Inside the director's office, Evo stood before the desk, hands clasped behind his back, a deep frown darkening his face. His expression betrayed concern over whatever was about to unfold there.
The two women in front of him made a curious pair. Freya sat behind the desk, eyes glimmering with amusement — a look that promised trouble. Beside her stood Ravina, gaze shifting between Freya and Evo, as if watching a silent, deadly duel.
– Why are you making that face? – Freya asked, tilting her head slightly.
Evo's frown deepened. The look in her eyes screamed that she was up to something troublesome again.
– Why do you think? That face of yours gives you away — you're plotting something irritating, and you're going to drag me into it, aren't you?
Freya smirked, clearly pleased with herself, as if he had hit the mark.
– Oh, come now! How can you accuse me like that? I'm innocent! – She pouted dramatically, spreading her arms as though the accusation wounded her.
– Am I wrong? – Evo asked, already sounding exasperated.
– Hahaha, relax! It's nothing annoying. I'm simply giving you an incredible position. You should feel honored by my generosity.
She struck a theatrical pose, as if bestowing divine favor, while Evo thought the exact opposite.
This is way too suspicious, he narrowed his eyes. She's about to dump some mess on me. I should run before it hits.
– No, thank you. – His tone was flat as he turned to leave, only to freeze in place when her next words hit him.
– Hmm~ You know, that Time Elemental Stone… it was quite rare and extremely expensive. – Freya sang the words in a playful tone, glancing to the side — clearly blackmailing him.
– Hikk! – Evo froze, stiff as a statue.
He turned his head toward her, already resigned to his bad luck.
– Of course… you already knew, didn't you?
– What do you think, dear? – She mirrored his earlier tone, tilting her head with a victorious grin. It was a gorgeous, teasing smile that could make anyone melt — except Evo, who hated every second of it.
– Harrr… give me a break! It's only my first day, and my life's already a mess. Will I ever get three peaceful years in this damned place? – he muttered under his breath, nearly groaning.
– Stop whining, scoundrel. This will actually make your life easier. If you help me, I'll let you attend only the classes you're interested in. And more than that, I'll grant you two requests — nothing too difficult or impossible, of course. Oh, and most importantly – she raised a finger – I'll help you hide your Ancient Element of Time. What do you say?
Evo immediately stopped complaining and began analyzing her words. The benefits were too great to refuse, and they could solve many of the problems he'd been avoiding. After a moment of silent consideration, he gave in — though he already suspected he'd regret it.
– Fine. What are you waiting for? Just say it already.
Her grin stretched from ear to ear, like someone who had just won a war. A shiver ran down Evo's spine, and he instantly regretted agreeing to listen. He just wanted to leave, but Freya's expression suddenly changed — her eyes turned cold, her aura freezing. It was a side of her he had never seen before.
This must be a sensitive topic for her, he thought. That look… it's the same I get when I'm angry — a mix of fury, shame, and frustration. What could've made her like this?
– Seems like you already noticed a bit of the situation. That ability of yours is pretty intrusive, huh? – she forced a weak smile, trying to stay composed. The subject clearly got on her nerves.
– Sorry. It's automatic. But honestly, it's for the best. From today on, our lives will probably be intertwined. It's better that we understand each other early. – Evo's voice carried a solemn tone, enough to surprise Ravina, who had been watching silently.
Ravina thought to herself, These two are like mirror images… their behavior, their speech, everything's the same. And my theory about Freya's secret… maybe Evo really is—
– I agree, – Freya interrupted. – I'm not upset about that. I'm just tired of the subject we need to discuss. I don't mind you knowing everything about me. Honestly, I prefer it that way. – She sighed, opening herself up.
Evo sat down, ready to listen.
She began explaining.
Centuries ago, a few high-ranking nobles of the Empire proposed something outrageous to the Emperor — a plan to start a war of conquest, claiming other continents for the Empire. Their first target would be the Dwarven Continent, Aruhn-Krad, the weakest of them all. Then they'd move on to the Elves of Eldavorn, then the Demons of Velmorath, and finally, the most powerful of all — the twin Dragon Continents, Vultharyon.
– Of course, the former Emperor — the current Emperor's father — found it absurd, insane, suicidal even. He knew that while humans were versatile, conquering nearly the entire world was far beyond their reach, especially on a planet this vast. Doing so would've meant the extinction of humankind, without question.
Evo nodded as he listened.
– The old Emperor was wise not to go through with it. The consequences would've been catastrophic.
– But what does that have to do with what you want from me? – he asked.
– I'm getting there. – Freya continued. – The nobles who proposed that madness didn't take rejection well. They turned against the Empire and decided to do something extreme — they kidnapped the former princess and held her hostage, demanding war and other favors for their own benefit.
Ah, here come the clichés, Evo thought dryly, seeing where this was heading.
– But little old me got there in time and gave them a good beating! – she bragged for a moment, then her face shifted into a mix of anger and melancholy.
– Let me guess — they had a way to escape if things went wrong, and that's exactly what happened.
– You're annoying, – she muttered, finding him anything but fun right now.
– You're right. They escaped, and ever since then, they've appeared occasionally — like during the academy ceremony this year — just watching, as if planning something. Every time they show up, I go after them, but they always slip away. They call themselves the Walkers of Vengeance. If I knew how they vanished or where they were hiding, I'd have wiped them out long ago. – Her voice grew hostile as she clenched her fist.
– Harrr! – She took a deep breath, regaining composure. – It seems they've finally grown tired of waiting. They'll make their move soon.
– And how do you know that? – Evo asked. – You said it's been centuries since they did anything but watch.
– They've infiltrated students into the academy! – she replied instantly.
Evo's eyes widened, a dangerous thought forming in his mind.
– Don't tell me you want me to—? – he stood, already dreading the answer.
– Exactly. I want you to be my eyes and ears. Find proof of who the spies are. We already have a few suspects — I'll give you the list.
– Freya, what you're asking is suicidal! If I confront them, my information could leak. It's dangerous — even my family could get dragged in!
– Calm down, Eylam. We have solutions for that. – Ravina stepped in, approaching with a sheet of paper containing a few names. She handed it to him.
Evo took the list and read it. When he finished, he looked up.
– Secretary Ravina… these are the suspects? – he asked, showing the paper.
– No. These are your subordinates from now on. We personally placed them here at the academy for this mission. Don't worry — they're trustworthy. – She nodded firmly.
– Subordinates? What the hell are you talking about?
– Ev! – Freya cut in again.
– I'm creating an organization to deal with the academy's internal crises and problems. And I want you – she pointed directly at him – to be its leader!
– What?! – he exclaimed, eyes wide, unsure if he had heard correctly, overwhelmed by the flood of information coming from both of them.
– Don't worry. Everyone's identities will remain hidden. You'll all wear disguises, and no one will know who the members are. We'll conceal as much information as possible. – She smiled, the kind of irritating smile that made Evo's patience vanish. He knew it — being around those two always meant trouble.
Then, with a confident voice, Freya declared:
– The name of the organization shall be: The Order of the Three Decrees — Varynthal.
Watch. Judge. Eliminate.