Chapter 589: A Very... Unique Proposal"And before you ask why you can't raze the city from the get-go, the answer is investigation. We know how easy it would be for you to cause destruction, so in order for you to gain proper expertise in these fields, you are to conduct a thorough investigation and try to figure out the Demons' goal. They are not always after the same thing, mind you. They have varied motives, so proceed accordingly."
"Though if it comes down to it, there's no need for investigation. But doing that will negatively impact the score the Academy maintains for you and even reduce the amount of rewards you will receive upon completing the mission. The progressive missions assigned to you will also be affected by those scores, so I suggest you take this seriously."
All ten of them nodded in understanding.
"Good, that's it. Use these 5 days to prepare your action plan and perfect the roles you will assume to infiltrate the city. You are free to go now."
With that, the professor turned around and walked out of the classroom, his hands clasped behind his back like an old man.
I guess some habits are universal as one ages... Leo mused inwardly.
16:20, 10 March
The moment the professor stepped out of the classroom, everyone immediately turned toward Kaelion, Lily, and Leo.
"4-stars?!!!?"
They shouted right in their faces.
"How did you achieve that in barely 2 months?!"
But Uraan, having already accepted his defeat, diverted his attention to Tavian.
"Leave them. How did you manage to reach High 3-star?! You're not even a beast master!"
As stern as ever, Tavian merely glanced at him.
"Are you sure you should be the one saying that?" he replied, hinting that Uraan himself was a High 3-star individual.
The quietest among them were Lyra and Marco, both deep in thought, wondering where they had gone wrong and why they hadn't made much progress.
Aaron was the one to shift the topic.
"Okay, does any of you know what would be the best disguise to infiltrate a city?"
Hearing him, everyone fell into contemplation.
"I guess a Hunter with 1500 credit points would be good," Ronan suggested.
"What about a desperate refugee whose city was destroyed and who's seeking a new place to belong?" Dhalia proposed.
Everybody looked at her strangely, but it was Lyra who broke the silence.
"A helpless woman with looks like yours? You're simply asking for an assault attempt."
A chill crept up Dhalia's spine, and that idea was immediately discarded.
"Well, we have 5 days to think things through. Let's meet somewhere tomorrow after making a rough plan overnight and decide on the best course of action," Kaelion said.
Naturally, their eyes fell on the odd ones in the group.
Tavian took the initiative.
"I think it would be better if you two came up with a unique plan. Ours will involve 4 people, but there are only 2 of you."
Both Leo and Lily nodded.
"Well then, good luck."
With that, the two of them turned around and walked out.
Once they were gone, Ronan spoke.
"They both... Either the rumours about them belonging to a very powerful secret family are true, or they're simply children of the gods for being so damn favoured by the world."
He looked toward Aaron, and both of them lowered their heads.
They still felt jealous that Leo had obtained a treasure capable of literally granting a person a high-ranking physique.
Leo and Lily walked side by side toward the cafeteria to get something to eat, while Lily kept clicking photos of herself with Leo beside her.
"I feel so great that we have a whole month to ourselves!" Lily said excitedly.
"But we'll be on a mission, you know?" Leo pointed out.
Lily waved dismissively.
"Pseudo 4-star danger? Leo, just sit back and let me do all the work. I'll raze that Demon-influenced city in a few hours! Then we'll spend the rest of the time enjoying ourselves!"
Her eyes lit up as she remembered something else.
"And this time, there won't be any professors trailing us in the shadows! We don't have to worry about being watched anymore... hehehe."
Lily giggled cheerfully, already imagining all sorts of scenarios she would play out alongside Leo.
And surprisingly, this time, Leo was actually looking forward to whatever antics she came up with. Though he didn't show it outwardly, he had been wanting some quiet time alone with Lily for a long while, and this might finally be it.
The two of them enjoyed a leisurely meal at the cafeteria before spending the evening admiring the beautiful scenery around the academy.
Currently, Leo and Lily were sitting on a bench, relaxed, as slow, gentle snowflakes drifted down around them. Lily rested her head on Leo's shoulder, a small content smile adorning her face. She was thoroughly enjoying his company.
Leo himself looked equally relaxed, watching the cloudy sky as his thoughts wandered into the past, tracing his journey from Kendru City to the Academy.
It was then that he suddenly recalled a mission he had seen in Aurelius Hall when they had first browsed through the quest board.
"The 10 Million Wyvern Quest..."
"Mhm?"
Lily stirred when she heard Leo mutter to himself.
"Lily, how about we use these 5 days to hunt that Wyvern whose quest was posted in Aurelius Hall?"
Lily tried recalling it.
"Ahh, that one. Do you want to enhance Agni's bloodline?" she asked.
"Yes... But, no. Now that I think about it, I still have 110 Wyvern cores remaining... wait, Niri!"
Leo suddenly realized the perfect opportunity to help Niri.
"She's been lagging behind. I think it's finally time to help her."
Even Lily's ears perked up.
"Now that you mention it, I've already been collecting information on wood-element beasts in the wild and even commissioned a notice saying that I'm buying such information."
Lily pulled out her phone and checked the request.
As expected, there were more than 20 responses waiting.
They immediately made their way toward Aurelius Hall.
Along the way, Leo took the opportunity to ask,
"By the way, have you thought of any role you'll take to enter the city?"
Lily gave him a bright, cheerful smile.
"Yes!"
"Oh, really? What is it?"
"Your slave."