Leonard's Associates (1)

Athena stood on the edge of the bustling soirée, her keen eyes sweeping over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. The grandeur of the event was unmistakable: crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over a room filled with opulent décor and the murmurs of high society. The venue, a lavish estate with sweeping gardens and ornate marble columns, was alive with the sound of clinking glasses and polite laughter.

In her guise—a strikingly sophisticated woman with a commanding presence and an aura of effortless grace—Athena passed through the security. Her sleek, midnight-blue gown clung to her frame, accentuating her poise and confidence. Her auburn hair was styled in loose, cascading waves that framed a face of serene beauty. She knew the power of first impressions and had honed every detail to perfection.

Leonard had chosen the dress for her, believing that creating connections with prominent people was important as well. Athena, suited to the role of a secretariat, a master, or an assistant, while Zeus could pass as a butler. Using this idea to their advantage, Leonard agreed with Athena's plan of infiltrating high society with her presence and graceful aura.

Even though Leonard could play the role of an important figure, he didn't possess an unsuspicious look. His face was more average than expected, especially compared to the innate presence of children from influential families.

Moreover, who would take the words of a kid seriously? His stature still betrayed his age, even on a slight level.

By spending money on Athena's outfit, there was much to gain. Not only a way to enter the Academy, but also a chance to create a name for himself in this world.

Of course, it would be risky to become known, but Leonard didn't plan on becoming famous. What he needed was to be recognized by the influential individuals who monopolized resources. How else could he acquire Summoning Scrolls?

Even though summoners weren't widely recognized as strong Players, they were considered a curiosity, and their scarce resources were collectibles for the rich. This information, although flawed, had come from various people they had spoken to when they first arrived in the capital.

There were three plans to complete the <Mission >. First was enrolling, which was not strictly necessary, but it was the easiest way to search for Summoning Scrolls within the Player Academy rather than infiltrating it.

Second, was to build a connection with an important figure in the academy or society. The <Mission > stated, "Acquire 5 Summoning Scrolls from the Player Academy." It didn't specify that the scrolls had to originate from the Academy itself. One loophole could be to deliver the scrolls to the Academy before acquiring them.

Both plans seemed flawless. But there could be an even better strategy—combine the two plans into one.

While he could enroll to the Academy, the concocting of connection with important fellow to the Academy could play as a supporting execution for his entrance to the Academy. He could build a name there as a summoner, search for hints of newer knowledge about summoners at the same time.

Hitting the two plans would be failure-proof if both executed well.

Athena clarified her objective tonight: find and charm an influential figure who had connections to the prestigious Player Academy. This individual, rumored to be a major patron of the academy, was essential for her plan. Athena had been gathering information for days and had managed to narrow down her search to tonight's event, which why she was her now, and infiltrated an event.

The crowd was a sea of wealthy patrons, their conversations a blend of casual gossip and business discussions. Athena's sharp ears picked up snippets of conversations about art collections, new investments, and academic achievements. She scanned the room, searching for the person who would hold the key to their future plans.

Her attention was drawn to a distinguished gentleman conversing with a small group near the grand piano. He exuded an air of authority and refinement, his tailored suit and silver hair marking him as someone of considerable importance. This was her target: Lord George Brighthaven, a prominent figure known for his philanthropic efforts, unique collections, and support of elite institutions like the Player Academy.

Athena approached the cluster of people with a blend of subtlety and confidence, her steps measured and her posture relaxed. As she neared the group, she caught the tail end of Lord Brighthaven's conversation about a recent donation he had made to an art restoration project. With a graceful movement, she intercepted his path, her voice a smooth, melodic tone.

"Lord Brighthaven, a pleasure to finally meet you," she said, her smile genuine and engaging. "I've heard so much about your remarkable contributions to the arts and education."

Lord Brighthaven turned to face her, his eyes assessing her with a mixture of curiosity and interest. "And you are?"

"Athena Caldwell," she replied, offering a delicate, practiced curtsey. "I'm an art curator with a keen interest in the intersection of creativity and academia. Your work with the Player Academy is quite inspiring."

A glint of surprise and pleasure flickered in Lord Brighthaven's eyes. "Ah, yes, the Player Academy. It's a cause close to my heart. I find their dedication to fostering young talent truly commendable. Even with the need to train their prowess, there was still the need of nurturing their talents for art. Just like the famous swordsman who incorporated his movements with brush strokes. I aim to produce such Player in the future too."

Athena took a step closer, her expression thoughtful. "Indeed. I've always believed that the arts, education, and prowess are the cornerstones of a thriving society. It's fascinating how the Player Academy nurtures them. I was hoping to learn more about how I might contribute to such a worthy endeavor."

Lord Brighthaven's interest was piqued. "Are you looking to become involved with the academy?"

"Very much so," Athena said, her tone imbued with earnestness. "I have some unique ideas for collaborations that could benefit both the academy and the broader community. I'd love the opportunity to discuss them with you in more detail."

He regarded her with a thoughtful expression, his skepticism melting into intrigue. "I must say, you have quite a captivating way about you. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting to explore your ideas further?"

Athena's smile widened, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "I would be honored. Shall we schedule a time that suits you best?"

As they exchanged contact information and set a time for their meeting, Athena's mind raced with anticipation. Her charm and wit had accomplished their task—she had secured a valuable connection. Now, it was time to ensure that this connection would open the doors she needed to access the Player Academy and set their plan into motion.

As she bid Lord Brighthaven farewell, Athena's thoughts were already on the next steps. Her disguise had served her well, but it was her skillful manipulation of charm and conversation that had truly made the difference. With a final, confident glance at the opulent surroundings, she departed.

PassingNote: I hope you're doing well. The next chapter will be premium, so consider this a disclaimer to avoid any surprises.