"Huakkk!" I gasped as I jolted awake, the remnants of sleep fading away.
A wave of energy surged through , completely erasing the fatigue I’d felt from the events of yesterday. My eyes darted around the room, and I took a mont to breathe in. I didn’t need to question who had brought here since my friends were the last one I was with before I fainted.
I don’t need to question who bought here since I know they’re my friends and I’m safe with the one who carried here.
"Hey system speak to ." I imdiately called out to the system, ready to scold it. But to my irritation, there was no response. Just silence. Taking a deep breath, I sighed, trying to calm the irritation bubbling up inside . I desperately wanted to scold it for making the situation worse, but eventually, I decided it was best to let it go. It wasn’t worth the energy.
I glanced at my watch, the screen glowing with notification so I quickly scanned it.
————————————
Attention Wandering Club mbers!
We’ll leave at 4 PM so you can do whatever you want for the remaining ti then let’s all et at the entrance.
Your club president, Zachary.
————————————
I quickly checked the ti and groaned inwardly. It was already 12 PM, and I had so much to do before we leave. I hastily changed into a comfortable outfit, grabbing a snug sweater and my favorite jeans, before racing out the door.
My eyes scanned the shops as I used the portal straight to the town’s main thoroughfare. Macaron’s little voice piped up in my head, reminding that I’d promised to buy him so treats. I made a ntal note to pick up so goodies for him.
I wandered through the shops, eyeing new desserts that I was sure Macaron would love. I picked out a few that caught my eye, and with them safely in hand, I headed to the stores to grab so souvenirs for myself.
First stop: the antique shop. I browsed through the dusty shelves, searching for sothing unique. But nothing really caught my eye. Next, I headed to the weapon shop, but the selection was lackluster. Even the crafted items shop didn’t have anything that stood out.
As the ti ticked closer to 4 PM, I checked my watch and groaned inwardly. It was almost ti to et up with the others. With a shrug, I decided to head back to Velvet Grotto, souvenirs be damned.
We are now standing in front of Velvet Grotto’s Portal. Our identities were already cleared from previous screenings, sparing us the lengthy investigation process.
Behind us, a group of individuals waited patiently for their turn. I tried not to turn my back on them but my curiosity couldn’t help but drift in their direction. They were all mbers of the Nightjars Organization, their faces hidden behind the disguises provided by Thorne’s ability.
Then we proceeded through Eldoria, there we used another portal so we could go to Aeonia. We used two portals in total.
As we erged from the portal, Zachary stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "I don’t know if I can say this, but I already expected this to happen. Considering what transpired on our last trip, it’s becoming increasingly likely that we’ll face challenges. As soon-to-be heroes, we should start getting used to such situations."
The group nodded in agreent, their faces etched with bitter smiles.
"Well done everybody, both yesterday and today. So let’s all go back ho!"
With a final word of encouragent, Zachary dismissed us. "Well done, everyone, both yesterday and today. Now, let’s head back to school."
As we turned to leave Aeonia’s Portal Station, everyone else froze. I, however, remained oblivious, lost in my own thoughts.
That was when I noticed it – reporters sward around us, their caras and microphones at the ready.
"They’re here!" one of them exclaid.
"Ready your caras!" another shouted.
The reporters bombarded us with questions as the group were still stunned by what they’re seeing.
"Can you tell us what happened at Velvet Grotto?"
"Is it true that the Eldoria’s Crown Prince got kidnapped?"
"Cadet Cypher Nox perford great service at the Rogue ambush – is that true?"
Videos of what happened in Clancy Hall must have spread to Aeonia, and Cypher’s outstanding performance surely made the headlines.
’As expected of the main lead. He’s effortlessly famous—’
Then I heard my na. "Is there a cadet nad Remillia with you today? According to my source, she was the one who saved the Crown Prince from the Rogues!"
I winced at the ntion of my na, knowing that my involvent had made the headlines also.
Before the reporters could spot , I decided to leave before I gather more attention. With that, I quietly left the group and made my way to the academy portal.
I glanced back one last ti; the interview was still in full swing. Whitney, who thrived on dia attention, was chatting animatedly with the reporters, her hair catching the light as she spoke.
Finally, I was back in Glacial Sphere, grateful for the sudden silence of the familiar surroundings. It almost felt like ho to .
As I entered my dorm room, Macaron flew over to , nuzzling my neck as his eyes sparkled with excitent.
"Of course, knowing how you’re a big eater, I bought a lot." I replied, holding up a bag full of desserts.
Without hesitation, he happily snatched it away from .
His delight was infectious as he rummaged through the bag, pulling out sugary treats and devouring them with glee. I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm.
’I should’ve nad you Glutton rather than Macaron.’
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
With only five days remaining until the next sester started, I kept up with my training routine as usual. After a solid workout, I decided to call Stephen to check in on how things were shaping up at the agency.
"Hey Boss." I greeted, a smile creeping onto my face.
"I should be the one calling you that." Stephen laughed warmly. "It’s been a while! I’m so glad you called."
"Oh, I was just checking in on how our agency is doing." I replied, my curiosity piqued.
"Stop with that! Even though I am the one handling things, we both know this is yours." He was right. I bought ownership of the agency he’s been working with, nad it Nocturna Agency, and chosen him as the head manager. He was now handling all the day-to-day work while I enjoyed the benefits.
"Thanks for managing the Agency Stephen." I said, sincerely appreciative of his hard work.
No problem! Oh, by the way, we have a total of fifteen rcenaries who joined us." he said eagerly.
"Slow and steady wins the race," I replied, feeling a swell of pride at the agency’s growth.
"Exactly. And just a heads up—we’re preparing to expand the agency, and we’ll soon be moving to a better place. I’ll ssage you the details once we get enough capital." His voice becoming more softer.
"How much do you need?" I asked bluntly, not mincing my words.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "U-uhm, since we’re still a new agency, we need about 150 million Glacium. B-but don’t worry! Our agency can earn that—"
I cut him off with a firm tone. "You don’t have to worry about the money. Rember, I’m the new boss now. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call . Now, what’s your bank account info?" I was relieved I had reached out; otherwise, he might not have shared this critical detail.
"I’ll ssage you my bank account," he replied, sounding a bit relieved.
"Stephen, whenever there’s a problem, imdiately call , okay? Don’t leave in the dark. I’m now responsible for the agency, you, and the other employees. Besides, I’m excited to see our new building, so make it good, okay?"
"Okay, thank you and sorry Remillia." he apologetically said, sounding a bit sheepish.
We continued to discuss our plans for the agency, laying out ideas and strategies that filled us both with excitent. After a little more talk, we decided to call it a day.
I stretched my aching body, the training session having taken its toll, and was just about to step into the shower when my computer pinged with a notification.
I brushed it aside, thinking it was probably sothing minor. I decided to bathe first, getting lost in the soothing warmth of the water, letting my muscles relax.
Once I was done, I sat down in front of my computer and opened the Scarlet Phantom website. I almost forgot that I created a verification service on the platform. With anticipation, I clicked the notification, and it led to a folder.
As I opened it, a note caught my eye—it read, "Find this woman, dead or alive." My pulse quickened. Within the folder was a picture of a smiling woman along with her personal information.
I looked to see who the sender was, Adrian Lerin and the person he must be looking for was his mother, Evangeline Lerin.
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