Though Aiwas took leave, he only planned to skip morning classes. Having borrowed Common Ritual Studies from the university library using his teaching assistant status, he now had ti to study in his dorm. The book’s knowledge surpassed the “secret” teachings from the Red Nobility Society, covering common rituals up to the second energy level. ant for priests to identify and counter illicit Transcendence rituals, Aiwas could reverse-engineer it for his own ritual magic. After breakfast, he settled in the second-floor study to read.
An expected yet surprising visitor arrived: Haina, his senior. Aiwas teased her for visiting at a reasonable hour—10 a.m.—unlike her usual untily arrivals. Haina, flustered, admitted her punctuality issues were mysterious but brushed it off, stating she had three matters to discuss, one tied to yesterday’s club incident.
Director Kent offered a secret text as thanks, even a Transcendence path one, fully sanitized. Aiwas could na a recipient, including foreigners, and the Bureau would vouch for them, protecting them from arrest for studying it, even if it’s an illegal path. Aiwas, expecting a “comndation” or “consolation,” jokingly asked if another ceremony was planned. Haina awkwardly called it a “gift.” The Bureau, wary after the near-disaster, avoided another public event, especially since Princess Isabel witnessed it. While publicly praised, the Bureau faced private scrutiny, with ministers grilled by the Queen and an ergency Round Table eting ongoing.
Aiwas understood the true gesture: the Bureau allowed him to recruit a superhuman subordinate, even an illegal path user, with identity protection and liability coverage—a significant favor, likely from the Great Guardian, Avalon’s rare fifth-tier superhuman. This secured Lily’s Adaptation path without hiding. Relaxed, Aiwas teased Haina about her curiosity for Transcendence texts, flustering her into denying it, admitting only an interest in alchemy. He handed her Alchemical Code, fulfilling a prior promise, and invited her to study beside him, which she eagerly accepted.
When could he claim the text? Haina said tonight or tomorrow at White Queen District, as Red Queen was chaotic with Gordon and the new director at the Round Table. Aiwas, wary of scheduling mishaps, suggested Haina accompany him ho after afternoon class, with Lily selecting the text. Haina offered to escort them and protect Aiwas all day, citing Edward’s potential bla if he was hurt. Aiwas doubted another imdiate attack by the demon scholars, but Haina’s serious tone introduced her remaining concerns.
She bowed earnestly, requesting his help. Great Arbiter g, Avalon’s strongest, tasked Haina with a test involving a “portable alchemical bomb.” Aiwas was stunned—g, a fifth-tier superhuman with three 1 priority items (Barrier, Revelation, Resistance) and potentially a fourth (Command) via the Queen’s Scepter, was considering Haina as a disciple. Her discerning, Authority-path arrogance made this significant; she smiled at all but favored few. Haina’s potential fifth-tier talent matched Chloe’s, though advancent wasn’t guaranteed without aptitude. Aiwas recalled “Mr. King,” stuck at first-tier despite years of trying.
He agreed to help, seeing it as an investnt. Sharing credit with Haina wouldn’t diminish his growing fa, which had diminishing returns. If Haina beca g’s disciple, Aiwas could gain influence with her, crucial since g’s death triggers Avalon’s “Cruel Autumn.” Convincing g to delay her fatal advancent could alter history, buying Aiwas developnt ti.
Curious about Sherlock, whom g also wanted involved, Aiwas learned Haina’s third matter: Sherlock was attacked last night.
(Chapter End)
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