡°You should know that already! Have you not heard what happened in Reinbark? Your daughter puts us all into risks here! Or do you mean to defy the council after the sanctuary we have given you both?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± Gladius bit his bottom lip, unable to finish.

    ¡°Then stay your hand and hear the rest.¡± The vice principal turned. He reached inside his robe and revealed a crystal orb. ¡°Fortunately, the boy is not here on a hunt.¡±

    The vice principal¡¯s words stirred another reaction inside of him. ¡°So, what is he here for?¡±

    ¡°That is what I find amusing. I had a glimpse of his memories upon his entry to my domain, and it seems like the boy is here to learn about the labyrinths and nothing else.¡±

    Just like a proper student? For a Schweitzer, that is unheard of.

    Gladius narrowed his eyes. ¡°Explain.¡±

    ¡°The wind of death stalks the boy like a shadow. I am unable to see past that, yet I did acquire valuable information.¡± The vice principal reached out the crystal orb to him.

    Gladius looked inside.

    ¡ªI AM THE DEVIL.

    Death after death, killings after killings, heads crushed like melons. He couldn¡¯t exactly explain what that monstrosity was, but the image inside the orb made it clear: That monster was once a demon like him.

    ¡°Awakening,¡± he murmured.

    ¡°You understand, don¡¯t you? The boy is a blessing in disguise.¡±

    Gladius couldn¡¯t deny what the vice-principal said. A Schweitzer who turned his back on his house would be a welcomed addition to their cause. But such a useful tool have its price. Who could contain his strength that even slew the Beast of Judgement? No one in ¡®Nosferatu¡¯ is capable of doing such things.

    Then realization stabbed him like a knife in the chest. ¡°You plan to use Cecilia?!¡±

    ¡°We will.¡± The vice-principal placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°For the greater good.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Gladius grabbed the vice principal¡¯s collar and pulled him closer. ¡°I do not agree of this!¡± The man¡¯s crimson eyes reflected his visage contorted in fury. ¡°Cecilia has done nothing to be involved in our quarrels!¡±

    ¡°Then how do you plan to save her?! I see no other way, Gladius!¡± The vice principal barked back, returning his glare. ¡°Look, it¡¯s only a matter of time before we find ourselves the target of a heresy investigation! Would you rather see her in the gallows or take chance with me and save her for good?!¡±

    His words rang like honey in his ears. Indeed, the boy joining their cause is the missing key to her salvation. But he cannot. He cannot risk anymore without having a great shot in success. Especially if they still didn¡¯t know what the boy wanted in the labyrinth. He could be searching for a cure like Marcus suggested, but what if it were something else?

    Gladius released the vice principal and closed his eyes, weighing his options.

    His one and only family, or for the greater good?

 Chapter 10: Part 2

    Chapter 10: Part 2

    No use other than breeding? Cecilia curiously traced her flaring hips. Training with Gladius may have given her that figure most men would lust for if she wasn¡¯t a demon, and she hated how it came from that asshole¡¯s mouth. Come to think of it, he was ogling her on the first day of class. To think that he had the nerve to tell her off when he was just another pervert! Blasphemy!

    Cecilia ruffled her hair and drove the thoughts out of her head. She didn¡¯t know where Christopher went nor did she cared. It was none of her business.

    She continued moving forward. When she came upon a divided tunnel, she chose to go left. Her mana lines pulsed with more energy, stronger than ever compared to when she first entered the labyrinth.

    ¡®So the curse of the walls grows stronger the nearer we are to the core?¡¯ Cecilia thought as she drew the sword on her waist.

    Hiding her presence behind a wall, she spied on the group of monsters ahead.

    More Baldurs loaded their crates inside the steel cages. Did these monsters kept on their duties despite their masters long withered from the passage of time?

    The creation of the original labyrinths were already a big mystery in itself, and for one to replicate an old town that supposedly sunk at the bottom of the ocean 1500 years ago would take incredible skill. Was there someone in the academy capable of doing such things? Maybe, but the answers were beyond her means of knowing at the moment. She first needed to concentrate on finding an exit.

