《Reincarnation Of The Goddess》


 Chapter 1 - 1

    "There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion."


    Sereign Continent, Lucraine Country>>


    Ricolo City


    A handsome boy was happily skipping around the market. Finding some entertainment, every place that he passed by, people would turn their heads just to get a glance to this handsome young man including the ladies.


    "Isn''t that the third young master from Shuho family?"


    "He''s so handsome at such a young age"


    "No. He''s beautiful. If I did not know better, I would mistook him for a girl"


    "I would be very happy in marrying my daughter to him"


    Chun was very bored at their mansion so he went out for a walk, oblivious to his surroundings.


    "I never thought that father would grant older brothers'' outdoor training even second brother would tag along. I''m the only one would be left at that lonely mansion" Sigh*


    He suddenly stop infront of a new opened bistro.


    Strange name. Due to boredom he went in to have a cup of tea.


    "Good Morning, young master," a waiter in a tail coat with his warm smile greeted Chun.


    "Let me lead you to your seat"


    Without hesitation, Chun followed the charming waiter.Once he seated himself near the glass window frame, he ordered a chamomile tea.


    He stared off outside while waiting for his tea, being oblivious he did not know that every women in that bistro had their predator eyes on him even the men can''t help staring at him. Who would want to ignore this kind of beauty?


    Xi Chen, the second young master of Chennui Family, a household that is ranked 1 on the most richest family in the whole Lucraine Country even the royal family can''t match to their fortune. While Xi Chen is the second young master, he is too a first general of its country and the right hand of the King. Right now, he is returning from the east border with his men.


    "General, we need to eat. I''m hungry," Ryo Konishi, his second in command and also his most trusted friend said while having his playful smile.


    Xi Chen just stared at him with no expression and gestured the others to stop for a meal. They leap off their horses and went in on a bistro.


    Chun was lost on his trance while holding his cup of tea but suddenly he was snap back when he heard a series of footsteps coming in the bistro. The pleasant ambience of the place was disturbed by noises coming from these heavy armored men.


    Xi Chen was busy on his tea while waiting for their food when suddenly his friend nagged him.


    "Look, General. A beautiful painting," Ryo blurted out while pointing at a young man. The enchanting young man had a short white messed hair with a streak of violet ones, he had this proud pointed nose, pouty plump pink lips and the most dazzling to behold is his blue-green colored eyes. If they didn''t look closely, they would not believe he is a boy. Such enchanting beauty.


    "Sir, it''s not a painting. It''s a person"


    The other men laugh while continuing their business.


    "A beautiful person. Sigh*"


    Ryo went to look at Xi Chen who was still gazing at the beauty.


    Oppss. This is the first for General. Hmmm. Ryo just keep grinning while not bothering his friend.


    "Keep staring at it, General, until it melts"


    Fran, the owner of the bistro and a friend of Xi Chen interrupted him.


    "Hahahah. Then I''ll help you with that, That''s the third young master of Shuho Family, Chun Shuho"


    Shuho. By hearing that, his thoughts wandered off.


    The indifferent young master which is Chun suddenly shivered.


    Cold.


    "Why the air suddenly gets cold?"


    Feeling that someone is staring at him, he glance at it. Then he met those cold silver blue eyes.

 Chapter 2 - 2

    At the very top of the Mountain Qi known as the place of the Gods and Goddesses, there gathered ten deities coming from each continent. The Deity of Purity and Innocence, Salluria from Deculurom Continent, the Deity of Brilliance, Madus from Zenzen Continent, the Deity of Ideals and Leadership, Allexun from Slatercort Continent, the Deity of Dignity and Pride, Calen from Wezzerborn Continent, the Deity of Immortality, Brixianus from Garbozia Continent, the Deity of Mischief and Deceit, Xeris from Greatworld Continent, the Deity of Life and Death, Vernunium from Twin City Continent, the Deity of War and Strategy, Aurumn from Sereign Continent, the Deity of Light and Dark, Argentum from Phoenix Continent and the Deity of Integrity and Balance, Jurnune from Xenun Continent.


    They were gathered here by the Deity of Time and Gates, Axec, the caretaker and overlooker of the World of Xanxia, a world that was full of wonder; magic, swords, otherworlder species and things that is about to unfold.


    "I called all of you here because of the Crystal Stone"


    "Did it say about The Great Conqueror that will soon appear in our world?" Allexun asked with expectations.


    All of them know about the Great Conqueror that soon will come and dominate all of the continents, every deity was very interested to witness this kind of event even Time itself.


    "Yeah! Does it say any description or clues of who will it be?" Xeris spoke with excitement, his eyes was shining with delight.


    "Right"


    All the deities agreed even the ones that are silent.


    "Sad to break it to you all but No" Axec said with a smirk on his face. It''s very amusing to see this ''kids'' act out. "The Crystal Stone does not tell about this but it hinted another event"


    "Another event?" Salluria''s brows creased. "What do you mean?" Aurumn then went on.


    "The Goddess will come"


    "Goddess?" Argentum perched up.


    "Do you mean a new deity will come?" Jurnune asked the main question.


    "Yes and No"


    They''re so entertaining.


    "Yes, because it will be a Deity but not a ''new'' one. You all know her very well"


    "We know her..." Calen trailed off and look unintentionally at Xeris. I mean they all look at him.


    The childish and never serious Deity of Mischief and Deceit suddenly went quiet with a serious cold look.


    "Then I''m very forward on being acquainted with her, again" Aurumn said with his teasing smile.


    Suddenly the silent Xeris glared at Aurumn. While the latter responded with a playful stare.


    Never would think this two will going at it, it brings back memories though a very tragic one.


    Axec smirked while gazing at them and decided to stop them. "Okay, enough with play time. I''m being serious here, you know" still his smirk was there.


    "Then what about her coming here?" Vernunium, the very serious deity spoke out.


    "Yes. There''s nothing wrong with her coming back here. She''s always welcome" the Deity of Immortality, Brixianus shrugged.


    "Right" Calen nodded.


    "That''s not my main point here" I never thought that even deities like them would be this slow, Sigh. They should really need to take their duties seriously though.


    Turning to the Deity of Brilliance that never said a word, Axec stated, "Madus, can you speak it out for me?"


    "Isn''t it such a hassle to tell this matter to this kids?"


    "Hey!"


    All of them reacted.


    "Who''s the kid here?"


    "You''re the one who''s the youngest here!"


    "Tsk. Okay. Oldies---"


    "Hey!"


    "Tss. The thing is don''t interrupt me when I''m talking" Madus said irritatedly to his fellow ''old'' deities.


    "Then about Axec talking about the matter is that why would She be returning when us deities only have one lifetime even though we''re immortals? Once we die, we die. No reincarnation. Tsk" Madus said with irritation while looking at them.


    This old folks need to broaden their minds sometimes.


    After that explaination, they finally realize that how is that even posible? The divine law of the Deities states that once your time is up then you can ascend to heaven peacefully, off with being a deity. Only lower beings can reincarnate...


    Only lower beings can reincarnate.


    They shared the same thought.


    "Is that posible that she''s..."


    "Yes that''s right"


    "Then that''s even more imposible, Axec" Salluria said, bewildered.


    "Hmmm. But I never encountered this kind of situation. A deity being reincarnated..." Axec trailed off while reminiscing his life, three hundred thousand years of living.


    Their thoughts all wandered off. This event is really nerve-wracking but they all can''t wait what would happen next once She''s back.


    Axec sighed about another headache that is coming to the World of Xanxia.


    This creator is surely a bully, why did I agree with Him on managing this world.


    Maybe because of my friendship with him though he''s a weirdo.

 Chapter 3 - 3

    A young man around twenties was staring at Chun. With those piercing cold silver blue eyes, strong brows, raven black hair, pointed straight nose and those red rosy lips that looks tempting to kiss.


    Hmmm. So handsome.


    Chun always praised those creatures that had their top notch beauty. Even if it''s his opposite gender or same gender, appreciation would be doable to him.


    "General, you''re gazing again with that beauty"


    Ryo followed the eyesight of Xi Chen and he witness an entertaining show.


    Oho. The beauty was looking back at General. Are they''re having a staring contest?


    *Snap


    "Excuse me, my friend but your order is here"


    Fran, the owner of the bistro, brought back Xi Chen from his trance.


    "Hmm"


    The only reply he said to his friend, still thinking those blue-green eyes.


    "Young Lord, master have come back from his close door training"


    Chun snap back from blanking out.


    "Okay. Update me for any movements"


    "Yes, young lord"


    The voice from his mind went quiet.


    "Young master, do you want to order for more?" a waitress with her seductive smile asked Chun.


    Chun smiled and responded,"Thanks for your service but I''m leaving"


    He flick his sleeves and a piece of bank note appears from his right hand, written their was five thousand gold coins.


    "Young master, wait for your change at the counter"


    "No need"


    "Young master is so generous. Here''s your black card for our esteemed customer, come back here again"


    The waitress bowed respectfully at Chun after handing the black card.


    Chun stood and went out.


    "General, state A is moving while state B remains motionless"


    Xi Chen just focused his eyes on the tea cup, playing the half-filled tea cup while the side of his lips was hooked up.


    "What''s your order, General?"


    Ryo lazily stated while enjoying his strawberry short cake with leisure.


    "Wait"


    Fran watched the two exchanged with a smile on his face.


    Xi Chen really has good patience. An ideal man for the female species.


    Ryo notice the unmoving Fran from the side of their table, staring at Xi Chen.


    This ''thing'' likes to think malicious thoughts to General.


    "Psst. What are you thinking, Fran? Mind sharing?"


    "Psh"


    The only respond he got with Fran while Fran dismissed himself.


    His father is Shenin Shuho, the head of their household, a very strict mid-forties handsome man with his tight conducts but when it comes to his doted youngest daughter aka. son, he is a very loving father.


    He bought a blueberry cupcakes for the old man.


    That old man with his strict face but weird favorites.


    "My little Erxie, what request do you want from father? Father will do it for you, father will give it to you, do you want those newly released clothes---"


    Chun cough to interrupt his father from spoiling him.


    "Oh, my little Erxie have fallen ill. Maids! Call Physician Bai---"


    "Old man!" he irritatedly stop his father from doing ridiculous stuff.


    "Yes, my dearest daughter?"


    Shenin attentively look at his beautiful daughter slash son.


    "Old man, stop calling me Erxie and please refrain from calling me daughter because I''m Chun, your youngest son"


    "Sigh. Erx--- Chun, my poor Chun, you suffered so much from your illness, wait until father finds that cure"


    "No need, old man. I''m used to be this"


    "Chun, you''re really my very favorite son but it really irks me hearing from you that word ''old man'', mind you I''m not old, I''m handsome"


    Chun just rolled his eyes from the childish act of his "handsome" father.


    "Yes, handsome"


    "Much better to hear but so much compliment could kill me, son. Just call me father"


    "Tsk. Father, I''ve got you this"


    Chun handed out a box of blueberry cupcakes suddenly Shenin''s eyes flickered brightly.


    "My son really loves me! I''ll cherish this forever" Shenin said while hugging the box of cupcakes.


    "Young Lord, someone has entered"


    "Which family?"


    "Brellin Family"


    That hardheaded girl. Tsk


    Chun dismiss himself from his father''s office.


    "Location?"


    "South-east garden, young lord"


    Chun immediately appeared to the said location.


    There he saw a very dazzling girl sat upon, in her pastel pink floral dress with her blonde peach hair, snow like skin, cute straight nose, pouty lips and those vibrant peach colored eyes. Those eyes that had a very infatuated look that gives Chun chills to his spine.


    The thirteen years old missus was known as Zharine Brellin short for Cherry. She''s the third miss of their household and a very spoiled one, what she wants, what she gets and right now Chun was not really feeling good to this idea.


    "My honey, you really love to make me wait but that''s alright I''ll forgive you if you give this beauty a very loving kiss"


    Cherry said with her eyes twinkling while looking at Chun.


    Such shamelessness.


    "Young Lord, I''ll exterminate that shameless girl for you"


    "Stand by, Art"


    "But---"


    "Art"


    "Yes, young lord"


    "I''m waiting, honey"


    Cherry pouted her lips while staring at Chun.


    This brat.


    "I don''t like games, Zharine"


    "Neither do I, honey. But I really love to hear my name rolled out from your hmmm mouth"


    This brat really is shameless.


    "Tss. If you want to enjoy the view here then your welcome but I cannot accompany you---"


    Before Chun can finish, the missus already trap him from a restraint spell.


    Chun was rooted from his spot.


    This brat really takes every chances but sad to say I''m always on guard.


    Just a flick from his hand and the spell was broken.


    "As expected from my honey, you really amaze me, the more you astound me, the more I want you"


    Chun feels gosebumps. Such shamelessness of the girl can make Chun felt sick.


    "Priez"


    Suddenly a tall slender man with a butler suit emerge, attacking Chun.


    Chun keeps on dodging. He doesn''t want physical interaction from a male.


    "Young Lord, if you feel bothered, I''ll finish him"


    "No need"


    "As you wish, young lord"


    Chun keeps up from the attacks of Priez but while looking at it, the butler was holding a rectangular paper. Then it dawned at Chun.


    It''s a sealing talisman.


    For a moment of trance, the butler sneaks the talisman at Chun.


    That was so sudden that Cherry appeared from behind and as expected from a shameless girl, she can''t just let the chance slip and hug Chun from behind, burying her head at his back.


    Chun smirks at this well-planned trap but that doesn''t stop him. He remove the talisman on his ?h?st with ease and release himself from the grasped of Cherry.


    But being a gentle person, he face Cherry and patted her head and bend his other knee to be levelled from the height of the girl.


    "Zharine, you know that I don''t like you and I just treat you as a sister"


    Still patting the head of the pouting girl.


    "I know but I know, one day my honey will look at me being a lady with interest, not a sister"


    Chun just sighed at this girl''s statement. He was used to this spoiled girls temperament.


    "Not giving up" Chun helplessly stated.


    "Young lady, master wants you to return"


    Priez said while rooted at the side of Cherry.


    "Okay. But before that---"


    Cherry being herself, hug Chun tightly.


    This girl. Sigh

 Chapter 4 - 4

    "I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects"


    Shuho Household


    Chun was busy drying his hair off, droplets of water kept dripping from his hair down to his face and his shoulders, adding to his enchanting beauty. Suddenly he received a message from his Ms spirit receiver.


    Absorbing the message.


    "To all students and teachers of Zeredome University, I, the Headmaster hereby announce that we need to go back, starting tomorrow for the upcoming ZUR competition. May you all train hard, Thank you.


    Reminder: your cooperation is VERY needed"


    Chun lazily get up from his bed when his maid servant ushered him to wake up because of his father worrying about him.


    He stretched his white jade like arms and slender legs and walk himself to the bathroom. Even he came from bed, he''s still oozing with s?xiness.


    Even his maid was charmed by him.


    "My dearest son, how''s your sleep?"


    Shenin Shuho attentively looking at his eating son. When still eating, Chun had that lazy aura that make you craddle at his arms.


    "Hmm"


    Chun just nodded while cutting the meat on his plate. Indicating that his too lazy on responding.


    "Then good luck with your studies"


    Shenin happily wishing him while finishing his coffee. Before Chun was about to leave, Shenin stopped him.


    "Did you wear your amulet?"


    Chun just snap his fingers, the red colored amulet appeared on his neck.


    Chun waited silently at their car while the driver was driving them to Zeredome University. He dozed off for a minute.


    He was awaken with a loud bang, stopping them on their tracks.


    "Young master, please go back to your sleep. I''ll handle this"


    Within the Shuho household, every servants are a top fighter, even the driver itself.


    Ciquen Roulete, a Greatworldian former lieutenant and currently the personal driver of Chun, went out to teach this ''disturbances'' a lesson ... of a lifetime.


    Facing ten hoodlums with an indifferent expression on his face. Ciquen''s long raven black hair was tied into a pony tail, giving him a nice neat look with his eyeglasses on. He look at the so called hoodlums boringly.


    "Bring that Young master of yours out!"


    "We''ll just give you a count of ten"


    "10, 9..."


    "To cut it short, I''ll give you all a count of five to escape," Ciquen smirked while he begin his counting.


    "5"


    "You!"


    "4"


    "We''re the one who''s counting!"


    "3"


    "Are you making us laugh?!"


    "2"


    "Not escaping? I''m about to finish my counting" Ciquen just fixed his glasses to look at this amateur opponents.


    "Are you joking?" The ?ssumed leader laugh with the others.


    "1"


    "Still continuing with the count?"


    In a blink, Ciquen disappeared leaving his words of wisdom,"Okay then, start running"


    Chun just seated himself silently while waiting for his driver to finish his masterpiece.


    "Young master, I''m done,"


    "Drive" he ordered with his lethargy tone.


    Then the journey resumed, leaving the ten crippled people on the rode.


    At the office of the master of Shuho household, there seated Shenin Shuho. He was busy with the loads of paperworks at his desk.


    "Master, the young master is safe as usual"


    I hope the amulet would still hold ''his phobia'' back.

 Chapter 5 - 5

    "Young master Chun is very handsome"


    "So handsome... it could cause the downfall of heaven and earth"


    "Qwerrtyyuuiopadgjkkl..."


    Chun ignored all the murmings from his schoolmate. He walked the hallway like a prince.


    When there is a prince, there''s always a king.


    "Did you hear that Young master Ming Jie will go to class today?!"


    "Young master Ming Jie!"


    "Is he here for the announcement of the Headmaster?"


    "No. He''s here for the recruitment"


    "Recruitement qwwertptvalfgdkl jskdnla..."


    Chun is about to sleep on his desk when his faithful follower (I mean ?ssumed follower) barge in.


    "Young master! Young master!"


    Chun just furrowed his brows.


    This monkey... tss.


    "Young lord, do you need me to eliminate him?"


    "I wish but... tsss"


    "???"


    "What is it?"


    Chun rest his face on both of his hands, relaxingly. This act made him a s?xy lazy ethereal beauty. It made this follower to pause for a minute.


    "It''s recruitment day---"


    "Recruitment?" Chun lazily adjust himself and sit crossed arms, having that cold snobbish charm.


    "Yes, young master! The recruitment for new Shadow Guards in the royal palace that will be held here which will lead by the first General!" While saying that ''this follower'' got his eyes very sparkling.


    Who would want to get acquainted with the First General? Everyone would want even the hot blooded youths of there school.


    "Hmm"


    "As expected from young master Chun, not even a reaction. Sigh"


    First general huh... Chun smirked while thinking that.


    "Young master? Are you here for the recruitment?" Fa Jin asked Ming Jie for his unannounced appearance.


    "No. I''m here for the first general,"


    Young master, don''t say it like that. Many would misunderstand you.


    Fa Jin helplessly look at his young master.


    "How is it?" Xi Chen asked his second in command, Ryo.


    "General, the candidates are around 5,986, 30% are female while 70% are male. Compatibility rating is around 5%"


    "Hmmm"


    Xi Chen drunk his black tea with his regal and mighty posture. Such a beautiful embodiment.


    "Young Lord, you aren''t going to join the recruitment?"


    "It''s just a waste of time, Art"


    "But master---"


    "Art. Remember your mission"


    "Yes, Young Lord"


    Then the voice inside in Chun''s head went quiet.


    Another peaceful minute for him.


    Everyone was having a ruckus outside while the beauty itself was enjoying the silence inside their classroom.


    "Hmmm"


    Watching the calm scene outside the window, the falling of white blossoms and the fluttering of the leaves caused by the wind.


    So soothing in the nerves.


    "Young master! Aren''t you going to the hall? The recruitment is held there. Why go to the garden?"


    "Shh. You go first, I''ll follow later," Ming Jie calmly stated, dismissing the annoying follower.


    Feeling this relaxing mood in this garden is really good.


    Ming Jie is not really here for this reason but he want to admire the true beauty across this garden. For his illogical and unvocal inspiration.


    Ming Jie look up at the second floor, there he saw those blue-green colored eyes. A rare eye color but the most dazzling one.


    He smile at the youth from across but he got only the youth''s lazy look.


    There he goes again. Chun thought while looking at the annoying white haired man at the bottom. Ruining the soothing atmosphere.


    Sigh, I thought he stopped his teasing.


    Suddenly someone knock at the door of the classroom. Breaking Chun from his trance.


    (Because maybe he loves attention from Chun)


    "Long time no see, Chun," Kiro said with his wicked smile plastered on his handsome face. Well not as handsome as Ming Jie nor Xi Chen.


    Chun just lazily stared at him. As usual, Chun was used to this petty tricks of him..


    "No greetings? Or a bro hug?"


    "..."


    >>Awkward


    "C-cough, be thankful that I did not bring any follower of mine to bully you. Me, my great self is the only need for this and qwiekodbslbxijxkwos sjdidnjwosbxkk,"


    Sigh, as usual before he start his bullying, he gonna do his long speech. I''ll gonna take a nap for the mean time.


    Chun laid his head at his desk, ready to fall asleep when he was brought back with a loud bang.


    "You''re not going to listen?! Then taste my fist!" Kiro angrily stated and threw a punch at Chun.


    Chun unmovingly stared at him. Unfazed with his rage, just a flick of Chun''s fingers, Kiro went down.


    Kiro was unable to move from being plastered at the floor. It''s very heavy, like a 500 pound sack of rice.


    Chun stood from his chair and lazily pass by Kiro, not bothering with him.


    Well, that''s the usual scene he got when facing Chun. Kiro always get face planted at the floor. It proves that he need to cultivate and practice more to surpass this monster.


    And soon Kiro will get the approval of Chun.


    ------


    Edited.

 Chapter 6 - 6

    Listlessly walking around the hallway of their martial school while being fawned upon by the young women. Chun luckily escaped from the grasp of the annoying Kiro.


    Chun absentmindedly ends up at the recruitment stadium. Observing his peers fighting with each other for the recruitment. And some are members of the Imperial Army.


    Is it a practice session?


    Still watching at the sideline, Chun was nagged by someone.


    "Hey young man! Aren''t you going to practice? Then don''t you worry! I have no one to accompany me, you accompany me!" said by a cheerful big burly guy wearing an imperial armies'' insignia.


    While being dragged helplessly by this big burly man, Chun have no choice but to go with the flow.


    As the saying goes, "What happens will happen"


    "Young Lord, will you let me handle him?"


    "No need"


    "As you please, Young Lord"


    Chun and the big burly man which is Huan Long, the Second General of the Imperial Army,(While Xi Chen is the First General stated in Chapter 1) was facing each other at a platform for practice.


    "Ohh Second-Gen is ''practicing'' with the beauty," Ryo with his mischievousness observed the scene with Xi Chen.


    "First-Gen, aren''t you going to help the beauty?" Ryo continued.


    Xi Chen just ignored his second in command and watch the scene as it unfolds.


    While everyone at the field in their platforms kept practicing for the recruitment. Two people in the fifth platform was ready to ''practice'', I mean the big burly man was ready while the youth clad in white robe, lazily just standing there with a lean stature.


    "As an older and experienced, I''ll give you a chance to be first to initiate" Huan Long proudly stated.


    "Haaaaaahhhhfff" Chun stretch his arms with boredom, like his ready to fall asleep.


    "You first" Chun simply stated while staring at Huan Long, blankly.


    "Okay then, I''ve given you a chance, no regrets"


    Huan Long rush towards Chun, ready for his punch. This is just purely physical attacks.


    Chun sidestepped b?r?ly escaping the fist towards his face.


    Is this man had a problem with my face? Chun sighed.


    Every punches and kicks from Huan Long was b?r?ly escaped by Chun.


    While they kept on fighting, the people around who were practicing a moment ago stop to watch to this iconic fight.


    From the crowds perspective, the scene is just like a blur because of the very fast movements of the both opposing person. And they can''t believe that the Second General can be match to this beautiful youth.


    "Are you just going to keep on dodging? You''ll easily wear off in that state," Huan Long was amazed at this youth reflexes. Even though Chun b?r?ly dodge his attacks. The only one that can be matched with him both in strength and stamina is the First General Xi Chen.


    "Hmm okay then" with Chun''s monotone responds the fight ended.


    Ended with a simple poke of his finger at the Second General''s side.


    Huan Long went limp. He was paralyzed.


    "Haaaaahhhhhfff" Stretching both his arms. Chun leaves only saying,


    "By the way, I''m just a bystander"

 Chapter 7 - 7

    Xi Chen smirked while looking at the fading back of the youth.


    In the eyes of many, Chun''s move was very powerful because of a poke he sent Huan Long in a paralyze state but looks can be deceiving.


    His move was simple yet dangerous but ...


    "He''s a cheeky little mouse," Xi Chen whispered.


    But as the ears of someone like Ryo,


    "Cheeky? What do you mean, First-Gen?"


    Shuho Household,


    Southern Courtyard (Chun''s)


    Meanwhile, a youth clad with white robe sitting at a chair with a cup of tea on the table. Viewing the calm state of his garden. His silvery white hair was fluttering against the wind breeze, giving a beautiful allure. Beside him his butler named Art. A fine young man with his long raven black hair tide in a ponytail.


    Art adjusted his eyeglasses,"Young Lord, do you want another cup of rose tea?"


    "Hmm"


    Holding the teapot up and pouring it gently at his young master''s cup.


    Suddenly, footsteps came rushing in.


    "Young Master, a letter came from Master Shenin," a maid with her broom, huffing tiredly from her long dash.


    "A letter from father?" Chun arched his brows towards his butler.


    "Young Lord, please be reminded that Master Shenin is out of town because of ''some'' business" Art calmly stated but deeply sighed.


    Young Lord is very forgetful.


    He handed it suddenly to Art.


    Art obediently took the letter from his master.


    As usual his master is very lazy to do unnecessary things.


    "Dear My lovely dearest beautiful enchanting handsome----"


    "Proceed to the main point of the letter, Art" Chun tirelessly spoke.


    "Yes, Young Lord,"


    "Removing Master''s flattery words, the letter stated that in 5 days time, your coming of age ceremony will be held and the King will likely attend. And Master inquired that would you like any gifts from Brozian City?"


    "None"


    "As you please, Young Lord"


    Art slowly folds the letter to its original form when suddenly he was stopped by his young master''s words.


    "Why is the King attending?"


    Art sighed deeply.


    "Young Lord, the King is your blood-related uncle, he is your father''s cousin," Art reminded Chun, again.


    Art was used to his master''s habits. Serving him for a decade minus the four zeros was worthwhile, though.


    "Hmmm"


    Chun casually proceeded on sipping his rose tea while watching his favorite moonflowers.


    They didn''t know that in 5 days time, his boring days would be over.

 Chapter 8 - 8

    25th of Fall, Lucraine City


    Shuho Household


    As the fallen leaves starts to wither, soon fresh flowers begins to bloom.


    The city of Lucraine was lively as it is. Many colorful lanterns was hanged at each stalls. The market was buzzing with its usual business and same with the streets that is full of merchants, selling their unparalleled products.


    At a quiet room adorned with silvery white intricates in the walls. With white flowy curtains shielding the light from outside. A young man in his outer robes was sleeping peacefully on his white sheeted bed, with untamed silvery hair adding to his angel-like charm to his fair complexion.


    What a divine beauty.


    The same maid is rushing towards Chun''s chamber with her broom. Well as you''ve not notice, the Southern Courtyard only have two servants which is the maid and the butler.


    Even though there''s only two servants still the Southern Courtyard was maintained at its maximum cleanliness standard by the one and only Art. Fortunately, his master is a clean freak.


    "Young Master, are you now awake?" the maid from outside awaken Chun from his slumber.


    "Hmm"


    "Young Master, I''ll prepare now your breakfast. Where would you like to eat?"


    "Garden"


    The moonflowers was still in its finest state. Giving that steady atmosphere on this very nice weather.


    "Art, what are the plans for today?" Chun nonchalantly asked while enjoying his pulled braised duck with gnochi. Beside him is his butler, still in his tailcoat butler attire.


    "Young Lord, it''s 25th of fall so the only event today is your birthday, specifically your coming of age ceremony," Art adjusted his eyeglasses before pouring some milk tea on his young master''s cup.


    "Ah. So is it my 16th birthday today?" the nonchalant youth awhile ago was automatically replaced with a cheerful and lively youngster.


    "Yes, Young Lord"


    Then I can go in a journey without restrictions from father. Hehehe


    Flashback


    "Young Master! The Master is very busy right now---"


    Chun irritatedly barge inside Shenin''s office. He unintentionally caught the old man slacking off from his work, playing games in his Grostecho Gadget.


    "Killing Spree! Legendary!"


    (Sfx from the game)


    "What do you want, son?" Shenin dotingly asked his so-called ''son'' .


    "Why did you permitted Kei (Second brother) to tag along with Aito (Eldest brother)?"


    "They are both at the right age," Shenin calmly replied while scanning some documents.


    "Then I''m tagging along, too" Chun declared with a straight face.


    Shenin automatically drop some documents that he was reading awhile ago.


    "You are not at the right age and you can''t survive in that---"


    "Old man, you know my capabilities and I''m not the one who can''t survive on foreign lands but you, you can''t survive without me here in this mansion with you tsk"


    "I''m just talking about your safety," Shenin gently explained at his son.


    "I know but please..."


    "Sigh"


    "Okay, I''ll let you in a journey once you are at the right age," Shenin said with finality.


    "Right age? Which is?"


    "16"


    End of flashback


    Chun stands up from his seat with a lopsided grin.


    I''m already now 16, so I can request to venture now.


    "Young Lord, don''t forget for the event. The King will be there, specifically the royals would be there," Art steadily enunciated while following with his master''s tail.


    "Tsk"


    Chun was near to his chamber when suddenly a vibrating sound halted his steps.


    "Young Master?" the same maid which is Akiara, anxiously asked Chun.


    "What- what is that?" Chun stated while clutching his forehead, he felt nauseous.


    "Whe-where is A-art?"


    "A-rt? Young Master, did you forget that his on an errand that you''ve tasked awhile ago?" Akiara innocently stated while at the side of her master.


    "I''m o-okay, just help me t-towards my c-chamber," still clutching his forehead while feeling weak.


    "Okay, Young Master," Akiara worriedly complied.


    Chun was finally at his bed, feeling nauseous.


    "I''m going to get you----"


    *clattering


    "Y-young m-master, your e-eyes"


    Chun furrowed his brows,"Huh?"


    Akiara blinked, she saw that red eyes a minute ago or it''s just her eyesight fooling with her?


    "N-nothing, Young Master. I''m going to get some ginger tea to lessen your headache," Akiara rushed outside.


    Then Chun suddenly felt darkness pulling him from within.

 Chapter 9 - 9

    Chun awoken in a dimly lit place. It cannot be called a room because there''s no door nor window, only endless darkness surrounding Chun.


    Where am I?


    Where is he? He was suddenly got dragged here in this room enveloped with darkness, only a lit lamp post above him was the source of light.


    Am I dead?


    "No, you''re not,"


    A hoarse velvety voice whispered. You can''t tell if it''s male or female because of its undistinguished sound.


    "Who are you? Where am I?"


    Common questions that you usually ask when you''re in the midst of nowhere.


    "Everything that you''ll see was some fragments from your past"


    Chun furrowed his brows resulting a crease on his forehead. Pondering about the hidden meaning within the words that the voice spoke.


    Suddenly, a familiar nauseous sound vibrated around Chun. It was the same sound that he heard recently giving him a slight headache.


    What is this sound?


    Chun felt a bit light headed and his eyes went blurry while adjusting to his new surroundings. The first thing he saw was a tv static which was the vibrating sound came from.


    Where is this place?


    "This is where everything begins, it''s your birth town"


    The mysterious voice keeps on stating cryptic messages which baffled Chun even more. As what he remembered his birth town was Lucraine City on Sereign Continent and he totally recalled that there''s no old-like looking tv on their mansion.


    The scene went on from a couple holding a baby, only having few strands of silvery hair on the baby''s head. They keep on smiling to each other; like this is the very joy of their life. The beautiful lady had ocean blue eyes which holds the depths of her joy while looking at their baby, she had a fair skin, white as snow, plump puckered small lips which held her smile and a straight pointed nose. And the handsome man had those red scarlet eyes with a hint of pink giving him a mysterious charm, he had as well a straight pointed nose, a little bit of tan skin but slightly pale and his smiling manly thin lips. They both look like a deity from heaven having their young beautiful and enchanting appearance.


    They both ??r?ssed the one year old child as their very precious treasure.


    "Who are they?"


    Chun suddenly clasped his hands onto his mouth, having the consequence of getting heard by the couple.


    "They can''t hear nor see you because this just a fragment of your past. And they are your past parents"


    "Past parents?" Chun asked the voice from his head but the mysterious voice didn''t answer.


    As what Chun knew, he never encountered this couple, they''re not even acquainted so zero posibility for them being his parents.


    "Eydhdbkdj gsyhdjnd..."


    "Fgsyhdkndgjjxybxk ghd shhsudbty..."


    Chun never understood every words that they are both using.


    "That''s a deity language, every gods and goddesses spoke with it"


    "So they are both deities?" Chun was amazed by this scene. He never thought this is really a god and a goddess, they just look like an ordinary husband and wife minus their astonishing features.


    "Obviously"


    Chun felt that this voice was being sarcastic with its reply.


    "What kind of deities they are?"


    "Find it out"


    In an instant, the scene change. Chun witness how the child grew into a fine young lady with her silky long silvery hair but her face is very blurry.


    The young lady was being approach by a youth with midnight black long hair that was in a high pony tail. And at the same time, Chun can''t see clearly the face of the young man.


    The scene then switch onto another, the young lady was now riding a baby snow dragon though it''s large but it is still very young. They were both flying through the sky while being chased by some people wearing black robes riding on their mystical swords and beasts.


    The young lady with her dragon suddenly went down because they were hit by the people chasing them.


    The dragon came crashing down with the young lady.


    After that scene, the place suddenly shook. Returning Chun to his starting point which is under the lamp post.


    "That was all were part of your past. And that''s just the first fragment"


    "First fragment? What do you mean?"


    Chun was very confused of what''s this mysterios voice telling on him.


    "There''s a total of ten fragments on unlocking your sealed past but the choice is up to you, if you want to unveil your past or keep on being hidden in the dark"


    "Ten fragments? Is this a quest your talking? Finding for my lost past?"


    "Maybe. By the way, you can only collect this fragments on every each continent. Good luck, Scythe"


    "Wait!"


    Chun finally open his eyes, adjusting his blurry sight to the sudden presence of light.


    "Young Master?!"


    "Young Lord?"


    Chun blinked to focus his sight on the two servants.


    "How many hours did I slept?"


    Asking his two worried servants.


    "Young Master, you did not only sleep for an hour!" Akiara had a panick look on her face while fidgeting with her broom.


    "3 days had passed already, Young Lord" As usual, Art was still calm even though he''s a bit worried on his master.


    Chun was utterly shocked by what he had heard,"What about the event?"


    "It was postponed, Young Master" Akiara replied sullenly.


    Tsk. I thought I can finally escape from the grasp of this royals. Sigh


    Chun internally had a breakdown.

 Chapter 10 - 10

    Shuho Household, Main Hall


    Event: Young Master Chun''s Banquet


    Everyone was very happy as they chatted freely. All of  the elite family was invited to this banquet.


    While talking, ?du?ts'' topics would be all about business, showing-off their family''s heritage and some are boasting about the achievements of their sons or daughters.


    Like a typical event.


    And meanwhile the youngsters spoke all about beautiful girls and handsome boys, and some are who''s identity are most popular.


    Apparently, the host of the banquet was bored to death. Chun was surrounded by beautiful female species. They swarmed all around him like they''re going to eat him up if no one''s looking.


    "Young Master Chun, do you like sweets?"


    "Young Master Chun, am I s?xy?"


    "Young Master! Look here!"


    "No! Look to me!"


    Tsk. They''re so annoying. I can''t really relate to some guys, why would they enjoy this kind of attention?


    Suddenly someone tugged Chun''s arm, getting his attention.


    It''s a pretty blue eyed maiden.


    "Young Master Chun?... what type of girl do you like?" the maiden asked, that made the pretty ladies around him silent.


    Chun laugh his heads off.


    The question was very amusing to him. Unfortunately, to these young women around here, his laugh sounds very s?xy, giving music to their ears.


    Chun glance at the maiden who asked the question,"My type is... a girl that looks like me."


    With his husky voice and alluring smile. Once again the ladies fell on his charm.


    Even though Chun sounded so narcistic, to them; it added to his handsomeness.


    "A narcistic prince to be true"


    After a while, a servant came clamoring in, announcing the royal family''s arrival.


    "King Lee Gui with his queen, Queen Emeryte An"


    "Prince Gsiusb jsbx"


    "Jdisnmd jsbsmxisbvbxh"


    Chun didn''t dwell longer on these crazy ladies'' presence. He silently escaped with ease, returning to his father''s side. Shenin was wearing his forest green robe adorned with some leaves pattern. He majestically stood there while talking to his cousin, the King.


    "Did you enjoy the company of the beauties?" Shenin teased his ''son''.


    "Enjoy you say," Chun sarcastically replied and went to the buffet table.


    The buffet table was full of exquisite food. From the main course down to the dessert, it will make your mouth to water from its look but unfortunately the guests are more focused on talking than their food. Though all the food was prepared perfectly.


    *poink


    Chun''s plate almost fall down when he was suddenly got poked on his side.


    "Hi, Hubby!"


    Cherry happily greeted Chun. And she gesture her butler for something.


    And the butler named Priez obediently take out a small black box.


    "Young Master, please receive this from the bottom of Young Lady''s heart," Priez handed the small black box to Chun.


    Chun leisurely take it,"Is this your gift, Zharine?" He looked at the plain black box, there''s something on it that gave him a familiar feeilng.


    "Yes, why? Are you not satisfied? I can give you my one night, Honey!" Cherry shamelessly proposed to Chun. It made Chun''s ear turned red.


    "N-no. That''s not neccesary. By the way, what kind of present is this?"


    Chun closely inspect the small box. It looks like a pendant''s container.


    "It will help you in protecting yourself, Hubby" Cherry shamelessly clunged to Chun''s right arm without Chun minding because his very busy on the suspicious small black box.


    The plain looking box was then open; a black cross pendant with strange intricates swirling around the cross came to his sight.


    "What''s this?" Chun obliviously asked, touching the cross'' exquisite appearance.


    "That''s an ancient mystical weapon, Hubby," Cherry was still clunged on Chun while rubbing her cute face to Chun''s arm.


    "How did you possessed it?"


    Ancient mystical weapons are very hard to obtain even the King itself only possess one. These weapons are very valuable because it had a unique power on it, giving the host an advantage towards power. The only downside is it picks its own master, if you can''t use it then give up.


    "Well, my grandfather originally gave it to me and he said that if I can''t able to ''use'' it then I can just give it to someone else"


    Cherry pouted her small pink lips while explaining, looking cute to Chun.


    Xi Chen was sitting in a table together with Ryo and Fran. He was wearing his black robes with some cloud patters on its sleeves, he looked very mysterious and cold.


    They are here to monitor ''some'' person.


    "Are you really sure, Fran?" Ryo asked while his eyes roamed around the hall.


    "I''m very sure. Someone tipped me that ''thing'' is here"


    An odd vase in a corner. The main hall was decorated with royal blue adornment with a touch of black on its intricates. There''s moonflowers in every corner of the hall and each vase was adorned with blue swirling intricates and all of them was designed with a winged-deity with no face.


    But the vase that Xi Chen was looking is something that was out of place. The deity on it has no wings and you will not really notice it if you did not observe well.


    Xi Chen stood up.


    "First-Gen? Where are you going?" Ryo obliviously asked while playing his wine.


    "In that corner"


    "Oh! You''re going to that cheeky beauty, the host of the event," Ryo smiled slyly while Fran was nonchalant on his surroundings.


    Coincidentally, the corner which Xi Chen was going is where Chun was standing, drinking his wine. He already finished his plate of food and he regretted on eating those tempting food to his fill.


    "You must be Chun? The host of the event,"


    Chun was brought back from his trance when someone spoke from his side.


    It''s the First General Xi Chen.


    "General? What are you doing here? You''re not going to join the royal family?" Chun innocently asked.


    Chun knew that even though the first general was favored by the King, still the 4th Prince and Xi Chen has a dispute for ''unknown'' reasons.


    Chun was adding oil to the fire.


    "..."


    Xi Chen didn''t reply and proceeded on his real business here.


    Chun just strangely glance on Xi Chen. Xi Chen was busy examining the vase while inspecting every leaves of the moonflower.


    He''s lucky that the moonflowers that I asked to put here was not poisonous.


    "What are you looking at?" Chun was curious to what this general was doing.


    Xi Chen just continued not answering. Chun just admired the cold general. He look very handsome on his black robe.


    Apparently, fate had to be playful.


    The 4th Prince which is Prince Si Hua walked to where Chun was standing.


    "Toast to the host" Prince Si Hua arrogantly greeted to Chun.


    "My p???sur?, 4th Prince"


    Prince Si Hua''s eyes roamed around Chun''s enchanting features.


    "You''re really beautiful, I would really take you as my consort but unfortunately to my dismay"


    The 4th Prince sighed.


    Chun only smiled at him while drinking his wine.


    Suddenly, someone caught the prince''s sight.


    "What a coincidence, the great general is here," Prince Si Hua mockingly said at the busy Xi Chen.


    Xi Chen straighten his back after he finished his business.


    He just stared at the smirking Si Hua, coldly.


    While Chun can''t wait to see the show that was about to start from the sideline, he was disturbed by a servant.


    "Young Master, the master said that you may begin your greetings"


    Sigh.


    "Hmm"


    "My third son, the host of this banquet will give you his thoughts"


    Chun elegantly walk to the platform with his regal and handsome charm exuding. All the audience''s eyes was on him.


    The glaring contest between the First general and the 4th Prince stop. They adverted their sight at the platform


    Xi Chen then gestured to Ryo.


    Ryo just nodded and continued surveiling the area.


    After Chun finished his astounding speech, he looked for his two brothers. He caught them entered when he was on the midst of his greetings.


    "Third brother!" Kei (Second Brother) shouted near Chun, Chun felt that his ear going to pop out because of Kei.


    This idiot.


    Aito (Eldest Brother) just rolled his eyes towards Kei''s unruly behavior.


    Aito was wearing sky blue robes with some geometric patterns, looking like a genius scholar while on the other hand, their second brother was wearing his dark blue robes with swirling roses around it, he looked like a romantic playboy.


    "We brought you some present, Chun" Aito just smiled while patting Chun''s head.


    He usually did this when they were a child and Chun was still their younger sister.


    Chun just glared at Aito.


    "Your gift is on Art"


    "Thank you, brothers---"


    "Young Lady! Get down!"


    *swish


    Suddenly the room went black.

 Chapter 11 - 11

    The bright and lively main hall awhile ago turned pitch black with only screams are heard.


    What really did happen?


    Ryo, a half Twinci and full handsome (crt. his genes)  was busy under the table which is he was performing the most ''awesome'' act called hiding.


    Flashback


    In a banquet with some tables are occupied by the guest while the others are chatting to their long-seen acquaintances on their lively manner, there is usually a table that only solemn silence can be felt.


    Why I''m here with this two cold ice blocks?


    Ryo regretted sitting with his two so-called friends. He believe that he''s the only one here in this table that is the most handsome and carefree person adding with his magnetic look. The others are just some stressful oldies, no one loves them.


    The young ladies would passed by on their table greeting Ryo but they only just do that. Who would want to clamor on this table feeling the biting coldness?


    No one.


    Ryo was then tasked by Xi Chen to observe the people. Looking for someone suspicious. While the great first general was busy glaring to his long time rival, the 4th Prince.


    In the midst of the servants, a girl with black maidservant clothing was busy serving the guests while looking from left to right and something was on her right wrist.


    That caught Ryo''s sight.


    Ryo stand up from his seat dismissing himself from Fran. He gracefully glided towards the servant but this maid silently walked to a young lady. Giving her a great distance to the latter.


    Zharine Brellin. The young mistress of the Brellin family and the heiress of their household was occupied chatting to her fellow young ladies. She was wearing her dazzling pink outfit with some purple peonies designed on it. She requested her butler to serve her some lovely wine and the butler obediently trudge to a male servant serving wine.


    "Young Lady!"


    The butler of Zharine instantly rushed to the scene, saving his young mistress to this dreadful sword and everything went black.


    End of flashback


    Ryo already told Xi Chen that he can''t ?ssist the latter when the lights will went off. So that explained Ryo hiding on a table.


    Chun irritatedly sauntered to a emergency lightsource. He''s gonna break the bones of the culprit to this predicament.


    A long haired youth with elegant purple clothing felt a chill from his back.


    Who''s cursing him?


    Xi Chen hastily rushed to this escaping maid. They clashed sword to sword but unfortunately, this puppet was no match for him but the movement of it was so agile.


    It can dodge his every strike with ease. But that''s just one-third of Xi Chen''s speed. The latter then increased his speed adding strength to his strikes, resulting for this puppet to falter with her every movement.


    "What are we gonna do with this?"


    Xi Chen scan the main hall when the lights finally went back.


    "Bring it to ''the chamber'' "


    "Yes, general"


    The people begun their gesture of goodbyes when the lights went back, they pardon themselves for returning early because they don''t want to experience the scene awhile ago.


    Ryo quietly crawled towards the exit. He wants to rest right now and don''t want to face the wrath of Xi Chen. But unfornately, a pair of shoes appeared on his view, this majestic black shoes with gold linings was no other than from the first general.


    "Umm... hi?" Ryo greeted Xi Chen, stupidly.


    The first general replied with his most cold faint smile. As a second in command, the latter was so coward when it came to darkness.


    "You need more ''training'' "


    Hearing that, Ryo felt his skull went numb. That''s a very bad idea. Ryo knew what was the meaning behind that word ''training'', he experience that once and now he''s gonna go with it twice.


    The first general recalled the scene a moment ago while his sight was caught to the youth clad with his usual white robe, he felt a bad feeling.


    A trap?


    Chun begrudgingly sauntered to the exit when someone suddenly appeared to his front.


    "You''re the Shuho''s third young master?" A person with black mask like a ninja wearing all around black outfit, suspiciously asked Chun.


    "No need to answer" Chun was surprised when his movements was restricted.


    A god-tiered restriction spell.


    The third young master was captured without difficulty.


    "Stop! Release him!"


    Xi Chen with his other comrades ready for their weapons.


    "Too late"


    Just like a ninja, the black masked person throw smoke bombs and disappeared with Chun from the scene.


    Shenin cursed. He knew that something was off after the blackout incident happen.


    "I''m going to save my little brother!" Kei declared and was about to strode off when Aito give him a smack to his head.


    "Idiot. Don''t act rashly, we need to plan and pinpoint their location"


    The master of the Shuho household meaningly glance at Xi Chen,"The first general know the whereabouts of your third brother."


    Chun was brought to this lavish chamber. He lazily lay on the soft and comfy bed.


    Is this really kidnapping?


    A knock from the outside greeted him and a young man with long dark red hair appeared. He was wearing a majestic purple robe with some strange patterns adorned to it.


    "Who are you?" Chun nonchalantly asked. He just felt obligated to ask this question because that''s usually what the kidnapped person would say.


    When will life give him a rest?


    Maybe when he will begin his most awaited journey.


    Chun''s eyes started to light up when he thought about that.

 Chapter 12 - 12

    "Uhum"


    Someone interrupted Chun from his dream of bliss. Well, that someone was the person who kidnapped him. The red-headed guy on his purple robe.


    The unnamed man was staring at him with ferocity. While Chun was feeling annoyed to this intense staring.


    "Can I go home?" Chun indifferently asked while making himself comfortable on the lavish bed.


    So much for sleeping.


    "No"


    The unnamed guy seated himself beside Chun not adverting his gaze.


    Such a creepy dude.


    Chun sighed helplessly for this incense time of silence. He felt sleepy. Though he can''t sleep while this man was still here.


    "Okay. What do you need?"


    For about a minute, the unnamed man answered,"As blunt as ever, Erxie"


    The man smirked giving Chun a bad feeling.


    At the same time, Chun felt nauseous, his head was aching; it felt like splitting. His breathing went rugged; feeling the lack of air. His muscle went numb, he felt immobile. This was the secondth time of attacks.


    "Ha ah ah- h-aha ah"


    The man eyed him, expecting this to happen,"Headaches, shortness of breathe, eye color changing to red, numbing of muscles and paralyzation."


    "You''re really her"


    After the man confirmed his suspicion, he unhurriedly poke the forehead of Chun while chanting vague words.


    The white haired youth suddenly went calm, bringing Chun to sleep.


    The unnamed man gently ??r?ssed the youth''s face. His violet colored eyes filled myriads of emotion.


    Slowly, he crept his face towards the harmless sleeping young man.


    5 inches closer...


    3 inches...


    2 inches...


    1---


    "What are you doing?"


    Xi Chen and the others planned to infiltrate the Yang Mansion silently to not alert the Master of the mansion which was the one who kidnapped Chun.


    The Yang Mansion was heavily guarded with herds of trap. It is located at the top of Taiji Mountain and the owner of the said mansion was the mysterious saint level enchanter. Nobody knows his name but he suddenly appeared out of nowhere decades ago. But before they''re going to enter the top of the mountain, they will all need to defeat the hidden guards on it.


    "Is it all set?" Xi Chen calmly asked the ones who''s coming to the rescue mission.


    The raven black haired youth with his all dark green suit which was Kei happily replied, can''t wait to commence this rescue mission. Aito just seriously tied his dark brown hair in a ponytail readying his steel fan for a bloodbath.


    Ryo saluted to the first general, playfully while Fran just busied himself on checking his collection of formation spells.


    "Hmmm okay. Let''s go then"


    "What are you doing?"


    The unnamed guy was stopped from his tracks. He unexpectedly did not know that these humans can surpass his traps and guards.


    A deity like him did not want to deal any longer to these humans.


    Maybe next time... I would deal with them.


    Xi Chen was about to lash out on this unnamed guy when suddenly this redheaded man rushed to the big window.


    *crash


    He break the window for escaped, the first general was about to chase him when suddenly a hand grip on the latter''s hand from the bed.


    The white haired youth unconsciously topped the unprepared general. Xi Chen surprisingly looked at the youth''s enchanting face. Chun''s silvery white hair was in a mess, his eyes was closed and his plump pink lips was half open due to panting.


    His all-over appearance looked a wild seductress but unfornately this action of his is not intentional.


    Xi Chen stared at this youth''s strange action, he was clueless what''s this white haired youngster was about to do when suddenly, Chun slowly neared the general''s face.


    *bite


    Xi Chen was a bit stunned earlier. He did not expect this innocent young man to bite his neck hard, drawing blood from it.


    "What did you do?" An familiar shrill voice shouted.


    Kei hurriedly draw away the sleeping youth from Xi Chen. He accusingly gaze at the neck bloodied man while holding his third brother.


    The first general sighed deeply; feeling like a victim.


    He didn''t do anything! Why look at him like that?

 Chapter 13 - 13

    De''Noctis Institute: School for Special Arts


    Harvendash City,


    Sereign Continent


    The calm breeze of the wind drew the birds passing by. The palace-like place with majestic towers hovering above was unfathomably splendid and pompous, you wouldn''t believe that this is a school (though it''s an elite school).


    The antiquity of the buildings looked elegant and pleasing and each buildings have different departments. There are five departments existing, the Spade of Truth, the Club of Clovers, the Corner of Hearts, the Diamonds'' Glimmer and the Aces. They have all unique differences but has one similarity, they were all originated in a playing card.


    A tall and lean guy, with short dark violet hair in a student cut, wearing his eyeglasses on his silver colored eyes with an indifferent look. A black band on the right sleeve of his uniform, printed on it was ''Head Ace''


    All the students that was about to see him would back away, giving him path. Some would shiver, some would drool and some would squeal a bit. No one can resist this imposing youth with his dashing looks.


    The overbearing handsome young man was the President of the Student body, a very strict and proper youngster. He manages all the activities of their school, if not for the very listless headmaster they have, they could say that this young man is more than the headmaster of the school.


    "Chick magnet as ever, Kali"


    A blondie rascal suddenly appeared, putting his arm on the President''s shoulder.


    The young man named Kali grunted, removing the naughty Disciplinary Head''s arm,"Watch your paws."


    "Do I look a cat, Pres?"


    "Tsk"


    Kali ignored the impish blondie, continuing his walk to the headmaster''s office.


    "Stop fooling around, Gavin. You have more work to do!" A boy with brown hair reprimanded the Disciplinary Head (ironic is it?) called Gavin.


    "Oh?! When did you get back, VP?"


    "Tss" the Vice President known as Cyan pulled Gavin through his collar while sauntering to the garden. He can''t believe that this brat was the Head of the Disciplinary Council.


    Meanwhile, at the headmaster''s office; a man around his thirties with light peach long hair holding a fan while playing chess by himself was sitting comfortably, on his table was a plaque written on it ''Xi Mong, School Head''


    The very serene atmosphere was broken by a dark aura coming from the President.


    "Headmaster, I know that you''re ''very busy'' right now, as I can see," Kali eyed the chessboard while adverting his gaze to the lazy headmaster.


    "Hmm. Yes, I''m very busy"


    Xi Mong just kept playing, unconcerned to the dagger looks from the imposing President.


    The violet haired young man sighed inwardly, accepting the reality about their headmaster.


    "So... why are you here?" The lazy Xi Mong took a glance at the frowning youth.


    "Headmaster, the section A''s handler resigned on the Aces'' department"


    "And why is that? It''s nearing for the School''s festival"


    The nonchalant headmaster moved his horse two boxes away the king. While Kali unhurriedly open a paper, reading from within,"He said that he can''t take it anymore, these devils are hard to handle, that was his reason."


    Xi Mong silently cornered the king on the white side using his queen. He smirked.


    "Checkmate"


    "Headmaster?"


    The busy headmaster felt a piercing chill from the President''s eyes.


    Xi Mong clasped his both hands while looking directly at Kali,"Hmmm... Then what do you think about it?... Section A''s Class representative?"


    Unknowingly, the President''s lips curled, making him more dashing.


    "Oh. We want someone suited"


    At the mansion of the Shuho family, a youth with silvery hair clad on his usual white robe was sitting on his courtyard''s garden. Having one final moment on his moonflowers. At his side was his butler named Art. The butler that was back an hour ago from his task.


    "Young Lord, your things are ready. Do you want to depart later?"


    This very day was his last on this mansion for Chun was going on a journey. He will conquer every city, every nation and every continent because he finally decided to open his sealed past.


    "We will depart now"


    "As you wish, young lord"


    The dignified young man walk confidently, he will now start on searching the fragments, these 9 fragments.


    Suddenly, he halted his steps.


    "What''s the matter, young lord?"


    "What did father said earlier?"


    The butler calmly fix his glasses then respectedly answered his master.


    "You will need to go to De''Noctis Institute"

 Chapter 14 - 14

    The weather was very fine that day, the wind was blowing calmly as the sun shines above.


    The Shuho members was all outside seeing off their most precious son and brother. Chun was accompanied by his butler, Art was holding a small black basket with a cat design on it. The insides of this are the treats for his master while their necessities are stored on a seven-tiered dimensional ring.


    "Are you really sure about this brother?" Aito worriedly asked his third brother.


    "You''re not fully healed yet"


    After those kidnapping incident, Chun doesn''t remember anything and he felt like not bothering with it because for him ''Why would he mind on those things when it happened already''


    "Do not disturb our cute little brother, Aito!" Kei playfully messed up the silvery hair of Chun while beaming.


    "He is very healthy and he''s no longer a child anymore"


    The youth clad in white was frowning while gazing at his crazy second brother. Kei was a head taller so Chun needs to crane his head to look at him while Aito is an inch taller than Kei.


    "But be sure to be careful always, understand?"


    "Oh. Who was the worry-wart right now?"


    "I''m just reminding him. Tss"


    "Stop it you two!"


    The two idiots was reprimanded by Shenin that was teary eyed at the moment.


    "Chun, be safe always and do not forget to eat three times a day and---"


    The white haired young man was really annoyed at them, why are they treating him like a kid? His on the right age now.


    "Okay, okay! I got it so can we not delay before this teleportation spell would be cancelled?"


    Even though they''re crazy, overprotective, annoying and etc, he knew that they love them as they are. He responded to their bear hugs until he feel like losing his breathe.


    "A-ahmm... c-can you release me?"


    "Opps"


    "Hehehe"


    "Sorry"


    The youngster that was losing his breathe earlier fixed his ruffled white robe. Then glance at his family.


    "Umm"


    "You can go now"


    "Y-yeah go now"


    "Just be safe"


    Chun nodded and step on the teleportation circle beside him was Art,"We will be going now, Masters."


    "Keep him safe, Art!"


    "Ensure his security---"


    A blinding light shine brightly, fading the voices of the three and transporting them to the train terminal.


    The train terminal also known as the Carrier to the other cities was located at the border between the Lucraine City and Fuji City. It was powered by spiritual magic from mana orbs handled by the train casters and train terminals are considered the most fastest lift when going to far cities aside from riding a flying-type creature.


    Though you can rent these flying-type creatures but Chun was not comfortable on flying, he had a habit of vomitting in mid air.


    "Art, please buy me my milktea and add lots of pearl on it" Chun cheerily requested his butler while he sat on the terminal''s waiting chair.


    At the meantime, he was occupied on chomping his sweet treats.


    "Yes, Young Lord"


    "Here you are, mouse"


    A familiar baritone voice spoke from the youth''s back. Chun move his head to look at this person when he got poke on his right cheek.


    "Hahaha got you!" Ryo succesfully touched those soft cheeks, it felt like jelly, a smooth jelly.


    "Ryo"


    The first general suddenly warned the mischievous youngster on his behaviour.


    "Oh. Very possessive.. "


    The crazy second in command shut up when he met those penetrating gaze. If looks could kill, he''d be dead right now.


    "First general? What are you doing here?" Chun innocently asked while rubbing gently his poked cheek looking like a cute mouse.


    "Hmm. I''m here to collect a debt"


    "Huh? Debt? Oho. The first general is collecting debts, to whom must be it?"


    The white haired young man was suddenly got interested to this news. Who will be that unlucky person?


    "To whom? Hmm. You forgot, mouse?" The general smirked while looking at the baffled mouse. He look cute while frowning. He found the mouse attractive...


    Xi Chen suddenly realized on what he thought at the cute mouse. He is sure that he''s not bent. Maybe he''s just too appreciative on beautiful things.


    Right. It must be it. I''m just appreciating beauty.


    *snap


    "First-gen, what are you thinking?"


    Xi Chen ignored Ryo and diverted his attention to the beautiful youth.


    "You had a debt to me. You forgot?"


    Chun was still confused to this general''s blabber. When did he got a debt on anyone?


    At that slight thinking, an unclear memory colluded his mind. Something like about ''biting'' a neck...


    The more Chun frowned, the more Ryo was confused at the two. What are they talking about?


    "Nevermind. I''ll just get my payment when I feel like on getting it"


    Xi Chen just brushed off the matter while rubbing the youth''s fluffy white hair.


    "Be safe"


    Then the first general and his second in command walk off, leaving the very baffled androgynous beauty.


    Art then met his young master looking like a confused hamster, making him think, what did young lord ate?

 Chapter 15 - 15

    Chun was very impatient while waiting for the train to stop on their destination. He kept on squirming on his seat.


    "Art, are we there yet?"


    "Not yet, young lord"


    After 5 seconds


    "Are we there yet?"


    "Within 12 minutes, young lord"


    Still his butler replied to him calmly.


    "Hmmp"


    Meanwhile, at the main office of records. A wavy red haired female with her s?xy vibe was occupied on her daily routine.


    "M-ms. S-sen, these are the r-records of the new s-students of this quarter and these are the applications for n-n-new teachers"


    A student from the Section B of the Spade of Truth department was tasked to deliver the records from the Selection office. The stutterer blush a bit while looking at the oblivious Ms. Sen.


    She''s really beautiful. I''m not regretting being here.


    Ms. Sen, the Head of the main records was busy painting her fingernails with red nail polish. She unmindly directed the student to organize the records.


    "Left divider. Teachers. Right divider. Student" the head monosyllabicly stated, just pointing were to put the files.


    The stutterer student subconsciously scratch his head and proceeded arranging the said records.


    ''Chun Shuho


    Age: 16


    Birthstone: Sapphire...''


    The student didn''t bother on reading it, he hastily put it on the left divider before Ms. Sen find out. Because one of the rules on the main office of records is ''Do not read the records without permission'' and it is strictly compulsory to comply with these matters.


    In De''Noctis Institute, some students have hidden identity or talent that only the headmaster, Ms. Sen and the Selection office knew so the records are strictly guarded and without compliance is expulsion.


    A train from the borders of Lucraine City stopped. A young master with his flattery silver white short hair, his fair skin being shone by the sunlight on his usual white robe, went out. A butler on his side guiding him on where to go.


    "Young Lord, do we need to go to the school or stay at an inn for now?"


    The young master have two days left before attending his class so he can enjoy these days on venturing on this foreign environment.


    "Ahmm... Let''s stay at the inn and before that let us eat"


    "Headmaster, did you pick already the designated sections of the new teachers?"


    The lazy headmaster was busy playing his chessboard and only adverted his gaze when someone disturb him from his relaxation.


    "Hmm. I''m done with that"


    The ?ssistant of the headmaster and at the same time the guide of the new teachers was reluctant on leaving. He felt some omnimous feeling from the headmaster.


    To confirm his suspicion, he urgently look the list of the new teachers.


    Hmm. Nothing seems suspicious.


    The list he was looking was just all names and only the headmaster knew what he had ?ssigned (maybe).


    Eventually, this just the start of a mishap that the oblivious young master would gonna face. Though he was eating peacefully with his butler on an exclusive classic restaurant.

 Chapter 16 - 16

    De''Noctis Institute: School for Special Arts, Harvendash City


    "You can go back to your position, Art"


    Chun dismissed his butler then walk to the golden gate of the school.


    The outside of the school was very elegant and regal, it has that mighty atmosphere that any commoner would shy away on admitting themselves on this institute but no matter what, if you don''t have a high IQ or high EQ, you''re not qualified here though only nobles and elite households enrolled their sons or daughters, heirs or heiress. It is said that this school was established by a mysterious personnel from the kingdom of Teitan City which is the capital of TwinCity continent.


    The young man with his silvery short white hair was slightly brushed by the wind, he was wearing his white robe with blue silver linings and on his right hand was a small bag of cookies. His robe was fluttering through the windy breeze giving him a fairy-like charm.


    Chun was suddenly stop by a woman, she''s wearing a s?xy red robe with orange intricates and a bit of roses on her sleeves, her ''front'' must be really big if not for her robe blocking the view. She had a katana on her side and a band on her left-arm stating ''Red Guard H''. She is really like a s?xy demoness with her orange eyes with a bit yellow on it, fair skin with her full lips, straight nose that was slight pointed and her ink black hair that was braided. She looks on her 20''s.


    "Young man, your pass" the red guard lady said monotonely while giving Chun a once over.


    The white haired youth steadily look at the woman from top to bottom before calmly handing his pass.


    The red guard lady then scanned it on her ring scanner.


    "Chun Shuho, T1- new recruit" a female voice from the ring spoke. The red guard lady suddenly smiled at Chun, giving the latter a strange feeling.


    "Welcome, Chun! I''m Sisi, the head guard of red security. I''ll lead you to the Assistant Head''s office"


    "Art, I felt that something bad is going to happen"


    "I''ll protect you no matter what, young lord"


    The youth just sighed.


    "Red Guard 1! Guard the post!" Sisi stated fiercely then instanly a teenage boy appeared with a red uniform, his inner shirt was white while his coat was red and on the left-arm sleeve was the same band of Sisi but printed on it is ''Red Guard 1''


    "Yes, Senpai!"


    Sisi was really good at mood shifting. Earlier she was cheerful and suddenly went to fierce that Chun really doesn''t mind because his busy on munching some treats.


    The way to the Assistant Head''s office was quite okay and silent nor a soul on the hallway, the students at this time was on their third session of their class and it is strictly prohibited to stroll around on the corridor while class is ongoing.


    The interior structure of the school was really well-designed, the intricates, the materials that was used and the theme of each building brings animosity but it was exuded a regal ambiance. Each building Chun passed by had their on designs, like the first building he moved by had a silver diamond on it and when hit by the sunlight, it was glittering like a star. But the very building that caught his attention was a vintage-like building with a golden letter A on the front. To sum it all, all the buildings are weird.


    "Here we are, Sensei Chun!" Sisi cheered and went away immediately before Chun could ask about the sensei term. He was clueless to that word.


    The white haired young man stared at the brown wooden double doors, it was really big, it looks like the headmaster''s office if not for that it''s just the ?ssistant head''s office.


    What would the headmaster''s office look like? Chun thought with curiosity while gazing at the double doors.


    "Come in"


    Chun was snap back from his reverie when an unfamiliar male voice said inside the double doors.


    The youth then went inside when the door opened by itself.


    "You must be Chun Shuho? Sit down, please"


    The black haired man on his 30''s spoke. He was wearing his teacher-like uniform but he is not a teacher.


    "I''m Hai Chen, just call me Assistant Hai"


    Chun just nodded, he was occupied on observing the office. It was designed in a modern way, the floor was ruby tiled, the wall was bricks and the office has a fireplace.


    Assistant Hai was feeling awkward on the atmosphere when he felt that the youth was only staring at the surrounding not paying attention to him.


    "Ehem *cough"


    Chun gaze at Assistant Hai," Assistant Hai, what are my schedules? And which section I''m in?"


    "Oho! You''re excited on your first day? Oho-ho-ho" the Assistant head suddenly laughed creepily. Chun was left confused to the Assistant Hai''s action.


    Is he a weirdo?


    "Hohoho... Your students can wait. Here''s your schedule and key pass"


    The creepy ?ssistant handed a chip and a black card to Chun.


    "Ah your map! Find your own way. I''m busy to guide you, sorry" the ?ssistant then pushed Chun out of his office.


    The white haired youth was oblivious what was about to happen on him. While Assistant Hai just brushed off his hands," Hooo! Job done"


    Chun shrug and look on the map while inserting the chip on his grostecho gadget. He opened it and saw his schedule.


    What is this?


    The youth just then massage his aching temple for this new headache.


    Might as well accept it. I''m qualified to be a teacher though.


    Chun then proceed on his own ?ssigned room. He''s gonna sleep this off.

 Chapter 17 - 17

    De''Noctis Institute, Teachers'' Quarters


    A bright and sunny day welcomed all the teachers that was readying themselves for morning sessions. All of the teachers practiced punctuality every class so when the clock strikes at 4 am, they would risen up and prepare for their classes.


    Meanwhile, at some specific room quarter, the young man with silvery white hair was still in deep slumber. The sunlight shines through his window, disturbing his princely sleep.


    "Hmm Art close the blinds"


    "Young Lord, you must get up. It''s your first day to class"


    "Class? But I want to sleep--"


    Chun was lifted up in air, he was carried like a sack by his butler.


    "Tsk. Put me down. I''m going to prepare"


    The young man strode alone on the empty halls. He already memorized the way to his new abode (class).


    He was running late already but he just walk like he own the time though.


    Chun stop at the very loud classroom. He nonchalantly step in and the crowd suddenly went quiet. The student was in a mess though, sitting everywhere, their things was in a rumble and some have their pets running around.


    "A new classmate?"


    "He''s handsome yet beautuful?"


    "This is my first time seeing an andrygonous beauty"


    "Why is he..."


    All the student instantly had a same thought...


    Why is he in robes? Only teachers can wear like that.


    A tall young man stood with his eyeglasses on and his domineering aura exuding. The youngster was the President of the Student Council and Head of the Aces, Kali.


    "So you must be our new teacher/handler"


    When words came out, all the students was confused. A teenage like that was at their same age was their teacher? Even though he got the looks but he''s nothing if he can''t achieve teaching them and specifically; taming them. These unruly brats was Aces'' Section A and all of them came from prominent noble household from each cities.


    The students abnormally behave, they went back to their proper seats, cleaning their stuff and instantly the class looks like a class not in a zoo earlier. The astute President named Kali prompted Chun to start his lesson.


    Chun slightly brushed his robe''s sleeves and fixing his usual dishelved white hair adding to his charismatic beauty.


    "Ehem. I''m Chun Shuho and you can call me Sensei or neither if you want" The young man eyed all his unruly students one by one.


    "And I''m 16" he simply added and open the book at the teacher''s table. He proceeded on putting it on his face to doze off. That was his lecture book to be exact.


    The students was baffled to this new teacher''s antics.


    How will he teach us?


    "Umm... Sensei? Are you not teaching us?" A light blue haired boy with a pointed ears asked Chun. The boy was half-elf.


    Chun remove the book from his face,  he furrowed his brows.


    "Teaching? I''ve check this class'' records in all the school competitions and this section on all departments was rank 1, so no need for my teaching. Keep up your good work"


    The youth then lazily place his legs on the table while crossing his arms and sitting on his chair and went to sleep after putting back the book on his face.


    The students doesn''t care less too. They know that this new teacher has no capabilities so they brush it off and continue on their usual pace. Atleast this teacher doesn''t bothered on taming them because if he do so then they will kick him out if they want. All the former teachers suffered from their hands though.


    While all was enjoying, there is someone who''s uncomfortable to this set up.


    Eventually the days to Chun proceeded smoothly until that someone can''t handle it anymore.

 Chapter 18 - 18

    "Sensei! How will I proceed to the next stage? My element affinity is fire"


    "Chun-sensei, how can I circulate my qi with this third stage formation spell?"


    "What technique is compatible with my fist combo style, Sensei?"


    Every student was craving for their teacher''s guidance but unfortunately the latter was very lazy to respond, only referring to them to read the book.


    "Miku, read page 289 Chapter 16, third paragraph"


    "Lu Rin, study the Chapter 5 page 22"


    "Gui Long, refer to page 338 Chapter 20"


    The very thick book was given to the students. What do they expect from this 16 year old teacher?


    "But Teacher---!"


    Their complaints were fallen in deaf ears.


    The silvery white haired youth clad on his white robe with deep black swirling intricates was ready to lay down on his comfortable chair when he was interrupted with a loud *Bang.


    "Sensei! I''m already pent up with all your misgivings to us these days! And the annual school competition is coming within 3 months! And yet you''re still relax there!"


    "Stop it, Lin"


    "Don''t be rude"


    The green haired youngster named Lin was stopped by his two friends, they were holding him down to prevent him from attacking their teacher. They can''t risk the chance to kick this teacher out right now because the competition is coming and without a handler they can''t participate there and the headmaster notified them already that this is their last teacher if ever their going to kick Chun out.


    "Sensei! ---"


    "Stop your complaints! Your just going to win the competition with your capabilities" Chun nonchalantly explained while playing a book on his hand.


    "But what about after that?"


    "After that?" The youth furrowed his eyebrows.


    "The Inter-school competition in 12 months from now?"


    "Ahh. There''s another competition?"


    The students that heard this can''t help facepalming on themselves. Literally? Their teacher doesn''t have any idea about this?


    "I''ll plan it later"


    The youth carelessly brushed off the said topic.


    "Sensei! I- I challenge you to a duel!" The previous youngster declared.


    "Lin?! Are you nuts?"


    "He''s just a sixteen year old same as us"


    "But he''s our teacher!"


    Still, Lin persist on his intention on humiliating this undeserving teacher.


    "So Sensei?"


    "Duel?"


    Apparently, the President isn''t around to prevent this kind of duel. A student challenging his teacher? That was very rare, and it can be said when a student challenge his/her handler he or she is testing the teacher''s ability to teach.


    And this green haired youth name Lin was the ?ssistant Class representative.


    "Duel? Then I accept"


    "Are you sure, Sensei?" Miku was one of the good students here on this section. She was concern to her teacher''s dignity. Lin was a tough opponent.


    "Lin is a Profound Realm''s Peak stage metal type mage"


    Chun was reminded by the blue haired girl named Miku. He noticed that this student was the most descent here on this class.


    "Don''t worry. He''s not in Immortal Realm"


    The blue haired young lady frowned at her teacher''s remarks. What did it mean?


    Here in Xanxia, there are four realms that a cultivator would went through. The first realm is Profound Realm which has five stages: the Nascent Stage, Middle Stage, High Stage, Peak Stage and Half a Step. The next is Middle Realm which has four stages: Nascent Stage, Middle Stage, High Stage and Peak Stage. The third realm is Late Realm which has three stages: Middle Stage, High Stage and Peak Stage, and usually the cultivators that were on this realm can only be found on Conferred Kingdoms so they''re typically rare when it came to third rank kingdoms in Sereign Continent. And lastly, Immortal Realm which has only one stage; Half a Step and the ones that were on this realm ascended to the upper world, a millenium ago, to gain true immortality. The last Immortal Realm sky mage was by the name Muxim, a mysterious traveller.


    Eventually, Lin can be called a genius when it comes to progressing on the Peak Stage in Profound Realm by the age of 16, it''s only counted by fingers the youths that were on this stage.


    Lin huffed when knowing the loser teacher of theirs was accepting his challenge. He can''t wait to teach him a lesson.


    A student teaching a teacher a lesson was unheard off but a this moment... we can say...


    Who will be teaching?


    And

 Chapter 19 - 19

    The students from every department ran to the gymnasium. They can''t wait to witness the unusual event for today. The teachers from each class has their own things but some did join to watch the fight.


    "Did you hear that a new teacher will be drown to humiliation?"


    "Heh. Can''t wait to see it with my own eyes"


    "I heard that his student challenge him"


    "What did this teacher do?"


    "It''s the section A again from the Aces"


    "They''re so arrogant but they stand to their titles"


    "The teacher was just new but he''s lazy as a pig"


    "They need to crush him"


    All the students had their own murmurings but they only got the one-fourth of the truth. Because who will be crush would not be Chun.


    The gymnasium was very big, it can hold fifty-thousand people due to its structure. It had the ancient-look like the colliseum but not really the same because it has a modern touch of a gym. The center of the gym was divided into four platforms, the platforms consisted black mats and those mats was composed of Qi elements that makes the fight more exciting to see, and in the left side at the bottom is where Chun and his student are standing.


    "That''s their teacher?"


    "Huh? It must be a new classmate"


    "He''s handsome"


    "I thought it''s a teacher versus a student"


    "It''s a hoax then"


    "Idiot! That''s their teacher. The famous sixteen-year old teacher in the Aces department"


    "I thought it''s a rumour"


    "Shh... the battle is starting"


    Lin was standing imposingly waiting for the fight to commence. On the other hand, the lazy white haired youth was playing with his hair curls, twirling it around to subside the sleepiness off. Chun was like a sleepy seductress enchanting the students from his charm.


    "Young Lord, do I need to intervene?"


    "No need, Art"


    "Yes, young lord. What do you prefer this afternoon lunch?"


    "Parfait!"


    "No sweets for the moment, young lord. You ate all your month''s sweets already"


    "Tsk. Braised lamb and cucumber juice"


    "As you wish, m''lord"


    "Sigh" Miku was holding his breath a while ago when he saw that Lin was about to land an attack to their teacher while the latter didn''t move like he''s in a daze.


    The white haired youth fix his ruffled robe. He didn''t realize that the fight was on when he was talking to Art. He might be distracted with the parfait.


    The youngster launch another attack but now it was a kick and Chun block it using his left arm.


    He''s good for a sixteen year old. That''s a metal type mage for you.


    Chun thought while ?ssessing his opponent.


    Metal type mages have great physical strength but when they cast their spells their attacks would be doubled.


    "Lin was really a genius"


    "Was?"


    "Yeah. Was. He can be called a genius when he was fourteen but now he is in sixteen but he is still in Profound realm Peak stage"


    "Eh? For two years? He didn''t breakthrough?"


    Chun''s ears perked up while hearing this, he loves gossip. While dodging he already noticed Lin''s sluggishness when attacking physically eventhough he has strong foundation.


    So this student of his was on his bottleneck for two years huh?


    The student body witness the scene, their confused look was present to their faces. Why was Lin not casting his amazing spells? If he used it already then the battle was already finish.


    "Why are you keep on dodging? Do you only know defence? Then I''ll show you how to attack"


    The youngster back away five meters from Chun. Starting to cast his spells.


    Oh? He wants to finish me already?


    Chun waited for the chanting to finish. About thirty seconds, numerous metal substances appeared attacking the white haired teacher.


    The youth clad with his white robe dances through the attacks, he was like a handsome devil soaring through the skies. Every female species were charmed by him even the male ones was amazed to his dodging.


    How did he do it? His white robe was left untouched from those sharp metal substances. He landed gracefully and stood there while dusting off the dirt he accumulated from his unsaid performance.


    Ahh... I''m not really good in physical fights. I''m wearing off already.


    Chun sighed to himself and prepared for his first and final attack.


    Lin was fuming right now and he was tired. He used up all his mana for that spell but it didn''t work. Did that teacher really had no ability?


    The youngster readied his next attack when he notice that the youth clad in white was nearing to him.


    What is his trick again?


    Chun point up his index finger from his right hand. Lin curiously followed what he was pointing when the cheeky young man suddenly disappeared.


    Lin was baffled, he keep on turning around looking for his tricky opponent.


    "Where did he go?"


    "Sensei! Don''t trick me! That''s not fair"


    A wisp of wind was felt from Lin''s back,"Are you looking for me?"


    Before the young lad could reply, Chun attack some vital points in a fast pace. He''s hands was blurring, he''s like a Hindu god with many hands.


    Lin was knock off face planted.


    "What a violent teacher!"


    "Did he kill him?"


    "That''s against the rules"


    The students was on terror, even the present teachers was about to react to this new teacher''s method. I thought teachers only teach student?


    Suddenly, the youngster''s body produces a sticky black substance, it''s like a flowing black water bathing him and the black thing instantly dissipated in thin air.


    What are those?


    Impurities.


    Lin finally awaken from his deep sleep. He felt rejuvenated. He look at his surroundings. It was all white.


    "Lin is awake!"


    Someone squeaked from his side. The students from Section A was all here. They looked all haggard and worried.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Does it still hurt?"


    "We need to call the doctor"


    "That teacher is so uncaring"


    "He didn''t visit you even though his fault"


    "Where is Chun-sensei?" The youngster''s first words when waking up.


    Lin was tearing up while saying this.


    The crowd was silent, they were more confused when the youth was crying not with sadness but with happiness...


    Did it really felt good to be beat up?

 Chapter 20 - 20

    They felt a sense of panic when they saw Lin was tearing up.


    He keeps on asking where is their sensei.


    "He''s on probation"


    A voice coming from the door said to them. It was from a youth with a domineering aura, carrying himself with his regal and strict stature; no other than the President.


    "Huh? Why?" A blue haired girl asked worriedly. It was Miku, who maybe the only one who cared for their teacher.


    "You cannot do that to sensei!"


    The green haired young man went hysterical. His teacher helped him on breaking through the next stage which is the Half a Step and now he was compensated with a suspension.


    It''s difficult to say this but with Chun''s violent method of helping him, he was full of gratitude towards his sensei. He will dearly appreciate it on his heart. For two years of not breaking through and being sneered upon by other students, it was really harsh but now he will make a comeback and gain his title again as a genius.


    But for now, he must help his teacher.


    "Can you lift off the probation?" Lin earnestly asked to the relax President by the door, even though he exuded an ice berg aura with its dark charm but it just added to his mysteriousness. Well, Kali was truly a mystery, the students here did not know what household he came from and what realm was he in cultivation. He never participated in competitions or tournaments even in inter-school tournaments, he would always decline on representing their school and his section and no one would really oppose his decision (not even the nonchalant headmaster), that''s the reason why Section A in Aces deparment that always represented the school would only place 4th or 3rd rank when it comes to the Six main schools competing with each other even though they always won at school competitions. And that''s one of the reason why they always had new teachers every year, other than being bored.


    This President of theirs was one of the Seven Mysteries of their school.


    "It can''t be lifted once it was implemented"


    Lin was alarmed hearing this. He clutched his head with helplessness.


    "Then- then... how can I help Chun-sensei?"


    The mysterious President just fixed his eyeglasses and his silver eyes deepened. His lips curled while looking at his classmates. He remembered suddenly the said teacher who was busy sleeping on his room, like no ones matter to him  even the school would get attack by ghouls.


    "Oh. Don''t worry, he was enjoying his probation like a day-off"


    Miku and Lin just sighed, knowing that their teacher was not suffering.


    They felt appease about this teacher''s laziness.


    "Lin! Why did you need to help that violent teacher?" A brown haired youth with spiked up hair said, he was the one who prevented Lin from attacking their teacher two days ago and he is a best buddy of him.


    "Yeah! You don''t need to feel threaten with him, we can all team up and knock him down---"


    *paahh


    *paahh


    "Idiots! If you knew best, you wouldn''t try that. And teacher help me on breaking through. I''m now at Profound Realm''s Half a Step and maybe months pass would make me in Middle Realm"


    Yes. The Section A''s student felt that something was different to their ?ssisstant class representative the moment he awoken. But now he said that, they realize the greatness of their sixteen-year old teacher.


    He was able to make a student breakthrough from using his odd method. And it looks like the more violent it is, the more stage they would leap. The more they would sleep from that method, the more they would gain a breakthrough they wanted. From the looks of Lin.


    They can''t wait for after the school competition. The teacher promised them, he would teach after the competition. (Did he really promise?)


    Chun felt a cold chill that awaken him from his light sleep.

 Chapter 21 - 21

    In a cultivator''s life, they will sense qi energies at the age of 8, but geniuses sense it at an early age like 5 and prodigies already sense it the day they born. You will know when someone was able to sense qi when the qi energies would gather around to that person. But somethimes, there are some people that was not able to sense any qi even at the age of 8 and they were just called normal people. They just live on doing menial works, like farming, blacksmithing, cooking and other things that don''t require qi.


    And there''s some that are too gifted,  having vast qi energies on their body, inabling them to open up all their meridians.


    There are 125 meridians on the human body, not all of them are needed  to open but a person is born with only 3 meridians opened already, leading them to cultivate more to unlock the other close ones but it''s not really necessary.


    But the more you have an open meridian the more stronger you are and the more qi energies you can absorb when cultivating.


    At the age of 10, the people that can be a cultivator would be sent to a sect, school or any institution that practices martial arts, magic and other artforms. They will study there for years until they will reach the ?du?thood which is the age of 22 and until then they need to persist on cultivating because once they graduated, they can choose the cultivators'' path or find other jobs that they want.


    The green haired youngster named Lin Zan, the ?ssistant class representative of Section A of the Aces, was third to the Vice President and President in terms of cultivation stage. The Vice President is at the Middle Realm''s Middle Stage while the President has an unknown level, it was rumored that he has the same cultivation level as the Headmaster which was on the Late Realm.


    It is said that when you reach the Late Realm, you will achieve divine immortality which means your life span will increase for a thousand more and when you reach the Immortal Realm, you can be a true immortal, having a divine body and you will experience a new profound way of qi refining which was said in the written books. Still, you can be killed but you have an everlasting life.


    So let''s go back to Lin''s case, he was called a genius at 14 when he reached the Profound Realm Peak Stage but suddenly he had a difficulty on breaking through because of some reasons. Youngsters like him at the age of 14 is normally on the Profound Realm Middle Stage so when he is now in 16, his classmates is on Profound Realm High Stage so practically Lin leaped off two stages when he was on 14.


    That shows that cultivating is an hard task because in every realms required some essentials to be meet in order for you to proceed.


    A youth clad in white was skipping around, his fluffy white hair was bouncing off cutely with the sun was shinning through the windows of the corridor he was walking, it''s silvery allure was sparkling bringing him an image of an handsome fairy.


    Some students was on their lunch break and some are only had afternoon shifts. They keep on whispering while staring on the oblivious latter.


    "Who''s that handsome?"


    "He''s so cute. I want to cuddle him"


    "Stupid. That''s the one who was the newbie handler of Section A, Aces"


    "Ahh. The one who beat up Lin?"


    "Yes. He is on probation right now"


    "Psh. Such a charismatic teacher was given to the arrogants"


    "Though they deserve a teacher like that who can beat them up"


    "But he''s such a waste"


    The three beauties that was known as the ''whispering ladies'' were discussing intently while gazing at Chun. They were from the Section B of Corner of Hearts department.


    "Does the Queen know this?"


    "Know what?"


    "That a new prey was up"


    "She doesn''t----"


    "My love of my life! Here you are"


    "Ahh. Now she knows"


    The whispering ladies just sighed for the unfornate event that they will about to witness.


    A young lady with peach hair and bright blue eyes appeared. Her big curls was swaying while she run. She was wearing a red uniform with hearts on its sleeves and ribbon. She had a small crown on her hair giving her a princess look. And you can''t ignore that bouncing front of her, it was irresistable to watch. All the boys worship her alluring beauty with its guise of innocence. An innocent beauty.


    "It''s the Queen"


    "She''s so beautiful"


    "I really admired her bravery"


    "Yeah. Last year, he was fantasizing Kali but the President just ignored her love letters and gifts to him that caused her to leave school for two months if not for the persuasion of her brother and parents, she would not attend anymore"


    "But now, she''s on the move again. And as you can see who''s her target"


    "Even teachers are not excluded from her handsome fetishes"


    The youngsters was directing a stare of envy to Chun. While the latter was occupied on finding the Headmaster''s office. He had no sense of direction.


    Shiha Xiu also known as the Queen was stop a meter away from the handsome silvery haired youth. She was staring intently at the latter. She was observing what he was doing and the way his hair strands fall down on his blue-green eyes and his laziness just blowing it up. He was the epitome of perfection for her.


    She can''t be rash anymore like last year that caused her to tear in rivers for whole month. So she need a ''fated'' meeting like she read on her romance novels.


    Hmm. How to approach him?


    The beautiful lassie thought of many appealing methods she think would be good.


    Bump with him while carrying stuffs in order to accidentally meet


    Drop a juice on his robe to be notice by him


    Fall accidentally and he will catch me and with the staring of the eyes and slowly nearing of the face and.....


    Shiha Xiu suddenly squealed with delight, the passing students just look at her fondly. She''s too cute.


    Then she finally decided on what to do.


    She ''obliviously'' didn''t see Chun while the busy youth was furrowing his brows while rememberimg the routes he took a while ago.


    "Young Lord, do you need ?ssisstance?"


    "Not necessary. Just believe in your master. Even though I''m not good at remembering but I have a good sense of direction. So leave it to me"


    Chun boasted all the way to his head. While on the other side, Art just helplessly sighed.


    The busy lad was still thinking positively not knowing that he was on the opposite path of the Headmaster''s office.


    *bam


    Chun slowly turn his head towards the noise from behind. The cute peach haired girl was lying face first on the marble floor.


    Is this the new trend for this school?


    The young man thought and he just suddenly run when he saw Assistant Hai.


    The ignored young girl was helped by other students. Her nose was bleeding but what she experienced in her failed plan was most hurting.

 Chapter 22 - 22

    As the days passed, the youth with silvery white in his usual white robes was still lazy. Chun was just sitting on his teacher''s chair looking at his student. Though he is lazy, he was bored. His probation was over, a week ago. When he first got back, he was bothered by his students for three days, stating that they will be good students so he must provide them some advice on cultivating much faster. The youth ignored them first but when day three hits, he was very irritated that he only stated that,


    "Perseverance is the key to greater heights"


    The outcome was they dispersed unknowingly to Chun that they have these determined look.


    And starting from that day, they cultivated and practiced diligently.


    Then Lin later thanked Chun deeply and offered him a lunchbox of gratitude. The young man was happy for the free meal so he took it and only said Lin to slowly enhance his qi absorption to ease his cultivation.


    The young man was eyeing a black haired student with his big glasses on. He was just sitting their, alone with his bundle of books. While the others were cultivating and practicing some special arts for the next month school competition which is by departments are competing. Yet this fellow was busy on his books.


    The books where so thick and has some carving intricates that exudes ancientness. It was very familiar to the youth clad in white.


    Chun was curious of what kind of special arts he was studying. The young man was absolutely not in a higher realm and he was still at the Nascent Stage Profound Realm. So, why is he not cultivating?


    Is he just a pure mage? But even mages needs cultivation, the higher their realm, the larger their mana pool while the warriors need chakra to enhance their fighting abilities. In this world of Xanxia, there are two types of qi ''s, the mana for the mage and chakra for the warriors. The more refine and pure your qi, the longer you can use your abilities or spells.


    Eventually, Chun can''t hold in his curiousity when it comes to this kind of thing. And even though it was not shown to his face, it irks him up about his student lazing up.


    He did not like lazy person. (Hypocrite!)


    "You, what are you doing?"


    The young man with big glasses was startled to the voice from his front. He slowly look up, shuddering from someone''s approach.


    "S-sensei? Do y-you need anything?"


    "Hmm..."


    Eight fold path of enlightenment.


    The young man was delighted while looking at the book. So, it was a teaching for a priest.


    "So you''re going to be a priest mage?"


    "Y-yes! Sensei"


    Even thought the nerdy student was a bit flustered that his lazy teacher was finally walking around and looking at his students'' situation but he was happy to know that the teacher notice his struggles.


    The Section A of Aces is top of all competitions within the school yet he was here in this section, humiliating himself for not breaking through even though his high affinity rate with the three elements caused him to be a top ranker in the entrance examination  but now he was left behind by his genius classmates.


    It''s depressing but it''s the truth. Reality hurts.


    "But still you''re not suitable for this kind of art because your body is not yet on the Middle Stage Profound Realm"


    "If you want to continue this then you must start with this mana reform circulation in order for you to easily practice the skill set you were studying when you ascend on the Middle stage"


    Chun took a book from the nerdy student''s pile of books and gave it to him.


    "Continue studying then practice it" He then patted the head of the youth nonchalantly and stride to the other students.


    Quill was stunned to his teacher''s behaviour yet he was thankful for the guidance. He glance at the youth''s back, his white hair was swaying a bit while he walk and his robe were fluttering elegantly making him look so mesmerizing.


    He will not let down this teacher.


    The so-called lazy teacher was finally starting his official day of teaching.


    ------


    Edited

 Chapter 23 - 23

    At the moment, a very precious moment, Chun-sensei was getting serious on teaching his students. He guided them detail by detail, step by step and every one of them was given an instruction manual for their own bodies'' suitability and capabilities. They didn''t know that their very-very super duper lazy teacher can transform a hardworking one.


    He suddenly distributed a manual that  had their strengths and their weaknesses on the spot was handwritten. And the writings were beautifully on cursive. The manuals contained some analysis about parts that they need to improve and advice to lessen their difficulty on training. All of the 20 students was given with it. As they receive it, they start on cultivating.


    Even Kali was unusually present right now, he was a bit surprise to be given a manual. How did this teacher knew his cultivation level? And the teacher added some reminder that he needs to improve his chakra manipulation to be able to leap on the other stage.


    This was very odd but the President just brushed it off and unexpectedly examined the manual.


    His classmates were surprise that Kali spared a glance to their lazy teacher''s instruction manual. The President would commonly ignore their past teachers advice and continues on his duties on school.


    "Sensei had really change"


    "Yeah. He was handsome, lazy, listless and no future of a teacher. I really thought that if he continues then the headmaster would kick him out"


    "But surprisingly, he turned out best. Now, I can finally and truly admire his dashingness"


    Chun was busy teaching his student that goes by the name Pei Lang. He was a late bloomer and he is the most student that needs to improve a lot and his manual was one of the slightly thick manual that Chun had written.


    "While gathering your qi, you need to hold it in on your dantian, once you''ve gathered enough sea of energies on this then concentrate it on your forehead which is the seed of your mind. Then while concentrating, slowly circulate it on your veins for fine blood circulation, then move it on your muscles for movement stability, in your bones and lastly your heart to embody this"


    Pei Lang carefully follows the white haired teacher''s words. While he was talking, his voice was soothing on the ears and nerves of the listeners, it can really caught your attention. Through his words, you can feel some kind of wisdom. Slowly, Pei Lang felt a strange of relaxness, calming his mind and suddenly he felt exploding.


    "S-sensei?"


    "Concentrate"


    Chun watch Pei Lang as he was breaking through the next stage which is Profound Realm''s Middle Stage.


    The student went hot, his body was sweating very much. And finally, Pei Lang opened now his grateful eyes.


    "Sensei! I''m now in Middle Stage!"


    The youngster was full of enthusiasm as he celebrate his advancement.


    "Good work. Keep it up"


    The youth clad with his white robes adorned with blue linings, slightly ruffled his white hair with tiredness. It''s great on imparting them with knowledge and guidance but it really wears him off.


    "Art! Can you replace me here?"


    "As you wish, Young Lord"


    "Ah.. I change my mind. There''s no need"


    "..."


    Chun had really anticipated on the second fragment of the memory but he had no clue what the signs are and where is it located. He just wish it on time to direct him.


    After thinking about that, other than writing some boring manuals, he achieved a greater gain. He studiously read the names of his student and unexpectedly memorized it.


    Starting from Kali, Miku Xhen, Lin Zan, Lau Quill, Pei Lang, Fa Jiu, Fa Rin, Ming Gi Xiu and so on.


    They were 20 and all of them have promising foundations. And as expected, they belong all to elite and noble families.


    Chun went on to another student which was a girl named Fa Rin with her identical twin Fa Jiu.


    Fa Rin was practicing with a wood sword while Fa Jiu was casting spells.


    "Sensei?"


    "Chun-sensei?"


    The youth gestured the two of them to continue what they were doing while he examine their movements and progress.


    "Young Lord, can I interrupt you for a moment?"


    "What is it, Art?"


    "There had been someone that keeps on following you these days"


    "Who is it?"


    "Shiha Xiu, the Duke''s daughter of Arctic City"


    "What is her motive?"


    "I''m still finding it out, young lord"


    "En"


    Art felt a bit of blood spurting from his mouth while looking at his young master from a hidden tree.


    Does young lord really that dumb? He didn''t even know a lady''s d?s?r??


    The helpless butler just shrug his shoulders off. He monitored the said young lady who was hiding from a side of the tree looking like a stalker.

 Chapter 24 - 24

    At the dining hall, Chun was consuming joyfully large portions of food. Art was dismissed right now because he had an errand from his young master.


    So the charming white haired youth was for the first time eating at school''s dining hall.


    All the students even some teachers gaze up at the newcomer with his white hair. His looks were like a distant and detachable noble. The students are curious that this handsome and dazzling teacher was for the first time eating in here.


    Some teachers were admiring him while others were sneering at his young and delicate yet charming look, a sixteen years old was a teacher on this prestigious school? Never heard of that but now it happened. What did the Headmaster thought about approving a teacher like this?


    While everyone was fawning the young man''s elegance while he was ordering his food for the second time, there''s some characters that wanted the spotlight so they went to Chun wanting to steal the attention.


    "So, you''re the well known violent and merciless teacher? Huh?"


    "A sixteen years old? Pfft"


    The four were no other than the star teachers of the school. They are the infamous teachers around Sereign Continent, having taught multiple talented students that were now best mages or warriors. They have countless followers and disciples that admired and respect them and all their lives the spotlight were on theirs but now this sixteen years old pretty boy suddenly appeared slowly stealing some of their glory. And basically, they don''t want that to continue.


    The one who spoke earlier was Edmund Ding with the other three teachers namely, An Xuan, Lu Zan and Pi Rong. They were mockingly staring at Chun while the latter lazily glance at them, waiting for his food.


    The lady food server just gave him an extra braised meat for free for his dashingness.


    "Thank you for the extra"


    Chun beamed and winks at the server. The food server can''t help to sigh in bliss. This kind of charm really exist, she would die for this.


    The happy young man was ready to find for his table when he was suddenly block by four annoying teachers.


    Oh? They''re still there.


    The white haired youngster smirks while looking at the mocking faces of the four.


    He mischievously thought a brilliant idea.


    Some students starts whispering with each other while looking at Chun and the four. They were praying for the youth to be safe from this four attempts. Some teachers didn''t mind the ruckus that was unfolding, they all continued to eat, uncaring at the event.


    "Why are you not greeting us? We are your seniors" Lu Zan triumphantly said to the bored young man.


    "Yes, yes. And we are superior than you. Show some respect!" An Xuan sneered while fanning himself with his extravagant looking fan.


    Chun''s lips curled, he was bored at the moment. Why not join the fun?


    The young man unexpectedly bowed at them with greatest ''respect'' yet his face was twisted in a playful look, unknown to them.


    The four was surprise at youth''s action they did not expected to easily tame this proud youngster, while looking at it, they nodded with delight until they heard what the youth spoke.


    "Sorry for not showing my respect, uncles. I didn''t notice you there, uncles"


    They feel vomiting blood when hearing this cunning young man.


    Edmund Ding was about to burst in anger when he was stop by the silent Pi Rong.


    The man in his light blue robes calmly gaze at the white haired youngster. Chun praised the handsomeness of this man, out of the four, he was the most dashing of them all but compared to the first general, Pi Rong was just in an average level.


    Pi Rong look at Chun, examining him from up and down. He suddenly stop at those odd colored blue-green eyes. While his thin lips curled a bit.


    "We challenge you on a bet"


    The young man smirked at this man''s attempt. He can''t wait to play with this four and most of all, this handsome guy.


    "What would it be?"


    "Well, a simple one. One of your student would be fighting with one of our disciples in the school competition"


    "What would be my gain?" Chun asked while smirking at him.


    "If our disciple lose then we will give you the honor to know our secret teachings"


    The students who heard this gasps in surprise even the teachers, they are willing to bargain their saint-level teachings for just this? Even the king wanted it but never had a chance to get it. But now it would be given like that. How irrational but can''t wait to see the match.


    "Then if your student lose then leave this school, we don''t need useless teachers and most of all, violent ones"


    Secret teachings?


    Chun was clueless to what this thing but the challenge was good.


    "Okay then"

 Chapter 25 - 25

    1st of Winter


    Harvendash City,


    De''Noctis Institute


    A silvery white haired youth was already awake with his refreshing looks. Although, his hair was disheveled messily, it just gives off a sleepy cute aura from the youth.


    Chun was gazing outside through the window of his sleeping quarter, dense from the looks of the early students. He was like a lazy prince charming from a painting.


    Apparently, the teacher''s building was located beside the grand garden of the school, it was place there near the teachers to have a calm and relax mood after their teaching.


    He admired the garden through the window. While thinking some stuff, a white snow-like object drop from the sky, Chun caught it with his delicate hands. The snowflake melts instantly, then drops of snowflakes went falling.


    It was now truly winter, as the 1st day of winter came, all of the teachers woke up with vigor, some of the students are very excited for this day. Other than the start of winter, it was the start of the school competition.


    Chun was awaken from his trail of thoughts.


    "Young Lord, what would you like for breakfast?"


    "Hmm. Lamb"


    At the main enormous gymnasium, all of the student gathered around, line up by each departments and sections, and in every lines where there handler stood, with their competing gaze at each and every youth was burning with their passion for the opening of the most awaited competition, to prove that they have progressed and gain much abilities; in short to conclude whose the strongest of all.


    Xi Mong didn''t want to dwell more infront of these hot blooded students that were ready to pounce.


    He only stated his few words of acknowledgement and commence for the Winter Special by Department Competition.


    "May luck be in your favor"


    As the event begun, it will last for 2 weeks. Chun was nonchalant to it all for the upcoming three days, his representatives were five students which are Lau Quill, Pei Lang, Miku Zhen, Fa Rin and Fa Jiu. There turn was scheduled on the fourth day and the only advice that came from their teacher was relax and chill out.


    The students were first dumbfounded by this nonchalant advice of his but they trust their teacher so they followed him.


    The five students were a good group that Chun picked, though carelessly chose them without any basis but luckily he obliviously form a good team out of his instincts. Miku Zhen is good at formation traps and illusions, Lau Quill can be called the best support for a healer mage, Pei Lang is best on defence spells while the twins; Fa Rin and Fa Jiu were very coordinated on offence. A perfect team at that.


    While the teacher was enjoying a moment of peacefulness not caring on seeing some on-going battles from the other departments nor sections, he was suddenly knock out coldly.


    Chun was again back at the dimly lit place but the place had now two lit lamp post yet it was still dark.


    "Enjoying the academy life?"


    "You said that I''m going to find the other fragments?"


    "Yes, I said that"


    "But you didn''t give any signs where"


    Chun was like a complaining child, he was very irritated by the sudden call by this unknown yet familiar voice.


    "Until you prove yourself here, you will know where to head next"


    "What to prove?"


    "..."


    "Hey! You did not say anything about proving in the first place!"


    Before he can complain more he was suck by some unknown force out of the place.


    "Young Lord?"


    The young man suddenly stand up from his chair with declaring eyes.


    Enough with this boring life. He will prove something even though he didn''t know what to prove.


    ''That idiot voice, keep commanding me for nonsense stuff''


    Chun will only know what to prove as the days passed.


    "Where are you going, Young lord?"


    "I''m proving something, Art!"


    The youngster full of energy storm off leaving aside the confused butler.


    "..."


    ''What was young lord had been eating in the school cafeteria?''

 Chapter 26 - 26

    Fourth day


    The competition was smoothly proceeding until now while Chun was absent on the past days, he was now lazily waiting on his seat.


    Patiently waiting for the fourth batch of competitors to come out.


    The said competition was precisely held at the colliseum-like gym where the viewers were encircled around at the center platform.


    There are five phases of the School competition, the first part is arrow shooting, second part is pill concoction, next is fastest activation of formation spells, then chess and lastly protect the crown.


    While the names of each phases was getting weirder and weirder but each part of it is very interesting and challenging.


    Meanwhile, on the first part is arrow shooting, this is not an ordinary bow and arrow shooting, the one that you will be using is your qi induced bow and arrow. You will draw out your qi from your body and while slowly drawing it, you need to materialize your bow and arrow. The more you are good on qi manipulation, the more you can perform well.


    In Chun''s class, the one that will be competing here is Fa Jiu, the identical twin of Fa Rin. Other than being a wind type warrior, Fa Jiu was good on Chakra (Qi) manipulation. She''s good on materializing things but this would be her first time on trying weapon materialization.


    In every phases there are five entries, each one of them represents the five departments which are the Spade of truth, Club of clovers, Corner of Hearts, Diamond''s Glimmer and the Aces.


    As the five students that were competing approach, the host didn''t dwell long and announce each representatives,


    "The first one to come out is Huan Xiu from Diamond''s Glimmer deparment" While waiting for the next student, the host continued with a trivia,"Did you know that Diamond''s Glimmer department specialized on trapping and manipulating their prey? So don''t be deceive by their innocent looks, they''re the great pretender!"


    "He''s so handsome! Even I''m not from their department, I want him to win!"


    "I love you, Huan Xiu!"


    "There, there, viewers. No shouting please, this is a competition not a concert" the host reprimanded some fan girls while the said latter were beet red on their faces due to embarassment.


    "Hahaha.. such an unexpected fan base you got there, Huan Xiu" the host just spare a glance at the proud latter and proceeded on his next call.


    "From Spade of Truth department, Cau Lin. The very charming Cau Lin is unknowingly from the Spade of Truth where minds battle, the said department of wittiness and where you can see the department''s strategical skills"


    Blondie haired girl was just waving and giving flying kisses on each of her fans. Her dazzling smile captivated all of the youngsters on the seat. (Except for the bland silvery white haired youth waiting for the competition to finish)


    "Next is Kira Su from the Corner of Hearts department. This department is known for their best skills on developing new spells and they''re good on offences"


    The black short haired girl just stood their indifferently, she just didn''t care at anything at all, she''s only here for the competition.


    "Well, a silent remark you got there. The next department is Club of Clovers'' Fu Xin!" the host proudly announce the infamous Fu Xin. The latter was said to be the second ranker over all under the President''s name.


    "Fu Xin is now back at the platform after two years ago of defeat from Kali but luckily the President is not here to participate so wish you luck!"


    "As the fact for Club of Clovers, they are the aggressive type, they will do anything for a greater gain. As the saying goes ''the end justifies the means'' but remember Club of Clovers, there are rules to follow in order to win this phase"


    The clean cut haired youngster just stood there while fixing his ruffled clothe. He just smiled at the screaming fans of his. He was like an another version of Kali but a smiling version at it.


    Chun can''t wait to leave there, if not for the moral support for his student.


    Why is the host so noisy and slow?


    The dashing white haired youth can''t understand this host''s game.


    "Young lord, do you want me to get you a popcorn?"


