Volume One Final Arc Begins

Exhausted, I sigh deeply as I exit the shower, the steam billowing out around me. The hot water did little to ease the tension in my muscles or the thoughts racing in my mind. I wrap a towel around myself, contemplating the duel. "I have a long way to go," I mutter. "Isadora went easy on me. If she had fought at full strength, I would've lost easily."

Isabella was a different story. I could anticipate her attacks, read her magic circles, and counter them in time. But Isadora... she's on another level. Even if I could predict her moves, her sheer speed, strength, stamina, and aura are overwhelming. Countering her isn't just about prediction; it's about matching her intensity, which I'm far from doing.

Walking out of the bathroom, my thoughts are interrupted by the sight of Isabella standing not too far away. "Tsk, what does she want now?" I wonder. She lost the bet, after all. "Why are you here?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.

She glares at me, the frustration evident in her eyes. "You didn't win," she snaps.

A grin spreads across my face as I walk past her, settling onto the couch in the lounge. "So what? It was a draw, which means I won the bet," I retort casually.

Isabella's anger is palpable; her teeth grit in irritation. "Listen here, you barb—"

But I cut her off, firm yet calm. "Isabella," I say, locking eyes with her. "I won the bet. Your opinion no longer matters; the results are final." I gesture for her to sit down across from me, seizing the moment to assert the new terms of our relationship.

"What did we agree on? Oh yeah, I won, so you have to treat me with respect as an equal, no more condescending bullshit." My grin doesn't falter, but there's a cold, malicious edge to it now. "Don't tell me a noble such as yourself won't keep her word."

Isabella's glare is icy, her eyes wide with a cold, malicious fire. Despite her clear frustration, she takes a deep breath and gracefully sits down across from me. "Very well, V..." she concedes, her teeth gritting as she speaks. Her struggle to accept her loss is almost palpable, and it's amusing to watch.

Heh, look at her. She's wrestling with her pride, trying to maintain her composure. She could have argued that I changed the rules of my test, but that argument lost all validity when she manipulated my matchups. It's a sweet victory, watching her grapple with the outcome.

"Go on," I urge her with a grin, enjoying the reversal of our usual roles.

Isabella, making a visible effort to maintain a respectful tone, continues, "I apologize for nearly calling you a barbarian. You have won the bet and, in return, I will keep my word." She then rubs her forehead, clearly stressed. "My offer still stands. Would you be willing to work for me? Of course... since you won, I can't consider you a servant, so I will pay you to join the club I'm creating," she says, clenching her fists as if trying to hold onto the last shreds of her control.

I smile, leaning my chin on my hand, amused by her proposition. "Would you look at that? I was certain you'd struggle to comply. This is quite unexpected." It's all unfolding perfectly, despite a few unforeseen hurdles. I've managed to maintain the upper hand, and now Isabella is playing right into my strategy.

I stand up, making my decision clear. "Sorry, I'm not interested in the political shit." My words are firm, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Before I can fully turn to leave, Isabella's voice halts me. "This has nothing to do with the prince and princess. This is my own personal club, outside of any influence from them. The club I'm creating is solely focused on magic, its history, and the general idea of using ancient magic."

This catches me off guard. I had pegged her for trying to recruit me into some political game on behalf of the princess. But this... it's a different angle entirely, and one that piques my interest. "Hmmm... I don't know. I'm a busy person. Just what are you offering?" I ask, my tone deliberately non-committal.

Isabella clenches her fist, clearly trying to maintain her composure. "I will pay for any resources you need. As long as those resources are reasonable. Don't even think about any extremely valuable resources. If you want those, you will need to provide something in return."

I can't help but grin as I sit back down, intrigued by her offer and her apparent desperation. It's almost amusing how little she realizes about her own predicament. She only talks to a handful of people, and none of them are particularly interested in magic. To start a club, she needs at least two members, and knowing Isabella, she probably refuses to recruit anyone she deems 'stupid,' which, in her eyes, is practically everyone.

Suppressing a grin, I consider Isabella's desperation. She's smart enough to realize that studying magic isn't a solitary endeavor; you need another perspective, a different set of eyes. Hmmm... Using her will make things a lot easier...

As we sit there, glaring at each other, I can't help but feel a bit smug. Isabella's having a rough day, and I'm about to make it even rougher. "Heh, that's what she gets for being a bitch," I think, savoring the moment.

"Hmmm... I will counter your offer. First—" I begin, but my sentence is cut short as Isadora emerges from her room, casually sipping a coconut. I can't help but smile. "Hey, Isadora, come sit over here," I say, patting the spot next to me on the couch. I'm curious to see Isabella's reaction to this.

Isadora nods and takes a seat beside me. I casually wrap my arm around her neck in a friendly gesture. She doesn't react, just keeps sipping her coconut. I pull her closer so Isabella and her make eye contact

"First, I will not be the only one joining," I state, looking directly at Isabella. "Isadora, Lysandra, Biana, and anyone else I want may join. I know they barely know anything about magic, but I find them... somewhat useful."

