[Alaric's Pov]
The Librarian walked through the library and stopped in front of a large bookshelf tucked deep in the back corner. Hepressed his palm against the side of it.
A faint circle of symbols lit up beneath his feet, the shelf trembled once, then split open in the middle. He stepped through. And at the center of the hidden chamber was the Instructor Alaric.
"Speak." Alaric commanded.
"Sir, Commander Heron has fallen." the Librarian stated.
"Fallen?"
The Librarian swallowed. "Yes, he was pursuing the Anomaly outside the Third Industrial Sector. His body was located twenty minutes ago. And the cause of death was two stab wounds to the vital organs, his own Chained Cleavers were used against him."
Alaric's eyes narrowed, staring not at the Librarian. "What about the Anomaly, he didn't go down with it?"
"When Heron's men reached the site, they said the Anomaly wasn't there." the Librarian confirmed.
Alaric's knuckles turned white as he slammed his fist onto the desk. "This boy threatens the balance that we maintained for centuries. It's a declaration against the integrity of the Game." He rose slowly.
"Schedule an immediate conference with the Instructors of Northwood City and Oakhaven District."
"Right away, sir." The Librarian nodded. "But one more thing, sir." he added. "What of we send other Candidates after him?"
Alaric leaned forward. "You already have them in mind?"
"Yes, sir." the Librarian replied. "And they are the most stable high-rank unit in the city. Plus, their leader Damien is already pursuing the Anomaly due to personal vendetta."
"Give me the precise coordinates of their last known jump point. I'm paying them a personal visit." Alaric said , standing up.
Few minutes later, Alaric materialized in a blinding flash of gold mana directly inside a secure apartment overlooking the city.
Damien, The Butler and Luna rose from their seats, instantly recognizing the immense power.
"You may sit down." Alaric said, but none of them moved.
He glanced over the silent group, then gave a faint, humorless smile. "Allow me to introduce myself properly."
"I am Alaric." he said. "The Instructor of this city."
The group stiffened.
Alaric's gaze swept over them again. And took a step forward, his presence flaring. "I have a proposition, Candidates. Serve me and I will give you the chance to become the Thrine of my city."
Damien stepped forward before anyone else could, eyes locked on Alaric. "What do we have to do?" he asked.
"A simple task." Alaric replied. "Eliminate the Anomaly from the Game."
Elena's smile returned. "And what happened to that twin‑blade man you sent after the Anomaly?" she asked.
Alaric's expression didn't change. "He failed." he said. "And brought shame to my city. So if the three of you remove the Anomaly, you will not only become the Thrine but you will also be heros who saved the Game."
Elena's eyes glittered. "If it's about saving the whole Game, then shouldn't we be given more than becoming the Thrine?" she asked, stepping forward.
The Butler opened his mouth to cut her off. But before he could, Alaric laughed softly. "I like her. She's diplomatic." he murmured.
Then, with a movement that snapped the room taut, Alaric closed the distance. His hand came up faster than breath and gripped Elena by the jaw. The contact was forceful. Elena's breath hitched and the cocky smile on her face faltered.
"But if you ever speak to me like that again." Alaric said quietly. "I will rip you apart limb from limb."
He released Elena as quickly as he had grabbed her, stepping. "Do we have an agreement?" he asked.
"We accept the terms, Instructor." Damien said. "The Anomaly will be dealt with, permanently."
Alaric inclined his head once, satisfied. "Good. Do not disappoint me." He turned and walked away, leaving the trio in silence.