The atmosphere inside that enclosed chamber was excruciating.
The three who had been shaken by Veyrath's words were still trying to digest them.
He waited patiently until they finished their thoughts.
He knew he had been harsh, but he preferred to be now rather than too late.
This world followed the law of the strong.
Weakness was not permitted.
After a moment, his voice softened.
— Have you finished sorting your thoughts?
Umbra stood up and bowed deeply.
— Leader Veyrath, I apologize for how I acted after hearing the information we received. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I wasn't mentally prepared for what was said. Now my mind is clearer, and I understand that this must be done.
— I'll say the same, sir. — Velra rose and made the same gesture. — We came here thinking we'd take on lighter missions. That's what we had in mind, even after Freya and you warned us about how serious this was. But I assure you, I'm with you and with our cause. That won't happen again. I promise.
Kaelith followed the others' example and bowed as well.
— It's alright. — Veyrath sighed. — I also apologize for being too harsh. I just didn't want us to make mistakes, or start all this without understanding what we're getting into and be caught off guard later.
He gestured for everyone to sit again.
Sevran spoke next, his calm voice easing the tension.
— Leader, it's fine. That's exactly what a good leader should do — make his people understand the risks and complexity of their tasks. We understand, don't worry.
Veyrath accepted his words with a nod, and the meeting resumed.
Luneth took the lead again.
— Now that we've reviewed all the steps, let's move on to the schedule.
During the first month, we'll execute the mapping plan. The mission will be called [Crow's Eyes].
— Once that's done, we'll move on to the second mission: [Hidden Tongue] — socializing with as many students as possible, especially the suspects.
— The third mission will be [Caught in the Act] — gathering and assembling all evidence.
— And finally, the last one: [The Cleansing] — capturing the targets, reporting to the Empire, and waiting for orders.
Everyone listened carefully and noted everything down.
The meeting continued for about three hours, with minor adjustments, until Veyrath finally allowed everyone to leave.
They all saluted him and left one by one, until only he and Luneth remained.
— Hm? Luneth, aren't you leaving? — he asked.
She crossed her arms and replied with the same question.
— And you, Veyrath? Aren't you?
— Harrr... I'll stay for a bit. I need to clear my thoughts. There's a lot to think about. — he muttered, sounding weary.
Luneth watched him, then walked over, climbed the stairs, and sat on the armrest of his chair.
— You're worried you were too harsh on them, aren't you?
She asked while gently brushing aside the strands of his brown hair that slipped from under his mask.
He rested his head on her thigh and admitted softly:
— Indeed. I don't know if being too strict is the right thing to do. I trust their abilities, but my damn temper gets in the way sometimes. To be honest, I'm not good at socializing. I say whatever comes to mind, without thinking about what it might cause.
Still caressing his hair, she reassured him:
— It's alright. We understood what you meant. I know you did it so you wouldn't regret anything later. I'm grateful for that. The sooner we're all on the same page, the better. So... — she paused — don't let it eat at you. We all just met today; no one really knows each other yet. Things will fall into place with time.
Listening to her words, Veyrath murmured quietly:
— I hope so.
Thus, their first meeting — filled with ups and downs — came to an end.
Back in his room, now as Evo again, he had just finished dressing after a long bath.
He fell face-first onto the bed, pulling his sword close to examine its details.
[Sword of Execution]
Authority: Partial Judgment
Description:
When activated on a target, this authority automatically judges their current emotions and actions.
If the target is found to be acting unjustly or maliciously, they suffer a 25% debuff on all stats, and their highest-level skill is sealed.
However, if the target's actions later prove contrary to the initial judgment, the wielder suffers a 35% debuff, and all of their main skills are sealed.
[Warning!] This excludes Authorities — it affects only skills, for both user and target.
Reading the description, Evo couldn't tell whether to celebrate or curse.
It was a strong authority — but one with dangerous conditions.
"I should only use it on targets I'm sure about… That could be a problem.
Though, my Eyes of Pride skill can reveal a person's true emotions — maybe that could help mitigate the risk. Still… there are complications."
"I'm not sure it'll work properly on people stronger than me. It worked with Freya in her office, but she didn't even bother hiding.
If someone can mask their emotions or has an artifact to block detection, that could be dangerous."
"Harrr… In short, I can't use this sword's ability carelessly. Only with restraint. Well... patience, I guess."
He rolled over and closed his eyes.
— Tomorrow, I'll ask Freya to let me take on a mission right away. — he murmured as sleep crept in.
In the headmistress's office, two women sat on a sofa, each holding a drink.
One was Freya. The other... well, we'll find out soon enough.
Or maybe not.
— So, my friend — how was he? — asked Freya, wearing a soft salmon-colored nightgown.
She played with her long, dark purple hair, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
The woman beside her, with dark wine-colored hair and light brown eyes, tapped her temple playfully, pretending to think.
— How was he? Hmm... good. — she smiled, pleased. — Overall, he did very well.
— Hah! I knew it! You loved him, didn't you? Hahaha! I told you — that bastard is amazing! — Freya boasted proudly.
— He's proud, cold... sometimes even too ruthless. But he's also fair, clever, observant — and charming when he wants to be.
I'll gladly help him. — she said, her deep red lipstick glowing as she smiled.
— Right?! Harrr... that scoundrel can be adorable even when he's angry. His expressions are priceless. — Freya laughed.
— Hahaha! Too bad I couldn't see under that mask! — the other teased.
The two women kept laughing and gossiping late into the night.
The next day, after classes, Evo walked toward Freya's office.
As he arrived, Ravina was leaving, carrying a stack of papers.
They spotted each other, and he greeted her casually.
— Hey, Ravina. You look lovely today. — he said, completely natural.
Ravina blushed bright red, lowering her gaze.
— H-Hello, Evo. How are you? You came to see Freya?
— I'm good, thanks. Yeah, I came to see her... and also to check on you. — he replied with a grin.
— I-I'm fine, thank you. Excuse me now. — she said quickly, leaving with her face as red as a tomato.
Evo chuckled.
"Haha, I love teasing her. She's even sexier when she's embarrassed.
The only one who beats her is Freya... that woman drives me insane."
He walked to the door and knocked.
Knock! Knock!
— Come in!
Evo opened the door — and there she was.
The woman who was supposed to be the symbol of authority in that institution was sprawled across the sofa, head resting on the arm, eyes on the ceiling.
— What happened to you? You look terrible! — he said as he stepped in.
— Ah, hey, Ev... I might've gone a little overboard last night. — she said with a lazy chuckle.
— You never change. Where's the model of this place now? — he teased, dropping down beside her and resting his head on her lap.
— Comfortable, you scoundrel? — she smirked.
— Divine. I'll be claiming these legs as my pillow. — he said with a crooked smile.
She ruffled his hair, tossing strands into his face, laughing.
He turned his gaze up toward her and said softly:
— I came for that personal favor.