Cyziel chose the closest restaurant that they saw to eat. It was more accurate to call it a small outdoor cafeteria. He did not really want his pursuers to think that he is trying to delay or run from them since he really just want to eat. Still, he took advantage of the treat that he received. He ordered multiple dishes to sate his hunger. The leader of his pursuers was quite displeased but the others didn't really have any opinions.

The owner of the cafeteria could deduce that her customers were not normal people but she didn't really care as long as she was paid correctly. Cyziel's pursuers, on another hand, were a bit tense as they occasionally glance at him. They were cautious that he might suddenly make a move. As for Cyziel, he was pretty chill but he was not actually just focused on eating; He was trying to scrutinize his pursuers and take a guess on who they are.

"So where are you guys taking me?" Cyziel asked, breaking the quiet atmosphere around.

"There is no need for you to ask. You will soon know about it if you just finish your food fast." The leader snorted, not wanting to have small talks.

Cyziel turned to the swordsman, smiling. "Hey! Since you are currently the ranked 10 in maximas, were you also allowed to join the interschool competitions?

The swordsman frowned. "Are you mocking me? Do you think that beating me once in combat means that I am not worthy to join the competition?" He then continued eating, ignoring Cyziel.

What? I'm not even mocking him! I was just even asking him politely! He then turned to the fire mage. "So what rank have you reached in fire magic?"

"Rank 5." The mage answered without looking at Cyziel, continuing to sip on the soup that he was eating. After a few seconds, he then opened his mouth. "Are you really an adept? Were you really able to reach level 6 magic in three elements?" As someone who is also focused in magic, he was curious about the rumors about the number one freshman.

Cyziel bit his lower lips as he stared up, seemingly conflicted on what to say."Mmmm....Kinda, that's not really entirely accurate though."

"I see so your magicus might have already evolved to have the capacity to hold large amount of different essences but you probably still doesn't have enough understand of the elements." The mage nodded, feeling relieved that the rumors were not entirely true.

Cyziel creased his eyebrow, jerking backwards. Uhmm.. No... That's not what I mean but oh well, I already showed him enough strength. No need to scare him now.

"So your teachers are liars huh? They really want to hype you up. Was it meant to scare the other participants in the other schools?" The man equipped with a cannon laughed.

"There is no need for you to be arrogant. True or not, you should know by yourself how strong he is to be able to catch your attack." The woman who was able to heal uttered.

"Heh!" The man then looked at Cyziel. "So what if you are a bit more talented in magic, its the technology that would soon rule this world."

"I actually do applaud the one who made that but wasn't that still something simple. If you are able to use earth and fire essences then why don't you just cast it by yourself." Cyziel innocently asked. He didn't get angry but he was really curious of its other advantages. He was already part of the advanced science and technology class but they were currently focused on science topics which actually helped him in his magic theories. As for their technology lessons, most are about the common technologies that the people in Venturia use everyday.

"You don't even know what this is? How are you the number one in your class? This thing is powered by aether crystals and fire and earth elemental gems. Even a kid would be able to activate this. You should at least know what a rune is. The rune in this thing is the one performing the magic and if it was someone who has affinity with fire and earth like me then it could generate an even stronger attack. " The man mockingly answered.

"Then wouldn't that mean that it is used by people who can't easily comprehend magic?"

The woman chuckled. Cyziel's question was a bit stupid but he also has a point.

"What the hell did you say? You think I am stupid? Why don't you ask anyone here if they could create metals using earth magic? You think it is that easy? Why don't you show us then since you are so genius!" The man shouted, pissed at the stipulated meaning of Cyziel's question.

Well, that makes sense. I haven't even tried it before but with enough practice, I think it is doable. Since the rune was able to do it then I should be able to do it too. I am really thankful of the science lessons here. Cyziel thought, taking a bite at the meat in his fork. "Well, I could try."

"Enough, if you are just going to keep chatting then I'll just bring you again by force." The leader threatened.

"Alright, just let me finish this."

Cyziel quickly finished his meal and they proceeded to move out. As promised, he didn't try to run away. He just followed them, moving at their pace. The path that they chose was quite near the wall of the Styrtan village but he also noticed that the group would suddenly change path. They didn't encounter any guards or militia that usually patrol the village. It was as if they have an idea of where the guards would be.

Cyziel could see that they are proceeding north. They would soon reach the northern exit if they continued. Suddenly, the group stopped. Someone was trying to call their leader.

"Change of plans! Do --- Ah! Here you are. Are you talking to someone? --- Ah! No! Its nothing" Two voices was heard from the leader's watch before the call stopped.

"Whose voice is that?" The mage asked.

"Do you think that they are in trouble?" The woman added.

"Someone is talking with the Captain. I do not know who it is but let's hurry." The leader said.

"What about him?" The man with the cannon pointed at Cyziel.

"You three go first. You," The leader turned to Cyziel." follow them! I'll be following you from behind!"

