Chapter 7

She shook her head, tone almost scolding. "What happened to those lessons on sowing chaos and bringing corrupt regimes to their knees? You used to have such passion for the cause." The half-elf circled the elderly mage slowly. "Why bother with these pathetic school children now?"

Mrs. Tesla remained silent, meeting the younger woman's gaze steadily. After a weighted pause, she finally replied. Mrs. Tesla regarded Alys cautiously. She had only sensed the half-elf's presence due to her use of a long-distance space spell. "What brings you here?" Mrs. Tesla asked. "I was under the impression we were to resume our regular lives until contacted again."

Alys smiled faintly. "I'm here on a new mission from our leader," she explained. "He wants me to deliver a gift to the upcoming king during the tournament. You're the only one who knows the precise location of his accommodations. I need the exact whereabouts of his tent." Her eyes gleamed with determination. "I must have that information."

"Why should I give it to you? Your job is to clean up messes, not create them. Go back and tell the leader that I'll give the information if he's the one asking for it," Mrs. Tesla grumbled, shuffling towards the door and bumping into Alys.

Just as she took a few steps, a deep voice interrupted her. "Tesla, my dear, I always knew you'd be loyal to me. You never share information without my permission. I'm honored to have you as my servant." Mrs. Tesla glanced back at Alys, who held up a round object that was broadcasting the voice. Mrs. Tesla dropped to her knees and bowed. "Greetings, leader."

"Good day to you too, my dear. Now, would you be so kind as to provide the necessary information to Alys? I wouldn't want the gift to sit unused in her space ring while we wait for the location. I've put a fair amount of thought into how the gift should be presented," the leader said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"As you command, Leader. But may I make a suggestion? I understand you likely have a plan in mind, but security around the prince is exceptionally tight. However, there is a way for you to get close to him," Mrs. Tesla suggested, awaiting a response.

"I appreciate your input, and I'm aware of who and how many guards accompany the prince. What I lack currently is the location of the competition. It seems they've grown cautious since Nathair Sylvan was spotted in the capital. Good luck with your future endeavors. Farewell," the Leader said with a chuckle, though it was evident he was frustrated by his inability to obtain the location of where prince will be staying through his network. With that, the device Alys was holding shut down on its own.

"As you say, Leader," Mrs. Tesla replied, rising to her feet. She glanced at Alys before retrieving a piece of paper from her pocket. Quickly jotting something down, she handed it to Alys before departing, confident that if Alys could infiltrate the academy so effortlessly, she could just as easily slip out.

As Mrs. Tesla left the room, a disembodied voice echoed from the shadows, "Do you think this will be tracked back to her? Without her we would be losing not just funds."

"Yes, they may try to tie this back to her," Alys replied sharply into the gloom. "But don't forget her reputation. She could get away with slaughtering thousands because nobody would believe such a sweet old lady capable of such cruelty." Alys smiled coldly. "And those who know the truth are already dead and buried thanks to her. Though I'll admit, she is getting weaker with age."

"We still have a long road ahead," Alys told him brusquely. "Now come, joseph. We should depart swiftly ourselves before somebody comes to check." With that, Alys strode for the same door Mrs. Tesla had departed through minutes earlier.

Just as Alys began walking, Joseph landed silently on the stone floor behind her. He dusted off his plain robes before following the half-elf, footsteps making no sound. If Mrs. Tesla had still been present, she would have likely fainted at the realization that her mystical senses completely failed to detect Joseph's presence.

As Alys exited the hall, she tapped a hidden brooch at her breast. Her clothing instantly transformed into a nondescript academy uniform as an illusion took hold. "Follow me and stay hidden," she instructed Joseh tersely before striding down the corridor.

Alys made her way toward the girls' dormitory on the north side of the dining hall, opposite the boys' lodging. She nimbly ascended the dorm building, soon reaching the rooftop. Just as Alys prepared to make her escape, she suddenly staggered, pressing a hand to her temple as visions assaulted her mind.

"What happened? Do you need any medicine?" Joseph asked, kneeling beside Alys, who had fallen onto her back after her visions subsided. Initially wearing a frown, Alys soon burst into laughter.

"It might be the first time I'll say that I love this curse. Help me up," she said, extending her hand toward Joseph. With his assistance, Alys rose to her feet. "What do you mean?" Joseph inquired.

Alys gazed at him and replied, "Now I understand why Nathair returned to the kingdom."

"Why?" Joseph asked, his voice filled with evident excitement. Though he hadn't known who this individual was when he first heard of him, a conversation with Kalan had enlightened him about the legendary figure. Now, Joseph was thrilled at the prospect of encountering such a renowned person. He was eager to test his skills in the presence of a legend.

"I don't have a clear view because the vision ended abruptly, but he was here in this academy over four months ago. I couldn't discern whom he was speaking to or what he was saying, but I caught one crucial word," Alys explained, her smile widening. "My prince." With that, she leaped down and made her getaway, with Joseph following closely behind, both of them laughing wildly.

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In a dimly lit room, the only source of light emanated from a small window and a globe held in the hand of a man draped in a crimson robe. Across from him stood another figure, an elderly man with snow-white hair, leaning on a cane for support. His head was adorned with a crown encrusted with numerous jewels, casting a regal aura about him.

With a sense of anticipation, the king leaned forward, his features illuminated by the faint glow of the room. "So, what are his results? What is his class?" he inquired, his voice commanding yet tinged with curiosity.

The man in the red robe hesitated briefly before responding, his gaze fixed on the king's expectant expression. "Your Majesty, Prince Jax has been detected with a talent rating of 5 - Star," he began, carefully observing the king's reaction before continuing, "in the field of assassination."

A deadly silence enveloped the room as the man disclosed the nature of the king's firstborn son's talent. In their world, a person's talent was seen as their potential, indicating what they might achieve in their lifetime. One was tested for their talent when they had reached age of five. 

The hierarchy of talent was paramount in their society, ranging from the lowest grade, E, to the highest, 7 - Star. The initial five stages were designated by letters akin to the classification of monsters, from E to A. However, once an individual surpassed the A rank, they transcended the limitations of mortal existence, entering a semi-immortal state. At this stage, a person's rank was determined by stars, with 1 star representing the beginning of this elevated realm and 7 stars signifying the pinnacle.

There was an additional, hidden stage beyond the 7 Stars, but it remained unattainable by anyone in the present time. This was due to the catastrophic event known as the 'Green Lightning Village' incident, which had occurred over 40,000 years ago. Since that fateful event, the god of their world had declared an eternal war on anyone daring to trespass into that realm. The memory of the incident loomed large, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beyond the known boundaries of their existence.