    "Not hungry, Art"


    "As you please, young lord"


    The host then didn''t delay for the final entry where the splendid students are mostly found,"Last but not the least, Fa Jiu from the Aces department!"


    "Fa Jiu, go get it sis!" Fa Rin cheered for her twin with their other classmates.


    "You rock it!"


    The violet haired Fa Jiu just smiled humbly at the screaming audience and her classmates.


    "The cheering is on and I didn''t expect that this today''s competition is all from the Section A''s of every department entries. Ohohoho... what happened?" The host suddenly stop when a teacher neared him and whispered to his ear. He nodded with understanding and a sly glint on his eyes.


    The host then adjusted his mic and beamed at the audience, the host was at his 20''s and still oozing with charm so female species would swoon at him,"So there''s a bet that was going on from the every departments'' Section A''s handler, okay I understand but that''s it, we will know who will prevail at the end when this competition start"


    As the host begun, the first phase of the competition started.

 Chapter 27

    The crowd was so noisy as the five contenders have finally start preparing their own equipment.


    One of them was Fa Jiu with her calm demeanor even though she was shaking inside with excitement. She knew that this not going to be easy.


    In the other side, Chun was relaxed after gauging every students that was an opponent of his student. Even though that Fu Xin was a second ranker but his qi manipulation affinity is only on the mid-average but Chun knew that even if Fa Jiu didn''t win this round, he will consider it and Chun was more interested on seeing the progress of his student''s capabilities than winning this phase.


    "Are you now afraid on this part''s outcome? Hahaha" Chun lazily gaze at the taunting latter known as Edmund Ding. He is the Section A''s Spade of Truth handler.


    Edmund Ding as usually was together with his three companions An Xuan, the handler of Section A in Club of Clovers, Lu Zan, Corner of Hearts deparment Section A''s handler and the ever so silent Pi Rong, the Section A''s handler of Diamond''s Glimmer department.


    The latter was a bit taken a back by the youth''s serene expression, not caring at Edmund Ding''s remarks.


    "Heh. That''s enough, Star Teacher Edmund, he''s just ignoring us because he knows that he will lose this bet" Lu Zan laugh off while starting to walk back his seat with the other two. The helpless Edmund Ding angrily glance at Chun and sauntered off to catch up with his other companions.


    "Tss. They''re at it again, young lord. Do you want me to beat them up?"


    "They''re just some insignificant thing to look upon, Art"


    "Then as you please, young lord"


    "So once again, to win this phase is you need to make a high count gain in every targets that were located on difficult positions. In an arrow target, there are three circles designated, the outer circle which is the color white represents a count point of 60, the mid-circle which is color black represents a count point of 80 and lastly, the center circle which is color red represents a count poin of 100. Remember there are three rules; do anything to slow the pace of your opponent but severe infliction of injury is prohibited, no underhanded tricks on this phase, just fair and square and lastly, other than qi manipulation, you can only use the basic of your ability. You just got 15 minutes to win this. Thank you. So representatives! Are you ready to win this?!"


    "Yes!"


    The five hot blooded youths were oozing with excitement and trepidation, they didn''t know how will this phase gonna end but atlast they can able to exhibit their abilities infront of the crowd and most of all infront of their proud teachers.


    "Representatives remain at the middle circle of the platform" the host continued, as the latter said; in the very vast and wide center platform, a rounded stage appeared in the centermost of it, the five youngsters then proceeded to stand at it.


    "The phase will begin after three"


    The host started counting," One...two...three"


    The five representatives was going to rush out when the centermost stage was a bit shaken, the easy circle targets that are visible to the eyes even to the audience suddenly disappeared and the tatami mats that were on the center platform were the same, they all disappeared and atlast the final transformation was beginning to occur.


    "Hahaha. I forgot to warn you that this first phase have a random selection of terrains, in every 5 minutes the terrain will change so easy-pissy, you can start then planning on how to move easily on this phase and don''t forget to shoot the targets as many as you can. Good luck!" The host mischievously smiled at the audience and once again he captivated the weak hearts of the female species.


    ''Sigh...''


    ''An illusion barrier'' Chun thought while looking at the said barrier. He unexpectedly turn his gaze at the brown haired youth who was the one that created the said barrier, on his long sleeve at the right arm was a band, written with it ''Vice Head Ace''.


    Cyan was the Vice president of the student council, other than being a tail dog in every responsibilities that the President handled, he is usually in charge of maintaining the audience'' safety at the tournament. While the President was nowhere to be found at the moment, Cyan would naturally be the temporary head of the council.


    ''Sigh, where is Kali?'' The latter exasperately sighed while managing his part.


    The mysterious President was now walking silently toward his handler using his aura control. He lessen his aura to be unnotice to the people around but sad to say, Chun turn his gaze to the stealthy President when he was 3 meters away from him.


    Kali was a bit surprised but he hide it with his indifferent facade. He then seated himself beside Chun while the latter just ignored his unexpected presence.


    "Chun-sensei, you''re not surprise that I''m here?"


    Chun keep his stare forward, looking at the big monitor-like device upfront, beholding the on-going competition. He just shrug lazily, making him look like a lazy cat ready to sleep, his a bit dishevelled white hair was unknowingly formed into cat ears that made him look like cat.


    The President was a bit startled with his handlers state, he can''t resist to touch this soft looking white hair. He clench his hands inside his pocket and grit his teeth to control his unpleasant urges. He can''t show to this teacher what his weakness, this cute things are the one he ''abhored'' the most.


    To break the awkward atmophere for Kali, Chun then started a conversation due to boredom," President, what will you do in a situation like that?"


    "I will use my element manipulation ability to cut off this vine plant and after cutting it as you can see the color of this vine is purple, the rarist of its specie thought the common green ones are easily to subdue by cutting it off from its roots, the purple ones are difficult because after cutting it would multiply itself with the separated part and the more it multiplies, the riskier it would be so you need to use a fire base spell to burn of its separated part in order to prevent it"


    Kali brilliantly explained while now looking at the monitor still on his blank face.


    "You''re right," Chun paused for a moment to stretch his two arms because of the sleepy aura that was engulfing him," That was the most generic thing to do but still the once cutted vine would just grow again and due its flexible component, it would be hard to catch it on your burning spell once it separated part was incinerated. So the most basic thing to do is find the roots of it and use the inferno basic level to burn it to ashes after you have diminish the roots then the purple vine would as well disappear, too" Chun simply continued still his eyes on the monitor.


    Kali unexpected gaze at the latter, he didn''t think that sixteen year old youth would able to have this kind of intellect, his lips curled a bit for a second then he mask it with his indifferent expression, turning away his glance at Chun.


    "Well said, sensei"


    Fa Jiu was now in a very tall tree monitoring her surroundings and planning what she will do next in order to locate the other circle targets, after 4 minutes and 45 seconds had passed, she was able to gain count points of 680. Still the leading high count gained was from Fu Xin gaining count points of 860, the second is Huan Xiu for 700, third is Fa Jiu, fourth is Kira Su for 600 and the last is Cau Lin for a count points of 560. Though others were still proceeding, Fa Jiu felt a sudden shake from her location then here it is, once again the terrain change because its already 5 minutes up.


    The trees disappeared, making Fa Jiu to jump out of the tall tree and the Woodland terrain that was present a while ago transformed into a very hot terrain due to the exposure of the very bright and hot sun, this is the Desert terrain.


    Fa Jiu''s throat was suddenly parch, she then took her bottle with half full of water that she gain from the small pond that she passed by in the Woodland. As far she had travelled, she didn''t able to see any of her opponent so she was relieved to not face any hardships on dealing them.


    The host suddenly interrupted the tranquil atmosphere of the desert," Representatives, be on-guard because once you have something liquid on you then get ready for the ''Army'' at your doorstep" After the host stated, a very unnerving rambling of the sand arise to Fa Jiu''s location.

 Chapter 28

    At the desert plains, a foothold of soldier like silhouettes was coming from the eastern side of the plains.


    Fa Jiu hurriedly hide from a big bulge of sand. She expertly observe their stature. The Army was covered with thick heavy-looking armors, they were all geared like they''re always ready for any attacks. As they were marching, the person infront that must be their leader gestured for a stop.


    Looking around, they''re sniffing for something, the leader then signalled someone on his right. The called soldier answered his master''s command. They were like speaking on some unknown language to Fa Jiu.


    ''What is it?''


    As they were seriously discussing, the leader then cast a glance directly at the bulging sand. Fa Jiu felt a stop on her breathing, her heartbeat quickens. The leader then nod, making the soldier that he was speaking treaded to the bulging sand, slowly.


    The latter suddenly thrust out his sword, making Fa Jiu to ready her weapon.


    *Thwack


    A lizard was struck by his sword, leaving Fa Jiu unnoticed. Then they walk away still on their marching formation.


    Fa Jiu sighed inwardly as the full armored danger went away. The big bulge suddenly shake, making the latter to move away from it, looking curiously.


    "Hooo! That''s a relief. I''m almost dead there!"


    Huan Xiu from the Diamond''s Glimmer remove the dirt and the dust from himself, he momentarily sense someone near. With his cute playful smile and bright blue eyes, he innocently look at Fa Jiu.


    "Oi! Don''t leave me here! You''re my first one to encounter here"


    Fa Jiu just ignored him, knowing that all of her opponents were tricky, like this Diamond''s Glimmer student.


    All the time, Fa Jiu deliberately neglect Huan Xiu''s presence, leaving him to be silent while they were walking. As the latter was finding for some food to last for 5 minutes as the phase will finally change on its last chosen terrain.


    Even though the first phase was only for 15 minutes but that''s the problem because when you''re inside the competition barrier or the illusion barrier, it will falsify the original time count which is that 15 minutes equivalent to 3 hours outside. The contenders will sought to believe that they''ll just be spending a small amount of time which the truth is they were deceive by the time count and that will be the definition of illusion. Other than the goal is being able to shot as many target as you can, the other one is to survive at your utmost endurance.


    Which you could call this phase as survival to the fittest.


    Fa Jiu was irritated on the dog that was wagging with his tail behind her. As they were--- I mean ''her'' travelling, this dog (Huan Xiu) keep on making himself endanger, in the first side; stumbling on a desert trap, disturbing some desert snakes'' sleep, falling on a dug hole and etc. The latter was hesitant on helping him, deciding to leave him behind but on the other side, Huan Xiu was good on making himself the most pitiful person, guiltying Fa Jiu the most and the result is that she would always end up helping this shameful dog.


    "Jiu-chan, Jiu'' er, what will I call you? Nevermind. But I''m so indebted with your kindness on me, what----"


    "Shhh"


    Fa Jiu shushed him up, the violet haired girl pulled Huan Xiu to some barrel that were cast aside. She peek on some camping out five individuals. Fa Jiu was surprise to encounter some presence in here other than on the woodland terrain awhile ago that strange creatures only exist.


    "What if we seek shelter with them?" Huan Xiu enthusiastically suggested but was just rejected by the frowning violet haired girl.


    The people that were busy talking on an unfamiliar language just like the Army a moment ago, was cooking their food, looking like snake meat.


    Huan Xiu then nagged Fa Jiu, directing her sight on the big wooden cage, there they found the two others of their opponent which is Cau Lin and Fu Xin. The blondie haired girl was crying in the corner while Fu Xin was silent yet his brows were arched with irritation.


    "What are they doing there?"


    "Ah maybe they''re having a party there, you know having fun. Tsk" Fa Jiu sarcastically retorted while massaging her aching forehead.


    ''What to do with this idiot?''


    Fa Jiu was about to leave when she was tugged by the most annoying creature.


    "Let''s help them!"


    That''s it.


    "Other than being called heartless, I would be willingly called as an idiot just to help some people in trouble" The latter spoke with dignity, making the violet haired girl sigh for helplessness.


    "Tsss"


    They proceeded on planning how to distract these five and releasing this two silently. As they finished, they move according their roles.


    Fa Jiu will be the decoy while Huan Xiu would be the one releasing Cau Lin and Fu Xin.


    The violet haired girl rushed out from hiding, making the five individuals to look on her, she then used her sword thrusting it out in order to make some gust of strong wind. The once lighted coals with fire were died down. Making the five to chase her.


    Meanwhile, Huan Xiu sneakily freed the two others with no difficulty.


    "Let''s go!" The cherry haired youth urge the two up for their escape.


    "Are we not following Fa Jiu for help?" Cau Lin asked while drying her tears up.


    "Heh"


    "No"

 Chapter 29

    Fa Jiu used her optimum agility to run out her pursuers. Finally, she was able to reach their agreed meeting place but Huan Xiu and the others shadows weren''t there, not even a glint of them.


    ''Where are they?''


    Outside of the barrier, in the audience seat, Chun was seating silently observing the situation that Fa Jiu was in. The white haired youth just indifferently watch at the big monitor where his student was being portrayed.


    Meanwhile, the president just smirked at the trickiness of the Diamond''s Glimmer student. He expected it already.


    While the other fellow classmates of Fa Jiu was cursing Huan Xiu for his cunning plan.


    Fa Jiu was yet trap on such state, where she was surrounded by the five pursuers. Well she had skills to defeat them but it will not left her unscathed. She still needs to endure and not gain serious injury because the last terrain isn''t up yet.


    There''s this another problem...


    Suddenly the person with full clothing (they''re all fully clothed) and had scarlet red eyes launch a very fast electric strike towards Fa Jiu, the latter dodge immediately, she can''t risk being toasted.


    Another one thrust a spear made of sand, Fa Jiu then deflect it using her sword. Though she can''t use magic in here but she had planned it already once she is on this kind of situation.


    Fa Jiu then throw three capture talismans, trapping the three for 2 minutes. Luckily, she brought these handmade talismans of Fa Rin.


    The two that were uncaptured were a swordsman and an archer. Nice combination, really.


    The swordsman attack Fa Jiu earnestly, every blows that she dealt was strong and aggressive. As the violet haired girl was busy attempting to land a slash to her opponent, she didn''t see an arrow that was coming from behind. It''s too late for her to dodge...


    But it''s just an arrow? It wouldn''t hurt to have a slight injury?


    *Slash


    Someone with fluttering black cape slice the arrow in half. With her indifferent face, she was wielding her rapier expertly.


    It was Kira Su!

 Chapter 30

    What would I do when things get stuffy? Kira Su thought while peering through the sand that she was in.


    A few minutes ago before this happened, Kira was set for her trap on capturing a pygmi and this was the location where this giant birds would land for collecting their food which were known as sandworms.


    Eventually, she waited for some minutes until she heard several foots that were heading to where she was setting the trap seal and because she did not want to delay any time for putting it again then she interferred to this run-and-chase game.


    Then, coincidentally, it lead to this.


    Fa Jiu was presently facing the five fully clothed chasers and fortunately Kira Su appeared with her majestic fluttering black cape and illuminating rapier.


    Kira Su nodded to the latter and they were facing back to back from each other, encircling with them the five chasers.


    The girl with her black cape thrusted her rapier towards the swordsman''s hand dropping his sword, she effortlessly kick him at his neck, knocking the swordsman out of cold.


    Fa Jiu throw her dagger towards the archer, slicing her bowstring into half. She then draw out some explosion spell using it against the two others, surprising them from the loud bang.


    Due to the sudden explosion the desert plains was placed in a mess, dust particles were thrown around, blinding their opponents.


    *WAAAACKK WAAAAAAACCCKKK


    In an instant they stop moving, they were alarmed by the piercing cries from the upcoming creature above. Its silhouette was like a small bird hovering up near the scorching sun, as it came near...


    It''s not a ''small'' bird. Fa Jiu thought while gaping from this nearing creature, she was suddenly pulled by Kira to the ground, the latter was on top of her while covering both of themselves of her black cape.


    "What are you---"


    "Alphilam surrex liua quiolo pi?"


    "Tria zithran no"


    "Doi?"


    "Xuo ki cui lo"


    The unfamiliar exchange of their opponents was making Fa Jiu confuse, she never heard this kind of language before.


    "You don''t understand the language of the desert?" Kira suddenly ask in a whisper.


    Obviously.


    Language of the desert?


    Fa Jiu just keep her mouth shut. Listening to the conversations of the five.


    Dusts were twirling in the air while a sound of wings hovering was nearing the ground.


    *WAAAAAAAAACCCKKK


    That was the giant bird, the five fully clothed people shouted and they cast a teleportation spell to flee away from this so called giant bird, suddenly the surroundings went quiet as they departed, only the chirping of the bird was heard.


    "What was that?" Fa Jiu asked the silent Kira Su in a whisper, they were still in their hiding position.


    "It''s a pygmi"


    Fa Jiu went still as she heard the name, literally? A pygmi?


    Pygmis were considered to be dangerous creatures other than they love to hunt down sandworms for ''themselves'', yes, themselves; only some rare occassions that their younglings would be able to last for days because sometimes they eat their chicks if they''re too many of them and if they were unable to give food to them and because of these they were few of them nearly extinct. And another fact, they''re carnivorous.


    A chill pass by Fa Jiu''s spine, she can''t imagine when being eaten by this ferocious bird, other than it looks like a phoenix but its mouth was like a pincer and when it opens, too many shark-like teeth on display. Pygmis are creepy creature, not an ideal bird.


    "How can we escape from this giant bird?"


    *Plak


    "Captured"


    The latter rolled out from Fa Jiu while the giant bird was rampaging at the trap seal. Kira''s indifferent expression was finally set to a mischievous smirk.


    Meanwhile, the violet haired girl was dusting off herself, removing some dust particles from her gray shirt.


    Still the bird was keep resisting the trap seal yet it was unbreakable.


    "Hah! That is god level for you created by my grandfather" Kira was smirking while gazing at her achievement.


    At the same time, Fa Jiu was amazed by the seals and it was her first time to witness god level equipments on show. It is truly wonderful!


    These kind of level was very hard to reach only Late Realm Middle Stage, Equipment Master can do this and this kind of job is very rare. An equipment master is one of the well paid job yet hard to achieve because it was like blacksmithing though it''s more on forging while making equipment like these seals, talismans and things that are useful for non-magic user is the forte of a Equipment master.


    Fa Rin (twin of Fa Jiu) too was an aspiring equipment master, she will be following the footsteps of their father.


    What is she planning with this bird?


    As she pondered upon, the black short haired girl was preparing her bow, readying herself to fire while the bird was still cawing. When the pygmi once again open its mouth, Fa Jiu then saw two targets on it.


    Kira stretch her bow, ear level and she released it, a swirling wind-like arrow pierced through the pygmi''s mouth. The target that was shot disappeared, Kira look at her score watch yet it didn''t add a point. The black haired girl frowned.


    The pygmi then produced an earful caw. The latter that was just watching the frowning of her companion sees the appearing again of the shotted target as the bird cawed.


    It didn''t work.


    There must be a trick here. Fa Jiu thought.


    The black haired girl once again stretch her bow, releasing two swirling arrows and it hit the two targets yet again, it came back.


    Frustrated. Kira kicked the dirt, she hate failing while Fa Jiu was amused by this display. This indifferent girl was irritated?


    Interesting.


    The white haired youth was starting to sigh as he watched the desperate attempts of Kira Su.


    Well, Corner of Hearts are good at offence and casting new spells but sometimes they miscalculate things.


    Like this now.


    Chun can''t help it.


    Meanwhile at the sorry-state of the Corner of Hearts'' representative, Fa Jiu was sitting lazily while looking at Kira. It''s nearly past noon and still she didn''t know how to hit those targets.


    Fa Jiu was not a person of charity so she didn''t offer help because she would not gain anything from it.


    "Two together yet different at the same time"


    The violet haired girl suddenly stood from where she was seated catching the attention of Kira.


    "What are you doing?" Kira was readying again her bows with two wind-like arrows.


    "No"


    Fa Jiu frown her brows, she can''t be hearing things. As she watch Kira''s another attempt, finally she got it.


    Thank you, Chun-sensei.

 Chapter 31

    The fluttering of the cherry trees where like a scene that you could consider pleasant, as the wind blow slowly, calming the people that walk by. A perfect scenario for a romantic drama yet a violet haired girl clad with her military gear, daggers on her boots and a double bladed sword at her side, and a manipulated qi-bow at her left hand. Together with her was a short black haired girl with her black cape, her rapier on hand, on her battle gear. Fa Jiu and Kira Su were both walking side by side, waiting for their next target to come by.


    This is the last terrain, as tranquil as it seems but things are not expected here. Cherry trees are the home of some high levelled creatures.


    *Ting


    They simultaneously look at their score watch. The leading board were represented:


    Huan Xiu   1280


    Fa Jiu         1260


    Kira Su       1150


    Fu Xin       1100


    Cau Lin     1080


    Fa Jiu narrowed her eyes on the leading name. As expected from a deceiver. Fa Jiu already knew that a Diamond''s Glimmer student can''t be trusted at any circumstances, they''re best on their manipulation skills on their prey.


    Though Fa Jiu wonder what happen to those two that she had helped. Maybe, they were ditched by the cheeky Huan Xiu.


    Fa Jiu shrug the thought, focusing on what they were about to do.


    Her companion told her that she already had a clue where their next target would be on this kind of terrain. So they''re heading to that place.


    Meanwhile, in the middle of the cherry forest, a cozy cabin stood their. Living on it was some strange ''individual'' known by the name Aurumn. Sitting outside of his cabin with his tea on hand.


    Aurumn stand up from his chair after sensing some humans that will be passing by. He straighten his intricately decorated lavender robe, loosing a bit his secured belt and fixing his dishevelled red hair. After finishing his touch-ups, he sat down lazily, appearing like a laid back person while drinking his rose tea, elegantly.


    The footsteps where nearing, as he waited for them to notice him but it didn''t went as planned. The two ladies did not even acknowlede his presence as they passed by.


    Too much for preparing. Aurumn thought.


    "Hey ladies! You two there!" Aurumn can''t imagine the great him to be calling ''his people'' for attention.


    Fa Jiu and Kira Su felt like that they were lost to this enormous cherry forest, they were locating for a cave at the deepest of this forest that they sense that they nowhere nearing their destination.


    Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice called them with a hint of irritation. They turn their heads to the source of the voice and what surprise them was a very dashing person. Those fiery red eyes complimenting his red hair, high nose, fox-like eyes, bronze colored skin, a smirk on his well-formed lips with his slender hands carrying a tea cup. If not for some fantasy but he look like a deity.


    Aurumn enjoyed their fawning gazes and he was pleased to himself that he was so damn handsome. As expected from their genes.


    Thank you for my parents'' contribution. Aurumn smirk at himself.


    Yes you humans keep fawning on me ''cause I''m your excellent deity. The deity of war and strategy. Heh.


    Suddenly, Aurumn felt the awkward atmosphere. The two was about to leave because of the deafening silence and time''s running out.


    "Wait! Are you two looking for targets?"


    They stop their tracks while hearing the suspicious person. Calculatingly, looking at Aurumn.


    The latter gulp, he can''t imagine that dealing with humans are tiring.


    Fa Jiu and Kira Su looked at each other, conversing at the mere eye contact, at the same time they nod their heads together. Turning their attention at Aurumn.


    "Targets? Do you have them?" Kira pointedly ask Aurumn like she was threatening her prey.


    Aurumn sighed inwardly and put down his teacup, clasping both his hands," Come. Follow me"


    ....


    Outside of the barrier, some teachers were panicking, other than the headmaster was not present at the moment and Chun just gazing at the black out monitor, nonchalantly. He''s sure that his student can take care of herself.


    As odd as it though, Chun felt that some divine being happened.

 Chapter 32

    The two were brought by the man that introduced himself as Aurumn.


    As weird as its name but his cabin was sure cozy, Aurumn prepared food for the guest using his magic. Not surprising the two ladies ''cause they already considered that the beings that were living on each terrains can use their magic while they were not.


    "So Mr. Aurumn, where''s this target that you''re referring?" Fa Jiu bluntly asked, not wasting any time.


    "Too hot to calm down---" Aurumn cutted his jesting when the two glared at him.


    "Tss"


    There''s no helping on being nice. Since that being good is not my style. Aurumn smirk and stop himself from preparing any food.


    "Before I''ll give you the targets, you must pass my test"


    ....


    Fa Jiu was running hastily for her life while this big baby snake was going to bite off her head.


    Maybe, it''s most safest to locate the cave than to pass this fool''s test.


    While Kira was shooting burning arrows on the snakes hard scales. How would they defeat this if they didn''t know the weakness of this saint -level beast namely Serpent.


    Though it''s a baby serpent yet it''s level was so unbelieving to be true. Cherry trees are known to be dense with qi so it''s not questionable for their level to be this high and I repeat that this terrain was known to be home by high levelled creatures.


    So much for good luck, if you''re lucky enough you can enjoy this calming terrain. As the saying goes ''the calm before the storm''


    Fa Jiu sighed inwardly and keep on attacking the wild serpent while forming some plan on her head.


    Observing this smart yet reckless beast, there''s something strange on its actions other than it keeps on moving like a soulless puppet and never steps on Kira''s formation like it has a master on its own.


    Puppeteer?


    So this is not practically a saint level beast even though it has an aura of it but the denseness of qi centered on its forehead was really unusual.


    Usually, common beast like serpents are tend to be sly when it comes to their energy core and they don''t normally show their weakness.


    Fa Jiu summersaulted towards Kira''s side, adjusting her footing,"That''s a puppet"


    "Yeah. I see"


    "So then I find the puppeteer and you destroy that core" I silently relayed to her my plan while doing some dodging of the serpent''s tail. Kira Su jump high, releasing her qi-induced arrows while at the same time she mouthed an ''Okay''


    I figured out as much where''s the puppeteer.


    Fa Jiu swayed and dashed through the cherry trees while performing her acrobatics just to dodge the serpent. She knew that the marionnette was aiming at her. Nearing the location of the puppeteer, she was ready to launch her attack when the puppeteer''s back was facing at her. Yet, Fa Jiu was left still on her tracks when this so-called manipulator of the puppet turned his head.


    Chun-sensei''s...


    President Kali was ready to smash these bleachers because of the chaos that was created by ''some'' people.


    He just watch the spectacle, irritation forming on his face. Just some minutes ago, the monitor went back and they''re now watching Fa Jiu and Kira Su fighting a saint-levelled beast that was not supposed to be on this terrain (unknown to Jiu and Kira) and it was a serpent. Yes, it is just some common beast but they don''t literally go out on broad daylight because for the heaven''s sake they are nocturnal species. And this was the confirmation that someone was interferring and not just someone, it''s an outsider. It would be really bad if it''s a ghoul.


    So this is how it turned out, the handlers were panicking for their student''s sake, yes, you can stop the competition but you can''t literally stop it, if you cease the terrain simulatio while there are participants in there the illusion barrier would backlash at them. A really not good consequences, the last thing Kali remembered that a student fell in a five-month coma because of it and good to know she was still alive yet crippled.


    Practically, it''s not the President''s fault that the older brother of the headmaster established this simulation two decades ago.


    Kali turn his head to his left side when he felt that the teacher he was sitting with went stiff, the aura that was coming out of him was cold, making the cold winter season more colder. A chill past on his spine when his fingers graze the forehead of Chun.


    He''s cold.


    "Are you okay?"


    The latter suddenly fell, making Kali catch him.


    Now things are making Kali''s head stressed out.

 Chapter 33

    That''s why everything was odd. Fa Jiu attack the man on his butler suit. He was the one who''s controlling the serpent. Fa Jiu did not expect that this kind of man would participate on this circumstances.


    While everything was strange, Fa Jiu thought about Chun-sensei. Did their teacher know about this? Well, this butler was more than one time seen by her with Chun-sensei. The first one when he accompanied the teacher on their school garden and the second time was when she bumped to him just outside of their classroom on a run for nature''s calling after excusing herself from in the middle of Chun-sensei''s lecturing.


    So she got a hint that it must be some kind of bodyguard-slash-butler of their teacher and that was the time she thought that the teacher was a prince in disguised; like in all girl''s fantasies.


    The girl was caught off guard because of her thoughts when the latter almost landed a strike at her. Almost.


    Fa Jiu exchange blows on the butler while the latter expertly avoided every ?ssault the violet haired girl gave. It''s imposible to land a strike to this said butler. Fa Jiu sidestep, scratching her left cheek from the opponent''s sharp red thread.


    "Heh, you''re good" the butler just shrug at Fa Jiu with a blank look.


    Eventually, the ground shake a bit from a loud ''thud'' coming from the serpent''s location. Fa Jiu snap her head toward the noise came from," Oh your friend defeated the serpent, nice job at distracting me."


    The butler back off meters away from the young girl,"Where are you going?!" Fa Jiu asked the latter, making him glance an indifferent look and disappeared.


    "Did you caught the manipulator? Where are they?" Kira suddenly appeared at Fa Jiu''s side. The latter just shrug at her.


    *Clap clap clap


    "Bravo! Bravo! You defeated a serpent. As expected."


    The fool namely Aurumn smiled at them with some glint in his eyes that the two did not caught on because it instantly went away. Aurumn was about to continue his well-prepared speech when he was again cutted of by deathly glares.


    "Yeah okay. I''ll bring you to the targets."


    He led the two girls to where the targets'' location. Practically speaking, his not leading them to the specific whereabouts of it. It''s just where the map of it.


    While they were walking, Fa Jiu noticed that the cherry trees became denser and denser. The fluctuation of qi''s getting stronger, he eyed suspiciously the laidback man, happily traversing around like he was strolling on a park.


    Did he knew Chun-sensei''s butler?


    Unbeknownst to Kira Su, she did not detect anything strange from the two''s gazes other than recognizing some white petals on their path.


    Cherry trees are supposed to be pink.


    When she look infront, her mouth almost hang open from the breathtaking sight. A white tree was swaying gently with the wind, it''s trunk were white at the same with the leaves, flowers, branches and roots.


    Fa Jiu and Kira Su were both astounded by the beautiful scenery, the tree was literally glowing. Aurumn just look at the tree indifferently and waved his hand, the tree roots suddenly move. Turning its body around making a big whole on its body and there appeared an intricately decorated door. The white door was beaurifully-carved like a piece of art while there''s an ancient writing of an unknown language on the top surface of it.


    "Go through it and you''ll find what you''re looking" as his words came out, he vanished with the winds.


    That''s a mysterious person for you.


    "Are we trusting him?" Kira asked to her companion, a little confused.


    "There''s no knowing it if we will not try," Fa Jiu just shrug and strode near the door, clasping the golden handle of it. Slowly opening the white door.


    Fa Jiu was about to say something to Kira Su when they both suddenly su?k?d by the door. Having the white tree turning to its original form, leaving no trail of its state awhile ago.


    Infirmary...


    "What happened to teacher?" Lin Zan worriedly asked while looking at the peacefully sleeping teacher at the white bed.


    They were all present at the clinic while others were kept outside, Lin Zan, President Kali and Miku Zhen with the presence of the doctor; Dr. Turrip. The doctor was known to be the head of all other doctors in this school and he''s specialized in physical and magical healing. While his the head, he''s always out of the school, rarely seeing him performing healing on students and teachers. Coincidentally, all of the doctors are tending some other students because of the past event and while the others were on fieldwork; and only Dr. Turrip was not occupied and were only to check out his hospital after discussing some business at the headmaster''s office.


    Looking at the blank face of the President, Dr. Turrip answered the student''s question after he finished examining Chun," He''s fine. It''s just a sudden shock from his brain that made his consciousness shut down."


    "What triggered it, doctor?"


    "It''s not in my field of expertise the mental state of a being but I can confirm that there''s some kind a trail of memory barging on his mind."


    President Kali just furrowed his brows in confusion and the two others did so.


    Who is this teacher of theirs?


    "Cough. Okay. He only need to sleep and after an hour he''ll wake up."


    --------


    Leaderboard


    Fa Jiu - 2500


    Kira Su - 2450


    Huan Xiu - 2200


    Cau Lin - 2160


    Fu Xin - 2000


    The people outside stop panicking after they had seen the final scores of   the representatives. The barrier that was build-up for protection purposes went down as the students inside emerge out from the simulation field.


    "Hooh! It''s finally done," Fu Xin shouted as he pump out his fist.


    Teacher will be happy.


    Someone poke her shoulders and she look who''s the perpetrator and its coming from the short black haired girl namely Kira Su.


    "Thank you" she smiled and went to her teacher while someone suddenly hug Fa Jiu.


    "I know you''ll win" Fa Rin was proud for her twin so she scope her up, not minding her weight and the other classmates of theirs congratulated her.


    "Heh. My other student will not let you win so be happy right now because it''ll be temporary," Pi Rong smugly eyed the students'' of Chun while his student Huan Xiu was glaring at Fa Jiu. He''s pride was step on by this girl and he was scolded by his teacher. He can''t let this be.


    "So where''s your teacher now?" Edmund Ding pointedly asked while looking for the white haired youth that was nowhere to be found.


    Pei Lang was about to retaliate with this teachers when he was hold back by his classmates while Miku Zhen and Lin Zan where not present.


    "Hahaha. Maybe your teacher doesn''t care about you so he''s not here" Huan Xiu taking courage to join in the bullying while looking at Fa Jiu, provokingly. Many bystanders went near to watch the show of this foolish people. Not minding that the President was just at the entrance of the colliseum-like court talking to his secretary.


    The violet haired girl was going to run that mouth of the brat when a presence stop her. A strong qi was being released, making the people near shiver from fear.


    "De''Noctis Institute''s Article 3 Section 9; Spiting a student or a teacher inside the school''s premises is prohibited and if violated, the individual who was the one acted it will have proper punishment from the hands of the Student Council President and which is me."


    Kali look at three people who made themselves foolish awhile ago having fearful faces. It''s rarely for a student or even a teacher to violate the school rules because the one who will decide punishment will be the cold-hearted President. Kali satisfyingly smirked at their faces and called for his friend Gavin, head of the disciplinary council.


    Gavin playfully greeted Kali and ordered his crew to ''accompany'' the three foolish people. He was about to vanish with his crew when Kali stop him.


    "School Punishment 304"


    The President only stated while Gavin smiled widely, saluting at the Kali with mischief.


    After witnessing the show, the crowd dismissed themselves, they don''t want to get caught up to the President''s wrath. Fa Jiu then suddenly asked Kali for Chun-sensei as the latter was about to leave.


    "Chun-sensei is in the infirmary."


    The young miss creased her forehead looking at her twin, questioningly.


    "He''s fine. He just need rest"

 Chapter 34

    ''Hahaha..''


    A mesmerizing laughter was heard in the midst of darkness. It was the same place where Chun was always transported when he would be unconcious. The dim place was now having five lamp post on it.


    ''Ha ha ha ha....''


    There is it again. The velvety laughter.


    Chun was standing below the first lamp post. The ambiguous sound was coming from the fifth lamp post which was not litted. There''s someone standing above the lamp post and that someone was undistinguishable because of its silhouette can only be seen.


    "Who are you?"


    It still continue to laugh but it suddenly went down from its post, landing gracefully and blowing off the other posts leaving behind the lamp post where the white haired youth was located.


    "Hehehe... I''m Psyche''s right hand"


    While still on its landing position and was bowing at Chun.


    Chun pondered to the words of this mysterious person. ''Psyche..''


    It was a familiar name.


    "Are you looking for the voice in your head?" The still bowing person was covered with black, leaving behind an unidentified shadow.


    The silent white haired lad blankly look at this person. He can''t seem to ?ssociate his feelings, mostly his instincts. This aura coming from the latter was a bit familiar.


    Only answered by silence, the mysterious person continues,"Lady Psyche, can''t be reach at the moment. She only told me to say to you that you can finally move to the next fragment."


    Chun attention was suddenly diverted to the person''s word.


    "Hmm"


    ''And I''ll be going with you''


    "Heh. You''re too handsome for a girl yet a feminine type at that"


    Chun just look up at the lady who was a head taller than him, furrowing his brows.


    "You must be?"


    "Aichillle"


    The white haired youth nodded in appreciation and was about to leave when he thought something.


    "Yes, young master?" Aichille obediently look at Chun, waiting for orders.


    "How can we get out this place?"


    "It''s about time, young master" suddenly Aichille hugged Chun closely, as the place slowly disappeared.


    ----


    Pei Lang and Miku was beside their teacher, taking a look at him every moment. The twins were both sleeping at the couches, Lau Quill was skinning the apples while Lin Zan was stealing some of it and Kali, the President was busy on his grostequo


    gadget.


    In the middle of this kind of scenery, Pei Lang suddenly jumped out from his chair, now on the floor, while Miku was calling for Kali.


    They both look frighten, like they''ve seen a ghost.


    Kali just look at them indifferently and glance at where they are looking and...


    "Did I sleep too long?" The white haired youth innocently asked the President and suddenly his students bombarded him with their suffocating hugs except for the President. Looking at the interaction lazily.


    After minutes later...


    "Chun-sensei, did you know that Miku was really good at formation spells? She was the most fastest one to activate her spell!" Pei Lang narrated each phases of the competition that their teacher did not see.


    "And-- and Lau Quill was really good at pill concocting! He was so cool!"


    Kali silently went outside, answering a call from one of his councilors.


    "President! There''s something bad happened" a youthful voice reported hurriedly, he was running from something.


    The President brows creased yet he calmly ask,"Where are you? Where''s Cyan?"


    "President, we''re at the east side of the school barrier, Cyan was fighting together with the blue squad security team Head Zhi"


    "Okay. I''m heading there" Kali was now running towards the location.


    Chun felt strange when he had seen the silhouette of the President suddenly ran out after he pick some keys on the table.


    *Riiiiiiiiinnnnggg


    "All students please standby at the area where are you at now. If you''re in a room then lock the doors and close the windows, if you''re not in any room, locate a room that''s near to you and hide in their immediately.  RED CODE: GHOUL ALERT"


    "All students please standby at the area where are you at now. If you''re in a room then lock the doors and close the windows, if you''re not in any room, locate a room that''s near to you and hide in their immediately.  RED CODE: GHOUL ALERT"


    The power went off. Fa Rin chanted a basic light spell.


    "What happened? It''s imposible to cut off the electricity if the core wasn''t damage" Pei Lang stated while locking the door and closing the windows.


    "Idiot. It''s a ghoul attack" Fa Jiu said to Pei Lang while suddenly realizing what the latter''s sentence a moment ago.


    "The core is...."


    "D-damage" Lin Zan finished their phrase, stuttering a bit.


    Chun cluelessly look at his students expression. Lau Quill glance at his dense teacher and explained to him what was the core.


    "Teacher, the core is the heart of De''Noctis Institute, practically, it is the foundation of the school. When the ghouls successfully destroy it, the school would be left vulnerable and all the students and teachers that can''t fight off ghouls, they''ll be doom. Because ghouls are qi eating creatures" Lau Quill aghastly stated while picturing out something on his thoughts.


    The last attacks of the ghouls was two years ago and too many students were su?k?d out of their qi''s.


    Chun was unfamiliar to these ghouls because he never heard of it in their household. (A/N: because your household had some secrets to it)


    "They''re not that easily to kill other than the sealment jars on the magic experimentation lab" Fa Rin stated unconciously.


    "Then how do we get to this magic experimentation lab?" Chun asked Fa Rin, determined to help.


    Fa Jiu strangely look at their teacher, where is the lazy teacher of theirs? What happen to him?


    "Are you sure, Chun-sensei? You''ve just woken up"


    Chun was about to confirm his sudden determination when a very familiar voice interrupted him on his mind.


    "Young Lord, there''s a lady here sharing our mind link"


    "Hi, young master!"


    "Where are you right now?"


    "At the east side of the school, young master!"


    "And how I was supposed to know where''s that. I''m bad at directions"


    "Young Lord, it''s where the actions can be seen"


    "Huh? Actions?"


    "Young master, you''re so cute. I really love to rub that innocent face of yours on my cheeks. Hehe"


    "..."


    "Art, can you tell me where you''re exactly?"


    "We''re both at a tree at the east side barrier of the school. 4 o''clock"


    "And young lord, don''t worry you''ll easily locate us. Follow the noises"


    The mind link suddenly stop. Chun started to get up from his bed.


    "Chun-sensei, where are you going?"


    "It''s dangerous"


    "Can we come if you''re going?" Pei Lang suddenly blurted out while the others just nodded.


    "You said awhile ago that''s dangerous"


    "But--"


    "Okay."


    This kids are sure persistant...


    Chun was about to open the door when Lin Zan stopped him.


    "We need a plan first"


    --------

 Chapter 35

    *BOOM


    A youth with his white robe and a bit dishevelled hair was running forth to the loud clashing of noises coming from the East barrier. Ghouls had now breached the school premises. While heading to the direction, he encountered five ghouls on his way and he easily defeated them by bashing their spirit cores. He discovered it when he accidentally broke his sealment jar because of his carelessness and so curious what was the glowing thing of one of the ghoul''s eye socket. He separated from his students after they took some sealment jars because that was the plan.


    Ghouls are frightening existence. Back at the Fifth Era, the pinnacle era of Warriors. A curious Alchemist unexpectedly developed an Undead Potion which was supposed to be a body and chakra strengthening potion. His ?ssistant was the first to test the efficacy of it but things unanticipatedly turned into worst, his qi suddenly started to diminish from his body, weakening him and it followed with the process of dispersing away from his spiritual roots leaving him no qi and dry to the core. They thought that this was the only effect of the failed product but things again turned out worst, his ?ssistant that suffered a setback slowly transformed into a hideous creature with deathly pale skin, eyes were dimming into bottomless pit and his nails sharply elongated turning him into a ghoul. The first living creature with qi that he sensed was the Alchemist and things happened badly. Then back at that time, the formula that was used on making the Undead Potion was named Unex Formula which was sealed at the top of the Library Tower, the forbidden area of it.


    Chun was hurrying towards to his supposed destination avoiding any ghouls. He can''t keep dealing them because he needs some things to do first and that was to clarify things with the girl Aichille.


    From his position, he sees two colored uniforms resembling the Blue Squad and Red Squad of the Security Team headed by Zhi and Sisi.


    One of the rumors in the school that the security team back then was not divided, there was just ''a bit'' of an issue happened and it made them to divide the security team which was now the Blue Squad and the Red Squad, they both had areas of responsibility that is personally ?ssigned by the President Kali. The De''Noctis Institute was established during the 3rd Era together with the Protectors that was now lately named as Security Team so it was basically a very prominent team and only chosen students are members of it. Being part of the security team in De''Noctis Institute can grant you a decent job after you graduate because some Kingdoms would willingly hire you as their mage or warrior.


    At that moment, Blue Squad and Red Squad were fighting side by side despite of their conflicts, they will agreeably toss their personal problems aside for the protection of the school and most of all, they don''t want to step the temper of the President if they will not cooperate with each other so they had no choice.


    Chun timely arrived at their location, he was about to find Art and Aichille when two ghouls block his path.


    The two ghouls had height difference, the tall one with a lean body had a blank face on him staring at Chun with a monotone look, while the other one which was a head smaller to his comrade was smiling creepily at the youth and his hungered eyes was conveying something. He was likely ready to suck Chun''s qi.


    The first one to move was the smaller ghoul, he can''t wait to suck humans. He fired his nail razors toward Chun, having the white haired youth to instant cast an Earth Shield, blocking the sharp razors. The smaller ghoul keep attacking not caring with Chun''s defences, his blood was boiling due to excitement because his prey was hard to deal so in conclusion his prey''s qi would be a delicious meal.


    Chun simultaneously casts his wind vines, invisibly trapping the smaller ghoul and slowly surpressing its spritual core. In a snap of a hand, the spiritual core of the ghoul that was located on his left eye crack and dissipate, making the lively ghoul back to its former self; a corpse.


    The white haired youth suddenly hear a shriek from his back, he turn around to look where the noise came from and it was the fiery red hair lady with scarlet eyes was looking at her new master, excitingly while hacking the tall ghoul''s head away from its body with her twin swords, and crashing the spirit core on her hand.


    Chun animatedly gaze at her swords. That was no ordinary two swords, it was the Twin Excalibur Light and Dark. They were a contrasting element to each other, while Aichille slowly hacking the ghoul''s head the Dark Excalibur was absorbing the death energy from the dead ghoul''s body, leaving it very lifeless. While Light Excalibur is replenishing the chakra of Aichille. These two swords was appearing to be a needle-like sword but having opposite colors, the other one was black while the other one was white. It was handcrafted by a famous Blacksmith during Fifth Era, it was made from a Death Dragon''s scale and Holy Eagle''s claw. That Blacksmith accidentally obtained this rare materials from one of his friend''s expeditions and they never expected that he''ll be able to make this kind of legendary swords. This Twin Excalibur can''t be separated because both are made for each other.


    And Twin Excalibur Light and Dark can''t be used without its chosen host, this swords had their own souls living on them so its basically two picky swords. Hermie and Link was the name of the souls residings on each swords and they were twins.


    Aichille flicked her twin swords and slowly clean it with a cloth. She returned it in her scabbard on the back.


    "Greetings, young master!" Aichille beamed at Chun with puppy eyes. She was waiting to be praise for her handiwork.


    The lad was about to say something at her when he was interrupted by the butler,"Young Lord, are we helping the extermination of the ghouls?"


    "Later. We will discuss some things first" Chun directed his look at the grumpy Aichille that was glaring at the dense butler.


    The red haired lady turned at Chun, beaming at him,"Absolutely, young master!"


    Chun then leaded the way, both followed. He was not really uncaring towards the school, he just needed to wait for the signal to begin their supposed plan.


    ''It''s in your hands now, Miku''

 Chapter 36

    Last scene...


    "Greetings, young master!" Aichille beamed at Chun with puppy eyes. She was waiting to be praise for her handiwork.


    The lad was about to say something at her when he was interrupted by the butler,"Young Lord, are we helping the extermination of the ghouls?"


    Art look with respect at the youth, waiting for his answer.


    "Later. We will discuss some things first" Chun directed his look at the grumpy Aichille that was glaring at the dense butler.


    The red haired lady turned at Chun, beaming at him,"Absolutely, young master!"


    Chun then leaded the way, both followed. He was not really uncaring towards the school, he just needed to wait for the signal to begin their supposed plan.


    ''It''s in your hands now, Miku''


    -------- Currently


    As difficult as it could be, things weren''t good on her side. The inner chamber was full of sleeping ghouls. Literally ''sleeping'' ghouls, why are these ghouls asleep? Thoughts that lingered in the mind of the blue haired girl.


    The girl that was slowly striding while brandishing her flame sword went to her destination, holding on her hand was a piece of figmented paper where the spell that could bind the core, temporarily stated by Chun.


    Feeling that something was amidst with the very quiet surrounding, she noticed that some kind red aura was seeping through from the center of the chamber where the core was located. Realization dawned her.


    Miku hastily run to the location and suddenly hide at the relic statue when she noticed that three wearing black cloak individuals was chanting strange languages while runic figures appeared where they stood, slowly the aura from the red core was diminishing.


    How can I defeat them?


    Looking at the three figures, they are all high levelled and she did not anticipate that someone would be involved with ghouls. One was a lean and tallest person of the group, the other is a foot smaller to the tall person and lastly their other comrade has an average height, in between the two.


    "R7, let''s hurry up. Master is calling for us" a deep serious voice stated to the two which is the tall figure.


    "Yes, R8" the person with a average height.


    "What will we do about this core? Were not finished yet, R8" an irritated femine voice was heard out from one of the cloak figures, the smallest figure.


    "Good idea and---"


    "Hurry up, Master is calling"


    "Yes" "Yes"


    "Let''s go"


    The three cloak figures suddenly ran towards the exit which exactly the location of Miku. Not even sparing a glance with a ''human presence'', they already know the presence of Miku when she step inside the room yet they just brushed it aside not minding her because they''re not here to play and ...


    Master don''t want irrelevant trouble right now. Because right now is not the ''right'' time.


    Miku thought that they were about to passed on her not noticing her presence when that figure with an average height stop for a moment and glance at her, leaving her dumbfounded as they flee.


    What was that?...


    The blue haired girl shake her head back into reality dismissing the thoughts away. Right now, she must do what was tasked to her to stop this chaos.


    Good luck, Miku


    "Idiot, this is not a direction" she muttered. How is she supposed to perform a binding spell if there''s no further instruction?


    Oh well, might let''s get to instincts..


    And instinct save the day.. well if that''s how you put it.


    ------


    A white haired youth on his white clean robes with a touch of blue linings from the collar and the sleeves was sitting leisurely on his chair infront of him a cup of rose tea while he admired the backyard of the teachers'' area where there was a small garden located and no presence of soul at the moment, and his butler on his side ready to pour another tea for him.


    A lady on her flaring red robes and two twin swords on her both sides was approaching the lazy youth drinking tea. At the same time she kneel down on one knee while bowing her head,"Young Master Chun, I have the information that you wanted."


    "Speak" Chun gestured her to stand up.


    "The Coiling Snakes was involved in that ghoul attack last two weeks"


    "Young Master, Coiling Snakes is a black organization headed by the Sixth Prince of the TwinCity continent---"


    "Did their King know this?" A glint can be seen on his blue-green eyes.


    "He''s unaware"


    "Oh cool, it must be the one''s that I''ve read in the books that---"


    "Cough Cough" interrupted by the good butler Art.


    "Young Lord, do you want a refill?" He asked as he motioned towards the empty cup.


    "Yes" Chun forgetting what he was saying he nodded to Aichille to continue her report.


    The lady look at Art gratefully that she escaped to the fantisies of her young master. Well it happened in her first tasked that instead she is the one reporting to Chun, the white haired youth would start to blabber when he pick up something interesting on the matters that she reported.


    Young Master is sure lively today


    "Really? Is this organization that good?" Chun sip again on his tea while beaming at Aichille to continue.


    "Yes, young master but it still undetermined if he''s an ally or not."


    "What do you mean?"


    "The three-stars which is known to be the Sixth Prince right hands were spotted in the inner chamber by your student named Miku, other than letting in the ghouls in the school premises, they''re finding something in the school which likely to be what young master''s looking for"


    "Do you mean the fragments?" There''s a trace of suprise in Chun''s face. How did they know about this fragment?


    "Likely, young master"


    Chun sighed inwardly as he looked at the two people that was on the same boat of her.


    "Well then dismiss"


    ----


    He adjusted his brown cat-like eyes, looking around the strange room and why is it all white? He pondered and start walking, planning to escape while remembering the last memories he had which was nothing on his head. He has no memories to remember.


    Ten minutes had gone by and he''s still not getting out nor the scenery change, still all-white.


    "Strange"


    Like someone heard him, a cheerful yet ambiguous voice suddenly chirped in,"Welcome newborn 00!"


    Suddenly he whip his head back to the source of voice yet he can''t see anyone.


    "I''m in your head!"


    "Hallucinations" the young man simply stated while massaging his brows.


    "Tsk. Idiot. I''m talking in your head literally" said by the irritated voice.


    The man just lazily sit on the ground which is white. Leisurely ignored the ''hallucinations''


    Hours passed and the ambiguous voice got frustrated.


    "Okay okay, how are you going to trust me that I''m not a hallucination of yours?"


    "Appear"


    "..."


    Suddenly a small ball of light appeared infront of the cat-like eyes of the young man.


    Oh the ''voice'' got me a light. It would be better to be a flashlight.


    Knowing what was the young man thinking,"I''m not just simple ball of light, you need to be in a higher level to meet me in person, 00"


    "Huh?" That caught the young man''s attention. Precisely, what was really happening?


    "As I''m saying you''re the new 00 because the last one did not meet the requirements so he failed" stated by the ball of light with a hint of sadness yet it perked up and bounce.


    "There''s no to worry, you will absolutely fulfill your mission because you''re the right one!"


    How many times did he stated this to the former 00''s?


    The ball of light sighed helplessly yet instantly change his sullen vibe into a bright one.


    "What exactly is my mission?" The young man with his cat-like eyes interrupted the thoughts of the ball of light.


    "Oh! It''s simple, you need to be a ''guide'' to the Great Conqueror"


    "Great Conqueror?"


    "Indeed. It is a must in our world system, firstly you need to find your candidate to it"


    The creased on the young man''s forehead deeply deepen. What is this small flashlight saying?


    "Candidate? Guide?"


    Noticing that it forgot to introduce the preliminaries of being a guide,"Well, for you to start the mission, I must hone you first to be an excellent guide that even that Senior''s disciple can''t compare heh."


    "What are you talking?"


    "I''m saying that you''re going to be my disciple!" The ball of light declared.


    "Eh?!"


    "Come, follow!"


    The still confused young man followed the now vibrant light.


    --------

 Chapter 34 - 33.1

    (Be warned: the author will be using poker terms and the meaning of the terms will be shown in the very bottom. Thank you for reading and enjoy!)


    Xiu Jia put down her cup of tea and asked, "What do you want to know?"


    "I wanted to know the truth."


    The second princess with her sweet smile flicked her hand and a deck of cards appeared from it. She took out two cards from the deck, a queen of spades and a joker.


    Using her qi energy, she manipulated the plates of food to gave her an empty place for the deck of cards. She put the two cards infront of the young man.


    "You may sit first and enjoy the food."


    Then she continued.


    "These two represents the truth. You only had to pick one to know which is which."


    "Alright," with no delay, the young man wanted to choose already to get it over with as he had no time of playing with the second princess.


    "Na-ah."


    Xiu Jia immediately withdrew the two cards and put it back to the deck while shuffling it, skillfully.


    "What are you doing?"


    "The queen of spade represents the Royal Family and the joker represents the Circus."


    Zero scrunched his face in confusion, what truth did it had to do with his identity?


    But when he heard the word ''Circus'', he was baffled as he heard this from the mouth of Xiu Ying and her personal maid.


    Xiu Jia continued to rearrange and arrange the deck of cards through shuffling it. Her hands was very proficient on shuffling as it would blur from her smooth tricks.


    "You''re good at this," Zero unconsciously praised her.


    "It''s because of my good teacher!" Xiu Jia smiled as she looked at the young man. Zero felt that her smile was at that moment, genuine. A smile that was rare for the second princess.


    Instantly, it disappeared from her face as she masked it with her sweet smile.


    The second princess put down the deck of cards and uttered, "Let''s play with probability."


    "Originally we had 52 cards in a deck of cards but I included the jokers so we had 54 cards in total."


    Xiu Jia passed her hand over the cards as it followed the movement of her hand, the cards easily spread out, making each one of it visible from the picker. All of the cards had the same pattern in its back, on the black background, a golden phoenix insignia with some kind of red rose twirling on the foot of the phoenix was designed on it.


    ''A very familiar symbol.''


    Zero thought but he didn''t pondered on it as the second princess caught his attention, once again.


    "Isn''t my cards lovely? I ordered it on Sereign continent from my fellow sister there."


    "By the way, this is how we play. How many chances could you pick a queen of spades in a random manner? And how many chances could you pick a joker in a random manner when the queen is already taken out?"


    Time passed by slowly and with a brightened face, the young man answered.


    "In picking a queen of spade in a random manner, we must first identify how many queens are there in a deck of cards. There are four queens with different symbols, the spades, the hearts, the clubs and the diamonds. We are only looking for the queen of spades and there is only one of it so out of the 54 cards we had a one chance of picking out a queen of spades."


    Xiu Jia just drank her tea as she gestured for Zero to continue.


    "As for the joker, I had two chances of randomly picking a joker out of 53 cards as the queen of spades was already taken out."


    "I''m impressed that you figured this out. Well, it''s just a simple probability game. The true game will start now."


    As if on cue, the pavilion that they were located at, suddenly trembled as the runic symbols were set on it, activated. It was a simulation trigger.


    Both of them were immediately transported in a casino-like place. Zero with the second princess were seated infront of each side of a square table. The only present here were the two of them and a deck of cards infront.


    "Where''s the dealer?"


    "You know this game very well, I''m surprised of you having an amnesia."


    "Oh well. Before we start, this is our bet. If you win I''ll let you pick between those two cards I presented, earlier, and I''ll tell you a truth about your chosen card and if I win¡­" the second princess trailed off as she looked at the young man up and down, inspecting him.


    "Not bad, just exactly my taste. So give me yourself."


    "What do you mean?" The young man creased his forehead from this blunt show of malice by this princess.


    "You''ll be my man."


    "As if I''ll let you."


    "Let''s see about that."


    The deck of cards suddenly shuffled by itself and the second princess opened up, "Because we''re the only ones here, there''s no big blind or small blind or any common poker terms. We will be playing by the rules of this simulation."


    A color wheel appeared by their right side and it started to spin around.


    "The color wheel had five colors, the blue for 10 value of chips, green for 20 value, red for 50 value, black for 100 value and white for 500 value of chips. Our starting bet or ante for each round would depend on the color that the wheel arrow would point."


    "You know already the poker hand rankings right? The royal flush is the highest followed by the straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, pair and lastly, the high card."


    Zero subconsciously nodded as he unexpectedly knew each of the terms that Xiu Jia had stated.


    "Well, let''s start."


    Stacks of betting chips appeared each for them, there were five stacks with varied colors, white chips with blue stripes, black chips with white stripes, red chips with white stripes, green chips with white stripes and lastly, blue chips with white stripes.


    And each of the stacks contained four pieces of the same kind of betting chips.


    The deck of cards started to shuffle and passed them their own two cards


    "Do not open yet your cards until the color wheel finished choosing our bet."


    The color wheel stopped at the white color spectrum that made Xiu Jia smirked. She picked up a white chip with blue stripes and put it in the middle which was called pot in poker terms.


    Zero put his bet, too.


    "Now, let''s see our cards."


    The young man opened his cards and it was a seven of clubs and a three of hearts


    Xiu Jia looked at Zero and smiled sweetly. The invisible dealer put down three cards or the flop showing a six of hearts, five of clubs and two of hearts.


    "Call," the second princess said and put a white chip with blue stripes on the pot.


    Zero acted otherwise, he took a white chip with blue stripes and a red chip with white stripes, having a total value of 550.


    "You raised it, good."


    The second princess added a red chip with white stripes.


    The invisible dealer put down another card, it was a eight of diamonds.


    Xiu Jia called once again, while Zero added another a value of 50. The pot was in the total of 3200.


    The river card was revealed and it was four of hearts.


    "Final bet?" Xiu Jia asked as she put a 700 value of chips. Even though Zero knew that he had a straight in his hand yet the young man didn''t continue to bet and just folded.


    The second princess widened her smile and asked, "Eh, you''ll lose what you had betted."


    ''I''ll lose more if I continued.''


    Zero thought as he put his cards down. It immediately disappeared to the invisible dealer and Xiu Jia pouted, "Hmp. Now the pot will be unclaimed."


    Because Xiu Jia didn''t folded, her card was revealed infront and the young man sighed inwardly in relief as he chosen the right choice of not continuing the bet.


    The second princess got a flush for her hand, she had five and seven in same suit of hearts.


    Knowing that she almost win the round, "Zero, you''re so lame. You didn''t get easy on me, now I had only 420 value of chips!"


    The young man ignored the second princess whinning as he prepared himself for the next round.


    "Hmp. Oh, well. We had a pot of 3900 value of chips for the next round and who will be the one taking it home?" Xiu Jia playfully spoke as the color wheel spun again.


    It stopped at the green color. A starting bet of 20.


    --------


    Poker Terms'' Dictions:


    Ante - A small bet all players are required to make before a hand is dealt. An ante is similar to a blind, but everyone has to contribute it before a hand commences. Antes give the pot a value right off the bat.


    Blind - The generic term for either the big blind or the small blind. If you are one of the blinds, you are sitting either immediately to the left of the dealer bu??on (small blind position) or one position farther left (big blind).


    Call - To contribute the minimum amount of money to the pot necessary to continue playing a hand.


    Community Cards - Cards that are dealt face up in the center of the table, available for all players to use in making a hand.


    Dealer - The player who shuffles the deck and deals the cards.


    Flop - The first three community cards dealt out after the first round of betting is complete.


    Fold - To give up by placing your cards face down on the table, losing whatever you have bet so far. You only fold when you think your hand is too weak to compete against the other players.


    Hand - Five cards, made of a player''s pocket cards and the community cards.


    Kicker - If you have the same hand as another player at showdown, the one with the highest kicker wins the pot. If the board is 7-7-5-5-2, and you have ace-king and your opponent has king-queen, you win because your ace beats his king. Your ace is the "kicker." The highest card completing a five-card hand is the only determination between winning and losing in this example.


    Raise - To wager more than the minimum required to call, forcing other players to put in more money as well.


    River - The final of the five community cards.


    Power Hand Ranking:


    1. Royal flush - The best hand possible, a royal flush consists of A, K, Q, J and 10, all of the same suit.


    2. Straight flush - Also very rare, a straight flush consists of any straight that is all the same suit.


    3. Four of a kind - Four of a kind, or ''quads'', consists of four cards of equal value along with another card known as a side card.


    4. Full house - A full house consists of three cards of one value and two cards of another.


    5. Flush - A flush is a hand which has all cards of the same suit.


    6. Straight - A straight has 5 cards of consecutive value that are not all the same suit.


    7. Three of a kind - Also known as ''trips'', three of a kind is 3 cards of the same value and 2 side cards of different values.


    8. Two pair - Two pair consists of two cards of equal value, another two cards of equal value, and one extra card.


    9. Pair - One pair consists of two cards of the same value, and three extra cards.


    10. High card - Five cards that do not interact with each other to make any of the above hands.

 Chapter 35 - 33.2

    The poker game continued until the third and final round.


    On the second round they didn''t even get to win the pot as the second princess in the middle of the game, folded.


    Currently, the game became fiercer as the pot kept growing of value. The pot was now over 4000 of value and both of them had a less value of chips on their side of the table.


    Xiu Jia spoke in her gentle voice while playing on a black chip with white stripes on her hand.


    "Let the final round begin. This determines who would win and who would suffer!" She excitedly declared.


    The wheel arrow stopped at the black spectrum. As if finally deciding his mind, Zero stated with seriousness.


    "All-in."


    The second princess just shrugged while maintaining her smile as she put all of her chips, too.


    Opening his two cards, it was a ten of spades and a king of spades.


    ''I would win if the community cards would be all in the suit or if fortune befalls me then I would get a royal flush.''


    With the young man''s indifferent face, he stared at the sweet smiling opponent that just widened her smile as Zero''s sight landed on her.


    The invisible dealer finished his shuffling and put down the flop. An ace of diamonds, a jack of spades and a queen of hearts.


    He turned to look again at the second princess as he wanted to see if she would be troubled by the flop but still, Xiu Jia had her sweet smile like nothing was bothering her with the face up cards.


    Zero with his indifferent face was truly cursing on his inner thoughts as it was hard to read the expression of the second princess, literally, he don''t want to be a slave to this malicious princess. He had a chastity to preserve.


    Because they were both all-in, the invisible dealer proceeded to put down another one, the fourth community card which was a queen of spades.


    Zero cursed, wanting the game to be over because of his tense state right now. He wanted to order the invisible dealer to hurry up as he noticed that the movement of it was deliberately slowing the process of showing the community cards.


    Finally, he noticed a different expression of the second princess, she had now a smirk.


    ''Is she going to win or is she bluffing?'' The tense young man thought but he was indifferent on the outside.


    And the final and last card was put down, the river was an ace of spades. As if he got ascended up to the ninth heaven from the deepest part of hell, Zero sighed.


    ''He won! He got a royal flush! The most highest ranking.''


    "Show cards."


    The second princess had a king of spades and ten of spades, the same cards as him.


    ''Oh she got a royal flush, too.''


    As if backtracking to his ridiculous thought.


    ''Wait?! Ten of spades and king of spades?''


    ''Does cards duplicate or was she cheating?''


    With a knowing smile, Xiu Jia stated at the glaring young man, "What''s your two cards?"


    "You got a pair of aces, an ace of hearts and an ace of clubs. Four of a kind, the third rank in power hand ranking. But I win, though."


    Xiu Jia carelessly said as she stood up, not minding the pot, she looked at the bewildered young man.


    "Now, you must satisfy me!"


    Zero glared at her but didn''t say anything as he looked around the simulation place, the isolated casino and the invisible dealer.


    ''How did she replaced my cards without me knowing?''


    ''It must be a trick. A deception!''


    Without warning, the young man grabbed the shuffling cards as he felt that there was something on it, and he was right.


    A very inconspicuous thread was connected to the deck of cards and its end was attached to the smiling Xiu Jia.


    "You are cheating the whole time!"


    The second princess chuckled and uttered, "You are not the same Zero in the past as he would easily saw through my deceptions but still you didn''t let down my expectations."


    "Zero of the past! You knew me?"


    Xiu Jia ignored his inquiry and spoke, "You shuffle the cards and pick one from it and I''ll answer which truth it is."


    "Are you going to use tricks again?"


    The second princess put up both her two hands in a surrendering manner, as Zero looked at her in confusion. He saw someone from her gesture as it overlapped her stature but instantly it vanished.


    Zero started shuffling as he dismissed those thoughts he had. He was surprised that he had skillfully performed tricks which shuffling as if his hands had their own mind. After he finished, he picked at the very bottom of the card.


    He then flipped it up.


    ''A queen of spades.''


    "The Royal Family it is."


    She snapped her hands and the simulation was deactivated, they were sent back to the pavilion that they were originally at.


    "Sit down because we had a very long story-telling to do."


    ----


    Zero was in deep thoughts as he accumulated a very shocking truth about the Xiu Royal Family. It confirmed the things that he had heard from the mouths of the maidservants. They would usually spoke about a forbidden palace.


    There was another palace here which was forbidden to be intrude by anyone but the king. It was the Cold Palace, half of the elite shadow guards of the king were guarding this palace as it was a place where his most beloved was staying, the ice princess.


    The ice princess was rumored to be an immortal fairy who descended from the deities''s mountain which was the Qi Mountain. She was their messenger to the mortal world but befell at the hands of the wicked humans because she had fallen in love with the current king, King Xiuwei, it was known that the Greatworld King had already reached the Immortal realm Half a step because of the help of the ice princess so they could live for eternity.


    But as a Human King, the life span of a martial practitioner in Immortal realm was thousand years and so but it was not guaranteed that they could be together because the king had responsibilities, too.


    It was four hundred years ago when Xiuwei was still a prince and his father was the reigning monarch at that era. The ice princess was sent by a deity to pass a message for the Greatworld King which was Xiuwei''s father.


    "It was love at first sight at that time."


    Zero remembered the genuine smile of the second princess displayed for a minute and suddenly replaced it with her sweet smile as she stated those words.


    Then she continued with the tale.


    The ice princess did not returned to the Qi Mountain and helped the prince to get the throne, and after succeeding on it. They lived happily for hundred of years but the advisors of the King Xiuwei kept of advising him to take a human wife as the ice princess couldn''t give him an heir because an immortal couldn''t get pregnant with a human even though Xiuwei was now in Immortal realm, he was still not an innate immortal who was birthed out from the World Tree where deities were born.


    Generations after generations of advisors kept passing by, with the same proposition for the King to take up a wife.


    They fought about Xiuwei taking in a wife until the ice princess conceded to his decision then she left to the cold palace, never seeing the King and never been found.


    It was truly a sad story.


    As Zero thought at what he found out of the very complicated family history of the Xiu Royal family.


    Before he left, he asked Xiu Jia on how did she knew all about this as it was hundred years ago that it all happened but the second princess just winked and responded.


    "It''s part of our education from the King."


    ''Education?''


    He just shrugged and proceeded his steps to his room.


    ----


    The second princess looked at the retreating back of the young man as she sighed with heaviness on her ?h?st.


    "Your highness, are you really sure about it?" A bowed shadow guard, asked the second princess.


    "As part of my promise to him, I''ll let him know this."


    While emitting a misty blue aura from her hand, she looked at the shadow guard.


    "But why didn''t you tell him about his identity to make this easy for him."


    The sweet smile was displayed again on her face as she replied, "I let him choose at that time, if ever someone gave him two options which between would he choose."


    With a curious voice the shadow guard, inquired, "What did he choose, Your highness?"


    "He chose the most difficult path, the right way."

 Chapter 36 - 34

    It was 9 in the evening.


    Inside the inner chambers of the main palace where a guest room could be found. Zero was in a crossed legs sitting position on his bed as he felt the surrounding qi energy.


    He was practicing his cultivation as he was still in the Profound realm High stage, even though he was proficient in manipulating the qi energy by borrowing from the world energy on his surroundings, still it was a minuscule achievement because he had no supply of energy of his own. His qi whirlpool was not yet dense to supply the body in order to replenish his blood, bones and muscles.


    The matter was, he had been tested at the Palace Pillars which measured a cultivators qi control but to his dismay, he was an average martial practitioner with a 132 qi control. Usually a genius would be around 200 and up while an average was 120 to 200. But he was not troubled by this as he could just practice his qi control and advance to the next cultivation level and it''s alright to be average than nothing.


    Zero concentrated as to feel the world energy that was present and slowly he tried it to convert into his qi energy, and filled his qi whirlpool.


    It was not enough as he consumed too much time and he just converted a small amount of qi energy, his qi whirlpool was not even half full nor one-fourth full.


    ''Too slow.''


    ''Need to breakthrough to the next realm.''


    The young man was so focused on his cultivation that he didn''t notice that his body was smoking as his skin was turning red. This was a sign of an elemental mage.


    An elemental mage that specialized in fire manipulation.


    There was a renowned magic theorist who studied about the four elements of magic, the water, the earth, the air, and the fire. The rarest of them all was the fire element as it was hard to manipulate because if you couldn''t control it well, then it might consumed you.


    The magic theorist once said that, mages were rare but fire elemental mages were rarer.


    Zero was so immersed of converting the world energy into his qi energy as he filled the vast qi whirlpool with it. Slowly by slowly, time ticked by and when he opened his eyes, he was in a black space full of abundant qi energy.


    ''Where am I?''


    ''Was this his inner consciousness?''


    He looked around as five color spectrum was seen floating by the surroundings. It was the four elements but there was an odd silver light was floating, too.


    And as if it was moving into one direction. He tried to follow it but in the end of the silver light was a barrier blocking him from moving forward, the silver light just continued to flow through it that was like it didn''t had any difficulty as it passed the barrier.


    There''s something telling him that he needed to go where the silver light was heading of. As if a voice was whispering on his ears, speaking to him in a sorrowful manner.


    ''Help me! I need to get out!''


    ''Help!''


    "Who are you?!" Zero asked as he looked around, finding the voice.


    ''Help!''


    It ignored his question as it continued to plea for help. It did not matter, though, as the young man decided to break the barrier.


    He smashed it using his fist but the barrier did not budge as his fist recoiled from the on-slaught. He proceeded to use his qi energy to penetrate the barrier but it did not even get a crack from it.


    The crying voice at that moment suddenly went silent from the display of power by Zero, as it looked at him like he was crazy.


    ''Truly, did this person perhaps put his brain in a rabbit hole as he didn''t know how to open a simple locked door?'' The voice helplessly thought as it went quiet, not willing to see this invidual on doing foolish things. Like right now.


    "Maybe, it needs a verbal password?"


    ''You just need a key, young man!'' The voice wanted to shout at him but it had a limit to what it was supposed to say. It was only permitted to cry for help and nothing more. It couldn''t even talk to the young man.


    "Abracadabra open barrier!"


    "Magic door open up!"


    "May the force be with you! Alakazam!"


    Zero finally stopped doing drastic methods as he thought for something else.


    The voice gave up of looking for help from this man. Its poor host should need to wait for a bit.


    ''Maybe some kind of mechanism needed here to open this.''


    The young man decided to ignore the barrier as it doesn''t affect him from continuing his cultivation.


    He examined first the black space for him to understand why was he here and how did he got here.


    The energies were floating everywhere freely without any problem. Like the four elements co-existed with each other. It was believed that the four elements repel each other, when fire and water mixed, one would gave way for the other so fire would be put out by water as they were both incompatible. The same as the air and earth, air couldn''t pass through the solid form of the earth so the air would avoid it.


    The odd one was the silver light which it doesn''t only co-existed with the four elements but it served as a medium in order for the elements to not repel each other.


    A very mysterious element.


    Zero went back from channeling his qi energy throughout his body as he sat down within the black space. Despite, not knowing how did he got here but the black space was helpful as it made his qi conversion faster. The qi whirlpool that he was trying to fill was now almost full to the brim.


    ''Might be because of the abundant energy here.''


    He tried absorbing the four floating energies as it easily went in his body. Confirming that he had now a firm foundation for his body, he opened his eyes to observed the surroundings once again.


    The four energies were still abundant but he could see that it was less than the earlier before he absorbed them.


    Looking at the silver light, it did not budge or the energy of it wasn''t even lessen. Zero closed his eyes and started to absorbed the silver light but it was rejecting his control to it.


    ''Maybe he was lacking of cultivation?''


    As he pondered, he opened his eyes to see if he could figure it out but the scene that appeared infront of him was his room.


    Now, he understood that these four elements was not rare in a normal cultivator''s perspective but in a mage'' perspective it was freely seen.


    He observed his qi whirlpool and saw that it was now full to the brim so he started replenishing his blood, bones and muscles after successfully expelling out the defects from his body due to his coma, he felt that he broke through the Profound realm and now he was at the Median realm Nascent stage, unexpectedly.


    In Median realm, a martial practitioner needed to stabilized the qi fluctuation inside his body in order to make another qi whirlpool and practice his mental strength because Median realm was more of stabilization of your qi control after building your foundation.


    Knowing that he advanced to the next culivation level because of that mysterious black space, he wanted to conjure it up again but to no avail, he was still in the same spot.


    He sighed, perceiving that it was hopeless, he gave up and started to try to summon a fire using his fire basic spell.


    The Xiu Royal family did not know that he was a mage as he hide it when he discovered, even though they saved him. He still had no trust to them.


    Having trust-issues was another matter but being vigilant made the young man instinctual to it.


    A ball of fire appeared from his hand as he smiled from succeeding at one try.


    ''Finally! It''s not a spark.''


    ---


    A deity who had a smirk on his face as he looked on the light reflecting water on his own haven while through it a young man with raven black hair with silver white fringes reflected on the water, "Truly interesting." He whispered.


    He opened the window of his hut, as he looked out to the field of sunflowers, there laid upon a young woman who had a long silver white hair, flowing around her as she was sleeping, peacefully, in the middle of the field.


    The deity of Prevalent Tragedy smiled.


    "Sleep, my dear princess and wait for your knight in shinning armour to save you."

 Chapter 37 - 35

    Zero woke up early in the morning as to examine the changes of his body. He looked at the full-length mirror as he confirmed, the third princess said to him last time when he woke up from coma that his eyes were originally black as coal and his hair was plainly raven black but now he had a scarlet red eyes and a raven black hair with silver white fringes.


    What did truly happen to him?


    He must seek the third princess as to affirm what he heard from them a week ago. Did they knew his identity? What connection did he had to the Circus?


    ''Right. The Circus, I need to find informations about them.''


    The young man was about to clothe himself in order to go to the library to seek an information. The Xiu Royal Family had their own private library inside the main palace and it was a very useful source to look into as it was a thousand years old library as the compilation of informations dated back from the earlier ancestors of the royal family.


    He was in deep thoughts until he was awaken from a loud shout of a maid, just right outside his bedroom door. He used his qi perception to see the happenings outside. The qi perception could detect heat energy as his visual were full of variation of colors, a red color for a maid who was on the floor weeping, green with a tinge of yellow was splashed on the wall outside as colors of green were spreading on the floor, there was a body stature composed of orange color turning into yellow shade near the weeping maid and gray spiky things with a hint of blue shade was plunged on that body stature.


    Heat energy represented the red color that he saw and it was normal for people to have heat energy because they were alive. He could see as well a orange color which represented a dead ''object'' due to the heat energy slowly leaving and splashes of green and other colors which meant other additional objects/stuff.


    Zero hurriedly walked out from his room, knowing that a crime happened just outside his door. Why didn''t he know it? It was just near him and outside.


    "What happened here?"


    The weeping maid suddenly went back from reality as she ran away from the young man, going to report the scene to the head guard but it was no use as the King himself went to the scene with his two daughters, the First Princess and the Second Princess.


    "Your highness and your majesty!" Greeted the young man and the maid. Xiu Jia just smiled at Zero in responds while the first princess who was Xiu Meihui had a cold expression as she didn''t even glance at the young man.


    The king opened his mouth as he asked questions, "What happened here, Zero? I was in the study room as I heard this servant''s shout."


    Even though the study room was a hundred meters away, King Xiuwei would totally heard it as he was an Immortal realm martial practitioner.


    "Your majesty, I just opened my door to see what happened outside as the maid awaken me from my sleep." He would not say that the maid disturbed him from checking himself up, that would not be a good thing.


    Footsteps were suddenly heard as the crown prince with several palace guards neared their location.


    "What happened here, your majesty?" Xiu Changming asked the king.


    The dead person was a maid and from the looks of its uniform, she was a personal maid. Ice spikes impaled on her body as she was beheaded. The head was nowhere to be found because it only left the lifeless body. The identity of the personal maid was not yet determined.


    "Who brought a mine stone? Use the mine stone in order to know the statistics of the body," the crown prince commanded the palace guards with him. One of the palace guards stepped up as he had a mine stone on him.


    "Suyin


    Sex: female


    Time of death: 7:45 am


    Cause of death: impaled by an unidentified power"


    The mine stones of the palace guards, not only could identify dead bodies'' statistics but it recorded the people who were inputted on it. Because the mine stones that were being used by the palace guards were from the royal household, it would be convenient that every servants working inside the palace would be inputted in every mine stones that the palace guards had.


    ''Suyin? Isn''t it Xiu Ying''s personal maid?'' Zero thought.


    "Suyin? Where did I heard that name?" The second princess wondered but suddenly her smiling expression had turned sunny.


    "Oh, right! It''s my dear sister''s personal maid!"


    Witnessing the unfolded scene while looking at the ice spikes, the king sighed, "Changming, as a crown prince, I let you handle this. I''ll go now to look for the third princess, she would be sad if she know this."


    "Now they left, let''s see what truly happened!" The excited voice of Xiu Jia stated as she wanted to examine the dead body.


    "No, second older sister. Don''t bother yourself to these disgusting things." The crown prince disapproved and turned his attention to Zero.


    Truthfully, Xiu Changming doesn''t like Zero, he hated this young man as he made his younger sister obsessed with him and he was not someone he wanted to be with Xiu Ying.


    ''Xiu Ying deserves best, she deserves a less dangerous person.''


    "Guards! Apprehend this two suspects."


    The young man didn''t resist as he knew that the crown prince was venting his hatred towards him, he would clashed with him sometimes, this method was familiar with Zero. He was framed, too, last year for stealing a jewelry of the third princess and the crown prince was upset to this as Xiu Ying defended him. It was just truly a child''s play to Zero.


    Currently, is this situation part of a scheme of the crown prince or a serious matter?


    The young man doubted the former as he knew that the crown prince wouldn''t sacrifice a life unless it would be the young man''s life. By looking at the scene, a culprit was easily drawn from the young man''s head, he just needed evidences to prove his point.


    While being escorted by the palace guards to the dungeon prison, suddenly the maid who were accompanying them, cried and her body spasmed. The maid''s body was slowly turning into ice as she cried for help.


    "Don''t touch her!" The crown prince warned the palace guards who were about to apprehend the servant.


    In the last moments of the maid, she coincidentally stared at Zero while she mouthed something and because her throat was frozen, she wasn''t able to voice it out but the genius young man was able to lip read her words. A tear fell from the maid''s eye and it shattered onto the ground followed with her body cracking.


    "Hide! It will explode!" The young man shouted as he used a shield from his spatial storage while pouring a bit of fire energy on it. The palace guards summoned their qi energy to build up a wall for the crown prince.


    Ice spikes shot out from the explosion and it attacked their shields. The ice spikes that went to impale into Zero''s shield melted in a blink of an eye.


    After the explosion, the young man withdrew the shield and the palace guards did as well.


    "Almost there," Zero whispered to himself but he felt a glare from the crown prince.


    "You planned this. Guards, seize him!"


    The young man inwardly sighed at the obviousness of this crown prince. Even though he was known as a remarkable heir to the throne, he would usually be stupid infront of Zero, just to sent him away from Xiu Ying.


    ---


    In the dark monitoring room, Zero crossed his legs as he comfortably rested himself at the dark room with a small lamp of light on the top of his head that sometimes would sway and a wooden table infront of him with nothing on it.


    He didn''t know if how many hours did he spent here or might be days. Fortunately, he could went on without eat as he was now at the Median realm Middle stage, the world energy here at this place was scarce as he was not able to easily advance from the next cultivation realm unlike when he was at the black space.


    But still food was a delicacy. How many hours or days were they planning to starved him?


    The young man tried to summoned or called out the black space but it was useless as it didn''t responded to him, he couldn''t recall what did he do to encounter that black space, might be just a luck of chance.


    ''I''ll try to summon it again.''


    He closed his eyes as he begun sensing the small hint of world energy on the surroundings. The four energies would went in his body but the most fastest of them all was the fire energy as it was being absorbed by his body with no difficulty while the others were a little bit slower.

 Chapter 38 - 36

    "What is he doing?" The monitoring team was observing the young man as he cultivated again.


    The monitoring team was a separate team from the palace guards as they gathered intelligence or reliable informations and usually were ?ssigned to break someone up, in short, they were specialized at questioning criminals, even you''re not a culprit or denying to be one, you would easily confessed to it if you were handled by the team.


    "He''s cultivating again."


    Bai Zhou, the team leader was seated on the opposite of the monitoring room which could surveil the young man. He stared with boredom as he sighed once again.


    "Why are you sighing, team leader?" A member of his asked.


    The team leader looked at him with dull eyes and replied, "For the first day of the young man being confined here, I knew already that he wasn''t a culprit to the death of the third princess'' personal maid."


    "Eh? Team leader, why didn''t you say so?"


    "His highness, the crown prince, personally asked me to imprisoned him here for a week so that the third princess would forget him." And it was now day three of the young man here.


    The member who asked, widened his eyes in shock while looking at the cultivating young man.


    "Oh, he was that infamous young master Zero?"


    At first, the members of the monitoring team were confused as they didn''t used their ''methods'' to crack this young man up due to their team leader''s command to just ignore him there.


    But now they were able to confirm that this young man was truly innocent, he was just a poor soul suffering from the crown prince'' wrath.


    As people of Xiu Changming, they knew that the crown prince had a hatred for this young man because during the young man woke up from coma, the crown prince returned from his expedition to the south that lasted for five years and he suddenly got a news that his younger sister had a lover that he doesn''t know of.


    He was angry to this because he wasn''t able to protect Xiu Ying from the claws of a wolf.


    A young member of the monitoring team and was also a newbie, said, "Sir, I am curious of something."


    "You''re Meiwa right, the newbie. What are you curious about? Please do tell me."


    The blushing newbie peeked a bit at the handsome young man as she asked, "What is the identity of that young master Zero?"


    Knowing that this newbie was enthralled by the charm of the young man, he helplessly sighed. Beauty was truly a blessing and a curse.


    "The identity of that person is more dangerous than his charm so you don''t need to poke your nose on it," the laughing team leader stood up from his chair as he patted the head of the newbie.


    "Sir, but my name is Lihua not Meiwa."


    The team leader awkwardly withdrew his hand and coughed, "Right, Lihua."


    Even though, he had a retentive memory, he was bad at memorizing names.


    ---


    Zero was immersed in his cultivation as he slowly gathered the world energy and converted them into his qi energy. His spiritual core was improving as well due to his daily absorption of energies.


    The spiritual core within the young man''s body was something odd because it doesn''t function as a medium that connected his life force to his cultivation but it was reversed. His cultivation was supplying his life force, it meant that even though he couldn''t reach the Immortal realm, he could still live a very long life if he continued cultivating and absorbing the vast world energy.


    It was a wonder for him about his strange spiritual core.


    Zero opened his eyes and neared the one-way mirror where he knew that the monitoring team was observing him as he used his qi perception in order to detect the heat energy of their bodies, and there were three red colored body stature was present on the other side.


    He knocked on it and mouthed while pointing at the intercom at the side of the one-way mirror.


    The three people who were just here as a substitute in order to monitor him was simply flustered by the young man''s act, they didn''t know anything what the team leader talked about earlier as it wasn''t their shift to watchover so they were clueless to this. They just knew that this individual that they were monitoring was a suspect who killed a royal family member''s personal maid.


    "W-what is it?" A hint of nervousness could be heard on his tone.


    Unaffected to the situation, Zero asked, "Can you bring me a book about martial practitioners, cultivations and others that are related to the two that I just mentioned?"


    Confusion was formed on their faces while hearing that. Is he seriously reading on this monitoring room? Is he not scared being tortured by their team leader until he confessed?


    Another team member elbowed the one who answered the young man, asking him what would they say about this.


    "Just call team leader."


    "Okay."


    The young man with his patience went back to his seat, he knew that they would give him the books that he wanted because it wasn''t anything related to committing a crime.


    Books were innocent.


    A member who called the team leader went back inside, he had a surprise look as he look dumbfoundedly at his communicator.


    "What did team leader said?"


    "He said that we just follow whatever command that this young man would say aside from freeing him here."


    "What? Are you sure about that?! If he wanted food then what''s the used about starving him as our torture. Did you heard it right?"


    They thought that Bai Zhou was starving the young man as a form of torture but in truth, the team leader was truly a forgetful person as he forgot to give food to Zero and the members didn''t ask about this because usually the individual that were ?ssigned under their monitoring would be starved as a customary torture method.


    "Yes."


    Flashback.


    The team member who called Bai Zhou.


    "Team leader, suspect 220 was requesting a book about cultivations. Should we give it to him?"


    ("220¡­ Zero?")


    "Team leader, it''s two-two-zero. It only had one zero."


    ("Yes, we only had one Zero in the suspect.")


    "What are you talking about, team leader?"


    ("Just follow whatever that suspect with one zero wanted to ask you of except for letting him out. Are we clear?")


    "Yes, team leader."


    End of flashback.


    The member who clicked the bu??on sighed and answered Zero while pressing it again, "Alright."


    Zero nodded at their line of sight, making them shivered, unknowingly the young man knew where they were located on this observation room.


    ---


    After hours of reading the ten books about cultivations and such, he finally accumulated a series of informations about the spiritual core. The book that he recently put down, the writer on it stated about the origin of the spiritual core.


    It started when martial practitioners weren''t still known to the old era, an era of non-cultivators. It was hundreds and thousands years ago that a deity went to the land of non-cultivators and disguised himself as a human. He fell in love with a human female and they got together.


    The human female didn''t know that he was a deity so when the female wasn''t able to give birth, she hated herself as she couldn''t give a child to her husband. Everyday she would cry for her hopeless situation. Worried for his wife, he prayed to the Creator to allow him to go back to the Qi Mountain as to seek help from the World Tree who could make his wife give birth.


    It was written on the divine rules, that once a deity fell in love with a human, he/she couldn''t return to their home which was the Qi Mountain. It was a divine rule that prohibited the deities to involve themselves on human lives.


    But the Creator unexpectedly granted his wish and allowed him to go back. Knowing this, he seized the opportunity to ask a fruit from the World Tree, and because the World Tree favored all of its children, it permitted him to pick one fruit in exchange for his divine powers.


    The fruit that he picked suddenly disappeared and was immediately sent to his wife''s location in which their home.


    The deity knew that he was successful as his human wife would be happy to know that she would be able to give birth.


    In a joyful manner, the deity went home but he tragically witnessed a horrible scene, his human wife died after giving birth with their child. It was unknown what truly happened but the child with a blood of a half deity and a half human was born, the first individual who had a spiritual core, a cultivator.


    After that, cultivators of every part of the world appeared.

 Chapter 39 - 37

    Zero wanted to ask to the author of the book that what did happened to the father of the first cultivator? How did he reacted to his wife sudden death?


    The author left that part unsaid and it made the young man more curious. Even mysteries were present on history.


    After his pondering, he ignored those questions on the short-told story and felt his growling stomach. He was now really hungry. The taste of food on his mouth, he missed it.


    He stood up from the chair and tapped the one-way mirror. The three members of the monitoring team who were still there, eating there dinner almost choke from their food.


    "What is it?" A member dried his mouth as trail of noodles were on the side of it.


    "Food. I''m hungry, what are you eating? Can I have some?" The young man asked, using his qi perception. He saw container-looking food was there on their tables and others were steaming from the red color heat energy.


    The three now doubted if this was truly a one-way mirror, how could this young man knew that they were eating?


    "Just give him these."


    Slurping sounds of cup noodles echoed with the monitoring room as the young man enjoyed his ten shared of cup noodles. He missed good food.


    After he got his fill, he started again with his cultivation as he perceived his spiritual core. A spiritual core supplemented the cultivation of a martial practitioner to its life force. The more that you cultivated, the more it strengthened your life force, it was unlike his unique spiritual core that would grant him a long life span like a cultivator in Immortal realm, but a usual spiritual core in-stored spare qi energy in order for a cultivator to expend it in the future once his cultivation level increases.


    While examining his spiritual core which located on his dantian, it was a bit below of the navel. Zero noticed that his lively spiritual core which was emitting a fire energy, had a tinged of purple aura surrounding it. The purple aura would suppressed the misbehaving fire energy from its direction and it would made it tamed.


    ''What was this? Is he still human?''


    He asked himself as he listed all of the strangeness within his body. He couldn''t explain his situation as he was baffled, too, on it. The young man was now determined to find out his identity and why was the third princess took him here in the palace if she could just let him returned to that Circus as he felt that he was more familiar to that place.


    He needed a reason why he existed without his memories. Maybe, his former self wanted to redo something? Or he wanted to forget something?


    Zero shook his head as to calm his wandering thoughts, he might went crazy from his discoveries.


    Ka-shik!


    The door of the monitoring room suddenly opened and a smiling middle-aged man greeted the young man inside.


    "Your lucky that your ''lover'' insisted to release you!"


    Bai Zhou chuckled as he let the young man out, Zero covered his eyes from the sudden brightness of the place that he came out.


    It was a hallway of a facility, the place was full of whiteness as it was well-litted by fluorescent lights. The young man at this moment noticed that he was not brought to a dungeon but an advanced facility.


    "Is this a research facility?" He suddenly asked.


    "Sort of. I''ll escort you to the waiting room."


    The middle-aged man guided Zero to the location while they passed by many individuals wearing lab coats and sometimes uniforms that was similar to the man.


    "Good morning, team leader!"


    "Have a good day, team leader!"


    "Chief Bai Zhou, how''s your day?"


    Many people would greet the smiling middle-aged man, Bai Zhou would nod or smile at them as he escorted the young man.


    "Oh right! I didn''t introduce myself. You heard it already, though¡­ well, I''m Bai Zhou, a team leader of the monitoring team and a member of this royal family''s research facility."


    ''So I was right. But why would a royal family needed this kind of facility? What are they researching?''


    "Zero."


    The young man replied, simply as he wandered his eyes around. There wasn''t any suspicious element on this floor.


    "How many floors does this facility had?"


    "32," Bai Zhou responded as he had a knowing smile while mirth was present on his eyes.


    "Here we are, young master Zero!"


    The middle-aged man opened the door as the arguing siblings resounded out from the waiting room.


    Zero immediately went in as Bai Zhou left him to his devices, it was not his business to meddle with fights between two royal family members so the middle-aged man left as if nothing happened.


    The third princess was flaring with anger as she looked at his older brother, the crown prince.


    "Why did you had to this, again?! I told you already that I''ll marry the first prince so leave alone Zero from this!" The temperature dropped in the room as the siblings would totally broke out into a serious fight. The room was slowly turning into ice as they continued their heated gaze.


    Zero channelled his spare of fire energy in order to be unaffected to this dropping temperature. By this display of power, he was a hundred percent sure of his conjecture.


    The young man coughed to catch their attention. Xiu Ying''s burning gaze easily melted as she saw Zero.


    She hugged the young man and inspected every part of his body, even his face was not left off.


    "Did they do something to you?"


    "Zero? Zero? Are you alright?"


    Zero wasn''t on his mind as he saw something inside the waiting room, a very beautiful fairy person.


    The woman he saw was twinkling brightly due to its misty aura. It was giving her an ethereal kind of beauty that made the young man looked at her. The fairy person wasn''t even minding his gazes as it continued to sit on a chair adjacent to them.


    Noticing the look of the young man, Xiu Ying immediately introduced the woman, "She''s our mother. I wanted you to meet her."


    The third princess led Zero to the silent woman, Xiu Changming just seated himself near them as he calmed himself, remembering that their mother was here and they were about to broke out into a fight a while ago. He was disappointed to himself as he did not act accordingly as an older brother.


    "Sorry, mother. I apologize for being unruly."


    The woman ignored the crown prince'' words as she continued to stare straight. Zero noticed the whiteness of the woman''s eyes. So she was blind.


    "Zero, you may not know this but she''s our real mother. It''s known inside the palace that me and my older brother was adopted by the king," Xiu Ying explained as she held the hands of her mother.


    "And don''t be bothered if she would ignore you, too as she''s deaf and blind."


    "Does she lived here?" The young man asked.


    Xiu Changming replied with his tolerating voice, "No. Her palace was on southwest of the main palace, near this research facility."


    ''Southwest? It must be the Cold Palace. They weren''t aware that I already knew about her but I wasn''t informed that they were her offspring? How was that possible?''


    The second princess stated that she and the king wasn''t able to produce an offspring or unless an external force had helped them.


    The young man observed the fairy woman as she continued to stare into nothing but suddenly as if feeling the penetrating gaze of the young man, she stared at his direction.


    "Mother? Can you feel him? This is Zero, my one and true¡­f-friend."


    Xiu Ying was able to stop herself from uttering a word that she regretted because of her brother''s warning gaze.


    Right. She would be marrying another person.


    The third princess kept repeating it on her head as he glanced at Zero, and smiled at her mother.


    "Within the ten dividing lands, a hero will arise. Conquering every lands and seas, defeating thousands of threats, his road will be full of spikes and thorns but he will overcome this with the help of the Guide. He shall be named the Great Conqueror."


    "Within the ten dividing---"


    "---be named the Great Conqueror."


    She kept repeating those words as she stared at him.


    Xiu Ying with her older brother neared their mother as they worriedly asked her. A nurse from the facility went in as she escorted the still talking woman.


    "What happened to mother?"


    "Third princess, your highness. This is just a normal case of her as she would usually utter those identical words about a guide, a great conqueror and sometimes she would talked about a deity," the nurse with her memo pad on her hand stated as she didn''t even give any politeness on her words. She explained the truth with her stern attitude.


    "Will she be okay?" Xiu Changming asked her.


    "She would be totally fine after she got her shot and be brought back at her palace."


    The third princess sighed in relief while the crown prince glared at Zero, "You can go now."


    "What are you doing brother?"


    "I am telling your ''friend'' to leave first because we would be discussing personal matters here."

 Chapter 40 - 38

    After the young man left, Xiu Ying and her brother talked about their mother''s state. Their mother lived in the Cold Palace as it could help hide her identity -that she was their mother and a true love of the king. King Xiuwei wouldn''t like anyone to know about it so he hide her at the Cold Palace and called it as a forbidden place. But the third princess let the young man met their mother as she knew that Zero doesn''t know anything about their very complicated family history which Xiu Ying believed.


    Unbeknownst to their belief, at this moment. The young man was on the library, searching for informations about the ice princess, he set aside his search for the Circus as he was curious if the second princess truly spoke the truth.


    ''Did she told me the truth or it was just the half truth or a lie?''


    He looked for books regarding about the messenger of the deities at this ancient library. The printed books dated back at the old era, new era, silver age, golden age until today, the millennium age. The young was on the old era section as to try his luck about his search, the old era section was the furthermost location being secluded by its antiquity.


    "The Story of the World Tree," Zero read the book''s title. Not knowing why he grabbed the book, the shelves suddenly vibrated.


    An opening appeared from the shelves of the old era section. The young man curiously peeked his head to see its inside but the darkness enveloped the place, Zero could only see the place where the light coming from the outside shone.


    ''What''s in here?''


    The young man with nothing to risk went inside the mysterious tunnel. The entrance where he came from instantly closed as Zero started to explore the tunnel, it was dimmed inside the place, only darkness was clear on his vision.


    He stepped on something that was like a trigger to the lamp lights around the place. Zero took a lamp from its holding as he used it to light his way. The tunnel smelled antiquated as the young man proceeded to examine the inscribled signs and letters on the wall.


    Drawings of people, fire, water, air and earth and another sign that Zero felt was the mysterious element he saw in the black space - a glinting diamond shaped drawing. He followed the signs as it told a story - a story when it started with the smallest dot until another one appeared, it kept appearing until it formed a shape of a tree.


    "World Tree?"


    Zero traced the tree drawing with his hands and suddenly the drawing shone. It illuminated his vision until he closed his eyes due to the brightness.


    A woman appeared from it, she observed her environment as she slowly stepped her feet. She stumbled at first as she was not used to it, after practicing for the mean time, she got the hang of it.


    The woman turned around to see her surroundings, the place was a garden as it was full of vibrant flowers, trees and the lively World Tree. She wandered away from it and went to find large leaves to cover her n?k?dness.


    As the garden was provided by the World Tree, the woman live abundantly there with no worries until a companion came. A man came out from the fruit and he was the same as the woman, he wasn''t able to get used to his environment but was able to cope up with it.


    They both got along together and they liked each other. As they lived peacefully with the World Tree, a hunter came. He was a human hunter that accidentally crossed the border between time and space which was the barrier of the garden between the forest that the hunter would usually hunted on.


    At that time, the man wasn''t present as he looked for a gift for the woman as he was planning to propose to her. He already confided with the World Tree about his feelings for the woman and the tree advised him to make effort for it.


    The woman was alone at that time on the meadow as she bathed in the flowing river. She was humming a tune that made the animals around gathered by the stream in order to hear her lovely voice - her voice was enchanting as she could affect the weather to be pleasant, enabling the heat of the sun to be warm and cool as it refreshed the skin.


    Meanwhile in the midst of tall trees, a man who was sleeping on a thick branch as he cradled his bow heard a soft tune. He was awaken by it as he got down from his sleeping spot, the hunter followed the sound until he saw a beauty with long raven black hair bathing in the river.


    "A river spirit?" The hunter whispered as he slowly crept near the woman.


    Creeek!


    "Who''s there?" The woman stated as she covered her body. As the woman turned around, the hunter was enthralled by her beauty, she got red ruby eyes that was glaring at him with anger which the hunter found entertaining.


    "Miss, Are you a river spirit?"


    "River s-spirit? W-what''s that?" The woman was adjusting her tongue to the language of the human as she was surprised to be able to understand this unfamiliar language.


    "You know, spirit nymphs are beautiful as enchanting like you," the hunter praised as his dark cerulean eyes observed the blushing woman.


    Even though the woman wasn''t able to perceived that the hunter was praising her - her reaction was by instincts.


    "What are you doing here? Do you need help?" The hunter offered his hands to the woman, as the woman reluctantly took it and the hunter pulled her up towards him.


    This started their short-lived story, they would usually meet by the stream as it was the only place that the hunter could crossed. They would spend their time together, happily, but all of the good things were temporary. The man who was sad by the rejection of the woman found out that the woman that he loved was seeing a human.


    Due to his jealousy, he planned to kill the human hunter when they see each other again by the stream. The hunter at that time was waiting for his lover when unexpectedly he was stabbed by ''her'' on the back.


    He died while in mixed emotions as he stared with lost, betrayal, anger and sadness to the woman that he loved. After the human hunter died, the smirking woman turned back into the man as he washed his hands on the river and hide the dagger behind his back pocket. Then he walked away, leaving the dead human hunter.


    "Cian? Where are you? Stop hiding again. It won''t work on me!" As the woman''s cheery voice was heard, the silence of the forest greeted her.


    Until she saw her dead lover was bathing on his own blood.


    "Cian! What h-happened?" As she cried with grief while hugging the dead body. The man ''coincidentally'' came out from the trees he was hiding in as he comforted the woman.


    Days went on but in the garden that the World Tree''s haven, the time stood still. But the feeling of pain and sadness did not stayed still. The woman went back to her usual-self yet her eyes was saying the opposite.


    Finally, the man was able to obtained the mutual affection from the woman until the World Tree birthed a child for them. A child that created Xanxia.


    Then deities after deities was born from the World Tree until they were all ten of them to manage the ten continents. The man and woman was still living in the garden in which the World Tree created, while their child - the Creator travelled diverse realms.


    Zero finally snapped out from the vision as he massaged his forehead. He was baffled about the story of the World Tree as it has something more deeper to it¡­ did they truly live peacefully?


    He shook his head as to erased his thoughts, he was not here for the World Tree but the hidden truth about this Royal Family. Even though it wasn''t his business on how complicated the royal family''s history, there''s something telling him to find out the truth which could pin-point to something bigger.


    "La la la la."


    "La la la la."


    He frowned his brows as he didn''t see the usual red colors that represented the heat energies. The tunnel was all-black on his qi perception, his instincts told him that someone dangerous was in here.


    Alarming bells was heard on his mind as he felt a breathing on his nape.

 Chapter 41 - 39

    Zero detected danger behind him as he wanted to turn around to see what it was, a hit on his vital point made him knock out of consciousness.


    "So lame. He needs more training, Aries!"


    "Yes, Aries. I can''t believe, Aries, he''s the chosen to have the blood of Asura!"


    "Aries is right."


    Two individuals in one body was talking to themselves as they carried the unconscious young man. The girl with twin-pigtails and cat-eared hoodie, effortlessly carried the young man towards a certain direction.


    "Let''s bring him to Izi! Izi knows best."


    "You''re smart, Aries!"


    "Yes, Aries. Praise me more!"


    "And you are good, too!"


    "Right! We are both smart and good Aries!"


    The girl with two personalities was smiling as she spoke again to her other personality. They passed the tunnel with darkness on their path as the deeper parts of it was a runic symbol suspended in the middle. The girl dropped the unconscious young man as she performed a spell steps on the ground as it activated the rune.


    They carried Zero towards a chamber full of crystallized ice as they put the young man down, more of they threw him on the couch. They patted the dirt away their hands while they smiled at the woman who was busy creating spell craft on her cauldron. She was the one that the third princess introduced to the youth, the ice princess - a former messenger of the deities.


    But it was totally opposite to what the young man saw a while ago, as she was deaf and blind. On the contrary, she had now a sadistic glint on her eyes as she carried some kind of mischievousness while she grinned at the two Aries.


    Aries played with her cat-ears as she explained, "Izi, we brought the chosen person. What will we do to him?"


    "Just tie him upside down!" Izi commanded as she continued to put bizarre ingredients on her cauldron. She used her ice power to mix the inside of it.


    The girl obliged and started tying Zero in an upside down manner. Aries playfully spinned the youth, making the young man nauseous as he woke up.


    Zero awoke his eyes tearing up from being upside down as he was about to vomit from his position, he resisted it as he observed his blurry surroundings.


    "Where am I?"


    His vision cleared as he saw a grinning girl with cat-eared hoodie. Without using his qi perception, he could see a shadow of a smiling reflection of the girl. Zero frowned and turned around as he adjusted himself from this upside down position. His hands were untied as he tried to reached his tied feet while the cat-eared girl by the side just observed him in interest.


    "Good morning, mister!" Deciding to stop him from making a pointless act, they greeted.


    "It''s not morning, Aries!" They started to fight that made the reaching young man confused at their display. They were talking to each other as they had only one body but two soul residing on it.


    "How could you tell, Aries?"


    "Well, I have my own biological clock!"


    "We had the same body, why didn''t I know that?"


    "You''re dumb, Aries!"


    "You''re dumb, too!"


    Izi who was stirring the cauldron interfered with the ruckus as she apologized to the young man, "Sorry, Zero. These two are very annoying."


    The young man noticed the familiar features of the woman who spoke to him. It was the immortal fairy!


    ''The ice princess?''


    Izi saw the baffled face of the youth as she smiled in responds. She then seated herself to an ice chair infront Zero.


    The vision of the young man was upside down so he could see first the ceiling of the place which had a crystallized ice like a chandelier. The place had furnitures made of ice, the most strange thing that caught the young man''s attention was a cauldron on a white fire. White fire? An odd color.


    "I am at the Cold Palace?" He said after observing the place.


    "A-huh," Izi agreed as she grinned.


    "Are you the ice princess? I thought you''re deaf and blind?"


    Hearing that statement, the woman chuckled as she arranged her hair. She looked directly at the youth.


    "You seem ignorant. Well, I''ll tell you a fact, I am not the real ice princess and I was just a substitute, more of, I am a witch of this palace and I served the Royal family."


