Above and Beyond, Part 5

I followed Reyna upstairs after regaining my breath.

I gave it my all and was pleased with the outcome. I doubted I'd be able to repeat that performance, but I could feel myself becoming stiffer as I examined everything rationally.

Connor and Harold didn't appear to be as tired as I was. I was certain neither of them gave it their all, and if they were to use a strategy similar to mine, they'd be able to gather even more points.

"That was phenomenal," Harold remarked as soon as I entered the room. I stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out whether he was serious or just kidding.

"Don't look at me like that; I can't deny what's in front of me now, can I?"

As I re-sheathed the dagger and placed it back on the bench with the other training weapons, I said, "I never expected you to compliment me.

"Neither did I," Connor grumbled, stepping between us. "Just what are you up to this time, Harold?"

Harold simply shook his head. "Yeah, let's cut to the chase, then," he said, pulling something out of his inner pocket. A business card. "I can't deny you're talented, Gray, but both of us know you're not going to enroll in Artemis on a scholarship. That was your initial plan, wasn't it?"

I didn't respond as I leaned on my palms on the bench, dropping my head between my shoulders as I was still cooling down.

Harold was correct. Depending on your score, you might be able to enroll in Artemis with a scholarship, but that wasn't the case for me. Even if I received a perfect grade on my written and practical examinations, it still wouldn't be enough. I was facing a losing battle due to my inability to wield any mana.

Despite the problems that were going through my head, Harold's offer surprised even the siblings.

With a frown, Reyna asked, "What's the catch?"

"Do you know what's the primary distinction between a hunter and an ordinary human? It's mana," replied Harold without a trace of his previous arrogance. "And you can't change that no matter how much you try, Reyna. Even if Gray graduates for Artemis, he wouldn't be permitted to enter dungeons."

Not even mercenaries that can wield mana are allowed to enter a dungeon. You had to get in and graduate in order to receive your license while also being able being as a hunter.

"Which means that he'll only be able to take menial jobs in comparison with his education," Harold continued, pointing towards both of them. "But that wouldn't be the case if you were to simply support him. Something I know you're capable of doing."

"You've overstayed your welcome, Harold," growled Connor as he reached for his shoulder. "I think it's time for you to leave."

Harold swayed his upper body to avoid it. "Gray's your friend, right? Why aren't you doing anything to help him? Am I the only person within this lab intelligent enough to realize just how pointless your stubbornness is?"

He had a valid point. All of my problems would be solved if I were offered that sponsorship. I'd be part of a large organization, and my future wouldn't be something to be concerned about.

"Just say the word, Gray," Harold urged as he shoved the card in front of me, jolting me out of my daze. I slowly turned my head towards him. "I'll give you anything those two aren't willing to offer, without any strings attached."

I snatched the card and tore it apart. Each piece fell on the spotless floor, just next to my shoes.

"So that's your answer..."

"It is," I replied.

"Then pretend my offer never existed," Harold muttered as he stepped toward the exit. "You know, if you were my friend, I wouldn't have allowed you to waste your life like that."

"'Allowed,'" Reyna sneered, pointing out the flaw in his words.

"Finally!" Connor yelled before collapsing on his sister's chair, splaying out like a starfish. "Begone, you filthy son of a bitch! I hope Ben runs you over as you cross the street!"

As a result of his wishes, Ben may become an accessory to murder. I pitied him.

"I'll contact him," Reyna muttered as she took out her phone. "I'm sure if we try hard enough, we can make it look like an accident."

So the heir to the Blake Guild is going to get rid of his political opponent, unaware of the fact that his sister is the one pulling the strings. Regardless of his wishes, Connor will eventually be reduced to nothing more than a public facet—just a puppet moving around according to Reyna's whims. Some may argue this idea is merely a figment of my imagination, but strangely enough, I could see that happening in the not-too-distant future.

'That's definitely going to happen, isn't it?' I sighed.

"Gray," Harold called with a worried look on his face. Although Reyna didn't show it, she probably felt the same too. I should just put their minds at ease.

"He was only trying to drive a wretch between us," I told them. "Harold pretended I didn't even exist when he entered this room, but now he's suddenly interested in me?"

Reyna muttered. "Can't hide anything from you, huh...?"

"That bastard had a point though," Connor grabbed my shoulder. "If you need anything, just say it. Neither of us would hesitate to help in any way we can."

"I appreciate you a lot more when you act as though you're unaware of the world around you, Connor."

"Yeah, just screw things up while I'm trying to be nice to you," he roared as he stormed out of the lab. "I'll be damned if I'm ever concerned about you again!"

"Where are you going?"

"To the bathroom!"

Then the door closed behind him, leaving me alone with the sibling pair's sister.

"Are you sure you don't want any help, Gray?" Reyna asked, hesitant. If I kept beating around the bush any longer, she might pick up on something.

"I'll be fine," I answered. "If anything, I'm more concerned about Greg. How much are you going to torture him until your spell's complete?"

She shrugged, indicating that she didn't know the answer "What about your job? You never said what time you have to get there... Will you be fine? You stood longer than planned because of my brother's whims."

"Don't worry, I won't be late. I'm sorry for leaving so quickly, though, but I won't be able to catch a cab if I stick around much longer."

Finding a cab will certainly take far longer than the trip itself.

"That's fine. I already sent Ben a message," she said. "He'll come and fetch you up. Hope you don't mind it though, I just didn't want you to be late for work."

"You—" I gulped as I noticed the small smirk on her face. Her eyes, hidden behind the glasses, were thrilled to see my discomfort.

You were dead set on having the last laugh weren't you, Reyna?