    Suddenly, the Baldurs conversed against themselves, sniffing the air. What would seem like the leader of the group pointed to her direction, and the lackeys began to walk towards her. What the hell? How did they know?

    Cecilia then perceived their emotions. And the most predominant one was lust. No females were around in these parts after all. Their pants bulging in excitement was the proof of that!

    ¡®Oh great.¡¯ More perverts for her to deal with. Can she not have a peaceful exploration for once?

    After increasing her lunging capability with [Lightning Step], she dove forward and slashed the nearest monster. She retreated a step back when the next one thrust its spear at her.

    ¡°First, I go,¡± it spoke in a low tone using the old tongue. A bit rough, yes, but she understood. With drool dripping out from the corners of its mouth, the monster¡¯s intentions were clear. First female it had seen in ages without a doubt.

    Disgusted, Cecilia raised her sword arm in a threatening way. ¡°Come any closer, and you¡¯ll get it!¡±

    Unimpressed, the monster continued step by step while brandishing its spear as a warning. Them numbering more than seven did nothing but boost its confidence.

    Cecilia hissed a complain. With the room¡¯s size, it would be hard to use her sword skill. Not to mention these were desperate monster she was dealing with. They would stop at nothing just to get a hand on their own female.

    ¡®You¡¯ve no use other than breeding.¡¯ Christopher words crept its way back in her mind when she edged against the wall.

    That was it! Reaching her breaking point, a nerve popped on her forehead. She wouldn¡¯t allow these freaks to have their way with her. Definitely not! She slashed the monster the moment it tried closing in. Then Cecilia went berserk, invoking [Whirlwind Sword] at the same time.

    A blade scraped her left shoulder, but she didn¡¯t stop to feel the pain. She kept hacking, eliminating one monster after the other. In a matter of seconds only the leader of the gang was left standing. It raised its sword to put up a bold-front, but Cecilia merely snorted a reply.

    ¡°You are dead meat!¡± With her wind-infused blade, she cut the monster in a diagonal slash, rending through its sword and chain-mail as if it weren¡¯t there.

    A few seconds after the corpses disappeared, Cecilia brought out a health flask. She poured the green liquid inside on her wound. ¡°Aaah!¡± she groaned, crunching on her lip. She clutched on her left shoulder and thrashed herself on the cage. That ought to lessen the internal torture she was suffering. The academy limited her selection of spells, and not having any sort of healing spell now had cost her.

    Cecilia loosened her grip when the sensations in her left arm returned. She sat on a wooden crate and wrapped the wound in bandages. Her chest burned, and faint traces of mana solidified and began to swirl around her left arm.

    ¡°Not now,¡± she ordered, and the surge of mana died down as quick as it appeared. After stretching her fingertips, Cecilia continued deeper once more, concealing herself in the dimming light.

    She encountered more Baldurs on the way. Thankfully, each group only numbered two or three at best. Some were even busy pulling handcarts, so cleaning them up didn¡¯t pose a problem.

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    Reaching another intersection, the sound of conflict reached her ears. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    What could it be? Cecilia made a beeline towards the direction of the noise. She found herself standing in front of an arch double doors towering all the way to the ceiling ¡ª just like a [Boss Room]. The two torches on both sides of the door flared with an intense flame. She could hear the battle rattling the space inside. An ear-piercing screech boomed followed by the flapping of wind.

    ¡®That asshole must be inside,¡¯ she thought. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she clenched her fists.

    Couldn¡¯t wait to give him a good beating, Cecilia pushed her way inside. Normally, one would be denied entry before the group inside could eliminate the boss they¡¯re fighting, but this wasn¡¯t the norm. She felt like Valstrath was built like a labyrinth instead of the other.

    ¡°Kuaaaaaahk!!!¡± the monster inside screeched upon her entry, and four beady yellow eyes greeted her from within its sharp slits. Swords of different lengths were strewn on the ground. Her eyes darted around for Christopher, and a sense of relief relaxed her tensing heart when she saw him stand to defend himself.