    Zero frowned as he thought, ''If she''s a fake, where''s the real one?''


    As if she read his expression, Izi responded, "Ice princess - the messenger of the deities and the one who betrayed them. The truth is, she disappeared when the king married a human wife."


    ''That''s what Xiu Jia had said.''


    "But¡­ do you think she left like that?" Izi trailed off.


    The youth fell in deep pondering as he perceived her words. That would be truly strange¡­ she left just like that, and wait--- what did she said about the ice princess betraying the deities? Is she messing up?


    Zero stared at the woman as Izi smiled and stood up from her ice chair.


    "Aries! Tie him to the table," Izi commanded the playing girl by the side.


    "You can''t just kidnap someone and tie them!"


    "It''s not our fault that you fell on the trap! So just behave as we dissect you."


    "Yes, we Aries love to see the blood of someone chosen by Asura!"


    "Right, right, Aries! The Circus organization will be crying as we will be the first to see the heavenly body of Asura!"


    "Stop chatting! Tie him up now!" Izi said as she neared her cauldron in order to see her finished product.


    "Wait! Circus! You know them? And what''s this Asura you''re talking about?"


    "Circus? You don''t know them? They''re believed to be an organization who recruited high magic proficient cultivators, simply they would only recruit you if you''re a mage!" Aries stated as she cut the rope that tied the young man''s pair of feet.


    Zero was about to struggle from their hold as he fell down when the cat-eared girl held him from struggling. She was so strong.


    "Don''t resist, it will only hurt you. Aries'' grip is very secure, you can''t escape easily," Aries said as she pulled the youth up, making Zero ?r??n?d from his hurting arm.


    ''This girl was so harsh!''


    They put the young man on the ice structured table as they tied him in a forceful manner. The rope was made of a special kind of metal that was only found in the inner parts of the earth so it was difficult to break unless you''re a Late Realm martial practitioner.


    "What are we talking earlier, Aries?"


    "Aries, you forget easily! It''s about the Circus buddies."


    "Right, Aries."


    "Mister? What do you want to know about the Circus? We can still entertain you until Izi finishes the spell."


    "Spell? What''s that for?" He asked while frowning at them.


    ''Don''t tell me---''


    "You''re right! This spell will be made only for you! Isn''t it a good thing, Aries?"


    "Yes, Aries! Izi, the great and powerful witch made time for you to make this one and only spell!"


    ''What are they going to do? Is it about that Asura something? I don''t know any Asura!''


    "So so Mister?"


    "So Mister mister?"


    Aries echoed what she said in a playful manner as she had a delighted face while peering at the tied young man on the table.


    "Hmm."


    The young man just went with their play as he thought up a plan to escape this predicament.


    "You wanna still hear about the Circus?"


    "Let''s talk about the Circus!"


    It might be a good thing to gather some informations from the twisted girl about this mysterious organization. Truthfully, Zero would felt a pang on his ?h?st as he heard the word Circus, like it had a thing on him.


    A thing that he would be truly connected in the future as he travelled worlds.


    "So let''s first start how Circus suddenly emerged!"


    "Right, Aries! Circus emerged after the Great War and was established by an unknown person. Many believed that they recruited mages and an organization of performers but the truth is¡­"


    The other personality continued, "They are an organization of systems!"


    ''Systems?''


    "Yes! It''s from our reliable source. It said that they could access realms through realms, dimensions through dimensions, and worlds through worlds!"


    "Aries, I wanted to work at the Circus! But sadly, we couldn''t, as chosen individuals were the ones who had that kind of opportunity."


    "Hmp."


    The cat-eared girl went silent as she pouted to herself. She wasn''t aware that the young man that she was talking to, was experiencing a severe headache.


    Crashing memories invaded his head and a voice was heard from it that stopped time.


    [Activating system reboot¡­]


    [System has been rebooted]


    [Do you want to download the memory file 1?]

 Chapter 42 - 40

    Unknown location, underground.


    A sleeping young man with darkened eye bags was awaken by an alarm from the main computer. The youth had been suffering from lack of sleep since the disappearance of their Master because he was always bothered by Blu. That stubborn kid was insisting that he should still monitor the systems as he said that Master could be there.


    ''Why would Master joined this system travellers when he was the one who created the mother system?'' Ryder rolled his eyes as he thought of this. He then scrolled through the monitor of the main computer to see what happened that made the alarm rang.


    "The heck?!"


    ------


    "Finally! We could now put a seal on him," the witch suddenly stated as she presented the finished spell, it was in a form of a red liquid inside the bottle.


    "Izi? Izi? Is it now finished? Can we open him up now?" The girl with excitement on her voice stated.


    "Now, now, don''t be in a haste."


    ''This twisted brats,'' the young man thought as he looked with glinting scarlet red eyes.


    He gained the first part of his memory from the so-called system. The system that suddenly talked on his head was a control system under the hold of the mother system. It allowed him to see his memory about what happened before he fell into coma.


    The young man had a deal with a deity in order to gained the blood of Asura - he''s a descendant of the Creator that was the ruler of the deities. As Asura would picked another successor, Zero knew this so he wanted to get a hold of that power.


    Though, he accumulated this memory , he was still confused. Why did he wanted that power? What was the use of it?


    That deal between him and the deity happened hundred years ago but what was their deal? What did he bargained in order to have Asura''s blood?


    He knew that he had now the bloodline of the descendant of the Creator, from the statements of the cat-eared girl that kept talking with herself.


    ["System, how many memory files left? Can you download it all?"]


    [Memory file contained three files, downloaded one out of three. Command prompt¡­downloading memory file 2 and 3¡­]


    [Denied. Restricted.]


    Zero frowned as he heard this. Restricted? Who restricted him?


    ------


    A young man on the main computer sneezed as he tried to blocked the system bug who was accessing the memories of the Master.


    "I''ll totally annihilate this crazy bug! All the bugs can''t escape m--- No! He slipperily got away!"


    Ryder cursed as he located the system bug which suddenly disappeared with no traces left. He ruffled his messy hair as his red eyes with darkened eyebags looked for his communicator.


    ''I need to call the others. There''s a system bug that got escaped!''


    ------


    [Host, you''re restricted by the mother system. Do you want to access Manual mode?]


    Not knowing why, the young man agreed to it. If the mother system denied him, then he''ll deny that thing, too.


    [We shall now operate independently.]


    Zero noticed that the witch was now nearing him with a red bottled liquid on her hand while the other girl who was named Aries was grinning with joy as she readied the scalpel.


    They''re really going to dissect him up. The young man thought that they weren''t serious but it was the opposite.


    "You can drink this potion so that you''ll feel less pain," Izi advised as she grabbed the jaw of the young man in order to forcefully open his mouth.


    With scarlet red eyes, he glared at the witch that made her paused, momentarily due to being intimidated by the youth''s death glare.


    "Just let him drink it now, Izi! I can''t wait anymore!"


    "Yes, yes, Aries loves blood of deities! Truly heavenly!"


    As they were distracted on their excitement, Zero inquired the system.


    ["Do you have any escape item or something?"]


    [Do you want to access the system space?]


    ''System space! It would do right now.''


    The young man easily agreed as the system started preparing him to teleport inside the space. While Izi was about to let the youth drink the potion, the young man suddenly smirked as he stated, "Bye."


    Then he disappeared from the spot, even the ice structured table was brought with him.


    Aries dropped her scalpel with surprised, "What h-happened, I-izi?" With her shaky voice she asked the dumbfounded woman.


    Izi finally regained clarity as she helplessly smiled, "Well, he escaped. The Circus got him."


    "Eh?!"


    -----


    Zero saw the familiar place that he migrated into, it was the black space. So he unintentionally accessed the system space at that time? The young man smiled, knowing that he could go a cultivation spree inside this space as it had a very abundant energy.


    ["So this is the system space?"]


    [Host, if you want to know the privileges within the system space, you can open the display screen.]


    ["Open display screen?"]


    [Command prompt¡­allowed.]


    A status screen immediately appeared infront of the young man. It displayed several usual descriptions like his name, skills, stat points, and others that the youth just scrolled through not giving a glance to it as he looked for the privileges of the system space.


    He changed into another screen and saw the privileges.


    [System space - a black space that was suspended between time and space.


    Privileges:


    ? Resting space (regeneration)


    ? Cultivation ground (2 hours)


    ? Bring a living state (locked)


    ? Renovate the space (locked)


    ? Gain the aether (locked)


    All locked privileges can be obtained through a task mission.]


    After examining it, he wanted to ask the system again when he observed that he was still restrained on the ice-structured table. Did he accidentally brought the table?


    ["System, can you untie me here?"]


    The monotone voice didn''t responded as Zero helplessly sighed and struggled to the tight rope. After finally figuring out the locked mechanism of this unique rope, the young man held his reddened wrists as it slowly healed on its own.


    ''It must be the regeneration effect of this black space.''


    He observed the unique rope as he put it on the ice-structured table, deciding that he could put it in use in the future.


    He followed again where the silver light was heading to. It was the same barrier again but he noticed that it was in a form of a door.


    ''Oh, the dumb person was here again!'' The voice stated to itself as it observed the pondering youth.


    ["System, does this door needs a key?"]


    [This is a restricted space. Host can access it with the gold key on the system shop.]


    ["Shop? Open display screen."]


    Zero skipped again his personal stats as he looked at the icon of a shopping cart. It opened and various items appeared.


    There were three types of key, the silver key, gold key and the aether key.


    ''Aether key? It appeared again.''


    The young man closed the system shop and opened the system space'' privileges and confirmed his hypothesis. He tried clicking the ''gain the aether'' phrase but it only showed the locked word. He went back to the system shop and clicked the aether key but it only said ''you can open the gain the aether privilege through the use of the aether key''.


    He sighed as he decided to set it aside. Zero then examined the requirements in order to obtain those keys.


    [System shop:


    Silver key - 5 side tasks


    Gold key - 1 main task, 3 side tasks


    Aether key - 10 main tasks]


    The young man creased his brows as he saw this, tasks? So it''s not coins or any common currency?


    ["System, what''s a task?"]


    [System task definition can be found on the Performer''s objectives and relevance.]


    Should he need to apply a change of system? All the system did was to make him read things. Is there any auto-read or auto-explain something here?


    As if reading his thoughts the system stated.


    [Host is prohibited to be lazy. Reading is a training for a new host.]


    Zero cursed the creator of this system as he started to skim through the said display screen.


    Performers were called to a system traveller as they jump through realms, dimensions and worlds. Within each worlds that they were at, the system could issue a system task which had three types of - the main task, side task and the emergency task.


    ''Emergency task? Strange and weird. Though, how can I trigger it?''


    Main task was a mission that the Performer should accomplish, if failed, a punishment would be issued.


    Side task was a mission that the Performer could just ignore if he wanted to.


    Emergency task was a mission that included the life and death of the Performer.


    "Life and death? So it was literally for emergency purposes," the youth sarcastically quoted as he still didn''t know how serious was an emergency task was.


    Without nothing to do, Zero decided to examine his personal stats.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked)


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 1


    Stamina: 5


    Agility: 1


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    The young man facepalmed at his situation and he was very irritated to the ''0'' tag on the performer. Did they literally put just a number ''0'' as his name?


    ["System, can I do a rename?"]


    [Command prompt rename¡­denied.]


    ''Well, let''s live with this 0 number name for now.''


    ''Right. If I had time, I will visit that ?ssed Circus organization to complain for their defected product.''

 Chapter 43 - 41

    Circus Organization, meeting room.


    The six heads which called the Head Seats of the Circus were on their designated seat as they waited for the report of the young man who was the operator of the main computer which monitored the mother system.


    The First seat was Degris, infront of him which was the Second seat was Scarlet, next to the elegant woman was the smiling child who was Blu and he was the Third seat. A red haired man with bulky and huge build was Driven, the Fourth seat. The Fifth seat was Viola who had poker face as she waited and the Sixth seat was Ryder and also got a lame job of operating the main computer.


    The truth was no one wanted to have that monitoring job as it would consumed their relaxation time and the lame job was left to the ''righteous'' Ryder who reluctantly accepted it.


    Ryder coughed to catch their attention, "This emergency meeting was to inform you about the crazy bug who kept pestering us for the past years. It appeared again!"


    "Are you sure about that? I''ve known that Master had already took care of it," Blu argued to the sixth seat while Ryder wanted to hit this kid, he was the one who forced him to monitor day and night with no sleep on the systems and now that he had something to report, he just debated on it.


    "My conjecture is that the bug must be Master," Degris stated as he crossed his arms.


    Ryder frowned and argued, "How could you say that? Master is the one who really hates system bugs and viruses so he wanted one of us to regularly monitor the mother system and I took that work."


    ''If it was truly Master. I would be dead,'' the sixth seat sighed inwardly, knowing that he just tried to attack their master.


    "If Master is a bug or with the bug, what would Master first do?"


    The silent fifth seat suddenly spoke up, "He would first do something that is related to him."


    "What do you mean?" Ryder asked her.


    "Oh! I got it! Master would infiltrate some files that were related to him and as we had gathered a while back, Master lost his memories so he did not contacted us. So it must be the memory files that he saved in the mother system," Blu proudly deduced that made Ryder pale.


    ''Ops. He did something bad.''


    With his life to risk, he pretended to calm himself as he agreed with the kid''s statement with gritted teeth.


    As if the kid knew his thoughts, the smiling Blu asked, "So what did you do to the system bug, Sixth seat?"


    Ryder went silent. He didn''t want to answer this evil child. Since meeting this kid, he felt that his lifespan was slowly consumed by Blu''s wickedness.


    "Oh. You did something bad? That''s alright, Ryder. Everyone does mistakes," Ryder smiled at the comforting words of Scarlet but he was very gullible as the elegant woman continued.


    "But not something so stupid like you."


    Driven, the musclehead cleared his throat and stated, "Well, if the idiot had nothing to say anymore, let''s just dispose of him so that when Master go back, we''re out of trouble."


    "Right, right, Fourth seat! You''re so smart," Blu agreed.


    "Hey! You kid! I''m truly done with you. Let''s fight! Let''s see who''s gonna dispose who!" Ryder stated as he stood up from his chair.


    "Bring it on! I''m not scared to old uncle like you!"


    "Wh-what?! Old uncle?--"


    Degris stood up in between of the two as he looked at them with cold eyes in order to shut them up.


    "Alright, as the manager of the Circus. Please abide to the rules both of you. No fighting inside the jurisdiction of the organization," the first seat calmly said with hint of coldness on his voice.


    They went back to their seats and behaved.


    Observing that it was now settled, Degris started, "I believed that Master has plans so we must wait here. Remember that our last meeting with him, he said that we should wait for him."


    Realization dawned upon their faces as they remembered the last meeting with their master. It was seven years ago.


    ----


    Finally the young man decided to go out after his two hours of cultivation. He tried extending his cultivation more than two hours but the system would warned him being banned for a month if he broke the rules inside the system space.


    ["System, can I go out now?"]


    [Host is advised to stop being lazy and start to do your tasks.]


    ["What task?"]


    The system did not reply as it suddenly sent the youth out of the system space without saying a word. Zero appeared in the unfamiliar hallway leading to the military barracks. As voices of the soldier was heard outside while they''re on a training.


    ''What am I doing here?''


    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    "A war between Phoenix continent and Greatworld continent? What happened?"


    ["System, how much time did I spent in the system space?"]


    [Host, you had wasted one month in the system space.]


    ["How?"]


    [The system space is suspended between time and space, it means that it does not adhere to the natural world''s time but it had its own time moving within. Five hours in the system space is equivalent to one month in the natural world. The System advised that Host needs to be attentive to his use of time inside the system space.]


    ''Why does this system was so defected? It did not even warned him that he wasted precious time there and most of all, why is it spending just five hours was equalled to one month?''


    [Host selected manual mode so host needed to do things on his own as the mother system was not in control anymore. And without the mother system the system space was not aligned to the mother system''s time.]


    ["What?!"]


    So he was the one who was at wrong at this situation? And who was it who asked him about activating the manual mode?


    ["System, are you playing with me?"]


    [Command prompt activating play mode.]


    [The Host could now do the Performer''s play.]


    ["What performer''s play?"]


    [Refer to the Glossary and Definitions of the system.]


    Zero cursed the broken system and ignored it. He needed first to gather information on what happened during the one month of not being present in the kingdom.


    ''I should now use that charmer skill of mine. Let me check it first.''


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked)


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 1


    Stamina: 5


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    He clicked the charmer on the skills as to see its definition.


    [Charmer - you can use your looks to charm anyone.]


    Zero facepalmed at the simple explanation as he sighed and activated the charmer skills.


    "Lucky for me, its effectivity is 10."


    He did not proceeded to the barracks as he first looked for servants around to accumulate news or information.


    "Excuse me?" Zero asked the two maids who blushed at his presence as he asked for the happenings of the past weeks.


    "Young master Zero, you didn''t know what happened?" The maid asked with surprise as the news about the happening during the past weeks was very talked inside and outside the palace.


    "I was on indoor cultivation for one month."


    "Then it would be sad to hear this news as the third princess was very close to you."


    "What do you mean?" Zero felt something bad about this information.


    "The third princess was found dead while she was with the first prince of the Phoenix continent. So His Majesty declared war to the Phoenix continent that made the Phoenix King easily agreed as to prove that his nephew was innocent."


    And the other maid added, "And the Xiu Royal Household is under the suspicion of doing forbidden magic as they discovered a witch was under the care of the royal family."


    "Witch are hideous being, they practiced forbidden spells!"


    After Zero heard the servants'' words, he wanted to see the third princess or may be the royal family in order to confirm that it didn''t really happened.


    Even though, he had no mutual feelings to Xiu Ying, he still treated her as a close friend as she would usually took care of him and they got along very well but not in a romantic way.


    He was about to pass through the hallway leading outside in order to go to the main palace when a barrier prevented him.


    [System warning: the host is prohibited to leave the location unless he started the first task.]


    He tried breaking the barrier using his fire magic when the system warned again.


    [If host continued to ignore the warning, punishment awaits.]

 Chapter 44 - 42

    Zero defeatedly gave up as it was no use and the warning on his sight kept flashing. He went back to the hallway leading to the barracks and saw General Jianguo there.


    "Zero! You''re here!" The general greeted him enthusiastically that made the young man confused. As he had known that he was not familiar with the general and the general isn''t friendly with anyone other than the King.


    Might be the general was mistaken.


    The young man pointed to himself and asked, "Are you talking to me?"


    "You kid, you really love to joke!" General Jianguo smacked his back in a friendly manner but still it made Zero felt the strength of the general.


    ["What''s happening, system?"]


    [The system had an ability to alter memories of the people that is included in the mission to make it easy for the host to adapt.]


    This was the first thing that the system responded in a favorable manner. Zero smiled while knowing that he had a unique system, it would be a piece of cake if he could just alter their memories in order to prevent the war.


    [The alteration of memory is under the control of the system random pick. Your altered identity is a good nephew of the Greatworld King and you''re under the training of the General who will be leading the first platoon to annihilate the Phoenix soldiers.


    Zero felt his face hardened as he knew this, he thought that he had the control of altering memories but it was easily crushed by the system''s information.


    ["What''s a system random pick?"]


    ''Don''t reply that I am going to read it to another some kind of system definition or something.'' Zero chanted on his mind.


    [Host is fortunate as there''s an inputted explanation for the description.]


    [System random pick is depended on the intelligence stat. The effective the intelligence stat is, the more reliable the altered identity will be.]


    The young man frowned at the statement of the system but he was snapped back when the heavy hand of the general pounded again on his back.


    "What are you thinking, kid?! Let''s go now! After coming out from your indoor cultivation, you seem to be getting more silly."


    "General, what do you think about the case of Xiu Ying''s death?"


    "Death? Oh, you mean your cousin''s death?"


    "Yes, my c-cousin''s death."


    The young man was not used calling someone as cousin and most of all, someone that claimed to be his lover.


    "We''ve investigated it with the help of Bai Zhou and we''re still suspicious about the case as it pointing the evidences to the first prince though the first prince would not benefit anything other than declaring war if he killed the third princess."


    Zero frowned and asked, "Why didn''t you prevented the war if you''re suspicious about it?"


    The general chuckled at the seriousness of the young man and ruffled the youth''s hair.


    "Kid, the King is now in despair due to the death of his youngest daughter and because of anger and sadness he declared war after seeing the evidences. If its me, I would truly get myself bloody in order to avenge my daughter."


    The youth was silent about the general''s words because the man got his point there. If he was a father, he would do what the king did.


    "Maybe you should stop thinking about it and start training, too. You''re a month''s too late for participating in my first platoon!"


    "You mean the war? I''ll be participating in the war?"


    "Yes," General Jianguo frowned at the weirdness of the young man. ''Might be the effects of suddenly knowing that his cousin died after getting out of his indoor cultivation. I heard that they were close?''


    "So start now your training!"


    Zero obliged after finding his spot. The barracks had a training gym where many training equipments for the soldiers to spend into their strength, endurance, reflexes and other stuff that could make them improve could be found inside. There would be one on one fight between the soldiers, a training of reflexes in the moving mechanical dolls, a punching bag to execute your punches, and other mobilized training equipment for the soldiers.


    There weren''t only soldiers in the gym as there were equipment staffs who would be at service if the soldier''s needed help or ?ssistance.


    ["System, do you know anything about this?"]


    [The host is obliged to follow and adapt all the sitaution that the host will fall in.]


    The young man gritted his teeth to the scum reply of this broken product as he started to punch the punching bag infront of him, venting his frustration. After five punches, he heard a system notification.


    [Ting! Strength increased to 2 points of effectivity.]


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked)


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 1(+1)


    Stamina: 5


    Agility: 1


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    ''Wasn''t it easy to increase all of his stats with the help of these training equipments?''


    Zero smiled as he started to energetically punched on the punching bag. Every the fifth time he would punched, there would be a system notification ringing on his ear.


    [Ting!]


    [Ting!]


    [Ting!]


    ¡­.


    After reaching the 10 points of effectivity, it stopped ringing.


    ''It might already reached its maximum or something?''


    ["Open display screen."]


    Title: ?????? (Locked)


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 10


    Stamina: 5


    Agility: 1


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    As Zero looked around in order to find an available equipment staff in order to help him with practicing his reflexes, a girl approached him.


    "Excuse me, mister? Do you need help?" a girl with twin tails had a bright smile on her face and on her forehead was a headband that has some kind of mechanical spectacle on it, asked the young man.


    Zero agreed as the girl smiled and introduced herself, "You can call me Li Li, mister. Are you a soldier here, too, mister?"


    Li Li with a bright smile beamed at the young man as she started to test the mechanical dolls that Zero would use.


    "Sort of. You can call me Zero."


    The girl hummed as she put down her headband spectacle and nodded at the youth, an indication that he could now start.


    There were two mechanical dolls that Li Li operated as Zero dodged at their attacks yet he was a second late as he got hit by the smack of the mechanical doll and he felt that his bone crushed from the intensity.


    The mechanical dolls were weighted of 200 kilogram due to heavy metals and other composition so it was natural to get that kind of result if you''re just an amateur in training.


    Though the young man got hit, his agility increased. After he got hit for more than five times, Zero laid on the ground, he was not a physically fit person and he isn''t into soldier training or something, and for some reason he was grateful that he was a mage as mages only used the qi energy to manipulate their attacks and defences, and they had long range attacks, too, so dodging wasn''t a problem but currently, after receiving this defected system, he''s now suffering from the consequences of not practicing his physical body.


    ["Open display screen."]


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked)


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 10


    Stamina: 6


    Agility: 10


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    The fruits of his labor. Though he needed to be beaten up again by the mechanical dolls in order to increase his stamina. Endurance and patience is the key to achieve heights.


    Li Li neared the dead tired young man on the ground as she waved her hand infront of the young man who was staring into the air. Zero automatically closed the display screen and turned his attention to the girl.


    "Zero? Are you okay? Do you want to rest first before continuing?"


    "Just wait a bit and I''ll continue."


    After hours of enduring the hits, the young man got used to it. He was having fun dodging the mechanical dolls after he reached 10 points of effectivity in his stamina.


    [Ting! A reward of 5 stat points.]


    [Ting! You got the title of Beaten Junkie.]


    Zero stopped for a minute as to look at his personal stat.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 0


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 10


    Stamina: 10


    Agility: 10


    (+5 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    ["System, what do I do with this reward?"]


    [Host, after reaching 10 points of effectivity to all of the host stats, the host can now allocate excess stat points.]


    ["Allocate? Where should I put this 5 stat points, system? Do I need to distribute it to each?]


    [¡­]


    It''s natural that the defected system won''t reply to him because it''s only good for making him read things. The young man clicked the ''Beaten Junkie'' title and his mouth quirked in annoyance.


    [Beaten Junkie - you''re a host that loves to be beaten up. If you activate this title, you get a 20% endurance of any kind of pain inflicted affliction.]


    Even though the description was irritating yet it gave him benefits so he pressed activate and all the pain that he was feeling a moment ago, disappeared.


    Li Li neared the youth as she handed him a water and a towel.


    "By the way, you look very young to be working here. Are you not studying in any school?" Zero asked as he dried his wet hair with the towel.


    The girl suddenly bowed her head while she remembered her school yet she smiled at the young man.


    "Well, my school was destroyed a year ago. Did you hear about Harconia Institute?"


    "Harconia? You''re school is that one?" The youth stated with surprise on his face.


    He heard that in the news after waking up from coma, that the institution was infiltrated by the demons and many lives were ceased on their hands. Even a prominent household son from Sereign continent wasn''t excluded from the misfortune. The TwinCity King decided to temporarily closed the Harconia Institute because there were dark energies left behind by the demons.


    Li Li continued, "Harconia Institute is the very best school that I ever been. My classmates were cool, even teacher was¡­ a-awesome."


    Zero noticed that the girl was saddened by this so he wanted to comfort her but Li Li instantly smiled, "But all of it was in the past now! We should seek for the new beginnings. That''s why I stopped enrolling to any martial schools as I had no talent in cultivation and I applied here as a equipment staff so I could make many more of my inventions! Did you know that I made that mechanical dolls?!"


    "Really?"


    "Yes! The materials that I used.."


    The young man just listened to the girl''s enthusiastic talk that made him smile from it.

 Chapter 45 - 43

    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent (2%)


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi (0%)


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family (0%)


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    As Zero observed, the percentage suddenly appeared after he started his training in the barracks.


    It was considerable to have 2% progress in the first task, knowing that he did not do anything big yet. He decided to cross the barrier now that prevented him from going to the main palace as he knew that he could now go out without the system''s barrier.


    Fortunately, nothing stop him on his way to his destination until the second princess came.


    ----


    Main Palace.


    The young man went his way to the throne room in order to see the King but while on it, the second princess halted him from proceeding.


    "What are you doing?" Zero asked as he referred to the gripped of the second princess on his arm.


    "Why are you here?" Xiu Jia whispered her words, carefully as she brought the young man to the corner where no one could see them.


    "Umm? I''m going to inquire about my cousin''s death."


    The second princess frowned in confusion and said, "What cousin? You mean my sister?"


    "Y-yes. I mean Xiu Ying," Zero as well was confused to the second princess acting as if she wasn''t affected by the altered memories.


    ["System, is there any explanation about people who were excluded by your ability?"]


    [The system had an ability to alter memories of the people that is included in the mission to make it easy for the host to adapt.]


    ["So she''s not included?"]


    [Except for higher beings or so.]


    ''You mean¡­ ahh that''s why she was fluent on the story of the immortal fairy.''


    Realization dawned upon the youth as he glared at the second princess. The second princess with a knowing smile stated, "You have that strange ability called system. Don''t worry I had already hidden your ability from the peering eyes of some deities."


    "So you are the real ice p--," Xiu Jia covered his mouth immediately as he choke on his words.


    "Greetings to you, my most dearest older sister!" The second princess greeted someone behind the youth as the young man tried to unclasped the hands of Xiu Jia on his mouth.


    ''Why is this woman so strong?''


    He already had a 10 points of effectivity in his strength yet he couldn''t overcome the tight gripped of the second princess.


    "What are you doing with our cousin?" As the young man was still at the hold of Xiu Jia so he wasn''t able to turn around to see the first princess yet he felt her nearness behind. What is that two peaks pecking on his back?


    Xiu Jia eyed the youth for a minute as if communicating something and Zero just nodded at her. The second princess let go of her clasps as she sweetly smiled at the first princess. Zero immediately distanced himself from the first princess.


    "Nothing, we''re just talking."


    Xiu Meihui coldly looked at the second princess and when she turned her sight at Zero, her eyes softened a bit as she blushed.


    ''Did I saw something wrong?''


    ["System, did my sight got infected?"]


    [The system shop had eye drops sold, cheaply. 1 main task for 100 eye drops.]


    Zero calmed himself as to not cursed the innocent system and he inquired again.


    ["Can you explain in detail the altered identity that I am wearing now?"]


    [- The host altered identity is a good nephew of the Greatworld King and you''re under the training of the General who will be leading the first platoon to annihilate the Phoenix soldiers.


    - The host is good at war strategy.


    - The first princess had a crush on you.]


    ["Are you sure you did not forget anything?"]


    [The host is advised to stick on his identity or punishment awaits.]


    ''Truly, what was this so-called punishment anyway? The system loves to repeat it again and again'' It made Zero curious what punishment was in-stored for him if he wasn''t able to finish any tasks or stick to the rules of the system.


    "Hello? Did you finish talking with that ability of yours?" The second princess whispered as the young man noticed that they were following the lead of the first princess.


    "Where are we going?"


    "Idiot! You are the one who agreed on joining my older sister''s afternoon tea and now you forgot?!"


    "I was busy so how did I agreed?"


    "You nodded at her request."


    ''Might be I was busy talking to the system and unconsciously nodded at her.


    ----


    They were now at the White Moon Palace which was the first princess'' palace.


    The three of them were under at a cherry blossom tree as they drank with their tea. There were maidservants serving them tea, while the youth enjoyed himself as he drank his tea, merrily.


    "Zero, how was the training? You''re participating at the war?" Xiu Meihui asked gently to the enjoying young man. The second princess kicked his leg that made him yelped in pain while glaring at the second princess.


    Xiu Jia just smiled at him while she gracefully drank her tea.


    "It''s fine. The war will be just a piece of cake." ''Cause it will not happen.'' Zero thought as he let a servant poured tea on his empty cup.


    "Right, the war between the Phoenix continent will be happening next week so training must be hard," Xiu Jia spoke as she smiled sweetly at her sister and the choking young man.


    Xiu Meihui used her handkerchief to dry the wet chin of the young man as the youth''s tea spurred out his mouth because of the words of the second princess. Her care to the youth was seen by the other that made Xiu Jia widened her smile as she thought, ''So amusing.''


    ''Next week?!'' He blamed again his defected system for not reminding him about it. Now, he was persistent of visiting that Circus organization once he finished his tasks here.


    ''Did my words choke you?'' Xiu Jia gave a sweet smile at the young man that he returned it with a death glare.


    ''I''ll get back to you later!'' Zero gritted his teeth while looking at Xiu Jia, the second princess just ignored it as she continued to look smugly at the young man.


    They were both communicating through their eyes that made the first princess cleared her throat as she was jealous to their interaction. She was surprised that Zero wasn''t only closed to her youngest sister but also with her second sister, that made her doubt about something.


    ''How unfortunate they would be.''


    Xiu Meihui grabbed the young man''s sleeve as she spoke, "I have something to show you."


    "Really! Can you show it to me, too?!" The second princess bu??ed in that made her received an icy glare from the first princess.


    "Okay, if you don''t want to show me, my dearest sister. I''ll wait here while enjoying my tea and the cherry blossom," Xiu Jia said as she wished her luck to the young man.


    ''Well, he will not die at the hands of a pawn though.'' The second princess thought with a shrug as she looked at the retreating back of the two.


    ---


    The young man observed the view of the beautiful arrangement of flowers on the pots as it was reflected by the clear water of the small pond.


    "Did you plant all of this?"


    "Umm¡­ you forgot that we plant this together during we were kids?" Xiu Meihui stated as she had a confused expression on her face.


    [System Warning: Host is out of character (1/3)]


    And how would he supposed to know if he had a memory like that when he was just pretending here due to the illusion created by the system?


    [If host is able to reach the maximum of 3 OOC, the system will give you a reward.]


    Hearing the term ''reward'' gave the youth an ominous feeling about it. His system was truly broken.


    ["What reward?"]


    [A reward of relaxation in the punishment space in one year in system''s time.]


    ''Does it sounds like being isolated in the punishment space for decades?''


    Zero shivered from that thought as he smiled at the first princess.


    "They''ve grown lovely. Did you took care of it?"


    "Yes," Unexpectedly, the first princess displayed a bashful smile infront of Zero that made the young man scratched his nape in awkwardness.


    "L-let''s go back¡­" the youth trailed off but Xiu Meihui stopped him.


    "Wait! I have something to tell you."


    ----


    The darkness of the room engulfed an individual in the middle as hexes were inscribed on the ground, signs of strange symbols were around him as he was in crossed legs while cultivating. He had a blank expression on his face as he was in concentration to the world energy roaming around the place.


    While he busied himself, suddenly he opened his eyes as a smirk was evident on his mouth and the black glinting of his eyes couldn''t be hidden.


    "He''s here," stated by a dismal voice.

 Chapter 46 - 44

    Zero was with the second princess who was the real ice princess. He was unexpectedly was here again at the same place where the poker game happened and he couldn''t imagine that it was a month ago that it happened, like it was just yesterday. The happenings was very fast as the young man was a bit bewildered by his involvement of the Royal family.


    At first, when he woke up and learned things. He decided to just retain his memories and once his memories got back, he would leave the Royal Household after paying them back but things did not happen as planned.


    Currently, the second princess was letting her maids prepare the food and drinks as it was already afternoon and it''s time for lunch. After all of the complete course of food was out, Xiu Jia immediately dismissed the servants, making only the two of them was left in the pavilion.


    "You can serve your own tea," the second princess spoke while she took a piece of moon cake to her mouth.


    The young man sipped on the refreshing tea as it was not his usual rose tea but it was a mixture of mint and lemon.


    "So what are we going to talk about?" Zero started.


    "You and my sister. Did she confess?" The second princess teased as the young man was confused to her words.


    "Huh? What confession?"


    Flashback.


    "Wait! I have something to tell you."


    The youth turned around and waited for the first princess to talk.


    "Umm¡­ you must keep yourself safe at the war and I¡­ umm.. good luck!" She suddenly bursted out at the surprised young man. Zero sighed as he was happy that he was wrong about his instincts. He thought that she would say something that could make him speechless.


    The first princess did not say anything about her feelings, it might be the system was mistaken on its last description of his altered identity.


    "Thanks for wishing well for me, Xiu Meihui," the youth said as he patted the head of the first princess. Even though he was younger than her, he couldn''t help but looked at her like a younger sister when she acted shy and embarrassed.


    "You can call me Meihui," she whispered but the young man still heard it as he chuckled.


    "Okay. Let''s go back now, Meihui. Shall we?"


    The first princess nodded as they went back together.


    -----


    Realizing that she was wrong on her ?ssumptions, Xiu Jia disappointedly sighed as she sipped on her tea.


    "It would be a good show if that cold princess would be drooling upon you¡­" she trailed off that made the youth frowned at her.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere went serious due to the ice princess grim vibe.


    "Alright. I called you here because I have a negotiation to offer."


    "Negotiation? And what it may be?"


    "As you had know the truth about me, let''s strike a deal. A win-win deal."


    Zero gestured for the ice princess to proceed.


    "I know that system travellers like you had ?ssigned missions to do so tell me first what is it? Maybe I could help."


    "How did you know about the systems?"


    The ice princess suddenly smiled in reminiscent, "Well, I had worked with someone with the same case like you."


    She smiled meaningfully at Zero but the youth felt strange about it. The youth just ignored it and continued to listen at the ice princess'' statement.


    "Only those people who had connections with the Circus would be chosen with the mother system."


    The youth did not comment on this as he knew that his case was not something like having connections by the said organization but he had a deal with a deity that lead him to his current situation.


    "I''ll tell you about my tasks if you tell me about a witch named Izi."


    Hearing that, a sadistic smile appeared on the ice princess face, "That witch? Well, I had enough with her impersonating so I killed her and let her body be discovered by the enemies of the kingdom. Though, that two-souled girl escaped."


    "Why did you let her body got discovered? And who was this enemies you''re talking to?"


    Zero heard it too at the mouths of the servants that he asked about the occurrence during he was not present. They said about enemies and ''they''.


    He thought at first that it was just the Phoenix continent but he was wrong.


    "That''s why invited you here at my pavilion in order to filter our discussion from the prying ears of the Serpents."


    "Serpents?"


    "Serpents are called to the loyal servants of the deity of Mischief and Deceit. Knowing that sly deity is on our tails as he governed this continent so we must be careful."


    "So he knew about my existence?"


    "Sort of but not your system."


    Zero was surprised as he discovered the involvement of a deity on this situation. He thought at first that this mission of his was easy as he had a long duration time of two years but he did not anticipated that he would prepare himself for going against with a deity. It would be good to have an ?ssistance with the ice princess as she was familiar with them.


    "But not only that, we are chasing against time. The war can''t happen next week as it will be detrimental to the unity of the continents."


    "That''s part of my tasks. I''ll prevent the war to happen."


    "Then, that''s good. So what are your other tasks?"


    "Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi and solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family."


    The ice princess smiled, "You can check the progress of your third task as I''m one of those said mystery."


    Zero just followed.


    ["Open display screen."]


    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent (2%)


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi (0%)


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family (10%)


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    "It''s the same, even I am classified by a higher being of that system of yours. I still could not see the wonders that only system travellers saw."


    ''She''s part of the big mystery then but what was the latter half of it, though?''


    "Let''s focus first at the war first. What''s your plan in order to prevent it?" Xiu Jia changed the subject as she knew that the war was necessary to discuss as it was nearing and a pressing matter at this moment.


    "Plan?"


    Truthfully speaking, the youth had already planned in order to prevent the war. The general stated to him that before the war would be set, the second prince of the Phoenix continent would come in order to negotiate once more but General Jianguo proposed that they would just ignore the plea of the second prince or if he''s insistent then they''ll just kill him.


    But while they were planning, the youth beside them had other plans in hand.


    -----


    Before the day of war.


    The second prince of the Phoenix continent finally arrived at the Greatworld kingdom as he sighed. It felt like yesterday that they were just at a banquet happily announcing the union of the two kingdoms and now they were at a warring times.


    "Your highness, are you sure about this?" The personal head guard of the second prince asked.


    "No matter what, I must prevent this."


    It was known that the youth was the most laziest yet smartest prince in the kingdom so that''s why the king sent him to study at Harconia Institute in order to see his future in cultivation but after they had known that he had no talent on it, they were a bit disappointed but when the headmaster of the institution proposed about training him as a strategist as he had brains for it, the king and his father agreed.


    But he went back after the school got destroyed by the infiltration of the demons and the Phoenix reinforcement was late. Lerrent had changed after experiencing the most heartbreaking scene with his teacher and cousin. He was not lazy anymore but more determined now. His sickness about suddenly falling asleep due mental exhaustion was cured unexpectedly. He could now used his intellect to solve most hidden cases, although he was limited by the king to only cases that was safe.


    ''Might be Uncle was in trauma due to what happen to my cousin.''


    After the institute''s tragedy, the seven of them separated ways. Others went back to their home while others decided to travel. Like Lith, she decided to be a travelling doctor, Han continued to be a ?ssassin but an ?ssassin who upholds justice. Rye went to apply at the IT Association in Zenzen continent in order to gain more experience. Kai Sun stayed at his homeland as he worded that he wanted to forget and start anew while Terra came back to her family. And Li Li¡­


    ''Right. She''s here.''


    "Let''s visit Li Li on our way as she''s working in the military''s barracks here," Lerrent stated as he looked out the window of his carriage as to see the peaks of the palace.


    ''Chun, wish me luck here.''

 Chapter 47 - 45

    Darkness enveloped her vision as she woke up from her deep slumber. There wasn''t any light present as she turned around. She tried widening her eyes in order to confirm that she was not still asleep. Sleeping there for a long time was an eternal nightmare for her, the hands that were holding her down, immobilizing her and suffocating her from detachment.


    Dug. Dug.


    The loneliness was drowning her.


    Dug. Dug.


    Depressing thoughts invaded her mind.


    Dug. Dug.


    The vivid mocking of the demons surrounded her hearing.


    Dug. Dug.


    A dot suddenly appeared in her sight. It increased in numbers until a white human stature was formed.


    She momentarily stopped herself from taking it but she built up her resolved and grabbed it.


    ''You''re now reawaken as a half-deity. May luck be by your side.'' The voice on her thoughts was from the white light as she was holding its hand.


    Then the hand let go of her as she plummeted down.


    Looming thunder and dark grey clouds was up the skies as an unprecedented event was happening within the created space of the silver box. Titus the deity of Prevalent Tragedy did not expect that ''she'' would wake up now. He felt lucky to witness a birth of a deity, more like the reawakening of a deity.


    The long silver haired beautiful young woman breathed through her mouth as scarlet red eyes glimpsed at the looming dark skies. She gestured for her hand to be receive as Titus helped her up.


    "Pandora? Do you remember me?" The deity asked hesitantly.


    The deep in thought young woman turned her attention to the man beside her as moment of recognition passed on her eyes.


    "Titus? You''re alive?" She stated in her rasped voice.


    A hint of joy was seen on the deity''s expression as he looked at the young woman.


    "So you remembered?"


    The young woman massaged her head as she replied, "A bit. I still need the other fragments."


    Titus nodded and an idea suddenly went up on his mind.


    "Do you still remember your human self?"


    "Human self?" She whispered as she looked at her jade-like hands. Crashing memories of a silver haired youth invaded her mind, a school''s destruction, dying students and teachers by the hands of the demons and her students. Grief and remorse emerged on her expression as she looked at the surprised deity.


    Titus awkwardly scratched the back of his head as he saw the teary face of the young woman that was once his close friend. Still, he did not know how to comfort her even in the past.


    ''Right. I am Chun Shuho, a girl disgused as a boy because of a curse, an oracle that was detrimental to my family and the people around me. I went to the TwinCity continent in order to find the fragmented memories that was originally mine. I met my students there and we faced cases together as I sometimes played around with them. And suddenly, during the world winter tournament, the demons attacked and reinforcement was late. I died because I confronted one of the generals of the Demon King and the last memories was a very familiar voice that I heard calling to me until I lose consciousness.''


    "What happened after I died I mean my human self died? What happened to that butler?"


    Titus arranged the events on his head as he responded, "After your human body died, it disappeared like dust. As you had gained already the first fragment, it helped you from ressurecting and be awaken. And oh, I saw that butler of yours was so furious as he killed his general, knowing that he''s a prince of the demons."


    Chun nodded as she processed what she heard. It was likely to be Art''s reaction but did not the contract between them take in effect as she died? They had a master-slave contract, even though he would not die as she had died, he would still felt the unbearable pain like two wings being ripped from the back.


    She worriedly then inquired, "How is Art?"


    "Are you not asking first about your condition? Why worry about the others?" Titus noticed the sharp glare of the young woman so he surrendered to it.


    "Alright, he''s not in a good state at this moment. Maybe he only have five months left for his life."


    "Then I need to save Art!" Chun was about to stand up when the deity stopped her from doing drastic.


    "You cannot still leave the place. Your body is incomplete as you are just a half-deity, you need someone''s help to borrow power," Titus explained in a serious manner.


    Chun felt that she could not truly leave the space as she tried to conjure a portal out. She now knew how to manipulate her powers within this space as she gained her bits of memory. Knowing that she was Pandora, the keeper of the three boxes so it was easy to understand that within the silver box, she could do anything.


    "Pandora?"


    "Just call me Chun. I prefer that cute name."


    "Alright, C-chun. So what are you going to do now as you had gained a memory?"


    Chun smiled as she replied, "First is to save Art and continue searching for the fragments and while on it, I''ll visit my family, too. They must be sad by my death."


    "As you cannot go out, we will need someone''s help as I said earlier and lucky for you, I got someone appropriate."


    "Who?" The young woman stated as she sat on the bed of sunflowers.


    "The Great Conqueror."


    ---


    On the side of the south wing of the palace gates, a dirty ragged young boy ran sneakily while hiding between pillars. The soldiers who guarded the gate were unaware of this little pipsqueak under their nose.


    An elegant carriage with a symbol of a soaring phoenix with burning wings arrived infront the palace gates. Lerrent rode on this carriage as he wanted to negotiate again with the Greatworld King. Preventing the war was a top priority as he could not persuade his uncle - the king from not declaring war so he needed to convince the other party.


    The second prince gathered his courage as the palace gates opened for his ride to enter. In the middle of the road to the main palace, his ride suddenly halted, making the second prince baffled from the sudden stop. He was about to ask what happened on the outside when a familiar young man went in.


    This was the youth that he met at the banquet. And what was he doing here? Where was his guards?


    "Looking for your guards? A comrade of mine took care of them," Zero stated in a relax manner as Lerrent observed him.


    "What do you want?" Lerrent asked.


    "Wei! Did you finished your task? Start moving now."


    The pipsqueak who was called Wei dutifully responded after he smeared red paints with magical runes on the symbol of the carriage. It instantly transformed the carriage into one of the royal palace common carriage for escorting out the guests.


    The common carriage turned back from its way as Wei led the horses.


    "Are you kidnapping me?" Lerrent carelessly asked in a lazy tone as he crossed his arms.


    Zero nodded in reply as he did not deny it.


    "What''s the point of this play?"


    "It''s to prevent the war."


    ----


    The Greatworld kingdom was in chaos and the planned war was stopped as suddenly an unknown letter came at the evening to the palace before the day of the war.


    Xiu Jia was kidnapped and the kidnapper stated about stopping the war or the second princess'' life would cease.


    Both of the warring kingdoms did not know about their same state as they decided to momentarily halt the war. But the young man was for sure that these two would not pursue the war anymore as he would find evidences about the third princess'' death and the first thing to do was to look for that girl who had a name Aries.


    Zero glanced at the act of the two as they were now at a abandoned house just outside the Greatworld kingdom. Xiu Jia was having fun about her act while Lerrent was willingly agreeing to her demands as he would sigh constantly.


    "What do you think about my masterpiece, Zero?" Xiu Jia presented a poorly gagged second prince as his hands was tied above his head while it was chained on the ceiling.


    "It''s alright. I''ll leave this to the two of you as I will find that Aries girl."


    "Got it!" Xiu Jia agreed as she started to record the poor looking man with a visual recorder and she sent it through the use of a common carrying bird to the Phoenix kingdom.

 Chapter 48 - 46

    The servants, soldiers and individuals inside the royal palace were in distress as King Xiuwei commanded strictly that they must find a way to retrieve the second princess. Zero was unaffected to this as he left unknowingly through the same passage way of the ancient library. He had a hunched that the girl was hiding there.


    The passage was the same as he saw the usual lamp light attached to th wall. He did not take it as he used his qi perception in order not to alert the person who might be hiding here.


    He retraced his track to the tunnel until he arrived to the spot where he heard the voice of that witch. He followed where it came. The walk was around ten minutes when he reached the end of the tunnel.


    ''Did he got it wrong?''


    Zero examined the wall as he found runic symbols on it. Even though he was not familiar to it but the system was telling him otherwise.


    [System Detection: formation barrier in north.]


    ''A formation array?''


    The young man looked at the wall infront of him as he observed the runes that were scribbled on the wall. Even though he was new to formation arrays as this was his first encounter with it but he read it on a book that formation arrays had its core that would served as a ''heart'' of a formation.


    In order to locate it, Zero touched the runic symbols as he traced it with his hands. Feeling each of the runes if he could figure something out from it.


    ["System, do you have any items that could detect formation arrays'' core?"]


    Right. He could not buy anything from the system shop as he had no completed tasks yet.


    ["Do you have any freebies for it like free test?"]


    [Host could try the free samples of mini bombs.]


    ''Mini bombs? What would I do with that?'' He thought.


    [Mini bombs are designed for free samples. Explosion intensity is 20%, magnitude level is 5% and it is made for muted explosions.]


    Zero frowned as the system did not stop talking about those mini bombs. He was not interested with it but it felt like the system was forcing him to take it.


    [Mini bombs are free, the host will not regret trying.]


    [Mini bombs are free, the host will not regret trying.]


    [Mini bombs are free, the host will not regret trying.]


    It kept repeating like a broken stereo.


    ["Okay, okay. I''ll take one."]


    The young man sighed as a small palm-size bomb appeared on his hand. He frowned while looking at it. There was no indication where to activate it. How will it explode?


    [Host can use a command and the system will activate it.]


    ''Alright.''


    Zero put the mini bomb beside the wall and he thought for a good command. He then smiled as he thought a cool one, "Cha-ching!"


    [''Cha-ching'' is set as activation voice command. Auto-explosion activated. Host is advise to be 20 meters far away from the mini bomb.]


    ''20 meters?'' Zero used his agility to run away out from the explosion radius. The young man did not heard any sound of explosion as the system confirmed it.


    He went back to the wrecked place and saw the big hole on the wall. It then led to another passage but a shadow caught his eye. It was the girl he was looking for!


    "Wait! I have something to ask you!"


    The girl ignored his shout as it continued to run away. Zero chased her. Finally a dead end met the girl that made her stopped from escaping.


    Fortunately, he had a good stamina thanks to his system so he did not get sweat from the chase.


    "It''s over now. You cannot run anymore."


    Zero went near to the girl who was facing the wall when Aries chuckled maniacally as she slowly turned around. The youth was stunned to the horrid face of the girl as protruding bones could be seen from her deep flesh wounds and her skin was strangely melting.


    [System Detection: Level 3 Sphinx]


    Aries cried as her body was slowly ripping away from its flesh. She fell on the ground while convulsing. Zero knew that this must be his second task but how could he burn this girl if he wasn''t able to retrieve anything from her?


    ''Task or evidence?'' This thought kept on playing on his head as looked at writhing girl.


    Suddenly the girl stopped from convulsing as she stood up, her horrifying visage was not less scary from her previous gashed wounds as it made her face more terrible.


    ''What manual?'' By instincts, Zero dodged to the left as the girl attacked. ''How do I kill this monster?''


    ["Do you have any weapons or something that''s free to use?"]


    Zero did not forget to add the ''free'' word, knowing that he was still poor on buying in the system shop.


    [Free weapons are wooden sword, wooden axe, wooden knife, crowbar.]


    The youth went silent for a moment as he selected the crowbar, atleast it was metal. Zero sprinted a distance away from the Sphinx girl as he spinned and adjust his hold to his choice of weapon.


    "This would do. Come!" Zero taunted the monster as the Sphinx roared and launched its attack to him.


    Zero immediately calculated his distance, the timing of attack of the monster, the span of his hand as he used the crowbar to lodged it on the monster''s head. But unfortunately, his crowbar got stucked on the Sphinx'' head as it roared again while shaking its head with the crowbar on it.


    The young man cursed and summoned again another weapon. He used a wooden sword and strangely the wooden sword wasn''t like a wood that he expected it to be but it was more hard and durable than the previous weapon.


    He taunted again the monster to attack as the monster did so. He slide through the feet of the Sphinx as he hacked away its right foot.


    ''What a good sword!''


    It fell down to the ground but it did not give up on attacking as it crouched and jumped on the youth.


    Zero used his fire magic as to try his luck. He did not use his magic earlier because he did not know any offensive spells that could defeat this monster so he compromised by using weapons and this would be a good test for his improved stats.


    "Fire ball!"


    It didn''t even leave a burn to the monster as it just shook away the flames.


    Zero did not wait for it to take its lead again as he used the wooden sword to incapacitate it. A Sphinx weakness was its head so the youth dashed to the monster and swiftly hacked the monster''s head and it fell of. But the youth did not rejoice from the small victory as he knew that this Sphinx girl had another soul on its body.


    The monster that fell had only its body left as the head was burning to ashes from Zero''s flame. Though, it did not have any head but it cackled, its laughter was really creepy as the youth felt chills and goosebumps on his body.


    Truthfully, he did not ignore the system''s statement when it said that it was level 3 so he was still wary after it fell down, knowing that the girl who turned into a Sphinx wasn''t just a simple human.


    "Hahahahahah¡­ you killed me yet you did not," stated by the monster. The body had now a mouth on its stomach and when it opened its mouth to talk, a black crystal-like substance could be seen on it.


    Zero threw another round of his fireball in order to create a diversion. He was planning to slice the monster in half or into pieces just to be sure that it would not get up again but if all of it doesn''t work then there''s still plan C.


    ["System, there''s more of that mini bombs right?"]


    Smokes and burning flesh could be seen on the monster''s hideous figure. Someone wouldn''t imagine that this monster was a sweet-looking girl earlier. The monster did not resemble any human right now as it didn''t have a head but only a body that had a mouth on its stomach. The cut leg was replaced by a newly grown muscles as it stood there unbalanced with both feet.


    "Your lame magic will not cause any harm to me even that puny sword of yours," the monster spoke with its ghastly voice as it patted the burning small flame on its shoulder.


    "Let''s see."


    Zero ran to the monster as he slashed his sword. The monster caught the wooden sword with its mouth as it mockingly threw the youth away. Zero endured the blow on his back as he collided to the wall. The impact of his collision was severe as the wall cracked but the young man did not m??n?d in pain as he smirked while looking at monster. Even though the monster had no eyes he could sense the youth''s strangeness. The monster was about to spit away the sword when it was too late.


    "Cha-ching."


    And then a muted explosion came after.

 Chapter 49 - 47

    Estimating that he could go out now. Zero went out from the system space to see his masterpiece. He just tested it if he could hide within the system space while throwing that bomb away and his hunch was right. But even he was wrong, the more risks, the more success. He betted his life for his plan to proceed and the outcome satisfied him.


    Zero witnessed the massive crater that was caused by the mini bombs. In order to be ?ssured, he attached two mini bombs on his sword to ascertain his success. That''s Zero was, he thought ahead to attain his goal.


    Before he could examine the scene, the system notified.


    [Ting! Side task completed. Reward: +5 stat points, Mystery manual. Claim the reward? Yes or No.]


    Zero selected yes.


    He had now another additional 5 stat points and the other 5 stat points that he received days ago wasn''t allocated yet as he forgot about it due to his frustration to the system.


    ["Open display screen.]


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 1 side task


    Intelligence: 10


    Stamina: 10


    Agility: 10


    (+10 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    He left the stat points as he decided to plan it out later where he could allocate each points. He was more curious to the mystery manual that he received, though.


    [Mystery manual - obtain from killing the Sphinx. Do you want to open the manual? Yes or No?]


    Zero clicked the yes and suddenly a book appeared infront of him, floating there quietly as it waited for the youth to open it. The young man neared it and opened the manual, human figures, steps and words showed on his mind.


    ''Phoenix Bloodline manual? What is that?''


    Zero decided to study it later as he needed first to see the current situation. While looking around using his qi perception, he saw something odd.


    Strangely, the ''wooden'' sword wasn''t affected by the explosion as it laid there unscathed. The young man frowned and asked the system.


    ["Are you sure about this sword being wooden?"]


    [Host, the sword is part of the Wooden class type. Wooden class weapons are identified to be more sturdy and effective than common metal.]


    Zero sighed helplessly as he stated.


    ["System, are you really playing me?"]


    [Player mode was already activated.]


    The youth did not entertain more of the defected system''s usual stupidness as he stashed away the wooden sword on his spatial storage as he deemed it useful. While examining the splashes of blood and pieces of flesh on the ground, Zero discovered a black crystal substance was left untouched.


    ''It might came from the monster?''


    He picked the black crystal.


    [System Detection: Sphinx formula.]


    Without thinking twice, he burned it using his fire magic but it did not get incinerated. Knowing that his fire spell wasn''t enough, Zero thought about the manual.


    ''Phoenix Bloodline? Should he try it now?''


    He was about to take the manual out the storage when suddenly he heard a voice.


    (Hello? Hello? Can anyone hear me?)


    It''s an unfamiliar feminine voice. Zero turned around and observed his surroundings in order to find where it came from. But he saw nothing, just the wrecked and rubbled place. The youth took the black crystal into his storage as he went to find the voice.


    (Are you the Great Conqueror?)


    Zero quirked his brows as he heard this.


    "Great Conqueror?" The youth shouted as his voice echoed inside the enclosed tunnel.


    The feminine voice chuckled. Like it was mocking him. Zero frowned as the voice stopped its play.


    (I am inside you.)


    "How is that possible?" The youth was originally smart but right now his brain was not working as he tried to examine himself.


    Chun who was talking to the youth, put her hands on her face as she sighed helplessly. Chun was observing the youth through the looking-water of Titus as the deity smiled in entertainment while looking to the supposed Great Conqueror.


    (Okay, stop. We were somehow connected so I could speak through your thoughts.)


    Zero ceased his movement as he asked.


    "Who are you?"


    (I am Chun and you''re the only one who could help me.)


    "What do you mean by it?"


    "How can I trust you?"


    Chun on the other side talked to the deity.


    "Did you say about the Great Conqueror has a blood of Asura?"


    Titus nodded as he had this mirth on his eyes while observing the interaction of the two.


    The deity told him that Asura and Pandora were connected through their bloodline as they belong to the same clan. But as Chun prompted the deity to speak more about her past, Titus tightly held his tongue as he did not want to reveal anything. He said that it''s good for Chun to find it herself than him telling it.


    With no other choice, the young woman did not yet settle her score to the sly deity as she knew Titus very well because of her accumulated memory. Titus as a deity of Prevalent Tragedy wasn''t just for decoration or a title to make him look cool but he was truly dangerous. He could cause tragedy all he want. Chun somewhat understand the Creator for locking up this deity in the silver box. Even her fragmented memories pointed out that Titus was a perilous signal.


    Even though they were ''friends'' from her first fragment of memory, her instincts was telling her otherwise.


    She shook her head as she hidden her thoughts, she needed first to regain her power to go out and have full control of the silver box as the sly deity wasn''t divulging anything useful about the silver box.


    (Do you perhaps see visions about demons? Killings? A demon who had horns as it slaughtered a young man?)


    Zero heard the description of the voice and realization hit him. He almost forgot about those dreams. He thought first that it was part of his memories but something was off about it so he just ignored it but as the voice brought it, he became aware of the sudden disappearance of those visions. After activating the system, it did not appear again during his sleep as it usually would emerged on his dreams.


    "Do you know something about those strange dreams?"


    Chun was right on her guess about it because they were bonded by the same bloodline and she could easily talk to him with no obstruction through his mind so she tested that if he could see her pieces of memories. Even though Chun had no strong basis about her conjecture, she still tried to test it and trust her instincts.


    Her instincts was usually on-point so it was not weird to trust it and she survived because of it, too.


    (What you saw on your dreams were part of my memories. It happened in Harconia Institute when the demons attacked the school. We were not only bonded by that but we have the same bloodline flowing through our veins. Asura''s Clan.)


    "Then are you a deity?" Zero was surprised at the revelation of the voice so he asked about the most obvious thing.


    Supposedly, having the same bloodline of Asura indicated that you''re a deity. But his case was not the same as he remembered that he had a deal with a deity in order to obtain the bloodline, though he was not sure about the reason behind it.


    (I could not answer that at this moment.)


    Chun was confused as well about her sudden exposure as a deity.


    "Can you tell me about this Asura dude, then?" As if he got comfortable with his spot, he sat on the ground while conversing on his head. He forgot his current situation at this moment as he was more interested in knowing this strange bloodline because it was coveted by his past self.


    (Currently, I can only tell you about the name of the clan. Our clan is Fura.)


    Chun was crafting her plans, too. The deity wasn''t going to divulge anything to her so she must fully-utilized her connection to this mortal.


    "Fura Clan," the young man repeated the name and he got to the point, "What do you need help on?"


    (Can you go to the Sereign continent and help me retrieve an item?)


    Because Chun had now the power of Pandora which was her deity self. She could feel the silver box was on her home continent. As she was not able to get out because she was still in the process of evolving and adjusting to her deity form so she needed the help of Zero.


    A bond that unexpectedly linked them.


    This is the start of their unpredicted bond. A bond that would form a reversal of fate.

 Chapter 50 - 48

    Zero opened his system tasks to see his progress.


    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent (95%)


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi (45%)


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family (10%)


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    He wasn''t able to find any evidences about the real culprit of the death of Xiu Ying so 95% was a reasonable progress. And the Sphinx formula?


    ''Right. Where was it?''


    The young man was currently at an inn as he decided not to stay at the palace, knowing that it was still in chaos. And he would be cultivating that Phoenix Bloodline manual if it could help him destroy that black crystal. He decided not to cultivate in the system space as he was scared that once he got out, one year would passed already. And it was not very ideal to rely on the defected system.


    Chun interestedly observed the young man as he started to cultivate the Phoenix bloodline manual. As of Chun''s knowledge, the Phoenix bloodline cultivation art came from the ancient Phoenix spirit beast. A divine bird that could be only found in the Mountain Qi. It was said to be a favorite bird of the Creator.


    The young woman was interested if the youth could activate the 24 seals of the Phoenix bloodline. The name Phoenix bloodline wasn''t for only cultivators who had literally the bloodline of a phoenix but it was for martial practitioners who cultivated fire energy and it was perfect for a fire mage like Zero.


    He opened to the next page as it where started the first step yet he was confused to the series of poetic passages.


    ''1. Fire is a free-form''


    ''2. Fire is a bait''


    ''3. Fire is absent''


    ''4. Fire is active''


    ''5. Fire is unpredictable''


    ''6. Fire is self-interested''


    ''7. Fire is needed''


    ''8. Fire is untaintable''


    ''9. Fire is respect and honor''


    ''10. Fire never put too much trust''


    ''11. Fire cannot be courted''


    ''12. Fire cannot be isolated''


    ''13. Fire cannot be overwhelmed''


    ''14. Fire cannot be divided''


    ''15. Fire can be depended''


    ''16. Fire won''t left anything unscathed''


    ''17. Fire courts attention''


    ''18. Fire draws breath''


    ''19. Fire conceals thoughts''


    ''20. Fire invades trust''


    ''21. Fire approves force''


    ''22. Fire limits what is necessary''


    ''23. Fire transforms weakness into power''


    ''24. Fire never outshines the master''


    The young man was still baffled by the written words on the manual. He turned again to another page and shows the meaning of the number one passage. He tried to see the other pages but it was all blank.


    (Do you need help?)


    Chun asked as she saw the helplessness of the youth. The girl smirked at Zero''s state as she knew very well the poetic passages of the manual. It represented the 24 seals and if the martial practitioner that practiced this cultivation art would able to understand each meaning behind those words then they could gain enlightenment and would able to easily manipulate the fire energy without the use of a qi whirlpool and it meant that the use of qi energy had no limitations as the vast energy around the surroundings were plentiful. That''s how overpowered this Phoenix bloodline cultivation art was.


    "Do you understand this?"


    (Yes. I''ve encountered this manual.)


    Truthfully, she did not personally encountered the original form of the Phoenix bloodline manual but she just read it on the ancient books that was stocked on the Shuho household library. The books on that library were accumulated generations through generations. It was a bit more older than the Xiu Royal familiy''s library.


    "Oh. Then can you explain me all of this texts?"


    Chun chuckled to the naivety of the youth as she replied.


    (I cannot explain it to you all as it would not help you on your cultivation and it may lead to your death if you don''t take it slow.)


    Zero frowned but listened to the girl''s advise.


    (The first one is fire is a free form. Basically, it talks about you as a cultivator establishing formlessness. Not only in thoughts but in body, too.)


    As if the explanation was a proceed bu??on, the imprinted figures on Zero''s mind poured on his brain. He unconsciously started to sit in crossed legs as he ?ssumed formlessness.


    Chun smiled as she thought, ''A fast learner.''


    She was able to reminisce again her past profession as a teacher and she missed those students of her. ''Where are they at this moment? Are they still in Harconia Institute?'' Right, she forgot to ask about the situation of that school.


    The youth opened his eyes after doing the first step. He felt light from the experience. Knowing that the first seal was now opened which was located on his nape. Zero was unaware of his fast progress as the Phoenix bloodline cultivation art was profound and it included extensive practice that needed decades of learning and a year to open the first seal.


    "Let''s proceed to the next step. Explain it to me, too."


    Chun smiled in a mischievous manner as she stated.


    (Before I teach it to you. May I ask you about Harconia Institute?)


    "Harconia Institute? The institute that experienced a catastrophe. You said that you were there as I saw those memories of yours."


    (Yes. Specifically, I was killed there.)


    Zero wrinkled his brows and asked, "How---"


    (How am I alive? That''s a good question. I''ll tell you if it''s the right time. So what about Harconia Institute? The students there? Teachers?)


    "I remembered that the students there were injured as well, some died and some survived. The teachers had severe case, though, as a young master from a renowned household in Sereign continent died. The vice headmaster was crippled and the headmaster retired. To sum it all, the Harconia Institute was closed due to the extreme damage and the dark energies that were still present there," Zero backtracked to what he heard from the mouth of Xiu Ying as the third princess would usually talked news to him even if it wasn''t necessary.


    ''Xiu Ying. I hope I was there in her last moments.''


    The youth was saddened as he remembered the third princess that who did all the things that could


    grab his attention. He missed her and he wanted to know who killed her, and he would make sure to not let that murderer get away from it.


    Both of the two individuals went silent as they were drawned on their thoughts of regrets and sadness.


    Chun was silent due to the unprecedented information. Because of her, they met a tragic fate but she still hoped that her seven students were one of those that got survived.


    -----


    (Be warned)


    White Moon Palace.


    Inside the bed chamber of the first princess. Restraining m??ns and groans would be heard inside as the first princess was being punished by a man. This man was none other than the leader of the Serpents and a right hand of the deity of Mischief and Deceit.


    Kilius was known to be the Royal advisor of the Greatworld king. But they did not know that amidst to this, he was playing the royal family on his palm. He was appointed by the deity to look for the silver box and be wary about the Great Conqueror. And to his boredom, he destroyed the life of the ice princess by planting seeds of doubt in the head of King Xiuwei. Even generations of advisors passed in the Xiu Royal family were his people, just to make the life of the betrayer, miserable.


    But unexpectedly, a tangent had appeared. An existence of the Great Conqueror, and he was happy to have a mission on eliminating that being as it opposed the power of his Master.


    Currently, the first princess was lulled into soulessness as she was under the control of Kilius.


    "Please¡­please¡­ no no... I don''t want it.." Xiu Meihui m??n?d as thrusting sound for the 20th time on the maiden''s wall was heard. A rope was tied tightly on both the first princess'' hands as it was attached to the bedpost. She was in her lacy night dress with no undies beneath.


    The first princess begged to stop but it was opposite to her actions as she was m??ning in p???sur?. This was the punishment for getting attached with someone as she was just a pawn of Kilius.


    The White Moon Palace was strangely deserted as no one was in the rescue for the first princess. She cried until she lost consciousness yet her body was still welcoming the sensation that the man was giving.


    Kilius stopped his thrusting as a popping sound resounded after he ceased his movement. The popping sound came from the pocket of lollipop that he was su?k?n?. He was amazed as he observed the panting woman on her bed.


    Truthfully, he just used illusions to led the first princess in the noose. His specialty was deceit as it was given by his Master. He hated touching humans so he preferred his illusion to do the action while he would watched at the side.


    He frowned in disgust at the still panting princess as she do herself, again.


    "Filthy humans should die," he stated as he remembered a princess that he killed a month ago. He smirked as he launched his clawed hand to the maiden''s ?h?st and the panting human stopped from breathing, never able to see the light again.


    She had no use to him as he knew already who was the Great Conqueror.


    And fortunately, blood shall splatter.

 Chapter 51 - 49

    ''Fura clan. Fura clan. Fura clan.''


    It kept repeating inside Zero''s head as he sneakily went inside the library of the Xiu Royal family. The disorder within the royal palace was still on-going as the young man wasn''t able to find any leads as of now and Xiu Jia was truly having fun with the act of being kidnapped as she persisted on it.


    Zero sometimes doubted about the second princess if she was truly the ice princess or she was just a fake one due to her childishness.


    The young man flipped through pages as he was in the old era section. Zero expected that the Fura clan were a clan of deities but the information that he found was indicating otherwise. Fura clan was a clan of martial practitioners that produced genius cultivators every year. Because they were believed to be from the lineage of a deity.


    That was written in the book, it did not say anything about Asura but something caught the attention of Zero. The unique characteristics of a Fura member, their bloodline were interconnected to each other. Their emotions were shared by each of them, that sometimes due to an uncontrolled released of emotions, it would give drawback to all Fura members. And there was a special thing about this clan, they were all transparent to one another as they shared memories, too.


    During the old era, Fura clan lived separately from the ten continents as they did not want to co-exist with non-Fura members in order to protect themselves due to their bloodline. Living in seclusion was peaceful for them as they just only mixed with their fellow clan members. They were a prosperous clan but one member of them had revolted that caused the extinction of all Fura clansmen and it indicated the end of the old era as the bridge of new era prevailed.


    The young man was overwhelmed by the fact that the bloodline that was coursing through his veins came from an extinct clan and he thought at first that Fura clan was a clan of deities but it was opposite as they were special kind of cultivators.


    Chun was looking through what was the young man was reading as she accumulated informations, too. It was not difficult to adjust the view of the looking-water as she easily maneuvered it. The deity that usually accompanied her in the space of the silver box was nowhere in sight as he just left to stroll around the space.


    The girl ignored Titus as she found it more comfortable to be alone than to be with that deity.


    While both of them were occupied by their books, a heavy metallic marching was heard outside the library where the youth was in. Suddenly, the door pounded open as soldiers from the king was in the move for finding a criminal.


    General Jianguo was also there as he was surprised at the appearance of Zero in the ancient library. The general neared him as he patted his back with strength that made the youth faltered from the action.


    "Boy! You''re here. Why didn''t I see you during the military training? Are you avoiding the trainings now? Even though the war didn''t persisted, every soldier needs a training and I don''t tolerate a slacker," the general reprimanded the youth who had a wry smile as he scratched his nape in an awkward manner.


    He wasn''t ready for another acting.


    "By the way, are you informed about the death of the first princess?"


    Zero''s attention was suddenly grabbed by this piece of unexpected news. ''The first princess died? How?''


    It felt like yesterday that he met her and now she''s dead. The youth narrowed his eyes as he knew something amiss on this case. A trail might be left by that culprit.


    "When?"


    "Oh, boy! You''re really ignorant. Where were you these days? Did you lock up yourself in this old-smelling library? Nevermind. Your cousin was killed yesterday at midnight. The body was removed already from the crime scene and was kept hold by the investigation team."


    "Is the crime scene still there?" Zero brought up as the general reluctantly nodded as he observed the youth.


    He felt something from the youth''s change of aura. Is it due to shock of his cousin''s death?


    "Can you bring me there, general?"


    -----


    White Moon Palace.


    There were still individuals who were part of the investigation team, examining the yellow cordoned crime scene


    With no hesitation, Zero walked in as he pulled up the cordon to went inside the crime scene. He went near to the discussing people inside as they find for leads.


    "Sir, a stab to the heart killed the first princess and the instrument used was not a sword but weirdly it resembled claws."


    "Was she attack by a wild animal?"


    "How would a beast break through the palace?"


    Series of conjectures, guesses and debates would be heard as Zero listened to the side.


    "It wasn''t a beast or an animal but a human with clawed hands," the youth interrupted them after Zero looked around the crime scene. A disheveled bed, stain of blood on the pink sheets, white suspicious-looking liquid was left on the bed and something was unsual caught the youth''s gaze.


    The discussing individuals who were members of the investigation team frowned at the trespasser while their captain who was known as Jin, looked at youth in interest.


    Pengfei, a vice captain of the team spoke, "Who are you? Are you allowed here? Don''t contaminate the crime scene."


    Zero ignored his question as the youth picked something on the ground. Ths ignored person was angered to death by the arrogant trespasser''s actions as he was about to call for the guards to drag away this youth, he was stopped by the captain.


    With interest, Jin asked, "How can you say that it was a human?"


    The young man shrugged and replied, "I might be wrong about the human part but I could say that it had a human form and clawed hands as you stated that the first princess was killed by a claw."


    "Hmm¡­ then how can you conclude that?"


    Zero stood straight as he met the piercing gaze of the man.


    "Based on the bed arrangements, bloodstains and that white substance. Maybe the first princess was drugged or under a spell that made her do a ??wd act with that culprit."


    The vice captain was about to interrupt when Jin gestured to keep silent that made the witless man shut his mouth to the intimidating captain.


    "And I could confirm that it was partly human because of this." Zero showed a wrapper of a lollipop.


    "Do an animal ate lollipop?"


    This was the time that Pengfei was able to interfere, "What if it was eaten by the first princess herself?"


    Zero immediately countered, "She doesn''t eat candies at night."


    "Then maybe that candy was eaten the day before yesterday?" Pengfei again debated.


    "The maids wouldn''t allow to spoil the mood of the first princess, knowing that she''s obsessed to cleanlines."


    "Then how could you say that the first princess did a ??wd act with someone?!"


    "You can sent that white substance to the examination lab."


    The vice captain knew that he wasn''t match to the intellect of the youth so he went silent as he restrained his anger while glaring daggers to Zero.


    Jin who was observing at their battle of words suddenly laughed as he said with mirth on his eyes, "I can confirm it to you that you''re right by the ??wd act but it wasn''t sure that the first princess went through s?xu?? ?nt?r??urs? as there was no penetration happened other than the traces of white substance was left on her nails."


    The unfiltered discussions wasn''t new to the investigation team as they usually encountered cases like this but to the pretending youth who wore a blank face was truthfully embarrassed inside. He wasn''t used to this kind of things but he still maintained his serious face.


    "But you got a sharp mind, kid. What''s your name?"


    "I''m Zero."


    Jin nodded as he acknowledged the presence of the youth. He treated him as a guest to the case because he was amazed to the young man''s on-point deduction.


    "If we ?ssumed that you''re right about your hypothesis then how did the culprit went inside the first princess bedchamber without difficulty?" The man asked the youth to test him.


    "Unless ''they'' were a close friend or a guest invited by the first princess. Looking to these two cups of tea, they talked first. Knowing that the first princess had no close friends as she was detached to anyone, it must be a guest. Though, why the first princess invited ''them''?"


    The captain smiled and answered, "I''ll correct you. It isn''t invited though but a unexpected guest. It would be someone who was familiar within the palace and had a great ability to bypassed anyone as the servants did not noticed anything at that night."


    "If it was a secret guest of the first princess then who served the tea to them?"

 Chapter 52 - 50

    They called the maid who served the tea that night.


    It was a young girl around thirteen years old. She was dressed in a uniform with two buns styled on her hair, a usual get-up of a maidservant in the royal palace.


    She was quivering as she neared the people of the investigation team. Zero observed the bowing head of a timid servant girl.


    Pengfei started, "Are you the one who served the first princess'' tea before she died?"


    The young girl did not make eye contact as she nodded automatically, scared for her life. Pengfei then continued, "Then did you saw anyone with her?"


    The young girl was frozen stiff but instantly shook her head as she remembered what she saw at the middle of the night while being ordered to serve tea to the first princess. The maidservant felt curious when she neared the door of the first princess as she heard the first princess was talking to someone but Xiu Meihui suddenly stopped her conversation as the maid announced herself.


    As a maidservant, it was not allowed to make eye contact with the first princess and her guest so she did not see the visage of the guest of the first princess but only saw a black robe worn by the guest and it was a man.


    After that, she was dismissed then things happened. They were warned to not go near the bed chamber of the first princess as she did not want to be disturb. Following the words of the head servant, they were all away from the crime scene so they did not know what truly happened even the guest that the first princess welcomed inside vanished.


    Jin then spoke while narrowing his eyes, "Who was incharge the case of Third Princess Xiu Ying?"


    "It was Chief Bai Zhou''s team, Sir," a member of the investigation team responded.


    "Alright, let''s go to the research facility." The research facility where the monitoring team was based and the place where Zero was held captive, months ago.


    Zero decided not follow them as it was not his business anymore and even though he wanted to know about the third princess'' case in order to be enlightened by the true scene, he needed to set boundaries as the vice captain was giving him a warning look but Jin, the captain suddenly called the youth.


    "Do you want to tag along? Here take this. You can go to any crime scenes without obstructions within the continent," Jin gave a badge to the youth that made Pengfei frowned. It''s rare for the captain to lend his badge.


    The badge looked like a police badge but the symbol was an eye and inside of it was initials of the group.


    "A.N.V," the young man recited the letters as he received the badge.


    "Acta non verba. Deeds not words," Jin answered simply while he started to walk as the group followed him.


    Zero did not follow them as he would be examining the crime scene first. He wasn''t able to touch anything other than the candy wrapper which was already collected by the forensics. Though, he was reprimanded by touching it with b?r? hands.


    Currently, he was given gloves to wear as he was allowed by the head of the investigation team inside the crime scene.


    He neared the two cups of tea on the table and touched the one that was half empty. He inspected it and sniffed the content of the tea, the fragrance was calming and slightly pungent, from the looks of it, Zero knew what kind of tea it was, earl grey.


    Though something was amiss to its smell, he could not pinpoint what it was. He asked an individual who was taking notes and examining also the scene.


    "Did you bring a sample of this to the lab?"


    Startled by the sudden voice, the person fixed his glasses as he answered, "Yes, sir. The result will be coming later."


    The person saw that the captain of the investigation team acknowledged the youth as a guest so he politely replied to the inquiries of Zero.


    As if on cue, a woman in a lab gown appeared in the scene as she panted, she was not used to the complexity of the first princess'' palace as she got lost first before she arrived here. The woman was carrying disheveled papers on her hand as she gave a look inside.


    "Where is Chief Jin?"


    "Doctor, he''s in the research facility," the young man with eye glasses that Zero asked earlier, responded.


    With a defeated sigh, the woman in lab gown sat on a chair near her. She was not willing to go again, she was not very good at directions and identifying passages or pathways so she might be lost again. Even though, she could ride a carriage to the research facility, she was tired on finding that moving detective.


    But the youth with eye glasses proposed a idea, "This sir here is a guest of the chief and he would be heading to the research facility. You can give that file to him."


    "Really? Then here you are! Give it to Chief Jin. It''s a result of the findings within the tea," like unloading a burden, the doctor easily gave the file to Zero.


    Zero with no arguments received the file, "Can I look into it?"


    The doctor agreed easily, ?ssuming that the young man was a guest detective of the chief while the youth with eye glasses did not refused, too.


    Because that was the privilege of having that badge of the chief detective of A.N.V.


    ----


    Research facility.


    The captain shrugged as he responded with his lazy smile.


    "Chief, you know that lending that badge means giving him an authority to barge at doings of our team and even to the dark society."


    A.N.V or Acta Non Verba, a name of their group that had more power to any existing entities within the continent, second to the royal family. They were not any common group of detectives as they handled the dark society as well, the dark society where all illegality was legal.


    They were given by the Greatworld King power in order to manage the dark society, despite the Greatworld continent was known for their peaceful appearance with low crime rates, it was just in the surface as half of the citizens within the continent knew about the dark society and sometimes would involved themselves to it.


    And Jin was known to be the ruler of the dark society, he established a mandatory rule that ''what happens inside, stays inside'' meant that if there would be murder, it would only remained inside. Everyone should not talked about it outside. Break the rule and you would be either banned or killed.


    That''s the reason why the team of Jin was handling this case as it was somehow related to the dark society, it would be not good that a member of the society would be running on killing spree outside so Jin decided to put a stop on it and moreover, it involved the royal family. The chief detective had a hunched that the third princess'' case was not a simple murder of the first prince of the Phoenix continent. It must be a ploy.


    "It would be great to have another intelligent person participating," Jin replied.


    "To what, sir? The crime scene or the dark society?"


    "Guess." The vice captain rolled his eyes to perfunctory answer of the chief detective.


    He cursed the person who disturbed his sleep as he looked at the blurry figure, when his vision cleared, he frowned at the annoying person that he saw.


    It was Jin, a former classmate and a rival.


    "What are you doing here?" There was hint of hostility on his voice as he looked at the smiling person.


    That irritating smile that he wanted to punched off his smug face.


    The rivalry was not only because of being always second to Jin in Intelligence Academy on the rankings but he disagreed to the dark society because it was not good to begin with. They had both opposing ideals and the king agreed to Jin''s way as to make their continent better, they needed to establish a society that could be vented by the dark sides of the people. Even the Royal Advisor Kilius agreed to the idea.


    Even though, Bai Zhou had a chance to leave this filthy monarchy and start anew on another continent but he didn''t want to pretend blind while horrible things was happening infront of him. He has his own principles and this was his homeland.


    If not for the establishment of that dark society, the Greatworld continent would be still the untainted and properous homeland he had known.


    Jin did not speak as the vice captain took the lead to convey their reasons on why they were here, "We will be taking the case of the third princess."


    A creased formed on Bai Zhou''s forehead as he glared at the arrogant Pengfei, "It would be good that you only stay on what case you only need to solve and not put your noses to unrelated ones."


    Jin cleared his throat and stated in a carefree manner like commenting on a good weather, "Somehow both the cases of the princesses'' deaths are related to the dark society."


    Bai Zhou immediately stood on his chair as he cursed infront of Jin, "So is the dark society hitting your own foot now?" He mocked.


    Jin did not say anything as he looked at the man infront of him with mirth on his eyes.

 Chapter 53 - 51

    Zero was right to his suspicion that the tea was drugged but he did not expected it to be a psychedelic drug.


    ''So the first princess was under hallucinations?''


    The young man thought as he strode inside the research facility, luckily the badge came in handy as no one obstructed him on his path. But there was something he wanted to confirm as the mission was still on-going.


    He knocked the door of the office of the monitoring team as someone opened it for him. It was a member under Jin who greeted him as he went in. He noticed the atmosphere inside the office as the chief of the investigation team was seated comfortably on the couch in crossed legs while Chief Bai Zhou was glaring daggers to Jin.


    Zero was finally seen by both of the parties as the chief detective smiled at him as he gestured to the young man to sit. Zero greeted Bai Zhou with a nod as the other raised its brow in bewilderment.


    ''So he didn''t know me on this script.''


    Then might be the youth being held captive here was erased to their records as well.


    "Sir, I brought the results here," Zero addressed Jin as the chief detective commanded Pengfei to handle those papers.


    "Who is this, Chief Jin?" Bai Zhou asked while looking at the youth with a scrutinizing stare.


    Zero sighed as he thought how did the chief of the monitoring team was so different to the one he met, months ago.


    "He''s an apprentice of mine, his name is Zero," Jin responded.


    Suddenly a system notification caught Zero''s attention. He thought that they heard it as they were staring him.


    [System notification: Side task: Do not accept the apprenticeship of Xeris. Reward: Mystery box. Time limit: 30 seconds.]


    ''Xeris?''


    The young man did not know anyone named Xeris but he felt that the system was referring to the chief detective.


    Realization entered his mind as he stared at the smiling Jin. The vice captain with an antagonistic tone woke him up from reverie.


    "Are you deaf? The captain is asking you to be his apprentice, he''s taking you under his wing! You should feel honor from it."


    "Eh?"


    Zero then glanced at Jin as he was left baffled but the countdown of the system reminded him of the pressing side task.


    [19]


    [18]


    Numbers kept appearing infront of him like counting the time of his death. Zero cursed as he thought how to politely refused this person.


    "Sir, I''m appointed by the king to train under General Jianguo so I cannot accept your invitation."


    Hearing that, Bai Zhou suddenly exclaimed, "So you are that Prince Zero?"


    The youth frowned by the addressed of Bai Zhou as he wasn''t used to being called prince and usually the people around him just called him young master than that ''pretend'' title.


    As a blood relative to the royal family, you are considered to be entitled as prince or princess so it wasn''t strange to hear that from Bai Zhou.


    Zero cleared his throat as he clarified, "I prefer you call me Young master Zero or Zero."


    The vice captain with shock on his face, asked, "You are the favored nephew of the King? Why didn''t you say so?"


    Pengfei gulped as he realized that he kept offending a member of the royal family. Though, he was blaming Zero from hiding his true identity.


    If the young man knew what was the vice captain was thinking, he would laughed at his stupidity as truthfully, he was just pretending to be a prince. But it didn''t matter anyway to Zero as his top priority was to finish his pending main tasks.


    Jin on his smiling face as he spoke, "Such a pity yet Your highness, you could still keep that badge of mine."


    [Ting! Side task completed. Mystery box obtained.]


    Zero ignored the whole sentence of the chief detective as he found it odd at the way Jin emphasized the term ''your highness.''


    The young man narrowed his eyes as he thought something but he instantly changed it as he replied, "I''ll give it back once I''m finish using it."


    The chief detective shrugged as Zero focused on the warning sign of the system.


    [System Detection: hostility rate 55%]


    Zero looked at the smiling Jin as he continued talking to Bai Zhou. The youth decided to listened at their conversation.


    "You said that there was a lollipop wrapper left by the culprit?" Bai Zhou stated.


    Jin nodded.


    "Is it caramel flavor?"


    "Yes. It''s product name was Flan¨¦l."


    With a scrunched forehead, Bai Zhou stated, "But you said that the first princess was killed by a claw while the third princess was killed by the sword of First prince Daigo."


    Zero was left in deep thought as he then debated, "Did they drank tea specifically earl grey?"


    Somehow earl grey tea would be the best candidate as the murky look and pungent smell could hide a little bit of drug. Though, if Zero looked back on the test results, the tea only contained 5% of the psychedelic drug on it. Can it really affect the mind of the princess just by a small amount of it?


    "Yes. The earl grey tea was gifted by the first prince and they both tasted it. We sent the tea to the lab and we found out that tea was drugged."


    "Wait. You said that they both drank it? Then we could say that they were both plotted by the real mastermind."


    Bai Zhou frowned, "Young master Zero, we concluded that but there was a possibility too that the first prince already drank an antidote so he could not be affected by the drug and in order for him to kill the third princess easily."


    "But---" the young man was about to argue again when Jin gestured Zero to stop.


    (What happen?)


    "Then that could be a possibility but what was the motive of the first prince by killing the third princess?" Jin asked.


    Right. When the motive came up, everyone would be silent as they knew that only war could solve this matter if the first prince truly killed her.


    Chun was observing the tense atmosphere as she found it interesting. The young man that she had a connection with, unexpectedly involved himself to trifling cases. While the girl who was looking around the surrounding, she noticed a strange presence. Alarm bells ranged inside her instincts.


    (Zero, you must avoid that person to your right.)


    The youth who was immersed on the discussion was awaken by the voice of the girl in his head. Suddenly, he felt a distinct emotion coming from the girl. Fear?


    Unconsciously, he looked to his right and saw the chief detective who had a wide smirk while staring at the chief of the monitoring team. Zero felt that smirk was not for the latter but for him.


    Without asking the reasons of Chun, the youth knew why.


    [System detection: hostility rate 90%]


    [System warning: avoid the deity]


    [System warning: avoid the deity]


    ¡­


    The system kept repeating the warning signs as the youth slowly composed himself. He was right about his conjecture, Xeris, the deity of Mischief and Deceit. He was told already by the second princess/ice princess about the characteristics of the deity who governed this continent.


    He was unlike other deities who preferred to have their own domain while managing the continent, Xeris preferred to involve himself to the life and death of humans and his most favorite part was playing them in their palms.


    (What''s that ringing sound that I was hearing?)


    Chun suddenly asked as she frowned, she noticed an annoying sound that was coming from somewhere. The girl followed it and found a sealed door with runic symbols engraved around it. She tried to unlock it but it was to no avail, it did not badge.


    ''Strange.''


    Zero ignored the question of the girl on his head as he concoct a plan to escape this place. He was not interested anymore on solving the case as he finally had a piece of puzzle that could solved the mystery behind the royal family but there was still one piece that was missing, though.


    "Umm¡­ sorry for the interruption but can I go out?"


    Pengfei was about to object as it would be a sign of disrespect when they were in the middle of a serious discussion of a case and this youth suddenly went out because he was bored?


    But Jin interjected, "You may."


    "Ah right. This is your badge, I''ll giving it back to you. Thank you for lending it to me," Zero politely stated as he bid his goodbye to the people inside.


    His actions would be seen as strange and suspicious but he couldn''t argue to that as the irritating system suddenly gave another side task while he was there. A task about leaving the place within 10 seconds. Is he that fast that he could move out the place in a blink of an eye?


    And why was this system being noisy right now? Giving two side tasks at the same time.


    [Ting! Side task completed.]


    Oddly, there was no reward. Zero shrugged as he walked out from the research facility.

 Chapter 54 - 52

    Currently, he was outside the building of the research facility as he walked out from it. He found himself a carriage which was about to set out as it was carrying supplies from the research facility so he rode with it.


    ["Open display screen."]


    The first thing he wanted to see was the system task.


    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent (100%) - completed


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi (45%)


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family (10%)


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    Zero frowned as he already completed the first task but the system didn''t notify him about it.


    ["System, why didn''t you notify about the first task being completed?"]


    [¡­]


    The war would not continue and it''s a good sign. Zero sighed in relief as he didn''t fail the first task and was able to release himself from one of the pressing tasks.


    ''One out, two more to go.''


    Zero then switched to his personal stats.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 1 main task


    Intelligence: 10


    Strength: 10


    Stamina: 10


    (+10 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (Locked)


    (No further skills) ]


    Zero finally decided to distribute the stat points and without much care, he equally put stat points on each of it except for his charmer skill as he didn''t want to attract more bees again.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 1 main task


    Strength: 12


    Stamina: 12


    Agility: 12


    (+2 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills) ]


    After distributing, he remembered about the mystery box reward as he inquired the system.


    [Do you want to open the Mystery Box? Yes/No?]


    Zero pressed ''yes'' and immediately the youth was surprised to the sudden blast of balloons and music infront of him, fortunately he wasn''t with someone as he was truly stunned by the system''s act.


    [Obtained Dreamscape. Congratulations, Host! You gained a rare item. Dreamscape could be use only when the Host wanted to escape from certain situations.]


    The young man clicked at the dreamscape item as it was displayed on his personal stat window.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 1 main task


    Intelligence: 12


    Strength: 12


    Stamina: 12


    Agility: 12


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills)


    Item:


    Dreamscape (equipped)]


    [Dreamscape- can be use during certain situations. Cooldown: 2 months.]


    Zero tried to unequip it to test his theory but as he concluded, it was a ''cursed'' item which means an item that couldn''t be thrown or disposed by the owner. And why was its cooldown time 2 months? The young man sighed as he closed his display screen. He wanted to finish already the second task as he decided to contact Chun but she wasn''t responding.


    The young man almost forgot about cultivating the Phoenix Bloodline manual due to some unexpected series of events, fortunately, the black crystal reminded him about it.


    On the other side.


    "What are you doing there?" Titus suddenly appeared behind Chun as he asked the girl.


    "What is this?" Chun asked the deity.


    In deep-thought, Titus answered, "It''s a door that Pandora--- I mean your deity self made. Your deity self stated that it would be put into good use someday."


    "Oh."


    After a last glance, the girl went back to her position infront the looking-water. The deity who was with her wasn''t interested on attending to what she would be doing so Titus went back again on his strolling.


    Chun didn''t care about what was Titus playing outside as she looked at the glinting looking-water.


    (What is it?)


    She noticed that the youth was on a bedroom, it looked like familiar to the inn that the young man had stayed on. The girl sighed in relief, knowing that he avoided a dangerous deity. Even though Chun had only a piece of her memory which was the first fragment, she did not forget the unwelcoming presence of the deity of Mischief and Deceit, he was etched on her mind. She felt like there''s something deeper between them as Xeris was the only deity (aside from Titus) that she automatically recognized, though he was in disguise there.


    "Can you teach me the next step?"


    Chun instantly agreed as she has nothing to do and she would love to see some entertainment.


    (I could teach you until the fifth step so that you could already practice the first offensive spell of the manual.)


    Zero easily agreed as it would be beneficial to him and for his second task. The girl started explaining explicitly each of the steps. The second step indicated that ''fire is a bait'' which meant that if one look to a fire, it would be attractive, alluring and enticing due its flaming red color and the warmth that it brought. Like a moth drawn to a fire, they get close and the result was getting burned to ashes.


    The girl was astonished as Zero was abnormally cultivating as she explained the step. It did not take one hour for the young man to easily comprehend the second step. They went to the next step until to the fifth step. Suddenly, a system notification caught the attention of Zero.


    [Ting! Do you want to learn ''Cosmic Fire''? Yes/No]


    Zero perked up after hearing the notification. Fortunately, he would now able to dispose of the black crystal which was the Sphinx formula. Chun did not notice the excitement of the young man after she explained the fifth step. The youth was able to perceive it with no difficulty that made her slightly surprised but relieved at same time.


    The five steps were a test if the the cultivator was suitable for the cultivation art and luckily she was right.


    (You can learn now the first offensive attack of the Phoenix Bloodline manual whic---)


    "Cosmic Fire," Zero cut off the girl''s statement that led Chun to be stunned. ''How did he know?''


    Zero was about to explain to the girl about the system when his words were choked on his mouth. Something was preventing him on saying it.


    [System Warning: The host is not allowed to divulge about the system. If failed to comply, punishment awaits.]


    Zero frowned as he asked on his mind.


    ["You did not prevented me when I told the ice princess then you¡­"]


    The system did not react to his complains as Chun looked at Zero with perplexity. Zero creased his forehead as he massaged his temples while steaming off some of his anger even though he had no anger issues to manage, this system would slowly ''help'' him develop that problem. Zero felt like he was the most unlukiest host who got bounded on the defected system.


    (Are you alright?)


    Chun asked as she was curious to what was going on to Zero as the youth suddenly went quiet.


    "I''m good."


    Even though his tone was stating otherwise. The girl ignored that as she asked again to proceed with learning the offensive skill. With no choice, Zero pretended to slowly comprehend the explanation of the girl as he already accepted the notification of the system.


    (Did you got it? Cosmic fire is another type of fire that is hard to manipulate due its fierceness but you already opened your five seals so it will be easy for you.)


    Zero nodded as he concentrated to create the flame that he wanted to test on the black crystal. He gathered the fire energy present on the surrounding on his spread palm and concentrated on visualizing a small flame. Little sparks began to alight on his palm, as it started to spark and a small black flame was made. The youth rejoiced on his achievement when the black fire instantly vanished that dozed off his happy mood.


    Chun chuckled from observing the young man. Unintentionally, Zero glared directly at her that stunned the girl in a moment. She quirked her brow and reminded the youth to concentrate. The black fire was then recreated and Zero did not let his emotion get over him as he generated fire energy around the black fire to strengthen it.


    (Oh! I did not expect that you''re good at manipulation. It''s your first time and your were able to grasp it already! Bravo!)


    The girl clapped from the other side. Zero took out the black crystal and it was easily incinerated on his hands. The system suddenly ranged and notified him of the completion of the second task. The youth ignored the defected system as he didn''t raised another inquiry that he knew he couldn''t get a reply of.


    After cleaning himself from the ashes that was left behind, he looked on his display screen.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 2 main task


    Intelligence: 12


    Strength: 12


    Stamina: 12


    Agility: 12


    (+2 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills)


    Offensive:


    Cosmic Fire: Atk dmg - 25


    Item:


    Dreamscape (equipped)]


    He then switched to another window.


    [System Tasks:


    Main task


    - Prevent the war between the Greatworld continent and the Phoenix continent (100%) - completed


    - Burn the Sphinx formula of Izi (100%) - completed


    - Solve the mystery behind the Xiu Royal family (10%)


    Note: if failed to complete within two years time, punishment awaits.]


    Finished to everything he wanted to do, Zero called out.


    "Can we talk about on what happened there earlier?"


    Chun knew that there was something bugging the youth as she warned him about Xeris.

 Chapter 55 - 53

    The full moon was raised up above the sky as it shone briliantly. Inside the inn, in the rented room of Zero, they started to discussed about Xeris. Zero told Chun about the ice princess which made the girl surprised as she had no memory about the ice princess, she still listened to what the youth was saying.


    Fortunately, Titus was nearby as she asked the deity about it.


    "You mean the ice princess? Oh, she was a messenger of those deities between the mortals. I have no certain memories of her as I was already locked in here for six hundred years. Though as what that young man had stated, the ice princess had likely betrayed them as she shifted her faction to the Greatworld king---"


    "You mean she fell in love to the human so she betrayed them," Chun corrected.


    "I don''t know about that," Titus shrugged as he was about to go out the hut when the girl stopped him with a question.


    "How can you say that she betrayed them?"


    Hearing that question, Titus answered ambiguously, "You could incur the wrath of all kinds of being but you should not test the deities. We''re wicked despite of being a deity. And trust is the most important thing to us."


    "You just admitted that you''re not good!"


    "Did I deny it?" Titus shrugged as he walked off.


    ''That''s why I don''t trust him. Trust is an important thing to a deity? Such hypocrisy.''


    Chun thought as she turned her attention to Zero.


    "So ice princess said that you should avoid the Serpents which was a loyal servants of Xeris?"


    Zero affirmed as he explained his predicament. They started to plan out his venture to the royal palace, he needed to avoid that Jin person and his team. As the young man remembered the warning signs of the system about the deity''s hostility to him, though on the surface, Jin wasn''t even looking at him while the hostility rate kept increasing. Deities were truly deceiving, he live up to his title as a deity.


    "I believed that Xeris will not kill you personally but his servants will. So we need to see who were these Serpents of his."


    "Then we should meet the ice princess to be accurate of our plan," Zero suggested.


    Chun agreed easily as she wanted to see this ice princess, she might regain some familiarity with her.


    The streets were in serene silent as it was 12 in the midnight. People were asleep in their homes as the dimly lit path welcomed the young man as he walked on foot. Fortunately, the inn was located in the outskirts of the city so the youth could easily travel to the outside.


    The soldiers were still patrolling the gates while the young man went out with no difficulty as the guards recognized him. Having an identity as a ''prince'' made him got an easy ticket.


    Zero finally arrived at a peaceful neighborhood where he had rented a humble home for the two ''kidnapped'' individuals to stay in and as the war was now prevented, he could dismissed their act.


    Unassumingly, the place was quiet as if there was no person living here. Where were they? He looked for them but a piece of paper on the table caught his attention.


    ''Hello to you, Great Conqueror. Unfortunately, I didn''t even had a chance to bid my wishes to you personally as I was occupied by this two naughty people. Don''t you worry, I just tied them and a sword would accidentally slip from my hands and struck them if you won''t come here soon. There is a teleportation array inside the house, I specially prepared it for you.


    Wish you bloodied luck! Hope to see you soon!


    -Serpents''


    (And speaking of the devils.)


    Chun commented as she had a glare while looking at the paper. Zero was no different from her as he was seething his anger from the bastard who took them. He felt that the Serpents was the culprit he was looking for.


    The culprit who killed the two princesses.


    (Are you going to rescue them?)


    The girl asked as she observed the grim face of the youth. She knew already his answer, though. But¡­


    (If you''re going to rescue them. You need to open another 10 seals of the Phoenix Bloodline? Are you okay with that?)


    "How much time do I need?" Zero decisively asked as the girl smiled at the youth''s reaction.


    (Based on your progress, you need five hours to completely open them---)


    "Lower. Two hours, can it suffice?"


    (Your life will be the exchange of this so regrets will not count, are you sure?)


    "Yes," Zero decided in his serious tone. He wouldn''t let the murderer get away, even though, Zero didn''t understand anything about friendship or close ties, he still needed to save those two people as he didn''t want to be burdened with their lives if they die as he was the reason of all of this. And if the lives of the two would be dealt, war would not only prevented but color of blood would taint the grounds of two nations.


    Zero locked the doors and closed the windows of the house as he sat on the floor. He concentrated the circulation of his qi energy inside his body and he noticed that his cultivation realm lately, increased for the past days due to his cultivation with the Phoenix Bloodline, the art did not only increased his fire ability but it improved as well his realm.


    He was now at the Middle stage of the Late realm which was a feat to him as he just spent two years of cultivation and he already reached the Late realm when usually common martial practitioners would spent thirty years to reach that cultivation realm while geniuses would spent ten years. Aside from Chun who already had an absurd constitution, Zero''s feat was one of the inhumane cultivator that you could only witness once in a decade.


    ''Fire is self-interested'' The sixth step.


    It only pursued the the interest of one''s self with no regards for others. It did not ask for the cultivator to be greedy but to think for himself as well. In order to be able to utilize the greatness of the Phoenix Bloodline, a cultivator of this art should need to sacrifice half of his thoughts for other matters and concentrate it in building the flames of Asura.


    The flames of Asura was like the qi whirlpool but it doesn''t contained the qi energy but the unnecessary thoughts of the cultivator. It says that you need to feed your thoughts to the fire in order to gain peace. Unload the burdens of your mind and relax.


    It was similar to the first step in order to ?ssume formlessness but this one needed concentration and manipulation.


    To avoid any mishaps, Chun used her power to ?ssist the young man in cultivation. She guided the turbulent fire energy on his body as he cultivated with ease, though, when they reached the eleventh step, Zero finally felt pain from his hasty cultivation but it was still a bit bearable due to Chun''s effort.


    Chun reminded as she sweated, she was not only explaining the steps but she was also imprinting it inside the youth''s perception. This was the chosen direction of the young man so he must not regret it.


    Bulging veins were visible on Zero''s temples as he persevered. It was now a race of time as the lives of Xiu Jia and Lerrent were at the hands of the enemy so he needed bear the difficulty to get stronger. As an unbearable pain started to kick in his mind, suddenly a flash of scene appeared.


    "Are you sure about your decision?" A familiar feminine voice spoke as it followed a man in formal suit. The man put down his top hat on the table as he didn''t turn to look at the lady as he answered with no emotion on his tone


    "It doesn''t matter," the voice of the man was very familiar that Zero felt that he was the one talking.


    "Why? You''re life is inline for this! You could just abandon that Circus to save yourself!"


    "Don''t remind me because I know and the Circus is my family and the people under it. You cannot leave your own family to fend off for themselves."


    "But Ze--"


    "Stop. You just need to return the favor as I''d helped you escaped with that mortal." The woman helplessly agreed with the man.


    And the scene changed.

 Chapter 57 - 55

    After healing himself with Healing Fire, he was able to journey deeper the next floor. Zero concluded that if he did not met halfway the culprits who held captive Xiu Jia and Lerrent then he needed to go deeper in this black tower.


    At the second floor, a colony of bugs were living there. Zero eventually noticed that his system was suddenly giving out additional informations either its weaknesses or some descriptions of the enemy.


    [System Detection: Soul Bugs Lvl. 20.


    Weakness: Legs


    Description: The Soul Bugs only move in colonies]


    The insects had an appearance of a spider but its head was a ???kroach and they were two times bigger than Zero. The difficulty of killing them wasn''t only their hard skin but they moved in groups.


    Zero did not face these opponents head on as he asked the system for the mini bombs. He did not know if he had unlimited mini bombs but he knew that he couldn''t just waste his energy using his spells to fight them. His qi whirlpool was halved from just using the Dark Solar so he replenished his qi whirlpool, earlier and fortunately, his qi conversion was faster than expected as he was able to fill his qi whirlpool less than one minute.


    On the other side, Chun did not disturbed the young man from exterminating all of the creatures inside this black tower as she just observed the actions and reactions of Zero. The more she witnessed the decisiveness of the young man, the more she wanted to befriend him, sincerely. She wanted Art to see this kind of individual as to learn from Zero.


    It was already two months and they yet to finish some things here. Chun estimated that she might have one month left in saving Art.


    (Zero, we need to hurry. I have urgent matters that I needed your ?ssistance.)


    The youth did not asked further as he sensed the promptness of Chun and as they were linked due to their bloodline, he felt the worry and uneasiness of the girl.


    ''Is it about the item or something else?''


    Zero thought about Chun''s favor of retrieving an item in Sereign continent but he just buried it in his mind as he devised a plan to make these pesky bugs gather in one place in order for him to proceed.


    He hidden himself and crept silently as he observed the bugs which were marching back and forth on their places as they looked for the young man who suddenly disappeared.


    Those disgusting face of the bugs made Chun scrunched her forehead. This was her first time of seeing these kind of insects and she was a bit astonished as she had no idea what they were, Chun was a bookworm so she knew all kinds of creatures out there that could be seen in a forest or a dungeon but these things were unheard of.


