Cody remained calm about Sir Matthias’s decision. The others were confused, especially Amelia.

“Sir Matthias, how did Zachariel failed? Wasn’t his performance comparable to a Prospect already?”

The other 3 girls agreed. Jeremias remained neutral.

“Amelia, my decision is final. Now, everyone is dismissed except you five and Cody.”

Seeing Sir Matthias’ expression, everybody else left the area. They carried different expressions on their faces.

Zachariel still had an indifferent expression on his face. He wasn’t disappointed that he had failed.

He left the area and went back into the lounge. Lina was waiting for him there. “Uhm, Zachariel. I just hope that you didn’t feel bad about failing Sir Matthias’s test earlier. He’s just a bit, strict. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Zachariel just nodded and left the building. His head started to hurt again, and some of his memories became fuzzy. He wanted to go back quickly and rest.

“Lina, don’t waste your breath on that guy.”

“But sister! Just because he’s like that doesn’t mean we have to treat him the same way around! Maybe he just needs a little help. I feel bad for him.”

Lina was the type of girl who would worry about other’s safety. Luna sighed about her sister’s naivety. Lina had always wanted everyone and everything to be on good terms.

Back at the rotating area, Sir Matthias was talking about the upcoming skirmish event.

“I will hand over your names to the deans so that you will be listed as the representatives on the upcoming skirmish event for the Prospect category. Starting next day, and the other rest days, you are required to go here and practice from morning to evening. Your seniors will be here to guide you around so don’t worry. Any questions?”

Victoria raised her hand.

“Sir, regarding Zachariel…”

“Victoria, I already said earlier that my decision is final.”

Sir Matthias sternly emphasized what he had just said. Victoria cowered back, afraid of asking about that matter again. `Why am I so worried about him now? What has happened to me, really?`

“Since there are no more questions, you five can go leave now.”

The five representatives left the area.

“Hey, it’s weird isn’t it?” Helena started talking.

“Are you talking about Zachariel’s failure earlier?” Sabrina asked about it.

“Yeah. I feel like Sir Matthias is up to something.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Why? I mean, look at Zachariel. He could match up to senior Edward even if senior is just playing around. That’s something you don’t see now and then.”

Sabrina agreed. He did not think that Zachariel was that weak. Sir Matthias must have been looking for something else during the fight, and its absence led to Zachariel’s failure. Amelia and Victoria stayed silent.

Jeremias was in a trance. He still could not believe that Zachariel failed. `Isn’t he better than me? How come he failed the test? Or maybe I’m actually the better one between us?`

They did not see Zachariel after returning to the lounge.

“Seniors, may I know where Zachariel is?”

“He went out of the building. Probably back to his school.”

“Oh.” Amelia’s mood turned worse. She blamed herself for not raising her hand and tell Sir Matthias about backing out from the skirmish event. Helena saw Amelia’s despondent look.

“Now, now Amelia. Don’t blame yourself for it. Nobody had ever guessed he would fail, okay?”

Amelia just nodded at her without looking back.

On the other seat, Sabrina was wondering why Zachariel ran away. `He’s the type of guy to not care at all. What happened to him after the match?`

Back at the rotating area.

“Cody, what about the five guilds?”

“I have spoken to my father about moving the plan ahead. He’s still considering the matter because our new variable is a bit questionable for the rest of them. Unless Sir Matthias could provide a strong point, it would be impossible to change our course of actions.”

Matthias nodded. “Regarding Zachariel, are you confident about talking it out with him?”

“I will do my best. If it doesn’t work, then I can only curse myself for being unlucky.”

“Good, let’s go leave now.”

They exited the room. Cody went back to the lounge while Matthias went the other way.

Matthias opened the door leading to the dean's building.

The other side was a narrow corridor with stone u-shaped staircases, going upwards almost endlessly. He locked the door by activating the array formation engraved within.

He went up the stairs. The small magic lamps stuck on the walls illuminated the silent passage. His footsteps were loud, echoing throughout the room.

At the top on the other side was another door, leading to a hallway. He locked the door behind and followed along the path, stopping right after passing through 2 wooden doors.

He opened it and went inside.

The room was full of stacked papers, books, and other messes. It was small with an area of 25 square meters. He sat on the chair behind the mahogany table and recollected the events that had happened earlier.