    Their eyes met for a moment. Cecilia crossed her arms and sneered at him while Christopher displayed a disgusted reaction. But she broke their gaze when she felt mana gathering somewhere. Tracing the source, she saw magic accumulating on the monster¡¯s horn; a bad sign.

    Then flames spilled out of the monster¡¯s mouth. Arching back to stand on its muscular hind legs, the monster flapped its wings forward and unleashed its attack! Could he avoid it? She had no time to confirm. She didn¡¯t want to help, she was there to laugh at him, but it would bother her conscience if she let him die like this.

    Using [Lightning Step], she crossed the distance in a split-second and stood in front of the torrent of flames. She stretched her arm forward, and as if willing it, the flames that attempted to swallow them whole were all vacuumed into her left palm.

    Cecilia dropped on her knees afterwards, lurching in pain. Even that was too much in her current state. She sensed the monster move, aiming to kill. Raising her head, two sharp claws descended, but she had no way to give it a stop. What now? Her body turned cold. Cecilia closed her eyes and clenched her teeth. The stone beneath her trembled, yet there was no pain. Confused, she peeked an eye out.

    Christopher had stopped the claws in time with his swords. ¡°Get away!¡± he shouted, struggling against the monster¡¯s brute strength. ¡°Dammit, hurry up!¡±

    Those words snapped her out of her daze. With no other choice available, Cecilia removed herself out of harm¡¯s way. Christopher redirected the attack in a hair¡¯s breadth, but the powerful shockwave that crushed the ground blew him away. Cecilia jumped in an attempt to catch him, but the impact only served to drag her towards the ground as well. After rolling on the dirt, she landed on top of him, face to face.

    Christopher lifted his hand and pointed behind her. ¡°We¡¯re running away¡­¡± he murmured on her ear, while his other hand tried to get a leverage on her butt.

    Cecilia sighed, but didn¡¯t complain. She stood up as the monster turned and roared. Mana gathered on its horn once more. But before the monster could manifest its flames, Cecilia dragged her wounded classmate out of that room to safety. She kicked the doors closed with a bang.

    After that, the noise in the room surprisingly halted. It didn¡¯t seem like that monster was designed to follow them beyond this door. Cecilia pressed a palm on her chest as she exhaled a sigh. Finally, they could have a moment of rest.

    Before that, she puzzingly stared at the stone stairs that weren¡¯t supposed to be there. Did they, by sheer luck, entered the room the monster was guarding?

    ¡°Regeneration,¡± Christopher groaned a healing spell, settling his back against the wall. He rested his arm on his thigh and spared her a glance. But that was all. He didn¡¯t say a word. Not even a simple word of gratitude.

    That was fine too. Though she wanted to take a quick break, she didn¡¯t want to stay in the same room as him.

    ¡®JerkAssholePervertIHateYou!¡¯ screamed Cecilia in her mind before she ascended up the stone steps.

    But on her fourth step, Chris murmured the word, ¡°Thanks.¡±

    She stopped and looked at him. ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± For some reason she couldn¡¯t describe, her heart danced. Left and right, up and down, it thumped. But all those newfound feelings vanished with his next words. ¡°Cecilia¡­ When did you awaken?¡±

 Chapter 10: Part 3

    Chapter 10: Part 3

    They say history got a nasty habit of repeating itself. Chris frowned at the thought. Should he kill her now? Morphing into an abomination, killing your own friends, denied of eternal rest even though her spirit was lost ¡ª he didn¡¯t want her to feel what Lilia felt. Killing her now would be one less evil he had to worry about later.

    But her bright, crimson pupils reminded him of her. Chris couldn¡¯t bare to raise his steel against this girl, against this demon. Deciding her life wasn¡¯t his choice to make.

    ¡°Awaken?¡± she snorted. ¡°Whatever you mean by that word?¡±

    ¡°Do not play the fool with me now,¡± he responded strong and with authority. ¡°Let me see your eyes.¡± He tapped the space beside him.