    ''Are they in an another dimension?''


    They both had the same thought.


    Kilius was playing a lollipop on his hand as he looked at two kidnapped victims in a bored manner.


    Xiu Jia who was always noisy and carefree had now a menacing vibe as she glared at the man who was sitting infront of them. While Lerrent was unusually calm as he closed his eyes. Both of them were in a haggard state as dirt and blood could be seen on their figure.


    Their hands were tied above their heads as both of their feets were a centimeter away from the ground. Traces of dried blood and teared part of their clothing could be seen as Kilius gave p???sur? of torturing them every minute that would passed by.


    He unwrapped the lollipop while saying, "Another minute went by and your savior isn''t here yet."


    "How would he automatically go here when you arranged the portal in the peak of the Soul Tower?!" The ice princess shouted, angrily at the smirking Kilius.


    The Soul Tower was built by Xeris for the purpose of storing his armies and servants, and it was located in another realm that was adjacent to Xanxia.


    Unbeknownst to the deity, his licentious subordinate was using it for his dirty p???sur?s of playing with his victims. Kilius had the power of drawing out illusions due to the vast energy from the Soul Tower and he could summon lower ranked soldiers on his stead. Though, he was given control to manage the Soul Tower but the Master (Xeris) did not stated about using it for unnecessities nor he stated about not being allowed to use it. So the wise Kilius debated with his wit even though, the Master had no knowledge of this scheme that he crafted.


    But the Master tasked him to get rid of Zero and he was just following orders.


    He then smiled at Xiu Jia and responded, "How will I know if he''s the true Great Conqueror if he can''t eliminate all of the beasts in the tower?"


    Though, he obliged about his Master''s orders but he doubted about the existence of this so-called Great Conqueror. Decades had already passed and the prophesied individual just appeared at this moment where his Master was able to had a foothold of his plan. That''s why he couldn''t let this variable escaped.


    "You will regret this! Axec will not let you off and Xeris!" Xiu Jia blurted as she sent a piercing glare at the other.


    "And why would that minor deity will participate at this battle between four factions¡­ unless¡­" Kilius with narrowed eyes, held the chin of the ice princess as he looked at her.


    "What are you saying?!"


    Instead of receiving a proper reply, she answered a spit on his face that angered the Serpent. His pupil dilated like a reptile''s eyes as he controlled it.


    He wiped the saliva from his face as he smirked while still holding the face of the ice princess as he neared her ear and whispered, "That Greatworld King wasn''t able to differentiate between gold and scrap. He picked that mortal woman than you."


    Kilius plan of irking Xiu Jia was successful as he saw the arrogance of the ice princess was dozed as she glared at him.


    -----


    Subsequently, as Zero killed those Soul Bugs, he was able to hear the familiar ringing of the system.


    [Ting!]


    [Ting!]


    ¡­


    Obviously, it''s not about levelling up as the system had no function for that.


    ["Open display screen."]


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 2 main task


    Intelligence: 12


    Strength: 12


    Agility: 12


    (+15 stat points)


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills)


    Offensive:


    Cosmic Fire: Atk dmg - 25


    Dark Solar: Atk dmg - 78


    Heat Beam: Atk dmg - 55


    Healing Fire: effect - 30


    Cooldown - 3 minutes


    Item:


    Dreamscape (equipped)]


    Knowing that he eliminated all of the Soul Bugs on this floor, he did not immediately proceeded to the next floor. Due to pressing events, he wasn''t able to examined the uses of his stats so he wanted to test out now if there would be a difference between a balanced stats than the only one concentrated stat.


    He then asked for the opinion of Chun without revealing about the system.


    (You mean video games? Yes, I played once to see if it was truly entertaining and at first it was interesting but at the end of the game, I realized that it was not my taste to waste time like this because it consumed energy.)


    It was not new to Chun to have a habit of labelling a video game like ''consuming of energy'' as she was in nature lazy if not for her butler that would be always at his service and her father that would also reminded her about her bad habits, she would totally turned into a neet. But most of all, not for her entangled fate with the Phoenixian oracle, her life would be like a smooth-sailing ship with some waves to encounter.


    (You mean stats about intelligence, strength, stamina and agility? In a game''s point view, a warrior class would most likely spent all of his stat points in strength, a mage class in intelligence as it would increased their summoning or chanting rate, a thief/assasin class would concentrate it on agility for faster reflexes and movements, and sometimes in stamina as well to strengthen their endurance.)


    Zero listened to the girl''s ideas as he gladly acknowledged it. He then concluded to invest more in the intelligence stat and agility stat.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 2 main task


    Intelligence: 18


    Strength: 14


    Stamina: 15


    Agility: 16


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills)


    Offensive:


    Cosmic Fire: Atk dmg - 25


    Dark Solar: Atk dmg - 78


    Heat Beam: Atk dmg - 55


    Passive:


    Healing Fire: effect - 30


    Cooldown - 3 minutes


    Item:


    Dreamscape (equipped)]


    Finished distributing the stat points, he went to the next floor which soon he would encounter a familiar individual that he had been missing.

 Chapter 60 - 56.3

    Destruction could be seen on the path that the young man walked on while Kilius on the other hand was smirking from his scheme.


    ''Let that anger consume you.'' Kilius thought while he stabbed Lerrent on his th??h. The silent young man gritted his teeth while he sent a murderous glare on the other. As the ice princess was an immortal or a lesser deity, she was a bit spared from the torture as Lerrent was the one who was being vented by Kilius.


    As the young man was an acknowledged friend of the ice princess because they got acquainted due to the plan that they concocted which was the kidnapping scheme. She couldn''t stand the torture of her friend as she tried to use her power to kill the eyesore.


    The ice spikes that she would sent to Kilius was deemed to be useless by the enemy as Kilius easily deflected it. Due to living in the mortal world, the ice princess had never used her ice power - aside from killing that witch which was another story - as she had limited power source because she was a lesser deity who needed the Qi Mountain''s divine energy to supply it.


    They looked at each other as they communicated in eye contact.


    ''He will come. Just endure for a bit.''


    As if understanding her, Lerrent just nodded as he was full of bloodied wounds. His leg was the part that Kilius vented on as he was enjoying the splatter of blood that it was producing.


    He m??n?d as he spoke with relished, "Hmm¡­music to my ears."


    Lerrent was left unmoving as Kilius sat back on his chair to wait for another minute to pass by. Even though, the time was suspended, Kilius had his own ways on counting time.


    "Oh a minute had passed, what would you prefer? Your leg or hand? Maybe, your handsome face?"


    The sadistic chuckle echoed as a cry followed forth.


    ----


    Chun unconsciously felt dread on her place as she was agitated to some point. She sensed an unknown worry from her subconscious. Might be worried for the butler. ''Art should still be safe.'' She optimistically thought while her heart reflected distress.


    Zero continued on his path as the system kept ringing on his ears, an indication for his accumulated stat points. He ignored it as he was in a hurry to rescue the two individuals. Currently, he was now in the most deeper parts of the black tower as the young man encountered many kinds of unseen creatures that existed, they were more times stronger from the previous. The more he got deeper, the more stronger and agile were the opponents.


    While he walked, he distributed each stat points and as of now his stats increased in effectivity.


    [Performer: 0


    Title: ?????? (Locked), Beaten Junkie


    Task completed: 3 side tasks, 2 main task


    Intelligence: 43


    Stamina: 40


    Agility: 40


    Skills:


    Charmer: 10


    (No further skills)


    Offensive:


    Cosmic Fire: Atk dmg - 25


    Dark Solar: Atk dmg - 78


    Heat Beam: Atk dmg - 55


    Healing Fire: effect - 30


    Cooldown - 3 minutes


    Item:


    Dreamscape (equipped)]


    When he stepped his foot on the next floor, he halted his movement as he felt nauseous. There was a strange spell was casted on this place as the young man felt repulsive from it. His blood was boiling as he couldn''t continue on moving forward.


    (Umm¡­ I see someone standing at your back.)


    Chun stated simultaneously with the system''s notification.


    [System Detection: Simulation Trigger had been activated.]


    [System Detection: Chess Queen Lvl. 45. Description: She likes genius person. Don''t get caught.]


    ''A chess board and its pieces?'' The young man thought as he examined his surroundings. It was so silent that it felt surreal, supposed to be that so-called Chess Queen who was the boss of this place would showed up at this moment---


    "Oh, a new entree!" On cue, cheering sounds erupted, the quiet scene change. Zero witnessed that he was not the only who was standing inside the arena as there were participants. It was five of them standing in the middle as the spectators around them cheered.


    The young man was not sure if this people around were creatures in the black tower or part of the illusion but he''s sure that he would perform well here.


    This was his second time in simulation even though he lived for hundreds of years, he never experienced getting into simulation other than the system''s simulation space back at the Circus. Mostly, experiencing a simulation game, he remembered his first time was the poker game with Xiu Jia.


    "Our new entree was hailed from the Xanxia realm and he''s centuries old despite his young appearance. We will call him as the Great Conqueror!" Cheers echoed inside the stadium as the people started to shout for his given title.


    A title that deeply etched on his bones, his fate that he could not escape.


    Zero looked around to see where''s the announcing voice came from but instead of finding the emcee, someone caught his vision. It was Xiu Jia and Lerrent, they had both a calm expression as they returned his gaze. Looking at their state, they were both fine as there clothing were clean and out of dirt. They were on the front V.I.P box, looking animatedly at the arena.


    The young man frowned as he got back in examining his surroundings. There were no signs of the emcee but his cheerful voice could be heard around.


    (Who was that? Is he Lerrent?)


    "You know him?"


    (Yes¡­ it''s a long story.)


    Chun had no plan on revealing her story at this moment as they needed to focused on concerning matters like this simulation game.


    ''Though, why was Lerrent here?''


    The emcee with his friendly voice stated, "You may think that we are playing chess? No. The Chess Queen decided to make an interesting game and it''s not chess. We will be playing ''Who is the extra?"


    Zero and the other players listened to the weird rules of the game as the cheerful voice of the emcee rang out.


    "This is a game of teamwork and betrayal. There is suppose to be one extra and one indefinite extra. Find the real one and you win the game. You are not prohibited to do anything, you can even seek out your teammates by revealing your identity. It''s your choice that depends your fate. Happy playing!" The emcee with his enthusiastic tone bid his wishes as the players was transported to the exact platform of the game.


    Zero observed the setting as it was an elegant bedroom, velvety duvet covers were on the bed as the young man touched the material. There were electronic lights in each corners of the room and the thick curtains covered the floor to ceiling windows.


    The young man tried to unlock the window in order to get a better view of the outside as he could see through the windowpane that it was morning due to the bright sunlight. But the window did not budge from his action of opening it. Zero touched the windowpane and saw that it was like a reflection of water as it rippled from his fingers.


    ''An illusion.''


    Zero noticed that he was the only one who was present inside the room while thinking that the other players had their own place being transported at. Zero strode to the desk table near the bed as there was a paper on it, a letter from the game¡­?


    ''Good day, Great Conqueror! You are the extra of the game. Your task is to eliminate the indefinite extra through voting him out or killing him. Mini task is to answer this short code by aligning it to the right seal of the house. -Yours truly.''


    ''Extra? So I''m their target but what will be the task of the indefinite extra?''


    Zero concluded as they were just five players, the game would not last long and he will surely perform well for the Chess Queen. He remembered the system''s description about her, it was about she likes genius person and don''t get caught. It meant one thing. The young man smirked as he opened the drawer, coincidentally, there was a matchbox there. He ignited the letter but not fully burned it. He put what was left of the letter on his pocket as he strode out the room.


    There was a girl wearing school uniform who greeted him as she caught up with him. From the looks of it, she came from the next room.


    With her meek voice she stated, "A-are you an otherworldler?"


    Zero understood what she was referring to as he replied, "Yes. And you are?"


    "I-I''m¡­ you can call me Strawberry. From Earth," Zero nodded to the girl as he introduced his given title and his realm as well.


    Even though this was an illusion of the black tower, a part of the simulation. The objects, surroundings and people felt real.


    He should hurry up on this one before he succumb to this illusion.


    They went to the living room, knowing that the three players were there due to their voices. A stout middle-age man, a lanky young man and a m?tur? woman in her thirties. The middle-age man was quarreling with the m?tur? woman because of the voting situation.

 Chapter 62 - 57

    "Ack!"


    A splash of blood could be heard as Zero pulled out his silver sword. It was more durable than the wooden type weapons.


    The Chess Queen was slowly catching her breath as she looked crudely at the young man due to defeat. She was now in the checkered ground with a deep stab wound on her ?h?st.


    "How?" The woman asked as she looked at the young man. ''How did he knew about the secrets of her new game? How did he figured it out?''


    As if reading her thoughts, he responded, "You didn''t refine your details. How those designed players of yours came up into conclusion that the extra would kill someone? That''s your flaw."


    Before she could argue, Zero silenced her with another stab as it claimed her life. The floor started to collapse as the system cheered for the accomplishment of the young man.


    Zero flicked the blood away from his sword as he sheathed it. The young man calmly proceeded to next floor as he drew his breath and relax his nerves. He would be facing his most anticipated opponent and he would surely kill him, by hook or by crook.


    Suddenly, a door appeared infront of Zero as it was an entrance to the master''s floor. It was welcoming him, though it was somehow a mocking gesture to the young man.


    He prepared himself as he ready his hand on the hilt of the sword. Then he went inside the portal. Zero immediately saw the ice princess and Lerrent who were tied in a pole.


    "Zero, don''t let your guard down! He''s powerful."


    As if detecting the presence of a guest, the room rearranged. The pole where the two was tied on suddenly shot up as it suspended them.


    Walls erected from the ground as a setting of twisty three dimensional path emerged. The place turned into a quasi-maze but more of a battleground. Zero commended on his mind at the creativity of his enemy.


    A man appearing in an elegant royal suit came out from the shadows as he greeted Zero. The young man frowned as he knew this person. It was the royal advisor of the King. Royal Advisor Kilius.


    [System Detection: Kilius, The Deceiver lvl. 89. Description: A loyal servant and right hand of Xeris, manager of the Soul Tower. Likes killing his opponent in a perverse method.]


    He didn''t thought that the person the Chess Queen was talking about was totally Kilius. Zero glared at him as he prepared to summon his spells.


    Chun who was shocked from seeing Lerrent wasn''t able to express her emotion as she was in between joy and regret. She was happy to see him well and regretted that she could not show herself to him and it was her fault that Lerrent would be on this situation, if the institute was still fine then her cousin wouldn''t be here. Chun noticed the bloody appearance of Lerrent as she automatically glared at the culprit while she wished for his demise.


    (Zero, don''t let him escape. Kill him if you must.)


    Acknowledging her statement, he started to prepare his spells when the gesture of Kilius left him incapacitated.


    On the other side, Chun advised the young man to not let himself fall into the line of vision of the enemy as it was not his movement that restricted the young man but his verbal illusion through his sight. A terrifying skill if one examined.


    (Remember that this is just an illusion, your mind is being attacked by him and it would make you believe that you''re unable to move.)


    In Kilius surprise, the young man only stayed motionless for a minute due to Chun''s reminder as he was able to escaped his illusion attacked.


    Zero decided to use his agility to move around in order to avoid the line of vision of the enemy. Kilius with a smirk stopped his illusion as he said, "That''s just a test. And this would be the beginning of our true game."


    In a snap of his fingers, molten lava went out from the ground as the young man evaded it. He landed on the top of the wall, he witnessed his opponent slowly melting with the lava as he felt something strange from it¡­ an omen.


    Suddenly, flowing liquid of red hot lava came out of the molten ground as it formed into gigantic beast and it resembled a frightening monster - a Serpent.


    It humongous mouth opened as its sharp razor teeth appeared in view. It was drawing its breath, preparing to fire something on Zero''s direction.


    [System Detection: Kilius, The Serpent lvl. ???. Weakness: Core]


    Observing that Kilius'' level suddenly went into a question mark symbol instead of the earlier number, it meant only one thing, this was his true form.


    Zero cursed for his misfortune as he tried to figure out on how to locate the core of the monster.


    Noticing the vast qi energy coming from his body due to the supply of the girl. He used his qi perception in order to see the concentration of heat energy. Zero saw in his qi perception a mass of black energy was gathering inside its mouth as it fired that thing towards the young man. Feeling that it was su?k?n? him like a black hole, Zero countered it with his Dark Solar.


    The black fire of vibrant energy was unexpectedly felt more powerful than the last Dark Solar that he had summoned. ''Is it because it came from Chun?''


    Zero would never thought that he was now using divine energy which only deities could expend. Chun was still an incomplete deity so her supply of divine energy wouldn''t last long as she warned the young man to hastily defeat the monster.


    The young man threw the Dark Solar as it collided with the Iridium Magma of Kilius. A strong, life-ending streaks of light that could shake one''s soul was produced from the two massive collisions of powerful energies.


    The illusion of Kilius was slowly diminishing from the impact as it faded away. Zero who was thrown meters away from it, immediately went to the ice princess'' location as to untie them from their bound.


    (Zero, look out!)


    "Look out!" Warned by the ice princess while Zero was untying the second prince.


    He wasn''t able to block the blow due to the ice princess interference. A red colored liquid seeped through the dirty white dress of the ice princess while blood gushed out from the corner of her mouth. Zero caught her as he tried to stop the unending flow of blood from her stomach.


    The horrifying burnt visage of Kilius looked down at the downtrodden young man as he stood infront of him. He smirked which emphasized the fresh wounds on his sullied face.


    Kilius did not expect that the Great Conqueror had already possessed a divine energy which was only a deity could have. Even though, he was the right hand of his master, he wasn''t able to get his hands on a little bit of divine energy and this human was able to have it?


    His eyes turned blood shot as he glared in envy at the young man, he was about to stab the dazed Zero when Lerrent interfered, he used the sturdy metal chains as he caught the sword of Kilius.


    (Hey! Hey! Zero! Wake up! It''s not time for that.)


    The ranting of Chun woke him up from desolation as he glanced at the dying ice princess.


    "Faye, don''t die on me," unexpectedly, the call of Zero made the ice princess teared up. He used his Healing Fire to heal her.


    He called her name which even his past self would never do. Faye smiled at him but only blood came out from her mouth when she tried to speak.


    "Shh¡­"


    "What are you two doing? I can''t hold out here anymore. Need help!" Lerrent who was totally a wimp on physical abilities, exerted all his strength on preventing Kilius from withdrawing his sword. Fortunately, the opponent was back on his human form and due to the drawback of the explosion earlier which he wasn''t expecting it to be that powerful because of the divine energy, he suffered from it that halved his ability.


    "Kid! You escape with her. I will handle this," Zero commanded as Lerrent instantly let go of the metal chain and took the ice princess. Kilius didn''t chase the two while they escaped because his target was still here.


    "Let''s end this."


    Chun reminded the young man that her supply was running low while the young man thought for a plan. Currently, Kilius was in the same level with him because of the lashed back that he had suffered so Zero didn''t need to use his spells to kill him.


    Which a matter that he overlook.


    Zero didn''t perceived that he was just facing a clone as the true enemy was just in his shadow. Seemingly that he had thought that he was in control, a sharp claw on his back pierced through his heart.


    His vision blackened while he heard the system''s voice.


    [Performer died.]


    [Main task number 3 failed. Punishment is due.]


    [Player mode was already in active as the Performer died. Performer can start again.]


    [Loading¡­]

 Chapter 63 - 58

    "You know, young lord I mean young miss, playing with fire makes you burn by it and it''s more bad when playing a demon, you''ll get---"


    Chun woke up from dazed as she witness the closed distance between her and Art. Due to her happiness of seeing again her butler, she hugged him that made Art surprised. It stopped him from his actions as he was curious to Chun''s antics.


    The silver haired youth let go as she pouted at Art, "I need food! Please make your very best dish, Art!"


    Art was momentarily confused from his young master''s strange action while he obliged on the request of the silver haired youth. Chun already finished her dinner but he wasn''t opposed on stuffing the young master with much food as he liked that Chun would be fat and only for him to cuddle---


    Immediately, the butler frowned from his odd thoughts as he went to the kitchen to prepare for the food. He folded his sleeves while he glanced at the silver haired youth who was staring with her doe eyes at his skillful display of knife skills.


    Chun processed everything that happened. It was just awhile ago that she saw the life of Zero just ended due to his mistake of underestimating his enemy, and now she was here inside her penthouse while her butler was alive and standing meters away from her as he cooked.


    Was it a dream or she just travelled back to time?


    The silver haired young man had no idea what truly happened that led her back to one year ago, a year which she regretted so many things as she wasn''t able to save the institute and the people that were killed, even Quin was crippled because of it. But she was happy that she could now redo it and she would make sure to take the right path.


    And she won''t let Art leave her side, again.


    ''Right, what was the day today?'' She thought as she ran towards her bed while looking for the calendar. It''s nine months prior to the tournament which the tragedy occurred. She gritted her teeth as she remembered what happened to her. That Mika, she would kill that fourth general.


    Chun calmed herself as she dismissed her thoughts while she examined her body whether she was her former-self who had that disastrous constitution or she retained her half deity power due to the awakening of her first fragment of memories.


    After confirming that she was still in her incomplete process of being a full deity. She unintentionally squealed in delight as Art instantly appeared at her side, asking for his young master''s wellness.


    The emotionless face of the butler made Chun laughed as she missed this. Her time with her cold yet caring butler.


    "I''m fine, Art. Did you already prepared your specialty?"


    "The food is now waiting for you to taste it, young lord."


    Chun hummed in responds as she examined again to be sure that the disastrous constitution of hers was really gone.


    ''Goodbye to avoiding my family members or the people around me,'' she smiled while she stood up and went to the prepared food and tea. She missed this as well.


    ''Here I go! Let''s dig in!"


    The happy mood of the silver haired young man affected Art, too as the butler unconsciously lifted the corner of his lips while he observed Chun eating with relish.


    ----


    If there would be good news then there would be a down side.


    Chun noticed that her cultivation went back to zero, she was totally had no hint of qi energy on her body. Was it because she was now in her incomplete form that a normal martial practitioner''s cultivation isn''t suitable for her? Though, she had hints of divine energy on her body but the problem was she couldn''t expend it here in the mortal world as it would arose suspicion and attention of some troublesome hidden forces.


    The silver haired young man decided to practice her telekinetic gift which was an innate skill of a Shuho member. She needed to have another trick on her sleeve when an emergency situation appeared.


    Though, she believed that Art would protect her from any kinds of trouble as she won''t allow him to leave her side.


    While reclining on her bed as she used her finger on lifting up a table through her telekinesis, she suddenly remembered something.


    The silver box came into her mind. Right, supposed to be Ryo would be knocking outside of her penthouse as to ask for ?ssistance at this moment but why it didn''t happen?


    Chun called for Art who was on the other side, preparing for his make-shift bed. Usually, the butler slept in the sofa bed at the living area or in the work room''s couch when he had something to do. But he preferred to sleep in the living area where he could easily see his young master.


    The penthouse was a studio-type house where the living area, the kitchen and sleeping area was on the same room. As the bed of the silver haired young man was at the center of the vast single room, Art would be able to answer on his young master''s beck and call with ease.


    "Art, are there any guests or customers who are staying at the Shu House?"


    "Only an old couple with a child was currently renting one of the rooms. What do you want me to do for you, young lord?" Art stated with his serious expression as he fixed his golden-rimmed eye glasses.


    ''Something had changed.'' She thought.


    "Oh, nothing. You can sleep now, Art."


    Chun crossed her legs as to try on connecting to Zero as she remembered the young man. She wanted to make sure that Zero did exist and if those happenings was not a dream but a reality that would occur in the future if she couldn''t put things right.


    Unfortunately, there was something blocking her. She was unable to connect or find the familiar aura of the young man as if he was currently not on this world. Where was he though?


    The silver haired young man with glimmering eyes immediately stood up from her bed as she walked near to the sleeping like a coffin person. Art was truly handsome at any angle, Chun thought that if she suddenly ran out of fortune, she would just take Art to an entertainment company and be his manager. Chun who''s active mind was thinking elsewhere as she gazed openly at her butler earned a poke on her forehead while the wide awake butler stated.


    "What are you thinking, young lord?"


    "Nothing. Maybe, we''ll just talk tomorrow about the Skywave sect."


    A slight frown crossed on Art''s forehead as he spoke, "Skywave sect? Are you interested at the hidden sects of the Harconia Institute, young lord?"


    Hearing that, Chun creased her brows while she looked intently at the usual blank face of her butler.


    ''Art, doesn''t know how to joke.''


    The silver haired young man then realized that she had already the first fragment of her memories due to her awakening. The second fragment then?


    "Silver box, Art. You know where was it or do you heard about it?"


    "Young lord, your silver box is safe under your bed," Art said in his monotone voice yet it had a hint of confusion to the silver haired youth''s act while he immediately erased it as he was more amused to the antics of his young master.


    ''What is she playing again?''


    The butler knew Chun since he started to serve her. He knew her very well like the back of his palm. During at the Shuho household, there would be a time that the young master would be her childish-self and played prank at the servants even Art who was her butler wasn''t excluded from those but due to his exceptional qualities, he would usually escape the traps of his young master deeming it to be useless.


    Unknown to the butler, Chun was in deep thought as she was surprised that the silver box was already in her possession. Then she should contact Titus to ask him about what happened, how did she came back to time?


    Art sighed at the sudden energetic mood of his young master as she actively ran back towards her bed while she took the silver box.


    Chun contacted Titus through the silver box by using her aura to connect with him. As she was also Pandora, she was able to easily detect the presence of the deity inside the silver box.


    Suddenly the open space bedroom was replaced with the bright field of sunflowers, the usual meeting place of her and Titus. As if expecting her arrival, the deity of Prevalent Tragedy was sitting infront of a table with prepared snacks while he gestured for Chun to sit.


    "Pandora---"


    "Chun," she corrected.


    "Sorry, I forgot. Well, I know that you would be able to pass the trials of the second fragment so I already awaited for your return here! Congratulations!"


    Chun stopped her movement as she heard it, "Trial? You mean those that happened was just an illusion, a depiction of the second fragment?"


    The smile of the deity turned into a smirk as he replied, "No. All of it was supposed to happen if not for that young man''s interference. Due to that, you gained the second fragment."


    "So would I gain now my memory in order to have my complete deity form?"


    "That''s not the case. The second fragment is not about your memory but about your connection to the young man and the second fragment came from him."


    "I though that the fragments were Pandora''s memory?"


    "They''re not all about your past memories," Titus didn''t explain further that caused the young man to frown.


    "Then how did you know about them?"


    Titus shrugged as he responded, "Because we were friends?"


    Chun didn''t pursue the topic anymore as she knew that she would encounter those fragments soon and she would just figure it out if the deity wouldn''t say anything.


    "Hmp. How did you not get affected by it? Art seems to have no recollection about those things."


    "I''m not part of the included."


    Chun frowned, she found it annoying that as long as she conversed with Titus, she would be more confused. Finding that Titus had no means on talking further, she asked something that was bothering her.


    "Then what about Zero?"


    A smirk stretched at the face of Titus as he answered.


    "It''s not his time yet."

 Chapter 64 - 59

    TwinCity Continent. Capital City, Tetran.


    The silver haired youth searched out for any presence of Xi Chen and Ryo at the city in order to confirm her conjecture and the labor on her effort came fruit as she was able to gather news about the first general.


    They were currently at the royal palace and they had business to attend there. Chun was in disguised, she was not wearing her usual robes as she blended in the crowd at the plaza. She wore a black jumper shorts as she partnered it with tucked in longsleeve white shirt and black boots.


    She was looking like a cute shuta on her clothing due to her young appearance and her odd hair color that could turn heads.


    As she tried to blend in, Chun was still noticeable because of her noble-like clothing. She trusted Art''s style of disguise as she ignored those stares, ?ssuming it to be as nothing.


    Art who was in her tail, couldn''t help his cold heart melted from the cuteness of the unaware Chun who was played by her butler.


    The silver haired young man was contemplating if she should approach Xi Chen and ask him about the item that they would be retrieving but it would be somewhat suspicious to do something like that. She just wanted to know if how much did the ''time-travelling'' affected the happenings that was supposed to occur but it did not.


    "Teacher? Are you Teacher Chun?" A familiar voice suddenly jolted awake the young man from her thoughts.


    The voice was so familiar that Chun couldn''t help but turn her head toward its direction. It was a male in a frivolous clothing, his dark brown hair was swept up to the side as his hazelnut eyes contained a hint of mischievousness.


    Kai Sun who was alone while he was on shopping because it was weekend, ended seeing their handler wearing a ''cute'' style of clothing.


    On the other hand, Chun didn''t know what to feel. She was overwhelmed with joy and regret but happiness overcame her emotion due to seeing one of her students. It''s been a long time for the silver haired young man.


    "Teacher, why are you wearing that? Hmm¡­ you had a date?" With his usual nosy and teasing demeanor, Kai Sun asked the wide-eyed silver haired young man.


    Chun shook her head to deny it but she momentarily stopped as she processed his implication. ''Right. Let''s just say that I had a date unless I wanted him to know that I was spying someone.''


    "Oh, you really had a date? Who is the lucky person?"


    Before the silver haired young man could make something out from nothing, Art came out from his hiding spot as he stated in his monotone voice, "Young lord, Serine cannot join you for today so let me accompany you."


    Kai Sun who was observing the scene unfolding infront of him couldn''t help but restrained a giggle. It was entertaining to watch a love triangle. Respecting their privacy, the gossip king was about to bid his farewell when his handler stopped him.


    "Where are the others?"


    Having an idea who were the teacher was talking about, Kai Sun shrugged and replied, "Lerrent should be at his dorm, sleeping. Lith and Li Li are both in the lab doing a project. I don''t know about Han''s group, though."


    Immediately, Chun realized that she would need to unite the Minds, again. As she went back to time, before everything could happen, what she had taught to those seven students restarted as well.


    The silver haired young man smiled dazzlingly as she said, "We have class tomorrow! Prepare yourselves." Chun wouldn''t do the same thing she had done as it was not her style to repeat what she had taught so she would be making a more effective and alternative way of teaching them.


    ''No simulation this time. Fieldtrip? No.''


    Kai Sun sensed something ill from the teacher''s smile as he instantly bid his goodbye while he didn''t forget to ''warn'' his classmates.


    "Art."


    "Yes, young lord?"


    "Are you prepare for another scheming?"


    "As you please."


    -----


    Xi Chen with his second in command, Ryo were both strolling with the only princess of the TwinCity continent, Princess Nini. After their successful negotiation with the TwinCity King, the princess wanted to tour them around the royal palace as she explained each of the places.


    The playboy Ryo enjoyed on staring openly at the enchanting princess as Princess Nini did not bothered with the pervert while she tried impressing the uninterested general.


    The cold general who had no idea about the princess'' pursuit neither the perverted thoughts of his friend, was in deep thought due to deja vu. He felt that he had experience something like this before. But somehow he felt amiss.


    "General?" Ryo asked Xi Chen while the princess inquired the absentminded general.


    Princess Nini with her fluttering eyelashes as she looked at the general, stated, "General Xi, would you stay for dinner?"


    "Chen, let''s join her. It''s dinner for free!" The tempting whisper of the snake, Ryo as he smiled at the general.


    Xi Chen glared at him and replied, coldly, "You join her, I''ll be going now."


    Then the general went away as Ryo apologized to the princess. Restraining her anger due to embarrassment, she smiled, "Lieutenant general, will you join me?"


    "Sure." The answer of a pervert.


    ----


    The commerce area where people gathered and buy some good quality products was the most busiest place during evening as every weekend there would be the night market. But there was an event that people was willing to spend there money on.


    "Mommy! Is the Circus fun? I want to go there!" A child pulled her mother''s arm as she tried to go to the huge tent which would be holding a premiere show.


    "Yes, yes. Be obedient first, sweetie." The child''s mother was having a difficulty on carrying her huge basket of apples as she just bought it on a lucky sale and it was still fresh. Due to her child''s stubbornness, an apple fell out from the basket.


    The lady was about to pick it when a white slender hand appeared on her view, the man wearing a black golden intricated mask helped the lady put it on her basket as she thanked him. The mother of the child couldn''t help but turn her head again to the smiling man while it waved at her child as she went away.


    ''Who was that?'' The lady thought.


    The masked man immediately erased his smile as a woman in red mask neared his location. The woman came from the back of the huge tent as she notified the other, "First seat, the show will about to start."


    "Hmm," he affirmed while he dismissed the other. He looked up the full moon and whispered, "Where are you, Master¡­"


    Opposite to the bustling commerce street was an isolated area where inns were located. The full moon hang atop as it reflected inside the penthouse of the silver haired young man while the said young man was not inside her penthouse.


    Chun was in the bar counter as she talked with Fria who was incharged at it.


    "If you see a handsome man as tall as Art who is emitting a cold vibe, he had a¡­" Truthfully, Chun had no impression with the first general as she couldn''t think anything that could describe him as he only remembered the perverted guy with Xi Chen.


    "¡­ he is handsome. You will already know that it''s him when you see him!" The silver haired young man snapped her fingers finally figuring out her description. Even though, it was lame obscure description, Fria with shining eyes nodded attentively as she was looking at somewhere.


    "Young master, maybe I''m now seeing who you were describing, earlier," the heart-eyed girl stated while Chun followed where she was staring at.


    ''!!!''


    Coincidentally, the cold general who were they talking about was at the entrance of the tavern as he gazed around, observing the homely decorations of the Shu House.


    Xi Chen didn''t noticed the silver haired young man as he passed her while he inquired for any available rooms.


    "There''s one available room, Sir. This is the key for the room. Our young master here will guide you to your room, Sir," Fria gave the key card to Xi Chen as she secretly winked at her young master.


    Fria was good in reading people as she was able to perceived that the silver haired young man had some business with the man so she already made an opportunity for Chun. This was one of the reasons why she got accepted in the Shu House because of her accurate perception even though she would usually got sidetracked with beautiful people.


    The cold general looked at Chun and he was surprised to see the silver haired young man who was the third son of the Ministry of Defense.


    "Third Young Master Chun? What are you doing here?"


    Chun was surprised at the reaction of the general as she tilted her head in confusion.


    ''Was it supposed to be like this?''

 Chapter 65 - 60

    The first general of the Sereign continent was known to be a stern, ascetic man who was best at leading the army of soldiers, was loyal to the Sereign king, and had fewer reliable connections. The only person that could stand side by side with the general was his second-in-command Lieutenant General Ryo Konishi.


    Among the four generals of the king, Xi Chen was the youngest and the coldest of them all. In banquets held by the king, he would be the only one less crowded by the people even though they revered him as a skilled general nobody dared to cross his personal space despite there were some bold women who would offer there body to him, they would usually end up to Ryo as Xi Chen had no interest with them.


    He was a cold dangerous man who Chun thought somewhat resembled someone. The silver haired young man looked at the corner of the tavern as to detect her butler who was just observing the scene. Art immediately perked up from his location looking like a puppy who finally gained the attention of his master. Chun giggled at this as she turned to look at the general.


    "First general Xi Chen? Pleasure to meet you," Chun stated as she offered her hand while the general unexpectedly shook it in responds.


    ''Something had changed.''


    Chun thought as she smiled at the cold general. The silver haired young man then led Xi Chen upstairs where the rooms were located. As they conversed, Chun was able to learn that the general was an admirer of her father, despite his indifferent face as he told about the amazing feats of Chun''s father, there would be a hint of liveliness in his voice.


    The Ministry of Defense where her father held a position as the head, had a usual work that needed cooperation with the first general in terms of battle strategy and due to the help of Shenin, the general was able to defeat his opponents with ease, that''s why he revered Chun''s father as his master.


    This discovery made the silver haired young man speechless as she mustered a wry smile at the general. Though, there would be ripple effects in going back to time but she didn''t know to what degree it affected. Did it affect as well the happenings before the day she came back into?


    She had no idea.


    ----


    Instead of allowing the driver to proceed inside the institute. The silver haired young man halted the carriage as she decided to reminisce the 5 kilometer- walked she had undergo during her application at the institute, the mistake about ?ssuming that the school was just near from the entrance.


    Art who was with her, walked beside the youth as the butler was curious to what the silver haired young man wanted to do as she decided to stroll on this long road when the last time he remembered, she had complained about this tiring path.


    After hours of walking, Chun didn''t grumble about anything which was surprising to the butler but Art still refrained from asking the young master as he didn''t want to disturb the happy skips that the silver haired young man would do while swaying both her hands.


    The display of ability by the silver haired young man earned her adoring gazes from the female students due to her dashing looks as she landed, gracefully. Some male students were checking out the appearance of the youth as they couldn''t help but be fooled by her androgynous beauty that couldn''t only catch the attention of girls as the boys were drawned to her as well.


    Behind these admirations, there would be a couple of groups who naturally disliked the youth. It was the group of Kiso from the Star department.


    In Harconia Institute, there was a division of departments. There were four existing departments, Star department where genius martial practitioners came from, Elite department where talented martial practitioners were admitted, Moon department were for those ordinary cultivators and lastly, Minds department which composed of only seven students and their handler, an untalented yet special cases of students.


    "Showing off your ability but teaching wastes," the loud insult of Kiso was heard by the silver haired young man as she innocently looked at the latter''s direction.


    With a confuse expression, Chun stated, "Stars?"


    The one word of the youth created a turmoil of humiliation within Kiso as the students that were present couldn''t help but laugh at Chun''s word.


    Kiso Star who was in the Star departmet and taught star students¡­ it would be such an embarrassment to open it up in this crowd even though the people around already verbally knew this pun.


    "You brat!" Due to shame, Kiso who couldn''t endure it anymore, wanted to kill this brat who didn''t know anything better. He was about to attack the ''clueless'' youth as Chun was silently manipulating a grass root on the foot of Kiso while she maintained her innocent face.


    It earned a laughter again from the students as the star teacher stumbled on his own foot which was truthfully due to Chun''s scheme. Even Kiso''s students behind him couldn''t help but restrain their giggles.


    "Vice headmaster Quin!" Chun greeted which also made Kiso and the others look to where she was staring at but there''s no one in there. As Kiso wanted to kill the brat due to being fooled, the silver haired young man was nowhere to be found while a group of female cultivators were left blushing.


    "Almost got caught there," Chun sighed as she wiped her imaginary sweat.


    ''Young lord, are you okay?'' Art mind link his young master who had a cheeky expression opposite to her fatigue voice.


    ''I''m good, Art. It''s good to be back!''


    ''Huh?''


    ''Nothing. I''ll be going to the class hall now. Prepare---''


    Chun stopped her thoughts as someone just lifted her up from the ground like a naughty cat.


    "Master Quin, I caught him," Rin stated on her communicator as the silver haired young man couldn''t help but squirm on her hold. She wasn''t inform that the slender female ?ssistant Rin was this strong, a perks of being a cultivator.


    "Bring him to the office," a chilling voice responded.


    "Rin? Did I break the rules or something?"


    Rin ignored the whinning young man as she dragged her to the vice headmaster''s office.


    -----


    Inside the modern-style room with monochromatic colors of white and gray gave an impression to the simplistic yet serious man. Quin was seated on his comfortable swivel chair as he reviewed the records of some students.


    Chun was silent as she had no idea what she was doing here. The man infront had been quiet since she arrived, the silver haired young man couldn''t help but compare the general with him, though they had ''symptoms'' of being a cold person yet Xi Chen was more predictable for the young man as the other was a bit unreadable due to his mysterious vibe.


    The female ?ssistant was nowhere to be found as she left the silver haired youth by herself. Deciding that she had something more important to do, Chun cleared her throat.


    "Vice headmaster? Umm¡­ I maybe late with my class now," pretending to be worried, Chun was about to stand up when the busy person infront stopped her.


    "I have something to ask you about," Quin started.


    ----


    Their conversation left confusion to Chun as she walked mindlessly towards the class hall. They talked about something new that didn''t happen in the past.


    The Yu household wanted to open the case in order to search for the former head patriarch as he secretly stole the family heirloom which cursed the household and caused the deaths of each family members.


    The silver haired young man frowned at this matter as she didn''t believe that a curse was involved to the murders within the household but she needed to figure it out first. Quin told her that the institute decided to send the Minds to handle the case while Chun willingly accepted it and treated it as their first mission.


    Chun arrived infront the double doors but she didn''t immediately open it as she was remembering what was her last activity with the class. She remembered that they were profiling the killer of the second elder of the Yu Household but still she wanted to confirm that it really happen.


    The silver haired youth heard a strange clicking sound coming from the doorknob that made her smirk. ''Oh, another ploy of theirs.''

 Chapter 66 - 61

    A clicking sound was heard from the double door as the silver haired young man opened it. The trap wasn''t located above the teacher''s head as the students learned their lesson from it that you shouldn''t use a same trick twice, in that case, they decided to set a detecting wire on the double door''s steps three centimeters away from the ground as to make their teacher stumble and once it would be touched, a trigger would allow the net to entrap Chun.


    But fantasies were just fantasies because reality made them face disappointments. The silver haired young man didn''t stumble as she just walked pass it. The wire wasn''t even triggered as the teacher calmly proceeded to the class lectern with her relaxed expression.


    Chun didn''t notice their frustrations due to the failed trap, again. She was busy looking at each of their faces as she missed them. Before she would be carried away from her recollection, she cleared her throat as to catch the their attention.


    "I came from the vice headmaster''s office and the vice headmaster talked about the case of the Yu household."


    Realization dawned on them as they caught up what was the silver haired young man was implying. Days ago, they already talked about Rin opening the case of Yu Ali Na so it would be normal if they would be working on it now.


    Chun knew what was running on their heads due to their high IQ, they would be able to conclude that but she had to clear something first, "This is not only about Yu Ali Na''s case as the vice headmaster tasked us to help the Yu household on the mystery murders that were happening at their estate."


    The gossip king suddenly raised up his hand as Chun acknowledged it, "Teacher, I thought that the murders stopped three years ago?"


    "Yes, but you know that noble families would choose to keep silent about what was happening inside their family in order not to tarnish their reputation."


    Truthfully, three years ago, the sudden departure of Yu In Na, the disappearance of the former head patriarch Yu Lee In, the murder of the second elder and so on. It was the start of a series of murders within the Yu household. The first murder victim was the second elder which was the father of Yu Lee In. As they examined the case, it was impossible for the son to kill his father so they discarded Yu Lee In from the suspects.


    If Chun remembered, they had three suspects being drawned out but the problem was those three were all now dead.


    Yu Huo, 35 years old, 6''2 ft, Median realm Middle stage, from the side-branch family. Dead.


    Yu In Go, 40 years old, 6 ft, Median realm High stage, from the main family, step-brother of Yu Lee In. Dead.


    Yu Chuyun, 37 years old, 6''1ft, Median realm High stage, from the side-branch family, former (current) head patriarch. Dead.


    Art was quick on acquiring informations and that were the results on what he had accumulated. She had no lead in hand. That''s the reason why she wanted to know her students'' thoughts about this.


    "So class, start packing your things and only bring what''s necessary, we will be staying at the Yu household for three days."


    "When are we going, teacher?" Lith asked.


    "Tomorrow."


    -----


    The other students left already as the sloth young man was still on his desk, staring into nothing. Chun who was arranging her papers that Rin just brought in, noticed her cousin. She remembered that Lerrent had an idea about her identity during her encounter with the fourth general but he kept it to himself. Then an idea came into her mind.


    "Lerrent, are you still suffering from your illness?" Chun suddenly asked as she thought about the abnormal sickness of her cousin.


    She remembered that due to the abnormal high intelligence of her cousin, his nerves who was in control of his sleeping state would usually shut down when he used too much of critical thinking.


    "Yes, teacher. Why?"


    "Let me take a look."


    Despite only having a little bit of qi energy on her body as to mask the truth about her divine energy, Chun wanted to test out if she could use a deity''s power on curing someone.


    Lerrent who was curious to her teacher''s action, stayed still while waiting for the silver haired young man. Chun put her hand on the young man''s head while she slowly drew out a tiny bit of divine energy from her palm. The light purple color energy slowly roamed around inside his head towards his body, as if looking for something.


    This was Chun''s first use of divine energy onto an individual and this feeling was somewhat relaxing as she sensed every part of the young man''s cells, muscles and the flow of his blood. Lerrent''s vibe was like a sleeping calm lake flowing peacefully in the midst of a windy forest.


    On the other hand, the sloth young man felt slightly disturbed from the strange energy flowing within his body as it was not like a cultivator''s qi energy, even though he had no talent in cultivation, he knew what was a qi energy from his observation.


    Lerrent''s sleepy feeling was alleviated as Chun focused the divine energy on his nerves and after that the teacher let go as she smiled.


    "Do you feel okay now?" She asked.


    Lerrent nodded, as if having a tacit understanding between them. The sloth young didn''t ask anything about the strange energy that he encountered as he bid his goodbye at the teacher.


    "Don''t forget to go to me when you feel the symptoms again!" Chun reminded.


    Looking at the disappearing back of her cousin, Chun sighed as she discovered something special about her deity power. Is it related to Pandora''s power?


    The another ability of it was she could see pieces of memories of a person. Unintentionally, Chun was able to peek inside her cousin''s childhood memory and she was somewhat shaken from the cute memory that she saw.


    Lerrent was so cute when he was young.


    "Young lord, are we now going to leave?" The monotone voice of the butler came from behind the silver haired young man as Art appeared inches away from her.


    Somehow, the centimeters distance made Chun anxious as she suddenly stepped away from Art as she stated with her ''calm'' voice, "Yes."


    Lately, she had been feeling odd on her butler. There''s a sudden disturbing thought that came up but she immediately erased as she didn''t want to ponder upon it. While the young master was in deep thought, Art asked something that made Chun more anxious than ever.


    "Young master, can you do it with me what you did to that student awhile ago?" He said in a serious tone.


    "Eh?!"


    ----


    Shu House


    Chun who never felt exhausted after coming back to time, was now in a state of intense tiredness. She wasn''t aware that examining two people with divine energy at a time could caused a drawback on her.


    The silver haired young man sighed again as she thought about her butler''s insistence of doing it with him, too which gave Chun a headache.


    "Young master, why are you sighing? Did something happen?" Fria who finished drying the drinking glass and wiping the counter, asked in concern.


    "Yes¡­ aishh. Just ask Art. I''ll be going up now." Chun ruffled her silver white hair as she climbed on the stairs.


    Cluelessly, Fria turned towards the blank face butler who just shrugged as it followed his young master.


    Bam!


    A hit on the counter woke the bar lady from reverie as Shin warned her of slacking. With a pout, Fria continued her wiping on the shiny counter. She looked around the tavern as to confirm that there were no ''lost sheeps'' in the place. Normally, the tavern would be deserted because of its isolated location but it was still a good job for Fria as she could slack off and still get a handsome amount of salary.


    Though, the only thorn on her side was the annoying manager who would always see her actions which she shouldn''t be complaining with as they were the only ones who were working in this tavern.


    ----


    Inside the penthouse, Chun was comfortably lying on her bed with her feet on the ground as her hands were widely spread on the soft white mattress. Art was busy packing the necessities of the silver haired young man for tomorrow''s case.


    Suddenly, the relaxing youth got up from her bed as she thought something. It was about the core of the institute, if she had already the first fragment that came from the institute''s core then what about the current core now?


    Remembering it, the spirit who was guarding the core was Pandora''s essence and her other ego. Then would she be able to encounter another ego of her?


    These questions were left unanswered until Chun decided to sneak in the Harconia Institute''s guarded tunnel which would only happen after solving the case of the Yu household.

 Chapter 67 - 62

    East Village, Yu Household.


    The silver haired young man with her students were unable to ride the carriage until the Yu mansion as permitted carriages only were allowed inside the East Village. The East Village was the name of the compound which the wealthy and noble families lived.


    While walking towards the most inner parts of the compound in order to reach the location of the Yu Household, there were luxurious houses with extravagant designs that they passed by. There were simple, too but the way it was built, you could see its elegance. The most smallest building that they saw looked like a little hotel but it was still huge for someone who didn''t experience any luxuries.


    Though, the silver haired young man wasn''t intimidated by these mansions as obviously, she came from a noble family in Sereign continent, while the seven students were either had an identity of a royal family member, a noble''s son, a rich merchant''s daughter or some kind of prestigious household as they weren''t intimidated as well but they were amazed to see these kind of rich neighborhood because of the blinding lavishness of the place that wherever you turned, you would see the hint of prodigality.


    Finally, after their sightseeing. They reached the second biggest manor in the compound, the mansion of the Yu household''s main family where the curreny head patriarch lived. There were two manors in each side of the building as they were home of the two side-branch families.


    A charismatic butler in uniform with a monocle on his hand greeted them, "Instructor Chun, right?"


    "Yes, these are my students that will be solving the case," Chun replied with a smile.


    "Instructor Chun, why didn''t you inform us that you were coming? We would have fetch you by the entrance." The butler was anxious as the guest might be not pleased by their treatment.


    The silver haired young man dismissed the worries of the butler as she inquired about the head patriarch.


    "The Head Patriarch had a guest at this moment, instructor. You may wait for him at the living room and if you need anything just find me, you can call me Butler Samuel," the slanting of the butler''s eyes made Chun wanted to stare at him more. He was not that handsome but he''s charming.


    The silver haired young man truly appreciated beautiful objects as it was pleasing to the eyes to ogle at things that would not strain her pretty eyes. Suddenly her view was blocked by a hand as she followed who it came from, it was the mischievous Kai Sun who shook his head in disagreement.


    Chun frowned in confusion as the young man stated, "Teacher, you should be loyal. Pick only one."


    Li Li laughed at the gossip king''s act while she observed around the living room as Samuel led them to it. Lerrent who was usually silent, intentionally slowed down his pace as he walked together with Rye who''s face was strangely darkened as he stopped playing with his tablet.


    "Are you okay?" The sloth young man carelessly asked.


    Rye ignored Lerrent which was typically him as he turned on his gadget and went back to playing his series of codes in the tablet.


    The butler left them to their devices as Chun open up, "Team, I already informed you what we are going to do here. This is our first mission and we should be wary to our surroundings as everyone here can be a suspect."


    The mechanical genius raised her gloved hands as she asked, "Teacher, then we can apply profiling here?"


    "Yes. This would be the best case for profiling."


    Samuel came in from another door as he gestured for them to follow him while saying, "The head patriarch invited you in."


    The hallway that they were passing was different from the previous, it was full of antique luxurious vases that were said to be collected from the old era to the passing ones by the ancestors of the Yu household. In every corners of the room had those precious vases that were put into display.


    One could differentiate the previous hallway to this as the previous one had paintings of the family members from their ancestors to the latest family members while in this hallway going to the head patriarch''s office were decorated with vases.


    With curiosity Terra suddenly asked Samuel, "Is this the original setting of the mansion or the head patriarch loves antique vases that they were put here?"


    "Good observation, miss. When the former head patriarch Yu Chuyun was still alive, those vases were still in there in the living area but as young master Yu Luo was now appointed to be the head patriarch, he had an hobby of admiring certain artifacts that he wanted to always see it when he passes through this hallway going to his office."


    The silver haired young man heard that the newly appointed head patriarch came back from overseas and he was from the younger generation as they had no other capable family member that could be suitable to run the businesses of the Yu household and put order inside the household. Yu Luo was still twenty-two years old this year and he was now the head patriarch of the clan.


    Chun was interested to meet this genius as he was known to be good not only in cultivation but he''s a prodigy when it came in the business world. At the age of seventeen, he already started his own company which was specialized in trade and shipment of goods, at the age of eighteen, he graduated at the Altise Academy with flying colors and built his own organization which was the IT Association at Zenzen continent that was into technology and gaming. A business opponent of Shuho household as they had also a hand in the technology industry.


    Though, Chun was curious into something.


    The charming butler opened the double door as he gestured for them to come in. As they went inside the room, it was strangely full of figurines. They were figures of people with wings or spear or other weapons like in chivalry were placed each corners of the office, and had its own shelf of display. Samuel didn''t went in as he closed the door.


    The man who was seated on the leather chair had handsome features, he had a chiseled jaw, raven black short hair that was tied in the back of his head, a straight nose and a passionate eyes that was occupied staring into a goddess figurine who had a scepter on her hands and spread wings on her back.


    He was ogling at the figurine that made his ?ssistant on his side coughed in order to catch his attention. Momentarily, Yu Luo who was busy, frowned at the ?ssistant as he smiled when he spotted Chun and the others. He didn''t oozed the usual dangerous aura or m?tur? aura of a businessman as he welcomed them in a friendly manner. Though, Chun thought that this kind of individual shouldn''t be underestimated as they were usually a wolf in a sheep''s clothing.


    "Instructor Chun, can I call you Third young master? I am a ''friend'' of your father and I heard incredible things about you," Yu Luo stated as his expression turned into somewhat strange as if he was staring at the previous figurine he wad occupied with.


    The passionate gazes of the man was ignored by the silver haired youth as she replied, "Friend? I thought you were an opponent of my father---"


    Yu Luo immediately responded, "No... we are just opponents in the business but during events we would always talk with each other so we are considered to be friends or acquaintances, or whatever you call it."


    If you could consider throwing insulting remarks at each other''s faces or deliberately flaunting infront of one another as talking like they were close. Then absolutely they knew each other and were friends.


    "Third young master, you really look like a doll. You''re more prettier than my collections," Yu Luo suddenly blurted out that made his ?ssistant facepalmed from his boss'' outrageous remark. Complimenting a young man to be prettier than those deity figurines¡­ wasn''t it an insult?


    The ?ssistant knew very well the boss'' attitude when it came to things that would catch his attention and this third young master contained the perfect description of what Yu Luo stated, ''An artifact should have the appearance of a unique beauty that could want a possessor to never let go or turned his attention away from it.'' Despite the intelligence of Yu Luo when it came to businesses, he had a strange hobby as an artifact collector.


    "Third young master, I am ?ssistant Wei. Sorry about my boss'' bluntness as he would usually like to compliment someone or something that fascinates him," Wei explained as he let them sit on the chairs inside.


    As if waking up from his trance, Yu Luo cleared his throat as he diverted his eyes away from Chun, "Are you here for the case?"

 Chapter 68 - 63

    His stern expression was different to what he showed earlier, it only meant that the case about Yu household was serious. He then ordered ?ssistant Wei to retrieve something.


    Assistant Wei obliged and went to the shelf where the figurines were displayed, there was a hidden compartment on the upper part of the shelf as the ?ssistant took a box from it. He put the exquisite box infront of the silver haired young man and her students while the head patriarch left his swivel chair as he neared them. He sat in the leather chair facing Chun.


    "Open it and you''ll see what''s inside," Yu Luo stated with a severe tone.


    Chun frowned as she looked at the exquisite box, even the container had an ancient-feeling to it. There were runic symbols intricately carved at the upper part of the box, it was somehow forming into a text that the silver haired young man was familiar with.


    ''Ignes text.'' Chun thought while recalling on the books that she had read. This text dated back from the silver age where the discovery of runes as a form of protective enchantments emerged. Ignes text was hard to decipher because the characters were from the combining runes yet it was easy for the youth to read it due to her memory when she was Pandora.


    The silver haired young man pretended to be clueless to this text as she inquiringly looked at Yu Luo that made the head patriarch looked away and coughed. As a devoted artifact collector, the man had an irresistible urge to ask Chun as his model for his figurine but he immediately buried that thought away.


    Chun opened the box and an antiquated cubic material was inside, it had signs and symbols on it. In the cube, there were boxes in a form of columns and every boxes there were corresponding symbols.


    Lerrent who were familiar to this kind of things commented, "It''s a decoder cube."


    "Decoder cube? I have heard of it!" Li Li with glinting eyes looked at the object at the hand of the teacher as she wanted to grab it as well in order to examine the cube.


    As you rotated it, it would correspond to another symbol and sign. Yu Luo then explained, "This is a family heirloom that would usually passed to the appointed head patriarch as a keeper of it." His words had a meaning behind it as he stared at the silver haired young man.


    "The one that Yu Lee In took had to do with this, right?"


    "Yes, it was supposed to be a ciphertext that should be decoded only by this Eishener Cube." As Li Li heard that, she couldn''t hold anymore her glinting eyes due to amazement. She couldn''t believe that the legendary cube that she would usually hear in her grandfather''s story was real.


    Eishener Cube was a decoder cube that only specialized at deciphering certain ancient texts. It was made by a famous forger who was interested at deciphering ancient languages that were left behind by his ancestors so he created this cube and named it as Eishener from the Lakora language which meant unveil.


    "You''re right, miss. This is the one and only Eishener Cube in the whole world, it was discovered by the Yu clan''s ancestor during his expedition at the Grave Forest," Assistant Wei said.


    "So we are going to look for Yu Lee In and retrieve the object which he took?" Chun concluded.


    "Yes but there''s more to it." Assistant Wei brought out a paper from his pocket and handed it to Yu Luo. The paper contained dried blood on it and what caught the silver haired young man''s attention was the written message.


    "This message was left behind of one of the victims of the murder. Yu Haein came from the side family branch and she died during her bath. The body was found drowning in the bathtub and there were hints of blood in her bath that came from her eyesockets due to the removed eyes. The lab results stated that her blood was used to write this," Yu Luo stated, referring to the piece of paper.


    Yu Luo handed the paper to the silver haired young man as Chun said, "During the three years of murders, how many deaths in each year?"


    The Yu main family had a head count of twenty person. The two side-branches were a total of two hundred and during three years, the 220 family members were reduced into 48 people. Someone could call it as a mass murder if not for the interval years and months that the murders happened. Though kids were spared, in the 48 family members left, there were around 9 kids ranging from 8-13 years old.


    "There are estimated 56 deaths in each years." It was a shocking case as the culprit was able to have a death count of fifty plus every year.


    Chun narrowed her eyes as an idea came into mind. The culprit wasn''t working alone as they were able to execute that killing spree. And what would be the motive of the killer?


    After ?ssessing the case, the silver haired young man with her group of students were led by the previous butler to a guest room. Li Li was scared of sleeping alone as she wanted to be with Lith. Chun then decided to take three guest rooms, one for the boys, one for the girls and the other room was for her alone.


    Kai Sun even suggested to sleep with the teacher as he didn''t want the silver haired young man to be alone on this ''murder'' mansion. Cases of murders were happening here and they were now currently staying at the site.


    Chun declined his offer as it would be a hassle for her because she''s not a boy and sleeping with a boy in a room was not good for her. She would be bathing in her female form as the transformation potion would wear off when her body would be soaked in warm water. Commonly, Chun would only bath in lukewarm water or cold water in the penthouse but now she decided to request for a hotbath in order to loosen her tense nerves because of this case.


    The silver haired young man sighed in relished after she soaked herself in a comfortable bath. The bath had a lavender oil on it added by butler for her young master to relax due to the long journey they went through and the case they would be solving for later.


    While soaking in the warm water, the silver haired young man who had a stature of a boy had transformed slowly into a budding beauty. She had the exact curves for a girl in seventeen years old. Chun was humming a tune inside the bathroom while enjoying her bath, amidst to the murders that were happening on this place, it didn''t frighten her as she trusted her butler. Art outside was comfortably sitting on a chair as he flipped through the pages of a book while waiting for the young master.


    Specifically, it was Terra''s scream.


    Chun immediately washed off as she went outside, wearing a bathrobe. Art was hiding in the shadows, tailing the silver haired young man, though he forgot to warn the young master about her body because of the abrupt movement of the youth. He''d just wished that no one notice Chun''s body.


    Lerrent, Han, Kai Sun and Rye were already outside the room of their classmates as they heard it too. Terra was on the floor crying as Lith comforted her while Li Li was standing there in shock, staring into something.


    "What happened?" Chun barged inside and the others followed as well.


    "T-teacher... I saw something in the mirror at the bathroom," the crying girl stated as she saw something hideous at the mirror.


    Chun frowned as she asked, "What was it?"


    "A girl with no eyes s-staring straight at me."


    Before Chun could say anything, Kai Sun interrupted, "Teacher, you need to look at that!"


    The silver haired young man was focused on the crying scene that she didn''t notice that Li Li was staring into the bloody wall.


    ''Who dares shall die.''


    Chun narrowed her eyes as she thought something odd from this. She didn''t believe in ghosts and the mastermind behind this act indicated from this message alone that he wanted them to not involve themselves on this case if they didn''t want to die.


    ''Yes, who dared.'' Chun thought as she smirked inwardly. Somehow the font of the bloody words on the wall was the same on the bloody note that Assistant Wei gave.


    The silver haired young man neared the wall and took out the note from her spatial storage. She put it beside the words on the wall and compared them.


    "Third young master! What happened?" Yu Luo with Assistant Wei arrived. The ?ssistant was in his sleeping wear while the head patriarch was still in the same suit.


    Witnessing the bloody wall, Yu Luo wasn''t surprised and stated, "That culprit usually does this to scare the visitors. Last time I remembered, a guest of mine was scared because of this act. I didn''t expected that the culprit would be brave to try this on you as well."


    Yu Luo shook his head as he heaved in deep sigh. It was truthfully giving him an headache. His business partners or guests that stayed here didn''t want to go back anymore due to this and sometimes it dealt a blow on the family company. There clients would be fleeing as they didn''t want to ?ssociate with people who lived in a ''haunted mansion''.

 Chapter 69 - 64

    It was 6 am in the morning, Chun with her students crowded the living room as they were solving a piece of puzzle. They discovered that the killings had a pattern to it. The culprit only killed family members that were ranging from twenty to forty-eight. Comparing the cases of deaths, the killer had a motive of destroying the Yu household slowly and painfully by making them suffer from losing their capable family members.


    The silver haired young man felt that her judgement about the culprit having a group of accomplices was wrong. Her instincts were telling him that this murder plot was instigated by only one person. Based on the deaths, the culprit deliberately left a clue which didn''t make sense. As Lerrent and Chun examined those clues, it wasn''t from the victims as they were written by the culprit using the victim''s blood. Why would ''they'' purposely left a clue for their crimes?


    It truly didn''t make sense.


    The other members of the Minds were busy with their own ?ssigned task as it was their start of operation today, Rye was tasked to monitor the whole mansion even the mansions of the side branch families were monitored as well through Li Li''s mobilized mini cameras. Han and Kai Sun were tasked to gather relevant informations around, what did the servants do, where were the other family members at, what were the rumors around the Yu household and what was going in with their daily matters. Terra and Lith were into profiling the possible traits of the culprit/s.


    The sloth young man was feeling his symptoms again due to using too much brain power that he couldn''t help but yawned in sleepiness. Though, he still endured while reading the documents that Chun gave him.


    Chun was seriously staring into the bloody paper that was given to her by the ?ssistant. Currently, the head patriarch and his ?ssistant wasn''t present as they had matters to attend with. She was informed that Yu Haein was the last victim of the murder and it happened last month.


    The living room was a perfect plot of provoking the culprit if ''they'' saw that the team of the silver haired young man didn''t gave up. Chun was testing some of her conjectures.


    Unintentionally, the attention of Chun landed on the charismatic butler at the side who was attentively standing at a corner, awaiting for any orders. Butler Samuel was the ?ssigned servant for them while staying here at the Yu household. Sensing the stare of the silver haired youth, he responded with his charming smile.


    Chun then removed her gaze at him as she went on analyzing the note.


    ''Breeze of flora. Sweet and gentle . Moment of time. Nothing but faint.''


    Every phrase that was messily written by blood had no connections with each other but somehow Chun knew that there was a message behind this.


    ''Young lord, just look to the first and the end of letters. You might see something.''


    Art communicated as he saw this paper already that night when the silver haired young man was reading it.


    ''Breeze of florA. Sweet and gentlE. Moment of timE. Nothing but fainT.''


    Even without elaborating his explanation, Chun knew what he was meaning on. Immediately, the silver haired youth got up from her chair and stated, "Samuel, where''s the basement here?"


    The sudden movement of Chun earned her gazes from the students who were busy on what they were doing.


    Not knowing why did the young master suddenly asked for the basement, the butler maintained his smile and answered, "You may follow me, young master."


    As Lerrent couldn''t tag along and the others were busy, Chun decided to go alone with the butler. Samuel led the silver haired young man to the basement of the mansion. They walked hallways through hallways due to the huge mansion, if Chun had no guide leading her, she would probably get lost to the twisting identical paths. The corridors that they passed by had varying designs but you could see the hints of antiquity of the mansion even though they were covered by elegant decorations and luxuries that was trying to hide the decrepitude of the mansion.


    "Is the mansion haven''t undergone remodelling?"


    They continued to walk as the butler replied, "The elders didn''t want to touch this mansion that was built by the Yu family''s ancestors during silver age as it would tarnished the fortunes that it brought to the family."


    "Fortunes?"


    "Yes. When the mansion was built, the Yu family was still a stronghold in the business world, specifically in ancient artifacts and it was believed to be the luck that the mansion brought."


    It wasn''t a coincidence that Yu Luo was an artifact collector because it was embedded in their genes this kind of hobby. But Chun noticed that the Yu family liked to believe in superstitions.


    "Then the mansion had hidden passages that only the elders knew?"


    Momentarily, Samuel stopped his walk then continued as he explained, "When I was a child, my father would usually tell me stories about this mansion."


    The silver haired young man listened to what the butler was talking as she eyed him intently. Due to their interesting conversation, Chun didn''t notice that they were now infront of the basement door.


    "Shall I accompany you inside?" Samuel asked.


    "No need." Chun went in as the butler was left by the doorway. There were stairs leading down the basement as the silver haired youth started to descend.


    ''Be careful, young lord,'' Art reminded as he followed his young master through the shadows.


    Finally, Chun landed her foot on the solid ground as the lights suddenly turned on. It was Art who switched it on.


    The basement was full of old porcelain statues and figurines, there were boxes of colorful rocks, too. One could identify that these stuff were rejected products as Chun examined it, there were uneven details of the figurines, there were cracks on it and even the other artifacts were neither could passed a expert artifact criticizers eyes.


    "Young lord, I found something here."


    The silver haired young man neared the butler''s location and a strange artifact appeared in her sight. It looked like a clock if not for the inverted pendulum that had an attached clock hand which was pointed in the east direction. The round object had a compass direction of north, east, west and south that made Chun baffled.


    Chun turned around the strange clock and there was a familiar text on its back. It was the same text written on the exquisite box of the Eishener cube.


    The ignes text used random runic symbols that indicated the rising of the sun in the east and the setting of it in the west. The silver haired young man took the object as she went out from the basement.


    "Did you find something that could help you in your investigation, young master?" With his charming smile, Samuel inquired as he closed the basement door.


    Chun hummed in affirmation and went back to the living room with the butler.


    "Right. Teacher, I found something amusing!" The gossip king with glinting eyes suddenly spoke with eagerness.


    "I found out that the side branch family head Yu Hai is into younger boys!"


    A cough came out from Samuel as his face reddened from awkwardness. Han smacked Kai Sun due to his unfiltered mouth while the silver haired young man frowned at the unrelevant information. The others couldn''t help but giggle with the latter''s impulsiveness.


    "Wait! That''s not it--- Yu Hai had an odd activity during night. He would leave at 11:30 pm accompanied with his servant boys and went back without those servants. He was the only one in the family members who wasn''t present at his sleeping quarters when the incident happened, last night!"


    Chun narrowed her eyes as she asked, "Did he brought someone with him?"


    "Yes! But the servant boy was nowhere to be found."


    "Let''s go, let''s seek him out," Chun stated as Kai Sun and Han went with her.


    ----


    Birds chirping with melodious sound and the sun was shining brightly on the plants in the courtyard of the first side branch family mansion.


    Previously, as Chun with Samuel and her students came in the place. The side branch family head was busy teasing with a boy servant who was giggling at his touches. If not for the announcing voice of Samuel, they might already got deeper with their business.


    Han and Kai Sun was looking elsewhere as they didn''t want their eyes to be tainted while Chun with her uncaring manner sat down in the chair prepared by the butler.


    Yu Hai was immediately drawned to the enchanting creature infront of him when suddenly the silver haired young man broke his fantasies. "Your night activities have been exposed, where did you brought those servants that accompanied you?"


    With anger present on his expression, he shouted, "Samuel! What b*tch did you bring inside my mansion?!"


    ''Young lord, should I kill him?'' A hint of darkness could be heard on Art''s tone if not for the dismissing attitude of his young master.


    "Family Head, they''re not for your entertainment. They are here to investigate about the murder cases and they wanted to ask you something." Samuel easily mitigated the mood of Yu Hai.


    Yu Hai frowned but calmed himself as he warily greeted Chun, "I am Yu Hai, the head of the Yu side branch families." The silver haired young man with her unbothered expression didn''t mind the gesture as she persisted on asking.


    This was the so-called hitting the pan while it''s hot. Chun was agitating the person in order to see if he was innocent.

 Chapter 70 - 65

    Even though, the family head was proven innocent. They still got their lead. Chun arranged Rye to monitor closely Yu Hai as he could be the next target of the culprit. Though, the head patriarch could be a possible target but the silver haired young man had another plan in mind.


    At night, Chun decided to hold a meeting inside her room. She wanted it to be a covert discussion between her and the students without any outsiders. As the silver haired young man stated that anyone could be a suspect in the Yu household, she''s not only implying about the family members but the servants as well.


    "Samuel Lacos, 21 years old came from Zenzen continent and he started working here in the Yu household last year as his father wasn''t able to work anymore due to his sickness," Lith stated as she read the documents that Chun ?ssigned her to find out. The results from what Terra and Lith stipulated, the culprit could be a man around twenties and had a height of 171 cm tall. He''s left-handed and had been living here for four years longer.


    Terra then proceeded to another person, "Chan Jing, he had been serving the Yu family since he was thirteen years old and he is now 25 years old."


    "Dan Fu, 23 years old¡­"


    The silver haired young man continued to listen at them as she was in deep thought. She had been missing something. Currently, they were ?ssessing the servants of the Yu household in order to draw out the suspect from them as it was impossible for the family members to do it as all of them was not fitted to the concluded profile of the suspect.


    Immediately, Chun brought out the strange clock that she found out from the basement.


    "What is that, teacher?" Kai Sun asked as he examined the object. He touched the hand of it as he tried to move it but it didn''t budge.


    "I don''t know too but I found it in the basement where the clue led me."


    Lerrent who was beside Kai Sun, noticed the back of the object as he said, "This symbol is the same in that exquisite box that contained the Eishener cube."


    "Hmm. This is the Ignes text, it came from the silver age and it represented the rising and setting of the sun," Chun explained as Lerrent processed it.


    Having an idea, the sloth young man stated, "What if you follow what was this strange clock was pointing on."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Teacher, this looks like a sundial."


    -----


    The heating rays of the sun was piercing as the silver haired young man was in the middle of the courtyard with no shade over her head but only the umbrella that Samuel was holding covered her from the heat. She was concentrated on arranging the right position of the sundial to its arrow pointing to the east direction.


    The seven students were by the side of the courtyard where a pavilion was located. They were observing to what the teacher was doing under the heat of the sun while Yu Luo and his ?ssistant were with them.


    "What is third young master doing?" Yu Luo stated with curiosity while his eyes betrayed his tone due to the adoration he was directing to Chun. He couldn''t believe that under the sunlight, his goddess looks more surreal.


    "Teacher is figuring something out," Kai Sun replied as he fanned himself with his hand. Even though, they were under a roof, he still felt the emitting heat of the sun rays.


    Finding nothing to talk with, Li Li suddenly opened up, "Head Patriarch, may I ask you something?"


    Yu Luo turned his attention towards the innocent-looking girl who had a mechanical headband on her forehead. "What is it, girl?"


    "Why are you calling teacher third young master?" Li Li had been curious to what truly the identity of the silver haired young man as she was their newly appointed handler and even the headmaster didn''t divulge the true identity of Chun but she and her classmates somehow had an idea of the silver haired young man''s background.


    The test that Chun passed as an instructor had a big part on being admitted in the Harconia Institute but the institute had an unspoken rules of only recruiting instructors that had a prestigious background when it came to the Minds department, that''s one of the reason why the vice headmaster was their temporary handler as their last instructor couldn''t handle their pranks and naughty attitudes.


    Before the silver haired young man was recruited as their handler/instructor, they thought that she would be another victim of their schemes but they didn''t expect that the teacher was more of a schemer than them. The first time Chun arrived, she walked in unperturbed by their traps and they were the ones who got fallen to the simulation of the teaher. That was one of the reason that they had a tacit understanding between their team that to allow this teacher to live through her days.


    "Oh, Third Young Master Chun came from Sereign continent and he''s the third son of Shenin Shuho who is the president of the Shu Empire, a business who isn''t only focused on technology advancement but more in internet industry. They''re truly the best of the best," Yu Luo with praises on his voice couldn''t help but be filled with excitement while thinking of his business opponent.


    Wei sighed at his fervor as he couldn''t control the m?s??h?stic nature of his boss. He would naturally praised his opponents infront of the people that sometimes other would think that he wasn''t an opponent to them but their fan.


    Listening to that, Rye couldn''t help but spoke up, "Shu Empire? I heard of them. I''m currently using one of their modified tablet, XP Cosmos." Rye showed the tablet that was a size of a normal notebook that he would usually carry when he felt that his ??ptop wasn''t convenient. The tablet was currently monitoring every corner of the Yu household, there are hundreds of boxes showing on the screen. It wasn''t only a simple touchscreen tablet as it was connected to the perception of the user. Using a small handset attached to his temple and ear, Rye could control the monitors to what he would be viewing through his mind. The tablet had a fast internet databasing as it supplied its own signal by the designed signal packets inside the tablet.


    Lerrent didn''t comment on that as he knew very well the Shuho household and that Shu Empire didn''t only focused on the technology or internet field but they had business branches that were into the restaurants, trading industry, weaponry, and clothing.


    ''Young lord, the sun will be setting at 5pm and it will be good to wait under the pavilion.'' Art was on a branch of a tree as he looked ten meters away from his young master. He couldn''t help but feel a bothering emotion when he saw another butler was beside his young master.


    Perhaps, it was not his time yet to be on the open with his young master. He would usually be hidden in the shadows, tailing the silver haired young man as it was in their contract that he would only show up if he was needed. At first, he didn''t care at all as he was binded by this contract to the youth accidentally and this was supposed to be a favourable agreement between them. As he protected Chun, he would gain what he needed. He needed another five years and he would be off from this shackle but he didn''t think that things would turned out like this.


    He was unaware that he was sinking deeper to the depths of unknown that he would be too late to recover from it.


    "Samuel, what''s the time?"


    The charming butler took out a pocket watch and stated, "2:45, young master."


    Chun sighed and listened to the advise of Art as she went to the pavilion to take cover.


    "How was it, Teacher?" Kai Sun fervently asked.


    The silver haired young man sensed that the aura wasn''t right inside the pavilion. There were odd looks that her students were sending her, Chun''s sight landed to the avoiding head patriarch as he didn''t looked directly at the youth as he pretended to talk to his ?ssistant.


    The silent Rye suddenly broke the strange atmosphere, "Teacher, what''s the lastest product the Shu Empire will be launching next year?"


    ''Oh, they knew.'' Chun thought but it didn''t bothered her. She smiled at the other and stated, "I have no idea but I heard from my father that they will be releasing a newest security system next month and they wanted top hackers to try to decrypt the system in order for their IT experts to see out the loopholes of the new system."


    Rye with excited expression blurted out, "I will be participating then!"


    "Now, now, you got hooked the tech geek into your fanclub, young master," Kai Sun teased as he hanged his arm on the silver haired young man''s shoulder. Comparing their height, Kai Sun was a head taller to Chun that made the young man irked from it.

 Chapter 72 - 67

    Silhouettes of the trees were casted down from the bright full moon in the dark sky as shadows kept moving through the forest. The butler was carrying his young master in his arms as they traversed through the forest. It was inevitable to let the silver haired young man walked on her own as she had no cultivation and she couldn''t just use her deity powers.


    The thick foggy forest was far from the Yu household as they discovered that Yu Lee In was hiding in a cabin at that place. The shadow guards had already surrounded the place without knowledge of the target while Chun and the butler were coming.


    "Young lord, lately you''re getting heavy." The comment of the butler made the silver haired young man irritated, even though she was dressed in a boy''s clothing, she had still some lady insecurities.


    "Put me down, Art," Chun instantly replied with a grumble on her voice.


    Coincidentally, they arrived outside of the alighted cabin as a shadow guard showed up and stated that Yu Lee In was inside. The silver haired young man didn''t do anything extra as she strode in with her lazy demeanor.


    The door opened and the furious-looking person was about to yell at the mastermind behind his capture when he was stunned to see a beautiful young man who walked in. The youth was around 17 years with an odd hair color and a mixed colored eyes, she exuded a trace of laziness as she smiled at the former head patriarch.


    "You must be Yu Lee In?" Chun asked while observing the kneeling man with a tigth rope tied on both of his hands by his back.


    "Yes! And what do you want?" His voice had a hint of impatience as he looked at the other. He wasn''t impressed by the scheme of this young man as he was caught unguarded.


    Previously, he just came from his rented inn when a messenger handed him a letter saying that the boss that wanted to buy the enchantment was interested on meeting face-to-face. He was reluctant to sell this enchantment as it was the family heirloom that he took from the Yu household deeming it to be having an unmatched power within it. When he got his hands on it while he escaped, he tried every means to trigger it but it was no use. It didn''t budge.


    The enchantment looked like a crystal-like rock with red highlights on its body when it would be shone under the light. At first when he successfully took it as he ran away from the Yu household, he felt overjoyed as he could finally gain his own power and come back to the household in order to retrieve his position as the head but he didn''t expect that the legendary object was just a useless piece of rock. While examining, it weighted 10 kilograms and it was a precious stone due its unique qualities. Because of his sudden escaped and having not enough money to sustain him, he decided to sell it to a gem collector that he knew.


    Unfortunately, he did not think that the silver haired young man setted a trap for him. He had been in hiding for three years and he unconsciously let down his guard for money.


    The silver haired young man had no interest on talking longer with Yu Lee In as took the rock object on the table while playing it on her hands. "So this was the object that you stole from your family? What''s the use of this?"


    Chun examined closely the lame rock. She didn''t feel anything from it as she threw it carelessly to Art while the butler caught it easily. If one would see this scene, the silver haired young man acted like a hooligan with her fellow subordinates surrounding the man.


    Yu Lee In glared at the unknown youth as he didn''t responded. Everyone had deemed him to be useless after he was poisoned affecting his own judgement and demeanor when he was still the head patriarch. He believed that he was schemed by his cousin Yu Chuyun, that''s why he had no goal other than taking his revenge when he had a chance to come back to the estate.


    Reading through his thoughts, the silver haired young man lazily stated, "Yu Chuyun is dead."


    A hint of surprised resurfaced on Yu Lee In as he was not inform by this great news. Then¡­?


    "No, you don''t have any possibility of claiming the position." That was the truth as the majestic Yu Luo was currently the head patriarch.


    Before Yu Lee In could respond, Chun cut to the chase. "Why did you leave the Yu household and stole that?"


    Knowing that it was useless to conceal anything from this imposing young man. He replied, "I wanted to gain the power of that enchantment in order to retrieve my position but I didn''t expect that it was just a myth of the family ancestors."


    It was believed that the enchantment brought immeasurable power to the ancestor and when he perished he left the enchantment as the Yu family heirloom. But his hopes got him down as it was just a piece of rock. For three years of his hiding, he consulted to every experts that he knew about this object but they always had the same result. The object was just a unique rock.


    Chun squinted her eyes inquisitively as she probed again, "You didn''t know about the murders?"


    Yu Lee In frowned as he spoke, "What murders?"


    After talking to the former head patriarch, she left him unconscious in the cabin as they silently went back. She had no plans on delivering him back to the Yu household as she just sent an anonymous letter of his whereabouts to Yu Luo.


    Chun was the last one to leave the cabin after confirming that she had erased the memories of Yu Lee In with their encounter. She discovered this ability when she accidentally looked into Lerrent''s childhood memory and she just tested her conjecture if she could somehow manipulate a person''s memory and she was right. Though, it was energy consuming as she felt tiredness from her body.


    The silver haired young man decided that after this case, she would start cultivating her divine energy and practicing her special ability that she instinctively knew that it was related to her past deity self.


    Back at the sleeping quarters of the silver haired young man, she was drying her hair with a towel while wearing a bathrobe as she glanced at the stoic butler standing three meters away from her. Chun just got out from her warm bath and she felt relaxed from it while she was in her female form. The attractive and delicate appearance of the silver haired young lady made the butler divert his eyes away as he felt his trembling heart from the sight.


    "I thought you had something to talk to, Art?"


    The sudden inquiry of Chun caught the butler off guard. "Yes, young lord. I am reminding you about the contract."


    She remembered the first time she met Art was during her most vulnerable state. It was at the Hiyasmi Island after she broke down and almost killed herself when she realized that her disastrous constitution ceased her mother''s life, if not for being the reincarnated Pandora and the help of Art as she was losing her spirit, she could have died.


    They were tied by a contract not because of having an intimate relationship as ?ssumed by the Demon King and his kind but they had a deal. Art was already fulfilling his while Chun haven''t started her part of the agreement. She would be able to fulfill her part as she reached her 18 years of age.


    The Shuho bloodline had special qualities that only the prince of demon knew and could help him gaining his goal.


    "Should you drink to me directly or I should just transfer it in a bag for convenience?" Chun hesitantly asked as she was nervous to feel another pain after coming back to time. She just wanted to forget that agonizing pain she felt when the demon general ripped her arm off. That kind of pain and despair, she wanted to avoid it.


    Art sensed a hint of fear from his young master, not knowing why she reacted like that. He teased while maintaining his blank expression though his voice had hoarseness in it, "Drinking it directly makes it fresher and sweeter."

 Chapter 73 - 68

    Dark red splashes of liquid was visible on the walls of the mansion and a maniacal laugh echoed throughout the hall. The shadow of a boy could be seen in the dim place as the damaged lights were blinking in intervals.


    The doll-faced boy had no expression on his face as his big doe eyes remained unbothered by the surroundings. He was striding through the wet ground of dark red liquid as mangled bodies of individuals lingered on the way. It was a scene of massacre but the boy ignored the disturbing view as passed by.


    He had no one anymore even the rustic stench of the blood didn''t awaken his rationality as it made him love the scent like it was a fragrant perfume.


    The boy was an illegitimate child of the patriarch of the Lacos family, he was born out of wedlock and was believed to have a mental illness which he inherit from his mother.


    Judging eyes, whispering insults and false rumors were his everyday dose of medicine. The innocent child would always hide his face when he was being criticized by his fellow kids, even the older members of the family weren''t merciful to him as they sneered at him everytime they saw his shadow or presence.


    Due to him and his mother, the reputation of the Lacos household was smeared. The Lacos was known to be a secluded noble family that only a number of people knew, they had a tradition of not marrying their family members into an outsider or someone not appointed by their matchmaker. And they abhorred mistresses, this family might be one of the families that had no record of illegitimate children as they conformed to their tradition.


    Because the boy was produced from the accident that the patriarch committed to a lowly woman outside the family, they unwillingly took the child to their family as the boy still had their bloodline running through his veins. Unfortunately, he had a mental illness, a personality relapse.


    They never witnessed his personality relapse as they didn''t bothered with him due to his lowly birth, even his father who was the patriarch only cared for the boy''s daily necessities not his well-being. He was just seeing if the boy could live through this family and die if he couldn''t take it anymore.


    Piling reasons for his hatred gathered on his heart and even the whispering voices that he used to ignore was tempting him. The boy couldn''t hold back anymore.


    At that night, a celebration within the household was held due to the seventh birthday of his younger brother, a legitimate child of the boy''s father. As the family didn''t invite anyone outside, it was just an event that only them knew.


    The happy celebration ended up in a bloodbath. The boy didn''t know what happened as he gained his senses when the blood already painted the grand hall. He looked at his two small hands riddled by dark red liquid and stared back to the mangled messed of dead bodies. He had no idea what had transpired but he knew it was his doing.


    Those voices couldn''t help but cry for more blood, more deaths. They kept whispering on his ears.


    ''They deserved it¡­.''


    ''They deserved it¡­.''


    ''They deserved it¡­.''


    ''Kill¡­kill¡­kill..''


    Samuel suddenly woke up from his horrible nightmare as he calmed himself while his tight gripped left a mark on his blanket. He silently went to the bathroom not daring to wake up his roommate on the opposite bed. As he was living in the servant quarters, it''s customary to share a room with another servant.


    He washed his face with running water as he looked to the mirror infront of him. There, he saw a smiling man who had an identical look as him, though its smile gave chills through his spine.


    "Let''s kill that brat who was interfering on our matter," the reflected man on the mirror stated as Samuel was frightened to this person. He wasn''t in control when his relapse would occur and he was regretting of allowing it.


    "No! I had enough with you!"


    He washed his face again as he planned to ignore the reflected person when suddenly a sarcastic laugh echoed inside the bathroom as the man with a dark face and deadpanned expression stated, "Hmm... I''m not still satisfied."


    ----


    The silver haired young man was sleeping on her bed comfortably, moonlight shone from the window as the silent moon grazed over the beautiful features of the youth. Her defined nose and fluttering long eyelashes that sometimes trembled was a sight to behold. She was like a divine goddess from another world due to her silvery white hair that enhanced her charm.


    The sleeping young man was alone inside her bedroom as a silhouette of a man appeared by the corner. He was holding a knife as it glinted from the glare of the moon. He neared the youth as Chun was counting inside her head. This was the opportunity she was talking about.


    When the blade of the knife was about a centimeters away from the silver haired young man, an unknown force stopped him from committing his act while he looked in surprise at the smirking youth who was laying in the bed. Chun fluttered open her eyes as she smiled at the culprit.


    With a snap of her fingers, the knife floated out from his grasps as the man dropped down to his knees. The dark room suddenly was alighted as Art switched the lights on.


    Chun smiled as she clapped, amazed by the performance that she crafted. Samuel on his knees was in disbelief by the unfolding scenerio.


    "Rye, did you got it?" The silver haired young man stated through her earchip as the other party replied with affirmation.


    Unexpectedly, Samuel laughed with no humor as he said, "So what if you caught me in the act? Does it make me the mastermind behind those murders?"


    He thought that he would not be discovered just by this simple act but he wasn''t aware that the person infront of him was more of a schemer, a master schemer in her students'' mind.


    "Oh, this was just a plot of mine in order to support those evidences that I got," Chun nonchalantly said as she sat up from her bed.


    In the middle of her scheming to capture the culprit in the act, she discovered something interesting. After talking to Art about the contract, her father called to her about a transaction that her first brother would be dealing at Zenzen continent. Shenin asked if she could lend the Agillon to her first brother as it was an urgent matter. Chun was not interested with the business transaction but she was curious why it was so urgent. Then she uncovered about the extinct Lacos family who was once a noble family in Zenzen continent.


    Due to curiosity, if it was a coincidence. She tasked her butler to find informations about this household and she learned that the Lacos'' suffered a similar case of murder like the Yu household, though they were killed in just one swoop, fifteen years ago. Then she linked the coincidental family name of Samuel and found out that he was an illegitimate child of the dead patriarch and the only survivor of the household. He was adopted by a former servant of the Lacos'' as he pitied the child but no one knew that the person behind the horrifying murders was that ''innocent'' child.


    The servant then worked under the Yu household but due to some illness, his adopted son replaced him for work. But the murders started three years ago while Samuel wasn''t yet a servant of the household. Though he executed his crimes skillfully. Making a perfect crime if not for stumbling upon the silver haired young man.


    "Why did you want the Yu family suffer the same fate of the Lacos''?"


    Hearing that, the personality relapsed of the servant showed up. He smirked as he spoke in seethed hatred, "I wanted them to suffer because they resembled those scums."


    Samuel remembered the day when he was fifteen years old, his adopted father brought him to the Yu household. He wasn''t suffering from his relapses anymore as he already erased those scums but when he went inside the Yu household, those noble young men insulted him even though he didn''t done anything to them. Like his past appeared infront of him, his inner demons came back again, seeking for satisfaction. As Samuel didn''t want to commit another crime, he ignored the voices in his head.


    But ignoring it made it worse, it kept bothering him on his sleep, day or night and he would suffer from his relapse that his bird which he cared for two months died by his own hands. Deciding to cure it, to quell their whispers, he started to craft his plan. Learning the secret passages within the Yu household mansion, the layouts and all, he managed to execute his plot and little by little exterminate them.


    Coincidentally, his adopted father had fallen ill which gave him an opportunity to closely kill his target.

 Chapter 74 - 69

    Then hell broke loose.


    The incidents happened for three years that nobody even suspected him as it was negligible to conclude that an outsider maneuvered this scheme due to the well executed murders.


    The silver haired young man quirked her brows as it was still a magnificent plot that the culprit created, he was able to memorize the twisting passages that only the elders knew. He manipulated the Yu family members on his palms without them knowing. If the circumstances were not the same and she met this person, she might try to get close to him and learn his tricks.


    ''Such a waste!''


    Chun sighed from looking at the poor young man infront of her as she flicked her sleeves and a document related to Samuel appeared from her spatial storage.


    It said about the status report of Samuel Lacos, this was his medical record when he was still ten years old, the time when he killed his whole clan. The file had an old scent due to being procured from the old files of the former doctor. A picture of a expressionless kid was on it followed by descriptive words.


    ''Samuel Lacos, 10 years old. Doctor is Eric Denova. It was diagnosed that the child was born with a mental illness that would give him personality relapses from time to time. When the relapses was triggered, inject xv302 as it would calm it down. Do not put him to sleep.''


    "xv302? What is that?" Chun stated as she observed the man who tenses from hearing the word.


    The xv302 was a personal medicine for Samuel''s case as his past doctor deemed his illness to be special. But they didn''t know that it was a mistake to stimulate it, while it calm down the patient who was being attacked by his illness, the medicine would slowly enter his bloodstream and ????u??t? the substance that would cause the stimulation of his inner demons.


    Samuel had no knowledge about this, his father was truly a sadist as he experimented his child by using that medicine. Samuel''s mother was just an orphan who was secretly raised by the Lacos'' patriarch to carry out the experiment but unknown to them, a tragedy would befall them before they could finish their project. Someone discovered about the patriarch''s blasphemy that led to the illegitimate child, Samuel.


    The silver haired young man had a gist about this medicine because of Lith. It was said to be crafted from a forbidden formula that Lith''s family had been guarding on. The medical geek had no idea how did the formula came to the hands of this people but she would surely find out after contacting her parents.


    Chun looked at the bowing man who had been silent, she had a hint of mirth on her eyes as she was amused by the unprecedented discovery. The silver haired young man turned her back as she was about to get out from the bed when a small drop of liquid spurted at the silver haired young man''s cheek.


    Chun wiped it from her face and saw the dark red blood that stained her dainty fair hand. She immediately looked behind her and saw that Art mercilessly removed the head of the servant as it was about to attack his young master.


    The butler was still on the sideline when he saw the odd behavior of the culprit as the silver haired young man was about to get down from the bed. Art detected a hint of dark energy flowing out from the culprit. Without hesitation, he swiftly slashed the neck of the other.


    The silver haired young man was about to get near her butler when Art warned her to not move from her spot. Knowing that the fight was just starting, the butler readied himself.


    Art was baffled about this stray demon who was possessing a mortal''s body. Currently, his father, the Demon King was still at peace with the ten continents due to the treaty that they had signed off, six hundred years ago, after their defeat from the Great War. So it was negligible to be the Demon King''s plot as this was a stray demon.


    There were three kinds of demons, the strays who had no physical body and would only possessed a person of their choice to corrupt. The supremes were demons that were under the Demon King and the rulers were demons that had a bloodline of the Demon King himself.


    The camera that Li Li installed was destroyed due to the emerging dark energy within the room, the monitor that Rye was looking on turned static as the tech geek started to contact the teacher inside. They knew that the silver haired young man was in danger. As the head patriarch with his ?ssistant was present with the seven students who were surveiling the scene, he immediately called for his guards as they hurried to Chun''s guest room.


    But they couldn''t even inch to the door as a turbulent dark energy was engulfing it, preventing them to save the silver haired young man.


    "What are we going to do?!" Li Li stated in a panic as she worried for the life of the teacher.


    "I saw his butler with him," Rye slowly spoke as he witnessed a glimpsed of Art due to his fast movements on beheading the culprit.


    "Then we should pray for their safety." Yu Luo had no choice too as he had no methods of interfering with a dangerous energy even though he was a strong cultivator. A dark energy shouldn''t be underestimated.


    In the other side.


    Art was facing off with a devilish-looking yet attractive incubus. He was surprisingly had a physical form because of the gathered dark energy that he had been eating from the hatred of the person that he had possessed, he had ate as well the spirit of those people that Samuel had exterminated so it gave him enough energy to create his physical form.


    The incubus smirked at the butler as he trailed off his stare to Art''s back. He licked his luscious lips while ?ustfully observing the silver haired young man who was peeking at him.


    "Hmm¡­ we should negotiate. I''ll let you leave if you give that boy to me," the seductive voice of the incubus echoed from his throat as he ?usted the beauty of the young man. He truly adored exotic kind of beauty, this boy was up to his taste.


    Imagining some perverted methods to torture the silver haired young man under him, he couldn''t help but m??n from p???sur?. He didn''t noticed the darkened face of the butler as Chun enthusiastically awaited for the fight to unfold.


    She was about to witness the amazing abilities of her precious butler, this was her second experience of witnessing this ''dance'' of Art as the last one happened when she was still thirteen years old, when someone bullied her and Art taught them a lesson.


    "Non-negotiable," the butler plainly responded with darkness on his voice as he disappeared from the enemy''s line of vision.


    The incubus erupted from the smugness of the butler as he attacked to the air while Art disappeared. Sensing someone from behind, he deflected the offence of the butler. He was stunned to see that his opponent could match his abilities which was interesting.


    He distanced himself from Art and observed the movement of the other. Art had no plan to initiate the attack again as he waited for the incubus to go at it.


    For Art, this was just a game to him as this opponent was totally couldn''t keep up if he truly got serious on killing him. He decided to slowly torture this demon as it violated his young master''s existence, thinking ??wd thoughts about the silver haired young man was committing sacrilege.


    One hour had passed by and the stray demon finally noticed something odd, though they were matched in abilities, why was he feeling tired while the other was still in his top condition with that usual blank expression of his that made the incubus to be angered by the arrogantness of Art.


    Deciding that fun times was over. With no delay, Art disappeared again from his spot and appeared from the back of the stray demon while blood dripped out from his hand. Not knowing how was he killed in a blink of an eye, the incubus dropped down to the ground, laying motionlessly.


    The butler stared the frowning silver haired young man as he took a white handkerchief from his pocket. He wiped off the black liquid substance on his hands as he knew that Chun wasn''t fun of the stench coming from a demon.


    Chun wrinkled her nose while pinching it. When it came to demons'' blood, she wasn''t used to the abhorring scent of it. But only Art''s blood was sweet smelling to her.


    While the demons had a black color of blood, Art was unique as he had this blue blood that Chun was curious on.

 Chapter 75 - 70

    ''Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate.''


    It has been two months already since the case of the Yu household. There were no crucial events that happened for the past days. Other than the serious practice of the silver haired young man of her divine powers.


    Chun usually did this early in the morning, making the butler who knew her laziness enlightened by her odd behavior. Art had no idea what has been going on with the young master but he knew that the usually lackadaisical youth started to have a morning regimen before going to class.


    Art was not a nosy person so he just let the silver haired man did want she wanted to do. The butler had been tolerant with Chun since then, making the silver haired young man spoiled from his indulgence even the father of Chun was not this indulgent towards his ''son'' though sometimes he let Chun do her schemes.


    Fluttering long eyelashes behold a mixture of blue-green eyes while a hint of reddish hue was present due to presence of the suppressed divine energy. Dispersing the surrounding energy, a pair of odd colored eyes turned back from its original shade. The lazy cat-like eyes were covered by the disheveled silver white fringes of the young man. The glow from the rising sun made the silver haired young man more alluring and attractive to both genders, luckily, Art wasn''t there to accompany Chun because he was busy preparing the breakfast of the young master. If he were to witness this unviolable beauty, he might want to hide the silver haired young man for himself, lest his precious young master would be taken away.


    Chun woke up by dawn in order to be used with her manipulation of divine powers. Due to the ''busy'' schedule that she had now as it was because of Rin who gave her a packed schedule for her and her students.


    Flashback¡­


    It was a windy day as the silver haired young man looked outside the greenery from her window. She was at the teachers'' lounge room where the minds department teachers would usually stay if they had no classes but basically, the only teachers that were here were Rin and Chun. Rin wasn''t specifically a teacher but she had an office here as well.


    The silver haired young man had nothing to do as she lazily leaned on the opened window while staring outside, her one hand was hanging as she prompted the other hand on her cheek. Sometimes she would yawn as she lazed around.


    Rin who was sitting on her cubicle chair sighed as she gazed at the lazy young man who was wasting time. She dropped her pen and stopped checking some documents that she had been working on.


    She already finished her class with those seven students after returning from the mission. It was truly an entertaining matter as Chun plotted a good scheme for her students and they were left unguarded.


    "Chun, don''t you have any class at this moment?" Rin stated from her chair as they were the only ones here, they could still hear out each other even though they were far apart. Obviously, no one would be here other than them as the silver haired young man was the only teacher of the Minds and Rin was just an ?ssisting person for her.


    "Hmm¡­ No."


    The silver haired young man didn''t even turn around to see the woman as she was occupied of catching the fallen leaves. The trees were soothing to see as the wind gently ??r?ssed it, it was a melodious afternoon for the lazy young master.


    Only the scraping of the pen on the paper could be heard in the lounge as Rin stopped her writing while she stood up. She walked near the lackadaisical young man as her messy silver white hair formed into two cat-ears that gave a cute vibe to Chun.


    ''He looks like a naughty lazy cat.''


    Rin''s heart melted from the sight as she handed something to Chun. The silver haired young man tilted her head in confusion as she received the piece of paper. She read it and her brows conflicted.


    End of flashback.


    The woman who had the name Rin was a calm and compose person if not for her merciless torture to the young man. The schedule contained the full-proof a full-time teacher/handler.


    In the first period, the silver haired young man would discuss about statistics and logics for two hours straight. After break, she would do a simulation test. Then in the afternoon period, they would be in the field as they would practice the stamina and agility, and self-defense of the students for five hours which wasn''t truthfully included in the plans of the lazy youth.


    In fact, teachers here in Harconia Institute could decide his/her own flow of classes that''s why Chun was so free even she was teaching, as she only taught for half a day and in three hours only everyday. She would be crowned as the most laziest teacher if not for Rin''s interference.


    Chun knew that this intervention of her schedule was part of the changes that was occurring now. She had no gist of how much control she could put through as the changes were inevitable. Even the incoming tournament would be hard to predict. Three months from now, the head master would appoint a meeting for all the teachers in the institute to announce about the World Winter Tournament. It would be nice to prepare her students.


    "Young lord, the food is ready," the gentle voice of the butler startled the silver haired young man as she immediately looked at Art in suspicion.


    "What did you say, Art?"


    Art ignored the suspicious-look that the young master was giving him as he nonchalantly replied with his most bland tone, "Breakfast is ready."


    The silver haired young man frowned, deciding that she just misheard the butler.


    ''Art wouldn''t be that gentle.''


    She knew the butler very well as Art knew her too.


    Chun stood up and neared the dining table while not noticing the glinting eyes of the butler behind her.


    -----


    Afternoon.


    The serious atmosphere engulfed the nine people under the beating heat of the sun. This was the start of their physical training which wasn''t ideal for Lerrent and his classmates as they weren''t into this kind of thing.


    But strangely, they were in one meter apart from each other, standing at attention while looking infront towards their stern training instructor.


    The silver haired young man was under the heat of the sun as well but she secretly used a small amount of her divine power to block off the heat. She was grasping the green grass at the ground while comfortably sitting on it. Her gleaming eyes was looking with interest at her Art as the butler was so manly and handsome as he taught the student with self-defense.


    Art was explaining the basic techniques to overcome your opponent. He decided to slowly teach them from beginner to expert, breaking down the lessons into levels in order to easily inculcate it to them. The silver haired young man gave the role of teaching these stuffs to her butler as she didn''t have any idea regarding to this things and she much preferred to fantasize her butler at the sideline.


    ''If Art wasn''t contracted to me and always hide behind my shadows, he would have established his harem. Those female demons would be drooling at him even those female students would be competing for his attention.''


    ''Fortunately, I caught him first.''


    The silver haired young man indulged with her fantasies while intensely staring at the handsome butler. Art wasn''t affected by the heat of the sun as it only enhanced his aesthetics more, his straight back, formal posture that carry elegance and plus his devilish looks made him a perfect fit for his title as the prince of demons.


    The butler was aware by the intense gazes that the silver haired young had been giving him as it prompted him to display more of his positive attributes to please the young master. Art had been lately obsessed with the attention of the youth that he just ?ssumed it to be normal for this master-slave contract.


    His stirring emotions, his erratic beating heart when Chun was near and his notions of catching the attention of the youth, he blamed it all to the contract which would he regret for the later times.


    Unknown to them, the standing at attention students were not blind by this constant exchanges of the two. Feeding them dog food that Kai Sun couldn''t help but restrain his teasing. The gossip king was eager to see the development of this silent romance of theirs but he prevented himself from interfering as it was fun to watch these two dense people going with their flirting that they had no knowledge of.

 Chapter 76 - 71

    Hurried steps of an individual could be heard in the misty night at Lane Street. The girl around in her mid-teens stopped for a moment to catch her breath. Long eyelashes fluttered softly as her pink pouty lips panted. She had a fair skin, blonde hair and brown eyes as it mirrored her current state of being terrified.


    Remembering that she was being followed, she looked back as to see the chaser. She was scared and horrified by this creep, it has been two weeks that she sensed someone was following her but it would silently disappear once she tried to confirm it, ?ssuming that she was just scaring herself, she brushed her thoughts away from it but she didn''t know that the stalker would be this bold now to start his pursuit. The biting coldness of the air didn''t fazed her as she was more worried with her safety


    The dark alleyway was shrouded by the misty fog as it would be usually like this at Vanette Island City during night time. The island was surrounded by a body of water that gave the city in the island a cold chilling climate.


    The girl in uniform was studying at Ferto Mari Academia as she was a trainee artist. She didn''t have any fandom yet and it made her curious as to why this person was chasing her but she had no guts to confront the stalker as she felt that her life would easily ceased if she stopped from escaping.


    ''Oh no!'' She thought while looking at the high wall at the end of the alley.


    Footsteps echoed from her behind as she slowly turned around while trying to think positively, this must be one of her fans. Even though she was not yet famous, someone would be undeniably attracted by her looks. Nodding to herself, she gazed at the chaser. Her narcissistic thoughts was immediately buried away as her pupils dilated in maximum. She dropped to the cemented ground, breathes'' ceasing.


    ------


    The silver haired young man frowned from being disturbed as Art volume down the television while watching the news headlines.


    "Art, wait."


    The butler was about to change the channel but Chun stopped him. In the news, a very pallid corpse was projected and a face of a girl who was admitted at Ferto Mari Academia as a trainee, displayed at the side. A cry of a woman was transmitted through the television as she tried to get close to her daughter.


    It was said that this was the ninth victim of the Chaser, the infamous killer in the Vanette Island City as the culprit would chase the target first before proceeding for his kill but the strange thing was the corpses had no signs of stab wounds, slashes or any physical infliction that could kill them, it would be the usual paleness of the corpse and it''s hollowed eyes.


    Chun focused her attention to the reporter as she squinted her eyes in curiosity. Immediately, the television blackened as the butler called for the silver haired young man at the dinning table. It was time for dinner.


    After her supper, Chun was prepared for another round of training her divine power when Art handed something to her. The seal that was attached on the envelope was familiar. It has a white star in the middle as it was being surrounded by a silver tri-rings.


    ''Why is this looks like our household''s insignia?''


    The silver haired young man almost slapped herself for being stupid as this letter came from her family household. She knew already the contents of this letter even without opening. Though Chun still decided to open it.


    She unfolded the letter handed by her butler. The letter came from her father, Shenin. It told her not to go home this winter season because his uncle from Phoenix continent would be staying at the mansion. Even though it''s illogical to see a King leaving their own kingdom but Zeno could do it because he''s that ''incredible'', dismissing his duties to the person who he trusted the most, his mother, Chun''s grandmother.