The team hurriedly ran with Cyziel behind them and the leader at the back. They soon reached the northern gate. Cyziel saw quite a few familiar figures and also some other people that he had never seen. Volus, Ortix, Mina and Misa was there. He could also see the captain of the militia that he saw in the Audeo Tavern, together with some other people from the militia. Finally, there were 3 people that the militia seem to respect.

Pryce's eyes widened as he saw the group who was with Cyziel. His hands curled as he made a deep breathe.

"I knew it. You five are part of the militia are you." Cyziel said. "But why are you looking for me?"

"Shit! What are we going to do?" The man with a cannon fearfully asked.

"What do you think? They already saw us! Just walk normally towards them." Their leader said.

"Oh! What's this? You guys seem scared!" Cyziel chuckled.

"Shut up! If you already know that we are from the militia then you better be quiet!" The leader rebuked.

The group walked towards the rest of the people who seemed to be waiting for them.

"Vice captain Sherfen! You just arrived on time!" Captain Pryce greeted the group.

"Ah Captain. Here is my team with our two new recruits and--"

"Cyziel right! Yes, we already met before. If you do not know why I asked you to look for him then it was because we have visitors from the capital looking for him." Pryce smartly explained, presenting the three people near him.

"We just requested to help find him a few minutes ago and you are already able find him. You really have capable people." The man in the middle of the three laughed. He was a stout man who seemed to have a very positive attitude." By the way, I am Linnaeus! One of the historians and technicians from the capital."

"Ah! I know you! You are one of the people who helped in the advancements of the magitech!" The man with the cannon uttered.

Sherfen furiously stared at him, signaling him to be quiet.

"Haha! Its fine. Let him speak but my contributions are not really that great. Its all thanks to the Enerka race!" Linnaeus chuckled then he turned to Cyziel. "So you are Cyziel. I heard that you are a genius. Your friends here have been talking to me about you for quite some time already."

*Who is this guy?* Cyziel mentally sent to Volus.

*No need to worry. He only came here to learn about our race and language. Remember Ru telling us that we might be interviewed? That's him.* Volus answered.

Cyziel smiled at Linnaeus. "I hope that they only told you positive things about me."

"Haha! Of course. Of course! Since you are now here then won't you come with your friends and join me? It won't take long." Linnaeus then turned to Pryce. "You guys could now leave. You probably have a lot more things to do. Oh! I'll meet you all again later, I'll make sure to credit you and your people's good work! Haha!"

"Ah Yes!. Thank you Lord Linnaeus!" Pryce bowed. He seemed hesitant to go but he eventually brought his people away.

A minute later, a hovering limousine arrived to fetch the group. It seems that it was already parked somewhere nearby. The group of eight which consisted of Linnaeus, his two other colleagues, Cyziel, Ortix, Volus, Mina and Misa entered the vehicle.

The limousine has one long L shaped seat and opposite it was a bar with food and drinks. Cyziel was the first to enter the car and sat down on the corner of the seat. Ortix immediately went to take a drink and a snack. It seems that he already knew about it. Volus also took a drink and sat down. Mina and Misa just sat down on the right of Volus.

"Don't be shy Cyziel. Go take a drink!" Linnaeus generously offered, sitting near Cyziel. "Just don't drink too much. We still have lots to talk about." He chuckled.

Cyziel nodded. "I'll take on your offer then." He stood up and mixed his own drink before sitting back down.

"Before everything else, tell me Cyziel, why are you actually with those people?" Linnaeus grinned.

"Weren't you the one who asked to look for me?" Cyziel sarcastically answered, playing with the glass on his hand before having a sip.

"Hahaha!" Linnaeus laughed then showed a malicious grin. "Did they actually think that I am stupid? I asked for their help to locate you literally moments ago and I could see how nervous they acted when you arrived. So what did they want with you?"

Cyziel shrugged. "Well, they didn't really tell me anything about it. They forced me to come with them and since I am an obedient kid, I followed them."

"So did I just saved your life?"

"In contrast, you actually foiled my plans on seeing where are they bringing me and what they are planning to do." Cyziel shook his head, he was actually dismayed at how things proceeded.

One of the man beside Linnaeus stared furiously at Cyziel as if he would pounce at Cyziel at any minute.

Linnaeus raised his left arm, signaling the man to stop. "Calm down. Its normal for young people to be arrogant." He then focused back at Cyziel. "I heard that you are currently the number 1 in your class but you are still too young. Do not underestimate the people in this world. You would soon thank me for accidentally helping you. So did you not antagonize them or provoke them, did you?"

"No. I don't even interact that much with them. This is the first time." Cyziel denied. "I was actually surprised when they followed me."

"Then this is really suspicious." Linnaeus nodded. "They even brought advance tech to capture you."

"Well they didn't really get to capture me but anyway, do you really not know anything about them?" Cyziel asked inquisitively.

Linnaeus shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. This place is too far from the capital and I focus on my own studies. I do not hear much news here unless it was a big event like the aether storms. The only things I know is that bandits roam the lands around the outskirt villages so be careful of them. But if you ever find some dirt about the militia here then I'll gladly here about it."