    ¡°Y-you do not need to concern yourself with me.¡± Cecilia clutched her bandaged shoulder. ¡°I can handle myself just fine.¡±

    ¡°I will be the judge of that. Now sit.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Christopher rose, brushing the dirt off his pants. ¡°Does your stubbornness knows no end? I know no apology can absolve my sins. But can you give me time to make penance for them? When all that is needed to be done is done, my life is yours. I swear on my name, and whatever is left of my honor.¡±

    ¡°Why? So you can die with redemption in your heart? Never!¡±

    ¡°I do not forget those lives I have taken. Would you like to hear their names one by one? No? I assumed so. I cannot be bound by this guilt. I believe all of those deaths have a purpose. And that purpose must thrive, no matter how minuscule it might be. I will apologize, yes, but no longer will I grieve.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too late! Your apology won¡¯t bring back the dead! Your apology won¡¯t bring back my mother!¡± she exclaimed, swinging her arm in anger.

    Those same words again. Several times already, he heard them, coming out from different mouths. But he would not falter now.

    ¡°Yes, that is true. But if I let the unrealized dreams of the dead shackle me, how can I move on? I have already lost too much, taken too much. Stopping now would only do the dead injustice.¡±

    Cecilia descended to his eye level. ¡°So? That does not make you any less guilty.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Christopher returned a soft stare. ¡°That is why I want you to look at me carefully. And when the time is right, judge me.¡±

    He didn¡¯t expect to gain her trust and forgiveness that instant, but he wanted her to know that his remorse was sincere.

    Cecilia looked away. ¡°You ask much. More than I can give.¡±

    ¡°As you say. But know this: Those who have awakened have no place in Scaldus. What of soon to be others like you? A horrible fate awaits them. Do you not want see a time when a man¡¯s race and beliefs would not discredit him?¡±

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    ¡°You suggest we revolt then? You would guide us to our deaths like shepherd lambs!¡±

    Christopher shook his head. ¡°No. Hatred begets hatred. And violence demands more violence.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you suggesting? You speak in puzzles.¡±

    ¡°Have you not questioned yourself why the Order of the Divine left the labyrinths untouched for so long now? Why they left it in the hands of adventurers?¡±

    Cecilia crossed her arms, turning the other way. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I only realized now, thanks to your explanations, but labyrinths are much like this town. These walls are our bane! Marrieta¡¯s Celestian knights and Exquisitors are powerless inside! And what does that tell you? Yes, the labyrinths were created by your God!¡±

    Uncrossing her arms, she looked back to him with both eyebrows raised. ¡°You speak in nothings.¡±

    ¡°So I do. But pay my ramblings no mind. Soon you will realize what I meant in full.¡±

    Chris turned and stood on the other side of the hallway. Invoking his [Inventory], he brought out a leather canteen and drank, then poured the rest of the water on his face. Fighting that wyrm head on wasn¡¯t the best decision, but he didn¡¯t want to leave it for Cecilia. Though this town mirrors a labyrinth, the monsters do not respawn. It was more like those monsters they encountered had a reason for being there.

    ¡°Then I want to know one thing.¡± Cecilia spoke as he was undressing. ¡°If you knew what you did was wrong, why do it? Answer me honestly. Please.¡±

    First time he had seen her act so meek, and it felt all the more satisfying.

    Chris inhaled deeply. ¡°Because it was the mantle given to me.¡±

    ¡°And you played the part like a puppet? You disgust me even more. Have you no pride at all? No, forget it. Just hold your tongue, lest it slip and reveal more of your cowardice. It was my mistake to see you in a better light for a moment.¡±

    He frowned, taken aback by her reaction. Was she just looking for a reason to hate him? Save for his mother, all of the woman in his life had given him nothing but trouble.

    Chris included her in that list as he laughed a little inside. His mind was clear now; devoid of the darkness that clouded his thoughts moments ago.

    ¡°You know, you can be cute if you want to. Smile more and frown less, remember?¡±

    Let¡¯s not forget those knee-sock. Chris even bought her a pair and saved it in his room for imaginary purposes.

    Cecilia didn¡¯t reply, only continued straight upstairs, but he was able to catch a hint of her smile in that darkness. It would take time to mend the wound in her heart. There was much he needed to do.