    The most avoided matter of Shenin occured and he didn''t like this situation, when he couldn''t control the outcome.


    Shenin wished Chun to be healthy and always stay out of trouble, and that was the end of the letter.


    The silver haired young man sighed inwardly and folded the letter. Well, she sighed because she knew already what was written on it due to her retentive memory. Reading it twice didn''t make a difference.


    ''So what would be Art''s action this time?''


    Chun observed the butler intensely which made Art unknowingly tensed. Five minutes passed by and the butler was still standing motionless on his position while the young master kept staring. He had no idea what was the silver haired young man was thinking but he was sure that, this youth was scheming something.


    The innocent lazy young man had no idea that her observing stare was being perceived as scheming as she just turned away, finding it boring to watch the unmoving person.


    Changes was truly inevitable as the silver haired young man sighed once again.


    Within the dorm building of the Harconian students, at the top most floor where only seven rooms where located, one of the lights was still on, as the sloth young man pondered in his thoughts while lying on his bed.


    Strangely, he couldn''t fall asleep because of the bothering thoughts that had been occupying his mind. This was unusual for Lerrent as he was just a person who didn''t care anything at all but just his sleep; yet somehow he sensed deja vu these days as if this things had occured in the past.


    A buzzing of his communicator woke him up from reverie as he answered it. The loud voice of his cousin greeted him. Amis laughed from the other side as he imagined the disturbed face of the sloth young man.


    Remembering what his call was about, he told Lerrent about the King leaving the palace as to meet their youngest cousin in Sereign. His voice was full of enthusiasm and vigor that made the young man frowned from the liveliness of Amis.


    Lerrent hanged up after Amis had nothing to say anymore. In his sleepy eyes, a deep whirlpool of darkness slowly stirred as he looked at a certain direction.


    ''Cousin from Sereign? Hmm.''


    Amis returned his communicator in his pocket as he smiled due to the successful attempt on hinting the sloth young man to come by the palace. Lerrent was somehow avoiding on coming home which Amis was tasked by Lerrent''s older brother to persuade the other.


    This was his thirty-fifth attempt of persuasion and he ?ssumed that he got through. Since then, he kept in contact with the sloth young man every night to remind him of coming home. Truthfully, he was just an innocent bystander who decided to help between a matter of a father and son. Daigo and him was usually the mediator of the fight between First Uncle Kin and his cousin Lerrent.


    He had no idea what was the root of cause of this fight, since the sloth young man left the kingdom and decided to study at Harconia Institute in TwinCity Continent. The father and son had never been reconciled.


    The man had an ink black hair as his black deep eyes who had the same shape as the sloth young man was concentrated on the paperworks infront of him. Lerrent and Daigo were brothers but they were both unlike with each other. The sloth young man was unmotivated and lazy while his older brother was stern and decisive.


    Daigo was the first born of Kin who was the second brother of King Zeno and he was the next heir to the throne as Zeno had no offspring due to his bachelorette status. He had many beautiful women by his side but he had married none. Though Daigo was the entitle crown prince, he has no interest in the crownship that''s why the King bothered himself to travel to Sereign continent in order to see if that long lost nephew of his could be suitable for the throne.


    As it was good to have an heir who had an interest and capabilities than to have a capable one but had none because it would affect the kingdom as well.


    "What is it?" The crown prince asked while he looked sternly at his cousin.


    "Well, I somehow persuaded your precious brother¡­" Amis wasn''t able to finish his sentence when Daigo cut him off.


    "So you''re unsure?" Then he went back to his work.


    ----


    An individual wearing a black cloak as his face was covered with stashed of bandages as well as his legs and arms, was standing at the peak of an industrial building. The dark skies covered his presence while the glinting dots of the city lights reflected on his dark soulless.


    The last victim of his was truly a beauty. He needed to fine more beauty in order to sate his unbecoming appetite. He couldn''t help but appease his hunger every night as it was the most ideal time for his favorite hunt. Hunting for those scared beauties.

 Chapter 77 - 72

    The silver haired young man suddenly opened her eyes as she was amazed by the strong tumultuous energy that has been radiating through her veins, despite the raging energy, there''s still that calmness coexisting within her divine energy.


    Chun felt harmonization of her blood flow with the roaming energy within her body. Even without a martial practitioners'' cultivation, she could feel a source of energy that enliven every part of her body. As she had no qi whirlpool due to her deity body, she could feel the pull of her newly-created divine spring. The deity within the silver box guided her regarding a deity''s cultivation. The divine spring that she had just formed was the first level of the Divine Realm.


    If compared to the normal cultivation which had the Profound realm, Median realm, and Immortal realm that contained several stages, the Divine realm had only five levels, though all of them were hard to perceive as they needed a deeper conception and connection from the deity to its spirit. The levels were Perception, Foundation, Formation, Manipulation and Divination.


    Perception would be achieved through establishing a strong connection with the divine energy. This first level would enable a deity to manipulate the divine power to its minimum. Even granting them a deity''s perception to enhance their senses.


    Foundation which was the silver haired young man was currently at. It was about the formation of a divine spirit within the spiritual body of the deity. This divine spirit would hold the divine energy that a deity had gathered throughout her cultivation of it.


    Formation, the third level. It was said to be the most difficult to breakthrough as the silver haired young man must first go through a life and death situation that could reform once soul. This was mostly the level were deities had gambled their life in. As they were deities who had achieved immortality in life, a never-ending life, they needed to be put into trial at the Mountain Mont - a mountain that was opposed to the Mountain Qi, as deities lived in there. The


    Mountain Mont was a prison for wicked deities who committed a crime worse than death.


    Truthfully, Titus should be put into that prison mountain if not for his status.


    Manipulation was the fourth level that only few deities had reached, the few of them were now currently part of the ten deities who governed the ten continents.


    And lastly, Divination which was the last step to achieve the full maximum of the divine energy. The fifth step depended of a deity''s title, if one were a deity of light and dark, his last step should be name related to his skill or title. As the silver haired young man who was the deity Pandora, her skill for the last step was divination. Though Chun would sometimes abnormally, use this skill even though she hadn''t reach that step yet. There was a time when she suddenly foresaw that the drinking glass that a customer had been holding broke then after that, it really broke.


    But even she concentrated on conjuring that ability of her once again, it wouldn''t come up anymore.


    Chun guessed that it must be the fragments that triggered it as she was a deity in her past life already so it meant that she had gained that ability but it was unusable now due to her current level restrictions.


    The silver haired young man could practice this deity''s cultivation even though she was still in her incomplete form as she was a reincarnation of Pandora who had been a deity since then.


    Chun stopped her cultivation because she couldn''t feel the respond of the divine energy anymore. Knowing that she had accomplished the second level, it was not yet time for her to go through the third level as she needed a situation that could put her to test in order to trigger it because she wasn''t suitable for Mountain Mont as it was only for those full deities.


    ''Young lord, the female who had a name Rin is looking for you.''


    As she heard that, she picked up her ruffled blanket from the ground as she wore her cute fluffy white slippers. Curious to Rin''s visitation. Currently, it was weekend and she had nothing scheduled for today as she stayed inside her penthouse to cultivate.


    Pit-pat! Pit-pat! Pit-pat!


    The sound of her slippers echoed through the stairs as she went down. There, appeared in her sight was an attractive lady in modern clothing who was seated elegantly as she drank her juice. If not for knowing that this person was just an ?ssistant of the vice headmaster, Chun would believed that she was related to Quin due to the resemblance of her mannerisms to that person.


    Rin stared at the individual who was coming down as she gracefully put down her juice.


    "Good afternoon, young master Chun." The sudden formal greeting made the silver haired young man almost missed a step as it was odd for Rin who was usually casual to her to treat her like this.


    Chun raised her right brow as she neared the female. Understanding what she meant, Rin stated, "As we are co-teachers in the institute, I treat you casually like I treat everyone in Harconia but we are now outside and your status is a Third Young Master of a renowned household."


    "Oh. Though, you can just call me Chun or White Prince," the silver haired young man responded in a teasing manner.


    Rin chuckled. "I''m not one of your fans so I''ll just prefer Chun."


    Chun shrugged as she sat on the vacant seat infront of the woman. The youth had no plans of asking the woman first about her reasons of visiting. She knew that this wasn''t just a simple visit as this tavern of hers was located in an isolated area which was impossible for Rin to come by as there were famous cafes or taverns that had more good food and accommodation.


    The woman didn''t broke first the serene atmosphere as the silver haired young man joined her to dine. Chun didn''t ask her butler to make lunch as she decided to spend time with her cultivation but she had no idea that an unexpected visitation would occur.


    They silently ate their fill and Chun wiped off her mouth as there were crumbs of food on the side of it. She awaited for Rin to speak first as the lady infront put down her utensils and wiped as well her mouth.


    "Such a sumptuous meal. I should recommend this place to my acquaintances." Rin smiled at the silver haired young man as Chun responded with a smile as well.


    Fria who was at the side, glancing time to time as she repeatedly cleaned the shiny counter. She couldn''t help but sigh at the beautiful view infront of her.


    The sunlight penetrated through the big windows of the tavern as it casted a glow between the two couple. Chun who had a silvery white hair paired with her enigmatic sleepy eyes as she smiled at the woman infront of her, looked like a doting white prince of every girls'' dream while the woman who had a raven black hair, attractive features and elegant temperament matched with the young master as they complemented each other.


    If the bar lady was a painter, this scenery would be the most beautiful painting that she could ever paint. Fria who kept sighing at the bar counter suddenly awoken by the hard poke that she felt on her forehead. Fortunately, she was a Median realm practitioner so this hard poke was like a mosquito bite to her even though she could see a hint of blood on her forehead.


    She immediately roamed around her vision in order to find the person who launched the attack. All of the customers who were present were acting normal as they enjoyed their food. She then directed her stare to Shin who was busy taking orders of a customer.


    Feeling a murderous glare at him, he automatically turned around to see the glaring person. He frowned as he sent a warning look to Fria as the bar lady ''he he''d '' with a peace sign, knowing that it was not Shin who antagonized her.


    ''Who was it?''


    Art: ¡­


    Rin open up to the silver haired young man infront of her, "Can we talk to somewhere private as I have important matters to discuss with you?"


    Chun agreed as she led her to the upper level of the tavern where her penthouse was located.


    The woman already left after she handed the next mission of the silver haired young man''s class. The governor of the Vanette Island City was a friend of the Yu household patriarch and Yu Luo recommended Chun''s team to him as the governor was having a headache with the Chaser who had been rampant in the island.


    Knowing that Yu Luo, a genius in the fields of business and cultivation suggested someone with his glistening eyes. The governor felt hope for the case.


    Though the glistening eyes of Yu Luo was not a sign of amazement with the capabilities of Chun''s team but was about reminiscing the angelic features of the silver haired youth.

 Chapter 78 - 73

    TwinCity Continent, Vanette Island City Pacific.


    Thunderclaps echoed around the night ocean as it brought a chilling air outside the ship deck. Despite the oncoming rainstorm as the skies'' roared, the crew of the ship under the supervision of Captain Fupa, continued to move as they prepared for the raging storm.


    "Aye, crew! Tough up yourselves! This will be another storm to go through!"


    The dark clouds had been pouring neverending drops of rain as the whole crew of the captain were soaked with it, though they ignored their state as they persisted to overcome the storm. As the ship was being tossed side by side due to the big waves, Captain Fupa struggled with the wheel as he easily avoided those irritating waves. He maneuvered his ship with careful calculation and decisiveness as they conquered their challenge on the sea.


    Whereas in the ship cabin, there were around twenty passengers who tagged along with this sail. Eight of them were Chun and her students.


    Furtive glances and giggles were sent towards the silver haired young man and her group. Some contained with fervor, adoration, attraction and ?ust as they gazed at the odd colored hair young man. The silver hair of the youth was truly eyecatching due to the rarity of it and Chun''s party wasn''t only genius but they were all good-looking.


    Kai Sun wore a fashionable black shirt with hoodie while a sunglasses was on the top of his head. He sometimes smiled at the young missuses as they blushed at his action. The gossip king wasn''t a playboy but he loves to see their funny reactions.


    The tech geek was beside of the other as he sat upon a wooden barrel while concentrating on his tablet, he was using his anti-radiation eyeglasses as a series of tapping sounds could be heard on the attached keyboard of the tablet. His serious and quiet attitude made him looked like a cold type person that girls would dare to conquer.


    Lith was busy chatting with Li Li as they conversed about a new experiment that they would be collaborating in. Even though Li Li was a bit immature, both Lith and her were like two sisters complementing each others look. The doctor was the m?tur? and s?xy type while the other was the childish but cute type.


    The behaviorist was more of the fiery and haughty beauty as she chewed her lips while frowning to her communicator''s screen. She would sometimes mumbled something on her breath as she glared at the disturbing stares of the young men that they were sending her.


    Though the sloth young man had a similarity with the silver haired person as both of them gave of a lazy aura yet they had their own uniqueness. Lerrent was leaning on the wall as his eyes were closed, it made him more charming just by standing there like a model. Due to the superior genes of the Ru bloodline which the results were beautiful and handsome family members. It was''t strange to be drawn to the lazy yet enchanting aura of Lerrent.


    The silver haired young man was wearing a black face mask covering the lower half of her face as Art advised her to use a mask when she would travel to somewhere in order for her to not easily catch a cold. She was wearing black cotton gloves as well while she played on it.


    Chun was oblivious to the burning gaze of the young missus of the Akira household as she felt that the silver haired young man who gave of the gentle yet mysterious aura was her prince charming.


    Chi Akira was the only precious daughter of the governor of Vanette Island City so she was rotten spoiled by her father. What she wants, she gets. And that person would be hers.


    The silver haired young man and her party aboarded this ship as Kai Sun was a friend of the captain so they were able to get a discounted price for their fare and lodging here.


    It wasn''t that crowded as the main room was huge for a hundred people and they were just twenty of them. But a luxurious dressed missus came towards the silver haired young man while all of the young men''s gazes were on her as she was finely dressed and was attractive too, compared to the other fair ladies who were present.


    They knew that this young missus came from a noble family due to her mannerisms and clothing.


    A shadow casted upon Chun as the silver haired young man turned her attention towards the person who was infront of her. The blushing face of Chi, greeted her as Chun stared in curiosity.


    "May I sit here?" Her shy voice could charm a man if not for the person that she was targeting with was originally a boy. The barrel that the young missus pertaining to was beside the silver haired young man. As Chun had no squibbles about it even though she could see clearly that there were available barrels around even the young men who saw the young missus approached Chun for just an available space, wanted to present their barrels as well to the lady.


    Chun was playing along to the young missus'' act as she was bored in her seat, the journey would need another day in order for them to reach their destination so this kind of fun would be entertaining for the meantime.


    The sudden move of the ship made the young missus stumbled as Chun caught her in her arms. A minty fragrance ?ssaulted her nose as she felt that she was now addicted to it. The face of Chi turned beet red as her personal maid who was at her side, help her up as she regained her balance. She thanked the silver haired young man with her sweet smile as she sat beside Chun while still in a daydream.


    "Tsk. Tsk. Teacher should be really an experience chick-magnet. He didn''t do anything but he gained another beautiful lady," Kai Sun shook his head as he whispered these words to himself. The charm of the silver haired young man was truly unrivalled. The gossip king really wanted the butler to be here as to stop the flirting of their handler.


    While the said butler was in the shadows, sending his most deadly glare that he could master to the two while a dark deep whirlpool in his eyes was brewing inside. He must teach his young master a lesson about what to do and what not to do, who to flirt and who not to flirt with.


    The other students had no time to be nosy to their teacher''s matter as they were occupied by their own businesses.


    "Howdy''all? Anything''s fine? Doing well?" He greeted. The captain saw that there were no expressions of discomfort from the passengers as he sighed in relief. His gaze momentarily stopped at Chun''s party as he immediately diverted it.


    He cleared his throat as he was about to announce something bad. "I''ll be announcing a good news and a bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"


    The passengers who heard it frowned while Chi who was pretending to be calm responded, "Captain Fupa, it may good if you say first the good news."


    Captain Fupa turned his gaze to the person who spoke up. He remembered that this was the only daughter of the governor and she was spoiled to the core.


    ''Why is she not acting up?''


    Curious to it, his stare fell to silver haired young man beside the young missus.


    ''Oh, that''s why.''


    Nodding to himself, he started with mirth on his eyes as he looked at Chi, "Good news is we landed to a small island. Bad news is we will be spending one day and our journey to the Vanetted Island City will be extended for two days."


    The crowds bursted in angry complaints as they heard the news.


    Overcoming the unexpected severe storm was difficult to the captain and his crewmates as unfortunately, they needed to repair the ship because it wouldn''t be good to sail when the ship was not in a good condition as the big waves of the oceans would be harsh if they didn''t repair the damages first.


    Chun and the students were silent as they awaited for Captain Fupa to let them out as they would seek out some supplies while they stayed in the small island for one day. They only packed a small amount of food, only for a three-day journey that turned out to be five days. The governor would be receiving them the moment they arrived at the island so they only took a small amount of sustenance for their sail.

 Chapter 79 - 74

    "You can get down now!" Captain Fupa stated as he jumped down from the ship deck. He commanded his to crew to get working as they started to repair the planks that were damaged. Some of it were protruding from its surface as the destroyed parts of the ship were severe but the captain ?ssured the passengers that it would be fixed tomorrow and they would just stay in this small island for one night.


    The passengers had no qualms about food as they were all mostly martial practitioners and they could sustain one day of not eating. Though it was opposite for the silver haired young man''s case. Her students were not cultivators and their food was running out so they needed something to eat. And Chun wanted to explore this island.


    The captain permitted them to stroll around the island as to not get bored even Kai Sun talked to the captain about their voyage to the deeper parts of the island.


    "Oh, you''re going to look for food? You can go but don''t stray too far from the red signs," Captain Fupa warned with seriousness on his voice.


    The island''s forest wasn''t dangerous even you went in the deeper parts of it. It wasn''t about the deepness as the living creatures inside the forest had a unique way of living. They changed location everyday and those red signs were their marks. As you see one, you must not proceed to that direction.


    Chun and her students were trailing the path inside the forest as they find for food. The silver haired young man had no need for food as she wouldn''t get hungry due to her cultivation but she was not the type of martial practitioner who would go through fasting if she wasn''t doing anything important so if there''s a chance, food was a top priority and what would this small island could offer to sate the silver haired youth''s taste buds?


    ''Young lord, twenty meters away is the Bulnurus'' shelter. You must be careful, young lord.''


    The emotionless voice of the butler rang out from Chun''s mind. As if hearing something interesting, the silver haired youth with bright eyes, hurried towards the path where the Bulnurus were staying.


    Art sighed at the reation of the naughty young master.


    Bulnurus were herbivores as they loved to eat dried leaves. Observing the surrounding trees and bushes, Chun could see that this was an ideal habitat of those cute beasts. They were cute as they look like a fluffy fluff ball that had a tail and a pair of cat ears. They had various shades of colors as the silver haired young man was excited to see these creatures. It was her first time to see a Bulnurus.


    As Chun rushed forward, her sudden movements made the seven students who were with her, chased their teacher. They had no idea what was the teacher was doing but they were willing to follow Chun in order to see what was she''s up to. It would be fortunate to find food as they followed the clueless teacher.


    Because of their hurried actions, they didn''t notice the red marks on trees that they had passed by. The red marks were scratches of a huge beast. Even the individual who was following them secretly were in hurry as well as she chased her beloved prince charming.


    The personal maid of Chi was a Median realm martial practitioner as she was not only a maid but a bodyguard too of the young missus.


    The creature that Chun was looking for was now infront of her as she stopped on the bushes as to hide on it. She was peeking the cute fluffy balls as they softly breathed through their small bodies. The Bulnurus were sleeping comfortably as they huddled to one corner of the place.


    Chun couldn''t help but gawk at them.The varying colors as they mixed each other with their fur could satisfy a person''s craving for fluffy stuff.


    "What do you think?" Chun blurted out to her students as they crouched down to hide themselves at the bushes.


    "Teacher! They are so adorable. What are they?" Li Li whisper-yelled as excitement was present on her eyes. She loves soft and fluffy things like her favorite pillow that was left on their dormroom.


    "They are Bulnurus. They''re so cute that I wanted to keep one!"


    "Me too, teacher!"


    Swish!


    "Umm¡­ guys? Did you hear that?" Terra with her nervous tone asked as she looked around.


    The silver haired young man was about to say something when the ground suddenly shook and the trees were swept away violently from the harsh whipping of the wind. Even the flapping sounds could be heard of the people that were present on the scene.


    "What is that, Lai?" Chi asked as she gazed towards the dark mass of shadow that was slowly engulfing the place.


    Lai who was the personal maid wasn''t able to respond as she looked up the sky. The white hairy bird with two antennas on its forehead, appeared. The pair of antennas were emitting sparks of golden electricity as it looked towards the sleeping Bulnurus.


    Immediately, the small creatures that was only as small as the eye of the Thundra awoken as they shivered their fluffy fur. They were afraid of this legendary beast.


    Thundra was a thunder bird that could only be seen at the boundaries of the Mountain Qi as they guarded the deities'' mountain but¡­


    ''How come this one is here?''


    This legendary bird was not only powerful but they had an arrogant attitude that couldn''t be tamed by anyone. Even the deities there on the mountain had no way of claiming this thunder bird except for the Creator.


    Screeeeeech!


    "You puny beasts! Why are you here on this humble abode of this Master?!" The Thundra roared to the cowering Bulnurus.


    The silver haired young man who was observing the exchange was instantly filled with interest as she looked around to the students with her. Their expressions were not even changing as they stared at the thunder bird. It meant that, only the youth was able to understand this creature.


    Perks of being a half-deity.


    Chun''s attention was now removed from the cute and fluffy Bulnurus as she was more interested with the Thundra who was spouting non-stop curses to the pour small creatures.


    Screeeeeech! Screeeeeech!


    "Go now! Before I eat you all! Hmp. This King will pardon you for this time." Hearing about getting eaten, the vibrant shades of the Bulnurus suddenly changed to white, an indication for their frightened state. They immediately bounced away from their sleeping spot as they were scared to be end up in the thunder bird''s stomach.


    Seeing that they were not in sight anymore. The magnificent bird screeched again in satifaction as he slumped down his huge body on the ground, planning to take a nap. This place was a good resting spot as coincidentally, the vast world energy were concentrated on this location.


    There was something digging inside the land. Suddenly a humongous worm shot up from it, it was massive like the thunder bird. The Thundra with alertness stood his guard against a mortal enemy. It was a Wormoth.


    Even though the thunder bird liked to eat worms, he had no appetite for this tasteless creature. These worm was always following him wherever he''s at. He was not the only Thundra of his kind as he had still his species living in the Mountain Qi and escaping from the mountain was not a matter as this worm was the problem.


    Since this Wormoth challenged him to a fight and always got defeated no matter what it would do. This persisted the worm to always find him for another round even though the result would be obvious. The Thundra was annoyed to it as everyday it would visit him in the Mountain Qi for a boring fight. It gave the thunder bird a trauma that he decided to escape from it and it''s been three hundred years now that their cat and mouse game was still on.


    He was tired! Even a mighty bird like him needed rest as well. The Thundra with a defeated sigh screeched.


    Screeeeeech! Screeeeeech! Screeeeeech!


    "This King will fight you this once and this will be the last. If you got defeated again then silently agree to it, don''t find me anymore!" The Thundra declared with anger in his tone.


    The silver haired young man perked up from her space as she was excited to witness a match of two legendary beasts. A Thundra versus a Wormoth.


    The students who didn''t understand anything from the screeches and grumbling of the two creatures were still amused as they knew that a fight would happen. Even Chi was shocked to see something unexpected.

 Chapter 81 - 76

    Screeeeeech! Screeeeeech!


    "You mortals think that I can be easily monopolize?! I''ll end your life for offending me," the Thundra roared with intensity as he prepared to call forth the heaven''s ninth thunder.


    The young missus had no idea what was the thunder bird had been screeching on as she ordered for Lai to finish the capture of the Thundra. They were clueless that the legendary beast decided to end their life that moment with a strike of lightning.


    As they were uninformed about this rare beast being a legendary thunder bird, only could be seen in the deities'' mountain. They unintentionally committed a grave sin of disturbing a Mighty King of the beasts.


    Even though a Thundra was a legendary thunder bird due to their ancestry and they were still an existing family of them, they were a dominating creature.


    The orange shaded skies due to twilight suddenly darkened as the black clouds invaded the clear skies. Immediately, it was already nightfall.


    "L-lai? What happened?"


    Finally, the young missus felt an ill omen from this sudden change of atmosphere. Even her personal maid was vigilant by this strange occurrence.


    Something was on the dark skies as they looked up. A gathering ball of blue lights were forming up within the gathered clouds, electrical currents were going through the dark clouds.


    "T-teacher, what is h-happening?" The scared voice of Li Li awaken the group of students as they were in deep confusion by the sudden change of intervals between night and day.


    Lerrent didn''t understand what was the thunder bird was screeching about but he knew that this was a bad sign. Even Kai Sun who had a gossiping brain got the idea of what the Thundra was getting at. This thunder bird was angry, way more angrier than ever.


    The silver haired young man knew that they''re life would be dealt if she didn''t warn them.


    "Ms. Akira! Watch out!" Chun shouted as she felt the surging power of the oncoming attack of the thunder bird.


    Hearing her name being called out by her white prince, the young missus was stunned for a moment as she saw that the silver haired young man was nearing her slowly as flowers and bu??erflies were in the background of the scene as Chun gently smiled and mouthed something.


    That was the perspective of the young missus but in reality, Chun wasn''t slowly nearing her as the young master was running towards her. Rushing for their lives in a speed of light. She untimely used her divine powers to rescue those two as it was impossible to reach them without teleporting in a blink due to the speed of the lightning that strucked from the dark skies.


    Surprised and in a dazed, Chi was on the ground, five meters away the burnt smell of blackened grass. The silver haired young man was infront of her, just a centimeter away from her face as she could see the long eyelashes of the young man. But she was still in shock by the fast happenings.


    At the same time, Lai who was just harshly thrown to the side by the butler was stunned as well. It was not about the struck of the blue thunder but the unknown force that brought her to safety.


    ''What was it?''


    The silver haired young man immediately got up as the thunder bird screeched again as he flapped his pair of golden wings in a violent manner. The Thunder easily escaped the so-called treasured entrapment like it was just rubbish.


    Screeeeeech!


    "Who was that being who dared to intervene in this King''s dealings? Show yourself!" The Thundra was shocked by the capability of a mere mortal so he ?ssumed that it was someone who was not human. He was right to that, though.


    The rising smokes from the burnt ground as it created a massive and deep whole on it, arose as it hidden the figures of the mortals that needed a deserved punishment from the great Thundra.


    He was curious to the being who just interferred him. The thunder bird wanted to know what kind of creature was this as he cancelled the idea of it being a deity because a deity was a higher existence and it was odd for them to wander off on this small island.


    While the dark clouds of smoke diminished away, it revealed only the standing stature of a person. The first thing that the thunder bird saw was its silvery white hair that made the Thundra liked because of the same shade of color to his soft feathers when it wasn''t in its golden scale-like form.


    The Thundra guessed that the being must be a spirit elf as it resembled the usual white hair of a spirit elf but when the thunder bird stared at the bored eyes of the silver haired young man, something within him evoked.


    ''Master!''


    This was the calling of his soul. As one of the legendary existence, it wasn''t easy for them to find their capable partner. A person that they could offer their life on, a master that they could fight side to side and was an equal to their own ability.


    The Thundra knew that this being wasn''t a spirit elf as she was more than that. He scanned the silver haired young man infront of him with intensity as his probing eyes looked for any sign of a divine power within the youth. He tilted his head in confusion as Chun mirrored the thunder bird as well.


    They were examining each other as they felt a pull or a connection.


    Realizing that this silver haired youth had no signs of divine power due to Chun''s disguised of masking it, the Thundra was fooled of treating this being as just one of the mortals. Though she was a special case.


    The arrogant thunder bird didn''t easily offer himself to the being infront of him as he wasn''t sure about its nature and he wouldn''t allow to be partnered with a mere mortal. He wasn''t willing!


    Deciding to deal this in a fight in order to know the abilities of the youth if she could be deserving to be with a Mighty King like him. He started to flapped his wings as he screeched.


    "You! Fight me. And if you can defeat this King, I''ll offer you my life as your partner."


    Chun who understood the thunder bird frowned at statement as it was odd for a legendary beast to suddenly declare something like this but she was amused by the chance of getting this thunder bird as her cute little pet. It would be good if this creature could transform into a small bird that could be carried with ease.


    With no hesitation and glistening eyes of happiness, the silver haired young man agreed to it. While she prepared herself, she had no plans of using her divine powers so she would be utilizing her mastery of telekinesis. Chun had practiced her manipulation power during these past months and she wanted to gauge out her level of mastery so this could be a good chance for testing.


    The seven students had no idea what was about to happen as they awaited for their teacher to finish off her play while the young missus was with them, though they were curious to something. They wanted to see if that thunder bird could be able to dominate their scheming handler or this creature would be just one of them, falling in her tricks.


    The serious atmosphere manifested a sense of heat as a battle was about to breakthrough. When the Thundra was about to pounce on and attack the silver haired young man while he was summoning again his blue thunder even though this person could possibly be his partner, this only reason wouldn''t change the usual treatment of the thunder bird with his opponents.


    Chun sensed that legendary bird would be doing that move again, she readied for a counter to it. The dark clouds gathered again and blue electric currents danced through the skies. It created a beautiful contrast yet this kind of beauty wasn''t to be trifled with as it was deadly when it had a chance of hitting a living being. It would instantly incinerate someone with just a zit of it.


    This wasn''t the ultimate offense of the thunder bird as he was still not one of those millenium Thundra that had an unending supply of energy but he was sure that he could launch this attack again.


    As their fight started and the silver haired young man felt a sense of exhilarating energy that made her lazy soul felt alive, she couldn''t help but be glad to receive the Thundra''s attack.


    The dark skies roared in a minute but it ceased when it was about to shot the blue thunder as the sudden disappearance of the beautiful blue electrical currents made the mood of the silver haired youth, dampened.


    Chun looked at the arrogant expression of the Thundra infront her as she was puzzled by the sudden change of mind of the beast.


    ''Why did it stop?''


    On the other hand, the smug expression of the thunder bird immediately turned ugly as he realized that the blue thunder didn''t fall down from the sky but its gathering energy was now gone and even the Mighty him was feeling tired in a sudden.


    ''His power was escaping his body?!''


    The thunder bird felt panicked from the sudden situation. But that feeling of being troubled was just for a brief moment as the Thundra looked like an obedient pet as he tried to appease his young master.


    "Master!---." The Thundra cutely called out.


    "Don''t call me master."


    The silver haired young man interrupted the small white bird on her shoulder as it started to perch. Its cute little voice resounded in Chun''s mind. The cute voice was very different from the former majestic screeching of it with its commanding voice. This transformation was just a disguised as it would be not good to take a gigantic thunder bird while solving a case in another city.


    "Chun? Chun-ni?" The obedient tone of the small bird could evoke once protection if not for the real form of this little bird, people would be fooled. This thunder bird was called Fenir but he preferred to be called Fen as it would be more convenient to the silver haired young man.


    "Hmm."


    Fenir was one of the youngest generation of the legendary thunder bird''s clan so it was natural for him to have a limited amount of energy when he excessively used that so-called ultimate move of his.


    It was strange to see that Chun was talking to the small white bird while her students were staring at her. After they had departed from the small island, those remarkable matters that happened on it were still fresh on their minds.


    The thunder bird that their handler was about to fight off suddenly changed its mind as it immediately escaped from the scene. But they had no idea that was just scheme between the silver haired young man and the Thundra.


    Chun then informed her students about her going further as to ensure that the legendary thunder bird did truly escaped and when the silver haired young man returned, a small white bird already was there with her. They thought that the teacher fancied this little bird as she picked it up from the forest. The silver haired young man petted its head while the small white bird looked like a downtrodden beast as it remembered its failed attempt of summoning the blue thunder.


    The teacher came back in a good mood. She told her students to get back to the shore where the ship was anchored.

 Chapter 82 - 77

    In a moment, the silver haired young man and her students were in a lavished carriage together with the young missus and her personal servant. As the young missus was a precious daughter of the governor, Chi offered a ride for them as they arrived at the porch.


    They safely travelled through the road as the vehicle was very smooth to ride in. It was a silent ride while the doe-eyed young missus was openly staring at the silver haired young man with intensity. Kai Sun who was at the side of their handler couldn''t help but dislike this immature daughter of the governor.


    If Kai Sun had beforehand prepared his carriage for this trip, they wouldn''t be dealing this current situation. The gossip king wasn''t only good at spreading rumors, gathering informations but his family was a powerful household and they had connections to every continent in Xanxia. Though they wouldn''t utilize it when it wasn''t necessary.


    Kai Sun was ?ssuming independency, one of the reason why he declined to ask help from his family. He had been reliant to none since attending Harconia and the other reason, he wanted to prove himself even without his household''s backing, he could stand on his own.


    Born in a prestigious and noble household with siblings who had incredible talents and skills. Kai Sun''s household were composed of superior and excellent figures and that made him as the only odd one because he had neither of those talents and he wasn''t gifted nor excellent, too.


    He remembered that when he was learning horseback riding with his younger brother who was only ten years old while he was sixteen that time. The younger brother of his was a fast learner as he was able to ride a horse with no difficulty which made him felt a bit unfair because he was more older than him and how many times did he tried to tame that horse that his instructor appointed him to tame but he still failed on subduing that dumb horse while his younger brother was able to tame it within just a day.


    Kai Sun gritted his teeth as he remembered again that scheming younger brother of his.


    Someone poked the gossip king''s forehead back to reality as the carriage already stopped infront of a very huge mansion. The mansion was two times bigger than the Yu household''s mansion which meant that the governor was truly a rich individual.


    "I can lead you towards my father''s office."


    Instead of the ?ssigned servant who was about to lead the guests towards the governor''s office, the young missus stealthily ?ssumed that role as an escort. She wanted to impress the clueless silver haired young man.


    Chun continued to play with the small white bird while they were being led to their destination.


    Together with her students, the silver haired youth was about to take down another eye-opening case.


    -------------


    The door opened and Chun and her party went in. Inside of the office, a man with a military clean cut wearing a neatly arranged suit greeted their view. He exuded an ascetic aura as he didn''t lift up his head while the silver haired young man and her students entered the room after the young missus'' personal maid opened the double doors for them.


    The man with an austere manner was Gani Akira, he was a thirty-four years old governor with three offspring, his oldest were twins, Antem and Artem while his youngest was his only precious daughter Chi. The wife of the man was Chana Sonaya-Akira who was the seventh princess of the Slatercort King. Therefore, the beautiful young missus was a half demi-human as her mother came from the kingdom of demi-humans.


    The silver haired young man wasn''t interested with the appearance of the young missus but the first thing she noticed when Chi approached her was the tri-colors of her eyes as one looked closely. It was a combination of violet, pink and pale red while it appeared to be pink when one didn''t examine it. Due to her saving the young missus, she got a glimpsed of her unique eyes when they had a close proximity.


    Chi was the only one who had this tri-colored eyes in the family as her older brothers had pink-red colored eyes while her father was pale red and her mother was a mixed violet and pink. Though the Akira family was composed of uniquely colored eyes, based on the rankings of Special Eyes series of the World Top Trends, they were ranked third while the Shuho household was ranked second and the Datturi household ranked first.


    Noticing a group of people''s presence, Gani looked up from his paperwork. His pale red ones stared at the blue-green eyes of the silver haired young man. They battled through their stares as no one wanted to back off from it. After a minute, the governor was the first one to divert his gaze as he chuckled humorlessly.


    "You may sit," he said with blandness in his tone as he stood from his leather chair.


    He took a file from his right drawer and walked to the waiting guests from the other side of the room.


    The governor with no greetings went directly to the case. He handed to the silver haired young man the brown folder that he was holding as Chun began to read it.


    As Chun opened it, it was a statistical report of the Chaser''s movement for the past two months when he started targetting young beautiful ladies. The Ferto Mari Academia was the one that got most implicated by his acts as the last one that he killed was Gia who was a rising actress claimed to be the next Film Empress by the masses. The academy''s precious gem got easily taken out by the Chaser that made them to request for the governor to investigate this case more seriously and they were the ones to suggest for the Harconia Institute''s ?ssistance as the institute was hailed to have a promising investigation department who solved the secret murders of the Yu family household.


    Gani was at first doubtful about the young people of the said investigation team of the school but when his friend Yu Luo, the head patriarch of the Yu household with shining eyes narrated about the feats of the team, he got curious to them and tried requesting the Harconia Institute for the Minds.


    And as he could see, they were truly young but he sensed that the youngest person of this group was the wisest of them all. The silver haired young man that he had a stare off, previously had this vibe that he shouldn''t trifled with despite her lazy look. Even her students were talents as well due to the keen observation of the governor, he labelled Chun''s group as a reliable detectives. He curiosly took a look at the strange small white bird on Chun''s left shoulder but he didn''t say anything about it. He treated it as pet of the youth.


    While still in reading, Chun got to the part where the Chaser was somehow mistaken a male student as a female due to his enchanting beauty that he almost killed him but when he noticed that he was a boy, he let him go. The male student survived and was able to described the Chaser''s appearance. The Chaser was a man who was wrapped in bandages all over his face and arms while wearing a dark clothing covered in black cloak.


    Chun was piqued to this part as she was amused about this killer. He had a weird taste. Finished to her reading, she looked towards the silent observing governor as she stated.


    "I want to meet this Mirai student."


    Gani agreed to it as he gestured Lai to call the person.


    The young missus who had no idea to what they were talking, wanted to join with their conversation with eager as she wanted to impress her white prince but hearing the name Mirai, she gritted her teeth. This Mirai person was the famous ''trap'' of their academy, he enchanted both genders there with his androgynous beauty that the young missus wanted her white prince to avoid that person.


    Because of impatience, she interrupted. "Chun, you can''t meet that person!"


    She blurted out that made her father frowned. His precious daughter never interfered on his matters even in his business dealings but what was she doing at this moment?


    The silver haired young man with her lazy look asked with hidden mirth in her eyes, "Why?"


    The sudden question made Chi''s reason to halt due to feeling the intense gazes of the people around even her white prince was intently staring at her, waiting for her reply.


    She admitted that her heart missed a beat when the blue-green eyes of the silver haired young man turned to her. It was so alluring.


    "B-because¡­ I want to!" Chi stuttered as she replied with her unsensible reason.


    The governor''s looks turned more grim from her daughter''s reply as he looked at a servant by the side, gesturing for her to lead the young missus back to her room.


    "Young mistress, you must be tired from the journey. You should rest at your room," the maid politely said to Chi while the young missus creased her brows to the statement of the maid.


    "Huh? I''m not tired!" Her disobedience gave the governor a headache as he spoke with sterness.


    "Chi, please go to your room."


    The bland tone of her father woke her up from her fantasies as she couldn''t argue from the grim look of her father.


    But she couldn''t let that Mirai meet her white prince.


    ''What to do? What to do?''


    "Chi."


    The stern voice of warning made her squeak out an agreement as she got up from her seat with an aggrieved expression. The door slammed shut as the young missus went out with the maid.

 Chapter 84 - 79

    The school bell rang as an indication for the start of the first period of the grade four section A students for the piano practicum.


    Chun who was in disguised as Light Dinari was outside the entrance of the room as the instructor announced their new classmate. Lerrent wasn''t with her as he had a different class schedule.


    The students here in Ferto Mari Academia were all graded by their talents in which skills they belonged. The grades were ?ssigned as their classes and there would be a personal program well-suited for each of them which aligned to their class schedules.


    As Light was already a genius in violin that it was no use for her to learn it so she applied for the piano course in order to learn her counterpart instrument. And her older brother was in piano as well so it would be good to study it.


    Chun wasn''t used on wearing girly clothing that made her unconsciously pulled down her skirt as it was above the knee.


    "Miss Light, you can come in," the teacher politely stated as she led the silvery pink haired girl inside the classroom. The students gasped as they couldn''t believe that they would having one of the Dinari''s as part of their class.


    Someone could obviously see that the Dinari siblings were literally famous in the academy as they were the topic of every students. Even the students belonged to the business department were talking about them as well.


    After introducing herself for formality, Chun went down from the platform, finding for an empty seat. Her graceful movements attracted the male students as they followed her with their burning gazes even the female students couldn''t help but feel envy and uncontrolled attraction from this androgynous goddess. It even rivalled to the beauty of Mirai.


    The silvery pink haired girl ignored the offering students with their seats as she directly sat next with an isolated student at the back of the room. One could notice that no one wanted to be near him as he silently sat their while looking outside the scenery. The long silky black hair was softly being blown by the wind as the young man tucked the stray hair on his ear.


    Mirai was surprised to witness that the infamous Light Dinari chose to sit beside him. The introverted young man wasn''t familiar with Light as he got admitted in Ferto Mari Academia when the Dinari siblings already left to study outside the continent. Even though they were popular, he never saw their promising talents.


    He noticed the glares of his classmates as they didn''t get picked by their goddess.


    ''But why did she sat beside me?'' Mirai asked himself quietly as he looked at the silvery pink haired girl. In close view, the girl was truly a beauty as the sunlight that landed on her created an illusion of a halo as she lazily rested her chin on her right palm while listening to the discussion of the instructor.


    Mirai was mesmerized by the beauty of Light Dinari as he realized that the Dinari siblings were very aesthetically enchanting. It reminded him the enchanting allure of the silver haired young man that he met days ago.


    Bam!


    The silvery pink haired girl chuckled softly from the priceless face of Mirai as he got hit by a whiteboard marker on the forehead.


    "Mr. Shikani, pay attention." The teacher look at the poor boy with a disapproving glare as she went back to her discussion.


    The students couldn''t help but laugh from the dumb look of Mirai, though they admitted that Light and Mirai sitting side by side portrayed a beautiful painted picture as they complemented each others'' features.


    But they were thinking that Mirai had fallen victim with Light''s unparalleled charm as the young man suspiciously stared for minutes at the young missus without breaking his stare. This would be good gossip.


    Amidst the smooth flow of the class, there was someone that Chun had been monitoring on as she smirked. It was the girl with waist-length raven black hair with features that could be labelled as above average, she gritted her teeth while tightly clasping the ballpoint that almost broke from her hold. Miran couldn''t help but envied her younger brother''s luck. She wanted to make friends with the Dinari''s in order to get mixed with their social ladder for connections as to attain her dream as an ultimate popstar.


    The person that was part of the mission of Chun and her party was Miran Shikani, ?ssumed to be the next target of the Chaser.


    She didn''t expect that useless younger brother of hers was noticed by Light. Miran with glimmering eyes looked towards the clueless Mirai which made the long haired youth unconsciously shivered.


    Miran was two years older to Mirai but they were classmates as they were graded the same in piano skills.


    As an aspiring artist, Miran took piano as her additional skill as she wanted to have another talent to showcase when she would be exposed in the limelight. But Mirai had a different reason, he took piano as he had a passion for it and he was interested on seeing Heath Dinari to perform live as the Dinari young master was a prodigy in piano.


    Chun was amused to the development as she tapped her left earring.


    "Let''s meet at the cafeteria." The voice of the sloth young man sounded as Chun hummed while looking towards the clock infront as the teacher was about to end their class.


    Simultaneously, the school bell rang for lunch break. The teacher dismissed them and the students couldn''t help but immediately turned their attention to the back yet the silvery pink haired young woman was nowhere in sight as she stealthily walked out at the same time the bell rang.


    Instead looking for Light, they directed their attention to the seatmate of that person who was the introverted Mirai. The young missus of the Shikani household gripped the skirts of her dress as she controlled herself from bursting in anger.


    It was fine that Light took the attention of their classmates as it was understandable but Mirai? She wouldn''t allow it as she believed that Mirai was just riding the coattails of the Dinari''s.


    Miran gently reminded that she was having her birthday party at the Shikani household this weekend and she invited everyone to join. Mirai silently thanked his older sister from the distraction as he escaped from the crowd. He wasn''t used with too many people as he would be having anxiety attacks from it and he preferred his solitude.


    Even though, he knew Miran''s true intentions but he was uninterested of competing with her.


    While Miran was looking at the retreating back of her younger brother as she smirked in thought.


    ''You can''t defeat me. You''ll be always a loser.''


    -----


    Currently, Chun and Lerrent were eating with elegance as they showed a picture-perfect theme of siblings eating in harmony. No one even dared to approach them as the students were afraid to ruin this perfect atmosphere.


    "How''s your class, brother?" Light asked gently as she ate her broccoli with a fork. Her jaded slender fingers were truly perfect for a violinist.


    Translation: How''s the monitoring?


    "It''s fine." Heath sliced his steak in a perfect cut that even an automatic machine cutter couldn''t rival to it.


    Translation: Nothing''s unusual.


    They continued their meal after the small-talk. Next was the linguistic subject for the silvery pink haired young woman while the brunette youth''s next class was medical studies.


    This was their ?ssigned course program for their covert mission in order to secretly monitor the Chaser.


    It was concluded that the Chaser could be a student or a teacher in Ferto Mari Academia as he suspiciously knew very well the promising students of the school and even mostly committed his acts inside the academy''s premises, and he would hide the body expertly as if he knew the hidden spots of the school very well which was odd.


    Chun greeted her ''classmates'' again on this subject as she went to her ?ssigned seat. Coincidentally, she was sitting beside the class geek. Marcos blushed from having a chance to be seated near the classical goddess as his usual stuttering got more stammered as the teacher would usually call him to answer some questions.


    He was fluent with several languages that he could pronounce them smoothly despite his usual stutter but now that his goddess was near him he wasn''t able to concentrate as Chun intently stared at him as he recited.


    ''I should look smart!'' Marcos encouraged himself while the silvery pink haired young woman thought of him as a funny person.


    On the other side, Lerrent was crowded by girls as they wanted to grab his attention which was unknown to the sloth young man as he focused on his mission. Despite his sleepiness, he still listened to the discussion of the instructor who was purposely unseeing things that was happening at the back where Heat Dinari was seated, while the youth at the same time was on-guard with any suspicious students.

 Chapter 85 - 80

    "Mr. Ulric?"


    The teacher called out as the students inside the room went quiet. It wasn''t about the sudden call of the teacher amidst of serious class discussion made them silent. It was because of one person.


    Ulric Anoli, the only scholar student of this class, taking up medical business. He had a shaggy dark blue hair as it covered his slanted eyes. He was known to be a genius when it came to medicines, chemicals and science related subjects. And he was the favorite of their medical studies'' professor.


    Once the professor called for his name, it only meant two things - he wanted to congratulate him for scoring high on one of his tests or ask him a question that only him could answer.


    And that would be the latter.


    "What''s the difference between unconscious and unresponsive?" The teacher''s inquiry immediately straighten the backs of the students as they didn''t want to be called. Luckily, their genius classmate would be their meat shield for it.


    Ulric had no expression as he stated in a monotone voice, "Medically speaking, when a person is called unresponsive, it means they''re at least unconscious, and possibly dead or dying. Unconsciousness is an unresponsive state. A person who is unconscious may seem like they are sleeping, but may not respond to outside events, such as loud noises or being touched or shaken."


    "In conclusion, those two subjects are interrelated with each other, professor."


    The teacher nodded in affirmation as he allowed the shaggy haired young man to sit down. His eyes roamed around the room while the students were trying to minimize their presence as they adverted their gazes away from the probing eyes of the teacher. The stern-looking professor looked back on his records as he read something on it.


    "Mr. Heath Dinari." One could hear hints of displeasure in the voice of the teacher as the young man with stylish gray sweaters stood from his chair while he lazily put his two hands in each pockets.


    Even though, the teacher ignored the ruckus earlier caused by Heath''s presence. He still didn''t like this kind of golden spoon young master as they didn''t experience the hardships of obtaining of what they had now. Due to their status, it would be easy for them to reach those heights.


    That''s one of the reason why he favored Ulric as he could see that without any illustrious background, he could still be that outstanding.


    Lerrent had no idea that he was being thought ill of the teacher as the strict professor glanced at him and asked a question.


    He knew that Heath Dinari was average in terms of medical science so this was an opportunity to shame him. But unknown to the professor, someone behind the scenes was more genius than the student that he was proud of.


    "Can unconscious person hear?" This was a very simple question that even beginners who studied medicine could answer this.


    The teacher''s intention was clear as glass as the female students who adored Heath, wanted to bury this teacher alive. They knew already that the brunette young man had a weak point when it came to medical science.


    Worried that he would shame himself, they were prepared to unhear or cover their ears with their hands in order to lessen Heath''s humiliation.


    But unexpectedly, a voice of a girl whispered on the sloth young man''s right ear through the black glinting ear-piercing.


    "Twenty-five percent of all unconscious patients can hear, understand, and emotionally respond to what is happening in their external environment. However, because of their medical condition, they are incapable of moving or communicating their awareness. They will fall in a dream-like state," the untrifling tone of Heath Dinari, replied the question of the professor which gave him a shock.


    ''How can this be?''


    It wasn''t that the original Heath was dumb when it came to medical studies but he was just uninterested of dealing with unnecessary stuff that it made him not to excel in this subject.


    Truthfully, the teacher was surprised to witness that the brunette youth had chosen to attend his class which was odd as he would be usually in Jacob''s class who was another medical studies'' professor but he wasn''t nosy to the matters of other people so he had no opinion to it but this created an opportunity for him to teach the spoiled Dinari young master what''s real hardwork was yet this was unexpected.


    Where did he heard that fake information about Heath Dinari wasn''t good in medical studies?


    Testing that it might be due to his luck or he coincidentally had that basic knowledge, the teacher inquired again.


    "How long can a person be unconscious?"


    "Severe damage to the brain can cause unconsciousness for days, weeks, or even longer. If there is internal bleeding or swelling in the brain, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain."


    ''But if one wanted an ?ssured survival, they just need to contact an expert healer.'' Lerrent wanted to add this statement but he prevented himself as it was unnecessary for the subject as there was an unspoken rule when it came to medical science. There should be a boundary between science and magic.


    "How long can you be dead and come back to life?" Even questions that needed deep comprehension would be easily answered by the brunette young man.


    "Blood circulation can be stopped in the entire body below the heart for at least 30 minutes, with injury to the spinal cord being a limiting factor. Detached limbs may be successfully reattached after 6 hours of no blood circulation at warm temperatures. Bone, tendon, and skin can survive as long as 8 to 12 hours."


    The students inside the classroom were amazed by the exchange of medical thoughts of the two individuals as they continued. After ten minutes of their question and answer portion, the professor sighed in helplessness as he allowed Heath to sit back.


    Even the uncaring Ulric at the distant was looking at the sloth young man''s direction with curiosity.


    A drinking person could be heard from the other side of the hidden communicator as Lith couldn''t help but felt her throat dried from the annoying teacher who wanted to test Lerrent. Luckily, she decided to standby beside Rye who was monitoring their handler and their team leader.


    Their cover would be blown if not for that coincidence. Li Li at the side with reddened face because of anger wanted to beat up that professor who grilled Lerrent through and through.


    ''He is so irritating." The mechanical genius'' hands were itching to bomb that academy if not for their important mission. Those spoiled, ignorant rich kids was annoying her while those haughty teachers were adding to her boiling anger.


    This Ferto Mari Academia should pray for its survival after their task.


    ----


    The silvery pink haired girl walked out from her class in an instant as to avoid her classmates.


    While walking towards the parking lot where she would await for the brunette youth, she unexpectedly bumped into someone. It was a very familiar student that Chun remembered from her past memories.


    The frenzied look of the person was an indication that he was running away from someone as he unintentionally bumped at the girl. His nerdy looks would be an ideal target for bullies here.


    "Sorry," he apologized without looking at Chun as he started to escape.


    Annoyed by the tight grip, Kit frowned and stated as he looked at the girl, "I said I''m sorry---"


    For a moment, he was left in daze due to the sudden appearance of a goddess infront of him. His annoyed expression vanished as he was stunned to see the infamous Light Dinari but realizing something, he immediately unclasped the girl''s hold as Chun let him while he distanced himself.


    "M-miss Light, sorry for bumping you but I''m in a hurry right now. I''ll just leave you my contact number and dorm room number if you have any concerns." He gave his identification card to the silvery pink haired girl as he hurried away.


    Chun was left there with a card on her hand was in deep thought as she stared at the printed letters of the name. He unexpectedly left his i.d. to her. The bold letters were written in cursive as a seal of the school was on the upper right corner of the i.d. and there was an information of the student under the bold name.


    The written bold letters formed a name of that very familiar male student. ''Kit Witara.''


    A person who would be committing suicide two months from now.


    The silvery pink haired young man thought that this mission would be a little bit easy but now she personally had something to do.


    After Kit Witara died, Chun and her students arrived in this island as to solve the case with Detective Link yet currently, she had a chance to prevent Kit from commiting suicide and she could give Kit''s dormmate hints in order to avoid that tragedy.


    Chun had morals, even though she was just a stranger and a passing ''detective'' to their case, she still couldn''t ignore them when she knew that she could possibly stop that tragic event.

 Chapter 86 - 81

    The silver haired young man sighed as she comfortably slumped herself on the soft and comfy bed.


    The day was very tiring. She was currently at the Dinari mansion which in this way, their disguised would be more convincing if they chance upon the Chaser.


    "Young lord, aren''t you going to take a warm bath first? I''ll prepare your bath." Art was standing next to the queen-sized bed as the silvery pink haired girl continued to laze around. Her pink hair was oddly making her beauty more mystifying as she gazed at the butler with watery eyes while lying there in bed. Her hair was spread on the soft white pillows, making her appearance more ravishing to Art.


    The butler gulped as he adverted his burning gaze. His young master was truly enticing if she was in her true form.


    Chun was very comfortable with her current form as she felt her two budding flowers in her ?h?st. If she could size it up, it would be a size of her palms. Yet she considered it to be half good because her growth spurt as a lady halted due to the frequent use of the transformation potion.


    Fortunately, having this mission was favorable to Chun as it would let her be in this form until it ended. Whether the silvery pink haired girl like it or not, her dream of staying as a girl should be put aside at this time as her top priority was to capture the Chaser.


    Remembering that, Chun sighed and got up from the comfy bed. She gestured the butler to prepare for her warmth bath as Art immediately followed while not daring to look at his young master''s direction.


    Chun haven''t noticed the strangeness of the butler, she proceeded to her closet as to find some girly sleeping wear that the real Light Dinari would wear. These clothes inside the wardrobe were clothings of the young missus of the Dinari household. As well as this room, the Dinari household wanted the setup to be perfect, no mistakes so that the criminal would take the bait.


    They had no idea what was the Chaser was capable of that''s why they wanted to be ?ssured about the setup.


    The Dinari Household was known to be a detailed family. Every family members had an obsessive behavior of perfection which made them to be a family producing many excellent progeny.


    Though it was a lost for them as their youngest outstanding young missus who was supposed to be an aspiring actress was victimized by the running rampant criminal. They wanted revenge for their precious missus.


    The silvery pink haired girl had been pondering about the case of Kit Witara. She remembered that the roommate of Kit was Luke Gray, an aspiring solo artist which had a prominent background. The Gray household was one of the elite family and a member of the school''s board of directors. Kit was the only true friend of Luke so he worried when Kit was bullied yet Kit stopped him from bothering about it because it was his personal problem. That''s the reason why Luke did not involved himself anymore in order to maintain their friendship.


    Chun recalled back from Luke''s testimonies about he didn''t involve himself from the problems of his friend as it would affect their so-called friendship.


    -"It''s my fault, I did not try harder to persuade him on telling me his problems. And I thought, he acknowledged me as his friend," Luke said with red eyes due to frustrations and regret.


    "What do you mean?" Detective Link asked.


    They were on the interrogation room, while Chun and the seven students with Zen, a criminal psychologist from the team of Detective Link was also present. They were on the observation room dividing the interrogation room through a one-way mirror.


    "Before t-two days of his s-suicide. I confronted him," Luke stuttered while his eyes became more teary.


    "What happened?"


    "I found out that his family was being threatened, too and I wanted to help him yet he brushed me off and said that I''m rich and my family wouldn''t allow me to help him," he heaved a breath and continued, "After that he ran off, he got back to our dorm at night with his scared look, and I was worried so I asked him what''s wrong but he only said that I won''t understand. A-and it h-happened."


    Luke trailed off as tears drip from his eyes. His only friend died and he didn''t do anything to prevent it. He''s the one who had a more capability on stopping him. As what his father told him before that he is useless, not comparable to his younger brother who pursued business.-


    Starting from that point, Chun needed to figure out something that could make Luke eager on helping Kit with his problems. Something that could trigger Luke''s protectiveness with their friendship.


    While thinking, Chun was slowly sinking on her lukewarm water as she spent two hours of thinking for solutions. Immediately, she dislodged out from the water. Standing in full b?r?ness as her hands were on her h?ps while her expression was shone brilliantly due to having an idea for this case.


    Through this plan, she would not only solve the case of Kit but the Chaser as well.


    Hearing the sudden splashing of water from the bathroom, ?ssuming that the young master accidentally fell in her bath. Instantly, the butler opened the door of the bathroom to see if the silvery pink haired young woman was fine but the sight greeted him turned the ice block butler into stone as he stayed rooted in his position because of shock.


    Slowly, Art''s visage reddened from the accumulated embarrassment and he felt something down there as he immediately turn around while he left the bathrobe of the young master beside the sink.


    Observing the sudden escape of her butler, Chun shrugged as she got down from her warm bath while wearing the pink bathrobe.


    Chun went outside while drying her long silvery pale pink hair. She was surprise to witness that the hair extensions were amazing as it didn''t fell of from her rough style of drying her hair with a towel. Even the color dye on her hair were not coming off as if they were a part of the silvery pink haired girl.


    ''Truly, they are up to their status as a pioneer in the cosmetic industry.'' Chun thought as she touched the make-ups and other cosmetic products that came from the Dinari Cosmetic.


    The Dinari household had a long history regarding with cosmetics. Their ancestors were the ones to first ever discover and innovate the use of plants to create face coloring products for aesthetic beauty.


    Chun was enchanted with the full variations of beauty products infront of her as it was her first time to use these things. But before that, she must try her skills in make-up.


    ----


    After hours of touching up and everything, Chun finally was able to recreate her masterpiece.


    The usually cold aura turned gentler from this look and get-up as the silvery pink haired girl was amused by her skills.


    "Art, you should apply as a music teacher in Ferto Mari Academia and surely girls would be head over heels with you. Though even in anywhere, just by standing there, you can easily hook girls," Chun teased as she began to arrange the ''art'' supplies that she used.


    The gentle handsome man wearing white longsleeves with two bu??ons opened partnered it with black pants was in deep thought as he took note of the comment of his young master.


    His usually cleanly styled hair was now in a curly state as Chun attentively curled it and she even put some light touches on the butler''s face as to highlight his handsome features. The silver-rimmed eyeglasses of Art complemented his aura as a ''music teacher with a gentle temperament''.


    Suddenly, Chun remembered her true purpose why she tested it to Art.


    "Art, can you apply as a substitute teacher there in the academy?"


    "As you wish, young lord."


    Chun nodded and started to form her plan on her head. Only her students knew about Art but the governor and the others had no idea about him so she needed to talk to them as they wouldn''t be surprise if they saw her butler.


    She had no plan to tell the governor about Art''s existence as it was unnecessary and even without telling him, she knew that she would solve this case.


    Finalizing her next step, Chun slumped back to her bed and instantly, sleepiness visited her. Silently, Art neared the sleeping person as he slowly covered Chun with her kicked off white blanket by the ground.


    Unconsciously, Art was about to ??r?ss the healthy blush on the cheeks of his young master when he stopped his hand in midair and put it back at his side while he helplessly sighed.

 Chapter 89 - 84

    The sloth young man wasn''t interested with the love letters and gifts that were placed on top of his usual desk.


    As if pretending not to see those things, he turned to another seat and sat on it, far away from those stuff. He leaned on his desk and discreetly tapped on the earpiece on his left ear.


    "Lerrent, teacher said that you should keep your eyes on Ulric Anoli," Rye stated from the other side as the young man simply took a glance at the occupied male student with his medical science book.


    The Ferto Mari Academia wasn''t only centered with corporate business as their academy had this small number of people studying medicines. The academy was like a typical prestigious elite school that only focused on normal professions, though there would be some martial practitioners who tended to have more interest in the commerce world than being a cultivator. But there were only few of them as this dog-eat-dog world, being stronger was most people believed on because they would be adored and revered by many.


    Furthermore, they would have a longer lifespan as a cultivator.


    Due to his s?ns?t?v? senses, Ulric felt a curious gaze on him but when his eyes left his book, he saw that no one was acting strange as he went back to his book.


    It might be one of his paranoia.


    He ignored it and immersed himself with his book. Learning new kinds of medical stitches. He should try this to his test subjects.


    A glint of crazed-look appeared on his expression which he immediately masked. Only Lerrent noticed the sudden appearance and disappearance of the sinister aura. The sloth young man lazily looked at the bowed male student as he let out a soft sigh.


    Subconsciously, Ulric looked up and their sight clashed. The untrifling eyes of the sloth young man, expressionlessly stared at the other as the male student diverted his gaze in intimidation.


    He had no idea why he was scared by the stare of that person as he felt dread from the unassuming gaze, he should asked his uncle about this feeling as he was an expert psychologist.


    Lerrent tore his lazy gaze at the scared male student as he sighed once again.


    "Is teacher sure about this person being the Chaser? He was just scared by that uncaring stare of Lerrent." The gossip king laughed to his heart content but the others wasn''t laughing with him.


    Finally, he noticed the awkward atmosphere as he asked, "Isn''t it funny?"


    He only received a ''are-you-dumb-look'' from his classmates as they continued with their task. Kai Sun felt disheartened from being left out from their out of this world level of comprehension as he analyzed back to the situation. After realizing something, he was about to blurt out his idea when Han spoke first.


    "Ulric Anoli might be connected to the Chaser." The gossip king felt his uplifted mood was instantly washed away by a cold bucket of water due to his thunder being snatched by Han.


    Han ignored the death glares of the gossip king as he discussed with the others.


    "It might be," Li Li agreed as she played with her mechanical doll. The table infront of her was full of gadgets that she just finished ?ssembling. It was like playing toys to her as within ten minutes, she finished thirty varying kinds of gadgets and tools that could aid them with their mission.


    "Right, Lith did you finished examining the markings?" Han was referring to the left markings on the body of the victims.


    Lith took the paper that she just arranged from the messy table and handed it to Han. Terra had already looked at the results and it was amazingly done by someone who had knowledge of psychology. As a behaviorist, she knew that this criminal would be slippery to catch, she could even bet that the police couldn''t get a hold of this culprit if they tried to.


    Which was an accurate deduction of Terra as it really happened in the past.


    Chun was following another target of the Chaser''s case. She was not in her disguised as Light Dinar as she tied her hair in a bun and wore a black cap. She removed her feminine make up which displayed her clean face.


    Her eyes was back to her blue-green ones as she stealthily followed the young man who was called Marcos. The silvery pink haired young woman''s seatmate in the linguistic class.


    Marcos was looking around as the deserted place was eerily quiet. He didn''t notice anyone as he continued to walk to his destination. The youth stopped infront of an abandoned house.


    ''So this was the abandoned house that Xiao Fen had been saying.''


    Chun was hiding in a pile of boxes near the abandoned house. She saw that the male student went inside the creepy building.


    On the other side, the dozing small white bird in the bookshelves woke up as he sensed the aura of his master. He knew that she was near which was an indication that there must be something big going to happen at this moment. The small white bird perked up and used his ability to fly near them in an unnoticeable manner.


    This was the second time he saw this young man. Last time this person visited, Xiao Fen was too late to see who he was as the retreating back of the youth was the only thing that he was able to catch.


    Luckily, he was now on-guard for anything that could possibly happen.


    ''Did master follow him because she had an idea about him?'' the small white bird thought which made him proud to have an intelligent partner. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, he unconsciously puffed out his little ?h?st that transformed him into cute white ball.


    The chubby small bird didn''t notice this as he still treat his actions to be smug and upright for a legendary beast like him.


    Marcos was a stutterer but he was not scared on having to interact with a psycho. He was only doing this as the person was threatening him about his family. This psychotic man was no other than but the Chaser.


    Even though, Marcos had a conscience regarding about the murders to his schoolmates and other noble young women, he still chose to kept silent as his family would be dealt by this criminal. His youngest sister was in the hands of this person so he couldn''t do anything even alerting the police wouldn''t do good.


    "Did you see anyone following you?" The Chaser asked while he was busy onto something by his table. Only his back could be seen as Marcos saw that he was busy with his stuff again.


    The terrible experiments that he would do. Jar glasses of animal parts were on his table as he performed hideous acts on those organs.


    Marcos was never curious to those things that''s why he would immediately flee after doing his ?ssigned task from the Chaser.


    "You already drawn out the undergroung path of the academy?"


    "Y-yes," it was normal for the male student to stammer as he had a speech defect but the Chaser wasn''t amused about it.


    "Can you repeat your answer?" He didn''t even look as he continued on his stuff but the piercing voice that came from him was making the stutterer tremble.


    "I mean yes!" Due to his nervousness and scared state, he blurted out his clear answer.


    "Good." Immediately, the sour mood of the psycho turned good. As he studied psychology, he was a detailed-freak when it came to this disorders as if he was obliged to fix them.


    He was obsessed to details that made him to be like this. A person who wanted to contain all the perfect objects in his eyes. When he would found it imperfect, he would gladly offer his service and fix them.


    In which, the beautiful young ladies that fell into his hands were all fixed by him but they would usually lost contact with the mortal world after his fixing. In short, they ended up dead.


    That was his motto, to make the lovely girls that caught his eyes, perfect.


    Marcos thought that he would leave immediately after finishing his task. He didn''t expect that the Chaser would open up a topic. A topic that the young man wasn''t willing to talk with.


    "Have you ever got curios to this animal organs that I would place in my collections?" There was a hint of obsession on his voice as he said this.


    ''No. I''m not interested,'' the young man thought but he never voice it out as his organs would have to replace that animal parts if he dared to anger this maniac.


    The Chaser then continued, "This collections are my precious test subjects in order to attain the most perfect method of fixing my ladies."


    Marcos didn''t respond as a hint of disgust flashed on his expression but he instantly masked it away.


    Suddenly, the psycho faced him and his white shirt was full of red liquid that Marcos wouldn''t want to name. It was like an abstract painting on his shirt as he showed a picture to the male student.

 Chapter 90 - 85

    The silvery pink haired young man was walking by the corridor as to meet up with Lerrent. She ignored the person who was following her as she continued to walk.


    Chi had been curious to where was her white prince had been but as she heard from his father that the silver haired young man was in the same academy as her, doing a field mission which surprised her to discover that Chun was dressed in a girl clothing, pretending to be the infamous Light Dinari.


    She was stunned that her charming white prince was so beautiful in girl clothing. Although, she envied her beauty, she still supported Chun''s mission.


    The young missus was clueless that she would be the next target of the Chaser if not for the silver haired youth concocting a plan that could attract the Chaser. The plan had been effective as the culprit diverted his attention to Chun.


    Chun saw Lerrent walking with a familiar person. She walked a bit closer to them. It was Mirai!


    Unknown to the young man, this person he was chatting was one of the students of his newly found friend. He even invited them to his home, days ago.


    Even though the sloth young man only hummed and nodded to the other, Mirai didn''t find it awkward as he was excited to meet a new friend. He thought that Heath Dinari was one of those arrogant nobles but something unexpected happened that made him changed his impression about the latter.


    It happened when Lerrent changed seats and unexpectedly sat on his usual desk.


    At first he was afraid to approach him as he just wanted to retrieve his notebook on that desk so that he could change seat but the sloth young man read out his name from the notebook that he found and immediately, Mirai took it.


    Unexpectedly, the other asked him if this was his seat and when Mirai affirmed, he apologized for invading it as he explained that his seat was full of unknown stuff. The long haired young man turned towards his seat and saw the boxes of gifts and love letters on Heath''s desk and he pitied the young man for dealing with those crazy fans.


    Then, this was the cause to reform Mirai''s impression about his ?ssumptions.


    The original Heath Dinari who was currently at Xenun continent was similar with Lerrent''s characteristic of being lazy and gentle but the difference between them was, Heath was more inclined to classical music that he tended to have lesser friends, only his younger sister could be counted as his close friend as he didn''t socialize to anyone even with other renowned pianists like him.


    But Lerrent wasn''t like that because he was not incline to anything other than doing this mission in order to entertain himself from boredom so gaining a friend was like going with the flow for the sloth young man.


    Mirai''s energetic vibe was dozed off when he saw the silvery pink haired young woman as he felt shy to her. They were seatmates in piano class and he would subconsciously stare in daze at the other in the middle of the class. Due to his impulses, he would unintentionally glance like a stalker to the beautiful seatmate which sometimes, it made him feel ashamed from his shameless actions.


    Chun who knew all about his acts would secretly chuckle from it. Finding the other to be cute.


    The long haired young man'' face reddened from looking at the strikingly gorgeous lady. He diverted his sight as he coughed.


    He looked like a shy young missus from his actions as his feminine face turned beet red.


    Chun was amused to the other''s reaction as her light laughter was music to the ears of the listener, even Chi who was jealous to Mirai''s interaction to her white prince suddenly felt her heart melted from the laughter of her crush.


    Loud palpitations resounded inside her ribcage as she silently escaped from the scene. She was scared to ruin Chun''s mission if she have a slip of tongue, that was her reason for not approaching Light Dinari these days after she discovered the mission.


    The governor even warned her about it and because of that, she had been observing her white prince from far away as Chun would laugh in the cafeteria with some of her classmates while she was left alone there with her two followers.


    Lizzy and Mira were her followers and acted as her friend but they were never her true friends as their bond was just for benefits. Lizzy''s father was a politician as well and a supporter of the governor. Even Mira''s father was a business partner of one of his older brother.


    While the young missus was in momentary daze, the two young ladies suddenly looked at each other, silently communicating.


    These days, they had noticed that the young missus of the Akira household would usually fell into her sea of thoughts as she looked to the direction of the silvery pink haired young woman. Initially, they ?ssumed that she was just jealous to her beauty that''s why she would stare for minutes on her but now they found it strange.


    They say that the eyes was the window of one''s soul.


    Both of them saw that her supposed to be jealous-filled eyes was filled with unmasked longing and passion as if she was a love-struck fool.


    Lizzy and Mira smiled at each other as they had digged something juicy.


    Even though, they were friends for benefits, they still backstabbed each other.


    The young missus had no idea that just by staring on her white prince would create a hot issue for tomorrow''s news.


    -----


    At 6:30 a.m.


    The lazy young man yawned as she slept late due to the reports that Terra and Lith had drawn out about the Chaser. She studied it and she was amused to discover something good.


    She had been waiting for the Chaser to move and act his plans but he had been silent lately, the last actions that he had done was just following the silvery pink haired young woman, not even daring to get close.


    Knock! Knock!


    "Come in," Chun lazily stated as a maidservant walked in while carrying a newspaper. Fortunately, Chun was still in her disguised from last night because she was dead tired, she instantly fell asleep when her back landed on her soft bed, not bothering to change her clothing.


    The maidservant uttered politely, "Young miss, the head patriarch wanted you to read this and breakfast will be serve after an hour." After that, she closed the door silently and left the youth.


    Knock! Knock!


    Chun thought that the maidservant came back but she realized that the knockings sounded from the veranda of her room. It was the butler who wanted to come in.


    Using her telekinesis, she unlocked the glass door and Art quietly entered.


    "How was it, Art?" Chun asked as her eyes was skimming lazily at the newspaper looking for what the patriarch wanted her to read.


    "It''s in progress, young lord." Art stated with his expressionless face as he stood by the side of his young master.


    Suddenly, the silvery pink haired girl burst into laughter from reading the headlines. She could turn blind from this bold letter headline.


    ''Governor''s Precious Daughter is Homo?!''


    As Chun continued to read the funny article, she couldn''t help but roll on her bed. She couldn''t stop from laughing to tears.


    "Hahahahahahahahah¡­..hahahaha."


    Her feminine laughter resounded in the Dinari mansion as the head patriarch sighed in helplessness because he knew that the silver haired youth was amused from the troll article.


    The head patriarch already observed that this instructor of the young detectives was a scheming but entertaining person and he expected this reaction from her. He just ignored the ceasing laughter as he gestured for his secretary to give him another file to sign.


    "Art, look at this!"


    The butler already knew this controversial news before he came here and he was amused to it but he didn''t show it. He was fine that ladies would be attracted to his young master because it was normal for the disguised girl but he was not appreciative to the male population.


    Like in the academy were Chun would act as Light Dinari because she was too alluring as a female, it couldn''t be avoided that the numbers of male students that wanted to take courage in pursuing her couldn''t be counted but Chun had no idea about it unlike Lerrent who was troubled with the love letters, Chun''s love letters and gifts were already cleared out by the butler. He knew that the young master wouldn''t entertain those so he already cleaned it out for her.


    He just hummed to his young master in responds as he went back from being a statue by the side of the dying in laughter young master of his.


    The amusement in Chun''s expression turned into a frown while looking at her boring butler.


    "You''re so lame, Art." As she threw an annoyed looked to the butler.


    She then went inside her bathroom while Art prepared for her clothing to wear for school.

 Chapter 92 - 87

    Chun knew the Chaser becasue she had been from the past but she couldn''t just barge in that abandoned house and capture that man with no evidences.


    Filing a leave, the two individuals were back to their original work.


    "What made the Chaser changed his mind?" Terra asked while examining the documents that she had summarized in order to use as a guide for figuring out the Chaser''s odd behavior.


    They were monitoring the movements of the Chaser and his trail while they found out also that he was sending anonymous letters to the young missus of the Akira household.


    He might follow Chun that day but he didn''t even approach her while he was at it.


    The unpredictable mind of the culprit that they were pursuing was making them delayed from their appointed progress.


    Lerrent who never spoke out on this case, finally gave his opinion.


    "I think the Chaser is preparing something."


    "I think so too." The silver haired young man seconded as she was in deep thought.


    She came across in the past about the case of the Chaser and she never thought that she would travel back time and would be dealing with this. If only she knew, she would have read through the documents that Detective Link had gathered about the culprit before.


    But as she could have remembered from the progress of the detective. They found out that the Chaser''s hideout but it wasn''t on that abandoned house, it was in a dilapidated factory at the edge of the island.


    ''It might be¡­'' the silver haired young man was able to gather her ideas with enlightened expression.


    Lerrent who noticed this, knew that they would be tackling another obstacle.


    And speaking of it.


    The door of the meeting room opened as the panting Han went in. He had been monitoring the youngster surnamed Anoli and he found out something not good.


    At the same time the communicator of Chun rang out as she answered it while gesturing the student to wait.


    "Yes."


    "¡­"


    "Okay, I''ll go."


    Chun ended the call. It was a call from the Dinari household, it stated that her classmate Marcus wanted to see Light Dinari and as the pretend young missus of the Dinari family, she should meet him.


    ''Chun-ni! I''m following the Chaser. He is unloading something from his sedan!'' the proud tone of the Thundra was heard in the silver haired young man''s mind as he wanted to be praise by his master.


    ''Then where are you right now?''


    Immediately, Xiao Fen responded. ''At an edge of a cliff where a creepy building laid.''


    ''Direction?''


    ''Northeast.''


    ''Good. I''ll give you your favorite chocolates when you return.'' Chun replied as she cut off the mind link.


    The thunder bird felt delighted from pleasing the master and obtaining his reward so with much dedication, he used his ability to stick closed to the target, unnoticeably.


    Then Chun turned her attention to the seated Han, "What is it?"


    With no delay, Han replied, "Ulric went to the abandoned house and never came out. I waited for him to come out for days and he never did."


    The silver haired young man immediately got a clue as her eyes lit with delight. Connecting those dots, she might have an idea what the Chaser was plotting.


    -----


    The male student was invited in while he waited for the young lady of the Dinari household. He kept ogling around the huge mansion. It was his first time walking inside of a ''house'' of one of the richest noble family.


    He also came from a noble household but their family wasn''t this luxurious as the company of his father had been declining lately because all of their money were being used as a source to find his younger sister. His parents had no idea about the Chaser''s involvement of their lost daughter because it was kept in an agreement between him and that wicked person.


    Marcos only knew that her younger sister was safe because he would usually talk to her through a phone call which was infront of the Chaser in order to limit their words but locating her was still in progress. No matter how much he tried to examined that abandoned house without the Chaser''s presence, he never found any clue of her whereabouts.


    A familiar sweet scent invaded his nose and he looked up to the only centimeter-away young woman. Chun was finally able to take the attention of the youth infront of her as she distanced herself while chuckling on her seat.


    The vivid redness in both of Marcos'' cheeks couldn''t be hidden as he was ''slightly'' enamored by that close distance beauty.


    Her silvery pink hair bounced while she laughed at the blushing young man. After Chun was over the cloud of her scheme, she then dried her tears and went to business.


    "You''re Marcos right? What do you want to talk about?" There was an allure on her voice as she spoke. The young man couldn''t help but look away from the beauty while clearing his throat in order to stop himself from his stuttering.


    "I-i¡­ y-your¡­ Chaser¡­target," Marcos wanted to form a clear statement but his tongue didn''t allow him to and plus the enchanting look of his goddess was distracting him.


    The silvery pink haired young woman understood what he meant as she hide her smirked from the discovery.


    Chun smiled at the latter.


    "How can you say that?"


    "H-he¡­" Marcos sighed as he gave up communicating verbally. He took something from his pocket and put it on the table.


    Observing the picture, it was just taken not too late, and it might been from days ago. Light Dinari was currently in a leave from her school at the Capital city as her family already informed her and Heath about the disguised plan, that''s why they were currently in hiding.


    ''Oh, that''s why the Chaser only observed me from afar and after that he ceased his actions.''


    He would never fall to a trap if he had an idea to it from the start. So he was all along monitoring Light Dinari outside the continent?


    Chun was amused to the unexpected development as she looked unmoved at the information that Marcos gave.


    "Y-you might b-be wandering about this p-picture but I-i w-wanted y-you to know t-that y-your l-life might be in danger!" He seriously stated as observed the goddess infront of him.


    He was clueless that the other was ridiculing him on her mind. She couldn''t help but label this young man as stupid. From looking that picture of the real Light Dinari and her disguised-self, they had a huge difference. Though they resembled in terms of the face due to the make-up applied but her strange colored hair and her aura was vastly distinct from the other.


    Light Dinari could be described as a rose who already bloomed in beauty while Chun was like a moonflower who had a silent charm that could attract anyone.


    The young missus ignored Marcos'' warning as she asked in her soft voice, "How did you know this?"


    Marcos realized that he would be accused if he didn''t make his intentions clear. He forgot to analyze the matter before going here. He risked everything, just to warned the other which could justify his innocence.


    "My y-young sister is h-held captive by the C-chaser."


    Just that statement, Chun was able to connect the dots. It might be this person was the provider of information about the academy that made the Chaser to easily track out his targets. And he couldn''t disobey the other as his young sister was took as a hostage by the Chaser.


    Suddenly, Chun felt that the spider web of mysteries was now slowly making sense.


    "Young man, I''m going to help you find your sister!" Chun declared as she left, immediately.


    Marcos was left baffled from the strange reaction of the silvery pink haired young lady as she left in haste. The youth wasn''t able to process what she just said but he felt a sense of relief when he heard the declaration of the girl.


    It might be strange to trust a word by a person you''re not close with but he believed it as it came from his goddess.


    Guessing that the young missus wasn''t far away yet, he shouted, not minding any etiquette, "Thank you! I''ll wait for your update!"


    Marcos was clueless about the reason why Light Dinari would help him on looking for his younger sister but he still believed her.


    Chun heard the shout of the male student as she just smiled and said, "Art, ready my gear."


    "As you please, young lord." Art bowed with a hand on his ?h?st as he vanished.

 Chapter 94 - 89

    "Hmmmp¡­hmmp¡­hmmp!"


    The young man with his head covered in cloth bag kept resisting the hold of the demon.


    Drysdale who was busy dragging the young man brought him inside the abandoned factory by the edge of the cliff. Strangely, the factory that the demon found was located on this dangerous cliff that was reported to have many cases of suicide for the past six years.


    In fact, this was an ideal place for a stray demon like him. With so many dark energy looming around the place due to the deaths of the people containing their grief, anger and sadness. The dark energy was abundant that could strengthen the Demon of Lust.


    There were two kinds of stray demons, the minor and the superior which the Seven Deadly Demons belonged. As Drysdale was a superior demon, he much more needed dark energy than the minor ones.


    The demon chuckled because the difficult young man kept struggling his hold, he let go his tight hold on the tied arms of the boy as he took him by his ankle.


    Ulric thought that his uncle suddenly had his conscience back on his mind as he let him go suddenly. The young man was about to sigh in relief when he felt a tight hold on his right ankle. The cloth bag covering his head was removed as he was dragged by foot. He gritted his teeth as he endured the kissing sounds of his back getting bloody scraped on the cemented floor.


    Small drops of blood came out from his lips as he bitten it to stopped his whimper. He didn''t want to satisfy this devil person who was mercilessly dragging him towards somewhere.


    The supposed to be nice uncle of his looked back at him and sent him a creepy smile. There eyes met and malice and hatred clashed. Ulric realized that this was not his uncle. Looking from those dark orbs, those eyes were unfamiliar to him.


    Instead of struggling again, he yelled at the smiling demon while kicking his foot at the enemy.


    "Where''s uncle?! Devil! If you touch any strand of his hair, I''ll make you regret it!"


    The demon who heard the cursing of the young man, stopped his dragging as he harshly let go the tied foot.


    Chuckling darkly, "Perhaps you are wrong about that. I''m not the devil because I am a demon, the handsome and mighty Demon of Lust!"


    Drysdale laughed as he was amused at the frightened face of the young man. Because he wanted the naughty brat to behave, he turned his eyes to its original form as he stared at the other while declaring his title.


    The young man could see that the face and stature was the same but those dark orbs shimmered with heavy aura that it made him suffocated from it. He then realized that this cruel demon was possessing the body of his uncle which made him decided to try his best from escaping in order to exterminate that demon and free his uncle.


    That was enough to silence the young man as the demon continued to drag him to the place where he wanted his ''guests'' to stay. As he had only one guest to entertain him, he might add another one after this.


    Bam!


    The harsh closing of the door took Ulric out from his frightened state as he regained his composure. He was left on the ground as he looked around the room. It was huge that made the young man thought that it might be the storage room of this abandoned place. Ulric migh be fooled from the demon acting as his uncle for months but he was good when it came to terrain detecting.


    While he was locked in the trunk, he used his sense of hearing as he couldn''t see due to the covering of his eyes and the darkness of his location, he heard from the brakes and turns of the wheels, that from the abandoned house, they travelled northeast. There were rustling of leaves and bushes after the vehicle arrived on a bumpy road which made Ulric conclude that weren''t on the main road anymore and they were going inside the forest.


    Then he was pulled by the demon after he opened something heavy and metallic from the rustic sound it produced, and he was dragged inside.


    The young man could freely observed the place as the cloth bag was already removed and he was left alone by that demon.


    He heard the splashes of the water against the big rocks as he concluded that this place was near the cliff. Suddenly, he widened his eyes as he realized.


    He was in the rumored haunted abandoned factory. It was known to be the suicide place of the students who couldn''t take it anymore. A place that he avoided the most.


    Though, Ulric wasn''t truly frightened by that demon but he was a scaredy-cat when it came to ghosts---


    "Hehe."


    He closed his eyes as to avoid getting nightmares from what horrifying sight he would witness.


    "Open your eyes, idiot. It''s me," a familiar feminine voice woke him up.


    ----


    The silver haired young man and his team was discussing plans to rescue Ulric from the demon when suddenly a call from her communicator went in.


    Chun frowned as she heard the strong voice of the governor. She was stunned to here the news from Gani.


    Chi Akira was gone.


    She was just in her room when her personal maid discovered that she wasn''t there anymore. In fact, there were guards by her door to ensure her safety and the trained guards of his father was patrolling the mansion around which meant that it would be impossible to go in and kidnapped the young missus without notice.


    But the silver haired young man refuted that as she remembered something. It was the case of the Yu household. The demon that they encountered.


    At first, she was already suspicious of that butler from the start as she observed that the common practice of the butlers in the Yu household was the way they bowed in greeting was different from any household that Chun had known. And the way Samuel bowed was odd.


    ''Seven''


    By using the Terfanum lingua which was the language of the demons, Chun was able to conclude about it being related to them.


    Even the expression of the butler darkened when he saw that symbol. The seven number in the demon kingdom only meant about the Seven Deadly Demons which were locked inside the dungeon. It gave Art an ominous feeling about it. Though, he thought that it might be just a coincidence from that case but as they encountered this situation. Art knew something was up.


    He needed to go the dark lands after this.


    "Art, what demon we will be dealing?" Chun asked with interest in her tone as she looked at the cold face butler at her side.


    It was only her and her students were inside the room so she allowed Art to reveal himself which could let the butler participate on this plan. Because the prince of demon knew his people very well.


    "Lust," Art simply stated as his eyes darkened. He knew how wicked that ?ustful demon was as he wouldn''t let even a woman demon escaped from his hands when he fancy her until she would left breathless with no life to spare.


    Those Seven Deadly Demons were captured by him when he was still training as a prince. That was his first mission as a prince in training from the Demon King.


    As the Seven Deadly Demons were a thorn on the side of the demon kingdom because even the Demon King couldn''t control them which made him put Art to the test for his capablity as an heir to the throne.


    The butler was sure about it but when he saw that demon possessing the body of Samuel, he knew that the seven of them escaped. Demon of Wrath was already dealt but six of them were still on the run.


    The silver haired young man smiled as she already figured it out before Art could reply, just from examining those victims, his movements and traits while connecting them. She knew that this would be the Demon of Lust they were about to face.


    Suddenly, Chun stood up while she smiled charmingly, making that adorable face bewitching but behind those enchanting appearance, she was crafting her scheme.


    The students looked at her as their teacher suddenly stood from her comfortable chair.


    "Students! Ready yourselves as we will about to partake in a rescue mission and a battle as well."


    "What battle, teacher?" Li Li asked.


    "A fight with a demon."

 Chapter 99 - 94

    The silver haired young man opened the strange door. Chun remembered this door and the last time she saw it, it was still surrounded with chains but oddly, there were no signs of it.


    Titus was beside Chun as he was also curious with the mystery door. He had been living in the silver box and there had no been door on this space but it just emerged when the silver haired young man encountered the youth who had the same bloodline that connected both of them.


    The silver haired young man was curious to the mystery door as it was calling her by instincts, it was compelling her to grab its knob and unveil it. Chun neared the door and grasp a hold of the doorknob.


    The deity didn''t stop her from opening the door as he had an interest of its inside. It has been months when that door appeared and it never gave this kind of reaction which made Titus to be interested on what might it held.


    ''A room full of treasures? An ancient secret manual? Forbidden Cultivation art? Or something more good than those?'' Titus thought as he was becoming more delusional than ever. It might be an effect of being trapped and alone of this silver box for hundreds of years.


    Creak!


    The door sounded as the silver haired young man opened it. Bright illumination descended on their vision as they closed their eyes.


    Feeling that the inside was still calling her, she stepped inside. Leaving the other curious party. Titus who was about to follow the silver haired young man suffered a hit on his nose as the door suddenly closed by itself, not willing to take him in.


    The deity of Prevalent Tragedy frowned as he held his aching nose, he glared at the rude door and conjured a chair for himself to wait upon the silver haired youth.


    Even though, the door didn''t allow him in, he could still asked Chun about the specifics of the room. Titus smugly smirked at the silently closed door.


    ----


    The silver haired young man''s sight was greeted with an unexpected scenery. She thought that the door would withold something precious but infront of her was a black space and nothing else.


    Chun frowned from the strangeness. Seemingly, the place had no hints of world energy but a strange yet familiar one was present.


    Suddenly a string of silver light came on her line of sight as it neared her. The shocking thing about it was, coming closer in a fast speed towards her spot. Chun didn''t know what to do as she tried to summon her deity powers to deflect it but the black space was somewhat restraining her from using it while she was affixed on her location.


    Having no choice, the silver haired young man covered her face with her arms as the light was so bright that incapacitated her sight and this was the only helpless way, she could think of to protect herself.


    ''Am I going to die?''


    "What are you?" Chun asked as she tilted her head in confusion. She was inspecting the odd ball of light and she felt a familiar aura on it. As if she crossed paths with it from before.


    She started to recall the past events and even the present but she didn''t see anye memory resembling this ball of light.


    Somehow the ball of light knew what she was thinking as it flew to some direction and paused when the silver haired young man didn''t follow.


    Observing its gesture, Chun inquired, "You want me to follow?"


    As if understanding her, it bounced up and down and continued its movement. With no hesitation, Chun followed the ball of light to an unknown direction.


    The black space had no any means of knowing where you were going as it was just all back and nothing else. The silver haired youth even suspected that the glinting ball that she was following was somewhat tricking her as this place was hopeless to navigate into.


    But those suspicion of Chun immediately went away when she saw a suspended person covered with silver light. It was encasing a sleeping young man while he laid afloat in midair.


    Chun widened her eyes when she had a clearer view of the individual.


    -----


    The butler was checking his watch from time to time as he awaited for his young master, two hours had already passed and the silver haired young man didn''t came back yet.


    The expressionless butler was calm at the surface but in fact, he was worried for his young master. If the silver haired young man didn''t returned another hour, he would destroy that silver box or bring it to the Demon King in order to persuade the other to open it as he would be killing that scum deity.


    The deity who was innocently waiting for Chun to come out from the door: ¡­


    Art immediately stood up as a light appeared infront of him. An appearance of youth with silver hair, blue-green eyes and her ethereal beauty momentarily stunned the butler.


    The butler couldn''t deny that he was mesmerized by the otherworldly features of the silver haired young man and that light made it more enchanting as if a goddess went down from the Mountain Qi.


    "Art?"


    Immediately, the butler snapped back from reality. He noticed that he had been losing self-control these days which was not good for him and the young master. No matter what, he must restrained it. If he had no choice, taking a leave and gaining his self-control was his only way to be a deserving butler by Chun''s side.


    If Chun had knew what he was thinking, the silver haired youth wouldn''t be agreeable of the butler''s decision.


    Art with a straight face responded, "Yes, young lord?"


    The silver haired young man didn''t notice the peculiarity of the butler as she inquired for the upcoming tournament.


    "Young lord, the girl Rin came a while ago and said that there will be a meeting for the World Winter Tournament, tomorrow afternoon."


    Hearing that, Chun narrowed her eyes as she knew that this was coming.


    ----


    Harconia Institue, Gathering Hall.


    Chun almost arrived late as the meeting was about to begin. The headmaster didn''t commented on his tardiness as she was still a newbie but the other instructors didn''t approved her behaviour.


    The silver haired young man had a retentive memory and she specifically remembered what would transpire at this time.


    Whispers evoked around as they commented at the appearance of the newbie.


    This was their first time to see the reputed White Prince of the students and the handler of those talentless students as most the instructors of Harconia Institute were always not aroud due to their close door cultivation or sometimes more inclined on teaching their students than to do unnecessary stuffs like wandering around the institute which was just a waste of time.


    Most the teachers were professional on their fields that they hated people that were this free like this silver haired youth. From observing the aura of the handsome young man, she exuded a carefree vibe that was disapproved by some of the teachers.


    Although, the headmaster discreetly helped her from taking the attention of the people on her but it was no needed as she was unaffected by their criticisms because she almost had memorized their ''funny'' comments.


    "Good Morning, fellow educators of Harconia Institute! I called all of you here to discuss about the upcoming 205th World Winter Tournament that would be held in our continent, it is our turn now to host this grandest event and the most awaited tournament by martial practitioners worlwide," Headmaster Spinther stated.


    Many instructors were all excited about this event as it was the 205th World Winter Tournament. An event that could make martial practitioners show off their prowess and be recruited by revered sects. The tournament happened once in three years, individuals that were martial practitioners could participate in it. Nonetheless, there were mini tournaments during that time, like mind games, forging artifacts, concocting pills and inscribing runes or diagrams.


    "This year''s theme is School Victory which means that every representing school in each continents would be participating. It''s not like the last tournament that even solo cultivators can participate, this is a tournament between schools." He continued.


    Chun advertly glanced at some direction as she smirked at the person.


    ''What if she don''t voice out her unwillingness to join to any tournament for the teachers? What will happen next?''

 Chapter 100 - 95

    Kiso Star was infuriated of the smug expression that the silver haired youth sent him as he suddenly interrupted the headmaster.


    Chun wasn''t surprised by this kind of development as she already predicted this. But despite that, she tend to avoid a challenge from anyone, though it was inevitable to refuse this.


    ''Well, there won''t be any event other than the infiltration of the demons. This challenge will not happen.''


    "Headmaster Spinther, it may be rude to interrupt you but I want you to be a witness of my challenge to Instructor Chun."


    The instructors were surprised to the sudden challenge of the reputed Kiso to the newbie who was entitled White Prince by most of the students. This was obviously bullying a junior but they had no objections to it as they wanted to see the capabilities of the other, if she was truly suited as a teacher in Harconia Institute.


    The headmaster was about to say something as he glanced at the calm youth but the silver haired young man spoke first, "I accept."


    Their voices erupted around the gathering hall as they were more stunned at the reckless decision of the other. She was confident with herself, so confident that it might teacher her a lesson.


    That were their thoughts as they looked as the calm yet overly confident person.


    "Then I''ll gladly be your witness on this challenge. The same rules will apply when challenging a fellow teacher. Once the challenged party accepted, there will be no backing out as forfeiting during the challenge will result to a win by the opposing party. At same time, the challenger shall not forfeit to his/her challenge as he/she will be admitting defeat if that case will be suffice. Lastly, this fight is only determining ones'' ability, no fatal injuries shall be inflicted. The winner will only be ascertain if the opposing party will admit defeat or cannot continue anymore."


    The silver haired young man understood the rules very well and she had known this already because the headmaster had briefed them about this lengty rule from the past.


    After the meeting and the announcement of Headmaster Spinther about the new contents of the tournament, the other instructors who weren''t idle didn''t stay for any longer as they departed but there were some that wanted to see an interesting show.


    The silver haired young man walked to the double doors as she would be dealing with another matter but the star teacher blocked her path with his lackeys beside him, antagonizing the newbie. The headmaster, Quin and Rin left first as they would be finalizing the preparation of the upcoming tournament which they weren''t able to rescue Chun from this situation.


    Chun smiled in a flippant manner that caused a bulging vein to pop out in the temple of his head. Kiso felt anger from getting disrespected by this person.


    "Senior Star, what can I do for you?" There was mirth in the eyes of the silver haired youth as she found it funny that Kiso was flaming in anger by just her small deliberate taunting.


    ''Such a hot tempered person.''


    "Looking brave are we? I may be lenient to allow you to refuse my challenge but I did not thought that you would accept this without thinking twice," Kiso stated as he looked at the other from head to toe, he even used his qi to sense the cultivation level of the other which surprised him as the other was just at the Median realm Nascent stage.


    He was three times higher than this silver haired young man who only had her face as an ?sset. Lacking a tier to fight him equally, Kiso''s ego increased as he felt superiority from this ''vase'' person.


    "You only know how to smile? Hehe. That face of yours will not escape the attacks of our great star teacher Kiso!" The lackey beside the star teacher who had a name Huan Bai, boasted as he indignantly stared at the pretty ''boy''. Huan Bai was a student of Kiso.


    "Yes! But you will be more delectable if you just forfeit." The lecherous stare of the woman who was another lackey and student of the star teacher, licked her lips as she continued to travel her debauch eyes on the body of Chun. Su Ji was a known play girl who loved to play younger boys in bed. They heard that she was already a hundred years old aunt but retain her youthful look due to her higher cultivation level.


    Chun ignored the lecherous woman as she said, "Move. You''re blocking my way."


    It was enough for playing nice.


    Hearing the cold remark of the silver haired young man, Kiso narrowed his eyes as he moved from the path. Stunned by the obedient behavior of their teacher, Huan Bai and Su Ji looked at each other and curiously stare at the star teacher.


    It was odd for Kiso to not argue or start a ruckus.


    Chun with her eye-smile as she was amused to the star teacher, left.


    "Teacher! Why did you let that brat go away?" Huan Bai persistently asked.


    "Hehe¡­ I have a plan for that brat. Let''s just allow him to be at ease these days as he will not be able to participate in my challenge."


    As they heard that, an evil smile simultaneously appeared on their faces. The three thought that they were the wolves attacking a sheep but they didn''t know that silver haired young man was a wolf in a sheep''s clothing, another level of predator that they shouldn''t had play with.


    A schemer would be always a schemer.


    -----


    The silver haired young man ran across the empty hallway as she was locating the hidden passage towards the core of the institute.


    Chun recollected her memory and immediately spotted a familiar runic symbols.


    "Hear him and you''ll be touch. Touch him and you''ll melt."


    ''This was it!" The silver haired young man thought as she didn''t need the help of Titus anymore in order to read this encrypted message.


    She read it aloud as she distanced herself from the shaking of the wall. A small passage appeared and Chun took this a chance to go inside.


    The small passage closed at the same time as both of her feet touched the ground of the dimly lit tunnel.


    "Art, are you there?"


    "Yes, young lord."


    The monotone voice came from corner as a shadow of a lone man emerged from it. The butler saluted at his young master while awaiting for orders.


    Suddenly she recalled a scene¡­


    For an hour of travelling by foot, Chun was about to collapse. She truly can''t handle long walking as she was in person, lazy. Exertion of energy was too much for her.


    "You''re already giving up now? You''ll be killed by those martial practitioners and even the guardian."


    She heard what the deity stated and she looked towards the end of the tunnel passage using the qi energy around her to zoom her vision.


    Two martial practitioners were guarding a cell door.


    ...


    Chun remembered that beyond this tunnel were two Median Realm martial practitioners who were guarding a certain door that needed an input of a familiar aura of only the authorized person.


    She smirked as she neared the wall. Injecting a small amount of divine energy, the detecting runes that were made for intruders were easily disabled.


    Art didn''t want to ask the secrets of his young master as he wanted for the youth to open up herself to him and as a butler, he should be not meddlesome to Chun''s private affairs.


    "Let''s go, Art!"


    ----


    They successfully knocked the two guarding martial practitioners as Chun inputted her divine energy in order to unlock the door.


    By instincts, Chun recalled another scene as she opened the door.


    She took a pair of gloves from her spatial storage and wore it. She then gripped the handle with her gloved hands and opened the cell door.


    With a short walk, Chun stopped infront of another cell door. Inside of it was calling her, her instincts was telling her to open it and get close to it.


    The door has a pressure stone on it, only the familiar aura of qi energy of the individual who was imprinted on it can open the door.


    "I know the aura of that man who you had a deal with those amemodites," Titus suddenly offered a help.


    "Why are you being so helpful right now?" Chun asked with curiosity.


    "I want to see a show."


    The silver haired youth wanted to ask the deity what did he meant by that but she was cut off by Titus'' instructions.


    "Take off your glove on your right hand and put it infront the pressure stone, I''ll do the channeling of qi energy."


    Chun followed the deity''s direction and a strand of energy that was coming from her body went to the pressure stone through her hands.


    The pressure stone changed into color red and into yellow until a clicking sound could be heard from it.


    She then entered through the door and saw a broken piece that was floating in the middle of the chamber room. It shone brilliantly as it was being powered by the amemodites.


    This was the core. The core of Harconia Institute was her first fragment.


    ...¡­


    As she opened the door, it was not she had expected. Truly different from the recalled memory.

 Chapter 101 - 96

    The silver haired youth supposedly was going to find out about the core of the institute after the Yu household case but she forgot about it due to the series of events that she had dealt and the sudden case of the Chaser that brought her to Vanette Island City.


    And it slipped from her mind regarding about the core.


    Chun had already gained the first fragment from the her past and coming back to here brought her to this situation.


    "Art, can you wait for me outside?" The silver haired youth asked her butler as Art didn''t opposed to it as he silently nodded and positioned himself beside the door.


    Inside the chamber, the familiar piece of fragment floating on the center wasn''t there. The structure of the room was the same but the core wasn''t in its right place.


    A chuckle from the shadows resounded the chamber as the door behind the silver haired young man suddenly closed.


    Chun didn''t panic on it as she kept her stare on the silhouette of a lady in the dark. It was the guardian!


    "Where''s the core?" She asked as she wanted to test something first.


    But what shocked the silver haired young man was the identical facial features of the lady. If Chun would grow as a beauty, she would surely looked like this.


    ''This must be Pandora''s appearance?''


    Chun remembered that the guardian stated in her past when she had yet to obtain the first fragment that she was a part of the deity. Pandora''s persona.


    "Greetings to the child Pandora, I am Akrodia, a minor deity that was formed from the persona of the Deity of Memories and Clairvoyance."


    Chun frowned when she heard an unfamiliar title. She came across with the Deity of Brilliance, Deity of Time and Gates, Deity of Immortality and many more from the books she read and also from her pieces of memories as Pandora.


    "Deity of Memories and Clairvoyance?" The confused look of the silver haired young man made Akrodia amused.


    "We met from the past dimension and I remembered that I introduce myself as another persona of the deity Pandora but you may call Akrodia from now," the lady had no intention of answering the silver haired young man as she walked to the middle of the chamber room where supposed to be the core was located.


    "You asked me about the core, right? I am the core as you have already took away the real core," She explained while tracing the empty container of the core.


    The silver haired youth wasn''t surprised as she had known it already.


    "Then about your appearance? Is it?" Chun had been curious to the appearance of the said guardian as it resembled her so much.


    Akrodia smiled as she replied, "This is just a small feature of the real Pandora, I got it through the manifestation of her ego on me."


    If this was just a minor appearance of her deity-self then what about her real appearance? While thinking that, the silver haired young man was full of fantasies as she kept imagining herself as a deity.


    The attractive minor deity smiled in amusement as she asked, "Why did you come here, child? It may be something important?"


    That snapped back Chun from reality as she remembered her true purpose of suddenly coming here.


    The silver haired young man stared at the other.


    ------


    Hectic schedules for the newbie instructor started once again. There were no any missions from the vice headmaster as the World Winter Tournament approached. Preparations were on focused as students and teachers started to cultivate and practice their martial arts.


    They only had one goal and it was to seized the top and be recognized by those revered sects. Having admitted to a sect was something that every martial students aimed to be as the secret manuals that specially came from specific sects could aid them on their cultivation and also having a strong backer could lead them a rich life and no one would dare to slight them as they would suffer from the consequences.


    Currently, the silver haired young man was at the field with her seven students and this was a very familiar scene.


    Art truly loved to put them under the heat which the seven students couldn''t complain as they were met by the scary gaze of the expressionless teacher.


    The serious atmosphere engulfed the nine people under the beating heat of the sun. This was the second phase of their physical training which wasn''t ideal for Lerrent and his classmates as they would suffer from another torture.


    But strangely, they were in one meter apart from each other, standing at attention while looking infront towards their stern training instructor.


    The silver haired young man was under the heat of the sun as well but she secretly used a small amount of her divine power to block off the heat. She was grasping the green grass at the ground while comfortably sitting on it. Her gleaming eyes was looking with interest at her Art as the butler was so manly and handsome as he taught the student with self-defense.


    While watching them suffer from the tough teachings of her butler, she couldn''t help but to roll eyes as she tried to ignore those crazy fans.


    Note that, they weren''t alone.


    "White Prince, I have an umbrella! Let''s share!"


    "White Prince, Are you bored? Let''s have fun!"


    "White Prince! I want to apply as your student as well!"


    "White Prince!"


    "White Prince!"


    "White Prince!"


    Chun might be enjoying their worshipped on her but she was irritated to this.


    "Handsome butler! So manly! Teach me self-defense too!"


    "You might want to quit as a butler, I will take you in!


    "Handsome butler---"


    Chun felt an dangerous aura engulfing her as she blocked off those noises using her barrier.


    The silver haired youth had no idea, how did this people knew about their field location. The field was very massive and usually, there would be no students present at this hour. And specifically, the training location that they chose was somewhat hidden but this admirers were very persistent, they even spied the silver haired youth''s class schedule which they were lucky to discover an another handsome individual by the side of their White Prince, it was their White Prince'' butler.