"Do you not fear if the bandits would suddenly attack one of the outskirt villages?"

"Hahaha! The bandits would not dare to try! The villages have installed watch towers and defensive barriers. They would be lucky if they could even get in." Linnaeus confidently said.

I have been able to get in and out without noticing so I don't think its really that dependable as he has said. Cyziel thought. "So why did you actually bring me here and why are my friends also here?" He innocently asked, pretending not to know about Linnaeus' objective.

"Oh yes! I already talked about it with your friends. As soon as I arrived here, I asked these friends of mine to look for the new arrivals which are you! " Linnaeus pointed at Cyziel and the rest. " They were able to find these two friends of yours immediately but you were not at the institute so I went and looked for the Captain of the militia here. We found him near here which is north of the village. Quite far from their headquarters don't you think?"

Cyziel nodded then seemingly pondering something. Did they plan to take me outside the village in the north?

"He agreed but I can see that he was hiding something so we followed him. Luckily, you are actually here. As for why I am looking for you then it is because I want to know more about the new races. I actually already talked to some of the Dielif race who were sent in the capital but they said that if I want to know more then I should ask him." Linnaeus momentarily stared at Volus.

"So you should know that we would soon go to the capital right?" Cyziel asked.

"Ah! Yes. Yes but I can't really wait. The stories I heard from their elders was really good. I do not really understand how but it seems that your friend's standing in his planet was pretty high since they called him young sect master and he has the highest authority regarding their race."

Ortix chuckled, hitting Volus with his elbow but Volus ignored him.

"Additionally, I heard that there are two human survivors from another race. That's an alarming news for the people in the capital. You two dying might mean the end of your race. The people there immediately want to send you two in the capital but the elders from the Dielif race said that you first wanted to study about this world here so we agreed." Linnaeus smiled at Cyziel. "If you also do not know yet, I ordered the assigned squad to find your people to hasten their preparation. Wouldn't it be great if you would be able to find your people?"

Uhhh...That was all my lies. You won't be able to find them in the deep southern forest or the eastern forest. Cyziel smiled back. "Yes. That would really be great if you could find them but they better take care in the deep forest. They should avoid fighting if possible." He concerningly said.

"Oh! You seem to already know about the inner southern forest but it is a matter of survival so it should be expected that your instructors would teach you about it. Don't worry though, those people have already ventured in that forest before so they know their limits." Linnaeus reassured before having another sip on his glass. "But you seemed more concerned about our people instead of yours."

"I am just positive that my people are alive."

"So you are just that confident of your own people. That's not bad!" Linnaeus chuckled. "But this planet's secret is far from what you could have imagined. I could even say that I have limited knowledge on it. Still, someone like you two who reached top 10 in your class in a short time meant that your people on average are really strong so I could see where you are getting your confidence."

"Alright then so what do you really want to know about us?" Ortix interjected. He was seemingly getting bored.

The group actually didn't stay long inside the car. They moved to the most luxurious hotel in the Styrtan Village. The room they got was big and complete of utilities and amenities. Linnaeus wanted to have a really good environment before he starts his work. Additionally, he didn't want to have any interruptions so he made sure that they could get whatever they need there.

Since Linnaeus already knew a lot of things about the Dielif race, his questions for Volus, Mina and Misa only took a few hours. As for Cyziel and Ortix, the whole day might not be enough for him to finish. He was also starting to be suspicious if the two were actually of the same race. Even his first question was about the difference in the language that the two spoke with. Luckily, Cyziel's old reason of the two belonging to two different race in the same planet worked. Linnaeus even agreed that it was normal since Earthlings are said to know thousands of languages.

-- Northern Gate (Styrtan Village) --

"You two may leave!" Pryce ordered the two maximas from the Styrtan Institute.

The two quickly left without any question. They seemed to be relieved that they won't be part of any incoming reprimands that the others might receive.

"Why did you just arrive just now? You literally arrived when that guy also came!" Pryce shouted.

"We did not know and he was also not that weak." Vice captain Sherfen argued.

"Shut up! Are you telling me that you have problems when there are five of you?"

"He really-" The woman with a staff uttered before being silent.

"Be quiet! I am not talking to you!" Pryce then turned to Sherfen back. "Do you understand the consequences of us allowing him to escape? He could start telling that to that fat guy from the capital."

"But we didn't really do anything to him!" The man with the cannon said.

"Idiot! You think detaining someone is normal?" Pryce shouted.

"But why do we really need to capture him!" The woman quickly said.

"I just told you to be shut up did I?" Pryce furiously looked at the woman. "Its not your concern. You just need to capture him. It would even be better if you capture his friends too."

Why is captain being so agitated this time but Cyziel didn't plan on escaping before. Unless, he already knew about the guy from the capital. Ughh.. I just need to calm Pryce first. Sherfen thought. "Alright. We will bring him and his friends back. We just need more people."