I pause to gauge Isabella's reaction before continuing. "Second, Lysandra will also receive resources. Third, you cannot boss anyone around. You can ask, but not command. Fourth, apart from Biana and Lysandra, you can't be disrespectful to anyone else. Fifth, I want one favor. Your word that you'll do me one favor within this month."

I can see the gears turning in Isabella's head. She's weighing her options, the discomfort clear on her face. These terms are bad for her on so many levels, but if she truly wants me in her club, she'll have to agree. It's a power play, and I'm keenly aware of the leverage I hold.

Isabella's glare intensifies as she looks back and forth between Isadora and me. Her frustration is almost tangible. "Do you take me for a fool? You want me to give resources out to someone unvaluable?" Her voice is laced with anger, her fist crackling with a hint of lightning. "You want a favor from me? V, you are crossing a very thin line."

I can't help but smile at her outburst, casually poking my ear with my pinky. "You don't have to accept. No one is forcing you. Those are simply my conditions for joining your club," I reply nonchalantly, pushing Isadora's face away as she sips her coconut too loudly.

"Tell me, Isabella," I continue, my tone shifting to something more serious. "Why are you after me? Hmm? Because I'm worth the effort." I lean back, meeting her gaze with cold, calculating eyes. "You figured out my value quicker than others. I do try to hide it from most, but not all."

I pause, letting the weight of my words sink in. "You want me because I'm smart, because I can easily read your magic, because you're curious about how far I can go. You want me to help you achieve what others call 'a joke.' So tell me, are you going to accept my terms?"

Isabella takes a deep breath, visibly trying to rein in her annoyance. The effort it takes for her to concede is written all over her face, but she finally speaks, her voice laced with reluctant acceptance. "I will accept your terms," she says, her words slow and measured. "However, let me make one thing clear. You are not allowed to leave the club for at least one year, you are not allowed to slack off, and most importantly," her voice sharpens, "stay away from my sister."

I raise an eyebrow at her conditions, particularly the last one. It's amusing to see her so worked up. "Stay away from your sister, huh?" I muse aloud, my tone teasing. "That's a curious request. But fine, I'll play by your rules. For now."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

In Professor Ayla's office, the ambiance is starkly different from the usual academic solemnity. Ayla, in her casual shorts and top, is lounging on the couch, halfway through her third bottle of wine since my arrival. I watch her with a mix of amusement and concern.

"Ayla... you really shouldn't drink so much," I comment, though I know my words are likely to be brushed off.

She sighs, rolling her eyes dramatically, the bottle tilting precariously in her hand. "Come on, V," she says, a hint of mirth in her voice. "This is the only thing that keeps me sane in this place. Plus, you already know it's hard to get an elf drunk." She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, a casualness to her actions that she only shows in my presence.

I rub my chin thoughtfully, watching her. It's a peculiar sight – Professor Ayla, one of the most serious and well-respected professors, so laid back and unguarded. "I'm sitting in front of Professor Ayla, one of the most serious and well-respected professors. Tell me, how haven't you been exposed yet?" I ask, half-joking.

She grins, a playful glint in her eye. "What's up with you today? Oh right, I heard about your duel with that girl Isadora." She sits up, her interest piqued. "How was it? Did you teach that kid anything?"

I can't help but laugh at the idea. "Me? Teach her? What a joke," I say, shaking my head. "I'm not here to talk about that." My expression turns serious. "The cultists are going to make their move soon."

Ayla yawns, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of my statement. "So what? You're going to deal with it, right?"

Leaning back comfortably, I can't help but revel in the simplicity of manipulating Ayla's perceptions. "I wish it was that simple. I told you I'm not allowed to expose myself," I say, a hint of mystery in my tone. Heh~ Manipulating her is so easy. Thank you, Ilka, for causing this delightful misunderstanding.

I stand up and pour myself a glass, mulling over my next words. "There are two issues at hand. First, stopping the cultists from achieving their goal, and second, helping the students and professors who got corrupted by the cult."

Ayla, intrigued, puts her wine bottle down and stretches her arms wide. "Oh~ are you asking me for help? I feel honored," she says, her grin widening. She's clearly enjoying the drama of the situation.

She tries to continue, "You're going to rew—" but I interrupt her before she can finish. Ugh, this damn elf, always jumping ahead.

"I'll help her when I head there," I state, watching her reaction closely.

Her eyes widen with a mix of happiness and excitement. "You truly are amazing, to know what I want instantly~ Oh, this is awesome~ I knew it, helping a secret agent, despite the annoyance, has its perks." She lays back on the couch, a look of contentment spreading across her face.

"So, V," she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity, "just how am I going to help you deal with the cult?"

I can't suppress the grin that forms on my lips. It's time to set the stage for what's to come. I take out a crystal and drop it onto the table, and a holographic large screen springs to life, displaying intricate patterns and data.

"You better listen because this needs to be done exactly as I say," I tell her, the seriousness in my voice contrasting with the playful atmosphere a moment ago.