    But this was a misfortune for the silver haired young man as she didn''t want to share her butler to others as Art was her---


    In a sudden manner, Art looked towards his young master. He was in the middle of explaining the second phase of self-defense and its fundamentals yet he was able to attend to the silver haired young man, immediately.


    Kai Sun who was still at attention and soaking with sweat wasn''t hindered by observing the master and butler''s interactions as his gossipy eyes looked at them.


    ''This was interesting.''


    "Young lord, where are you going?"


    The expressionless butler with a monotone voice was somehow gentle to his young master as he inquired.


    "Back to the class hall, Art. Just continue your lesson."


    The silver haired youth didn''t wait for the butler to respond as she left. The lone figure of the butler as he whispered his answer to the leaving youth made the gossip king sighed as he easen his stature but immediately, the butler stared at him with a cold face as Kai Sun instantly corrected his pace.


    He regretted sympathizing with the ruthless butler. ''Teacher, don''t be fooled with this two-faced person!"


    The antagonistic thoughts of Kai Sun suddenly disappeared as he felt a chill on his spine.


    The silver haired youth didn''t go to her class hall as she went to the mini garden on the west side of the main building.


    She calmed herself as she didn''t know what was going on her.


    Her emotions were out of control awhile ago and it scared Chun from the unknown feeling.


    Chun performed a breathing exercise as to relieve herself. She was calmed a bit as her thoughts went back to normal.


    ''This must be due to the effects of their contract! She was feeling weird since then.''


    The silver haired young man knew that once the butler took her blood prematurely she would suffer from consequences. She might been mischievous that time as she didn''t took it seriously but she just wanted to save Art which she agreed to it.


    There was no regrets as she already started this.


    Chun was in deep thought when a shadow guard that she left in the Vanette Island City to monitor Kit Witara was back and brought a foreboding news.

 Chapter 102 - 97

    "Kit Witara committed suicide."


    Chun was disturbed by this information.


    Where did she got it wrong? Before she left the island, Kit Witara was still fine. Luke and him was more closer than ever. Then what happened that made Kit to commit suicide?


    The silver haired young man almost cursed her naivety when she suddenly realized the most crucial piece that had been missing in the case of Kit. Chun narrowed her eyes as she remembered their last meeting in the past.


    Chun had been promiscuous with her deductions but she had never thought that the real culprit was very smart to escape her scope of suspicion.


    ----


    Vanette Island City.


    Ferto Mari Academia.


    Student Council Committee.


    A youth with clean cut jet-black hair, chiseled jaw and a penetrating black eyes that could easily see through anything, smiled while playing a translucent ball on his palm. Throwing it up and down as he observed the glinting ball below the shine of a setting sun.


    "A new beginning shall begin."


    He whispered while looking at the glinting ball. He was seated on the comfortable chair as a knock from the door woke him up from his ordeal.


    "President, may I come in?"


    "Come in."


    A cold voice sounded from the other side as the female student who was wearing a red arm band, fixed her uniform. She heard that the mysterious Student Council President was a clean-freak.


    She pushed the door and the first thing that caught her attention was the elegant name plaque on the desk of the president.


    ''Mr. President.''


    It never was the real name of the president.


    "You are the head of the Disciplinary Committee?" The cold face president asked as he continued to look at the crystal ball as if it was the only thing that interested him.


    "Y-yes, President. You can call me Denise Rori."


    Denise felt awkward from seeing the mysterious president face to face as it was rare for him to reveal himself to the student body and even the student council committee members, only the vice president had known him.


    The female student discovered that the president was eccentric as the aura surrounding him was strange.


    Suddenly, he stared directly at the wandering eyes of the girl as he smiled, "You can call me Luke. Luke Gray."


    Denise was surprised to know that the heir of the formidable Gray household was the mysterious Student Council President. It was rumored that he was never into the power struggle of the family and even declined the position as the president of the student body but why was he...?


    The cold expression morphed into a wicked smirk as he asked, "Is Kit Witara confirmed dead?"


    It snapped off Denise from her daze due to the unexpected revelation.


    "Yes, President."


    Though, the President allowed her to call him on his name but Denise didn''t dared to as she knew that it was just a form of formality of the President.


    ''ke. - KW''


    -----


    The quiet Gray household suddenly took the matter on their hands and it made Chun a bit curious. It''s known that, without a heavy exchange, the Gray''s would not intervene on this kind of situations, no persuasion could moved them but what did Luke exchanged for it?


    "It''s nothing. Just managing the business and so," Luke shrugged off as he replied to the silver haired young man.


    "Oh right! From your silver white hair and strange colored eyes, you''re a member of Shuho Household right?" The young man suddenly asked.


    "Yes. I''m Chun Shuho and you know of my family?" Chun with curiosity uttered.


    "Kind of. The head household master of Shuho household and my father were close friends and business partners," Luke explained and left after he bid goodbye to Chun.


    The silver haired young man went away, too. Luke suddenly stopped on his feet and read again the crumpled piece of paper from his uniform''s blazer pocket.


    It says, ''If something happens to me, you know what to do. No matter what you decided to do, I won''t blame you. Live well, Luke. - KW''


    "Fool," Luke with an indifferent face, whispered as he crumpled again the paper.


    Chun recalled that Luke had a darkened face before she confronted him but he immediately hide it away when they conversed.


    It was a mistake to trust the false story that Luke had told them.


    The silver young man was annoyed, mad and remorseful on what happened. Despite her efforts, there were some things that couldn''t be changed.


    ----


    The butler noticed his young master''s gray atmosphere around as she was so down since he came back.


    Art was delayed on coming back to the silver haired youth''s side as those crazy female humans were barricading his way. He couldn''t just disappear infront of them as it would reveal his ability as a demon. Even the seven students of Chun were heartless for leaving him alone to fend off himself.


    Kai Sun and the others thought that it was their revenge for making them stand in an extended hour under the beating heat of the sun and making them memorized a motto, repeatedly which they heard that it was for the soldiers.


    Art neared the looking sad and lonely silver haired youth on her bed as she was silently staring the blackness of the outside through the window.


    The butler sighed as he went to the said window and covered it with the curtain. Still, Chun was in a daze while staring into nothing.


    "Young lord, why are you sad?"


    The gentle voice of the butler sounded near the ear of the dazed young master as she turned towards the source.


    At first, Chun was mad from being trick and the tragedy that she wasn''t able to prevent. But it became into sadness as she realized the poor life of Kit and being played by his closest friend was very heartbreaking. His ending was a sad one.


    The sudden closeness of their face turned Chun''s face beet red as she immediately covered her face and turned away from the clueless butler.


    Her down atmosphere instantly morphed into being flustered as it was odd for Art to suddenly initiate this kind of move.


    "Young lord, if you want comfort. I''m here to hug you?"


    Art was hesitant to his suggestion as he had no experience on comforting demons even humans.


    What got to him that his mouth almost spilled the beans. The butler still maintained his open arms as he waited for the respond of the shy silver haired young man as she was covering her reddened face. As Art had already started his suggestion, he should follow through the end.


    He was known to be cold and ruthless in the Demon Kingdom, and being a butler, he never got to do this when it came to the mischievous young master as Chun wasn''t usually like this and if she was sad, she would just keep it on her own. But at this moment, Art felt obliged to comfort the silver haired young man.


    Art was beside her for the past years and they treated each other as business partners or acquaintances but never been this close.


    How did they got to this?


    Although, it was not good to develop feelings for her butler, Chun was still relieved when knowing that their relationship had progressed.


    She laughed at the awkward posture of the butler as her reddened face was not due to her shyness anymore but it was because of her laughter.


    Art scratched his nape as he saw that the silver haired young man laughed at his offer. He was about to put away his open arms when suddenly Chun fell to his embrace.


    Chun secretly smiled as she hugged her precious butler. This was her first time of being intimate with the other. She buried her face to Art''s ?h?st as the butler was stunned from the warmth that his young master brought.


    The silver haired young man enjoyed the scent of rose tea and mint on the butler as it calmed her nerve. And being in the arms of her butler was very comforting, she wished that this would last forever.


    Art gently patted the back of Chun as he silently allowed the other to hug him.


    Even without soothing words, someone could be comforted through actions.

 Chapter 103 - 98

    Harconia Institute


    3 months earlier from the tournament.


    The representatives of each continent arrived earlier from the said date as to prepare themselves for the upcoming 205th World Winter Tournament which was in three months from now.


    Headmaster Spinther decided to ?ssigned every intructors who were idle and had a minor stuff to do to a task, and the silver haired young man was one of the chosen people to guide the foreign representatives.


    The silver haired young man was ?ssigned to the Sororite Academe (SA) from Slatercort continent and Elite Class of Learned Society (ECLS) from Greatworld continent. Each were containing 12 individuals, 10 students and 2 instructors. It depended how many students or instructors would a continent sent but the minimum was five while the maximum was twenty.


    Chun greeted them, not bothering herself from the others'' ignorant or frivolous behavior on greeting her back. The Sororite students were polite and courteous at her, meanwhile the Elite students were rude and haughtily prompted the silver haired young man to hasten her introductory as she was wasting their time. She had knew what would be their treatment to her so treating them as air was her decision.


    The young man ignored them and patiently or intentionally slowed her pace to irk those rude students. Their handlers weren''t minding their students'' behavior as to test the temper of Chun which the latter was clueless to it.


    The handlers of other continents wouldn''t want to let go this opportunity to exploit any weaknesses on their opponents in order for them to be in an advantageous state so this farce of touring these people wouldn''t end well.


    Chun wasn''t surprised to the individuals that were ?ssigned to her. She had the most memorable encounter with them. Mika, the smiling hypocrite gentleman, the representing leader of the Sororite students. Ji Ah, the seductive type of demon that could fool any hormonical man. Anith, a stern-looking eyeglasses guy as one look from him could make the unruly Sororite students behave but he was more unruly on his ways in terms of killing.


    They were respectively four, six, and eigth. It was their rankings as part of the ten demon generals of the Demon King. The silver haired had already knew them through her butler. Art was curious to why did the young master inquired about the ten demon generals and when he sensed the familiar demonic aura on them, the butler was smart to figure out that something was going to happen and strangely, the silver haired young man had known of it.


    But seeing it now, he felt that something had happened to Chun that made her to be like this, she even knew that the three demon generals were here. Even Art who was the Demon Prince had no idea about it as he was uninformed and he had never been in contact with the Demon King since then.


    Maybe, he should continue his plan on leaving to the Demon Kingdom in order to know what has been happening in there. As he remembered, he was still young when the demon race got defeated on their participation in the Great War six hundred years ago and his father, the Demon King decided to never participate in wars again as it dealt a blow to their race. His trained demon armies almost died because of a surprise trap of their enemy. But from this situation, Art knew that something bad would happen that his father was hiding something from him.


    The silver haired young man smiled at the elegant third princess of the GreatWorld Kingdom, Xiu Ying. The elegant woman that she was very familiar with. She remembered her during the game at the black tower where Zero had to fight her with a heavy heart. The mixed emotions that she felt as Zero clashed with the girl was etched on her mind while she witnessed the breaking down of the youth as he embraced the defeated girl on his arms.


    She might have a retentive memory but she tends to forget people if they didn''t left something unforgettable, although the third princess had saved her from Kiso''s bullying in the past but it was still something that the silver haired youth could handle on her own.


    "Are we not yet finish to this lame tour?" Bai Ze, the leader of the Elite''s broke their merry atmosphere. He frowned at the silver haired young man and haughtily turned his head to their handler.


    "Yes, Instructor Chun. We had schedules for tomorrow so can you let us return to our quarters?" Rong Xia said, the handler of the Elite''s. This woman was a cousin to the Greatworld King''s mother and had a status second to the crown prince so the Elites'' respected her as well as the headmaster of Harconia Institute.


    Despite having a title of Imperial Instructor as she had gained from her merits for the kingdom, she still took the job as a handler of the elite class and accompanying her was the third princess Xiu Ying as a selected instructor too to join the tournament.


    Xiu Ying smiled at Chun as she admired the beauty of this white prince. The title of white prince came from the mouths of the Harconian students as they adored the beauty of this teacher. Xiu Ying smirked while thinking about her ''lover'' Zero back at Greatworld continent. His handsomeness was comparable to this youth but she love more of Zero''s antics.


    ''I wish he woke up from his coma. It''s been three years now'' Xiu Ying thought depressingly.


    Chun being mischievous, suddenly asked, "May I ask your highness about something?"


    The third princess wasn''t only elegant but she was good as well. She smiled at the silver haired young man and nodded.


    "Circus¡­ do you know it?"


    Chun observed the surprised expression of Xiu Ying.


    Before she could grill the third princess, Mika interrupted them. The irritating friendly smile of the gentleman irked the silver haired young man as she tried not to kill this fourth demon general.


    "Where''s the cafeteria? I want to try the food here."


    Since the start of her tour to them, the guy was trying to get close to her as she was deliberately treating him like what she treated the others as well. But this fourth demon general was so persistent.


    She maintained a certain distance from her killer as she couldn''t help to feel scared from his presence. Imagining the horrible torture that she went through during their attack at the institution where all lives had been dealt.


    Blood painted the ground, headless bodies were everywhere even the gutted heads were crying for helplessness as they died.


    Chun didn''t notice that she suddenly stopped from walking as the others left her, though the third princess looked back at her in curiosity but didn''t speak to it.


    "Aunt Rong, what happened to him?"


    Rong Xia didn''t bother to look back as she shook her head in disapproval to the third princess.


    The silver haired young man awoke from her dazed as she chased after those people. She allowed them to go as it was already afternoon. Her whole morning was spent on walking and explaining to them the important layout and buildings of the institute that would be used during the tournament.


    Without question, they left. Only the three expected individuals were left, Mika, Ji Ah and Anith.


    Chun wanted to ignore them but it would be useless if she would do that, as her plan involved fooling them.


    She smiled in a friendly manner as she asked them, "Do you have any queries?"


    "Well, we have!" Mika replied.


    Ji Ah seductively grinned while ???k?n? her lips as she spoke, "We would like to join you in lunch. Would you mind?"


    ''Yes. I mind.''


    Chun smiled and responded, "No. I don''t mind. Let''s go!"


    ''Young lord, are you sure about that?'' Art didn''t like for his young master to endanger herself . As he followed them discreetly, he narrowed his eyes as his aura was sending a warning to the three demons.


    The smiling gentleman suddenly sensed a dangerous aura as he looked towards the silver haired youth. He felt that it came from her but Mika dismissed his thoughts as it was impossible.


    As they walked side by side, they were like life-long friends as they laughed while Mika talked about something funny to easen the atmosphere.


    Chun secretly smirked as she thought, ''Let''s see who will survive to the end of this pretending game.''

 Chapter 104 - 99

    The food hall was usually a deserted place even though it would be meal time but currently, it was full of buzzing noises as the foreign cultivators were around enjoying the delicacy that this place could offer. But nothing beats the renowned continent for food cultivation.


    "Zenzen continent is still the number one when it comes to heaven-defying food!"


    Kai Sun who heard that, rolled his eyes as he murmured in complaint, "What do you expect?"


    Terra laughed at the sarcastic tone as she continued to observe each representing martial practitioners of their continents. The outcasted students like them were a normal occurrence as normally non-cultivators were hated by some martial practitioners in the institute but they were not the eye-catching group of students.


    Suddenly, the noisy gossip king noticed the furtive glances of their known behaviorist of the team. Due to his curiosity, he followed her line of sight and saw the most strange yet beautiful people.


    In the boisterous place where cultivators were talking loudly and enjoying their fun times with each other. Only, a certain group''s silent and ethereal atmosphere was out of place. They came from the Deculurom continent that were known for their non-human characteristics, based on rumours, it was a closed-off continent due to the otherworldly race and usually they didn''t participate in the world winter tournament but what made them changed their minds?


    "What are they?" Li Li who was enhanted by their beauty as well, asked Lith.


    "They are Faire."


    Faire were called to the race living in the Deculurom continent. Their common traits were the pointed ears, pale skin, white hair and cerulean eyes. If not for the uncommon mixed color eyes, not pointed ears and silver white hair which was slightly different from their white ones, Chun would be mistaken as one of them. The beauty of their handler couldn''t be outshine by them but they could ?ssume that she was one of those Faire people.


    Their temparament as well were incredible but none of the martial practitioners dared to strike up with them due to their intimidating presence if someone would dare to.


    The silver haired young man caught Kai Sun''s attention as she went in with three people following her.


    "Teacher! Here!" shouted by the gossip king as he caught the attention of their handler.


    Immediately, Chun saw the lively young man as she walked to them. Unknown to them, some prominent foreign representatives eyed the newly-arrived young man, even the closed-off race turned to look at the silver haired young man as a hidden light were on their eyes.


    "They came from the Slatercort continent, Sororite students. Mika, Ji Ah and Anith," Chun introduced the three people with her to the seven students as they greeted them cordially.


    Han and Lerrent were the only ones who didn''t greeted them as the former was not liking the three cultivators due to his instincts while the latter was lazy to exert effort, he was concentrating not to dozed off in their table.


    The vigilant youth''s instinct was usually on-point when it came to discerning people as he was trained in their family to be like that due to their family lineage of ?ssassins. A professional killer should have excellent qualities that could complement his ways.


    "Hi! May we join you?" Mika asked with his friendly smile and gentle aura. He could enchant many female cultivators through this but not these people. Li Li greeted with her friendly smile as she went back to playing her mechanical doll, Terra nodded on them as she continued her observation to the Faire while Lith greeted back.


    "You can, you''re acquaintances of Teacher then let''s take care each other!" Kai Sun spoke as he looked at death glares that Han was sending him. He had no idea to what he did to gain the ire of the glaring youth.


    "Let''s order now!"


    The silver haired young man didn''t want to delay the food anymore as she was hungry. If not for her busy schedule today, she might have gone back to her penthouse and asked her butler to serve her favorite roasted lamb.


    ''Those lamb meats are so delectable.''


    They ate to their hearts'' content until they were full. The hidden exchange of glances between the demon generals weren''t unnotice to Chun as she chose to ignore it.


    It would still be a long month for Chun as she would be dealing these demons. She hoped that she could last longer in order to achieve her plan.


    ------


    The silver haired young man sighed as it was over, her forced smile and acting were top-notch that she was able to fool the three demon generals but perhaps putting up such acts drained the usual lively energy of Chun. She even vomitted on her toilet as Art worriedly went to her side, ??r?ssing the back of the other as to lighten her ucomfortable feeling.


    Chun might be unaffected in the surface, to what had happened to her in the past but in fact, she was traumatized by it as she would control her shaking when the fourth general would near her. Pretending to be fine was really tough as your insides were screaming terror.


    "Young lord, if you can''t hold it anymore. Just one word and I''ll finish them."


    The worried voice of the butler soften the silver haired young man''s heart as she held the clenching hand of the butler.


    "Art, I do not want you to interfere as I want to do things on my own," the determination in Chun''s eyes made the butler saw another personality of his young master. She was more decisive than before. Maybe choosing her as his contracted master was right.


    "You''ve m?tur?d, Young lord!" It was rare for the butler to praise the other despite their five years of being together.


    The silver haired young man sensed her face was heating up so she immediately docked down in the toilet, pretending to vomit again.


    "Young lord, I will prepare a warm bath to relax your nerves!" Art went to the other side of the bathroom as he started his task.


    Chun sighed as she thought while looking at the busy person.


    ''And I don''t want your relatioship with your father to get more messed up due to your interference with his plans.''


    Even the Prince of Demon didn''t admit it, Chun knew that he cared for his father because initially, their contract was formed due to the Demon King as well.


    The Demon Prince never showed his care for the Demon King as Chun heard that the latter was heartbroken when Art left the dark lands in order to serve his contracted master, he even disowned his son for it due to his tantrums. But Art never went back and explained his cause as he wanted to go back with something to prove to the Demon King, that he could be the rightful heir without his father''s backing.


    The silver haired young man understood the butler as she had a father also that she cared for.


    Demons were enemies by many races due to their wicked acts but Chun saw another light from Art as she spent her time with him. Not all of them were bad.


    But those bad demons should be punished. Chun remembered the three demon generals that infiltrated the Harconia Institute that caused the institute to be shut down due to the heavy traces of dark energy that was left because of the invasion, that crippled the vice headmaster and separated the seven students of hers. Lives were even sacrificed for their wicked plans.


    Chun was relaxing at the bathtub as the warm water was full of floating petals. She played on it as she was comfortable with her feminine body. Getting wet by warm water could cause the silver haired young man''s transformation potion to wear off which she would usually avoid it at the open. Even she was careful with her served tea.


    The butler was on the other side of the shower curtain. The tips of his ears were red as he maintained his poker face.


    Chun asked him to wait upon her as she didn''t want to be alone in the bathroom. But in fact, the silver haired young man wanted to say something to the other.


    The seductive singing of the young woman from the bathtub stopped as she said, "Art, I may not take mercy on your people."


    Even if the butler would disagree about it, Chun would still continue with her plans. Surprisingly, Art replied, "Act to what you see fit, young lord."


    The silver haired young lady smiled from the other side as she stood up from her relax position.


    Hearing the splashing of water as the young master was getting out, Art immediately wrapped the other with a towel as he carried her out of the bathroom.


    Chun was used to the attentive gesture of the butler but she was amused to see the hints of redness on the tip of the butler''s ears.


    ''He''s shy.''


    The silver haired young lady didn''t sound out the ''shy'' butler as she started to think on her plans for the start of the tournament.


    She must take them on by surprise.

 Chapter 105 - 100

    "Did you see her?"


    "Yes. She is our goddess!"


    "I thought she died?"


    "No! The goddess is not dead!"


    The voices resounded in a sacred place. The people around were arguing but just one gesture of their Elder made them silent.


    Under the moonlight, huge stones were formed into an array surrounding the sacred place where a massive round stone was placed. It had many etched runic symbols on it that was a sign for a sacred sanctuary.


    The Elder looked at their guilty bowing heads as he sighed while turning towards the moon.


    ''May the Goddess bless our soul.''


    ----


    One month earlier.


    The silver haired youth was walking by the corridors of the main building as she wanted to meet Quin. It was already one month before the 205th World Winter Tournament.


    Just only one turn left to get to the office of the vice headmaster but she bumped onto someone. She was caught off-guard which made her land on her bu?? due to the sudden force.


    "Ow!"


    Chun didn''t want to delay anymore as she stood up and offered her hand to the person without paying attention to their appearance. As the other took the offered hand and stood up, they didn''t let go the hand of the silver haired young man as she looked at the other.


    White hair, pale skin, pointed ears and cerulean eyes. Equalled to an otherworldly features.


    ''Isn''t it a familiar description?''


    Chun was surprised to see that she encountered a Faire, not only that. It was a group of them. They were five of them and the Faire that Chun bumped was the most handsome man that she ever laid her eyes on.


    ''Art is more handsome, though.''


    The silver haired young man appraised as she compared the enchanting beauty of the Faire infront of her who was still holding her hand.


    The four Faire people behind the man were composed of a female and three males. They were silent as they observed Chun.


    "Umm¡­ can you---"


    Before Chun could continue her statement, the Faire Prince kissed her hand as it smiled gently. It stunned the silver haired young man for a moment.


    ''I thought they are not friendly?''


    ''Aren''t they allergic to humans?''


    ''They tend to keep on themselves, not mixing to other races.''


    Senri smiled as his eyes slanted also from staring at the shocked expression of the silver haired young man. The Faire people were cold to the non-Faire races but they were good when it came to the individual that they liked.


    "Prince," A handsome young man at the back, stated as if reminding the other.


    Senri let go the hand of the stunned youth as he said, "I''m Senri Montril, remember my name. We will meet again, Chun!"


    The Faire Prince stated as he passed by Chun, the others followed as well while the youth who reminded Senri apologized to their prince''s behavior as he left to chase them.


    The silver haired young man frowned from the odd encounter. She had no memory about this kind of encounter from her past.


    ''Come to think of it, there had no been Fair race during the tournament as they didn''t participated. How come that they were here?''


    In fact, the Faire race had never been mentioned in the past occurrence of the tournament as they never joined the world winter tournament but strangely, they were present now and that was the first time for Chun to have a close contact with them because they were known for their introverted behavior of keeping to themselves.


    The silver haired young man didn''t dwell on the Faire problem as she had a current matter to attend to.


    ''Right, let''s head to the vice headmaster!''


    ----


    "You mean that the demons will infiltrate the institute during the fifth day of the tournament?" There was disbelief in the expression of Quin while Rin was also stunned from hearing it.


    The silver haired young man discussed about the half-truth of the event that would happen during the tournament but she mixed some lies there in order to convince the two people.


    "Yes."


    Chun replied in a serious tone as she drank her cup of tea.


    "How did you know?" Rin inquisitively asked as she put down her papers. She was engrossed on reading some articles a while ago but hearing the mind-blowing news of the silver haired young man, she dropped her attention from it.


    "My father sent me a letter about it."


    The silver haired young man stated as she retrieved a folded paper with a seal of the Shuho household from her storage space. Chun put it down on the table as Rin took it.


    Rin nodded while reading the letter, she passed it to Quin as the other just glance on it and put it down.


    "Then we will prepare for the upcoming invasion."


    ----


    Chun was successful on her plot as she skipped happily through the hallway but the happiness was only temporary as there would be someone to mess it up.


    She didn''t expect that taking a short cut to the exit of the institute could lead her to this current event.


    "Hey squirt! Are you prepared for the tournament? You only have four weeks left to prepare!" Kiso couldn''t wait to bully this pretty young man as he was irked to see that face.


    Chun was surrounded by the star teacher and his nine students as they didn''t want the silver haired young man to escape them. There were ??wd female students who had been eyeing this certain White Prince which made them joined this fray that Kiso started.


    ''Maybe after the star teacher beat up the other, they could have turns with him.'' Even the male students were also thinking like that.


    ''Young lord, do you need me to kill them?''


    ''Art, don''t be harsh. I''ll teach them a lesson.''


    ''As you please.''


    Chun turned her attention to the smug person as she smiled at them coldly and replied, "Oh, you''re worried about me? How sweet."


    It couldn''t be denied that the enthralling features of the silver haired young man could encapture a person''s full attention and added by her smile, it would be sending them into daze.


    Kiso''s face turned strange from that enchanting cold smile as he cleared his throat and with an angry voice.


    "W-what are you saying?! Are you testing me, squirt?!"


    The star teacher didn''t attack as he gestured for a student to do it.


    As if the silver haired young man predicted his move, she sidestepped a bit as to dodge the punch in a split of time.


    "You just got lucky."


    The student hide his surprise from the centimeter dodge of the silver haired young man as he attacked again.


    The martial students who were witnessing the scene couldn''t believe their eyes as the silver haired young man who didn''t move from her spot was able to dodge those movements from their Senior.


    The other Seniors who cursed the other for being dumb, joined the fight. But surprisingly, Chun was effortlessly turning left to right, sidestepping, jumping and sometimes using her hands to land back to her position.


    All of them thought that they could easily trample this mischievous young man but they didn''t know that they were falling for her trap.


    Even Kiso was looking agape from the scene as he was in disbelief. How could a


    Median realm Nascent stage martial practitioner was able to execute all of those movements?


    ''Or he was hiding his true cultivation level?''


    Kiso immediately denied that as he couldn''t believe that the squirt could be superior to him when it came to cultivation.


    ''It might be just his day. Right, it''s his luck!''


    The start teacher convinced himself as his stiff expression turned back into an arrogant one.


    The martial students who were attacking, even the nine of them who joined forces, it didn''t leave a scratch to the silver haired young man. That bored attitude of Chun annoyed them as if she was playing them.


    "Are you finished?" The silver haired young man asked as she played with her fingers.


    No one answered as they were chasing their breathes, Kiso had nothing to say as he laid arrogant and ignorant to what would happen next.


    "Okay, it''s my turn now."


    As if on cue, the silver haired young man straightened her fingers and move it in a grasping gesture. While dancing to the enemy''s attack, Chun was secretly laying out her trap.


    Li Li gifted this strings to Chun and the silver haired young man had never used it so this situation was good for testing.


    Chun pulled something invisibly which made them stopped from their acts while observing the play of the other but they only noticed that an invisible object was restraining them from moving. If they dared to move, it would tighten.

 Chapter 106 - (Do Not Read)

    "Okay, it''s my turn now."


    Their teacher uttered while she moved her hand in a grasping motion. She was busy dancing to the enemy''s play as she pulled some strings.


    Li Li gifted this strings to Chun and the silver haired young man had never used it so this situation was good for testing.


    Chun pulled something invisibly which made them stopped from their acts while observing the play of the other but they only noticed that an invisible object was restraining them from moving. If they dared to move, it would tighten.


    The nine students were trapped, if one would look. They were like in a statue posture as the strings were invisible and they couldn''t move from their spot.


    The sight was truly funny and the most funny thing was the flabbergasted face of Kiso. He was not included to the trap but he couldn''t just attack Chun blindly as he had no idea if the other had another trick on her.


    Having no choice, he flicked his sleeves as he turned, leaving the useless students.


    "Teacher!"


    They cried for him but he only responded that they must reflect to what they did and truly left.


    Chun laughed from the awkward postures of the students as they couldn''t do anything on their situation, some were even tearing up from humiliation.


    Satisfied to her scheme, in just one snap. The restraint was broken and freed the desperate students. But they didn''t escape immediately as they were scared that the silver haired youth laid another trap but Chun smiled menacingly as she said on them.


    "Run."


    In one word, they disappeared. Scared for their lives. They never thought that the usually gentle White Prince was that cruel.


    Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Immediately, Chun turned to the source as she saw the elegant young woman who was the third princess of the GreatWorld continent. Oddly, she was by herself.


    ''What is she doing here?''


    "You''re good."


    ''He''s like Zero.'' Xiu Ying thought as she inspected the silver haired young man.


    Everytime she met the third princess, she always remembered the sleeping soul of that young man.


    Chun was surprised to discover that Zero and her was even connected on their space. The silver box was interconnected with that black space which the soul of Zero resided in.


    Flashback¡­


    Observing its gesture, Chun inquired, "You want me to follow?"


    The black space had no any means of knowing where you were going as it was just all back and nothing else. The silver haired youth even suspected that the glinting ball that she was following was somewhat tricking her as this place was hopeless to navigate into.


    But those suspicion of Chun immediately went away when she saw a suspended person covered with silver light. It was encasing a sleeping young man while he laid afloat in midair.


    Chun widened her eyes when she had a clearer view of the individual.


    The person had white fringes on its smooth raven black hair, sleeping peacefully on the suspended air.


    Chun neared the sleeping Zero as she tried to touch him if he was real as the appearance of the young man baffled her.


    ''Why was he here? And unconscious?''


    Then the silver haired young man discovered that the person was intangible as it has no physical body. Chun guessed that the sleeping young man was only a soul.


    End of flashback¡­


    Chun had been curious where was the physical body of Zero and she remembered that she met the white fringe haired youth on the GreatWorld continent and he had known the third princess which came to conclusion that the body was in the care of Xiu Ying.


    "Greetings to your highness, what may I help you with?" Chun greeted the third princess while Xiu Ying smiled in response. She had been curious to the silver haired young man since the other started to ask her a strange yet a question that she felt had a deeper meaning to it.


    "Don''t pressure yourself. Let''s be casual." The third princess had been always like this when she had no maids with her.


    Chun relaxed as she looked at the third princess in curiosity. She observed that after she asked that question to the third princess, Xiu Ying had been avoiding her for the past weeks but now, she was the one confronting her.


    "Remember your question?"


    The silver haired young man was surprised that the third princess didn''t forget that, it was already two months since Chun teased the other with that inquiry.


    "I heard that your institute will be inviting Degris as the host of the tournament?"


    During event hosting, the most prominent individual that they would invite were either Degris or Lanola. Both of them were famous celebrity host but they were worlds apart when it came to their specialization. Degris came from a mysterious organization (Circus) that only recruited mages while Lanola came from the entertainment industry.


    But the silver haired young man knew that there would be no Circus people to this tournament. Art mentioned to her that the Circus was busy looking for someone and that person¡­ Chun knew who was it.


    "Yes, I heard too. But Lanola will be invited as the host."


    Xiu Ying was surprised to the confidence of the other but she didn''t dwell longer on that topic as she switched subjects.


    "Are you perhaps close to the people of the Circus?"


    Chun smiled in response as she neared the third princess. The silver haired young man was five inches taller than the third princess as she pinched the chin of Xiu Ying. Those captivating blue-green eyes could hypnotized anyone if Chun decided to.


    "Take care of him very well. I might visit your palace," the tender voice and the enchanting features of the silver haired young man left Xiu Ying in a daze as she only got back to reality when the other had already disappeared.


    Xiu Ying couldn''t deny that she was enchanted by that white prince. The silver haired young man was truly handsome that it could even moved a heart of an inlove princess.


    The silver haired young man was smiling all the way as she was in a good mood.


    These days would be more enjoying as she thought.


    -----


    Circus organization.


    TwinCity Continent.


    That night, the fire was slowly devouring the wood as light sparks were produced from it. Degris was silently looking into the bonfire as they were in the forest by the border of the capital city.


    Suddenly, scrunching from the dried leaves resounded from behind as Blu was walking to the other.


    " ''Ris, aren''t we wasting a year here in this continent? Let''s move to another continent to continue looking for Master!" The blue haired boy pleaded as Degris was their temporary leader when their Master wasn''t around.


    It''s been three years already when suddenly Zero never came back to the organization. They thought that after a month or a year, the Master would came back as he usually did that. Travelling without telling them and sometimes it would last for a year. But three years had passed already and they knew that something bad happened to the Master as he never tried to communicate with them for the past years. And this led to this year''s search for him.


    Degris was the most s?ns?t?v? when it came to sensing their Master''s life force and the handsome man confirmed that the other was still alive. Only him could track the Master which why they came to this continent as Degris could feel the strong essence of the Master but he was not sure where.


    Then one year had passed, they never got a lead where was the Master that saddened them. They had been convincing Degris to move to another continent for the search but the other refused as his instincts was telling him that the Master was here due to the strong essence but to no avail, they never got to find anything useful for the search.


    The handsome man was still quiet, drawned to the burning flames. An hour had passed and Blu was still standing there, waiting for his reply. The ashes of the wood was left to the bon7fire as Degris stood up. Deciding to finally gave up on this place.


    "Alright."


    Hearing that, the blue haired boy cheered up as he would be finally freed from this boring continent.


    Blu was about to run when he stopped and asked the handsome man, "Where are we going next?"


    "GreatWorld."


    ----


    They cried for him but he only responded that they must reflect to what they did and truly left.


    Chun laughed from the awkward postures of the students as they couldn''t do anything on their situation, some were even tearing up from humiliation.


    Satisfied to her scheme, in just one snap. The restraint was broken and freed the desperate students. But they didn''t escape immediately as they were scared that the silver haired youth laid another trap but Chun smiled menacingly as she said on them.


    "Run."


    In one word, they disappeared. Scared for their lives. They never thought that the usually gentle White Prince was that cruel.

 Chapter 107 - 101

    "Okay, it''s my turn now."


    As if on cue, the silver haired young man straightened her fingers and move it in a grasping gesture. While dancing to the enemy''s attack, Chun was secretly laying out her trap.


    Li Li gifted this strings to Chun and the silver haired young man had never used it so this situation was good for testing.


    Chun pulled something invisibly which made them stopped from their acts while observing the play of the other but they only noticed that an invisible object was restraining them from moving. If they dared to move, it would tighten.


    The nine students were trapped, if one would look. They were like in a statue posture as the strings were invisible and they couldn''t move from their spot.


    The sight was truly funny and the most funny thing was the flabbergasted face of Kiso. He was not included to the trap but he couldn''t just attack Chun blindly as he had no idea if the other had another trick on her.


    Having no choice, he flicked his sleeves as he turned, leaving the useless students.


    "Teacher!"


    They cried for him but he only responded that they must reflect to what they did and truly left.


    Chun laughed from the awkward postures of the students as they couldn''t do anything on their situation, some were even tearing up from humiliation.


    Satisfied to her scheme, in just one snap. The restraint was broken and freed the desperate students. But they didn''t escape immediately as they were scared that the silver haired youth laid another trap but Chun smiled menacingly as she said on them.


    "Run."


    In one word, they disappeared. Scared for their lives. They never thought that the usually gentle White Prince was that cruel.


    -----------------


    Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Immediately, Chun turned to the source as she saw the elegant young woman who was the third princess of the GreatWorld continent. Oddly, she was by herself.


    ''What is she doing here?''


    "You''re good."


    ''He''s like Zero.'' Xiu Ying thought as she inspected the silver haired young man.


    Everytime she met the third princess, she always remembered the sleeping soul of that young man.


    Chun was surprised to discover that Zero and her was even connected on their space. The silver box was interconnected with that black space which the soul of Zero resided in.


    Flashback¡­


    Observing its gesture, Chun inquired, "You want me to follow?"


    The black space had no any means of knowing where you were going as it was just all back and nothing else. The silver haired youth even suspected that the glinting ball that she was following was somewhat tricking her as this place was hopeless to navigate into.


    But those suspicion of Chun immediately went away when she saw a suspended person covered with silver light. It was encasing a sleeping young man while he laid afloat in midair.


    Chun widened her eyes when she had a clearer view of the individual.


    The person had white fringes on its smooth raven black hair, sleeping peacefully on the suspended air.


    Chun neared the sleeping Zero as she tried to touch him if he was real as the appearance of the young man baffled her.


    ''Why was he here? And unconscious?''


    Then the silver haired young man discovered that the person was intangible as it has no physical body. Chun guessed that the sleeping young man was only a soul.


    End of flashback¡­


    Chun had been curious where was the physical body of Zero and she remembered that she met the white fringe haired youth on the GreatWorld continent and he had known the third princess which came to conclusion that the body was in the care of Xiu Ying.


    "Greetings to your highness, what may I help you with?" Chun greeted the third princess while Xiu Ying smiled in response. She had been curious to the silver haired young man since the other started to ask her a strange yet a question that she felt had a deeper meaning to it.


    "Don''t pressure yourself. Let''s be casual." The third princess had been always like this when she had no maids with her.


    Chun relaxed as she looked at the third princess in curiosity. She observed that after she asked that question to the third princess, Xiu Ying had been avoiding her for the past weeks but now, she was the one confronting her.


    "Remember your question?"


    The silver haired young man was surprised that the third princess didn''t forget that, it was already two months since Chun teased the other with that inquiry.


    "I heard that your institute will be inviting Degris as the host of the tournament?"


    During event hosting, the most prominent individual that they would invite were either Degris or Lanola. Both of them were famous celebrity host but they were worlds apart when it came to their specialization. Degris came from a mysterious organization (Circus) that only recruited mages while Lanola came from the entertainment industry.


    But the silver haired young man knew that there would be no Circus people to this tournament. Art mentioned to her that the Circus was busy looking for someone and that person¡­ Chun knew who was it.


    "Yes, I heard too. But Lanola will be invited as the host."


    Xiu Ying was surprised to the confidence of the other but she didn''t dwell longer on that topic as she switched subjects.


    "Are you perhaps close to the people of the Circus?"


    Chun smiled in response as she neared the third princess. The silver haired young man was five inches taller than the third princess as she pinched the chin of Xiu Ying. Those captivating blue-green eyes could hypnotized anyone if Chun decided to.


    "Take care of him very well. I might visit your palace," the tender voice and the enchanting features of the silver haired young man left Xiu Ying in a daze as she only got back to reality when the other had already disappeared.


    Xiu Ying couldn''t deny that she was enchanted by that white prince. The silver haired young man was truly handsome that it could even moved a heart of an inlove princess.


    The silver haired young man was smiling all the way as she was in a good mood.


    These days would be more enjoying as she thought.


    -----


    Circus organization.


    TwinCity Continent.


    That night, the fire was slowly devouring the wood as light sparks were produced from it. Degris was silently looking into the bonfire as they were in the forest by the border of the capital city.


    Suddenly, scrunching from the dried leaves resounded from behind as Blu was walking to the other.


    " ''Ris, aren''t we wasting a year here in this continent? Let''s move to another continent to continue looking for Master!" The blue haired boy pleaded as Degris was their temporary leader when their Master wasn''t around.


    It''s been three years already when suddenly Zero never came back to the organization. They thought that after a month or a year, the Master would came back as he usually did that. Travelling without telling them and sometimes it would last for a year. But three years had passed already and they knew that something bad happened to the Master as he never tried to communicate with them for the past years. And this led to this year''s search for him.


    Degris was the most s?ns?t?v? when it came to sensing their Master''s life force and the handsome man confirmed that the other was still alive. Only him could track the Master which why they came to this continent as Degris could feel the strong essence of the Master but he was not sure where.


    Then one year had passed, they never got a lead where was the Master that saddened them. They had been convincing Degris to move to another continent for the search but the other refused as his instincts was telling him that the Master was here due to the strong essence but to no avail, they never got to find anything useful for the search.


    The handsome man was still quiet, drawned to the burning flames. An hour had passed and Blu was still standing there, waiting for his reply. The ashes of the wood was left to the bonfire as Degris stood up. Deciding to finally gave up on this place.


    "Alright."


    Hearing that, the blue haired boy cheered up as he would be finally freed from this boring continent.


    Blu was about to run when he stopped and asked the handsome man, "Where are we going next?"


    "GreatWorld."

 Chapter 108 - 102

    205th World Winter Tournament.


    Day 1


    The massive arena which was able to contain hundreds of thousand of people was full packed as the audience was not only the martial students and instructors, various sects were invited as well to watch the tournament and even prominent figures were here to see once in a lifetime match. They heard that this year''s tournament had modified rules and martial instructors could even participate.


    The crowd watching weren''t only from TwinCity as there were individuals that came from other continents and travelled to TwinCity in order to witness the live tournament. A live match was something that could boil a person''s vigor and even as a viewer, you could feel the heat of the game.


    Cheering of the people were present as they were not only here for spectating but they had their own cultivators to support. The first match-up was interesting as it came from Greatworld continent and Deculurom continent.


    The Elite''s and Ombri''s. Mo Xin, a martial practitioner in Median realm who specialized in manifesting his qi in his sword technique. Chester Finn, a Faire who was in Silver stage, skilled in his blood technique.


    The audience were excited to see a Faire''s technique as it was their first time to join the tournament and they heard that Faires had their own cultivation which they used blood for manipulation. Blood was equivalent to qi for them.


    In the center of the arena was a wide red circle where the two cultivators would fight. But currently, the two match-ups were both on the waiting area as it was not their time yet. The host was in the red circle platform as she welcomed the crowd.


    Covered in shimmering glittered suit with high-heeled boots. The goddess of the entertainment industry was holding her pink microphone as she had her eyes closed. Her long eyelashes were glinted with sparkles of pink small gems as she bowed and waved her other hand.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, we are excited and been anxious to this day! Days passed, years gone by but our heart and mind for this most-awaited day had come. Students were dripping with blood and sweat shrivelled with tears as they went their days with sleepless nights. ''Can I keep up?'' ''Can I win this?'' ''Can¡­'' ''Can¡­''" Lanola begun with her story as she acted with joy, nervousness and sadness in line to her story. The spectators were entertained to her roleplay as she continued.


    "Teachers were even exhilarated to be able to participate in this tournament! How anxious could they be?"


    The crowd laughed as she exaggerated her beautiful face into a look of worry. The melodic chuckle of Lanola mesmerized the people as she stated, "Before I could put a show here, let us cheer for the handsome and strong headmaster of Harconia Institute, he had been managing the institute for over five decades and during his reign, the institute had been the most renowned school for martial practitioners in the whole Xanxia. Even their top intellectual students were people that would have high status like strategist Lin. " She waved at the said strategist as the other smiled back.


    "Now, let''s hand this stage to the headmaster, Headmaster Spinther Le''Cru!"


    The headmaster was seated beside Lin as he stood up and went to the center platform.


    Chun was with her students as they were seated in the second row, just behind the seats of the vice headmaster which meant that she was behind her star! Lin was the strategist that she had been admiring, she had a complete volume of the book that the said strategist had wrote which was the ''Way of Mind'', ''Way of Soul'' and ''Way of Silence''.


    "Teacher, you look like a hungry wolf," Kai Sun poked the silver haired young man who had been eyeing the handsome man, emitting a scholarly aura infront of her.


    The voice of the headmaster resounded as he announced the start of the 205th World Winter Tournament. The crowd erupted into cheers as they couldn''t wait for the tournament to begin.


    "Now, now, now. Settle down, folks! Hihi." Lanola winked as it made the audience gasped from her charm. She easily silence the buzzing people while she called for the first known match-up.


    "I once performed at GreatWorld continent and stayed there also. It was really a home of ancient dynasty as they maintained their ancestors'' way of living. The sceneries were so relaxing, a good place for travel! Let''s not delay this. Mo Xin, an Elite senior student from Greatworld continent!"


    A spiky yellow haired youth came out from the tunnel connecting to the waiting area. He had a bulky body as he was carrying his three-meter long sword. He waved his hand to the cheering people while crossing his arm and standing inside the red circle, waiting for his opponent.


    "The mysterious Faire race is now here to show their skills! I heard that the Deculurom continent is a land of snow mountains? Never been there but imagining those snow peaks is a beautiful sight to see. From the Faire race, white hair and enchanting beauty, an Ombri senior student, Chester Finn!"


    The white haired young man appeared from the connecting tunnel as he walked to the center platform. The mesmerizing race was truly enthralling as they got this charm which could easily captivate people but no one dared to touch them as they were colder than ice.


    The expressionless Chester met the eyes of his opponent. Mo Xin felt chill on his spine as those cerulean orbs were like glaring daggers on him, he blinked and looked back to the Faire person. It must be just his imagination! That one-expression young man wouldn''t throw a look like that on him.


    Mo Xin smirked at his opponent as Lanola announced the start of the match after explaining the rules.


    ''No killing.''


    The silver haired young man was still concentrated on the strategist but when she heard that a Faire person was fighting, immediately she looked to the walking individual. She was surprised to see that this person was one of the people that she encountered in that odd meeting.


    She already asked Art to know the identity of the youth that she had met and she discovered that it was the Faire Prince Senri Montril, an eccentric prince. And Chester Finn was one of his knights.


    The Faire people specialized in blood technique which was new to the silver haired young man and even to the spectating people. They only heard that blood technique was a formidable skill but no one could ever execute it unless you had the blood of the Faire or you''re one of them.


    Mo Xin unsheathed his three-meter long sword as he performed a quadruple slashed to the white haired youth.


    This was a fourth degree skill of Mo Xin and it wasn''t his most formidable attack as he was testing his opponent. He had never fought a Faire and finding out their capability was the best choice for him.


    Although, the quadruple slash was a fourth degree technique, still the amazing four slashes of interchanging swords were beautiful as it was like a hurricane, destroying every path it took.


    The audience thought that even this Faire person had something in his sleeves, he wouldn''t be able to escape that brute attack even he could dodge it.


    But one lift of a hand¡­


    The unmoving white haired youth move his hand and his index finger was in a pointing posture, directed to the incoming terrifying attack. As if the sword slashes knew what to avoid, it parted and avoided the pointing youth which the quadruple slash passed the other and landed on the protected wall.


    It created a blast that left a big crater on the wall. But this wasn''t the focus of the audience as they were left speechless to the one move, sure hit of the Faire.


    After a minute of processing, everybody cheered as their vigor was aroused to this exhilarating scene, opposite to this exaggerated reaction was the silent Faire race, only the eccentric prince cheered for his knight.


    "Well done, Ches!"


    Even Mo Xin was stunned. He didn''t expect that his opponent would able to make his quadruple slash dodged himself, instead Chester dodging, the attack dodged the white haired youth.


    Though, Mo Xin was able to see the ability of the other. He was known to be best when it came to on-spot calculations and in just a short minute, he was able to come up a plan to defeat the other.


    But he might thought and also the audience thought that the Faire person was over with his move yet it was just a start of something.


    "May the Goddess manifest her power and help her humble people. Wing of Regret! Lucia!"


    Blood was drawn out from his index finger as it formed into a mirror infront of Mo Xin. The spiky yellow haired man was curious to what was in this move as it just looked like a puny object.


    He neared it as he saw his reflected self.


    A very wrong move to do.

 Chapter 109 - 103

    "May the Goddess manifest her power and help her humble people. Wing of Regret! Lucia!" Chester''s voice resounded but to the silver haired young man, it was like a whisper to her ear as if he boy was speaking to her.


    Thump¡­thump¡­thump.


    Her heartbeat quickened as she felt her ?h?st. It wouldn''t be good if she suffocate here but when expecting something, it never came. She was still alright on her seat as the first match came to its end.


    Earlier.


    After the Faire person summoned the normal-looking mirror, Mo Xin was curious to the puny object as he saw his reflected self.


    He admired his handsomeness as he thought himself wearing a general''s uniform. He was a revered general from the sixth region department who was incharged in the south border.


    On that day, he came back with his army as they rode on their regal horses. The people of the GreatWorld Kingdom cheered for them as the hero of the country saved them from harm. General Mo Xin was praised by several people, he was worshipped by many and even the King acknowledged him.


    The GreatWorld King said, "I will give you your just rewards. What do you want?"


    Mo Xin humbly stated while in a kneeling posture, "I only want---"


    Bang!


    The double doors to the royal throne room opened as numbers of soldiers came in.


    The soldier infront suddenly announced.


    "General Mo Xin is convicted of killing the Royal Advisor''s son! Seize him!"


    "Seize him!"


    "Seize him!"


    "No, no! I did not! You have no evidence!"


    The gentle face of the King shadowed as it turned sinister, his smile widened into a creepy grin while looking at the kneeling Mo Xin.


    The grinning King neared the scared stiff man as he whispered sweet lies to him.


    "Mo Xin, Mo Xin. ''General'' Mo Xin, you sacrificed everything but you only got this¡­ you will never be a general!"


    ''Mo Jianguo will always be the lucky person. He was first to be born and heir to the Mo family. You, the second son will always be the second best!''


    ''If he didn''t existed!''


    ''If I didn''t supported him, I''m the one who will be the trusted general of the King.''


    "Yes, yes¡­" the grinning King continued.


    The Faire person was still standing on his spot as he looked at the kneeling man infront of him, crying in blood. The mirror was a reflection of ambition and regrets of the other which could recreate a certain illusion that the person subjected to it formed in his mind. It meant that he was trapped on his own illusion.


    The audience were spooked from the unexpected development as Mo Xin was crying their in tears mixed with blood as it collected to the mirror. They were ignorant to what was happening to the kneeling spiky yellow haired man but it only proved that the Faire race was something that they couldn''t trample.


    Then the crowd went silent as Mo Xin heavily dropped to the ground with no struggle.


    They were still processing it on their minds what truly happened but Lanola was first to wake up from her stupor as she announced the winner.


    "For this match, winner is Chester Finn from Deculurom continent!"


    That loud voice awaken the audience as they cheered for the horrifying yet powerful skill of a Faire person. It was a true that the Faire race were a formidable kind.


    Without saying a word, the one-expression Fair went down from the center platform as he went to the seat where his race were at.


    "Congratulations, Ches! Good fight!" Only the lively eccentric prince was loud as he shook the hand of the other.


    The silver haired young man suddenly stood up from her chair. Her sudden movement earned her a scorn from the concentrated audience as they wanted her to sit back.


    "Teacher?" Li Li and the others asked as they noticed the paleness of the silver haired young man.


    "Nothing, I forgot something! I''ll be back," she said and left.


    "What happened to Teacher?"


    Rye shrugged in reply while still staring at the center platform as the host announced the next match-up.


    The gossip king sighed in disbelief as it was inevitable to get any sound from this tech geek unless it was related to any technology.


    ''So lame.''


    ------


    It was already nine o''clock in the evening as the silver haired young man asked Art to make her glass of milk.


    The butler knew that something was bothering Chun as she would only drink milk when she needed to think on something important but it was rare for the silver hair young man to do this.


    Art was carrying a tray of cookies and a milk as he knocked on the bedroom door of the silver haired young man. A voice with hints of weariness replied from the other side.


    "Come in."


    "Young lord, I brought you a milk and some cookies to go by with it---"


    Art stopped his statement as he was stunned by the sudden action of his young master, the tray of food was wasted on the floor as he was left surprised to the embrace that the silver haired young man did.


    "Y-young lord?"


    The embrace tightened as Chun stated in her desperate voice, "Art¡­please."


    The sweet, seductive and mellow voice of the silver haired young master made Art''s eyes darkened.


    After drinking the blood of the young master, the butler refused to drink again to his precious young master but Chun insisted it as she knew the lash back on it to the butler. Not able to refused the insistence of the other, they came to agreement that Art would drink Chun''s blood once a week but he would drink from a cup, not directly to the other.


    Art proposed that which Chun couldn''t oppose as the butler was firmed to his decision. They continued to do that, Art would be drinking blood from Chun''s freshly poured blood on a cup of glass, until today.


    But Art didn''t predicted that Chun would be needing him now.


    Drinking directly to the young master was essential to the premature contract. The butler avoided this as he didn''t want to lose control to the addicting blood of the silver haired young man and it would be more stimulated if he drank from that smooth white neck.


    "Young lord¡­" Art whispered as he ??r?ssed the fluffy silver white hair of the delirious youth.


    Slowly, he traced down his fingers to the smooth lovely cheeks as it had a reddened hue and the gentle stroking fingers arrived at the fragile pale neck of his young master.


    Chun unconsciously m??n?d as it even more darkened the face of the butler.


    "Chun¡­behave." The hot breath of the butler brought chills that fanned the d?s?r? of the delirious youth but she obediently behave in the arms of her butler.


    "Good."


    Art stated while ??r?ssing the fragile neck with his thumb, if he added more strength to his hold, he could snap it.


    Immediately, a slight pain was felt on her neck as Chun subconsciously restrained any noises from her mouth. The pain turned into p???sur? as time passed by.


    Chun awaken from her delirious stupor as she looked at the distanced butler. She didn''t remember what happened but she knew that the butler drank on her as her face grimaced from accidentally touching the two small healing holes on her neck.


    Luckily, her regenerative power was very effective. In a minute, the wound was gone but the butler was still standing there while he had his head bowed.


    "Art?"


    Art didn''t lift up his head as he turned away while using his powers to clean up the wasted milk and cooking on the ground. Within seconds, the ground was swept clean while his back was still facing the silver haired young man and with his flawless movements, he caught the tray in one hand as the broken pieces and cookies were also on the tray.


    He was about to pull the door to leave, "Young lord, if you have any request just call for the bar lady. I may need to rest early."


    Bam!


    The door closes.


    The silver haired young man had no idea what happened but she knew that something had happened to her butler and she knew also that it wouldn''t be a right time to bother the other as she sensed that Art''s aura awhile ago was telling her to stay away from him.


    She decided to check up the moody butler tomorrow after walking back and forth in worry.


    Chun still needed regain her energy for tomorrow''s competition.

 Chapter 110 - 104

    Day 2


    Lerrent and his team entered the preliminary round and was currently participating in the mini elimination round for the students who passed it.


    The silver haired youth predicted what would happen next.


    At the moment, the host announced the names that would be participating on this round.


    "Lerrent, Han, Rye, Liu Zhe, Wei Yun, Li Zeming, Seong Jin, Lee, Hanyoo, Via, Detrix, Ades."


    "This is a group match and the called names came from four continents which were TwinCity, Greatworld, Xenun and Wezzerborn."


    The host continued and stated that in every continents had three representing players. This players had roles which were the King, the Knight and the Queen. The knight protects the queen, the queen protects the king and both of them was under the command of the king. As the king was a vulnerable role that needed the protection of the queen while the knight could deal the king but it has no protection towards the move of the queen and the queen could be dealt by the king.


    The mechanics of the game was, they needed to possessed the flag of an opposing party in order to colonized them or take over their territory. Whoever has taken over many territories and the last group standing within the time duration of thirty minutes is the winner of the game.


    "The title of this game is Chess Players, compounded by our one and only Imperial Strategist Lin with the help of his ?ssistant, Sera."


    The said ?ssistant was by the side of Lin, with his blank face and uninterested look. Sera was rumoured to be the next in line strategist as he was an apprentice of Lin.


    "Right. Don''t forget to protect your king because the king is the most precious piece." The host reminded with his cheery smile.


    ''As expected.'' The silver haired young man thought. Although, she couldn''t help but admire once again her star. The infamous strategist had a serene face as he observed the contestants while mentally taking down his future prospects.


    Chun with her four students who were not called bid their good luck towards the three as they walked to the simulation room for the game to activate with the other called students.


    As she was ?ssured that Lerrent would win this game, she informed the Lith and the others that she would be handling some urgent matters while she excused herself.


    -----


    While the mini tournament for the intellectual students was being foresee by Lin, there was still the ongoing main event.


    Inside the waiting area of the arena where martial practitioners were waiting for their names to be called up for the tournament.


    "You''re finished?" Mika asked with his gentle smile.


    "Yes. After this next round, Anith you will be up."


    "I know that, don''t remind me."


    Anith replied with irritation to his voice to the smirking Ji Ah.


    "Good luck then. You have a reward from me," the young lady puckered up her lips indicating something that made the other glare at her.


    The tension was rising up as Ji Ah continued to tease the hot-tempered Anith, making the other martial practitioners around them distanced a bit due to a turbulent qi energy around the two while some martial practitioners sneered at this show off students.


    Inside this waiting area were just only the martial students were present as the instructors were not yet scheduled to participate in the tournament so fights couldn''t be prevented from this hot-blooded youths yet though their handlers could be present, they would not stop any of this fight.


    Currently, some hiding teacher was here observing the ruckus. The silver haired young man specifically went here to observe the three demon generals. If Chun hadn''t known that they were generals of the Demon King, she would just ?ssumed that they were alike to this arrogant martial students.


    Chun unconsciously patted herself as she regretted in the past that she had no foresight from differentiating between good and bad. And as she was given a chance to mend her mistakes, she vowed that she wouldn''t repeat the wrong choices she made.


    "We are not permitted to cause any ruckus while we are here. Understand?"


    This gentle voice made the two shiver a bit, knowing this hypocritical face of their leader.


    While they were at it, a Secosana student with a dignified aura from the Zenzen continent interfered. He was a representing leader of their group.


    "You are Mika from Slatercort continent, right?"


    "Yes." Mika responded with his gentle smile.


    "You will be my opponent on the fifth day," the man stated as he raised up his head, looking down the other that made Anith and Ji Ah with their fellow schoolmates burst out in anger.


    The smile on Mika widened as he agreed to the other, he knew that this individual would be his opponent on the fifth day as it was drawn in the matched up.


    "I will defeat you," the leader of the Secosana Institute declared in his challenging tone that made the already angry opposing party held up their wrath.


    Mika stopped the hot-tempered Anith from attacking this overconfident person and answered, "Let''s see."


    ''So this is how it lead to their fight?''


    The silver haired young man thought as she started to plan.


    ------------


    Day 3


    Early that dawn.


    The communicator rang and a smiling young man answered.


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "As you wish, Demon King."


    The smiling gentleman turned off the call. He then summoned his other comrades in the isolated building where he was standing. Two of his comrades appeared in their hooded black robes, hiding their visage.


    "Fourth, are we not going to move yet?" A seductive voice asked.


    "The preparation is ready."


    "Not yet. We have to adjust first," Fourth replied to them.


    "Adjust?"


    "Position the portals inside the institute''s boundary."


    "Got it."


    "When do we move?"


    "The day after tomorrow."


    "This is what happened."


    Titus reported the event as the silver young man was meditating on her bed.


    Recently, the deity who was living in the silver box was able to freely move out of from it as he stated to Chun that it was because the master of the silver box was more powerful now. Though, Chun felt that the deity of Prevalent Tragedy was hiding something from her but she decided to let it be as she knew that the truth would unveil itself and if not, she''s good on discovering secrets.


    The clueless deity felt chills on his back as he obediently reported the next plan of the demon generals.


    "Alright. About this, I remembered that you have the heart of Drakkuna. What are you going to do with it?"


    Chun was curious to this sly deity as she observed the smiling man. That smile seemed so elegant but the silver haired young man knew it very well.


    "Let''s say that my pet will be back."


    Chun frowned at hearing that ridiculous statement as she said, "So you''re planning to recreate another Great War?"


    The silver haired young man knew that the indestructible black dragon was the caused of the Great War from six hundred years ago as five factions clashed against each other and looking from the master of the horrifying Drakkuna, he might be one of those masterminds of the war.


    "I may be greedy and full of deceit but I''m not that bored to start another war and my pet Drakkuna is something more obedient than any other pet." Titus justified as he went back to the silver box, he was still cultivating the big black egg in the space and proper care was needed for his good dragon to grow back to it former glory.


    ''Well, he admitted it though.''


    Sometimes, Chun thought that deity might have a loose screw as he wouldn''t deny any hideous things that he did and he would proudly announced it to her which wasn''t really relevant to the other. And what was more irritating was, when Chun would ask something critical, the deity would suddenly ?ssumed mysteriousness and talked words of wisdom that sometimes Chun needed to figure out.


    ''Right, talking about pet. Where is that couch potato?''


    The piercing glare of the silver haired young man turned to the attached hanging nest, as lately, the Thundra would be lazing around on his nest bed after eating which made him to be a lazy fat ball.


    "Xiao Fen! I never thought that a legendary thunder bird like you would end up like this, if I had known I shouldn''t---"


    Guessing the words of the young master, the lazy white fat ball immediately awaken from his comfortable lying as he denied, "No, don''t regret your decision, my beloved Chun-ni master! I''m still the most powerful bird."


    The Thundra was about to transform to its humongous original form when Chun stopped him before her penthouse could be destroyed.


    "Well, the most powerful thunder bird should get back from being useful then."


    Xiao Fen who was rubbing its fluffy self to the silver haired youth to appease the other instantly agreed as he declared that he would fulfill at his most ability whatever Chun would ask.


    "Then you will be the star for the show tomorrow!"

 Chapter 112 - 106.1

    Fortunately, Yuma was careful not to land a fatal blow on his opponent. He would just beat him up to an unrecognizable state and let him admit defeat.


    Yuma decided to divert his attacks to Mika''s face after punching the other on his stomach.


    The bloodied lips of the young man still held his gentle smile yet his grip on Yuma''s hand was hard, crushing the latter''s bones.


    "Ack!" Yuma grunted as his hands was crushed by this unimaginable strength. He did now realized that his opponent was truly terrifying.


    "Not my face but your face."


    Instead of the expected fate of the poor Secosana student as he waited for the attack of the smiling Mika which he couldn''t avoid as he felt an immense fear that suppressed his movement.


    Strangely, he saw a shadow of a demon with two bloody pointed horns that overlapped his opponent.


    Or he might be seeing death?


    A bellowing noise caught the attention of the people as they saw a terrrifying golden bird that almost covered the arena hall. The originally two antennas by its head was replaced by a protruding sturdy sharp horn that was emittting eletric sparks.


    The silver haired youth was impressed by the performance of Xiao Fen as she didn''t expect that he was hiding some of his tricks.


    Maybe she could establish her own carnival if she wants urgent money?


    Chun decided to stop fooling around as she looked for the demon general who was discreetly gesturing to the other two.


    They were supposed to start on the fifth day by didn''t thought that some variables would come up. Even though Mika sighed for the unfortunate ordeal still it was good to start earlier as well. The portals were already in-placed, though his demon soldiers were not yet ready but he could just take the risk from this chaos.


    Headmaster Spinther was planning to appease the legendary beast by talking to it. Knowing that it was an intelligent beast from its appearance.


    The crowd had no idea that this beast that ?ssumed to be just a rare type of its kind was in fact a divine beast that was guarding the mountain of the deities and also the legendary Thundra.


    Because the brilliant Xiao Fen changed its appearance, they didn''t recognized him. Although, Thundras could only be found in the deities'' mountain, there was still drawn illustrations of them.


    Before the headmaster could open its mouth, the thunder bird started to screech again and they felt a turbulent energy gathering on its horn.


    Screeeeeech!


    "So weak! With one hit of my divine ninth thunder I could incinerate you all!" Xiao Fen continued to boast as he played with the martial practitioners who were attacking him. Though, only the silver haired young man could understand his ramblings as Chun talked to her students while the crowd was running for their lives.


    "Teacher, that beast is so scary but why is it so familiar?" Kai Sun stated as he inspected the flying golden bird as it was playing with the cultivators.


    The others nodded as well as they felt that the flying beast was so familiar.


    Chun praised for her student''s sharp mind but it was not time for that as she continued to instruct, "Wear your equipments now."


    Instinctively, they followed but somehow in the middle of wearing the micro protection coat, Han asked.


    "Teacher, is there something going to happen?"


    Chun smiled as she responded vaguely, "I''m going to handle some stuffs. You go first."


    The silver haired young man immediately went away.


    "Teacher!" They called out but their handler already disappeared.


    "Guys, what are we going to do?" Kai Sun stated as he looked around in alert while the people were running to the exit.


    "Let''s go. We are no help here," Han stated rationally as they had no ability to ?ssist those martial practitioners who were fighting off the thunder bird.


    "But teacher is there!" Li Li said as she sensed that there was more to what the silver haired youth had stated a while ago.


    "No. We''re not going there, we''ll be a burden!" Han debated.


    Li Li and Han argued as no one moved from their spot.


    "Leader, what''s your decision?" Terra suddenly interrupted while looking at the sloth young man.


    Lerrent was silent as he observed the surroundings. He narrowed his eyes as he noticed something other than the ruckus from the beast and the cultivators.


    "Let''s stay. We have more important things to do."


    Han frowned from hearing that but Li Li brightened up. The ?ssassin had no choice but to stay as well. He was part of the group and as a team, what the leader decided then they must follow to it.


    -----


    Chun hurried to the spot where the three demon generals were standing as they summoned the portals. The portals connected to the dark lands was already set around the boundaries of the Institute. They only needed to open it up.


    Due to the deterrent of the match, they were utmost at ease about the situation despite the not prepared demon soldiers, Fourth believed that things would still go smoothly.


    The silver haired young man was about to attack the conjured enchantment but the seductive demon general suddenly showed up in her path as she stated with a smirk.


    "Too late."


    Black portals appeared, surrounding the boundaries of the institute as they were like black spots dotting the blue skies.


    The martial practitioners who were inside the institute had a horrified look on them as they felt bad news on this floating black holes.


    Even the headmaster who were busy fighting the Thundra stopped their movements. He knew that this won''t go well, looking from that engravings on those portals. Dark energy were looming in it.


    Suddenly, the smiling gentleman commanded, "Go down my soldiers!"


    Dropping ''objects'' fell from the portals as immediately fear struck the faces of the people who realized what were the falling shadows were. It were demons!


    Chun was restrained in the hands of Sixth as she pretend to be motionless. The silver haired young man knew that these demon generals knew her identity already so it was useless to hide it from them.


    An identity of being a enchantress who stole their sole prince from their clan.


    Sixth smiled seductively as she let Chun witness the suffering of her fellow mortals. Their cries were heard as the demons were starting their slaughter.


    ''Such a poor thing.''


    She stroked the smooth face of the silver haired young man as she stated, "I thought our Prince cohabited with a beautiful girl but I never thought that it was a beautiful boy."


    Eighth frowned from the misbehaving behavior of the other as he reprimanded, "Stop playing with the prey."


    "Oh, the cute Eighth is jealous? Don''t be, you''re still number one in my heart!"


    "What did you say?! Jealous?!"


    They were about to fight but just one stare from the smiling gentleman made them behave. Shivers ran down on their spine as Fourth widened his smile while turning his attention to the silent silver haired young man.


    "Where''s our Prince?" Fourth asked while awaiting for Art to show up to save his precious person.


    Chun ignored the other. Fourth was irritated by her silence as his smile turned gentler.


    "Well then, let''s make the Prince shows up."


    His actions were stopped as they forgot that the flying beast was still there. As if on cue, Xiao Fen screeched as he started to get serious. The real play was now starting as the real enemies showed up.


    Screeeeeech!


    The blue skies who were covered by black portals were turning gray as the Thundra controlled the weather. As a divine beast with elements of thunder and lightning, manipulation of the weather was a piece of cake.


    The seven students who were climbing the edge of the arena hall stopped for a moment as they thought they were lucky that their handler asked them to wear this protective coat.


    The gray skies during winter signified that snow would be coming, it meant that hard solid ice would be dropping from the skies.


    And these things could slow down the demons'' travel through the portals.


    Knowing these, the martial practitioners immediately activated their qi barriers as to protect themselves from the dangerous debris.


    Fourth frowned on this misfortune as he ordered some of the demons to bring down the thunder bird as it was the one controlling the weather.


    ''Be careful, Xiao Fen.''


    ''Chun-ni master is concern on me? Hehe. I will try hard to kill as many demons as I can!''


    Xiao Fen was motivated by his young master''s concern as he begun to summon his destructive lightning power, specifically hitting those demons.


    The martial practitioners felt grateful that the terrifying beast perhaps was on their side due to its action. It was even avoiding to land an attack on them.


    Though, the falling solid ice were hindering the black portals, Fourth was back being calm as he knew that this weather would not last. Until the foundations of the portals weren''t destroyed then it would be fine.


    But perhaps expecting something could lead you to ignorance.


    He didn''t know that Lerrent and his team were starting to destroy those so-called foundations.

 Chapter 113 - 106.2

    The silver haired young man smirked as she just behaved in the hold of the sixth demon general.


    She would just act helpless in the hands of these demons as it was not yet the right time.


    Earlier, before the tournament could start, the vice headmaster excused himself to this session as he had something to do. The headmaster didn''t ask as he was used to Quin being always busy but he didn''t thought that the other was preparing for the plan of the silver haired young man.


    The only thing that Chun was curious was who would be the ones that Quin would be inviting to ?ssist their plans. It wouldn''t be any ordinary martial practitioners as handling these demons were troublesome. Unless he invited many martial experts who were in the Late realm.


    Fourth smiled as he spectated the bloody scene. The smell of blood made him aroused. It was a stimulating him as he couldn''t help but smile from his subordinates'' slaughter. Though, he felt that the more they killed those martial practitioners, the most the mortal cultivators retaliated. Even that Thundra was somehow on their side.


    Sixth who couldn''t control her bloodlust, kicked the hind legs of the silver haired young man which made Chun to groan in pain as she suddenly knelt on the ground.


    "I would love to taste you but it''s not time yet," the seductive voice of the sixth demon general sounded near the ear of Chun while Sixth licked her chin.


    The silver haired young man tried to wipe it using her sleeves as she was disgusted by this lecherous demon. She frowned while counting in her head. Although, Chun had patience but she couldn''t help but be annoyed by this licentious behavior. She adhered to cleanliness and being licked by her sworn enemy gave her goosebumps.


    ''Disgusting.''


    He must avenge the lost of his fellow demons during the Great War because of those traitors.


    "Sixth, you go take the core. I''ll handle this person," Fourth commanded as the other tsked while pushing Chun to the ground as she let her go.


    The fourth demon general offered his hand to the silver haired young man but Chun ignored it as she stood on her own. She had no plans of running away as she knew that Fourth would mercilessly capture her and she would only just exerting effort to such useless act.


    Fourth was amused to the calm young man as she didn''t even tried to escape.


    ''He''s smart.''


    Chun wasn''t bothering herself to Fourth as she realized that a piece was suddenly solved. Inferring to what the fourth general commanded to the other, the core was their main task.


    The silver haired young man had been figuring out about the motive of the demons in attacking the Institute as even the three trusted generals were sent for this mission. It would be dumb to think that they were here just for destroying the school as they had many opportunities to do so and from that point, Chun guessed that the Demon King gave them an important mission.


    But what would they do to the core?


    Knowing that it was just fake as Chun had already obtained it from the past.


    Then, there''s no need to panic.


    Suddenly, the falling hard ice stopped as the thunder bird was running out with control.


    The fourth demon general smiled on this luck as he knew that the control of that beast wouldn''t last long. It made the travel of the demons to be smooth as it was not being deterred by the ceased weather.


    On the side of the headmaster, they thought that they were winning this tirade but the demons kept on coming from those floating black portals, even the hardworking Xiao Fen felt his energy was nearing to exhaustion. It would be easy if he could just summon his ultimate attack but it would also kill the mortals so he didn''t use it. And using his normal attacks was slowly draining his energy.


    Looking on his lost of control with the weather, Xiao Fen only sighed as he thought.


    ''Where was the back-up? Are they coming?''


    They already planned that Xiao Fen would first do his act until the vice headmaster would come with the back up.


    The thunder bird glanced to the calm silver haired young man standing beside the fourth demon general. Chun had a serene-look that made the Thundra to be calm as well.


    He trusted his master.


    Fourth was bored of waiting as he started a conversation, "Aren''t your surprised?"


    "Surprise to what?" Chun deadpanned.


    The fourth demon general was annoyed by this small reaction as he frowned while opening his hands and pointed to himself and to the scene.


    "This, that, those."


    Fourth wanted to make a point as he would like to see the silver haired young man being frightened from their losing part.


    It was a heavy atmosphere felt in the Harconia''s most largest and heavily sealed arena hall as the dense packed dark energy was coming out from the always smiling gentleman. With his subordinates kept pouring out from the portals located around the institute.


    Instructors, students and even the sect disciples from the three hidden sects were fighting the demons that were under the command of Fourth, one of the ten generals of the Demon King.


    The hot-tempered Eighth didn''t stood by Fourth''s side as he smiled maniacally while unleashing his temper around.


    Slashing the cultivators and torturing them as he pleased. Fourth maintained his gentle smile as he observed the bloody scene, heads dropping to the ground and bodies being mutilated.


    Demons were violent in their ways, it can be seen on this situation that they didn''t left any body unmarred.


    They continued their manslaughter and cries of those martial cultivators resounded in the arena-hall while Fourth observed the expression of the silver haired young man.


    ''I never thought that always punctual Quin would be delayed on this important event.''


    Chun was about to call out the Demon Prince who was keeping to himself as he was very very angry. Observing those lecherous hands, he noted the clueless Sixth in his hitlist. The first demon that he wanted to kill.


    She tainted his precious young master and only erasing her from existence was the solution to it. The expressionless butler clenched his hands as he awaited for the signal of the silver haired young man.


    ''Young lord?''


    ''Wait¡­''


    Zzzztt!


    Chun heard a strange noise which was coming from above. Immediately, she looked up and saw that the black portals were starting to shake.


    The silver haired young man used her divine perception to zoom her vision to the edge of the arena as she noticed something. She smiled when she saw the familiar figures.


    ''Such unruly yet intelligent students.''


    "What is happening?" Some demons noticed the shaking of the portals and they felt the dark energy emitting from it was slowly disappearing.


    The black portals weren''t only for their transportation but it also brought dark energies from the dark lands to ?ssist them in their fight.


    Fourth narrowed his eyes as he looked towards the direction where Chun was looking.


    ''Those sneaky brats!''


    "Eighth!"


    Immediately, Eighth moved as he disappeared from his spot, going to handle those brats.


    ''Art!''


    Li Li was happy as she was able to help her teacher, even the others were celebrating on their success of destroying the foundations of those portals but Han was first to act as he shielded his teammates from the attack of the demon general.


    Eighth smirked from the bravery of the brat who was able to deflect his attack. But his smirked turned into a terrified expression as he looked at the person who was holding the back of Han while holding the clawed hands of the demon general.


    Truthfully, if Han was only the one to receive that attack then he would be dead by now. Though, he had a secret technique passed down by his clan as an ?ssassin but it would be useless against a demon and a demon general at most.


    Eighth smiled from his misfortune as he clashed with the Demon Prince. He knew that this was a one-sided battle.


    The fourth demon general who was feeling his victory awhile ago was now in a state of alarm as he saw that one by one the portals was disappearing while his soldiers were being defeated by those mortals.


    He didn''t predicted this to happen. The Demon King would be unhappy to this if he knew.


    Knowing the Demon King''s wrath, Fourth immediately saw the standing silver haired young man as he took hold of her.


    ''Right, this would stop them.''


    He thought that if he hold hostage of Chun, he could escape.


    But¡­


    "Let go of him!"


    The familiar voice of the vice headmaster resounded as white haired individuals surrounded the corners of the arena hall.


    It was the Faire soldiers.


    They had their bows and arrows, ready to take aim. Even their chanters were prepared to take action.

 Chapter 115 - 108

    Way before the Xanxia had been formed, the Circus had been already there as it came from the another world that the Creator had founded.


    Demerus who was a sworn brother of the Creator, together with their other three friends, established an organization for saving worlds. As their brother was an omnipotent world creator, in order to help managing the created worlds by the Creator, they formed this organization.


    The named Circus was a symbol for their friendship and hardships they went through together. It was a brotherhood bond that built the Circus organization.


    Then the Circus was founded, the management of it was shared between the five of them but because the Creator would be occupied with other important matters, he would only be present on their meetings but sometimes he wouldn''t be there and as they were closer than comrades, they knew well the busybody so they would only ask the Creator to attend a meeting if it was urgent or things that needed his presence.


    The management was good but something had happened in the middle of the peak of their organization which created a diversion on them.


    This lead their so-called unbreakable brotherhood broken.


    Each of them took their own paths and ways as Demerus stayed with the Creator and the Circus. The friendship didn''t last long but as a rational god, the Creator had no time for it as he put the full-control of the organization under Demerus as he handled another business in an another world which needed his utmost attention. Being an omnipotent deity was really difficult but for the former human Creator, he was used to it.


    As Demerus was left alone, he continued to peacefully managed the Circus until it was left in the hands of his grandson Zero.


    Being a business prodigy at the age of four, the young Zero solemnly received his responsibilities as a head of the said organization. He started to take part in the organization at the age of ten as during his years below of that was his strict training from his grandfather.


    When the Circus was put in his hands, he believed in the art of deceit. Making gold into bronze. As the Circus began its foundation, the great master Zero commanded his people to spread rumours about the organization being similar with sects which was recruiting only mages and they need to have experience in the entertainment industry as the Circus wasn''t only an organization for mage cultivators but it also handled entertainment shows. A literal circus show.


    Zero had been always vigilant with his ways and deciding to disguise it was a well thought plan. Even the people working under him which were the Head Seats was personally ?ssessed by him.


    The handsome man who was a half deity was that serious when it came to the precious organization that his grandfather had left to him. While the old man Demerus was now travelling outside Xanxia, out of the current world Zero was in. He still wished the other to be healthy and would somehow praise his efforts.


    His grandfather was the star of his life. Demerus gave him life when there was no hope, a family in the Circus and a purpose to continue on living.


    Truthfully, Demerus was a deity in the same level as the Creator but he had no descendants as he was still a bachelor. The poor orphan was picked by the deity near the Qi Mountain by the river. The pitiful kid was at the side of the river, looking from his state, he had been washed away by the waters to ashore.


    Curious to the mortal, Demerus helped the kid and discovered that he was slowly losing life which he decided to save in the end. As the young Zero gained back his puny life, he first saw a person with long raven black hair and his impression was cold.


    Despite being handsome in his hundreds years of age, having black hair, strong sword-like brows, piercing frosty eyes and chiselled jaw which truly crafted by a god itself which like an irony as he was a deity. He was still that infamous cold and scary person.


    Even the young Zero at the age of three was scared of him but when he was used to the blank cold face of the deity as he was adopted by him, he realized that although Demerus was very strict in his studies and training but he was still his gentle old man.


    Zero called Demerus old man in his mind when he discovered that the person was a very old god.


    Although Zero was a prodigy in the business and statistics, he was still a child and a common child would be mischievous. He would walk in the garden of Ada which was a minor deity in the Qi Mountain, and picked her cultivated rare flowers.


    It had been decades that Demerus had someone to look on after his brothers left one by one. In their group of friends, he had been the most rational and m?tur? one as he stood as their older brother but now those younger brothers had their own decisions and Demerus had no say on it.


    While the handsome ''old man'' was reminiscing, a young cheeky black haired person silently sneaked at his back as he poke his grandfather and surprised him.


    "GRANDFATHER!"


    The stunned Demerus almost cursed infront of the naughty nine-year old child as he reprimanded him which only the young Zero listened to it in a passing as the words from his grandfather went in from his other ear and went out on the other.


    Such a good child!


    Demerus sighed while giving up his reprimands. Looking at the poor kid as he turned stern while talking to the latter.


    "Zero, don''t forget what I had taught you! You will be turning ten this year and the Circus will be at your hands by that time. So be attentive!"


    Immediately, the young Zero seriously nodded as the goofy expression was replaced with his most stern face. He had known the heavy responsibilities of handling the said organization.


    "Yes, grandfather! I will uphold what you taught me!"


    "Yes. I will, grandfather!" The white fringed haired young man whispered as he awaken from his very deep sleep.


    He massaged his forehead as he had an headache.


    Suddenly, a monotone piercing voice echoed in the black space as the system welcomed the host back.


    [Welcome back, host.]


    The dull greeting made Zero''s head to ache more. He had spent his time of passing the test that the system prepared as a punishment. He had no idea how many days he was there but he knew that he had spent countless of days there from observing his stiff body as if he had gone on leave for years from his soul.


    [Host, be careful.]


    The sudden warning of the broken system was too late as the white fringed haired young man suffered a free fall from the five meter height in suspending midair.


    Zero rubbed his bu?? as he glared at the glowing light which he realized that it was the nasty black-hearted system.


    ---------


    After the King of Phoenix continent spent his time in the Shuho mansion during winter, he went back to his continent with hopelessness as his goal of meeting the youngest young master of the Shuho''s wasn''t achieve.


    Chun never came to visit and his mother had been constantly sending message to go back and do his duties as a King.


    And coincidentally, after he went back to the Phoenix continent. The silver haired young man arrived at their mansion as she was allowed to have rest from her work.


    Fortunately, the upcoming 18th birthday of Chun neared as the Shuho family decided to lay low and celebrate it secretly. Though as she entered maturity, the hunger of the silently observing Demon Prince from the shadow, increased due to the effect of the premature blood exchange.


    Yet when it was Chun''s day, she unknowingly had fallen ill which made her asleep in bed for a week and the worrywart Shenin earnestly invited healers, physicians and anyone that could heal the silver haired young man. Even Xiao Fen was worried as he could sense the varied emotions coming from his young master.


    Only the butler and the deity of Prevalent Tragedy knew the true happenings within the sleeping silver haired youth.


    This was her battle as the third fragment had appeared.

 Chapter 116 - 109 (Recaps)

    (A/N: this chapter will contain all of the recaps of the story to deepen the plot for this arc.)


    "Let''s end this."


    Chun reminded the young man that her supply was running low while the young man thought for a plan. Currently, Kilius was in the same level with him because of the lashed back that he had suffered so Zero didn''t need to use his spells to kill him.


    Which a matter that he overlook.


    Zero didn''t perceived that he was just facing a clone as the true enemy was just in his shadow. Seemingly that he had thought that he was in control, a sharp claw on his back pierced through his heart.


    His vision blackened while he heard the system''s voice.


    [Performer died.]


    [Main task number 3 failed. Punishment is due.]


    [Player mode was already in active as the Performer died. Performer can start again.]


    [Loading¡­]


    Chun woke up from dazed as she witness the closed distance between her and Art. Due to her happiness of seeing again her butler, she hugged him that made Art surprised. It stopped him from his actions as he was curious to Chun''s antics.


    The silver haired youth let go as she pouted at Art, "I need food! Please make your very best dish, Art!"


    Art was momentarily confused from his young master''s strange action while he obliged on the request of the silver haired youth. Chun already finished her dinner but he wasn''t opposed on stuffing the young master with much food as he liked that Chun would be fat and only for him to cuddle---


    Immediately, the butler frowned from his odd thoughts as he went to the kitchen to prepare for the food. He folded his sleeves while he glanced at the silver haired youth who was staring with her doe eyes at his skillful display of knife skills.


    Chun processed everything that happened. It was just awhile ago that she saw the life of Zero just ended due to his mistake of underestimating his enemy, and now she was here inside her penthouse while her butler was alive and standing meters away from her as he cooked.


    Was it a dream or she just travelled back to time?


    The silver haired young man was contemplating if she should approach Xi Chen and ask him about the item that they would be retrieving but it would be somewhat suspicious to do something like that. She just wanted to know if how much did the ''time-travelling'' affected the happenings that was supposed to occur but it did not.


    "Teacher? Are you Teacher Chun?" A familiar voice suddenly jolted awake the young man from her thoughts.


    The voice was so familiar that Chun couldn''t help but turn her head toward its direction. It was a male in a frivolous clothing, his dark brown hair was swept up to the side as his hazelnut eyes contained a hint of mischievousness.


    Kai Sun who was alone while he was on shopping because it was weekend, ended seeing their handler wearing a ''cute'' style of clothing.


    On the other hand, Chun didn''t know what to feel. She was overwhelmed with joy and regret but happiness overcame her emotion due to seeing one of her students. It''s been a long time for the silver haired young man.


    "First general Xi Chen? Pleasure to meet you," Chun stated as she offered her hand while the general unexpectedly shook it in responds.


    ''Something had changed.''


    Inside the penthouse, Chun was comfortably lying on her bed with her feet on the ground as her hands were widely spread on the soft white mattress. Art was busy packing the necessities of the silver haired young man for tomorrow''s case.


    Suddenly, the relaxing youth got up from her bed as she thought something. It was about the core of the institute, if she had already the first fragment that came from the institute''s core then what about the current core now?


    Remembering it, the spirit who was guarding the core was Pandora''s essence and her other ego. Then would she be able to encounter another ego of her?


    Finally, after their sightseeing. They reached the second biggest manor in the compound, the mansion of the Yu household''s main family where the curreny head patriarch lived. There were two manors in each side of the building as they were home of the two side-branch families.


    A charismatic butler in uniform with a monocle on his hand greeted them, "Instructor Chun, right?"


    "Yes, these are my students that will be solving the case," Chun replied with a smile.


    ''Such a waste!''


    It said about the status report of Samuel Lacos, this was his medical record when he was still ten years old, the time when he killed his whole clan. The file had an old scent due to being procured from the old files of the former doctor. A picture of a expressionless kid was on it followed by descriptive words.


    ''Chun¡­ my white prince.'' the young missus thought with a love stricken look that made the personal maid with her, sighed in helplessness. She should report this to the governor as soon as possible when they get home.


    "Young mistress, let''s go back to the shore where the captain and his crew are as it will be getting dark soon." Lai was about to carry down the girl when Chi snapped out from her daydream and refused to go back.


    "I wanted that bird!" She pointed to the smug Thundra who was now frying the big worm with his electricity, preparing to eat it.


    Lai frowned and stated, "Young mistress, we can''t capture that thing its too dangerous and you know already the capabilities of that scary bird."


    "No, I won''t go if you don''t take it down for me." With her spoiled expression as she crossed her arms, she didn''t look at Lai while she directed her stare at Chun''s party who was gathered and discussing something.


    Screeeeeech! Screeeeeech!


    "You mortals think that I can be easily monopolize?! I''ll end your life for offending me," the Thundra roared with intensity as he prepared to call forth the heaven''s ninth thunder.


    "Miss Light, you can come in," the teacher politely stated as she led the silvery pink haired girl inside the classroom. The students gasped as they couldn''t believe that they would having one of the Dinari''s as part of their class.


    Chun just smiled in reply. She didn''t comment to the suspicion of the young man as she neared Kit and handed him a peeled apple. The male student didn''t pursue the topic as his mind trailed off to somewhere.


    "This year''s theme is School Victory which means that every representing school in each continents would be participating. It''s not like the last tournament that even solo cultivators can participate, this is a tournament between schools." He continued.


    Chun advertly glanced at some direction as she smirked at the person.


    ''What if she don''t voice out her unwillingness to join to any tournament for the teachers? What will happen next?''


    "Headmaster Spinther, it may be rude to interrupt you but I want you to be a witness of my challenge to Instructor Chun."


    The instructors were surprised to the sudden challenge of the reputed Kiso to the newbie who was entitled White Prince by most of the students. This was obviously bullying a junior but they had no objections to it as they wanted to see the capabilities of the other, if she was truly suited as a teacher in Harconia Institute.


    The headmaster was about to say something as he glanced at the calm youth but the silver haired young man spoke first, "I accept."


    The silver haired youth didn''t go to her class hall as she went to the mini garden on the west side of the main building.


    She calmed herself as she didn''t know what was going on her.


    Her emotions were out of control awhile ago and it scared Chun from the unknown feeling.


    ''This must be due to the effects of their contract! She was feeling weird since then.''


    Chun was in deep thought when a shadow guard that she left in the Vanette Island City to monitor Kit Witara was back and brought a foreboding news.


    "Kit Witara committed suicide."


    Chun was disturbed by this information.


    Where did she got it wrong? Before she left the island, Kit Witara was still fine. Luke and him was more closer than ever. Then what happened that made Kit to commit suicide?


    The silver haired young man almost cursed her naivety when she suddenly realized the most crucial piece that had been missing in the case of Kit. Chun narrowed her eyes as she remembered their last meeting in the past.


    Chun wasn''t surprised to the individuals that were ?ssigned to her. She had the most memorable encounter with them. Mika, the smiling hypocrite gentleman, the representing leader of the Sororite students. Ji Ah, the seductive type of demon that could fool any hormonical man. Anith, a stern-looking eyeglasses guy as one look from him could make the unruly Sororite students behave but he was more unruly on his ways in terms of killing.


    They were respectively four, six, and eigth. It was their rankings as part of the ten demon generals of the Demon King. The silver haired had already knew them through her butler. Art was curious to why did the young master inquired about the ten demon generals and when he sensed the familiar demonic aura on them, the butler was smart to figure out that something was going to happen and strangely, the silver haired young man had known of it.


    The silver haired young man appraised as she compared the enchanting beauty of the Faire infront of her who was still holding her hand.


    "Umm¡­ can you---"


    Before Chun could continue her statement, the Faire Prince kissed her hand as it smiled gently. It stunned the silver haired young man for a moment.


    ''I thought they are not friendly?''


    ''Aren''t they allergic to humans?''


    ''They tend to keep on themselves, not mixing to other races.''


    Senri smiled as his eyes slanted also from staring at the shocked expression of the silver haired young man. The Faire people were cold to the non-Faire races but they were good when it came to the individual that they liked.


    The demon general didn''t thought that his deliberate planning would turned out like this.


    Then if he would die now, he would die with struggle. He planned to take his original demon form but he was stunned to discover that he couldn''t take form.


    Only the butler and the deity of Prevalent Tragedy knew the true happenings within the sleeping silver haired youth.


    This was her battle as the third fragment had appeared.


    ---------


    Xiu Ying smiled at Chun as she admired the beauty of this white prince. The title of white prince came from the mouths of the Harconian students as they adored the beauty of this teacher. Xiu Ying smirked while thinking about her ''lover'' Zero back at Greatworld continent. His handsomeness was comparable to this youth but she love more of Zero''s antics.


    ''I wish he woke up from his coma. It''s been three years now'' Xiu Ying thought depressingly.


    Seeing the third princess reminded her about the space that she went through the mysterious door in the silver box.


    Chun being mischievous, suddenly asked, "May I ask your highness about something?"


    The third princess wasn''t only elegant but she was good as well. She smiled at the silver haired young man and nodded.


    "Circus¡­ do you know it?"

 Chapter 117 - 110

    "The best medicine for stupidity is a slap in the face."


    -------


    GreatWorld Continent.


    Ephrain Border.


    The Train XCVll sounded its buzzing as it called out the attention of the eager families who were waiting for their sons or brothers. Train XCVII carried cadets that went out to serve and protect the borders of the continent.


    GreatWorld continent was proned to the attacks of the enemies on the seas which inhabited their neighboring continent, Xenun. If one would look at the map, it would be seen there that the Xenun continent had a small amount of land mass as the people who were living there wasn''t truly living on the ground as they were in the suspended floating land.


    Legend said that it was created by their deity Jurnune who was the Deity of Integrity and Balance. As the sea creatures swimming by their waters were cunning and Jurnune didn''t want fights between her people, she afloated a piece of land and situated her people there.


    Then peace was brought forth in her land but not for the neighboring ones.


    The GreatWorld continent was being attacked by those creatures on the waters as they wanted to expand their territories. Although, it was a deep confusion on why would they covet a continent which was greater in land mass.


    Can they walk on their tails now?


    Meanwhile, the teary-eyes family members couldn''t hold their excitements and anxiousness to see their sons but instead a familiar familiar rustic colored moving long vehicle on the trail, it was a strange wheeled carriage which was more longer than a train. It ran through the train''s rail and stopped infront of the stunned and curious people.


    A cute child with blue hair opened the door of the carriage as the smoke from its wheels arose. He was beaming widely as he welcomed the new pleasant sight.


    Pouting as he stepped down, a person who was next to go out, deliberately pushed the other as he pretended not to see the blue haired boy as he nodded in surroundings after inspecting it.


    "Hey! What''s your problem, Ryder!"


    The fresh-looking young man had a lesser eyebags as he was well-rested in their journey. He was in a good mood as he ignored the glaring ranting kid.


    The people who saw them knew that they were performers due to their clothings and aura. And they had outstanding features.


    "Behave. We''re going first." The cold faced Viola stated as they obediently followed the woman who was carrying a guitar case on her back.


    The swollen face Blu pouted again as he blamed himself for not getting the longer stick, now he was group with an irritating person (Ryder) and a scary woman (Viola). The blue haired boy much preferred the lovely Scarlet that would always smile as she comforted him.


    "Pipsqueak, you''re daydreaming again. Hurry up!" Ryder called out as they were two meters ahead of Blu.


    Blue almost erupted from hearing that word as he glared at the other. Boring holes in the back of Ryder''s head. They were about to fight again when the cold faced woman glanced at them which made them stopped from doing anything that could lead them something terrible, more horrific than getting deducted of task points.


    Looking from their strange sedan, there was an symbol of a golden colored letter ''C'' as it was wrapped with certain runic signs that even cultivators couldn''t identify. But that wasn''t the big deal as the individuals who saw the infamous symbol were left dumbstruck while the members of the Circus strode with poise and enigmatic vibe.


    The brawny guy was looking through the monitoring devices with the serious Degris who was in deep thought.


    Driven wasn''t a silent type of person that liked a silent atmosphere as he started a conversation.


    "Degris, do you think we will find Master here?" The simple minded guy asked as he scratched his head.


    The concentrating latter smiled as heard that while answering, "We''ll see."


    --------


    "Zero, don''t forget what I had taught you! You will be turning ten this year and the Circus will be at your hands by that time. So be attentive!"


    Immediately, the young Zero seriously nodded as the goofy expression was replaced with his most stern face. He had known the heavy responsibilities of handling the said organization.


    "Yes, grandfather! I will uphold what you taught me!"


    ¡­


    "Yes. I will, grandfather!" The white fringed haired young man whispered as he awaken from his very deep sleep.


    He massaged his forehead as he had an headache.


    Suddenly, a monotone piercing voice echoed in the black space as the system welcomed the host back.


    [Welcome back, host.]


    The dull greeting made Zero''s head to ache more. He had spent his time of passing the test that the system prepared as a punishment. He had no idea how many days he was there but he knew that he had spent countless of days there from observing his stiff body as if he had gone on leave for years from his soul.


    [Host, be careful.]


    The sudden warning of the broken system was too late as the white fringed haired young man suffered a free fall from the five meter height in suspending midair.


    Zero rubbed his bu?? as he glared at the glowing light which he realized that it was the nasty black-hearted system.


    The white fringed haired young man was still under the process of understanding his situation.


    Before he got here.. what happened?


    Soul Tower.


    "Ack!"


    A splash of blood could be heard as Zero pulled out his silver sword. It was more durable than the wooden type weapons.


    The Chess Queen was slowly catching her breath as she looked crudely at the young man due to defeat. She was now in the checkered ground with a deep stab wound on her ?h?st.


    "How?" The woman asked as she looked at the young man. ''How did he knew about the secrets of her new game? How did he figured it out?''


    As if reading her thoughts, he responded, "You didn''t refine your details. How those designed players of yours came up into conclusion that the extra would kill someone? That''s your flaw."


    ''Wait¡­ that''s not it. I need to think further.'' Zero stated on his mind as he recalled his memories.


    A man appearing in an elegant royal suit came out from the shadows as he greeted Zero. The young man frowned as he knew this person. It was the royal advisor of the King. Royal Advisor Kilius.


    [System Detection: Kilius, The Deceiver lvl. 89


    The illusion of Kilius was slowly diminishing from the impact as it faded away. Zero who was thrown meters away from it, immediately went to the ice princess'' location as to untie them from their bound.


    (Zero, look out!)


    "Look out!" Warned by the ice princess while Zero was untying the second prince.


    He wasn''t able to block the blow due to the ice princess interference. A red colored liquid seeped through the dirty white dress of the ice princess while blood gushed out from the corner of her mouth. Zero caught her as he tried to stop the unending flow of blood from her stomach.


    The horrifying burnt visage of Kilius looked down at the downtrodden young man as he stood infront of him. He smirked which emphasized the fresh wounds on his sullied face.


    Kilius did not expect that the Great Conqueror had already possessed a divine energy which was only a deity could have. Even though, he was the right hand of his master, he wasn''t able to get his hands on a little bit of divine energy and this human was able to have it?


    His eyes turned blood shot as he glared in envy at the young man, he was about to stab the dazed Zero when Lerrent interfered, he used the sturdy metal chains as he caught the sword of Kilius.


    (Hey! Hey! Zero! Wake up! It''s not time for that.)


    The ranting of Chun woke him up from desolation as he glanced at the dying ice princess.


    "Faye, don''t die on me," unexpectedly, the call of Zero made the ice princess teared up. He used his Healing Fire to heal her.


    He called her name which even his past self would never do. Faye smiled at him but only blood came out from her mouth when she tried to speak.


    "Shh¡­"


    "What are you two doing? I can''t hold out here anymore. Need help!" Lerrent who was totally a wimp on physical abilities, exerted all his strength on preventing Kilius from withdrawing his sword. Fortunately, the opponent was back on his human form and due to the drawback of the explosion earlier which he wasn''t expecting it to be that powerful because of the divine energy, he suffered from it that halved his ability.


    "Kid! You escape with her. I will handle this," Zero commanded as Lerrent instantly let go of the metal chain and took the ice princess. Kilius didn''t chase the two while they escaped because his target was still here.


    "Let''s end this."


    Chun reminded the young man that her supply was running low while the young man thought for a plan. Currently, Kilius was in the same level with him because of the lashed back that he had suffered so Zero didn''t need to use his spells to kill him.


    Which a matter that he overlook.


    Zero didn''t perceived that he was just facing a clone as the true enemy was just in his shadow. Seemingly that he had thought that he was in control, a sharp claw on his back pierced through his heart.


    His vision blackened while he heard the system''s voice.


    [Performer died.]


    [Main task number 3 failed. Punishment is due.]


    [Player mode was already in active as the Performer died. Performer can start again.]


    [Loading¡­]


    -------


    ''Right. I died.''


    Zero sighed as he realized that he underestimated his opponent. Though, that person must be still alive. He needs to get back on him!


    [Host, you''re lucky. You went back to time.]


    The youth who heard this frowned as he asked the system what did it meant but it kept silent.


    "Expected of its uselessness."


    He whispered while he asked another question, hoping that the system would answer.


    "Then, what would I do next?"


    [Ting! The host is advised to stay here for a while as your proxy will be the one to experience your life. Main Task: Cultivate in the space for a year. ]


    ''Huh?!''

 Chapter 119 - 112

    Chun tried to wash her silver white hair as she wanted to confirm if it was her real hair color or not. She had seen Zero''s black hair with white fringes and it wasn''t like this.


    She felt that her scalp was numbed as she spent an hour of washing her hair yet it didn''t come off.


    The silver haired young man didn''t remember anything about Zero dyeing his hair to white and coincidentally it was the same hair color as hers.


    Chun shook her head while drying her hair with a towel. She sat down on her bed as she sighed while staring at the handsome man reflected in the full-length mirror.


    She put her right hand up as the other copied her movements, she did the same to her other hand and started to wave infront the mirror.


    Suddenly the door opened which made his roommate Xuan stared at her like looking at a weirdo.


    The silver haired young man greeted her roommate with a wry smile as the other ignored her as he walked to his bed. Xuan took his towel as he went to their bathroom.


    ''Right. She had a roommate.''


    Another problem that she must be wary off. Chun needed to be careful on her actions as she felt that this Xuan guy was observing her. Though, the brown haired man was cold to her yet Chun sensed that the other was silently observing on what would she do.


    They had limited interactions as the snob guy would only talk if he was talk to and his responses were little. A boring person in Chun''s point of view.


    But Chun just needed to ignore him as well if she didn''t want to deal any problem.


    She went back to checking out her features as she let out a sigh of satisfaction. Although, it was a male''s body, the silver haired young man needed to be used to it before she could figure out on how to go back to her own body.


    She was in GreatWorld continent and they were travelling to another city for their performance. Chun was known to be Silver Fox as her stage name while her true identity was unknown. Though, the people in the Circus saw her face but the people outside had no idea who was she.


    Then avoiding them would be the best solution until she got back to her body. Before that, she must first inquire about her real body''s situation.


    How would she do it?


    The silver haired young man glanced at the clock on her bed desk and saw it was already midnight. She would have to do it tomorrow then.


    Momentarily, Chun looked at her roommate''s side as she discovered that the other was still on his book.


    ''What is he reading? It''s already midnight. They had a show tomorrow.''


    She shrugged while glancing at the occupied Xuan, then she took her blanket as she covered herself in sleep.


    -------


    "Are you sure about this?"


    Chun heard a nervous voice near her as she looked at the younger boy, he must still be at his thirteen or fourteen while looking at his youthful appearance.


    It was a secret selection but what she heard from her fellow new recruits that the second years weren''t sent for this cheap performance and entertaining the people as they would be put into a ''field mission'', more thrilling than what they were doing.


    As being the new recruits, they were labelled as first years. Though Chun thought it to be funny as they were like in school, labelling people with grades.


    ''She really missed those students of hers.''


    The most shocking part that she discovered was Xuan, her roommate was a third year and they were known to be veterans in this so-called ''field mission''. Chun had no idea what was this all about but she felt that this was one of the secrets of the Circus.


    Chun already gained information about her fellow recruits and they were all mages that had certain skills and Silver Fox had been examined to be as a rare type manipulation mage which the silver haired young man was lucky to as she had her telekinesis to complement it and if danger might come, she had her deity powers as well.


    Being overpowered was truly exciting.


    The silver haired young man was clueless on how was she put in this situation but what was more important was to finding fun in her current predicament and getting on that so-called field mission would be her priority as she had no news about her real body for now.


    "Silver Fox! It''s your turn!"


    Chun was pushed to the platform as she stood there mindlessly. Even though, she motivated herself to get on the second year grade but she had no idea to what she was supposed to do.


    The silver haired young man laughed at her metaphor as she never saw any signs of lions here so how could the scene she imagined happen.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, our favorite performer Silver Fox---"


    The host wasn''t able to finish her introductory as the audience went wild while hearing that arousing name. The majority of the squeals and cheers were from younger and older girls who were enchanted by the mysteriousness of this handsome young man.


    Although, Chun was wearing a half-mask designed into a fox style, she could still charm the viewers while doing nothing there.


    But that was the past person as the current soul residing in the body was a scheming fox who had a cup of being vain and conceited.


    The poker face Silver Fox suddenly curled her lips that made the crowd go wild.


    "AHHHHHH!"


    ''Truly charismatic!'' Chun praised herself as she stood while holding the hoop.


    The host chuckled as she settled the audience.


    "¡­. Silver Fox with the fierce lion, Leon!"


    Chun heard this and her smirking face turned into a wry smile as she didn''t miss the word.


    ''Lion? Did she heard it right?''


    "Rooooaaaar!"


    The enourmous being jump out from the curtains as it welcomed the crowd with its fierce roar. The lion was much larger with Chun''s lean stature as the other stiffened on her position. The viewers went silent then suddenly cheered with vigor as they were exhilarated to see their favorite lion together with their favorite performer. They were a match!


    If the silver haired young man heard their thoughts , she would have crushed them to death. Chun wasn''t scared with lions but was scared to perform with this terrifying lion. Observing its sharp glinting teeth, Chun would choose to get stab by Fourth''s claw than getting chewed by this creature.


    "Let''s start!" The host declared.