`I hope Cody could help him as soon as possible because the Emperor won’t wait for him to do that. Zachariel’s our best bet right now. I’ll have to set up a meeting with the Five Guilds soon. The upcoming battlefield exercise is the perfect stage for the Emperor, the Dark Factions, and our revolution to initiate our plans.`

He picked up a paper on one of the stacks and read its contents.

`The Templars in all the continents were reported to be dormant for now. The previous beast tide at the Medullan Forward Camp was obviously the work of one of them. That Valryx should be reviving soon. Based on their current movement, it looks like they’re waiting for something. I wonder what that ‘something’ are they waiting for.`

He shifted his thoughts to the Emperor.

`The Emperor had done a good job on suppressing the news regarding Zachariel’s incident. He perfectly timed the explosion and the cutting of signals during the school selection event.`

`What a sly fox you are, Emperor Marcus. Though I wonder if you could keep it up if those rats from the Fleeting Shadow kidnap your beloved son.`

`Also…`

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Enter.”

It was actually Instructor Jonas, the sleepwalking instructor that entered Zachariel’s class earlier this morning.

“Good afternoon, Sir Matthias.”

Matthias nodded. “Did he have any reactions?”

“Unfortunately, Sir, I was unable to determine anything due to his facial expressions.”

“Hmm... Is that so?” He repeatedly tapped his index finger on the table, thinking about how to continue with the investigation. “Just continue discussing the Nervadellirs and the world essence. Maybe we could get something after a while.”

“Understood, Sir Matthias.”

Matthias stopped tapping his finger and supported his chin with his two hands. “Sir Jonas, have you heard about the story of the Dark Witch and the Prince of Heaven?”

“I’m unable to recollect any memory regarding this story, Sir Matthias.”

“Oh, I forgot that I actually saw it in one of the archives within the Supreme Academy. Pardon me for my forgetfulness.”

“Sir Matthias, please stop doing that. I’m not worthy of a pardon from you.”

Matthias smirked.

“Very well then. Though are you interested in hearing it?”

“If Sir Matthias is willing to recite it, this subordinate is willing to hear it.”

“A few ages ago, there lived a witch and a prince from a long-forgotten kingdom. The prince was distinguished as the Son of Heaven due to the phenomena that occurred at his birth. People thought that it was a blessing from the ‘Heavens’. When he grew up, his strength was unmatched, his momentum was unstoppable. Many people wanted him dead.”

“One day, he was being pursued by assassins from another kingdom, leading him to the hut of the witch. She saved the prince, with the latter owing her a huge favor in exchange for saving his life.”

“Unfortunately, when the prince left the area, the witch’s hut was attacked by the enemy kingdom disguised as the prince and his people. The witch thought that the prince had betrayed her. On her death, she bore an eternal grudge against the prince. She would kill him should she ever see him in her next life.”

“Eras passed, and the same prince was reincarnated along with the witch. On their second encounter, the witch was saved by the prince this time around. The latter was killed when he used his body to protect the witch from a very strong spell.”

“The witch could not believe what happened. She asked him why did he do it. The prince said that he owed her his life, and he shall use his life to return the favor. The witch was moved, and witnessing his death brought her anguish and endless fury. She slaughtered her way to the kingdom that killed the prince until she died. She swore that if she meets him again in the next life, she would protect him dearly and use her own body to save him.”

“After that, there were no more stories about the witch and the prince of heaven. So, what do you think about it, Sir Jonas? Pretty boring and cliché, isn’t it?”

“I agree to your remarks, Sir Matthias. But if possible, may I know why did you recite this story in particular?”

“Do I really need a reason for that? Hmm… Probably because something happened today and it reminded me of that.”

Matthias laughed. “I’m sorry for wasting your time, Sir Jonas. You can go now.”

“Thank you, Sir Matthias.” Jonas bowed and left the room. Matthias was left alone again, his mood better than before. `It looks like I have finally found a strong point to start that meeting now.`

He narrowed his eyes, planning about how to deliver his point to the five guild leaders.

`Maybe I’ll have to wait until the end of the skirmish event. Who knows? Maybe Cody could really help Zachariel before that time comes.`

`If Zachariel could show off his skills and talent, maybe those old fools would be persuaded. After all, those Elden dignitaries should’ve already informed the Elden Conglomerate about Zachariel’s information.`

`Surely their Prospect candidates would be pissed off if that guy is not participating in the event. There is no doubt the five of their representatives would want to duel against him.`

`However, if he wants to show off, he needs to fix that problem about his own self. Cody, I’m counting on you.`