Zeke was in a dilemma; On one side, he wanted to continue living in the apartment and train in the park late at night, and on the other, he did not want to receive any Black Stars due to not following the new rules. Furthermore, as Erys would most likely be closed to all visitors, he wouldn’t be able to attend classes.Eventually, after thorough consideration, Zeke decided to temporarily hold off his search for Amelia. Deep inside, he knew that she was most likely dead, but he didn’t want to believe that as long as no conclusive evidence was found.As it was the last day he had complete freedom, Zeke first completed the Daily Tasks and then went to Kethra’s Arms. The usually bustling district was relatively empty and was patrolled by dozens of officers.As dangerous as it was to wander around, Zeke hoped he would find any signs of the killer. Admittedly, he was still not confident in his prowess, but he still wanted to try one last time.For two hours, Zeke walked from one spot to the

After clearing up things with Sulong and starting a new page, built on cooperation, Zeke returned home and packed the necessary stuff he needed to take with him to the dormitory.By the time he ate a bit of food, he was feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue due to his brief confrontation with Vanessa.It took him a great deal of Aether as well as absolute concentration to stop her blistering cold aura and the icicles.He got to experience firsthand the gap between himself and one of the top students of Erys. Of course, Vanessa was a third-year and she had been training in Aether Manipulation since a young age, but that didn’t make Zeke feel any better.He had the System, which was-arguably- a much more efficient and fast method of progress. First, he had to catch up to his peers and climb the rankings, and, eventually, he was confident in reaching the apex and no longer having to worry about ridicule, bullying, or the constant comparison between himself and his successful siblings.

“I’m not a teacher, so I won’t pry any further.” The Dean eyed Zeke for a couple of breaths before standing up and opening the door. “Return to your dormitory and… no more nocturnal wandering or you will receive Black Stars.” Zeke and Emilia nodded and scurried away, soon finding themselves back in the forest. While he was in deep thought, she stole glances at him and tried to say something only to stop at the last second. The short trip back to the open campus was filled with nothing but a tense silence. However, before they separated, Zeke halted his feet and asked her, “What were you doing in the middle of nowhere?” Instead of answering, she apologetically bowed her head, “I’m sorry. Really really sorry!” “Huh?” Taken aback, he raised his eyebrow, not knowing how to respond. “I now know what I did wrong. I… I never wanted Amelia to die or for her parents to get attacked. Please believe me!” “It’s not me who you should apologize to. Still, at least you’re remorseful, unli

“Why are you always talking to yourself?” While bandaging her chest to hide the hideous black crystal, Amelia asked Jonathan, who never pacing around the dimly lit basement and mumbling to himself. Her question, which came out of the blue, made him momentarily stop and look at her with half-surprised half-confused face. “It helps me concentrate… and it doesn’t concern you. Continue your training or else I will find someone else to use the Crown.” As crazy as he always seemed, Jonathan could sometimes be reasonable and calm. Now was such a time, which was why she mustered her courage and asked him. Then again, as they were allies, more or less, he wasn’t particularly harsh on her. “What even is the Crown? Is it just this crystal to my chest?” He stared at the thick bandages wrapped around her chest, barely hiding the crystal. After a slight hesitation, he sighed and fiddled with his yellow headband, “The Crown is an otherworldly artifact. It’s what will help me get what I want.”

“What’s the matter with that kid?”Celestia wasn’t happy at the end of her pointless conversation with Zeke. He left abruptly and was vehemently against lending any kind of assistance. “I found that strange.” Remarked James while pushing back his glasses and standing up.“He was relatively polite when we talked to him. Did you expect him to be like Edward?”Upon the mention of Edward Orland, the girl snorted and averted her gaze.“Apparently, before awakening, so to speak, he was getting bullied by two of his classmates. Maybe his unwillingness to help stems from that.”“And what, pray tell, does that have anything to do with me?”“You shouldn’t have threatened him.” Chirped Vanessa, also surprised by Zeke’s attitude. Although he was fairly outspoken, he was still a bit ‘docile’ when she talked to him.“I’ll try talking to him.”“What?”Celestia slapped her hand against the table, her anger rising, which was extremely rare as tended to things in a calm and responsible manner.“Out of