    Chun looked at her fierce partner as she cooed, "Good lion---"


    "Roar!"


    "Pretty lion---"


    "Roar!" The lion got more angrier as Chun prayed for any deities to save her poor soul.


    "Right¡­ Leon--- Brave Leon!"


    The fierce lion growled as it observed the foolish youth''s actions.


    ''Yes¡­ you only need to go through this hoop.''


    "Leon, good boy! Jump¡­jump. Yes. This hoop. Jump in."


    If she could, Chun would have already jump through this hoop and end her performance.


    As the lion was interested to what was the silver haired had been doing, it curiously neared the huge hoop on her hand.


    "Yes, yes! Leon, jump here." Chun extended the hoop up but the lion only looked at it, not daring to jump.


    ''Is this lion dumb? I thought it was trained?''


    Lion: no human, you''re the one dumb.


    The crowd continued to cheer for Silver Fox as her fans was seeing their favorite performer''s action to be professional.


    Fans'' perspective: Silver Fox was doing his lion whispering technique as the other behaved and listened to her words.


    Chun''s perspective: You dumb, lion! Hurry up! Jump once and this will be all over!


    The silver haired young man was caught off guard when the lion bite her hoop as it pulled it with its strong jaw.


    "No, Leon¡­ you must jump not pull it."


    ''You dumb cat!''


    The silver haired young man glared at the other as she gripped the other side of the hoop with great strength.


    ''Though, I''m scared with you but I will not admit defeat in terms of capability!''


    ''Bring it on!''


    Fans'' perspective: Silver Fox is demonstrating his immeasurable strength as he taught the lion with perseverance.


    Chun''s perspective: No, I will not concede. I''ll let you taste my true strength!


    Leon''s perspective: Foolish human, I''m only adjusting the height of your hoop so I could perform my amazing jump.

 Chapter 120 - 113

    The silver haired young man released a sigh of relief as her performance was over.


    ''Too much playing.''


    Chun decided to act now. In order to secure her spot as a second year member of the Circus, she must get relevant information.


    -----


    Earlier before Chun possessed the body.


    Capital city, Xiu Royal household.


    In the palace within the inner chambers of the royal family, a young man with tinges of silver white hair on its fringes of his raven black hair, was trembling from his sleep. He suddenly got up in while chasing for his breath.


    He felt his ?h?st as he was scared by the sensation of being stabbed by a sword. This nightmare of being stabbed was kept repeating every night on his sleep after he woke up from coma.


    He was shocked at first when he knew about that he was in coma for three years and the most surprising part was he had no memories on his identity, his family and everything. Even walking was taught to him as he was like a baby after waking up.


    He couldn''t even understand their language, don''t know how to talk, read and write. He was like basically, a baby a year ago but he learned it all in one-go as he was a fast learner.


    The doctor diagnosed him with an abnormal kind of amnesia that led him of forgetting even the basic way of living.


    Like he was a new person, a reborn.


    The Xiu Royal Family took care of him and he was grateful to it and planning to repay them, someday.


    But there was someone who was pestering him everyday because she was a member of the royal family that he was thankful with, he couldn''t get rid of her.


    She was Third Princess Xiu Ying and she claimed that they were lovers. That made him thought in disbelief as he looked at Xiu Ying, she was very beautiful that he couldn''t believe having a lover like this.


    He just accepted it, numbly even though in his mind, he was vigilant about them. He had no memories so it''s natural to have no trust at anyone.


    Three resounding knocks came from the other side of the door.


    "Zero! Are you awake?" A soft and mild voice asked from the other side of the door.


    It was Xiu Ying.


    "Xiu Ying?"


    The third princess opened the door and went in. She was wearing her long dress that was obviously her sleeping wear. The third princess'' bedroom was located just beside the young man''s room so she could easily take care of the amnesiac young man.


    "Just call me Ying," she smiled, tenderly, that made Zero flushed and turned away.


    "Y-ying."


    "That''s better."


    Xiu Ying patted the man''s head and adoringly looked at him.


    "Did you have a nightmare, again?"


    "Yes. The usual nightmare."


    "Hmm."


    Xiu Ying responded in a hum as she continued to ??r?ss Zero''s head.


    It made the young man blushed and awkward.


    Zero decided to stand up from his bed that made the third princess removed her hand on his head as the young man was a head taller to Xiu Ying and spoke, "I''m hungry."


    "Alright. Do you want to eat here or in the garden?"


    "Garden and don''t forget my rose tea!" Zero stated with a smile on his face as the third princess, lovingly smiled back and closed the door.


    He started to change from his sleeping wear to a white long sleeve shirt when he got a glimpsed of a piece white robe in the closet. It was a robe that he used as he attended a traditional tea party with the royal family, last month.


    He touched the fabric of the white robe and suddenly his head ached from pain, it was like splitting his head.


    Zero backed away from the closet and seated himself infront of his desk table while he was massaging his forehead. The episodes of headaches would usually occurred if he felt something familiar or he tried to remember regarding about his identity.


    He coincidentally looked at the full-length mirror adjacent to where he was sitting. It reflected his scarlet red eyes. A strange eye color.


    After he finished on changing, he folded the sleeves on his shirt up to his forearms.


    He combed his hair neatly but still it was messy as he had this untamed hair that would sticked out.


    Zero let out a sigh for his raven black hair and played with the silver white fringes of it.


    Distracted on his thoughts, a pecking sound from the window snapped him back to reality.


    Peck! Peck!


    It was a small blue bird that was pecking the window frame. Zero smiled at the small bird''s adorableness and opened the window.


    As it landed, Zero finally noticed a small piece of folded paper on its leg being tied to it.


    "Oh, you have a piece of paper here. Let me remove it."


    He removed it and read the paper.


    "Are you not going back, Master? -C."


    "Huh?---"


    Suddenly, Zero felt a piercing headache as picture of unknown scenes kept popping up in his mind. Forcing there way in. The handsome man sensed his trembling as he backed away.


    Zero didn''t notice that his arm collided with a glass of water on his bedside.


    The young man with black raven hair with silver white fringes was sitting on the bed as he massaged his forehead while on the reflected mirror infront if him, it could be noticed that his hair was slowly turning white.


    It had the same silver white hue like Chun but it leaned more to a darker shade.


    "System."


    [Yes, host?] The familiar cold mechanical voice of the system resounded in his mind as he inquired to what happened.


    [Ting! Emergency task: Escape from the Xiu Royal Palace within one minute.]


    Zero was already used to this sudden pressuring of his system as he calmly stood up from his bed.


    "System, what is the reward for this task?"


    Zero knew that the system wouldn''t respond yet he just wanted to talk to someone due to spending his time in the punishment trial because of the failed mission. He spent his three years there and now that he had awaken, he wanted someone to talk to despite having to talk to this system.


    [¡­]


    The black raven haired youth estimated the height of his room while looking through the window. He was fifteem feet high from the ground which was appropriate for him to jump.


    [36 seconds remaining.]


    She hurried out as she alerted the palace guards.


    [Three pursuers at the west wing, two infront and one in the left wing.]


    Currently, he was in the west wing which was the shortest way to get through the exit of the royal palace.


    Zero wasn''t into avoiding them as he waited for the three palace guards to arrived. He used his Cosmic Fire to hinder their path and left them immovable. That was just a small portion of his power as he didn''t want to hurt anyone severely.


    Seeing an opportunity, the young man immediately escaped while they suffered in his attack.


    He successfully got away from them as the system notified him for completion.


    [Emergency task completed. Reward partial memory deletion. Going back now.]


    Zero had never heard a certain reward about getting your memory wiped out and what did this defected system meant about the word ''partial''?


    Before he could complain and refuse the reward, he was sent back to the system space while the body was carried by the system to the new recruits of the Circus. The body had been set in an automatic mode until the proxy would arrive and that was the silver haired young man.


    As Zero awaken from his deep slumber in the system space which was in sleep mode due to the host''s long absence that caused for it to come back on its original state of blackness, as Chun stumbled upon the floating person in the black space.


    Zero didn''t remember about escaping from the palace as he only have a recollection to what he had suffered as he died in the Soul Tower. He thought that he could finally leave the space but the system dozed his hope with cold water as he had a task to cultivate for one year here leaving all of his fleeing situation to the silver haired young man.

 Chapter 121 - 114

    [Ting! Emergency task: Escape from the Xiu Royal Palace within one minute.]


    Zero was already used to this sudden pressuring of his system as he calmly stood up from his bed.


    "System, what is the reward for this task?"


    Zero knew that the system wouldn''t respond yet he just wanted to talk to someone due to spending his time in the punishment trial because of the failed mission. He spent his three years there and now that he had awaken, he wanted someone to talk to despite having to talk to this system.


    [¡­]


    The black raven haired youth estimated the height of his room while looking through the window. He was fifteem feet high from the ground which was appropriate for him to jump.


    [36 seconds remaining.]


    Zero ignored the system as he jumped down with no hesitation. Simultaneously, the third princess opened the door while she carried her sweet smile. That tender smile that she had on her face turned into a confuse and into an alarm look.


    She hurried out as she alerted the palace guards.


    [Three pursuers at the west wing, two infront and one in the left wing.]


    Currently, he was in the west wing which was the shortest way to get through the exit of the royal palace.


    Zero wasn''t into avoiding them as he waited for the three palace guards to arrived. He used his Cosmic Fire to hinder their path and left them immovable. That was just a small portion of his power as he didn''t want to hurt anyone severely.


    Seeing an opportunity, the young man immediately escaped while they suffered in his attack.


    He successfully got away from them as the system notified him for completion.


    [Emergency task completed. Reward partial memory deletion. Going back now.]


    Zero had never heard a certain reward about getting your memory wiped out and what did this defected system meant about the word ''partial''?


    Before he could complain and refuse the reward, he was sent back to the system space while the body was carried by the system to the new recruits of the Circus. The body had been set in an automatic mode until the proxy would arrive and that was the silver haired young man.


    As Zero awaken from his deep slumber in the system space which was in sleep mode due to the host''s long absence that caused for it to come back on its original state of blackness, as Chun stumbled upon the floating person in the black space.


    Zero didn''t remember about escaping from the palace as he only have a recollection to what he had suffered as he died in the Soul Tower. He thought that he could finally leave the space but the system dozed his hope with cold water as he had a task to cultivate for one year here leaving all of his fleeing situation to the silver haired young man.


    ---------


    Chun had spent two weeks with the Circus, it had been well other than the continuous news regarding about the movements of the Royal Guards.


    They were trusted soldiers of the King as General Mo Jianguo headed this group.


    Currently they were heading to the outskirts of the capital city as they were invited there by a close acquaintance of their Master. Though, the Head Seats were hiding the fact about their Master''s disappearance but the people in the Circus was becoming to be curious as they had never seen any shadow of their Master. Despite being careless and would suddenly disappear from time to time but Zero would still go back once a year.


    But strangely, they never seen him for more that three years.


    Degris was the one who initiated to drop by the place of the old man who Zero had been close to. He might lead a clue to them.


    While others were busy on their stuff, the silver haired young man was in silent pondering as she started to feel something odd. When she closed her eyes an ?ssimilation of memories started pouring in her head, though she experienced it already, she couldn''t help but grit her teeth and pain while minimizing any unnecessary noice.


    They were travelling in their train carriage as they were going to perform to another city passing through the suburbs.


    Even though Circus was known to be a mysterious organization and not knowing its true motive of goal but they were still popular when it came to stage and live performances. Every continent which would hear about the arriving of the Circus on their continent, they would feel joy from it and immediately sent out their eager invitation to hire the Circus to perform im their city.


    Although, the mysteriousness of the organization couldn''t hinder its fame enabling it to be in-demanb but still the Circus had been meticulous picker when it came to places they would be performing in.


    The Circus staffs would start a meeting and proposals for the place locations, terrain and weather even the smallest bit of detail wouldn''t be overlooked as they would need to submit it to Degris and the Master would be seeing it as well so they must perform good to please the Master.


    The only common thing of the people in the Circus was their worshipped and adoration for their current head who was Zero.


    Rumours were flying through that the Master wouldn''t come back because he was in deep trouble or he had more important things to that rendered him to go back every year and there was some stated that the Master had just disappeared in thin air that caused the Circus people who heard this to be indignant to the person who was started those false rumors.


    Knowing that it would cause the flames to burn within the organization if they knew that the Master had disappeared with no clue and his location was unknown, not even contacting them.


    Unknown to them, that the person that they had been looking for was just a meter away from them, despite Chun was in possessed of the body, she was still impersonating Zero which she need to be more careful.


    The silver haired young man was wearing her usual fox mask as she would sometimes smirked from hearing her fellow members to discuss senseless things.


    But despite having to know those things, she wasn''t able to see the holy face of the Creator. The man was tall and had a good body built due to his sturdy stature and other than that Chun guessed that he was an outstanding and very handsome higher deity, yet the visage of the holy Creator was something that Chun couldn''t able to see due to the covering light in his face as if avoiding someone to peek on him.


    The silver haired young man rested her head on the chair as she cherished this silent atmosphere. It had been days that she suffered in working her ?ss off to be in the good graces of her superior and establishing an image for herself which gave her an opportunity to gather fans of her own.


    It was a battle of getting in the second year rank as being able to reach that would make them have many benefits, as their experienced seniors stated that being on respected ranks could make them experience the ''true secret of life.''


    Chun had been a discerning individual with their motives of those who was brainwashing her fellow recruits . But the silver haired young man ignored them as no matter what their motive wss, Chun had already set her decision on making up her way to the higher years.


    There wouldn''t be thrill in life if she continued of dilly-dallying


    By instincts, the silver haired young man felt an incoming attack to her as she immediately dodged to the left while her eyes close.


    Well other than gaining fans, she was gaining enemies as well.


    Chun opened her eyes as she looked at them with a hint of irritation hidden the depths of her eyes.


    The stunning scarlet red colored eyes of the enchanting young man made the present spectators to feel their heart stirred from this display of beauty.


    Deter was almost left in a daze while looking at the close proximity of the other. He didn''t notices that the silver haired young man had stood up from her seat and they were staring now closely as they had the same height while Chun taunted the other.


    The boy with short blonde hair snorted as he backed away from Chun as he stated, "You know that we are currently under a selection for going up a year level and today is our examination for the final listing for the recruits that would stay or leave."


    Chun quirked her brows as she continued to listen to the blabber of Demeter.

 Chapter 124 - 117

    The loud alarm within the train cabin that they were staying at reverberate inside the place. It caught the attention of the performers who were resting in their quarters.


    Chun poked out her head outside her room as she curiously listened to the outside announcement. The robotic female voice continued its statement.


    "Game Map 35, Beach Tahiti. Difficulty: B. Mission: Survive."


    The silver haired young man was in deep thought as she heard that. Concluding in the announcement, it indicated about a simulation game and it was only for the first years as currently there were no present higher-leveled performers because even Chun''s snob roommate had been nowhere since yesterday.


    She found out as well that the others except for her fellow first years wasn''t back.


    Chun had been suspicious about their concurrent disappearance which this sudden announcement was in her scope of expectation.


    The mechanical female voice repeated its announcemeant again but there was an added information.


    "¡­Departure; Immediate."


    Some first years were woken up from the booming alarm which made them to be unprepared about the occuring situation, as the mechanical female voice finished its statement, it instantly sent out the oblivious first years. Only those like Deter who had been a senior first year were able to realized the system announcement.


    This was the secret selection for the promotion for a higher level. In fact, it depended in a performer''s play in the field which determined their tier level up, if they performed satisfactorily then they could directly put into the third year performer''s level and if they just survived in a moderate manner, they would go through the judges evaluation if they should be allowed to accelerate from their current level.


    The blondie young man Deter had been ignorant that he was still not in that satisfactory level which could make him accelerate a year level. Although he passed the simulation games that were suddenly launched by the main system, it was still in a b?r?ly passable feat.


    Chun wasn''t interested with her fellow first years as she had just noticed them when they were booted to an unfamiliar environment. There were ten new recruits this year and five senior first years that was recruited last year. A total of fifteen players.


    The silver haired young man wasn''t the only to have weird aesthetics like wearing a half mask designed in a fox style as the others had a more bizarre taste than her. A guy in red blazing hair with orange higlights had swirling tattoos patterned in cherry blossom petals half of his face. There was even a short haired beauty who was carrying a certain instrument half of her size on her back, she was wearing a traditional clothing which was called kimono.


    Chun was lazy to describe each of them as she observed her surroundings. They were by the shore and infront of them was the most bluish sea that the silver haired young man had ever laid her eyes on.


    It was afternoon time as the slightly hot sunlight was hitting on their skin and if they weren''t in a simulation game at this moment, they might already enjoyed this ideal relaxing view. Though, it calmed their tense nerves.


    The calming splash of the deep blue sea hit against the land as it created smoke aftereffects.


    ''A B-grade difficulty huh.'' Chun thought as she had no plans in bathing such dangerous water.


    She heard the mechanical voice.


    "Launching protective emergency chip."


    As it stated, in the far view from their position, the bluish water started to rise up as metallic non-corrosive platforms emerged out from the sea. It was a total of twelve platforms.


    The siver haired young man narrowed her eyes as she saw the scene.


    "A single protective emergency chip for every player. Duration: Two days. Failure to accomplish the task is equivalent to elimination."


    After that, it went silent.


    The serene atmosphere became rigid as they realized something. There were fifteen of them and there were only twelve protective emergency chips, even without using math, they could conclude that only twelve players could survive.


    A lean young man who was was wearing a track suit suddenly declared, "I will be the first one to get that chip!" His nose went up as he confidently neared the calm deep blue sea.


    "A sacrificial lamb," The silver haired young man whispered as she light an incense for this ignorant person in her mind. She looked at the track suit guy with dead eyes.


    Her kind of type.


    The kimono girl subconsciously thought that as the tips of her ears reddened. She tightened her hold to the straps of her bag as she erased her debauched thinking while chanting back to back her grandfather''s reminders.


    "Men are wolves. Handsome ones are dangerous wolves."


    That repeated silently as Chun turned to the chanting lady beside her while looking at the other, strangely.


    ''He might thought I am weird!'' She was alarmed to this as her ears reddened into beet red.


    Chun thought that the closer looked to the kimono girl, she was a bit familiar to her but she forgot where she had seen the latter.


    The shrieked of the proud young man awhile ago, caught their attention as they were scared to see that the other was being burn by the innocent-looking bluish sea. He immediately shouted for help as the other helpful ones stepped forward to help him but they were a second too late because the earlier unperturbed sea was somewhat alive as it engulfed the crying youth with its scary waves.


    Instantly, the violent waves turned back to its calm state as if nothing happened.


    The red haired young man with orange highlights suddenly cursed as he witnesssed the most scariest thing that happened in his life.


    Deter who knew what would happen to that eaten person calmed the crowd as he said, "That is automatic elimination but don''t you worry, this is just a simulation so he isn''t dead but¡­ he will have to pack up."


    At the first-half of the explanation was truly relieving to them as they sighed but hearing the latter half made them more tenser and agitated. It was known that half of the performers'' population were mages who were orphan or homeless and deciding to join the Circus wasn''t only for prestige but it depended with their living situation as well.


    Even though, the Circus was a famous organization that could rival continents but it had life-threatening performances (like what Chun had experienced in her possession of the body but that was only for beginners as there were more dangerous performances that only those higher levels could do). Though, they had abilities but their performances had restrictions as well, in short, getting in the Circus was easy but one should know the consequences, you could leave anytime yet no organizations or sects would accept you due to your reputation for being a coward.


    Why would one enter the Circus and left by its own as they couldn''t handle the challenges? It was like hitting your own foot.


    Only the brave or in-need mages would afford to apply as a performer.


    Chun sighed as she could compare that it would be more less hassle if she was in a martial practitioners'' sect than being in here. Her lazy life was needed to be left after she settled her situation.


    Realizing that they couldn''t just brazenly swim to the acidic water, they gathered in their own groups as they planned for their next action. There were two to three groups gathered while some were on their own and the silver haired young man was one of those players with the kimono girl.


    Despite this was an individual competition, it was still inevitable to do it in solo.


    Yet Chun ignored that fact as she started to walk as she saw her ideal resting spot, it was under a coconut tree. Chun couldn''t help but to treat this simulation game as a vacation trip while she laid in the white sand.


    The island was well-created as it truly enclasped the essence of a scenic view.


    The short haired kimino girl was perhaps curioused to what the mysterious fox mask guy woud be up to as she moved in an opposite direction but the former didn''t think that Chun would only find a spot to nap on.


    She somewhat pitied the foolishness of the lying silver haired young man as she blocked the sunlight the was bathing the other.


    Chun opened her eyes as she curiously looked at the culprit who was blocking her from sunbathing.


    The kimino girl felt the inquiring gaze of the other as the scarlet red eyes was looking at her intensely. She couldn''t help but clear her throat as she tightened her hold to the straps.


    "I am Yu In Na and you are?"


    Chun was astonished as the girl infront her introduced her real name with no hesitation and why did Chun knew that it was her real name?


    Well, Yu In Na was an ''iconic'' name.

 Chapter 125 - 118

    As the silver haired young man heard that name, memories of the past immediately came crashing in her mind.


    Chun first saw her during the simulation test for her application as an instructor to the Harconia Institute.


    - In the purple clothing, designed with red patterned clothes was Yu In Na. She came from Lily City in Zen Country due to her grandfather''s insistance on continuing their line as an instructor. She specialized in her fire techniques and woodcarving talismans. -


    Although the traditional kimino she was currently wearing was far off from what the silver haired young man saw during that time and even her long black hair was cut short just below her chin.


    The silver haired young man continued to recall what happened those times when they discussed about the Case of the Yu family.


    -The Yu Family was composed of three family clans; two side-branch families and the main family. Yu Lee In was the head patriarch of the household, he had one daughter who was Yu In Na and his wife died already after giving birth.


    The household was prosperous on those times but as a patriarchal family, the elders of the three clans did not agree with Yu In Na as the heir of her father so they wanted Yu Lee In to once again marry and have a son. They arranged Yu Songyan from the side-branch family who was also widowed and has a good status at the household.


    The marriage was successful and Yu In Na got a new sister who was Yu Ali Na. Her stepsister was sweet and caring to her father and her, and as well as her stepmother, she was kind to them. At that time when her stepmother successfully got pregnant to a son, the household celebrated for their luck.


    Yet things did not go well for luck, after two weeks of the celebration, Yu Lee In got sick and fell bedridden. He was poisoned, it was an active poison that could kill you in a day. The household was alarmed at knowing this so they called many medicine experts and invited them. Fortunately, the head patriarch was saved but they did not know that this was just the beginning.


    Yu Lee In was healed yet he was unable to be the former smart, collective and kind head patriarch. He got easily irritated, sometimes not understanding reasons and would burst out in a sudden.


    The elders was unsatisfied towards his performance that they wanted to replace him. Slowly, Yu Chuyun who was second to the former Yu Lee In, ?ssimilated approval from many clan members as he was good at decision-making and giving first priority to their household and making the current head patriarch felt threatened.


    In a sudden, Yu In Na went with her grandfather from Lily City and she cut ties with the Yu family. Her father went missing and, her stepsister and stepmother sided with Yu Chuyun. -


    Chun had discussed it with Rin who was the best friend of this girl standing infront of her. The silver haired young man who was lying on the ground just turned her back to the short haired kimono girl as she responded with no interest.


    "Silver Fox."


    Her bland tone surprised Yu In Na, not because of her uncaring attitude but the silver haired young man''s identity. She might be too introverted as she never saw this infamous Silver Fox when they were in their train cabin, as she was usually on her training, only would go out from her sleeping quarters if she needed food or needed to perform in that day.


    If someone would label a person''s life boring and dull, the short haired kimono girl might be ranked first for her routinary living. After leaving the Yu Household, she stayed with her grandfather and never went back to that forsaken place.


    Due to it, her grandfather had instilled strict training to her, not only in her magic cultivation but also as being a filial and refined lady.


    Yu In Na had been a lone young woman since then even in her life as a missus of the Yu family made her more less interactive with ladies in her age as she was too shy with unfamiliar people yet her courage was piqued when her stern grandfather taught her severely.


    But she was still hard to approach.


    While the kimino girl was silent with her own running thoughts, Chun who was comfortably lying on the white sand curled the corner of her lips as she noticed the approacing quiet and dazzling sunset.


    The silver haired young man instantly rose up from her relaxation as she started to move to find a strong-based tall tree. She would rather spend her night on the tree branch than to be swallowed up by an abnormal acidic tide.


    Yu In Na who was distracted with her thoughts snapped off as she saw the silver haired young man getting up while she dusted herself from invisible dirt. The kimino lady was curious where she was going as she noticed in her peripheral view what the other first years had been doing; after they talked about their plans, they started to move to find sturdy metallic durable resources that could withstand the acidic sea.


    They would be building a boat. They had the same thought running on their mind.


    Currently, the fourteen people were divided into four groups; Deter''s group containing four people including him, a lolita with two bulky-looking guys who were known for their group of Hime-Sama Guards (which was their stage group name as performers), four people-group of first years who wanted to finish this task immediately so they formed a group having no choice and lastly, the group of solos - the silver haired young man who was bored, the kimino girl carrying a big baggage on her back and the arrogant young man with eye-soring colored hair in shade of red and orange.


    Even though, twelve of them could survive in this mission but they needed to have their own division as having fewer people in a group, the more it could be controlled, and building a boat could be easily pulled off as they were mages, using their abilities to build a boat made it easier as there were no restrictions for their abilities.


    The silver haired young man who was witnessing their farce while on her selected tree branch just sighed in her mind as her fellow performers had been lacking in the brain department.


    Compared to Chun who had known many kinds of simulations like the back of her hand had already deduced what type of simulation which they were under in, as stated by that mechanical voice; they were in a B-grade simulation place. Therefore, in a place like this Beach Tahiti map, the most appropriate mechanism of this place was ''a heart that could be only calmed''.


    The silver haired young man had been an avid bookworm since her childhood as she already drilled through their massive three-storey library, reading all of those fascinating books that it was like bedtime stories for her.


    One of her favorite simulation master''s book had stated clues regarding grades of a simulation area and that phrase ''a heart that could be only calmed'' was a hint that could solve this simulation''s puzzle.


    In fact, Chun had thought that the Circus'' administrator was truly cruel as to not leave any hint for this first years. Only who had study and familiar to simulations could crack its puzzle.


    Chun was almost startled from the branch that she was currently sitting as it shook due to the landing of the kimino girl beside her.


    She forgot the presence of this person.


    "Silver, why aren''t you moving?" Yu In Na was referring to her unruffled aura as she was unlike to the people below who were busying themselves to finish the task.


    Interest lighted in the silver haired youth''s eyes as she heard her stage name being shortened by the girl.


    "There''s still time and they won''t be able to finish it before the tide."


    Yu In Na who had been curious to the youth''s plan was alarmed from hearing the last part.


    Immediately, she looked to the bluish water as she noticed the slowly rising waves. Although, she was introverted but she was a person who had a conscience unlike the laidback youth with her.


    In an instant, the kimino girl went down from her spot as she warned the others. She had no intention to speak to this fellow first years but she couldn''t just ignore their fleeting lives infront of her.


    Hearing the warning of the short haired beauty, Deter and his group, and the other groups went to confirm her statement and after knowing that it was true, they immediately found a tall tree with high branch to stay on.


    Chun didn''t stop the ''compassionate'' girl while she warned the others as she was more interested to her now.


    Though, such a pity. She couldn''t watch a hilarious show of running monkeys.

 Chapter 127 - 120

    Blu asked the big guy across him as the other wordlessly stared back at him. He forgot that this big guy was only good for his brawns not for his brain.


    Both of them were the only ones who were left to do the surveillance work. Though, the Sixth Seat was there to personally supervise the first years but the blue haired boy prefered to watch a good show.


    Blu sighed as he stood up to find a file related with the player 000.


    ''Player 000


    Performer name: Silver Fox


    Admitted: 25th of Spring


    Ability: Telekinesis


    Mind power: SS+


    Skills: Strategic, Charmer


    ; Lazy, lazy, lazy.


    Notes:


    The last performer to apply. Always wears his mask, fewer times he removes it. (Picture below)''


    The picture that was attached was a silver haired young man who was lazily waiting for something as her white long lashes feathered below her eyes. She prompted her chin on her left hand as she looked outside the window. The shot was able to take her side face and even her full face was blurred as if she used a trick to block any recording.


    The silver haired young man wasn''t an anxious person even there were running pursuers on her tail. She was someone to still have a calm moment in a severe situation. And removing her mask sometimes wasn''t a big deal for her as no one would able to see her face unless it were people familiar to her, that was a reason why she tended to avoid getting attention from the Head Seats.


    Blu squinted his eyes as he tried to see the features of the blurred picture. It looked familiar but at the same time, it didn''t. Though the side face of the silver haired young man was truly captivating.


    Just like their Master.


    The kid who was around ten years old was smiling childishly as he looked at the file. Driven who was hulking by the side couldn''t help but to be stunned with the display of the blue haired child.


    ''Finally, he acts on his own age.''


    Driven was about to smile as he imagined the other like a sweet child. He couldn''t help but soften his uncle-heart. He was about to path the head of the child yet Blu''s voice sounded that awoke him up to reality.


    The smiling child wasn''t smiling sweetly as his smile was closed to someone who was thinking something evil. The Fourth Seat felt his spine shivered as his instincts was warning him.


    "Driven, I have an idea to their second game!"


    "Eh...?"


    -----


    After each groups ate their fill, they were able to regain back their strength and started to rebuild their boats. It wasn''t restricted to eat the food on their storage space which they didn''t need to travel in the island to find edible food and they were lucky that they had stocks of food in their storage even though they were unprepared by this sudden situation.


    But food were the only things that could be taken out from their storage spaces as the other objects that weren''t food was restricted and it was impossible to bring them out.


    Although mages could go on days without eating but still they wanted good food to comfort themselves from their current predicament.


    On the side of the three-member group who had a lolita as their leader, they were the ones who had a very fancy breakfast as the two hardworking bodyguards prepared a table and a chair for their precious Hime-sama. The two bulky men were really effient on their job.


    Even Chun who was planning to laze around couldn''t help but to be tempted by that braised pork meal, though it didn''t appear on her face as she glanced on the prepared food at the elegant table and went back to her laying posture under the tree.


    She missed her perfect butler.


    But still she needed to figure out her situation. The silver haired young man turned her back to the prepared mouth-watering food as she played with the white sand.


    The joyful aura suddenly dampened as the cute lolita pursed her lips while looking at the back of the silver haired young man. She thought that the way to the man''s heart was to his stomach but why it didn''t work.


    Her two bodyguards was called Pit and Tip but they were both had identical faces as they were twins. Tip was the one who suggested to entice her target with food which was not successful as the other just glance at it and ignored her fancy food. She even prepared the food just three meters away the silver haired young man as she awaited for her to join her and even asked Pit to use his wind ability to make the aroma of the food smelled by Chun but it didn''t work.


    Knowing that their Lady wasn''t happy, the two of them panicked as they started to alleviate her displeasure.


    The onlookers by the sideline was already used to their acts as they were famous in the first years. Only the silver haired young man was clueless to them.


    Yu In Na was silently observing as she was beside the laying silver haired young man. She played with the golden leaf in her hand while she stared at the silent platforms from afar. The view was such a lure for ignorant people as it was truly breathtaking. Though, it was a pity that, this place was just a simulation.


    "Right, why are you here?" Chun suddenly said as she was curious about the kimono girl sitting beside her while the other performers were busy on their boat-building.


    "I''m enjoying the view," Yu In Na simply stated as she continued to look at the blue sea.


    Somehow the blank expression girl slightly creased her brows as she stated, "Stop figuring it out. I''m just curious to what are you planning."


    In fact, the silver haired young man''s behavior was baffling and suspicious as the youth was laid back since day one. That relax expression of hers as if she had figured out the mechanism of the simulation...?


    Immediately, the black eyes of the kimono girl widened as she tightened her grasp on the straps of her bag.


    "You..."


    The silver haired young man with half-lidded eyes smiled at the other in respond as she continued to slack off. She had no plans to stop the short haired woman if she would ratted her to the other like she did yesterday night. But surprisingly, she didn''t move from her spot as she went to play with her golden leaf.


    Yu In Na was irritated to the peeking eyes as she answered, "I''m not that kind."


    She indicated that what she had just did that day was for an emergency situation and doing ot again wouldn''t help them. Knowing that this was a test, it would be good for them to figure it out themselves as there weren''t always a served plate for a hungry person.


    Chun hummed in agreement as she begun to stand up. She decided to exercise and it was so boring to play in her own.


    "Ina, do you want to see something cool?"


    "But the time is running ou---"


    Her statement was cut off as the silver haired young man dangerously moved closer to her ear as she whispered, "I will tell you the mechanism if you play with me."


    Her hot breath lingered to Yu In Na''s ear as the kimono girl reddened.


    If an outsider looked at the situation from a viewers point of view, they would have mistaken that the sly fox was tempting a young lady to fall in her pit.


    The two bodyguards felt that their Lady''s aura turned into sinister as she pursed her lips while she humphed in jealousy.


    Deter who wanted to help the kimono girl from getting harassed stopped his actions as he smirked at the misfortune of the girl.


    ''She deserves that, she decline me so she needs to face it on her own.''


    Even the other ungrateful performers turned a blind eye as they knew that they couldn''t be match with that mischievous Silver Fox.


    Although, the silver haired young man had no awareness with them but it wasn''t the same of them as they weren''t blind to not heard the infamous Silver Fox, and there was a rumour that she had taught a lesson to the person that spoiled her mood.


    In fact, that was just an accident that only Chun knew. But regardless, she had earned herself an image of someone that you couldn''t offend. Though Deter was offending him, they believed it to be that the other was lucky... for now and may be his just desserts would be served later.


    Suddenly, Deter sensed unwanted stares from the performers on his surrounding and even his two followers somehow distanced themselves away from him as if they finally realized their mistakes.

 Chapter 128 - 121

    Regardless of the other''s thoughts, the silver haired young man wasn''t in a hurry to finish the simulation game as she had to do something first.


    The kimono girl who was suddenly dragged by the mischievous fox was oblivious to where they were going. Chun had already found an interesting thing in this simulated island. Knowing that the players wouldn''t go further inside the island''s forest as they had gathered their needed materials from the outer parts of it and they wouldn''t want to waste time, the earlier they get that emergency protective chip, the safer they would be.


    But somehow the mischievous fox discovered a delightful object in the inner parts of the forest, it was due to her divine perception that enabled her to sense it.


    And bringing the girl was just due to her impulse yet she had another motive.


    "Wait. I sense something coming," Yu In Na did not let down her guard as her instincts told her to be alert.


    The kimono girl didn''t heard any noise in their steps but she knew that the culprit arrived.


    No. It was suppposed to be culprits as their presence were in numbers. If she would sense them using her qi perception then they would be around ten. Guessing from their hunting formation, they had been already doing this as a group. A beast that were attacking in groups, aren''t they like a pack of wolves?


    Yu In Na stayed watchful as she waited for them to attack and she would see first what beast they were. As they were in the simulation area then it wouldn''t be surprising to see unfamiliar creatures. That was the thrilling part of playing in a survival setting in a simulation as the generated area from another dimension could be modified by the engineers but the living creatures that were already part of that place couldn''t be touch due to the limits of its modification but before a simulation could be launch, it would first undergo testing and exploration in order to determine the level of difficulty.


    But the unfair part of this, it would depend to the management for its release of information to the players. And currently, what the silver haired young man with her fellow players had been experiencing was to figure the things in this island.


    A huge beast jumped out from the bushes as it stared carefully at the kimono girl who was in a fighting stance. They were observing each others'' movements. The beast had a characteristic of a wolf but its black irises were odd, its teeth were longer as it stuck ofrom its mouth and their legs were much larger for their own body. They were a mutated wolf if not for Chun knowing what kind of species were they.


    It was called Pryopost, a carnivore that couldn''t be satified with just eating nothing in a day. Though, beast couldn''t die without eating for days as they were supplemented with the world energy around but Pryopost weren''t like this and they tend to hunt in groups. Their huge stature was really scary as they stood five feet tall which was a normal Pryopost size as their Alphas were larger than that.


    The silver haired young man was standing on a tree branch as she was spectating at the fight scene. She was amused to witness that the fragile-looking short haired girl wasn''t that weak at all as she singlehandedly took care of that massive beast who was taller than her, with three strikes of her palm while using a movement technique.


    Her movements were like a snake as she would accurately and smoothly hit the vital points of the beast. It immediately ended their farce yet the kimono girl didn''t still let down her guard as she gesture for the hiding beasts to attack her.


    The observing silver haired young man was amazed by her offense as she didn''t use her ability, she executed those clean hits with pure physical strength.


    Looking at their paralyzed brother on the ground, helplessly weeping, they roared as they dashed in groups. The Pryopost valued their kinds which meant that they wanted to avenge their defeated brother.


    Three of them attack infront as the others surrounded Yu In Na. She was so concentrated in her battle that she didn''t notice the sly fox was only relaxing on a tree branch.


    Despite that she was carrying that huge bag on her back, her movements weren''t even restricted by it as the beasts couldn''t land a hit on her.


    They truly had underestimated their opponent as earlier, they agreed to only use brute strength to defeat that fragile human girl but they were surprised to see that small body contained much fighting power as she used an unfamiliar technique, and they wanted their prey to not turn into ashes.


    Using their own language to communicate in their beast form, the Alpha ordered his group to take down that girl no matter what and that means¡­


    Yet strangely, they stepped back as one of the Pryopost who had a brown fur faced her as it started to open its strong jaws while the other followed suit.


    She sensed something bad from it as she grasped her bag. At the same time, the spectating silver haired young man looked anticipatingly at the outcome.


    What would she do?


    Simultaneously, black red scorching fire came out from their mouth as they directed it to the kimono girl. The big flame engulfed her as the group of Pryopost was satified witht their work despite not able to eat that delicious yet difficult food.


    The smokes didn''t disperse yet, as they heard a chuckle coming from a nearby tree. The beasts didn''t expect that there was a spectator and even their Alpha was surprised as well. But before they could deal on the fox mask young man, they heard a strumming of an instrument as it produced a soft melody.


    It came from the dispersing smokes as it revealed a short haired girl, sitting down on the ground in a dogeza with a calm face while she strummed on her three-string lute. It was a traditional shamisen.


    Any living beings that could hear the Death Strum would shake in fear as every note it produces invoked their most deepest and darkest fear which made them experienced death in that certain situation.


    The unguarded Pryoposts were no exemptions as they fell down one by one and writhed in pain. Slowly, they transformed back to their vulnerable form that Yu In Na didn''t expect to see.


    She felt her cheeks burned while she involuntarily stopped her strumming and looked away from the writhing n?k?d beings in human form on the ground.


    Yu In Na stared in shock to the standing silver haired young man who was smirking at her as she forgot her earlier embarrasment. She couldn''t believe that someone who heard her Death Strum was able to resist and unaffected by its terrrifying effect as the victim would be pulled to a certain degree of madness like the Pryoposts there.


    ''He must be very powerful!''


    "How did you do it?" The kimono girl asked in amazement but the silver haired young man was unresponsive to her as Chun looked at her in question.


    As she remembered something, the mischievous fox removed her earblocks as she smiled at the amazed short haired girl but suddenly her surprise went back to uninterest while she put back her shamisen inside its bag.


    She silently comforted herself as to not expect anything from this unreliable young man.


    Chun who was being cursed was praising herself due to her thought up plan. In fact, she wasn''t affected by Yu In Na''s ability yet she couldn''t reveal that as she was in disguised and possessing a man''s body that she needed to return to the real owner which she had no idea where was Zero other than in that black space connected to her silver box which was currently in Sereign continent, miles away and oceans apart.


    So tell her, how could she reveal herself if she was still figuring out things?


    "Umm¡­ Silver? Are you listening?"


    The voice of the kimono girl interrupted her monologue as she finally noticed the poor beaten up men with clothes on, huddled in a corner while a fully-clothed pristine young man was standing infront of her, smiling in greeting.

 Chapter 129 - 122

    Chun looked at the smiling man infront of her with an inquiring gaze while the kimono girl beside her sighed as explained what happen while she was in trance.


    She sensed something bad from it as she grasped her bag. At the same time, the spectating silver haired young man looked anticipatingly at the outcome.


    What would she do?


    Simultaneously, black red scorching fire came out from their mouth as they directed it to the kimono girl. The big flame engulfed her as the group of Pryopost was satified witht their work despite not able to eat that delicious yet difficult food.


    The smokes didn''t disperse yet, as they heard a chuckle coming from a nearby tree. The beasts didn''t expect that there was a spectator and even their Alpha was surprised as well. But before they could deal on the fox mask young man, they heard a strumming of an instrument as it produced a soft melody.


    It came from the dispersing smokes as it revealed a short haired girl, sitting down on the ground in a dogeza with a calm face while she strummed on her three-string lute. It was a traditional shamisen.


    Any living beings that could hear the Death Strum would shake in fear as every note it produces invoked their most deepest and darkest fear which made them experienced death in that certain situation.


    The unguarded Pryoposts were no exemptions as they fell down one by one and writhed in pain. Slowly, they transformed back to their vulnerable form that Yu In Na didn''t expect to see.


    She felt her cheeks burned while she involuntarily stopped her strumming and looked away from the writhing n?k?d beings in human form on the ground.


    Her pure eyes was tainted. Immediately, Chun appeared infront of her as the mischievous fox blocked the not so child-friendly view.


    Yu In Na stared in shock to the standing silver haired young man who was smirking at her as she forgot her earlier embarrasment. She couldn''t believe that someone who heard her Death Strum was able to resist and unaffected by its terrrifying effect as the victim would be pulled to a certain degree of madness like the Pryoposts there.


    ''He must be very powerful!''


    "How did you do it?" The kimono girl asked in amazement but the silver haired young man was unresponsive to her as Chun looked at her in question.


    As she remembered something, the mischievous fox removed her earblocks as she smiled at the amazed short haired girl but suddenly her surprise went back to uninterest while she put back her shamisen inside its bag.


    She silently comforted herself as to not expect anything from this unreliable young man.


    A very huge beast emerged out of his hiding spot, his form was unbelievably more bigger than the surrounding Pryoposts. Though the white color of his fut was glowing without the rays of the sun. It was a mesmerizing view like he was unlike these savage beasts. Though, his red eyes were the most piercing that Yu In Na had saw.


    But the short haired girl didn''t let down her guard as she held her three-string lute, ready to strum the instrument.


    Unexpectedly, he didn''t attack as he bowed his head while in his beast form and transformed back in his human form.


    Yu In Na who felt goosebumps from witnessing those n?k?d men. She immediately covered her eyes, not wanting to see another n?k?d man, adding up to her list. Yes, list of faces that would turn into her nightmare.


    The innocent kimono girl was in distress as she used her left hand to cover her eyes while the other hand was holding her shamisen. The unapproachable short haired girl was like a flower wilted from its roots.


    Her grandfather always stated that if she saw a man''s n?k?d body then she should take responsibility of it but...


    So she should to take responsibility for all the n?k?d men?!


    Realizing that, her fragile mind short-circuited as her heart was frozen. She had no money to take care all of them! How could she an introverted ran away girl who was living alone with her granfather but now minus the grandfather - she was currently on her own as she wanted to pursue her dream as she joined the Circus, would able to take responsibility?


    Her thoughts were running as truly overthinking was something that could poison a person''s simple mind which made a situation much more complicated when it was in fact just simple.


    Yu In Na''s overthinking stopped as she heard a man''s voice.


    "Hello. I''m Nala, the Alpha of the Sajid Tribe."


    The gently voice came from the tender-looking man as he smiled with innocence to the peeking short haired young woman in between her fingers.


    The kimono girl sighed in relief as she saw that he was wearing clothes right after he transformed. Was it a privilege of an Alpha?


    Confirming the other was now a bit harmless, Yu In Na removed her hands from her eyes as she inspected the other, head to feet.


    It was a huge contrast to the ten feet beast earlier. The terrifying yet magnificent aura was gone as it replaced with this honey eyed guy. His hazelnut colored eyes were honeyed with sweetness that could stop time if one stared at him directly but it would only work at normal beings as these two were numbed to it. Chun was immuned to this kind of enchanting face as she usually saw a more enchanting face in the mirror plus her butler was a dangerously handsome demon prince that was on her side for most of the time, while the kimono girl was unaffected as she was just uninterested with high face valued people because her grandfather warned her repeateadly the dangers about them.


    "I''m Yu In Na." The kimono girl simply stated with her blank look.


    The brunette young man stared at her with a smile as he turned to look at the silver haired young man wearing a half mask which was only covering her upper face.


    Nala was in wonder, what was a Faire person doing here? Even though Chun had no pointed ears nor cerulean blue eyes yet her stature was breathtaking which only the Faire kind could manifest because of their otherworldly features.


    ''If he would remove his mask then he would be more breathtaking.''


    The innocent sweet-looking ''teenager'' was the fiercest and most manipulative Alpha of the whole Pryopost race which meant that looks could be deceiving as Nala was the most despicable manipulator you don''t want to encounter. He would usually resort to petty tricks if they would unexpectedly got defeated but right now, he had no plans as he noticed the silent silver haired young man beside the human girl who was wearing a weird garment.


    He needed first to set aside their hunger as they needed help from this Faire person.


    The silver haired young man who was told about what happened could only nod in understanding as she turned to look at the standing brunette boy.


    Although, he looked like in his teens. The Alpha was already in his two-hundred year old.


    "You can call me Silver. Nice to meet you!" Chun offered an handshake but before Nala could tenderly respond with a warm handshake, the silver haired young man move her hand away and put it to her pocket as she said.


    "Opps..." Chun teased as she smirked.


    Strangely, the atmosphere went silent as the silver haired young man felt that her joke wasn''t appropriate.


    Meanwhile, Nala''s subordinates were shaking in fear as under that innocent-looking young man was a volcano starting to erupt. On their hundred days of living with the Alpha, they knew him very well and offending him was like digging your own hell.


    The silver haired young man ignored the atmosphere as she continued her stare at the other. Though, it was just a glimpse but she saw that his pupils darkened but it immediately went away.


    Yu In Na had no idea what was happening as she picked her discarded bag and put her shamisen back again.


    A minute passed by as Nala released a sigh in defeat which made his group stunned. This was their first time to see their ultimate Alpha to admit defeat.


    Nala wass about to open his mouth when the silver haired young man interrupted.


    "You need help?"


    The brunette Alpha almost let his eyes roll as he was surprised that the other knew his intention.


    ''As expected of a Faire person.'' Nala thought as his eyes slanted as he smiled in agreement.


    After knowing that Chun would help him. The Alpha didn''t delay as he began to command his group to go back first.


    If Yu In Na had finished the whole song melody, then those Pryoposts would be dead already.


    Chun looked at the quiet short haired girl and asked, "You''re very kind."


    Yu In Na knew what she meant.


    "By the way, how did you immediately take out your instrument?" The random question was left unanswered again.

 Chapter 130 - 123

    Xanxia is just a small world realm that was hand crafted by the Creator. No matter what how they were a world of varying cultures and races. It couldn''t be denied that it was still a mere new world in between the different ancient senior dimensions and realms.


    But there was something special about this world; simulations. Generated simulations that emerged during the new era.


    This was after the story of the World Tree.


    A man and a woman birthed out from the World Tree. Two huge fruit came down from the branches of the tree and when it reached the ground, it started to break and a person came out.


    A woman appeared from it, she observed her environment as she slowly stepped her feet. She stumbled at first as she was not used to her two feet and unfamiliar for her environment. After practicing for the mean time, she got the hang of it.


    The woman turned around to see her surroundings, the place was a garden as it was full of vibrant flowers, trees and the lively sturdy tree that its body evoked a feeling that it couldn''t be toppled. The hug tree was the most eye-catching scenery in this enchanting surrounding. She could feel a sense of attachment to the tree as if a child needing comfort from her parents.


    While she was in dazed, figuring out her emotions. She snapped out and having an innate knowledge, she wandered around to find large leaves to cover her n?k?dness.


    As the garden was provided by the World Tree, the woman live abundantly there with no worries until a companion came. The said companion came out from the fruit that was left untouched after the day that the woman was born as it was protected by the World Tree.


    A man came out from the fruit and he was the same as the woman, he wasn''t able to get used to his environment but was able to cope up with it.


    They both got along together and they liked each other. As they lived peacefully with the World Tree, a hunter came. He was a human hunter that accidentally crossed the border between time and space which was the barrier of the garden between the forest that the hunter would usually hunted on.


    At that time, the man wasn''t present as he looked for a gift for the woman as he was planning to propose to her. He already confided with the World Tree about his feelings for the woman and the tree advised him to make effort for it.


    Meanwhile in the midst of tall trees, a man who was sleeping on a thick branch as he cradled his bow heard a soft tune. He was awaken by it as he got down from his sleeping spot, the hunter followed the sound until he saw a beauty with long raven black hair bathing in the river.


    "A river spirit?" The hunter whispered as he slowly crept near the woman.


    Creeek!


    A branch broke from the foot of the hunter as he cursed for his misfortune.


    "Who''s there?" The woman stated as she covered her body. As the woman turned around, the hunter was enthralled by her beauty, she got red ruby eyes that was glaring at him with anger which the hunter found entertaining.


    "Miss, Are you a river spirit?"


    "River s-spirit? W-what''s that?" The woman was adjusting her tongue to the language of the human as she was surprised to be able to understand this unfamiliar language.


    "You know, spirit nymphs are beautiful as enchanting like you," the hunter praised as his dark cerulean eyes observed the blushing woman.


    Even though the woman wasn''t able to perceived that the hunter was praising her - her reaction was by instincts.


    "What are you doing here? Do you need help?" The hunter offered his hands to the woman, as the woman reluctantly took it and the hunter pulled her up towards him.


    This started their short-lived story, they would usually meet by the stream as it was the only place that the hunter could crossed. They would spend their time together, happily, but all of the good things were temporary. The man who was sad by the rejection of the woman found out that the woman that he loved was seeing a human.


    Due to his jealousy, he planned to kill the human hunter when they see each other again by the stream. The hunter at that time was waiting for his lover when unexpectedly he was stabbed by ''her'' on the back.


    He died while in mixed emotions as he stared with lost, betrayal, anger and sadness to the woman that he loved. After the human hunter died, the smirking woman turned back into the man as he washed his hands on the river and hide the dagger behind his back pocket. Then he walked away, leaving the dead human hunter.


    "Cian? Where are you? Stop hiding again. It won''t work on me!" As the woman''s cheery voice was heard, the silence of the forest greeted her.


    Until she saw her dead lover was bathing on his own blood.


    "Cian! What h-happened?" As she cried with grief while hugging the dead body. The man ''coincidentally'' came out from the trees he was hiding in as he comforted the woman.


    Days went on but in the garden that the World Tree''s haven, the time stood still. But the feeling of pain and sadness did not stayed still. The woman went back to her usual-self yet her eyes was saying the opposite.


    Finally, the man was able to obtained the mutual affection from the woman until the World Tree birthed a child for them. A child that created Xanxia.


    Then deities after deities was born from the World Tree until they were all ten of them to manage the ten continents. The man and woman was still living in the garden in which the World Tree created, while their child - the Creator travelled diverse realms.


    Having regain her third fragment which enabled her to retain some of her memories as a deity. She remembered an innate memory that would be passed down from deity to deity. It was the memory of the World Tree. And the truth regarding about the story of those two direct descendants of the World Tree.


    But Chun set aside that thought as she continued to listen the story of Nala, the Alpha of this group.


    The Alpha might have no sense of time crisis as he begun to tell the origin of the simulation which related to the Story of the World Tree, and Chun was patiently listening as she was not in an hurry to accomplish the task for this test and she was more interested to what this Alpha needed there help for.


    As expected, what she heard was just a common story that could be read in books which was modified from the real one that only Chun and the deities in the Qi Mountain knew of.


    Opposite to the patience of the silver haired young man, the kimono girl''s patience was running thin as she interrupted the other. They were still the same spot and it was alread afternoon and this young man was talking nonsense with them, not getting to the point.


    "So what is it? Let''s get it straight to the point."


    Feeling the cold glare of the short haired girl.


    Chun smirked in amusement while on the other hand, Nala who was being directed with it, shivered. It was great contrast to his beast form but it was still pardonable as his beast spirit named Sed was really ferocious while his human counterpart was this calm and gentle youth.


    Their pairing was odd but complementing.


    "Sorry about that I just got carried away as it''s been days that I talked to new people."


    Chun frowned as she asked, "What do you mean?"


    Knowing that they could be trusted, Nala revealed his distress.


    "In fact we have no idea how we got to be on this island. As I remembered, our group was in hunting but suddenly the ground shook and we got knocked out from consciousness, and then waking up in the same place but as we wanted to return to our tribe, the path to home was nowhere in sight as we witnessed that the Concave Forest turned into an island."


    The silver haired young man realized something as she heard that, although the space that the simulation area could copy came from the other dimension as well as replicating the creatures living there but it never got to a point that a certain race with spiritual consciousness could be also taken.


    In a normal scenario of modifying and copying a simulation area from an another dimension, only those being without spiritual awareness could be allowed but in Nala''s case, the opposite happened.


    It might be only Chun was knowledgeable about simulations as Yu In Na had no expression on her face as if she took this, normally.


    ''Something strange is happening.''

 Chapter 132 - 125

    The quiet short haired girl widened her eyes as she dragged her pig teammate away from the starry-eyed brunette.


    "What are you thinking? We only have tomorrow for the end duration of our first task! We would be wasting time!" Yu In Na stated in a hysterical manner as she didn''t want to fail her only chance and now she got dragged to a pit because of this silver haired youth.


    If she knew that her curiosity would lead her to this then she wouldn''t have stick to Chun due to interest and boredom.


    Chun was amused to the nervous face of the kimono girl as this was her first time to see her like this. She easily broke her cold and introverted nature.


    Instead of being bewildered, the silver haired young man smiled as she stated, "We will not participate in it anymore."


    Yu In Na frowned as she heard that, "Why?"


    "The system already issued."


    Finally, she realized the point of the silver haired youth. She sighed in relief and started to consider their next course of actions.


    Chun neared the brunette youth as he waited for them to finish their talk.


    "You can lead the way."


    The Alpha nodded as he begun to walk infront while Chun and Yu In Na followed.


    ---------


    They ignored the two missing fellow players as they were focused on their task in hand. They had no time to waste and they knew that those two wouldn''t die, they might fail but their life wouldn''t perish.


    The only thing that the players overlooked was the red haired young man who was observing them from a blindspot. He was not obligated to do the task as he was the moderator.


    While Ryder was relaxing, suddenly he felt his heartbeat quickened due to the sudden loud ring of the system notification. He looked around if the players heard it but they just continued what they were doing as they weren''t aware of the loud noise.


    It was a call from the outside.


    Looking that it was that brat, Ryder frowned and answered, "What is it now?"


    "Someone triggered a hidden quest."


    Ryder almost revealed himself from his hiding spot as he was shocked about this information. Calming himself, he asked.


    "So is it bad or good?"


    -------- 125


    So the Circus was truly capable of overcoming the restrictions as they were able to bring a race that came from another world.


    The more the silver haired young man thought about it, her mind was enveloped in disarray, a ray of mysticism and in matter of interest.


    She smirked as she trudged with her walk while her eyes were focused to the brunette young man infront who was guiding them.


    The harmless-looking boy was lean in physique, exuded a gentle yet subservient aura. His brown curly hair unintentionally formed a pair of ears on his head, even his smile embodied the vibe that you can offend him however you want but he will forgive you like a saint. Chun''s overall evaluation to the other was a such an unsuitable character as an Alpha. Although, his beast could sent tingles and chills in your spine as if you would meet death but it was still the beast not the human.


    But he was a perfect description for a wolf in a sheep''s skin.


    The warmth of the aftenoon heat drew to its end as it changed with the orange skies. A comforting wisp of the wind danced with the feathered greenish leaves surrounding their environment. Crisps of the dry leaves resounded beneath the feet of the three people travelling on foot as they followed the path where Nala and his group had stayed.


    Darkness enveloped their way as Chun sensed that they had stepped on a hidden formation array.


    She tried to slow her breath as the rampaging beats of her heart was flooding her mind. Her unfocused gaze directed to the back of the harmless brunette young man as she somehow could see him despite the darkness.


    Snap!


    Immediately, the darkened surrounding regained light but what the silver haired young man saw was the inconspicuous place. If one would not intently observe the current setting, they wouldn''t differentiate it from the former forest that they were in, few seconds ago.


    It was night time as the dusk left the twilight. The same yet different forest. The wind blow from the east to west but now it was blowing in reverse. And another thing that could confirm Chun''s conjecture was the kimono girl that she was with earlier was nowhere in sight.


    Although, the silver haired young man wanted to keep her cool, she was daunted to the unsettling environment.


    As the vivid violet leaves brushed each other, it created a whistling rustle and it made the silver haired young man''s pulse quickened; blowing out a series of short breaths to gain control. Silhouettes of the tall trees around her turned into mystifying creatures of the night.


    Chun had never felt this kind of terror, usually she would be at ease in this type of situation as her butler would always by her side but now, she realized what was it to be unprotected and no one to rely on.


    Truthfully, the start of knowing that she was in an unfamiliar place where her butler wasn''t present, Titus couldn''t be reach, Xiao Fen as well and even her family household. The silver haired young man wanted to vomit as her stomach was churning in pain and her ?h?st tightened with anxiety.


    Her fake facade of enjoying the moment, taking all of the inevitable with a peace of mind was just a mask to not breakdown and show her weakness. A weakness that she hated, she loathed herself for being reliant to others and being overconfident of having fortune to be in a powerful household, having a divine bloodline and nothing to worry every single day as it was already taken care of her butler. And added to the fact that she had unlocked her deity powers and able to contract with a legendary thunder bird.


    One could say that she was truly an overpowered character, anyone would want to be in her position. Yet all of these things were just walls for her emptiness. She never got to experience being crushed in someone''s feet or being denied with humility. Chun can be called a ''Son of Heaven'' with her very good circumstances but that was it as now she was left here like a child with no clothes amidst the roaring winds and clashing thunders.


    How will she overcome her weakness?


    The brunette young man turned around as the gentle features replaced with prominent ones, clean cut brown hair, sword-edged brows, eminent straight nose, angular jaw and that bone-chilling look from his dark snobbish eyes was a handsome man to boot.


    "Roommate, aren''t you bored from clutching your head?" That deep unbothered voice stunned the silver haired young man from reverie.


    "How? Why are you here?"


    Xuan, her snobbish roommate was suspiciously present. Instead of being happy from having someone familiar with her, she didn''t let her guard down as she was ready to attack to any false movements that the other would do.


    The snobbish man rolled his eyes as he sighed in defeat, "There''s no use of using your powers here. This is the Concave Forest and currently your identity is a forgotten prince of the Snow Palace. But looking from your situation, you are a prince who is a step to death''s door."


    The statements that Xuan said was like a snail in the silver haired young man''s mind; slow to move, slow to process. As if using a star screwdriver on a flat-headed screw.


    Chun was keeping her sanity from this current unsetting space but what the snobbish guy had spouted left her in the middle of being insane.


    "W-what? What are you talking?"


    Xuan was unperturbed by this exaggerated reaction as he introduced himself, nonchalantly.


    "I''m your snobbish roommate Xuan, a third year world traveller but my true identity is a system who guides world travellers as they act as a host. Hi! I''m System 001, nice to meet you."


    The friendly greeting was out of place with that bored face. An expression ''so-many-talking-let''s-just-get-going-already!''


    But Chun ignored that unwelcoming face as she asked in disbelief, "Then I''m your host and am currently in an alternate world?!"


    This discovery stunned the silver haired young man as it was more disturbing than her current pain.

 Chapter 133 - 126

    The brunette young man turned around as the gentle features replaced with prominent ones, clean cut brown hair, sword-edged brows, eminent straight nose, angular jaw and that bone-chilling look from his dark snobbish eyes was a handsome man to boot.


    "W-what? What are you talking?"


    Xuan was unperturbed by this exaggerated reaction as he introduced himself, nonchalantly.


    "I''m your snobbish roommate Xuan, a third year world traveller but my true identity is a system who guides world travellers as they act as a host. Hi! I''m System 001, nice to meet you."


    The silver haired young man stared in disbelief as the information started to ?ssimilate in her head.


    It was like a twirling wind slowly coming in her mind as Chun processed the identity that she had. Though, Chun was still in doubt as she looked at the bored expression of her so-called system.


    "You may be wrong there. You''re just a temporary host because you have triggered a hidden quest that supposed to be under development and this is part of the test."


    Xuan''s careless tone was indirectly blaming the silver haired young man. In fact, the snobbish guy came from his mission in the fourth world and at the middle of claiming the life of the villain, he was suddenly called out to switch with another world traveller as he was needed in an urgent matter. So urgent that he wasn''t brief by anything and immediately sent to act as an Alpha.


    Imagine that he was in a medieval world were the fight for throne was the conflict of the setting and as a clich¨¦ character design; abandoned because of being a waste, he ascended with his own strength and also with the help of some external forces. After two years of staying in that world due to the story plot timeline, he focused on training his swordsmanship and studying war strategy and politics, he attained his goal and just a step to being declare as the next heir to the throne. But as he was about to kill the villain who was the final obstacle for succession, he was suddenly interrupted by an alarm in his mind, saying that he was to abandon the mission as others would finish it for him.


    If it wasn''t for Xuan''s cool-headedness, he already cursed the Head Seats; specifically that eyebags guy who was monitoring the mother system.


    The innocent Ryder: should I kill Blu now?


    Metaphorically speaking, you have known the struggle of a baby bird - a developing baby bird. Being fed by the mother bird with hard earned food and as it grew its wings, it started to walk and perched away from its nest, flapping its wings slowly as it was getting used to it and begun to practice its flying through flapping those tinie-tiny wings. Days would passed by and finally the pair of wings regained strength to carry its own body but once the excited bird calmed its breathing and was ready to fly, the mother bird stopped it as she warned the baby bird that it will get hurt because sadly, the baby bird was innately have weak muscles that it would be useless for it to fly suspended in air because it will fall down on its own despite any practice.


    That was the feeling that Xuan experienced when he realized that his points wouldn''t be accumulated due to his unfinished mission.


    At first, when he saw that he was fighting with a short haired lady in a traditional clothing, he expected her to be the one who triggered the hidden quest but unexpectedly it was that silver haired young man who was also his stupid eavesdropping roommate.


    Since he saw the guy, he strangely knew disaster would come forth but he didn''t know that it would be directed to him. How unfortunate.


    "So¡­what do you mean about that?" Chun was more focused in her curiosity as she looked at the snobbish system in inquiry.


    "I''ll explain it to you after you overcome your demons¡­" as if it was the trigger of the withhold darkness.


    The silver haired young man dropped to the ground, the dried leaves and rough dirt smothered her white longsleeves shirt as she once again was brought to hell.


    Gripping her ?h?st as she felt that knives were stabbing her heart, her neck was being choked by those bony disjointed hands, and her vision was enveloped with gloom and emptiness. Then she blacked out.


    The whistling windbreeze ??r?ssed the slumbering silver haired young man, she was laying in a blossoming variation of flowers as she was in a peaceful resting position. The view could truly bring comfort to once mind if not for the frowning snobbish system beside the silver haired youth.


    It was early morning, Xuan was ''cooking'' (burning) a burnt piece of meat. He ''unintentionally'' blew the smokes towards the sleeping person while maintaining his naive expression.


    Chun awaken in series of coughing due to the gathered black smokes around her. She turned her head to the culprit as she saw the other was eating the burnt meat.


    Xuan saw Chun was walking away while ignoring his show, he spit out the blackened meat and threw away what he was holding as he followed the silver haired young man.


    As a dedicated system, he must follow wherever his host went in order to prevent any inconvenient event.


    Chun washed her face on the clear river while she inspected her it. In what she have known that she was currently the forgotten prince which she would have a different face or body but surprisingly, she was still in Zero''s body which was also good because she wouldn''t waste time of getting use to it.


    The reflection in the water was still the red scarlet eyes, and soft silver hair. Although, Chun had wished that it was her own body but well, it was just her wishful thinking.


    She was Feng Hunan who was the forgotten ninth prince, living in the Snow Palace located near the Concave Forest. Although, she got her identity but she had no idea what was her mission.


    The snobbish system who finally arrived to his host, felt a sudden questioning stare from the silver haired young man.


    "Your mission is simple, you''re going to be admitted in Charm Excellence and you need to be a top scorer in every tests and even in the 25th Annual Charm Competition, you have to be the champion."


    ''Isn''t that so simple?'' Chun thought with sarcasm as she gave her best fake smile to the snobbish system.


    "Can I pass?"


    "Then you will get kicked out from the Circus¡­"


    ''Well, I realized that being a performer in the organization is hard so I decided just to go in Sereign and reclaim my body!''


    Chun wouldn''t voice it out but she finally got clear-headed. ''Why didn''t I think about it?''


    Yet Xuan''s continuation diminished all of her hopeful thoughts.


    "¡­and it''s too late now, even you''re just a temporary world traveller. The rule still applies."


    "What rule?" Chun asked while she started to fold her sleeves, deciding to try her luck in capturing a fish.


    "Once you are sent to another world/dimension/realm, you must finish the tasks; successful or not, if you want to leave unless there''s an urgent summon from the higher-ups."


    Splash!


    Was it because of her clumsiness or hearing that bad news?


    The drenched silver haired young man suddenly remembered something.


    "Right, did you see my companion?"


    Xuan tilted his head in recollection and answered, "Oh, that fierce girl? She''s still in the simulation."


    ---------


    On the other side,


    Earlier.


    Yu In Na was quiet as she followed the brunette young man with Chun. She was observing her surroundings while they walked, imprinting every objects in her line of sight. The short haired girl was immersed in her own world as she didn''t notice any strange.


    The warmth of the afternoon heat drew to its end as it changed with the orange skies. A comforting wisp of the wind danced with the feathered greenish leaves surrounding their environment. Crisps of the dry leaves resounded beneath the feet of the three people travelling on foot as they followed the path where Nala and his group had stayed.


    Yu In Na almost bumped her nose to the silver haired young man''s back before her as the other suddenly stopped her walk.


    ''Silver haired young man?''


    The kimono girl was momentarily in a daze as she regained her senses as if what happened earlier was just a dream.


    She noticed that the brunette youth halted his steps as he waited for her. Yu In Na neared Nala while she asked in a dazzled tone, "Umm¡­ did you see a silver haired boy with echanting aura?"


    Nala creased his forehead as he shook his head and suddenly astonishment filled his expression.


    "You mean a Faire? Where did you saw it?"


    "Huh? Faire? Oh, I must be imagining things. Let''s get going."


    "O-Okay."


    Yu In Na continued to follow but she looked behind her as if in lost. Then she retained her calm and caught up to the brunette.

 Chapter 134 - 127

    Chun was able to see herself wearing a princely clothing if not for the mismatched patches of stitched pieces of cloth that covered the holes of the white suit. She was dressed in a cottoned long sleeves shirt with ruffles in the cuffs and a three unbottoned bottons - two of it were missing, only the third lower bu??on was attached poorly to its hole, hanging by a thread.


    Even the black pants were faded in color, though the tight strong slender legs could break anyones'' heart due to envy. Paired with that perfect willowy fair hands - now covered with wounds - and carefully crafted face by the gods, the silver haired young man would fit for a perfect prince portrayal. But sadly, her identity was someone forgotten by the Royal Family as they deemed her to be dead.


    Who would survive the infamous Snow Palace?


    Many people had heard stories about this popular forbidden place. It said about the haunted cries that would usually resounded at dawn, the simultaneous howling of the beast from the Concave Forest as it was just in the backyard of the said palace, and the sudden temperature drop and increase within the borders of the place. Even the cultivated vegetables and other source of food where unable to live in it.


    His Majesty, the Supreme Ruler once sent his guards and servants there to look after the ninth prince but all of them went back scared with their wits end. So the Supreme Ruler sighed and gave up about his idea as he had more children to take care.


    The world where the silver haired young man transmigrated was a place of magic. The humans who were tested compatible with elements during their five years of age were called Charmers. Charms were called for their abilities, and these people were under the rule of the Supreme Ruler.


    In this world known as Terapika, the humans had only one ruler and one Royal Family; and the members of the Royal Family were excellent Charmers and only the ninth prince who was tested during his coming of age ceremony which was his fifth birthday, wasn''t compatible to any element as the Charm Orb didn''t alighted to any specific elemental colors.


    Due to this world that valued Charmers and coming from the prestigious Royal Family, a direct descendant of the High Charmer Supreme Ruler - having dual elemental charms - the ninth prince was a humiliation to their household. In order to prevent public shame and revolt, the Supreme Ruler sent the pitiful five-year old kid straight to the Snow Palace.


    Chun who read the story manual that was handed by the snobbish system, rolled her eyes in satire as she had many complaints with this rubbish world setting.


    Although, it didn''t state about any vengeful wishes of the original owner of the body which was odd because even Chun who was now playing the character was feeling lost by the plotholes.


    The silver haired young man turned to Xuan who was silently devouring her caught fish.


    "Hey, it''s not cooked yet!" Chun stated as the fish was just being cook in the fire while the other was slowly poking some parts of it even though tinges of red could be seen in it.


    Xuan ignored the other as he continued eating the fish. It was amazing to see that his hands were not burn by the fire.


    "Are you being ridiculous?!"


    "¡­"


    "Alright, you won''t speak but I need to ask you a question."


    As if finally hearing the silver haired young man, Xuan stopped his ignorant behavior as he attentively looked at the other while raising his brow in question. ''What is it?''


    "Why am I in the Concave Forest?" This had been bugging her. Why would the ninth prince who was told to be living alone in the Snow Palace, was in the dangerous Concave Forest?


    "Oh, I forgot to tell you that the original body decided to look for his ''cat'' as it didn''t visit him anymore. In the middle of his search, he accidentally awaken the sleeping Nightmare beast which was the guardian of the forest and then¡­where you have woke up was the continuation."


    Xuan shrugged as he stood up, deciding to do something else. Before he could go, the silver haired young man asked him again.


    "Are you leaving me?" Chun was hopeful that as her system, he should be with her 24/7 because that was supposed to be, right?


    The snobbish system smirked with amusement as he replied, "I''m not your babysitter and don''t worry, I will be there when you really needed me."


    "Then, will others see you as well?"


    "No." His firm respond left Chun in doubt. So if Xuan couldn''t be seen by anyone then it meant that she would be crazy in others'' eyes.


    But before that, she would first fill her stomach with the--- Maybe, she would just eat fruits in passing while she walked back to the said place.


    Chun started her travel on foot to her destination, leaving the half-eaten burnt fish in the died flames.


    As the silver haired young man was meters away from the campfire, a silhouette of a gray feline went out from the violet bushes as it stalked the fish. While it chewed in delight, its two tails went out from its disguise as her appearance wasn''t like any normal cat, her three tails swayed side by side while the fish was immediately consumed in a blink of an eye.


    The Nightmare beast licked its paws as she looked where the human left. She wasn''t happy that her precious human forgot to look for her.


    ''I''m in a good mood right now so I will give that human a chance.'' She thought as she followed the trail Chun had left. Every plants and hiding beasts that she passed by would bow their heads to her with reverence. As a Nightmare beast, guardian of the Concave Forest, she enjoyed her dignified life. Such a pity that handsome young man didn''t know about her.


    Xuan looked with boredom to the happenings from afar as he shook his head and disappeared from his position.


    The Concave Forest could be called enchanted due to the weird colors of the leaves and the ground. The trees were supporting numbers of violet shaped like feathers leaves while the ground was brown with shimmering glinting dots.


    Chun used her foot to uncover the strange ground and saw that the ground was magically contained bits of golden dust. How was it like this?


    The forest was suprisingly cool which was different from what had described to be dangerous.


    Fortunately, the silver haired young man wouldn''t know the great dangers of the forest, other than experiencing the challenge she was put through due to the Nightmare beast, because the Nightmare beast herself had already marked this human as her target so no one would dare to be foolish.


    Safe and sound, Chun was able to walk out with no bruise as she finally saw the back view of the palace which was structured as a huge old mansion. Though, the flowers and decorations that were put for design were clean and organized which giving a comfortable vibe to the Snow Palace.


    Before Chun stepped near the palace, she was watchful to any dangers hidden, knowing that this wolf in a sheep''s clothing palace was full of danger.


    Even that hanging washed clothes there were strangely out of place and that marbled table had a steaming pot of tea that she wanted to sip but perhaps hidden dangers was preventing her.


    The Nightmare beast who followed the silver haired young man rolled her eyes at the vigilant youth and transformed herself into her human form.


    Chun felt a touch on her shoulder as she turned around with surprise. Her left cheek was poke by an outstretched index finger as the woman in servant clothing greeted with her sweet smile.


    "Welcome back, Feng!"


    The beautiful woman had jet black long hair with straight bangs and the tips of her black hair had grayish hue. She stared with loving black jaded eyes to the silver haired young man which made Chun felt her reddened ears as she involuntarily covered it with her hands.


    Looking at the stupidly cute reaction of the other, Ara chuckled while her feline beast inside laughed with amusement. This human was funny.


    Weirdly, she had thought that the ninth prince was different earlier in the forest but now, she realized that it was still the same person. That cute reaction was his.


    Feng Hunan was a timid shy boy but he would sometimes do reckless things if he would decided his mind in it. A good irony for a cowardly brave person.


    Although his personality was a bit difficult but Chun decided to slowly develop her character as she would step into the Charm Excellence, a school for elite charmers but first she needed to familiarize herself with this charmers and charms which was foreign to her.


    And this lady was the answer to her problem.


    Being suddenly looked by those scarlet red eyes, instead of being creep by it, Ara felt her heart softened from this child.

 Chapter 135 - 128

    The crafty Nightmare beast smiled at the silver haired young man that was looking at her. Ara had been the only companion of the ninth prince as they met during her straying to this place.


    And as a Nightmare beast who was respected and terrified of, she was used to being alone because no one would dare to approach her unless it needed. They were scared to disturbed the peace of the guardian and inviting her wrath wasn''t wanted. Which the dangerous beasts living in the Concave Forest were all behave when the Nightmare beast was in the forest, not daring to act foolish.


    But under the pouring rain with darkened clouds as a storm would arrive. The cat beast was stuck under the uprooted trees in the backyard of the Snow Palace and coincidentally, the Feng Hunan saw the poor cat wanting to get out of it but due to the heavy downpour, it was hiding there. Despite knowing that he had no umbrella or raincoat to wear and he was a sickly kid because of his poor condition in the palace as no servants was sent yet, he still used his little hands to shield the cat. It made Ara stunned and amused. Those pair of little hands from a five years old couldn''t even cover a his own head yet he was using it to cover her.


    The Nightmare beast''s eyes had a glint of laughter as she played with the child''s game. Then they were able to cross from the uprooted tree to the back porch of the Snow Palace which Ara decided to stay in until the rain stops.


    Children were truly cute and innocent.


    And as the Nightmare beast couldn''t remember why she kept coming back to that lone palace to visit that kid, and she was the one who directed that act of scaring off the people that would dare to go to the Snow Palace. Although the palace was said to be already haunted yet as the Nightmare beast added another effects, it made the place forbidden and terrifying. She just wanted to protect the kid.


    Ara was the only one who accompanied the kid''s growth, acting as a parent to the ninth prince and even revealed her human form when it was the ninth prince''s eleventh birthday. That was the most anxious thing that she ever decided to do as she was scared that the kid wouldn''t like her or worst abandon her but luckily, it might due to being too alone and no one to talk to, Feng Hunan took it with joy as he could finally speak to someone that would respond to him. He was that desperate for his seven years of living in solitary in this cold haven.


    Now that the youth was nineteen, she decided to test him as she wanted to confirm if the other was truly a prince that had no Charm.


    She might be the only one who doubted those hoax Charm Orbs as she sensed that the physique of the prince was special which made him to not be compatible to any elements and as a beast who had a longer life, they had two types that could confirm another''s Charm, it would be through that Charm Orb or a test and as what she predicted the prince was special.


    Because Ara was a guardian with a high level of ''charming'' ability which enable her to transform into her human form as she willed it then it was not strange to normally see her out of the forest, playing truant. And they heard that, she had someone that she was interested in which made her to not ne usually present in the Concave Forest that made the beasts ran amok as they would start to lure helpless humans and play with them to their satisfaction.


    Yet, suddenly a silver haired young man walked in the forest while looking for his cat. They thought that they had another person to victimized with but when they discovered that it was the target of their guardian, they immediately stayed away from the former. If the Nightmare beast said she would play, then she would play and they didn''t need to intervene with it.


    That''s the reason why, Chun was able to sleep comfortably with no danger in that rumored to be dangerous place.


    Although the Concave Forest was a forest that normal humans wouldn''t want to go in but Charmers were another people that had an ability to explore it. As a human with elemental talent, they used the Concave Forest as their scavenging ground when it came to practicing and training to their limit.


    The Charmer Excellence which was a school of elite Charmers would held their examinations in the Concave Forest and the tasks to complete depended to what their examiner needed them to do and it would be due to ability or luck if anyone could succeed. Over the years of conquering the said forest, only sixteen Charmers was the highest number count of the latest examination.


    After the silver haired young man processed what the cat lady explained, she proceeded inside the palace as she would familiarize herself of the Snow Palace. Chun thought that as she ?ssumed the identity of the ninth prince, she would slowly regain the memory of the other but what the manual that the snobbish system had given her was what her only knowledge of this world, so far.


    Ara tilted her head in confusion as she stared at the retreating back of the silver haired young man. She just asked her about common stuffs which every human had knew of. Though, she didn''t reacted from it as she ?ssumed that it must due to her test to the youth that made her to loss partial of her memory which was a typical effect of her ability.


    But she didn''t like was that the silver haired young man forgot about her as her cat beast which she immediately engraved it in her head to not forgot her.


    Chun was surprised to discover that the cat the original ninth prince had been looking for was this lady wearing a servant clothing. And what amused her more was the other was a human beast, she could transform into a beast or a human whichever she likes it. The silver haired young man even remembered the Pryopost that made her to wish good luck to the kimono girl who was currently solving that task.


    Yu In Na who was busy analyzing the inscribed shapes on the rustic walls sneezed as she suddenly felt cold. ''What was that?"


    She frowned while she get back to business.


    The silver haired young man did not delay after finding out the path to her room. The ninth prince bedroom was neatly arranged and not even a dust could be seen. It was an evidence that the previous owner was a person who was a clean freak.


    Chun might be a clean freak as well in the past as she was slowly changing her habits due to her butler''s indulgent and now that wasn''t present, and the silver haired young man felt that they would be seeing not too soon because of her circumstances, she decided to prepare herself and be independent.


    Although, Ara would act as a parent and a servant to the ninth prince, taking care everything the prince needed but as she was currently occupying the body, she must not be reliant to the other.


    While scanning the room that would be her room starting today. She found what she was looking for, though she had no idea what was the ninth prince true characteristics other than being shy and timid from what the manual had stated yet Chun had deduced that as a person who was exposed to solitude that only the bedroom was his fortress.


    Chun neared the bookshelf as she scanned each of the words, even though the letters were unfamiliar to her as she didn''t belong to this world, being world traveller gave her a skill to easily understand any letters or symbols that she would come across of. Though, it was effective but that was only her privilege as Xuan stated that she wouldn''t need the other privileges that that.


    The silver haired young man went back to the Snow Palace in the morning and it was already late evening as she noticed the darkened skies and twinkling stars in varying colors, there was even a pair of crescent moons overlapping each other which made Chun to be amazed by this world''s aesthetic. The one who created this world had a sense of art as so far, Chun always witness beautiful things on this world.


    So different from Xanxia yet she loved her home world the most as the precious people were there on that world.


    ''I missed home.''


    Ara knocked three times by the door while carrying a glass of milk, perceiving that no one answered. It might be the prince was still asleep due to exhaustion of the test or her travel around the forest, she decided to leave the glass of milk. Knowing that the other had a habit of waking up in this hour but she was surprised to see the lone back of the said person by the window as she opened the door.


    It felt like a person staring far away.

 Chapter 136 - 129

    Bright sunshine after the rain drizzled at night, the wet ground was starting to dry due to the warming heat of the early morning.


    The Nightmare beast was the first one who awaken as she directly went to wake the silver haired young man.


    Both of them had talked about the ninth prince''s admission to the Charm Excellence which made Ara surprised as Chu was the first to propose about going to study and train her Charm ability.


    At first, the ninth prince was evasive when it came to going to school, and even related to Charm stuffs but now the silver haired young man was the one who proposed it to her which was good.


    Ara had been with the kid since then, she was the one who witnessed how the other grew and developed. Feng Hunan which was known to be the waste within the descendants of the Supreme Ruler, was a boy that learned by himself without anyone''s teaching. As the Nightmare beast even in human form had no knowledge when it came to reading or writing so she was like a decoration by the ninth prince''s side, other than feeding and protecting the kid, she was useless to other stuffs.


    Fortunately, the ninth prince had been tutored by several top teachers during at the age of three but stopped at the age of five after he was resulted to be untalented in Charms and was sent to the Snow Palace.


    Although, it would hurt a kid''s heart due to sudden abandonment to this cold place yet the ninth prince had been weird since birth, he was practically like a doll, even when he was almost got hostage at the age four, he didn''t cried nor any cracked on his dull expression.


    This was brought to the Supreme Ruler''s attention during he was four years old because as his own kin, he needed to make sure the ninth prince was in good condition as the youngest of the princes.


    The Supreme Ruler invited his personal physician over and it was determined that the ninth prince had an illness that would immuned him to any pain. Though, it was good for the kid to be unfeeling to pain as it would aid him in his Charm training once he arrived at the age of five. Yet, all of the high hopes of the Supreme Ruler was left to naught because of an unexpected result of the ninth prince''s testing to the Charm Orb.


    He could only sigh and sent the kid to the Snow Palace.


    They had no idea that the ninth prince that they thought to be like a lifelike expressionless doll was just a shy and timid boy who was scared to everything because as the youngest of the Royal Family, he had no bonds with the Royal household members. His brothers and sisters had huge age gaps to him as the eighth prince was already in his teens and all of his siblings were rare to see in the Royal Palace because they had high standing positions or they were in school, busy improving their abilities.


    Only the said child was left in the huge palace even his father the Supreme Ruler had no time for him other than checking him if he was still alive. Which the boy was left to himself and had to put a mask everyday because he learnt from his etiquette teacher that as a direct descendant of the Supreme Ruler, he must not show his weakness to anyone.


    After being brought to the Snow Palace, Feng Hunan was happy as there was no one around to be guard off, although it was lonely. He found this abandonment like a vacation to relax as they would surely forget about him.


    Even though, he had no talent in Charms, he would just get over it as what was finished, was finished.


    As a five years old, he was already that optimistic.


    And as the ninth prince days passed by peacefully, he met a friend which was a gray cat.


    The silver haired young man sense a stare on her while she laid asleep on the comfortable bed. Chun opened her eyes and saw the peering eyes of the guardian that she knew by the name Ara.


    This human beast introduced herself as a guardian of the ninth prince other than being her cat. Though, the only curiosity was left to Chun''s mind; why was the other wearing a maid outfit which the silver haired young man mistook her to be a servant.


    Chun immediately erased that in her thoughts as she had more important things to do. She disovered from yesterday that she had an elemental compatibility while trying out what was said in the book.


    It was not only one element but the five elements which made her flooded with shock as she was able to sense the five main elements which they called Charms. It was written in the book that Charmers could only sense what Charm they were compatible to.


    The five elements were fire, air, earth, water and wood. Xuan had already stated to her that although she was still using her body (Zero''s) to act as Feng Hunan yet her abilities as a performer were all erased, the only thing accessible was what was the Charm of the character that she was acting in. And she never expected it to be something formidable.


    Truly a direct descendant of the Supreme Ruler!


    If the Supreme Ruler had known that the so-called waste prince was a heaven-defying genius, he would surely weep to death.


    Chun smirked while imagining that but it was not her mission to take revenge on those people as her main goal was to rank all the tests in the Charm Excellene and to win that competition.


    -------


    Confirming to Ara that she was a Charmer, it made the former happy like a parent of the teenager. And her admission to the Charm Excellence could proceed smoothly despite fifteen years old was the primary age that the school offered for a Charmer to begin here but it didn''t hindered the silver haired young man to be enrolled there as they still received late bloomers as what matters the most was the person was a Charmer.


    The enrollment there could be said easy as one could just sent the requirements of the school for the freshmens through a messenger bird and one would wait for the confirmation letter signed by the principal.


    The Charm Excellence wasn''t any common school that needed Charmers to line up for enrollments as they would only needed an enrollee to comply what was needed and they could easily get admitted. The yearly number count of enrollees were around three thousand but only hundreds had truly got in.


    Chun quirked her brows as she knew that there was something in this. Ara then affirmed her guess.


    "Well, before you can be qualified as a freshmen of the school, you needed first to pass its dangerous traps and obstacles. The forest surrounding the Charm Excellence was second to my--- I mean to Concave Forest''s difficulty. Baligroot Forest is a forest of ways."


    "Ways?" The silver haired young man frowned in confusion as she heard the other''s statement.


    "I''m talking about baffling paths. You think that you''re almost to your destination but you would go back to start once you got a wrong turn. And that''s not all, there are beasts living in it as well."


    "So if I wanted to pass that forest with ease, I must be at my best condition?"


    Ara nodded as she showed a letter to the silver haired young man. The letter from the Charm Excellence just arrived as Chun received it.


    The smooth texture and the faint scent of raspberries was smelled by the youth as she examined the symbol that sealed the opening of the letter, it was the initials of the school in golden letters. Plain and simple yet it gave an imposing aura.


    Chun didn''t used her name Feng Hunan as the ninth prince was known even he was just a waste of the Royal Family. In return, the silver haired young man didn''t hesiate to use her real name.


    She flipped the letter.


    ''To Mr. Chun


    From Nathaleon Cross - Charm Excellence Principal.''


    The silver haired youth tossed the unopened letter to Ara as she wanted the latter to read it for her.


    Knowing that the prince wanted to test her reading skills after being taught by Chun, Ara proudly read every passage.


    The cat was really brilliant as their short days of teaching was enough for her to easily understand human literacy.


    "That is it!" Immediately, Ara turned to the reliclining silver haired youth on the sofa as her beaming eyes was waiting a praise from the youth.


    Chun stood up as she patted the head of the girl, she was able to differentiate their height as the ninth prince in his nineteens grew a head taller to Ara.


    The silver haired youth chuckled at her reaction as she returned back to sitting while starting to organize the things she needed to do within a month as she would be leaving next month for the Charm Excellence.

 Chapter 137 - 130

    For the whole month, the silver haired young man focused on practicing her Charms and even accumulating specific knowledged regarding of this world.


    Other than the Terapika had one ruler, they had four divided lands and these continents where all had their own minor rulers called Emperors and they answer only to the Supreme Ruler.


    But this wasn''t the focus of the silver haired young man as she just scanned them in passing and directly went to more profound teachings about Charms.


    Despite that she was able to fully-control her abilities, she wasn''t still satisfied as it was stated by her teacher who was also the human cat named Ara that it wasn''t enough because this was only a small achievement compared to them beasts.


    In return, it motivated Chun to continually improved her knowledge. She was on the level of manifesting her own charm offenses and skills, as she was a multi-Charmer which was only stated in rumours due to no one had ever witness any person that was compatible to the five elements which could only a creature being favored by the heavens.


    The silver haired young man was illuminated with the soft light from the afternoon sun as it created a golden halo around her. Partnered with that handsome aesthetics and serious vibe emanating from the deeply immersed young man in the piling of books beside him.


    Ara who wanted to remind her to eat lunch sighed due to the passion of the silver haired youth, she was totally like a different person from before, even her timid and shy appearance was rare for it to occur as it m?tur?d now into an elegant and calm youth. She had been hauled up in this library after mastering all of her teachings.


    The Nightmare beast could only heaved in regrets and astonishment as the nineteen-year old didn''t able to taste the royalty life but it couldn''t be denied that the other was still in the royal bloodline due to her fine characteristics.


    Chun sensed a stare as she looked up and saw the long haired girl carrying her lunch.


    "Teacher, you can put it here!" The silver haired youth cheerfully stated while she was used to call the other as teacher because she learned from this very human cat.


    Although the gray cat with three tails would sometimes coquettishly act around her in order to earn a certain belly rubbing yet when paired to this strict-looking woman wearing a maid outfit though when she wore it, it only looked like she was wearing a more precious robe than a royalty.


    Chun had already started to refuse the other''s serving to her but Ara was used to feeding the other so she declined the silver haired young man and persisted to give homemade food for the other. Even she was a Nightmare beast who enjoyed life of p???sur? in her domain, she was easy to learn things.


    Before she first cooked for the ninth prince in his five years of age, it could only said to be a little bit passable yet edible but as she continued learning and took the advised from the other mother beast, she improved greatly until she achieved serving mouthwatering food.


    This was the first time for Ara to truly care for a human, she was clueless why she put too much effort with the ninth prince but she could only say that she saw herself in him when she was abandoned as well.


    Chun who already set aside her book and started digging up the savoring food, couldn''t help but stare at the other as Ara suddenly had a tear rolling from her eyes.


    "Umm... Teacher..you."


    The silver haired young man wasn''t able to finish her statement as the human beast wiped off the tear and said with a stern tone like a mother reminding her child to do good and take care of herself.


    "You will be departing tomorrow and all of my knowledge as a thousand year-old beast for charms had been imparted to you, use them wisely and always remember to eat at the exact time; thrice a day, no skipping of meals. Though you are a Charmer now that even that father of yours could cry in regret, still don''t forget about your health!"


    Ara kept on nagging that finally she realized her lengthy reminders that even she could defeat a mother with an experience raising five children, brought shame to her as she hide it in a cough.


    Chun was amused to this human beast as she listened carefully while wearing an obedient child bearing.


    "Yes, Teacher."


    The Nightmare beast pursed her lips as she couldn''t help but a bit sad with departing with her favorite human.


    "Hmp. You''re leaving me now... yet you''re still welcome here even though it hurts my pride as a dignified beast."


    Chun could only laugh it off as she put down her food and open her arms, waiting for the other''s respond.


    Ara who was met with this sudden reaction after complaining stared in confusion as why would the ninth prince open both of her arms like catching something in air.


    Knowing that this human beast wasn''t accustomed to human intimacy, she just stood up and hugged the other which made Ara to be stunned while she blushed in the deepest shade of red.


    The warmth came from the silver haired young man with that handsome gentle visage couldn''t help but sent bu??erflies to her stomach while it quickened her heartbeats.


    The silver haired young man was left once again in the silent library as she started to try out a breathing technique that one of this book she had read which stated about an effective way to deepen her connection with her elements.


    Relaxing her nerves, ?ssuming a state of formlessness while controlling any stray thoughts in her mind. She begun to empty her body with this chao qi which was like the qi energy in her own world but it was more of the energy connecting to several elemental charms.


    Heaving a breath, one intake, two intakes then exhale, three intakes and exhale. The continuous series of breathing exercises made the silver haired youth to have a more calmed mind and even her connections to her charms were getting stronger.


    Opening her eyes, the silver haired young man was able to perceive that someone was with her as she immediately threw a pen towards the uninvited guest''s direction yet a clang was heard after that pitiful attack.


    Chun discovered it was just the snobbish system, after a whole month of not showing up. He dared to display his hypocritical face.


    Looking at the expression of his host, Xuan knew what she was thinking.


    "I did not left you for this whole month as I am always by your side. I observed that you were able to breakthrough to full-control and now approaching the incantation level...hmm good."


    Xuan examined her up and down as Chun looked at the other with no expression. The silver haired young man was aware that the snobbish system was always near her but the point was the other had never showed up.


    "Well, if you have no plan of showing up then stay hidden. Why did you show up now? Is it about the entering the Charm Excellence? Don''t worry I will pass it with no sweat." Her annoyed tone was distinctive in her voice as she was not happy that Xuan never ?ssisted her for the past days as a system and if even he would not help her, his appearance was fine as if would boost moral support but the other just showed up in this time.


    Xuan didn''t care about her annoyance as he would tactfully deliver what he would needed to convey, no excessive words needed. He had been working in this field before granted promotion to be a world traveller so he was an expert of separating job from any personal feelings.


    "I''m just here to ?ssist you on things that is of an emergency and to announce the progress of the host."


    Hearing the word progress, Chun''s irritation faded as she gestured for the other to continue.


    "Your progress is around 20% out of 100 and you triggered a side mission."


    "Side mission? There''s more?" Chun wasn''t inform about this so-called missions as she only thought that she only needed to fullfil a certain task but now it seems to be...


    "Yes. Today''s side mission is to collecting flowers."


    "Huh?!"


    The handsome young man with brown hair was seated in the leather chair in a relax manner while he sported that uncaring expression of his as if what he had said was just trivial things. The setting sun casted an orange glow around him that made Chun to feel beneath that careless attitude was a stern interior.

 Chapter 138 - 131

    "Your progress is around 20% out of 100 and you triggered a side mission."


    "Side mission? There''s more?" Chun wasn''t inform about this so-called missions as she only thought that she only needed to fullfil a certain task but now it seems to be...


    "Yes. Today''s side mission is to collecting flowers."


    "Huh?!"


    The handsome young man with brown hair was seated in the leather chair in a relax manner while he sported that uncaring expression of his as if what he had said was just trivial things. The setting sun casted an orange glow around him that made Chun to feel beneath that careless attitude was a stern interior.


    ---------


    Tall green trees displayed infront the silver haired young man as she was standing at the entrance of the Baligroot Forest.


    There wasn''t anything remarkable about the forest compared to the Concave Forest which had violet colored leaves and the shining ground of gold dust, an enchanted forest if one could label but this Baligroot forest was so-so.


    The tall trees swayed with the wind passing through its branches supporting common green leaves. The sunlight couldn''t be seen inside the forest as the trees were thick and even the leaves were bushier that could cover a civilization.


    Chun narrowed her eyes as she intently looked at the wind that passed by the leaves. It swayed with the blow of the wind but after the wind passed through, it curled like a hand and shook by itself. No one could notice its humanlike movements if they weren''t like the silver haired young man who had the compatibility of all the charm and she was even connected to the wood charm, fully sensing the aura of liveliness withing the forest.


    ''That''s why the Baligroot Forest was known for being a forest of ways.''


    The silver haired young man didn''t delay her venture as she stepped in. The entrance that Chun had chosen to go in was a hidden passage that the human beast had instructed her to take.


    There was a total of five entrances to the Baligroot Forest which all of them were the same but the silver haired young man preferred to be alone that made her to pick this way.


    In the other side of the forest, in the west entrance.


    Countless of Charmers were readying themselves to enters while others were brave enough to enter already. Although there wasn''t no rule of going in solo or in a group which made these Chamers to freely create their own group.


    It was more guaranteed that if they went inside these perilous forest in a group, they had a fifty percent chance to pass the test.


    Meanwhile the other Charmers were in group, some were still chose to move alone. Leika was an orphan from an unknown village who luckily awaken to be a Charmer. Although she was an orphan, the village still cared for her as it was only small; having twenty families in total. Leika was their family even though the girl had her own little hut yet the people there would welcome her in their homes.


    The living environment there was good but she still wanted to bring name to her unknown village as she wanted to be remembered that there was a excellent Charmer from a small village who graduated from the prestigious school of Charmers.


    With confidence, the sixteen year-old girl wearing handmade faded shirt and pants with pair of animal skin slippers, clutched her straw bag''s strap as she walk in with no hesitation.


    Looking at the retreating back of the poor girl who walking deeper the forest, the Charmers who mostly came from noble families snickered as they continued to flatter the green haired young man in the middle of their group.


    Feng Cui, the eighth prince of the Royal family, was already fifteen years old this year which allowed him to partake the test in order to officially get admitted in Charm Excellence as his beloved older sister, the fifth princess was a senior in it and a High Charmer. Additionally, she was waiting for him.


    The eighth prince smiled with gentleness as he reprimanded the others to stop looking for trouble.


    The noble kids obliged as they looked at Feng Cui with light in their eyes. He was truly benevolent, a royalty indeed.


    Other than being known as the benevolent prince, the green haired young man had an image of a soft-hearted youth that would pity the weak and poor as he would usually help them. Sometimes, he would proposed to the Supreme Ruler about plans for ?ssisting the poor people.


    He was so good and kind that nobody could see flaws in him, a perfect prince. Although he was opposite to the iron-fisted father/Supreme Ruler yet he was loved by the masses.


    "Let''s go. And as a group, let''s take care each other," the green haired young man said as he lead his group.


    Observing that the eighth prince started to move as well, other groups who were starting to gain their confidence was given hope as they also started their action.


    High raised blinding sun indicated that it was afternoon but inside the gloomy with no sunshine forest, forced the Charmers who were braving through the test couldn''t help but feel an ill-omen from the serenity of the place.


    A dark feeling started to emerge within them as the churning of their stomach was signalling them that something bad was going to happen. From what they had gathered, the Baligroot forest was known for its deceiving paths because if a person went to a wrong connecting way then they would be sent back to the start.


    The Charm Excellence didn''t have any time duration of their test as what the common rule was, until they found the school then they passed. Even if they spent years of searching the school within this forest, they would still be admitted once they were able to.


    But the Charmers knew the reason why there was no duration because the testers itself would give up with themselves. Only the persistent ones could pass this test but although they had the spirit to not give up, there was a needed luck and brains in order to pass it.


    Chun who was still by the outer parts of the forest didn''t continue to aimlessly walk as she started to analyze her actions. Knowing that the forest itself was alive, it only meant that it would move if one wouldn''t get to take the correct path.


    Sensing the air, the silver haired young man closed her eyes as she perceived her nature with her charm. Using the wood charm, she was able to connect with the Baligroot forest''s guardian.


    It was a huge tree with no leaf but all of its branches was glinting with colors. The tree had one eye on its trunk as it was surprised to see a silver haired human invading its separate space.


    The Tree Spirit wasn''t angered of the trespasser as it was curious to the human, or was she really a human?


    Humans wouldn''t able to have that kind of profound knowledge to be able to see through its own space.


    Chun opened her spiritual eyes as she met eye to eye with the Tree Spirit. Looking at those scarlet piercing eyes, the Tree Spirit managed to stop itself from shaking in fear.


    Due to its innate sense of danger, the Tree Spirit felt that the silver haired young man was someone that it couldn''t defeat nor deceive with his pitiful power.


    Chun wasn''t aware that her resting bored face was like a knife that shaken the Tree Spirit infront of her.


    "Esteemed human, what do you need from this lowly guardian of this forest?" The Tree Spirit had a principle that if it couldn''t defeat a being then it would need to run away or admit defeat itself.


    The silver haired young man who was constructing a polite speech to ask guidance from this Tree Spirit was surprised to the attitude of this being to her.


    ''What did she do?''


    Chun smiled in respond as she stated, "If I may ask the Elder to give me a clue to the puzzle of this forest''s mechanics?"


    The Tree Spirit was preparing to open up a backdoor for this person but was stunned silly due to the polite remark of the human. ''He only needed a clue?''


    "I can give you the whole---"


    "No. I don''t need that, I only need a clue and I will figure it out from there."


    The other who was suddenly cut off from its statement was momentarily lost but the Tree Spirit regained its calm and surrendered to the silver haired young man''s request.


    The Tree Spirit who was left there couldn''t help but sigh as it didn''t know how was a higher being''s way of thinking had been working.


    It just shook its head and wished good luck for the Principal of the Charm Excellence to take care of that silver haired young man.

 Chapter 139 - 132

    "Esteemed human, what do you need from this lowly guardian of this forest?" The Tree Spirit had a principle that if it couldn''t defeat a being then it would need to run away or admit defeat itself.


    The silver haired young man who was constructing a polite speech to ask guidance from this Tree Spirit was surprised to the attitude of this being to her.


    ''What did she do?''


    Chun smiled in respond as she stated, "If I may ask the Elder to give me a clue to the puzzle of this forest''s mechanics?"


    The Tree Spirit was preparing to open up a backdoor for this person but was stunned silly due to the polite remark of the human. ''He only needed a clue?''


    "I can give you the whole---"


    "No. I don''t need that, I only need a clue and I will figure it out from there."


    The other who was suddenly cut off from its statement was momentarily lost but the Tree Spirit regained its calm and surrendered to the silver haired young man''s request.


    Getting what she wanted, Chun bid farewell to the Tree Spirit and went her way.


    The Tree Spirit who was left there couldn''t help but sigh as it didn''t know how was a higher being''s way of thinking had been working.


    It just shook its head and wished good luck for the Principal of the Charm Excellence to take care of that silver haired young man.


    --------


    After the silver haired young man dealt with the Tree Spirit which surprised her as she was ready to go for in a battle if the other wouldn''t be brought with her request but still this result was good as she won''t waste time.


    Chun didn''t go first to figure out the clue that was given to her as she started to do her side mission.


    The snobbish said that the duration of the side mission was after she entered the Charm Excellence .


    The silver haired young man thought that she would be collecting flowers like finding a rare or near extinct flower in this place but she didn''t expect to be not a plant. Xuan said ''collecting flowers'' which meant that she would be conquering some ladies.


    In knowing this scum side mission, the silver haired young man was lost and didn''t know what did she committed in her last life to go through this thing. Although she was a male in this world and the ninth prince, but she was still female in soul!


    Helpless, Chun decided to do it and be done with it. Conquering meant that it wasn''t about getting these ladies fall for her character but she just needed to build up their sense of goodwill to in order to obtain those ''flowers''.


    As the mission would begin once she entered the school, then she must gauge first the characters of the said targets.


    Chun pulled a card that was blank in normal person''s point view but once the silver haired young man flicked it, five names were listed out on the blank card.


    It displayed their name, title, current location, hobbies and their designated flowers. And after that, there wasn''t any flashy about it. Fortunately, those five ladies were participating in the Charm Excellence and they were within reach.


    One problem of the silver haired young man was she couldn''t freely chose who to conquer as the card that was given by the snobbish system, only displayed the names of the other four and their flowers as it indicated for Chun to move first to the one who had an unlock information.


    The first woman that she needed to conquer was the second daughter of the Left Advisor of the Supreme Ruler. She was Amper Morai, a lady with an ice-cold temperament that was ruthless and power-hunger in the inside. She wasn''t good to mess with as she treated her enemies terribly and her allies cordially.


    She wasn''t easy to get along with and even making friends with her was more like the test that the silver haired young man was doing was easy to pass than her.


    Chun had no picture of the person but as a keen-observer, the silver haired young man deduced that the other would be surrounded by a small number of people that would be acting as her subordinates. As this was her first person of conquest then seeing her in personal would be an advantage to the silver haired young man.


    Knowing the person was her priority


    The snobbish system who was up at the branch of a tree was silently looking at his host deliberate planning on doing her task. In fact, Xuan was already bored with his job as being as a observer and being a system which he already had retired with.


    He saw that the silver haired young man finished her pondering as she sauntered to a specific destination.


    Sighing, Xuan followed suit as it was better to ensure the safety of the host and monitoring her actions as he could report it to the Head Seats after this.


    On the other side by the far east of the silver haired young man''s position.


    A four-person group walked unhinged with the environment yet their watchful and careful movements was up to any dangers.


    The person infront who was emitting a deep-layered eyes was the leader of the group. She had a aubergine waist-length hair tied in a ponytail, a pair of phoenix eyes with a red mark formed into a petaled flowed by the corner of her left eye, high-bridged small nose, a pink blossoming lips and her cold aura matched all over the beauty of a divine being that couldn''t be touch but could only be look upon.


    Amper Morai was the second miss of the Morai Household and as the Left Advisor only have two daughters, Amper was the youngest. She was then trained together with her older sister to be the next head of the Morai Household.


    Yet how many challenge that she participated to compete to her older sister ended her up in defeat which slowly brew a deep resentment towards the brilliant older sister.


    The second miss of the Morai Household only dream was to be the head of their household as she wanted to prove that she could surpass her older sister who was innately talented since young.


    And the only thing that she need was power. She decided to study in Charm Excellence due to connections. Before she would head to a battle, she must come prepared.


