Jerry

"Do you think you have enough power to brag about and hit your colleague, Mr. Lux? Hah!" The tall coach shouted loudly, slamming the table almost to the point of breaking, causing all the tools on it to shake.

Niard looked down, never having been scolded before, especially not the first time for him, as he had always been the obedient son and student.

"Well, it will be difficult for me to explain the situation, as my intention was to conceal my strength, so the fault is mine," Niard thought as he slowly raised his gaze to the coach, whose eyes were red with anger, raising his eyebrow in disapproval at Niard's silence.

"I'll bear all the consequences," Niard said with utmost confidence. The coach didn't add any words, making him leave to join his classes. As he walked down the alley, Niard found Tala waiting for him, leaning against the wall, looking tense.

"Well, I don't like to owe anyone, so how can I repay you?" she said in an unusually gentle voice. Niard didn't respond; he hadn't planned to save her, and even the battles they had fought before hadn't met the level he longed for.

"Niard, my friend, how are you?" Niard heard a familiar voice, 'Jerry.' He thought to himself and quickly turned to see him, dressed in coordinated clothes, carrying a strange weapon resembling a rifle but more advanced.

"Jerry, it's been a long time, I mean not entirely, but why are you here?" Niard said in surprise. Jerry approached him, "After I heard you were transferred here, I got worried about you, so I chose to become a supervisor for some classes..." Jerry didn't finish his sentence; Mr. Beck interrupted, requesting Jerry's presence.

"Alright, Niard, we'll meet soon," Jerry said, shaking Nirad's hand firmly, while Tala watched them in astonishment.

"Where do you know this boy from? He's the son of one of the greatest creators who teach at the Rehabilitation Academy," Tala quickly said, but Niard just looked at her strangely; he didn't want to talk to her, she seemed suspicious, and he was uneasy with her presence nearby.

 "I don't care who he is, and also, stop bothering me. Your task is to monitor me, not pursue me, so do your job properly, Miss Tala, the prime example of perfection," Niard said sarcastically, causing Tala to clench her fists tightly and hit the wall, which shattered half of it.

Al that matters, Niard, is that it's forbidden to use my full powers within the Empire. I'll show you someday the reality of being a perfect person. As for that rat that made me appear weak to you, he's of no use," she whispered as she walked steadily to the general's office, where she had to report on Niard's situation. When she stood at the door, she heard Jerry say:

"Don't worry; I'll get rid of him. It's only a matter of time. We've tracked him, and soon we'll catch him. The Council is concerned

"I don't care who he is, and also, stop bothering me. Your task is to monitor me, not pursue me, so do your job properly, Miss Tala, the prime example of perfection," Niard said sarcastically, causing Tala to clench her fists tightly and hit the wall, which shattered half of it.

"All that matters, Niard, is that it's forbidden to use my full powers within the Empire. I'll show you someday the reality of being a perfect person. As for that rat that made me appear weak to you, he's of no use," she whispered as she walked steadily to the general's office, where she had to report on Niard's situation. When she stood at the door, she heard Jerry say:

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him. It's just a matter of time. We've tracked him, and soon we'll catch him. The Council is concerned about his presence in this facility." Tala blinked twice, 'Who are they talking about?' She was lost in thought and didn't notice that the door of the room had been opened, and Jerry stood in front of her, looking at her with a questioning eyebrow about her eavesdropping.

"Miss Tala, it's a pleasure to see you. I've heard about you from my parents. Stay out of my way, Tala. I don't like snoops, especially when it comes to an official mission from the Council," he said mockingly, filled with disdain for her presence before him. If there was one person he detested to the point of death, it was Tala; she had privileges beyond her capabilities.

She was not given the opportunity to say anything; she moved away from him, leaving her burning inside, 'Damn these insolent scoundrels.' She thought and shook her head in frustration, then entered the general's office, not wanting to waste any time. "Alright, Miss Tala, let me guess the reason for your visit. Is it about Niard?" said the general, seeming to be in a good mood, placing the bowl of grains on the table and closing his bird cage.

"In fact, yes, regarding reporting his behavior," she said as she sat where the general indicated. "Why don't you postpone your report on him for a later time? There's a more important mission than Niard," when Tala heard the general's words, her eyes darkened, and she tightened her grip on her knees.

"I've discovered private investigations about the presence of a magic user inside the Imperial Army Academy," the general said, observing Tala's expressions, which indicated her disapproval of what he said. She realized that the Emperor had eradicated the presence of magic a century ago.

"What do you need from me, sir?" Tala asked. In her mind, the image of one person she suspected emerged, 'Could it be Niard? His progress has been rapid for someone who's not perfect,' Tala thought as she stared at the crystal on the general's table.

"The Council has sent Mr. Jerry to track him down and apprehend him. Your task is to locate that magic user and bring him to me before Mr. Jerry. I want to interrogate him, then I'll hand him over to the Council," the general said firmly, causing Tala's body to shiver unnaturally.

"Does he want me to betray the Council?" Tala whispered, a smile forming on the general's lips. "This task won't compromise your loyalty to the Empire. I know you were involved in today's altercation by chance and witnessed your fight. How would the Council view you if they knew about your defeat?" the general said cunningly, a tone Tala hadn't seen him use before. "Do I consider this a threat from you, General?" Tala said firmly, sensitive to any attempt to undermine her perfection.

"I don't think you're in a position to speak, Miss Tala. You can leave. It's advisable if you expedite this mission," the general said with a smile that made Tala feel like retching.

 He shattered the respected image she held of him. He was one of the elders who had lived for over a century and a half, respected for his wisdom and patience.