    A feeling of being always the shadow of a genius older sister was at first, Amper didn''t care about it. Even being always compared to the other, still she didn''t care about it but once she met that prince which made her monotone life to be painted with colors, the only thing she wanted was power in order to be in the same standing with that person.


    Although, her older sister was her blood-related


    The second miss was deeply immersed in her trained of thoughts that she was only awaken by a brown haired woman who was her companion as well.


    "Amper, look at this. There some strange claw markings!" Daia was daughter from a noble family and she was known for her playfulness and haughtiness yet when infront of this cold faced second miss, she would behave accordingly.


    Hearing Daia''s statement. Amper gracefully walked to where her companions. Immediately, she saw a clawed bark of a tree which brought her to look at it intently. From the looks of the claw marks, it was done by a beast with three sharpened claws.


    Just from a small markings, the second miss couldn''t identify what kind of beast it was but she could only be sure to be vigilant around.


    She started to go back to their walk. It might due to luck or extreme as there four-person group was one of the lucky Charmers that wasn''t able to step in a ''landmine'' that would trigger a switch encounter and brought them back to the entrance of the forest.


    Though they were still in alert.


    Amidst to their careful movements and planned actions to take as they ventured deeper the forest. They had no idea that once they had discovered that claw marks, they were made prey by a red eyed beast within the bushes, peering af them as it stealthily followed them.


    The beast was looking for an opportunity to pounce at them.


    Some Charmers who was more focused on the deceitful ways of the forest, forgot the haunting beasts that was living inside this confusing place. It would be nice to be sent back to the entrance than to be feasted alive by those savage beasts.


    It was already six hours spent of their strolling as they looked for a clue to find the right way Charm Excellence.


    The sun was already setting and the gloomy darkened Baligroot forest became more black which decided Amper to use her jade light to light their surrounding.

 Chapter 140 - 133

    Amper and her group wasn''t aware about the great danger that they were about to encounter as they were occupied of figuring out the claw marks and the puzzle within this forest.


    Only the beast who was targeting them was silently following them with measured steps, it was finding an opportunity to strike them off-guard. This three-clawed beast was a type to be skilled in agility and intelligence.


    Although, beasts living in Baligroot forest was more of in a higher level as they have their own consciousness to decide onto things and act humanlike. It was rare for a beast to target specific Charmers even daring to leave clues for them to not go to a wrong path.


    The second miss had no idea that she and her group was being led on the noose by a certain beast. Amper had been feeling that they were strangely proceeding smoothly, other than encountering that claw marks, there wasn''t any obstacles on their way.


    Something was off. Even her companions felt it as well.


    Daia and her younger brother Daeil, and the Charmer who was also their healer was Ivory. They all came from renowned noble households with clean image as the second miss was picky when it came to having subordinates.


    Daia was a wood type Charmer, her younger brother was a wind type and Ivory was a water type while Amper was a water type Charmer also but more on the sub-type ability which was ice. It was matched with her deep-layered ice cold aura that she would usually emit, daring people to not come near her. Only these three was used to her cold exterior as they had known each other since their childhood days.


    Ironically, they couldn''t be called childhood friends as they didn''t bonded with each other during their childhood days due to their contradictory personalities that made them to be apart from each other, Daia was a blabber-mouth yet suddenly she would get serious and recklessly do things that she would later regret, and Daeil would be the one responsible to control his older sister''s actions as he was the silent and calm type of a person, on the other hand, the healer was more of a closed off person, having a world of her own and would only talk when she needed to or she was asked to.


    They never got to be close during their childhood but they unexpectedly got together in a group. The only reason for it was the second miss.


    "Amper! Amper! Do feel that there is something strange about this?!" Daia exclaimed as she spread her arms.


    The second miss stopped as she acknowledged the younger boy''s affirmation.


    Daeil didn''t delay as he neared to where he had left a trace and he picked up the handwoven handkerchief. It was a soft cottoned red handkerchief which was made by Old Madam of their household and was gifted to him during his ?du?thood ceremony.


    Immediately, Daia recognized it as she took it from the younger boy while she asked him, "Why was it here?"


    The older sister knew that Daiel treasured this piece of handwoven as it came from their grandmother.


    Daiel rolled his eyes from his older sister''s reaction as he took it back from the other and turned to Amper as he explained.


    "If I''m not mistaken, the claw marks is still here." He went to a tree that they saw earlier with three-clawed marks.


    Immediately, the second miss understood what he was pertaining as she ordered them to halt and stay on this spot as night was approaching. It wasn''t good to tire themselves out as they would be encountering an enemy who trapped them in some kind of spell.


    Charmers was prominent in this world that the silver haired young man was ?ssigned to do her task but this Charmers had no idea what were formation arrays were as it didn''t exist to them, even the beast who used this spell didn''t call it an array but an illusion ability, though it has a same trait with the formation arrays as this techniques relied on their core as a foundation of the spell.


    Speaking of the silver haired young man.


    The silver haired young man was lucky that Feng Cui didn''t recognize her. But obviously, the other wouldn''t truly recognized this forgotten ninth prince as it had been fifteen years since the original ninth prince lived in the Snow Palace.


    But Chun felt something odd about their age, she was nineteen while looking the eighth prince appearance and knowing that this was his test to joining Charm Excellence, then he would be atleast in his fifteen''s yet why would she be older than this so-called older brother of hers?


    Unconsciously, the silver haired young man turned to where the hiding snobbish system was. Chun had long known where was Xuan was hiding as she stepped on this forest but she pretended to be clueless, but curiosity left her flustered.


    The invisible snobbish system was aiming to be a total bystander since then but was a bit surprised to be stared at the silver haired young man. Luckily, only the host could see him.


    Xuan just shrugged at the other as he waved of his hand in dismissal.


    Chun decided to deal with this human system later as she was busy with this group of Charmers.


    "Pal, you may want to step out of our business." A purple haired youth stated in a threatening manner while cradling his broken left arm.


    The eigth prince was the only one who had been silent as the mob started to insult her.


    Chun just rolled her eyes inwardly as she remembered that this eigth prince was the so-called benevolent and kind person but why was he pretending to be blind when his people started to molest this girl.


    The silver haired young man was travelling through the trees as she used her wind ability to glide in order to hasten her search for the second miss of the Morai Household but she happened to stumble upon a hideous scene.


    The silver haired young man saw red when she witnessed that thay they started to tear the measly clothes of the poor girl.


    Leika was fortunate that a kindhearted person saved her from getting r?p?.


    Awhile ago, she was crying in despair as their dirty hands was touching her. She had no idea how did she offended these savage nobles but it might be due to her country bumpkin upbringing that she didn''t fight back with them as she was scared with their threats.


    But now, she was hiding behind this silver haired young man who appeared out of nowhere and thrashed these bastards.


    The group of the eight prince earned injuries from getting attack by Chun while they were unaware but they didn''t learn from it as they began to threaten the latter.


    They knew that they couldn''t beat this silver haired young man so they resorted in threatening her in numbers.


    There were twelve of them and one of that person.


    Chun felt the gripped of the tear-stricken girl on her sleeves as she hide behind her. Chun knew that the other was keeping up to herself in order not to breakdown. Experiencing those dirty things, as a female--- male with a female soul, the silver haired young man wanted to kill this bastards.


    Chun noticed this which made her frowned yet she focused her piercing glare to the group of scums.


    Although, this people of his molested the girl, Feng Cui didn''t join as he watched on sideline but the silver haired young man would deal with him after this.


    After a minute of stretching, the twelve people who declared themselves to take care of this lone young man was now grovelling on the ground with swollen crying faces and beaten-up body. Though, Chun didn''t kill them but it was still like having a fate of a dead person as the silver haired young man crippled them, disabling them on perceiving their Charms which meant that they had no future in the Charmer''s path but they couldn''t just vented out here as they knew that their puny life would end here if they angered that demon.


    Their only hope was the eighth prince. Immediately, they looked at the other but Feng Cui didn''t look at them as if they were air, he was busy observing the handsome silver haired young man who was comforting the young girl as Chun retrieved a shirt and pants for the girl to change into.


    "Your highness---." Their crying protests was instantly cut off with the terrifying state of the eighth prince as they were stunned to be directed with this kind of cruel stare.


    Feng Cui had been always kind and good to them but it seemed to be that this person had been hiding his true face. They silently blamed themselves for their ignorance as they followed this two-faced person.


    "Go away."


    The eighth prince simply stated as he sauntered to the direction of the silver haired young man, abandoning them.


    Chun who had seen this from the corner of her eyes, smirked in satire as she helped the girl to walk by the bushes so that she could change.

 Chapter 141 - 134

    (Long Recap)


    "Pal, you may want to step out of our business." A purple haired youth stated in a threatening manner while cradling his broken left arm.


    The eigth prince was the only one who had been silent as the mob started to insult her.


    Chun just rolled her eyes inwardly as she remembered that this eigth prince was the so-called benevolent and kind person but why was he pretending to be blind when his people started to molest this girl.


    Earlier before all of this happen.


    The silver haired young man was travelling through the trees as she used her wind ability to glide in order to hasten her search for the second miss of the Morai Household but she happened to stumble upon a hideous scene.


    The silver haired young man saw red when she witnessed that thay they started to tear the measly clothes of the poor girl.


    Leika was fortunate that a kindhearted person saved her from getting r?p?.


    Awhile ago, she was crying in despair as their dirty hands was touching her. She had no idea how did she offended these savage nobles but it might be due to her country bumpkin upbringing that she didn''t fight back with them as she was scared with their threats.


    But now, she was hiding behind this silver haired young man who appeared out of nowhere and thrashed these bastards.


    The group of the eight prince earned injuries from getting attack by Chun while they were unaware but they didn''t learn from it as they began to threaten the latter.


    They knew that they couldn''t beat this silver haired young man so they resorted in threatening her in numbers.


    There were twelve of them and one of that person.


    Chun felt the gripped of the tear-stricken girl on her sleeves as she hide behind her. Chun knew that the other was keeping up to herself in order not to breakdown. Experiencing those dirty things, as a female--- male with a female soul, the silver haired young man wanted to kill this bastards.


    The eight prince still had his calm demeanor as he silently distanced himself from the fight that was about to erupt.


    Chun noticed this which made her frowned yet she focused her piercing glare to the group of scums.


    Although, this people of his molested the girl, Feng Cui didn''t join as he watched on sideline but the silver haired young man would deal with him after this.


    After a minute of stretching, the twelve people who declared themselves to take care of this lone young man was now grovelling on the ground with swollen crying faces and beaten-up body. Though, Chun didn''t kill them but it was still like having a fate of a dead person as the silver haired young man crippled them, disabling them on perceiving their Charms which meant that they had no future in the Charmer''s path but they couldn''t just vented out here as they knew that their puny life would end here if they angered that demon.


    Their only hope was the eighth prince. Immediately, they looked at the other but Feng Cui didn''t look at them as if they were air, he was busy observing the handsome silver haired young man who was comforting the young girl as Chun retrieved a shirt and pants for the girl to change into.


    "Your highness---." Their crying protests was instantly cut off with the terrifying state of the eighth prince as they were stunned to be directed with this kind of cruel stare.


    Feng Cui had been always kind and good to them but it seemed to be that this person had been hiding his true face. They silently blamed themselves for their ignorance as they followed this two-faced person.


    "Go away."


    The eighth prince simply stated as he sauntered to the direction of the silver haired young man, abandoning them.


    Chun who had seen this from the corner of her eyes, smirked in satire as she helped the girl to walk by the bushes so that she could change.


    -----------


    Feng Cui straightened his shirt and dusted off any dirt from his clothing as he smiled at the silver haired young man in a friendly manner.


    Chun wasn''t interested with the play of the eighth prince as she dashed forward and jumped on a tree, then disappeared.


    The eighth prince was left dumbfounded there while Leika went out from the bushes as she asked the green haired youth. Feng Cui responded her with silence as he decided to follow where the direction that the silver haired young man left.


    ''He will not let him escape!''


    With no one left with her, the orphan girl decided to join the fun as well.


    Immediately, the silver haired young man darted ro where the dense of fluctuation of charm energy was. It was strange for this forest to have an intense battle during the Charmers'' testing.


    Due to the undiscovered truth about the Charms, they stipulated it on many debates as they finally settled a decision. And then it was named Charm Excellence.


    Long story short, the founding of the school was greatly connected with the Baligroot Forest.


    Chun witnessed a scene that she didn''t expect while she landed on a tree. In what she had read on those books back in Snow Palace, the beast that the young woman was fighting was a Parodic Wolf. Based on appearance, it was kind of beast which had a doglike body yet its claws was like a three-fingered chicken.


    Although the overall appearance was funny and ugly but the silver haired young man had no way of laughing on it as she narrowed her eyes with hint of seriosness while she analysed the fighting style of the Parodic Wolf.


    The four-people group that she saw fighting the beast had harmony and teamwork when it came to attacking and defensing their opponent. It was fascinating to see others'' battle as it was first for the silver haired young man to be able to watch this kind of exhilarating show.


    Chun had never saw a live fight scene as whenever Art would deal about some their opponents, he would be precise on his movements and with no delay, killing them at the end.


    Since entering as an instructor of the Minds in the Harconia Institute, the silver haired young mam had realized that her butler was never fond of long duration fight as he would finish the enemy in a minute and sometimes in five minutes when Chun would intervene.


    The silver haired young man had always been saved by the butler since critical times but she had never able to marvel the display of abilities of her butler as she would be occupied with something else like appreciating the handsome features of her butler or be in daze while she waited for their play to finish.


    Amper wasn''t holding back anymore as they were fighting an unexpected beast. The beast was ugly but its ugliness was match with its strength as the second miss couldn''t suppress the beast with herself and even her group was slowly dwindling in charm energy.


    The second miss noticed that although the beast was powerful than them but it unusual for them to easily feel their charm energy slipping out. As a team, they were most of the time in training and Amper knew that this wasn''t their true enedurance.


    Less than three minutes, they were now tired and almost all of their fighting prowess had depleted which meant that something had been off since the.


    The silver haired young man who wasn''t included inside the illusion technique of the Parodic Wolf was entertained to see an eye-opener.


    Their unceasing still continued while Chun watched but in the silver haired young man''s point of view, they were being played at by the beast. Though, Chun couldn''t see what they were fighting on but she was only sure that the ''thing'' that might they were dueling was only fake as the real deal was just circling them by a three-meyer distance.


    It wasn''t Chun''s business but as she heard the called out name which she was looking for. The silver haired young man without hesitation, ran to the core of the illusion technique as she smashed it using her wind ability as a Charmer.


    The playful Parodic Wolf was caught in surprise when it sensed the tremors of its masterpice as it shattered and freeing the trap group.


    The glint of their eyes came back as they were free from the illusion trap. Immediately, the Parodic Wolf who was cunningly preying for this group was suddenly beaten up.


    Amper who suddenly regained her vision in reality saw an astounding sight infront of her.


    A handsome white silver haired young man with a princely demeanor was thrashing an ugly beast underneath her feet while cussing at it, her dignified look made the second miss think that the young man was doing a righteous act.

 Chapter 142 - 135

    Sensing their gazes, the silver haired young man smiled at them and stated, "It''s truly unavoidable for fellow Charmers to encounter this kind of deadly beast."


    Everyone looking at the ''deadly'' beast: ¡­.


    Deadly beast: ¡­. ''Are you being exaggerated?''


    Under the silver haired young man''s control, the Parodic Wolf was easily subdued and while they were at it. Chun felt hungry from expending effort on finding her specific candidate for conquest and even stumbling on saving a person on the way.


    She was eyeing for the Parodic Wolf. Even though its appearance was truly undescribable which even the author couldn''t describe accurately in the previous chapter but its meat shouldn''t be inedible, right?


    The Parodic Wolf who was still stunned by the unexpected development event was full thoughts of doubt.


    ''Where am I?''


    ''Who am I''


    ''What am I?''


    It was humiliating to think that its thousand years of cultivation was easily defeated by a foot of this Charmer. The beast was even hesitating if this was a human or a beast hiding in a human form?


    The Parodic Wolf wouldn''t think that this was a human trained under the revered Nightmare beast of the Concave Forest.


    But the beast was immediately snapped out of its dazed when it heard the preposterous sentence of the silver haired young man.


    "Can it be eaten?" Chun asked herself yet Amper and her group heard it that made their face pale, drastically.


    Simultaneously a reproved in their mouths came out with a howl of the poor beast in disagreement as well. This was the first time for a group of human and a beast to be in sync and agreement.


    As a Charmer, one must have an in-depth knowledge regarding about types of beasts and seeing this silver haired young man was in this forest also which meant that this youth was an examinee like them. Then she should have a basic knowledge about edible and inedible stuff and beasts in the Baligroot Forest.


    "Mister, you may want to refrain from eating it. Beasts on this forest are all inedible." Daia couldn''t help but stepped out, she didn''t want to witness a handsome young man die from food poisoning. That would be terrible.


    Chun was silent for a moment as if she was deep contemplation and finally, she rescinded. "Alright."


    The group of Amper released a sigh of relief but the silver haired young man wasn''t finished speaking as she continued.


    "Then what are we going to do with this ugly beast?"


    The eighth prince who caught up silver haired young man heard this question as he neared the other and saw the ugly creature that Chun had her foot was on.


    Feng Cui instantly exclaimed, "Such an ugly beast, you should kill it!"


    Even the recently arrived girl jumped in agreement.


    It even trembled when it heard the word kill from those newly arrived people.


    Chun sensed that the other party was now scared with them as her initial plan was just to intimidate this beast and taught it a lesson about not to run unruly within the forest.


    The silver haired young man wasn''t cruel to kill a beast by her hand as she treated them equal with humans like her since she was under the tutelage of her teacher who was also a beast, Chun had been forgiving with them.


    Looking from this poor Parodic Wolf, the silver haired young man remembered what Ara had to her that Parodic Wolf was one of the near-extinct beasts as their reproduction rate was slow and they were mostly incapable to give birth with several Parodic Wolf pups as they needed a certain climate and place, and a female Parodic Wolf was only limited to one cub.


    This difficult situation of a Parodic Wolf made Chun pity it and decided to be more forgiving with them.


    "So what do you want to do with it?" The silver haired young man directed her question to the elegant cold faced woman as Chun knew that this person was in charge of their group. Though she pitied the Parodic Wolf, she had no right to decide its end.


    Amper slightly appreciated the handsome young man''s inquiry as it was right for her to be asked by the latter because her group was the one being attacked by this beast awhile ago.


    "Just let it go." Her calm reply made the three Charmers in her group was shocked in surprise.


    Only Chun and the two who had just arrived to have maintained a neutral expression. Despite the beast was hideous, the eighth prince thought that it would dirty the silver haired young man''s hand if she would kill then letting it go should be good as well.


    Chun shrugged and retrieved her foot.


    As if the Parodic Wolf received amnesty, it immediately howled in a cry as it escaped, leaving them dust.


    Parodic Wolf: ¡­.. ''I will not be brave anymore on playing humans! Maybe, the Tree Spirit guardian was right, he was really protecting us from those cruel humans huhu.''


    The silver haired young man took out a handkerchief from her pocket as she wiped the nonexistent dirt in her hands.


    Now that the atmosphere was calm, the eighth prince presented himself again to the silver haired young man and even Leika joined as well.


    "I''m Amper Morai, an examinee as well. These are my subordinates," the elegant lady was the first to break the silence which made the three who was slowly regaining their senses after the earlier to be bewildered, again.


    ''Had been the second miss switched out?''


    ''Am I dreaming?''


    ''Did something happen?!''


    Daia had been the most who had stayed long with the second miss'' side so she was the one who greatly knew the other. This left her flustered as she usually witnessed in their city that gentlemen would do anything for Amper''s glance and ladies would love to please her to have them in her good books.


    Although, the first miss appeared to be superior to the other but it couldn''t be denied that she was still an olive branch for them.


    Morai household was known for their connections with the Royal Family as their head patriarch was the Left Advisor and it was known that despite the first miss was to be crowned the heir but the second miss was slowly gaining recognition with her achievements as well, having a certain prince to support her from behind.


    After the second had taken the initiative, Daia and the others followed suit.


    "I''m Daia Levon."


    "I''m her younger brother, Daeil Levon."


    "Ivory Vindi."


    Hearing their names, Chun only confirmed her guessed as she smiled and responded, "I''m Chun, nice to meet you!"


    "Morai, Levon and Vindi! You''re a member of the great four noble households? Hmm. I''m Feng Cui, the eighth prince and I''m his companion," He humbly stated as he looked at them with his calm expression although he was surprised to see these people.


    ''Brother have a keen-eye.''


    Leika didn''t want to be left out also so bu??ed in, "I''m his companion also, I''m Leika." She offered her hand for a handshake but was about to retrieve it as she almost forgot that noble families disdained this kind of behaviour. They would not like to shake hands with a poor Charmer like her.


    But Daeil who had been usually serious suddenly received her hands with no hint of disgust while the youth nodded with seriousness.


    The girl almost appreciated his kind gesture but stopped in suspicion when she felt that her hand was tightly grasped by the youth and couldn''t be removed.


    Daia knew her younger brother''s strange action as she smiled wryly and silently unclasped the serious youth''s grip.


    Leika finally sighed when her hand was able to breathe again.


    The silver haired young man heard the two excess baggages'' words as she frowned at them. What companion? She remembered that she only travelled alone since the start of the test.


    Chun was about to argue with them when the sly green haired young man stated in a calm manner as if the things he was saying was ordinary.


    "You need to take responsibility!"


    Even Leika joined too, even though she had no idea what was the other was talking to.


    "Yes, take responsibility!"


    The silver haired young man was rendered speechless due to these people''s shamelessness.


    But for an outsider''s perception.


    Amper:¡­


    The three: ¡­. ''Was this a live two-time affair?''

 Chapter 143 - 136

    Chun felt a headache looking at the two suddenly tagged with her out of nowhere.


    Their reasons were,


    Leika: "You saved me so I need to be with my knight in shining armour!"


    Feng Cui: "You defeated my subordinates and even crippled them. How can I survive now?!"


    Maybe intervening the scene a while was a mistake for the silver haired young man''s part.


    She was even labelled a scum person in front of the four people. They thought that she was a young man who indulged with p???sur?, coveting both genders which made Chun almost vomit in blood.


    The silver haired young man never dared to run her thoughts with that forbidden land as she was just underage, her butler always reminded her that dwelling to this ?ustful stuff could decrease her cultivation level.


    Since then, she wouldn''t dare to commit these things. Although, she had naughty thoughts about her handsome butler that Chun had kept as one of her secrets.


    "Alright, since we have no complications and are fellow examinees as well. Why don''t we travel together?" Daia proposed and even the second miss nodded also.


    They couldn''t deny that they had been overly confident with their ability that they overlooked that these beasts in this forest were truly tricky so having another stronger person was a good advantage with them.


    But they never expected that the silver haired young man was that great to have the eighth prince latched onto her, it was known that the famous benevolent eighth prince had never been this persistent on ''pursuing'' a person and it was odd for Feng Cui to side with a person who just defeated his team of followers as what they had heard from the three''s conversation.


    Which they were fortunate to know that this handsome young man wasn''t only able to defeat a beast but was strong enough to take care of a group of strong Charmers. Feng Cui''s followers had never been for display as they were all had proven abilities but they were easily defeated by the silver haired young man and crippled also.


    Their misfortune had nothing to do with the second miss'' party as they started to prepare their camp here as it was already night.


    Chun was already awake from the group of snoring people as she wanted to scout the area around before they could proceed.


    A swish of air passed behind her as the silver haired young man sensed a presence. Knowing who was it, Chun didn''t bother to turn around as she said.


    "What is the update?"


    The snobbish system had no qualms as he reported the current progress of the latter.


    "Currently, you are 23% out of 100 of the main mission while for the side mission the overall is 2% out of 100 and you have gained a 5% favorability rate from your first conquest."


    Xuan listed it all calmly as his onyx pupils rotated back and forth until it settled onto something.


    "Xuan, I have something to ask you."


    The silver haired young man didn''t forget to ask about her strange age difference with the older brother of hers who was the eighth prince.


    "Your age? You''re older in age than the eighth prince because the Snow Palace where you are previously living had an own time suspension as it was a separated space from the outside world. There is no time running there but as you stayed there for too long the rich energy adequate for Charm cultivation was subconsciously absorbed your body and developed your growth. Even your appearance now is not suited for an underage."


    Chun went back to where the others were as she saw that they were all awake, preparing to pack up.


    They started their travel again and after days of finding the entrance of the Charm Excellence, Chun slowly captured the trust of the second miss.


    The silver haired young man never imagined that the tight-lipped cold exterior woman was just soft in the inside, although her power-hunger ways were the distinctive feature of the Amper. She was truly suited for her flower, Imperial Montague also known as Crown Imperial.


    It grew to about 1 m (3 ft) in height and bore lance-shaped, glossy leaves at intervals along the stem. It bore a prominent whorl of downward-facing flowers at the top of the stem, topped by a ''crown'' of small leaves, hence the name. While the wild form was usually orange-red, various colours were found in cultivation, ranging from nearly a true scarlet through oranges to yellow.


    Chun had been familiar with this kind of imposing flower, as it represented a symbol of power.


    "What are you thinking?" The second miss asked the silver haired young man while they walked in front. This was their usual routine if the atmosphere was silent and no one wanted to talk, Amper would strike a conversation with her which Chun took as a development of her side mission but in the eyes of a certain three, they had their ridiculous thoughts.


    The non-talkative second miss would turn a blind eye to them as she continued to chat with Chun in a friendly manner as if they were long lost best friends.


    Somehow, Amper felt that this silver haired young man was not bad as she could feel a some kind of ''sisterhood'' with her despite that the youth was a boy.


    "Nothing. Just thinking the days that we had spent here."


    On the other hand, the smiling silver haired young man had always known the secret passage where it could lead to the school but she had been keeping it since she met her target.


    Considering that in order to progress in her side mission, she needed to spend time with the other which meant that pretending ignorant was her best option as she had known that there was a possibility that she wouldn''t be able to interact with the second miss freely if she leads them to the right path and it would also become suspicious if she had revealed it in day one.


    So the silver haired young man to uncover it to them slowly.


    "We have been running around this forest aimlessly!" The eighth prince grumbled as he couldn''t keep his calm and gentle demeanour anymore.


    "Right, right! Even a country bumpkin like me who had high stamina can''t stand it anymore!" Leika stated while she chased her breath, clutching her ?h?st.


    ''Although this girl is annoying me but she is useful sometimes.'' Feng Cui thought as he secretly glanced at the breathless girl.


    Chun who had been thinking on how to tell them that she had a clue, not appearing suspicious, got her opportunity.


    "Well, I have been thinking about it but I felt it was strange."


    The second miss who was beside her frowned her brows as she inquired the other, "Strange?"


    Chun didn''t delay as she neared a specific by their path and pointed a vivid pattern on it.


    "What about it?" Feng Cui creased his forehead as he had a slow brain process.


    But the others weren''t as slow as him, they immediately understood.


    "I have seen this exact pattern on a tree also!" Ivory who had been silent from the start, exclaimed as she ran to another tree a bit far away from where the silver haired young man was standing.


    "Then, we just need to find this exact pattern to find our way?!" The excited Leika said in joy as she could finally feel the end of the test.


    But Daeil interjected as he was second to Chun when having a brainpower capacity in analysing clues, "If it is that easy in looking for them."


    The silver haired young man agreed also as what she had remembered, the Tree Spirit stated a pattern for her to locate in order to find the secret passage that led to the Charm Excellence but the guardian said as well that some patterns could be seen while the others couldn''t, it meant that they needed a fire charm to burn the dry leaves into ashes and spread it in a specific trunk of a tree to see those patterns.


    But the challenge was, there were so many trees how would they do it?


    Instantly, Chun disappeared from her spot while she ordered them to gather dry leaves and pile them into mountains.


    Hearing the orders of the silver haired young man, they obliged immediately which surprised them but they didn''t dwell on it as they were curious to what she was doing.

 Chapter 144 - 137

    (Slightly long recap)


    "Nothing. Just thinking the days that we had spent here."


    It was been a week now and they had not seen any silhouette of the grand Charm Excellence which meant that they were far from accomplishing the test but they were still spirited and full of vigor to not give up.


    On the other hand, the smiling silver haired young man had always known the secret passage where it could lead to the school but she had been keeping it since she met her target.


    Considering that in order to progress in her side mission, she needed to spend time with the other which meant that pretending ignorant was her best option as she had known that there was a possibility that she wouldn''t be able to interact with the second miss freely if she leads them to the right path and it would also become suspicious if she had revealed it in day one.


    So the silver haired young man to uncover it to them slowly.


    "We have been running around this forest aimlessly!" The eighth prince grumbled as he couldn''t keep his calm and gentle demeanour anymore.


    "Right, right! Even a country bumpkin like me who had high stamina can''t stand it anymore!" Leika stated while she chased her breath, clutching her ?h?st.


    ''Although this girl is annoying me but she is useful sometimes.'' Feng Cui thought as he secretly glanced at the breathless girl.


    Chun who had been thinking on how to tell them that she had a clue, not appearing suspicious, got her opportunity.


    "Well, I have been thinking about it but I felt it was strange."


    The second miss who was beside her frowned her brows as she inquired the other, "Strange?"


    Chun didn''t delay as she neared a specific by their path and pointed a vivid pattern on it.


    "What about it?" Feng Cui creased his forehead as he had a slow brain process.


    But the others weren''t as slow as him, they immediately understood.


    "I have seen this exact pattern on a tree also!" Ivory who had been silent from the start, exclaimed as she ran to another tree a bit far away from where the silver haired young man was standing.


    "Then, we just need to find this exact pattern to find our way?!" The excited Leika said in joy as she could finally feel the end of the test.


    But Daeil interjected as he was second to Chun when having a brainpower capacity in analysing clues, "If it is that easy in looking for them."


    The silver haired young man agreed also as what she had remembered, the Tree Spirit stated a pattern for her to locate in order to find the secret passage that led to the Charm Excellence but the guardian said as well that some patterns could be seen while the others couldn''t, it meant that they needed a fire charm to burn the dry leaves into ashes and spread it in a specific trunk of a tree to see those patterns.


    But the challenge was, there were so many trees how would they do it?


    Instantly, Chun disappeared from her spot while she ordered them to gather dry leaves and pile them into mountains.


    Hearing the orders of the silver haired young man, they obliged immediately which surprised them but they didn''t dwell on it as they were curious to what she was doing.


    ------------------------


    They had never imagined that they were unconsciously following the orders of the silver haired young man.


    It was a win-win situation. While they spent days here, her mission could be said had been done and was progressing smoothly, added to the fact that they weren''t going to continue travelling with no direction.


    The pattern that they were looking for was an intangible marking carved onto the tree. If the silver haired young man compared it to the familiar patterns that came from her original world, then the runes would be the best fit to it. The leaf-like twirling design of the markings on the trees was only visible when one could look at it in a right angle.


    They occupied themselves with the search and immediately found seven similar patterns vaguely sculpted on certain trees.


    Daia who had been perceptive found that the trees where they positioned at were forming a specific kind of shape. Looking from their feet apart. Even Leika had noticed something.


    "This is Seven Leaf Trigram," the silver haired young man stated while ?ssuming a dignified tone.


    Hearing the youth''s sentence, they had a look of disbelief written all over their faces.


    The Seven Leaf Trigram was one of the powerful seal technique that was recorded in the history of Terapika. Although they figured out that it was that kind of sea and found out where was the secret passage leading to Charm Excellence, it was just a one step on the bigger road.


    The center of the Seven Leaf Trigram was the secret passage but it was still deactivated as they needed first to find out on how to activate it.


    Chun only got a clue from the Tree Spirit which meant, she must expend effort in solving it.


    Amper who had been silent suddenly spoke out her opinion, "It would best that we draw circles on the ground."


    The silver haired young man was still unaccustomed by this world that she had transmigrated info which she misunderstood the second miss'' suggestion.


    Drawing circles was cursing someone or something but for the second miss, it was something else.


    Folding her long plaided sleeves, a pair of white porcelain arms revealed as she took out a calligraphy pen from her pendant.


    It was obvious that the pendant was the designed storage space of the other. Chun focused her attention on what would the second miss going to do.


    Amper gracefully held the calligraphy as she flicked it on the dry ground. Using her wind charm, she was able to sweep through it and started to draw a symbol also which was a bit resembling the Seven Leaf Trigram but when you looked at it carefully and every stroke that the second miss would take, encompassed the other clear lines.


    Having a great mind, the trigram that Amper was making had been half-through incomplete but the silver haired young man already knew what was it.


    It wasn''t stated in the black card about the abilities of the other as it was just a basic knowledge of a host needed to know so Chun was a bit stunned when she witnessed that the second miss was truly talented.


    Effortlessly, Amper was reversing the complicated twirling patterns of linear leaves to undo the seal and open the secret passage.


    After minutes of her concentration onto the trigram, she released a sigh of relief then started specific hand movements that created afterimages once she executed it.


    "Ignite," Amper coldly stated but it still brought power to the trigram that she had drawn. It immediately alighted and the seal was slowly undone.


    Even the eighth prince and the country bumpkin couldn''t help but gasp an action of amazement as it was their first time to see an unsealing of a powerful trigram. They immediately deduced that this second miss from the Morai Household was truly formidable.


    A certain older brother of Feng Cui was lucky to have a golden th??h in his faction.


    The eighth prince was tempted to snatch this person into his faction.


    Chun maintained a calm expression though her eyes expressed a smile. She was amused to see that Amper performed an ''array reverting'' technique which used by formation masters from her original world.


    As a knowledge enthusiast, the silver haired young man had been knowledgeable when it came to formation arrays despite that this world was alternate of Xanxia but Chun felt that some distinctive stuff here were similar to it.


    She could only ponder that maybe the Creator of this world had a same taste with the Creator of her original world.


    Seeing that the second miss successfully undid the Seven Leaf Trigram. The silver haired young man didn''t hesitate to walk first the activated portal which led to their sought destination.


    ''Charm Excellence, here I come!''


    The snobbish system smiled as he observed the development as an unreadable expression crossed his face.


    The silver haired young man stepped inside while the Charmers behind followed also. It could not be denied that excitement and expectation tinted on their faces as this was their dream school.


    Although Chun had the same expression like them but it was not because of the same goal as she was thinking about her missions and she could not wait to reign on this school.

 Chapter 145 - 138

    Just one step¡­


    The moment they entered the portal, clashing rays of blue and white welcomed their field of vision.


    Peaks of a massive architectural structure invaded the gazes of the seven Charmers from afar. It was only the hazy outline of the school could be seen as they were kilometers away. Behind them was a meters high silver gate molted with golden intricates.


    Bam!


    Suddenly it shut itself after they had entered.


    The silver haired young man and her companions were amazed by their new environment as it could only be described in one word. Magical!


    Immediately, their attention focused on the grinning person with shoulder-length black hair tied into a half ponytail. The person''s gender couldn''t be easily determined as his beauty were between the boundaries of beautiful and handsome. He was a very good-looking person but Chun could say that he was male because of his uniform.


    The black coat on top of a checkered red shirt with a necktie, maroon pants and a white sneaker. The silver haired young man was impressed by the way this mystery person styled himself, though the armband on his left arm stated otherwise.


    It was the President of Charm Excellence.


    The President bowed his head and fixed his black no-rimmed glasses. His amber eyes scrutinized the newly arrived student as he stated in his deep voice, still with his smile.


    "Welcome, third batch! You arrived safely and successfully. You are now officially admitted to Charm Excellence. Congratulations! By the way, I am Feng Zi, the school''s Council President."


    Chun wasn''t surprised in his name as the silver haired young man guessed that it was one of her older brothers because of his familiar face and this elite school was known to be the territory of the Royal Family, it was funded by His Majesty, the Supreme Ruler.


    The silver haired young man could only praise the superior genes of the Royal Family as all of the princes and princesses were good-looking and attractive that transcended a normal human being''s aesthetic. Even the ninth prince that Chun was impersonating was equally handsome but an inch charming compared to his brothers and sisters.


    Though, Chun didn''t know if the face of the ninth prince was similar to her current possessed body (Zero''s) but still the silver haired young man wasn''t that dumb to not know that Zero''s aesthetic was beyond the Royal Family. Although this was a male body, Chun felt less depressed from receiving this superior male body as she liked this kind of beauty.


    Subconsciously, Chun ??r?ssed her smooth fair face while looking in a daze.


    Feng Zi who was secretly paying attention to a certain silver haired young man while he explained the basics of the school, was amused. He couldn''t explain why this youth caught his attention but he felt something familiar about her.


    ''Older brother! Older brother! Look here!''


    A three-year old child said to a black haired youth wearing a school uniform as he smiled at him with enthusiasm while showing a small green crawling creature that he caught.


    The black haired youth with amber eyes smiled as he rubbed the white head of the small adorable child.


    It had been a long time as the face of the cute dumpling was vague. A fleeting and fading memory.


    The President unconsciously sighed.


    He then led these seven Charmers to the quadrangle where the other freshmen were residing.


    "Sorry for the wait." He said as he opened the door connecting to the open quadrangle.


    They were once again astounded from another magical thing that happened in front of them. Chun and her party thought that inside this enclosed gym-looking place was just Charmers that passed before them but they didn''t expect that the place was another vast separate space which had its own blue skies and greenery.


    It was an open field and it was bigger than the field of the Harconia Institute that the silver haired young man had gone.


    Chun observed the surroundings as she couldn''t help but went back to where the open door was in. Going back and forth to confirm the out of logic occurrence. It was more magical than the things that she experienced in Xanxia.


    Seeing that the silver haired young man couldn''t get enough with it. The President chuckled as he spoke with hidden gentleness in his eyes, "As you will study in Charm Excellence, you will see more amazing things."


    The seven of them nodded as they proceeded to their ?ssigned line. There were around thirteen gathered students in the open field in two lines.


    It must be the first and second batch, as they were the third batch of Charmers who passed the test, they stood and formed the third line.


    But the silver haired young man was still trained onto the so-called older brother of hers. He was the second prince and Chun read on the manual that was handed to her that Feng Zi was oddly close to the ninth prince when Feng Hunan was a kid still living in the Royal Palace.


    Somehow, the second prince was too busy to have time with his youngest brother as he could spend once or thrice a year with the latter which led to their slowly drifting apart closed brotherly relationship. Even the second prince couldn''t prevent the Supreme Ruler about sending the ninth prince to the Snow Palace.


    Yet Chun knew that the second prince was truly fond with the youngest prince as he was the one to always beseech to their father regarding about the well-being of the ninth prince that made His Majesty sent servants to check the latter but they would be scared by the unfounded disasters that the Snow Palace created.


    Although, Chun had known who was the mastermind of all the troubles that were created inside the territory of the said place.


    From far away, the Nightmare beast felt a chill as she was awakened in her sleep but she still went back in her happy slumber.


    The President with smiling face cleared his throat as his friendly aura emitted a comfortable feeling around. The members of the Council who were present were used to this kind of temperament of the President as it wasn''t strange for him to be this joyful.


    On the platform, Feng Zi announced that they must need to wait around two days in order to finalize the fourth to tenth batch and as they wait, they need to rest in this place.


    Amper and her group, and Feng Cui reacted violently as they weren''t expecting to spend the night on this vast open field for two days after surviving the wilderness. It was already enough for the test but now they were told to spend another two days in this place?!


    But opposite to them, the first and second batches of Charmers had a calm facade ad they were used to this. They had already lived their three days here and it couldn''t help that their first reaction was like the third batch but when they had realized that this was a safe place and they couldn''t resist the fierce seniors (Council members), they admitted to fate.


    After announcing that, the Prince left while not forgetting to glance at the silver haired young man. Then the council members followed also, leaving behind the newbies.


    The first and second batches released a sigh as they didn''t pay attention to now disorganized line. Earlier, they were like in a military formation line, disciplined and composed but now, they were able to be unrestrained.


    Knowing that the silver haired young man''s party were new, a pink haired woman with a lollipop on her hand accompanied by a muscled man neared them.


    "Hi, fellow schoolmates. I''m Avi and this is my twin brother Mint, we are from the first batch! Nice to meet you!" She greeted with cheery air as she offered lollipops to Chun and the others.


    The sturdy man with pink inch hair, rubbed his head as he nodded at them. Though, they were twins, their auras were contrasting even their appearance.


    The silver haired young man asked in curiosity about staying here as it was strange for the Council members to let them stay and wait here.


    Hearing that, Avi twirled her pink hair as she spoke with interest and amusement.


    "It''s no big deal. This is a place that a frozen time. Isn''t it amazing?! We couldn''t get tired here or be sleepy as you could feel that vast Charm energy is supplementing this place."


    After that revelation, they were amazed but finally settled their worries. They just only needed to wait for the other passers.


    While at that, Amper and her group started to notice some of their acquaintances as they interacted.


    Leika who was known to be a country bumpkin sad cross-legged as she had no interest with socializing, she decided to occupy herself with a cubic puzzle that she took out from her straw bag.


    The silver haired young man was left with the eighth prince and decided to not bore herself, Chun opened a conversation.


    "Aren''t you brothers with the President?"

 Chapter 146 - 139

    A scowl was the only reply of the eighth prince as he didn''t bother with the silver haired young man.


    Chun shrugged it off as she started to look around the space. She was bewildered with this place. Although Xanxia had separate space as well but it was only known to certain higher status.


    The most accessible in Xanxia was the stimulation space despite it was only a few levels lower than owning a personal space like Chun who had a silver box which was originally hers as she had a past identity of the keeper.


    Finally, having peace after many unexpected events one after another. The silver haired young man was able to recollect the third fragment. It wasn''t the same with the second fragment which contained her deity powers and even the first fragment which had simulation to it in order to obtain the silver box ownership, though it also had specific memories that made her realized her identity.


    The third fragment was full of her memory as a deity. It was revealed here that she was a deity of Memory and Clairvoyance, the silver haired young man had thought about it and she could testify that she was truly a deity of Memory as she had no memory of herself (sarcasm) but Clairvoyance?


    Wasn''t that an ability that defied the boundaries between a mortal and a powerful being? Well, as one look at it, Chun could only say that it might one of her lost powers or just a title.


    As a past deity who was still in an incomplete form, she was labelled to be lucky to be able to use her divine powers despite the restrictions on being in her incomplete form.


    She was a bit curious about how would she able to be in her complete form and only that sly deity in the silver box could answer her question.


    Currently, she couldn''t just reveal herself that she was just a foreign soul occupying a body of the Master of the Circus, although the silver haired young man could remember pieces of memory with Zero as according to her identity as Pandora, he was a very close friend of hers. They had like a sisterhood-brotherhood bond that made them that close and it wasn''t a coincidence to be this close because they were related by bloodline.


    However, the more that the memories of her past deity self started to unlock and unseal in her mind, Chun began to feel a heavy responsibility weighing her.


    The identity of Pandora was not to be trifled with, she was a keeper of the three boxes, the deity who was entitled with Memory and Clairvoyance; made the silver haired young man felt a bit burden with the imposing title and lastly, the way the Deity of Tragedy talked and hinted some things to her, gave Chun a feeling that there was more to her deity identity.


    Pieces of memories didn''t match up to her speculations. Some of it was like a puzzle the Chun needed to figure out where to fit the others.


    The silver haired young man sighed as she decided to set aside these matters, she needed first to settle with her current situation.


    Landing her eyesight on the long golden curly haired girl who was wearing a full-set high combat suit, Chun felt heat in her pocket where was the mission card that Xuan had given her.


    She didn''t store it to her storage space as she couldn''t know if something would happen about it. Knowing that the snobbish system didn''t give her any hint on how to know that the mission card would update, putting it in her pocket was her best option.


    The silver haired young man carelessly took out the inconspicuous card as she played with for a while and read the written words on it.


    ''Life is so boring. Put a little bit of effort to help the princess recognize her worth.''


    Worth?


    The silver haired young man found it easy to decipher what the words were hinting on. So the second miss couldn''t find her worth despite her struggles against the shadow of her older sister.


    How unfortunate.


    But the second miss shouldn''t worry about it as the righteous and dignified silver haired young would fulfill her task with her. Although, she was a bit hesitant if this was an honest play as her side mission stated that she would start her conquest once she entered the school, wasn''t this count cheating, right?


    Because it wasn''t convenient to find her so-called system about this, Chun just proceeded to read the next updated place. Surprisingly, it was the next target of conquest. There was even a portrait of the curly golden haired woman which the silver haired young man saw earlier.


    Wei Xi, the household spoiled granddaughter of a Duke. The only heir to inherit the Wei Household. She was the youngest Charmer to open her compatibility to charms in her fourth birthday and it was due to an accident. Sadly, her parents died from it and only her grandfather was left, the Wei Household was a declining noble family despite the prestige of Wei Longzhen (grandfather). No relatives, no younger generation other than the only heir.


    The silver haired young man had not expected to deal with a spoiled noble and what caught her attention was the strange information written on the mission card. ''No relatives.''


    Even in her original world, the Shuho Household was said to be a stronghold yet there were only fewer family members; her father, two older brothers, her and two distant relatives who weren''t living in Sereign.


    The silver haired young man frowned in confusion.


    "Chun! What are you doing?" The icelike feminine voice of Amper snapped Chun out from her train of thoughts and guesses.


    She stood up and greeted the second miss while slowly slipping the mission card in her pocket. Although Amper was curious what was that blank card for, she put it as side as she wanted to introduce an acquaintance to the silver haired young man.


    "This is Wei Xi, an acquaintance and also a mutual partner."


    Amper was thoughtful as she wanted the newfound friend of hers to have connections with certain powerhouses. She had known from the silver haired young man that the youth had lived her life in the forest which made her pitied her and decided to help her circumstances.


    Having connections with strong people would be good for her and Chun was also powerful with her abilities so this was a win-win situation for them.


    ''Mutual partner?'' Chun thought as she looked at the beautiful woman who had a childish and spoiled aura around her. Though her combat suit could be described as risqu¨¦ due to the various suggestive designs but it didn''t give her an air of maturity as it made her more of a child wearing ?du?t clothes.


    "Sister Morai, don''t say it like that! They will misunderstand it. We are just mutual business partners," the high pitched of the other rendered Chun''s eardrums deaf. She didn''t guess that this spoiled princess had so much energy.


    Even her glances were coquettish??


    ''Why is she looking at me like that?''


    The silver haired young man sensed that this second target might be a danger zone for her. As a straight female, she wouldn''t cross boundaries on doing beyond her limits. Although she would act frivolously during her time in Harconia Institute even enchanting the female species there but it was only included with restrictions; smiling and acknowledging them was the only thing that she could do.


    And it was also proven that Chun''s advance thinking was right on track this time as the young lady had fallen in love on the silver haired youth at first sight.


    The silver haired young man had an odd hair color which piqued Wei Xi''s interest, her fine attractive features were otherworldly that made the heiress feel and experience what was the word divine was and that she had determined that this ''guy'' was matched to her.


    The thoughtful second miss never had thought that she had brought disaster to the door of her newfound friend.


    Chun could only sigh and introduced herself with a smile that couldn''t be described as a smile.


    "I''m Chun."


    Her simple words made the lovestruck fool felt her face hot and she even offered her hand for a handshake.


    Reluctantly, the silver haired young man received the hand and it was strangely cold although the face of the heiress was burning hot as her brain short-circuited with the touch of her prince.


    Without no one noticing, Chun effortlessly retrieved her hands that was squeezed cold by the latter.


    The silver haired young man confirmed that using a male body wasn''t good as she felt a certain male hormone was s?ns?t?v? with the touch of a s?xy female.


    ''Zero''s body must be v?r??n!''

 Chapter 147 - 140

    (Recap)


    "This is Wei Xi, an acquaintance and also a mutual partner."


    Amper was thoughtful as she wanted the newfound friend of hers to have connections with certain powerhouses. She had known from the silver haired young man that the youth had lived her life in the forest which made her pitied her and decided to help her circumstances.


    Having connections with strong people would be good for her and Chun was also powerful with her abilities so this was a win-win situation for them.


    ''Mutual partner?'' Chun thought as she looked at the beautiful woman who had a childish and spoiled aura around her. Though her combat suit could be described as risqu¨¦ due to the various suggestive designs but it didn''t give her an air of maturity as it made her more of a child wearing ?du?t clothes.


    "Sister Morai, don''t say it like that! They will misunderstand it. We are just mutual business partners," the high pitched of the other rendered Chun''s eardrums deaf. She didn''t guess that this spoiled princess had so much energy.


    Even her glances were coquettish??


    ''Why is she looking at me like that?''


    The silver haired young man sensed that this second target might be a danger zone for her. As a straight female, she wouldn''t cross boundaries on doing beyond her limits. Although she would act frivolously during her time in Harconia Institute even enchanting the female species there but it was only included with restrictions; smiling and acknowledging them was the only thing that she could do.


    And it was also proven that Chun''s advance thinking was right on track this time as the young lady had fallen in love on the silver haired youth at first sight.


    The silver haired young man had an odd hair color which piqued Wei Xi''s interest, her fine attractive features were otherworldly that made the heiress feel and experience what was the word divine was and that she had determined that this ''guy'' was matched to her.


    The thoughtful second miss never had thought that she had brought disaster to the door of her newfound friend.


    Chun could only sigh and introduced herself with a smile that couldn''t be described as a smile.


    "I''m Chun."


    Her simple words made the lovestruck fool felt her face hot and she even offered her hand for a handshake.


    Reluctantly, the silver haired young man received the hand and it was strangely cold although the face of the heiress was burning hot as her brain short-circuited with the touch of her prince.


    Without no one noticing, Chun effortlessly retrieved her hands that was squeezed cold by the latter.


    The silver haired young man confirmed that using a male body wasn''t good as she felt a certain male hormone was s?ns?t?v? with the touch of a s?xy female.


    ''Zero''s body must be v?r??n!''


    --------------------------------------


    And the next arrived. The newbie Charmers who stayed in the separate space had no idea about the passage of time as they were inside a suspended space that wasn''t inline in the time of the ouside world.


    Although they couldn''t go out of this place without the go signal of the President or the Council members, it could be said that they were still well-provided inside the separate space.


    There were various kinds of food in front of them after the President and his council had left. The food could last for eternity if no one would touch it as inside this place, food wouldn''t be spoilt.


    Now, they could only wait for other Charmers who tested with them arrived.


    The silver haired young man wiped an apple on her shirt as she took a bite on it. She had been lazing around previously despite her two targets were already here.


    As a greatest player, Chun could say from experience that one should be restrained sometimes and should know how to slow down because she would be rattling them if she did things carelessly.


    Chun who had never been this calculative could only force herself to transform from a budding flower into a full-bloom one. It has been hard as she had no support to rely on like Art, the environment was different as this was another world and she needed to strengthen herself and focus to her missions in order to go home.


    And the students that she had left in Harconia Institute.


    But she could only go forward and not look back.


    The silver haired young man sighed with her thoughts as she threw the eaten apple to the nearby trashcan.


    Suddenly the closed door where the President and his group went out hours ago, opened and it revealed an unfamiliar visage of a woman wearing the Charm Excellence uniform and the eye-catching armband that stated that she was the Vice President.


    Chun noticed this woman behind the President when he gave his announcement to them and when the silver haired young man focused her attention to the woman with waist-length auburn hair and her attractive tear mole by the corner of her left eye, the mission card heated up.


    Chun:¡­.


    She expected it already. This kind of event would happen. Though there wasn''t any time duration between each target of conquest but she needed still to pay attention to them.


    Ace Saint was also a member of a noble family as she was one of the promising younger generations of the Saint Household but she was an illegitimate daughter of the patriarch between a maid.


    It was a typical dog blood story where a clean and high profiled noble family wouldn''t expect that one day a maidservant who had left the household years ago would suddenly come knocking while holding an innocent five years old child by the wrist.


    It was said that the Saint Household was a clean clan who valued reputation but they couldn''t just decline a prodigy due to a trifling factor and as she had their bloodline then adopting her to the main branch wasn''t a bid deal.


    They gladly welcomed her but not her maid mother which just left after sending her to the household if snakes. The welcome was just a cover as when the innocent and gullible prodigy in charms officially listed as Saint family member, changes began to occur that made her to be this now.


    The Vice President had a rumored name that the students who admired her would love to call her, The Perfectionist.


    And that Perfectionist wasn''t giving smiles or warm comfort to them as she even poured cold ice to the newly arrived batch of Charmers.


    Totally opposite to the warmest welcome of the smiling President. Although the silver haired young man preferred this iron blooded Vice President than that overly smiling President. Though he was the blood-related brother of the ninth prince, she wouldn''t able to resist that handsome person even though Art was more good-looking than any man that she had came across.


    The story had been ongoing and the author had already stated from the early chapters that the silver haired young man was a face-con.


    It hadn''t been directly stated but Chun could confirm


    that she appreciated beautiful aesthetics but only Art was the only number one. That was the exception of men as for women, she already had enough staring with her exquisite beauty so any women that had attractive features were just a display for, she would just look and look at them sometimes appreciate but her own divine self was she could only admire.


    Chun wanted to distance herself with that so-called older brother of hers as it would be dangerous for her but if she thought it twice, as a forgotten member of the Royal Family, sooner or later she would have to face them.


    The clear and crisp voice of the serious woman with a gaze that could send shiver and capture their whole attention started, "There''s no much time to waste. This you will have to stay for three days until the number count is settled."


    After she stated that to the newbies, she then left with no scruples. Even the Charmers who were like earlier ago had reacted the same, complaining in air as the Vice President already left but even that stern woman was here, they wouldn''t dare to cause a big deal in front of her.


    Chun ignored the others while she comforted herself. Her three targets of conquest were already this difficult, could she just abandoned the side mission and focused more on cultivating her abilities?


    The silver haired young man felt that the main mission was more easier than the side mission.

 Chapter 149 - 142

    The silver haired young man was truly affected by the gloomy aura of the spoiled heiress as she was like an evening primrose, blooming with its last vitality and wilted by the morn.


    She comforted her and after that Chun left the scene. As the people around dispersed after the failed pairing and the gloomy aura of the heiress emitted, the didn''t notice a certain silver haired young man slipped out from the situation.


    Chun didn''t expect to be caught up with that legendary Pair that existed in this world but she just praised her luck while she walked towards the spot of the system.


    Fortunately, Xuan went to an obscure spot that no one would see as the silver haired young man on an outsider''s point of view could be seen as talking to no one, making her look crazy.


    With no hesitation, Chun asked directly, "What happened to the side mission? The mission card revealed my three targets at the same time though the school chapter hasn''t yet started."


    The snobbish system who was ?ssuming a vibe of boredom and disinterest, looked at the pursed lip host as he replied, perfunctorily.


    "It''s good that the time duration hasn''t started while you got an advantage of gaining favorability rate with them."


    Partnered with his infamous shrug, Xuan could be awarded as the most laidback and uncaring system for the whole world travellers'' systems.


    ''Such an award will be a great honor.'' Chun thought with sarcasm as she scoffed at the latter in response.


    "What do you mean? Although this can be a great benefit, it doesn''t guarantee that I will still be alive after conquering three of them and plus the unknown two."


    She was informed that this ''collecting flowers side mission'' had compromised five females of conquest which resembled specific flowers that she needed to obtain from them.


    As the silver haired young man encountered those two ladies, she had her initial evaluation of their flowers.


    Amper Morai was cold on the outside second miss of the Morai Household, she had grown to be a shadow of her excellent older sister which put a seed of inferiority-complex in her heart and made her treat the people close to her as her subordinate or individuals that couldn''t be equalled with her despite her cordiality with them, she didn''t treat them as friends as they were pawns for gaining merit and suppressing her older sister. This kind of strong personality was aligned with a flower bundled together in one stem-like bells yet their orange vibrant color couldn''t be treated as a simple bell as they were portraying crowns, a crown of majesty and that was the Imperial Montague or Crown Imperial.


    Wei Xi the second target of conquest came from a stronghold which was the Wei Household, doted by her family and the only heiress of the said household. She wanted everything that she had taken a liking to be served on a silver platter to her. Not taking refusal for an answer. The most spoiled but cherished heiress of the Wei Household, anyone would love to be in her position though the only downfall of her personality was like an evening primrose, bloomed only when the dusk omitted then night fell. The inconstancy of her youth made her to be impulsive in deciding which led to her demise.


    The silver haired young man knew that she needed to help the second miss to realize that she needed to let loose and be dependent with her people while on the other hand, Chun needed the spoiled heiress to be m?tur? on her decisions.


    All of it were easy said than done. Truly a piece of cake if not for their clashing personalities. And added with that stone cold Vice President with a piercing glare, the silver haired young man could finally glimpse her future for this side mission which was a bold world of FAILURE with a kiss of goodbye to her going back to the original world.


    So she must need to inform the snobbish system that she wouldn''t go through the side mission and focused only to the main mission, it would be that easy...


    "No. It can''t be done. You already received the side mission and the only option is to finish it."


    If she could just beat up this system right now and then, Chun had already done that but she couldn''t do it as there were people present and she would be labelled as crazy with no effort, and this could also affect her plan to be lowkey until the competition disrupted.


    The silver haired young man had a smile that couldn''t be called a smile on her face as she unnoticeably responded to the snobbish system while observing the Charmers around her from her peripheral vision.


    Xuan shrugged as he simply stated, "You can do it. It''s easy for you. Other than being trap in this world if you failed the main mission, still you have benefits of being admitted directly as a third year like me, equal in status."


    Hearing that, Chun paused as she heard something new. This was the first time for Xuan to reveal a thing about the Circus.


    Helping the silver haired young man that she wasn''t hearing illusions, the snobbish system added.


    "The higher-ups are magnanimous to promote you directly as the same status as me if you succeeded this mission and you will be open to the most hidden secret of the organization."


    The tone of Xuan was like a malicious merchant who was selling ''black'' goods that were freshly taken from the black market and it was the first time for this bored system to be more invested in enticing the silver haired young man.


    Before Chun could reply, the voice of the eighth prince resounded.


    "Chun!"


    The silver haired young man wasn''t interested in the eighth prince'' displeasure but she didn''t want to offend the other because she needed still to ?ssume a lowkey status, although that Pair event that happened a while ago certainly gained unwanted attention to her that would only be put to light in the future.


    Chun sauntered to the displeased ''older brother'' of hers as the other complained of his hunger.


    Leika who was busy knitting her woven scarf just glanced at the childish eighth prince that contrasted to his originally elegant and calm demeanor. She just innocently blinked and went back to knitting.


    Chun thinned her lips as she wanted to ruffle her silver white hair in frustration. The served food was only meters away from them yet this prince was acting like a disabled person?


    If the original ninth prince would have put front a wish of avenging his abandonment and implicating the Royal Family, the silver haired young man might consider this eighth prince as he was like an incapable person and easy to be bullied with.


    But the silver haired young man wasn''t his servant even he would throw tantrum their on the ground, he would be humiliating himself. It had nothing to do with Chun as she was not the ninth prince who was the member of the Royal Family but an abandoned and forgotten prince of the Snow Palace.


    Chun ignored him as she left, looking for something that could amuse her.


    The country bumpkin only conversed with Feng Cui when the silver haired young man left them.


    The always lofty eighth prince had considered this lowly Charmer to be pleasing and smart despite her status, deeming her to be one of his acknowledged ''follower''.


    Although Leika had no idea that she had impressed a certain grumpy prince, she was just worried for the other. As an innocent maiden who came from a small village, she never encountered transgressions although she was being mocked by some Charmers that know her status, she still maintained a positive mindset. And having a displeased ''friend'' made her worry for him.


    "Are you hungry? Do you want me to get you food?"


    This kind of misunderstanding would truly lead to an unexpected event that only the two of them would experience in the future.


    Feng Cui snorted in response but Leika had stood up in her spot and started to pick out fresh food for the other.


    Although the eighth prince appreciated her thoughtfulness, it didn''t settle the unsatisfied feeling towards the silver haired young man. This person just ignored him!


    Well, the real reason why this eighth prince had this kind of strange attachment to the silver haired young man began after Feng Cui laid eyes at the latter.


    It wasn''t loved at first sight but he felt an odd familiarity with the silver haired young man that led him to follow his instincts and see through it.


    Even though the ninth prince had an estranged relationship with his siblings, it couldn''t be avoided that they cared for him but somehow that kind of care was only in the interior as they pretended to cold in the surface as it was the best option that they had decided in order not to trouble their youngest brother with the complicated power struggle within the Royal Family.

 Chapter 151 - 144

    Although Feng Cui didn''t participate in the crude activity, in the eyes of the second prince, he was truly a disappointment. As they didn''t get along, it wasn''t his business to meddle with him.


    The President continued to monitor but he didn''t expect that silver haired young man caught his attention awhile ago due to the strange disappearance, appeared in the same area of the eighth prince. This situation piqued Feng Zi''s interest as he wanted to see what will the latter would do.


    And unsurprisingly, Chun helped the girl and beat up Feng Cui''s lackeys. Though Feng Zi had been disinterested with his younger brother''s affair, he still wanted to see the actions of the other. If this proud prince would retaliate or cry over it.


    Yet he had never foresee that Feng Cui would acknowledged the former and even wanted to follow the other which was odd the eighth prince as he had never been the one to see attention due to his status.


    This was the start of the second prince'' curiosity but when he finally saw the silver haired young man as he deliberately met her and her party. He was able to grasp something about why his younger brother would attach himself to this person.


    Feng Zi then secretly investigated the silver haured young man''s background but after obtaining an information about her, he went silent.


    The President cleared his throat as he began to talk.


    "Welcome!! First years. I repeat, Congratulations for passing the test but although you had passed it, no sweat. The real hardwork will start once you begin attending our prestigious school!"


    His warm and clear voice could invoked comfort and calmness that made the newbies who heard him felt that he was amiable.


    The President''s carefree and relax manner made their tense and tight nevrves loosened and even their guard was down a bit.


    But despite the welcoming aura and comfortable atmosphere that the second prince emitted, Chun knew that something must be up here.


    As she pensively stared at the President, Feng Zi glanced at her and the silver haired young man saw a glimpsed of his curled lips that widened a bit.


    A sense of apprehension rose within Chun.


    -------------------


    In the middle of the President''s announcement, Chun wasn''t paying attention a bit as she was discreetly observing the Charmers who just arrived.


    They had spent five days in this space and finally the Council were able to decide.


    The silver haired young man was into her scheme of discovering already the other two targets of conquest. Her hand was already sat atop the mission card on her pocket while she kept her alert high, waiting for a trigger to appear but to no avail, there wasn''t any targets anymore.


    ''Well thank you!'' Chun thought with sarcasm as she sighed in comfort. Those three were already difficult and why would she needed two more to appear.


    Coincidentally, the silver haired young man felt a familiar penetrating gaze on her which she followed where it came from and spotted the smiling President in front who glanced and smiled at her yet somehow that smile wasn''t like his gentle smile, it was like a smile that had a hidden meaning.


    Chun sensed something fishy as she didn''t let down her guard. Even Amper who had sharp instincts wasn''t fooled by the amiable appearance of the second prince as she awaited silently what the Council had prepared. She looked at Daia and the others with a meaningful stare that they immediately perceived.


    The silver haired young man was almost scared by a sudden contact of hand on her shoulder but when she found out who was it, she gazed at the eighth prince in question. Leika was also beside Feng Cui as she was dragged by the other without warning.


    Although, this two-faced prince who was always surrounded and protected by his followers, as a prince who grown up in the Royal Palace and under the Supreme Ruler. He was well-trained in top condition. That act of not able to survive in the Baligroot Forest awhile ago was just an excuse to latch with the silver haired young man that had taken a liking of.


    The princes and princesses who ''grew'' up in the Royal Palace after the age of five suffered what to be a official royal family member. Only the ninth prince had not yet met the trainings of a true royal noble in the hands of the Supreme Ruler as he was sent to the Snow Palace after the age of five.


    Even the most frivolous and lazy sixth prince had an ability to kill an army with his b?r?hands, it truly depicted the saying about don''t judge a book by its cover.


    The silver haired young man met the eyes of the eighth prince as it further strengthen her suspicion about the plot of the Council.


    "¡­And that let''s not waste time. Before you have to officially enter the schoolyard, you will first be tested in your abilities to determine your section..."


    The Charmers who finally took a breather from passing the test never had thought that they would be tested again. They were about to complain but their vision went black, literally the surroundings turned pitch black.


    Only the fading gentle voice of the President could be heard as he reminded them to be careful and not be impatient. The gentle reminder didn''t help them a bit as it felt a threatening warning of the latter.


    Mist engulfed the vast separate space as it began its simulation. The dark mist was only covering the vision of the Charmers as they were drawn into the Mirror Mist.


    The President who was watching from his position together with the Council members were unmoving as they weren''t affected by the mist, Feng Zi looked at the pony tailed Charmer - a member also - who was producing the said mist from her hands while the boy beside her was doing precise hand movements as it controlled the situation within the space.


    This space wasn''t a normal separate space as it was called the Domain Space and the Council members as well as the President was duly in control on what would occur in here, and this space would maxed out the manipulation of charms in which the clueless Charmers would be able to demonstrate their overall ability.


    The Domain Space hadn''t been used for the past six years due to an accident that almost killed all of the newly admitted first years and that time, the second prince was not yet in position as it was the former President who directed it. It was put into secret to what really happen and it ceased the use of this space. As six years had already passed and the Alliance was in need to find a new member to participate in the upcoming intercompetition, they were permitted by the Principal to expend it for once.


    Even though, the second prince was still careful about the lives of this precious first years.


    "It started."


    Xuan who was invisible yet included on the spot reforming of the space, whispered as he knew what would about to happen. In fact, as a prop system, he had known the flow of the story and its ending but he was omitted not to divulge unnecessary information to the performer (Chun) as it would affect the decision of the silver haired young man.


    This was the prepared test of the Circus to chosen performers who matched the prerequisite. It was only between the Head Seats on what was the requirements of being chosen to partake this test as even Xuan who had been promoted as world traveller had never encountered this case.


    ''What are they planning?''


    On the original world, Xanxia.


    Circus organization.


    The moonlight shone outside the open window of the man sprawled in his grey comfy bed. He was lying topless in his front, the s?xy back was exposed to the peeking moon as even its light shied away from his explosive male hormones. His curls was grazing his forehead in a languid manner as the handsome man''s eyelashes trembled, it could be denied that he was second to Zero when it came to face value but as the First Seat, he already conceded defeat to the Master as even in intelligence and wittiness, he wasn''t matched to the former.


    Degris was awaken by a disturbing dream as he got up exuding laziness yet his noble air couldn''t be concealed. He took the glass of water that was usually prepared by the bedside table as he used to suffering from his ''dreams'' and somehow, when the water washed away any drowsiness, the First Seat was clearheaded as he jolted up and put on a cottoned shirt, not bothering to botton it and hurried to where the surveillance system.


    His dreams were accurate and it never was false. He must hurry and inform the others.


    On the Qi Mountain.


    The ten deities were summoned up by Axec as the Crystal Stone gave him another unforeseen event that would be inevitable.


    As the Qi Mountain was known for the home of the deities, the time here was running the same with the mortal world but it had never been grazed by the morning light nor the moonlight. It would always be in the midday, no heat of the sun nor darkness of the starless night. But still it created a peaceful and land of bliss and comfort aura as abundance were present all around the place. It never lacked anything.


    But somehow, the center of the said mountain stood a forlorn massive tree and indistinguishable budding flower looking insignificant was slowly opening, and no one had noticed the first ever flower that the fruit bearing World Tree had kept.


    The future was set and the people that was once involved wouldn''t be excluded. A red flag waves up and flames would erupt again.

 Chapter 152 - 145

    Immediately the surroundings were covered by tye converging mist which was blocking the vision of each of the present Charmers. They weren''t aware that the place they were currently bin was still the same but in their own little world, it wasn''t.


    The steaming hot air came from the volcanic ash of the nearing to explode volcano. They were at the pit of the active volcano as they could feel the scorching heat emitted by the cracks on its foot.


    A splash of the lava spurted out and almost shot the Charmer next to the silver haired young man, fortunately, the said Charmer wasn''t weak as he deflected it using his water charm.


    It was an advantage for a water Charmer like him but when he was about to be at ease, he found out that the lava didn''t back down from his water attack as it tried to overcome it. Chun without hesitation, grabbed the former as they distanced themselves away from the explosion.


    Dried up black mass of ashes and acidic goo shot out which they instinctively avoided. No matter how one look at it, it was a suspicious black substance.


    After saving the life of the Charmer, the silver haired young man didn''t bother her attention to the other as she silently counted the present Charmers with her, they were around a hundred of them and currently, they were about the exact number.


    Or was it?


    There was a missing one.


    Chun narrowed her eyes as she started to speculate.


    Series of strides and steps nearing her position snapped the silver haired young man back from her pondering as a long curly haired lady with golden strawberry hair came into her line of sight. Behind her were familiar faces.


    Wei Xi was the first one to spot the silver haired young man like a sore thumb, sticking out from the sudden eruption of the acidic lava. His silver white hair, flawless fair skin and languid aura were the ones that caught the sight of the heiress. Although that they were not match made in heaven (Pair) still Wei Xi wouldn''t want to give up on her.


    There was another method in order to be a pair with the silver haired young man, it was to improve herself in her charm ability precision and control, and somehow achieve a certain level of advancement which could enable them as a Pair.


    In fact, Chun wasn''t interested in the way the spoiled heiress was thinking while gazing at her with lovestruck eyes.


    "Chun! You''re here. Thanks the fate!" Leika hoorayed as she was a simple-minded person and loyal to people that she treated as friends.


    She would be truly saddened if the silver haired young man and the eighth prince wasn''t present, luckily Feng Cui was the first one she saw when she arrived at this unfamiliar dangerous environment and now she was with Chun.


    This was a first for her to have teammates and friends that were not in her small village and they were nobles too. The innocent young lady had no idea that she would be the one to take the role as a glue to stick their team together while the eighth prince would be the gum that would persist to follow the silver haired young man.


    Meanwhile, Chun who was ignorant to all of her so-called teammates'' train of thoughts wouldn''t see this unexpected event that would always end her with them in the upcoming scenes.


    The second miss calmly looked at Chun and nodded to the other as they tacitly understood each other. This kind of atmosphere somehow created an illusion that they were destined partners due to their mutual understanding with each other.


    Suddenly the sticky as a glue heiress, barged between them as she attached her ''octopus-like'' hands on the arm of the silver haired young man while she stared at the calm second miss with vigilance. Even though the second miss was her favorite sister and they benefitted each other because of their aligned belief, they wouldn''t let her ''destined pair'' to be taken away by the other.


    Amper could only shrug in return as she continued with her silence.


    "Can I call you Older Brother Chun?" She coquettishly stated while she blinked with her doe hazelnut eyes.


    Those sweet as honey eyes pleadingly looked at the other which made Chun massage her forehead in trouble while she nodded in reluctance.


    The spoiled heiress was unseeing what she wanted to unsee so she didn''t bother to pay attention at the sighing silver haired young man as she brightly hugged Chun''s arm.


    If this lady wasn''t cute, Chun had already thrown her and brushed off her sleeves but alright, she just needed to treat this as having a cute pet to raise.


    The cute pet Wei Xi: ...


    The servants of the heiress who was pretending to be students as well due to the order of the Duke could only look in worry and sigh with relief. They were worried that this one-sided infatuation of the young miss would lead her to pain yet at the same time, they were relieved that this certain silver haired young man who had an unknown background but had an air of nobility was understanding and lenient to their young miss.


    They could only report this to the Duke for their master to be prepared for any outcome. But if the situation doesn''t permit, they would their utmost to impressed this silver haired young man and create opportunities for their young miss to grasp the heart of this handsome lad.


    But all of this just their wishful thinking as the fate and the world itself wouldn''t allow this.


    Suddenly, someone coughed near them which caught their attention.


    The silver haired young man had finally noticed a lanky young man with delicate and exquisite features on the ground, coughing blood.


    She slightly widened her eyes as she gazed at the lanky young ''man''.


    Nola was still coughing with blood after she resisted the attack of the acidic lava which surprisingly was able to overcome her water offense, she perceived numerous stares on her from a certain group of Charmers.


    It went minutes and the other party kept on staring at her, they weren''t even helping her to find a healer or somehow offer medicine for her internal injuries.


    ''Are they waiting for me to die here?''


    Daia who snapped off from staring at the poor young lad was carried by the strange script of silently watching the suffering young man, immediately asked Ivory to heal the other after confirming with the second miss.


    The silver haired young man almost slapped herself to reality when she realized that she had just stared at the fourth target of conquest without doing anything.


    Instantly, Chun looked around and finally sighed with comfort when she didn''t see the snobbish system. She felt that despite Xuan didn''t tell her to act in her role strictly or such but she sensed that the other was making a list of her actions in order to report it to the higher-ups which she couldn''t allow to be graded low and attained failure due to her moment of carelessness.


    She needed to be promoted as a third year as her instincts were telling her that this opportunity of promotion was a way for her to get back to her body, hopefully.


    Before that, she needed to be focused on her mission. Conquer/obtain favors from the five targets and reach the peak of her charm ability precision in order to participate in the said tournament and take up the championship cup, plus she needed to be a top ranker in every test.


    ''Even a temporary host like her was doing her best to keep up. Sigh.''


    After healing the lanky young lad, her pale features went back from rosy pink, a sign that she was now in good condition. As her internal injuries weren''t that severe, Ivory who had been a step to be a divine healer with her water charm effortlessly healed the other.


    Nola thanked the blank-face healer as the other hum in response and immediately went to her pose beside Daia.


    The lanky young man was also grateful to the silver haired young man who just saved her in a critical situation which she executed a perfect ninety degrees bow facing Chun while she thanked the other with sincerity and earnestness.


    Chun looked at the lady dressed in a plain black shirt and pants with combat boots which was totally a style for male as the silver haired young man confirmed that the other was disguising herself as a man due to the flat board ?h?st displayed in front of her. Chun nodded at the lank young man as she put her free hand in her pocket while she traced the heating mission card.

 Chapter 154 - 146.2

    The riders were wearing black armors as they switched on using their blazing swords. This riding monster were called Knight Riders while their mounts tailed with their riders and would also ?ssist to attack what the Knight Riders would attack. The mounts were called Flighters.


    Knight Rider + Flighter vs a Charmer = ¡­..


    The silver haired young man already knew that answer to it, in every angle she would see it. The Charmers had no match for this one plus one enemy versus one.


    Which meant that she didn''t need to fight them head on.


    Looking at the standing still reddish monster carrying a black club in her left, Chun immediately rushed to its direction while a Knight Rider with a Flighter followed her tail.


    The silver haired young man was already in the vicinity of the unmoving Lava Imp and Chun only waited for it to move and smash the other but perhaps due to misconception, she flew back several folds away and smashed her pitiful body to the feet of the still standing Lava Imp.


    Fortunately, she had already prepared herself for the worst as she wasn''t sure to her conclusion and she already planned out a Plan B when her Plan A didn''t work and well, it didn''t work.


    Though, she was thrown meters away, her charm shield was still effective to withstand that blazing sword. She secretly had infused the air and earth charm in order to have a sturdy shield, although she just pull it up for emergency as she wasn''t still proficient to infusing her charms.


    ''So it wasn''t about vicinity?''


    Chun thought but her doubt was immediately cut short as she sensed that the monster behind her move as it was about to struck its club.


    Chun rolled to the other side as the Lava Imp struck its club towards the previous position of the silver haired young man. Chun felt her heart missed a beat there.


    The silver haired young man stood up from the ground as she distanced herself away from her opponents.


    Immediately, Chun had an idea. She circled around the Knight Rider while maintaining her distance and casting her wind charms. This would serve as a distraction to the monster.


    While dodging and attacking, the silver haired young man was estimating the speed, distance and time that she would need as a factor to complete her act.


    The Flighter was tailing its master too but Chun didn''t bother about it as it had some kind of vicinity to consider when it would attack her so it made like while dodging and distracting the Knight Rider, she was also making sure that she didn''t near the flying beast of the enemy.


    A meter and a half away from the sense of boundary of the unmoving Lava Imp, the silver haired young man used her Flight Steps to give a push and reach the head of the night as she jumped on top of it and glided through the reddish monster while she attacked it with her wind charm.


    Bang!


    Crash!


    "One down." Chun confirmed as she witnessed the downfall of the Knight Rider beneath the immeasurable strength of the black club. It was only a one hit sure kill for the unmoving Lava Imp.


    Unfortunately, the Flighter had dodged the struck of the Lava Imp which resulted to its intact corpse.


    ''Yeah..it would be a dead corpse.''


    The silver haired young man thought as she tried to execute again her tactics of luring the enemy to the Lava Imp but this monster was strangely genius as no matter what Chun did to lure it in the vicinity of the former, it didn''t get close.


    It shrill cries almost exploded Chun''s eardrums as it was riled up by her. The Flighter saw the crafty Charmer killed its master indirectly through the use of this seven feet tall monster so it doesn''t want to get close. It waited for the silver haired young man to go out from the boundary.


    "Alright then, I''ll give you a fair fight."


    The silver haired young man dashed forward as she knew that she could slowly defeat this flying beast. Although she had no idea what were these creatures were but she knew that all of them had weaknesses.


    The ninth prince character must be blessed with the divine charms as she obtained all the five elemental charms yet it wasn''t easy for the silver haired young man to manipulate all of them at the same which was why she only used her air type of charm as she was skilled on it and other than that, Chun didn''t want to be caught and used as a research subject when they knew that she was a Full Charmer.


    According to what she read on the ancient book from the Snow Palace and Xuan''s manual, there were types of Charmer compatibility.


    The Dual Charmer, Tri Charmer, Quad Charmer and lastly, the legendary Full Charmer, one who attained all of the five charms and had full proficiency of them.


    Chun couldn''t be identified as an legit Full Charmer as she was only compatible with those five charms but not skilled in using them, only the air charm was the exception.


    Though it would be good as to avoid unwanted attention as she do her mission.


    This only proved that this was a simulation test.


    Chun who wasn''t occupied anymore, have the time to observe the state of the other Charmers, some were already finished with their opponent as each opponent who just descended from above were exact number as them.


    The silver haired young man could guess that this must be a one versus one, though their enemy was two. As she could see, the Charmers who defeated their opponents were now ignored by those alive Knight Rider and Flighter as they concentrated on fighting their own respective Charmer.


    Somehow, Chun could take a breather from this situation, even the others who noticed this were resting as well. While the silver haired young man take a rest just on the feet of the unmoving Lava Imp, she finally noticed the calm air, winding around the volcanic terrain.


    This kind of atmosphere was strangely like when they were on that separate space.


    Or are they still on the same location?


    Chun just smirked as she figured out the trick of the Council, but oh well, she wasn''t tight on time which she decided to see until the end of this ''show''.


    The silver haired young man looked at the situation of her four conquest targets and they weren''t in danger as unsurprisingly, they could take on those monsters. Even that so-called older brother of hers was dancing with the Knight Rider.


    Chun wasn''t surprise at the capabilities of the eighth prince as it was expected of a member of the great Royal Family but somehow she was a bit surprise to the girl named Leika, although she was stupidly dodging while closing her eyes in fluster but she jad great luck to clumsily hit the vital points of her opponents.


    Nola Lanzoni, the only daughter of a former Great Master of a renowned guild. She is reckless when pursuing her dreams as nothing can stop her when doing what she wanted. She had an adopted older brother that was said to have disappeared during his first year in Charm Excellence.


    This ws the first time for the mission card to put a small description of a target as all of the formers were lengthy but the silver haired young man had no qualms about it as the description as already self-explanatory.


    ''So Nola is here to find out about the truth behind the disappearance of her adopted older brother.''


    The silver haired young man flicked the mission card back and forth through her fingers as she stood up while putting it away.


    Chun felt that it was already time but something--- someone had caught her eye. It was a Charmer who lended a hand to another Charmer as she was having a hard time to kill the Knight Rider but when he attacked the Knight Rider, the reddish monster near him moved and walked with heavy steps as it immediately chased the latter.


    The ignorant Charmer was scared about it as he tried to dodge every attack but the strength and the speed of the Lava Imp wasn''t imaginable as its heavy steps turned swift as it slashed instantly the back of the poor Charmer.


    ''So they were like the rule keeper? Executioner?''


    ''Cool!''


    Chun with glinting eyes looked behind her as she gawked at the unmoving Lava Imp. She intently stared at the immovable reddish monster carrying a club as she was measuring it up if she could perhaps fight with it.


    The immovable Lava Imp who was being stared by a ''weirdo'': ¡­.*shivers.

 Chapter 156 - 148

    A blinding light appeared on the scene as they blocked it with their arms. They didn''t notice that the Lava Imp who were standing in position was now at an attention as they were like awaiting for their commander.


    Which in fact the commander of the Guards, Qiqi. The woman was dressed in proper uniform, black hair was tied in a ponytail and wearing a thick-framed glasses as she adjusted it, somehow blinding the eyes of the Charmers. Her oppressive aura exploded in the area as the first years could felt danger from her. Her serious face brought ascetism and dominion as her intense gaze pierce through every Charmer present.


    With the silver haired young man''s heightened senses, she smelled a stinky odor as if someone had urinated in fear. Chun could only scrunched her brows.


    Qiqi nodded in satisfaction and unexpectedly, a smile was put onto her face which made the deadly tyrant, a angel in disguise. It magnified her beauty as no one could imagine that the boss-like person could emit a comforting aura when she smiled.


    But her words was opposite to her smiling face.


    "Those who survived. Good luck to you...Charm Excellence doesn''t deserve low performing newbies but but don''t worry, the school will skin you until you soar without your feathers."


    The pleasant face and sweet voice could blow anyone away but her words full of disdain could be easily perceived as the Charmers shivered from her presence.


    Even those terrifying reddish monster were saluting to her. Their black clubs that they were carrying were tossed aside as they stand at an attention. Very obedient and silent.


    The silver haired young man seemed to be listening at the domineering woman but inwardly, Chun was dazing away with thoughts of resting or sleeping in the dormitory. She worried more of her food there and her lodging. Would the room be comfortable to sleep in? Or the Cafeteria''s food up to her taste?


    While the other Charmers were worrying of their schooling in the said school, the silver haired young man had other priorities to worry.


    It couldn''t be denied though that the Snow Palace was rumored to be haunted and isolated place but it wasn''t like any abandoned place that was full of webs or dust or something that one could thought of when related to haunted and abandoned place, because the Snow Palace was the most elegant and comfortable place to live in compared to any other middle-class places.


    Chun had never thought that she would be staying in a palace when she first arrived in Terapika, and she had not ?ssumed that the said haunted and abandoned palace was this extravagant. It has shining chandelier with high quality gems hanged on its high-ceiling sculpted with fine and exquisite geometrical structures and the objects there, the chairs, sofas, glass table and so on were old in designs but were maintained in top condition, overall it doesn''t look like a haunted place.


    Which it explained the time there which was running differently than the outside of its place, it wasn''t merely in slow pace nor fast pace as even the silver haired young man couldn''t explain the flow of time in the Snow Palace and even the abnormal weather there.


    But that wasn''t in the scope of Chun''s worry as she believed that those worries should worry for their own selves because she had too many loads to take care first.


    "¡­Welcome, First years to another world..."


    That was the only thing that the silver haired young had caught up as bright blinding light illuminated the volcanic terrain and as it persisted, jeers and cheers from the Charmers could be heard as all of the students of Charm Excellence were present due ti this biggest event of welcoming the newbies.


    Some weren''t just here to see the faces of the first years but to know the results and performance in the Baligroot Forest as well as in the ability ranking pre-test.


    What was said to be only determining their sections was just a farce as it was truly part of knowing their abilities too. But the only would be displayed were the final results, no one would knew what kind of test they had undergo unless the first years tell it themselves.


    The silver haired young man finally noticed that they were transported to an coliseum-like gym as they were in center platform while the students who were cheering were around in the ascending bleachers.


    A familiar calm voice steered their attention as the Council President was in front where a high platform was located. Beside Feng Zi was white bearded old man wearing mage robes as he maintained a serene expression while observing the first years, under his silent observation somehow Chun felt an ?ssessing gaze that it could see through anything that she was hiding.


    "You are already welcomed by our Commander of the Guards Qiqi," the President started as he motioned his hands toward a certain direction which were a standing domineering woman at with two of students wearing identical uniforms which was a bit styled into combat.


    The second prince then continued, "But I will welcome you again and officially, and with the whole students of Charm Excellence."


    Uproars from the students resounded as they agreed with President''s speech.


    "Let''s not delay for the most awaited event¡­ the results."


    On cue, the Secretary of the Council President used her charm to activate the charm-enchanted screen that displayed the ranks of the first years.


    "Hey, I had no idea that there are results already," Leika whispered to the eighth prince as Feng Cui snorted in response.


    And the most anxious of this play was the dazed silver haired young man as she was sent back to reality from dreaming of her comfortable bed.


    She didn''t forget that this was in her mission ''to be top ranker in every test''.


    Now recalling it, she would have taken those tests seriously if she had knew this. Though it was too late, she could only hope for her ordinary display of ability to be up to the top rankings.


    "Chun! You''re there too!" The whispering Leika exclaimed as it immediately took the silver haired young man''s monologue.


    ''S-she she was in the second place!''


    Although it wasn''t in the first who had a name of Drilan Raforte but the one-name Chun written next on the first ranker was good also, with an evaluation points of 9.5/10 while the first ranker was 9.8/10. It was just mere points of difference.


    "Chun!! You''re in the very top of the ability pre-test!" Leika once again exclaimed in shock which Chun thought that she would be fit for an alarm for her as her voice was too good for waking up people.


    The silver haired young man immediately saw her name on the ability pre-test result rankings... And she hit the jackpot, she was in the first ranking while Drilan Raforte was in second. The gap of the first and second was huge, Chun was 9.9/10 while the other was 8.5/10.


    It was a result that one would want to mull over. Many conjectures could be stem from this odd results between the first rank and second rank.


    Was it deliberate? Did that Chun person gave an opportunity for the Drilan guy to take first place? Or it was something like hiding your true strength?


    The silver haired young man who was silently celebrating her small accomplishment from the main mission had no idea what were the others were thinking as she was on her little world.


    Yet the seemingly calm and collected voice woke her up as the President called for them.


    "The first rankers, please come up."


    The present Charmers weren''t only waiting for this astounding results as the big cheese of this event was to know who are they. What were their appearances? Were they perhaps connected to the Royal family?


    Even that Chun person who achieved that 9.9 score was truly a monster. It was known that no could ever achieved that as even the second prince and the first prince of the Royal Family, a direct descendant of the Supreme Ruler, were both at 9.5 score in the ability pre-test. Unless it was the legendary granddaughter of the Principal who was the master behind the Guards, no one since five decades had ever got that terrrifying results.


    And this was they had anticipated and excited on, who was this Chun?


    He was surprised to see that the young man who was like a year younger than him had beaten him to it and even in appearance, the silver haired young man was so handsome that made his jealousy and anger to go off roofs.


    He wouldn''t be a Raforte if he would let this slide!

 Chapter 157 - 149

    On the silver haired young man''s point of view, Chun doesn''t care about anything as she only had cared about her main mission. She just glanced at the haughty average-looking young man as she continued to go to the front platform were the President gestured for them.


    On the short blue haired young man''s point of view, the single glance of the silver haired young man had disdain to it as Chun ''arrogantly'' didn''t took another look after confirming his appearance. Drilan was so enrage that he wanted to pit this youth in place.


    ''Just wait for your time.'' He menacingly thought as he calmed himself and regained his proud air while he carried himself in front with air of nobility.


    Meanwhile, on the crowds point of view, they were guessing between who was who. But they didn''t expect that another Hearthrob would appear from the first years this year.


    The silver haired young man stood next to their divine handsome President but Chun''s attractiveness didn''t decrease as the latter had its own unique aesthetic. Being a Charmer, their senses were far more superior than normal humans (other than some cases, one inherited special abilities from their bloodline), they were more clearer to the handsome face of the silver haired young man even they were far away.


    "Hey, sister! Another cutie on my bucket list!"


    "Yes... He could even be in par with our handsome President."


    "What do you think about Miss Eliza?"


    Suddenly, silence befall on the group of whispering shippers as they were planning another ship to sail for their goddess Eliza.


    Then continuous restrained squeals erupted around those group of girls as they finally had something to match with the prodigy granddaughter of the Principal.


    Elizadith Monria Cross, the granddaughter of revered Nathaleon Cross who was the white bearded Principal standing beside the Feng Zi. She was the master behind the formidable Guards, as she was the one who formed the said group after the attack of the Abyss.


    The Abyss was an organization comprised of fallen Charmers who delved themselves to Dark Charm.


    But back to the topic, Elizadith or Eliza wasn''t any woman in her twenties as she was only a year younger than the silver haired young man. She was just that intelligent which enable her to advance several years for her school and now she was an Acting Grand Master of the infamous Guards.


    And the point here, this fanatic shippers were already in their fourth year and since attending their studies here in Charm Excellence and bonded with same goal which was shipping handsome and beautiful juniors or seniors, they were able to ship every face-valued students that they came across until Eliza walked in their life, making them suffer an unimaginable pain. She wasn''t suitable for any handsome seniors nor juniors. Even the magnanimous and handsome President who was a descendant of the Supreme Ruler couldn''t able to fit her.


    Even their silent and calm type bookworm Shito wasn''t up to par.


    But now was the time to end their suffering as a light to their gloomy and soulless world appeared. It remnants was so brilliant that they could only beg for it to whip them more and end their suffering and this light was this nonchalant silver haired young man who maintained an air of isolation while she stood there in the platform.


    They couldn''t wait but guess who was this mysterious first year.


    They had heard about the noble family Raforte which had a hands in the trading business but they never had seen the face of this noble youth Drilan Raforte. They only heard that Drilan was the most promising and valiant youngest child of the head of the household. And based on the looks of the handsome older brother Dryan who was currently handling their business, they somehow guessed that this silver haired young man might be Drilan while that average-looking youth was Chun.


    It was only reasonable that true noble aura and nearing royalty emitted by that silver haired young man wasn''t just for display as she calmly waited for her time to speak while that average-looking youth who was ?ssuming a noble aura looked like dung standing near the President and the handsome former.


    But these shippers had never imagined that they guessed wrong when a meek girl wearing big eyeglasses adjusted it as she whispered her idea.


    "W-what if that handsome silver haired first year was the Chun?---"


    She wasn''t able to finish her conjecture when her sisters cancelled her illogical imagination.


    ''It would be a good plot twist and it would add more mysteriousness to this handsome youth.'' The meek girl continued in her mind as she didn''t try to argue with the other. It doesn''t matter as the result was now revealed.


    The sisters who didn''t think like this smart meek girl pitied the new member as they were being lenient to her. She was just an innocent new member to their shipping group so it was still pardonable.


    But those thoughts of good will was immediately put out as the silver haired young man opened her mouth after Drilan finished his heartwarming speech.


    These arguing little sisters didn''t catch the introduction of the blue haired young man as they were more focused on their discussions but when it was the turned of the silver haired young man, they stopped talking and focused on her pleasant voice that put ice cold reality to their ears.


    "Nice to be hear. Hello, I''m Chun."


    The surrounding crowd had already guessed that this first year was Chun as obviously the first one to speak was Drilan and he introduced himself grandly with the background of his family and all yet the one line introduction of the silver haired young man was more attention-seeking than the lengthy intro.


    The sisters who were guessing and had seemed to be concluded the identity of the other was left in total silence while the meek girl who was right quietly look at in front with bright eyes as she thought that the plot twist was very good for her soul.


    But still after their realization, the shippers didn''t waver from excitement as they were more happy to match this super mysterious handsome first year to their revered Miss Eliza. The way the silver haired young man delivered her one-liner was totally cool as the other went silent after that. It even put the most conversation master Feng Zi in an awkward position as he looked at the other, waiting for her to continue but Chun didn''t speak anymore.


    ''Speak less and trouble will not come.'' the innocent thoughts of the silver haired young man.


    And this didn''t give the students'' curiosity at ease as they were piqued now.


    What family did this silver haired young man belong? ''His'' mannerism was similar to royalty... Was ''he'' the rumored ninth prince?


    The one who thought of that laugh it off as they didn''t think that it was possible for that non-charmer to be here and the ninth prince was abandoned in that haunted Snow Palace to die.


    Even Chun couldn''t deny that it was perhaps due to her upbringing as the youngest ''son'' of the Shuho household, she was taught well by her etiquette instructor, her four arts teacher, her discipline teacher and all of the areas that a Shuho member needed to learn. Although without this, her mother always taught her basic etiquette when she was still alive. Due to all of these, it was now embedded bone deep which Chun was helpless, even her small actions of drinking tea was elegant and her butler was a witness to it.


    If the students present were allowed to raise questions here, they were all now asking the background of this silver haired young man, they weren''t only curious of her background due to her looks and all but they were interested on how did she got that monstrous result... 9.9? Why didn''t the evaluator just directly put 10 there? It was just a mere point, no one would that petty for their wrenching heart.


    Only with good backgrounds could solidify their judgements about Chun but unfortunately, this event was a opening event for the first years.


    Feng Zi cough a bit awkwardly as he regained his calm demeanor, he almost went out of character due this fella.


    "Alright, now that you have seen the results and even had witnessed these promising youths. Students present here, first years, you are now to strive harder as to achieve greater heights and studying here in Charm Excellence will give you vast experience and advancement to your charms."


    "May we now call on our esteemed Principal Nathaleon Cross to give his inspiring message for this newly added promising Charmers."


    Chun and Drilan went back to their spot as they listened to what the legendary Nathaleon Cross has to say to them.


    Strangely, the President didn''t mention about the Principal''s absence and every welcome event for first years, it was been a decade now when he added the last event as he would usually be absent in this kind of event and the Council President would be always the one to clamped a smiling face and ?ssumed a genial aura for the first years to see.


    ''What did Nathaleon ate as he was oddly present here?''

 Chapter 158 - 150

    The leaves flutters with the wind as the mellow sunlight cast unto the field outside. A lovely and perfect day for sleeping.


    But the handsome silver haired young man who was leaning on the table while looking outside turned her head as she sighed with exhaustion.


    Chun could small squeals from her classmates as she knew that there were students who were observing her every now and then, even in between classes, she would feel their frequent gazes on her.


    Such a lowkey life she aimed while in Charm Excellence yet she was ''crowned'' as the new Hearthrob for the first years line up and her missions weren''t enough to tire herself as girls would sometimes showed on the places she would go, she wasn''t that stupid to be clueless what they were doing and she wasn''t dumb as well to had not known the secret fansclub that built up for ''worshipping'' him.


    The silver haired young man could only sigh as she stood up from her seat to proceed for her next class.


    Charm Excellence was a prestigious school for Elite Charmers. They were honed to be top of the top for the nation, even the frontline elite defenders/soldiers were came from the school itself. If a Charmer studied in Charm Excellence, he or she would be guaranteed a lifetime winner - job opportunities reaching out to them, even they doesn''t apply as a soldier or protector for the nation they could still work wherever they want, they had many options to come by after graduating at this infamous school.


    Even the Supreme Ruler had studied half of his year his but somehow in the middle of his sixth-year, he transfered to Diclexia University for some unknown reasons but still he was already a legend there un Charm Excellence.


    The system of education in Charm Excellence was different from the original world where the silver haired young man had belong, compared to Harconia Institute which composed of six grading levels, the school of Elite Charmers had twelve grading periods. But these twelve were only applied to those who were eligible for it as mostly, eight grade was sufficient for average Charmers while the full grade which was twelve grade was for those geniuses who could persist for the long duration and difficult training of their abilities.


    It could be counted on two hands who had graduated in twelve grade and currently Eliza was still in twelve grade. And what was another unique thing that the silver haired young man learned in here was the titles for the students one each respective grades.


    First years for first grade, second years for second grade, third year for third grade, fourth years for fourth grade, juniors for fifth to eight grades, seniors to ninth to eleventh grades and upperclassmen for twelve grade.


    But Chun''s classmates in each class weren''t overall first years as they were mixed due to it depended to what subjects they were needed to take or was written on their schedules as the class schedules were personally made of the school staffs for them because it depended to their results on the evaluation and the silver haired young man had a unimaginable result which led for her to be classmates with some second years, third years and few juniors.


    And this spectacle was currently happening.


    "Are you Chun? The first year who achieved such feat!"


    Chun: ¡­. ''It''s happening again.''


    Although the junior student - who was the Club President of a certain club - didn''t hear any respond from this handsome young man, he still persisted with his advertisement.


    "You will not regret if you join the Dueler club! Not only the clubroom is spacious, we have full packed of food if you''re foodie, daily allowance for each member, and also our Club President is influential too!" The Club President stated as if boating himself couldn''t complete the act of persuading the other.


    The silver young man wasn''t one of those who would rudely decline without reason as Chun smiled gently at the junior student and responded with a bland tone.


    "Sorry, I have to focus in studies."


    "Oh okay." The blinded Club President by this shining smile of the silver haired young man, could only nod as he floated away. He was offended atleast as he was more impressed that this first year was truly a diligent student.


    It was rare for tend to be unruly first years to have this kind of good seedling... Though such a pity that he couldn''t recruit this said seedling in his club. He could only sigh as he went back to his seat.


    Chun didn''t glance to the other as she worried for her welfare here in this school, this was the third time that she had decline a club recruitment and to sum up for her first week in here, that already her seventieth refusal.


    She wouldn''t have anytime for club activities and all as she needed to focus on her targets while studying hard for every tests in order to be a top ranker.


    The silver haired young man rolled her eyes at the leaning man on a tree across her as Xuan in his relax manner was dawdling around with a book while he glanced sometimes at Chun, checking out if his host was doing fine.


    If she had not fallen into this state or perhaps not triggered some sort of mission which transported her to this place, maybe she was now in the back garden of the Shuho mansion, drinking her steaming hot rose tea while enjoying the view of her cultivated moonflowers a her handsome butler was beside her, serving her fragrant tea.


    Though Chun might worry for Art but she would be somehow comforted when she remembered that she had already saved up a years worth of blood for the butler in her spare of storage space that she had given to Art when she forgot to give him blood a few times. The contract still lies there but Chun wasn''t sure if it was still in effect while she was in another body but somehow, Art should be hanging on.


    ''Art, wait for me...''


    Chun didn''t dwell more on those thoughts as she concentrated on her history teacher. Right, although the silver haired young man wasn''t that interested in history class back at Xanxia (of course, she had more knowledge in the history of Xanxia than any historian combined) but here in this world, she was more inclined to learn the fascinating history of Terapika.


    "Let''s continue where we have left of..."


    Rustling of pages could be heard inside the classroom as the students listened carefully, though few were sleeping in between but the silver haired young man was so focused that she almost forgot about her worries.


    The bell rang, an indication for lunch. The history teacher wasn''t even half a step outside the classroom but females and males with different motives immediately turned their heads to the empty chair where Chun was sitting, earlier.


    They were a second late!


    Chun whistled rhythmically as she proceeded to the hidden location where her group of friends were. As they were all a bit composed of students who suddenly catapulted due to their status, abilities and faces, Chun and her party decided to have their little location to hide in order to eat in peace during lunch and have silence when they were on breaks.


    Even without lunch on her, the silver haired young man trusted Leika and Nola to bring their specially made food for the group.


    Laughters and quarrells could be heard as Chun neared the said location.


    "Chun should sit beside me as I am his future pair!" The heiress stated as she was about to throw an object out of nowhere to the smiling irritating eighth prince.


    "Heh. Future pair? Dream on. My brother wouldn''t agree to it! And he will sit beside me!"


    And that was mostly their debate, it was all about the sitting arrangement. The silver haired young man could understand the spoiled heiress but Chun couldn''t get a gist of this eighth prince as since they started their studies in Charm Excellence, Feng Cui had treated her as his younger brother, as a brother in arms.


    Although he hit a nail their that Chun''s identity here was truly his younger brother the ninth prince but wait, due to the time complications and what-not within the Snow Palace, she was now a nineteen-year old youth so it wasn''t reasonable to call treat her as a younger brother.


    ''Or perhaps I forgot to say my age during my introduction in the welcome event?''


    ''Right, I remembered that I just only stated my name to look call.. hehe.''


    Chun arrived and took the seat beside Amper which quieted the arguing pair as they glared at each other but they didn''t forget to great the silver haired young man.


    As the current atmosphere was now calm, Chun decided to reveal her forgotten age to them. It wasn''t really a big deal but when Chun saw their shocked faces even the almost expressionless and always on her own world Ivory cracked out of character.


    The silver haired young man was speechless.

 Chapter 159 - 151

    While there reaction was so much exaggerated, Chun frowned as she remembered what the snobbish system had said to her.


    It was about the time suspension of the Snow Palace, her charm cultivation, her growth and her appearance was not suitable for a underage. Which meant that she couldn''t be fifteen years old or something? Then nineteen was the proper age for her?


    No matter what Chun had think about it, it was still illogical and she felt that Xuan was just bullsh*tting his explanation as he was too lazy to dwell on complicated things.


    Sigh...was it good for the management of the Circus to give her this kind of unreliable system?


    Feng Cui was first to snap out of his stupor as he said, "Really? I thought you''re in between sixteen or eighteen?"


    Or was it Ara was the one who had mistaken her age?


    Well, it could reasonable as that cat beast never had interacted with humans before and she was the one who filed Chun''s admission form, putting nineteen years old there.


    But still, why did Xuan made up those things? Is he that bored?


    The silver haired young man creased her brows in confusion as she clarified, "Even if you ?ssumed that I''m sixteen or something, why would you treat me as a younger brother?"


    The fifteen years of eighth prince : "Because I like it."


    Feng Cui stated with his proud face as if saying that no one should refuse him. Chun sighed from this as she picked her food.


    She had totally given up the issue of her age. No one''s going to die if they had not known her age, it doesn''t matter anymore.


    The silver haired young man could only look around while eating, she noticed that her group of friends were all under her age. They were between fifteen to seventeen.


    ''You only need to eat and keep silent. Age is irrelevant. Mission is important.''


    ----------


    The silver haired young man took out the mission card as she looked at the details there. She had already a ''bonus'' of 55 percent favorability rate out of 100 which she had obtained during preliminary test in the forest but it stayed there, it didn''t increase until now.


    Chun stared for minute at the 55 percent like looking at it could increase it. The silver haired young man then turned her line of sight to the red bolded sentence under the favorability value.


    ''Life is so boring. Put a little bit of effort to help the princess recognize her worth.''


    Worth?


    Right, she saw this while in the Baligroot Forest but she wasn''t able to pay attention to it as she was still busy on figuring things out but now, as she once again read it. The silver haired young man got an idea to what she had to do.


    "You said a party?!" Leika said with excitement on her tone as she didn''t imagine that this beautiful classmate of hers named Amper would invite her to a party.


    "Stupid, she said a ball!" The eighth prince clarified while rolling his eyes as he sipped on his tea.


    Currently, the silver haired young man and her group were at the Flaron Confectionery Cafe which was inside the Charm Excellence --- Charm Town.


    The silver haired young man didn''t expect that Charm Excellence was so so big as it covered the overall middle of Baligroot forest, there were high gates around the school that would be usually patrolled by the Guards. Passed through it would be small shops with random items, merchants selling their previous goods that they had said to be imported from another nation. Then through it were kinds of restaurants, cafes and clothing areas, there were also the biggest mall that was called FengZhu Mall, from its name, the owner of it was obviously the Royal Family ---- the first prince.


    And the most important institution, Charm Excellence was erected in the middle of Charm Town, as one passed through the gates, they would see the magnificent and massive structures of the school from a far.


    The said party that they were talking about was a ''small'' event that the first miss of the Morai Household had prepared for her younger sister''s official admission at Charm Excellence. Knowing that Emery Morai (older sister) was also a student in the same school and a junior, she set the venue inside the Charm Town, specifically the Morai Mansion in the residential area.


    As the star of the event, Amper couldn''t decline her older sister''s invitation despite knowing that it would be a trap for her.


    Emery Morai was a more two-faced character than the eighth prince, she kept her gentle and understanding reputation while truthfully her insides were rotten. The second miss could testify that as during in childhood, her older sister wanted her to fetch her shoes that was fallen in their backyard pond. They had servants for it to retrieve it but Amper didn''t want trouble so she obliged and she didn''t expect that her respected older sister Emery would scheme on her. Instead she would be pushed to the pond, the second miss reflexively dodged those incoming hands and Emery who was about to push her, slipped and fell to the water face forward.


    That made the child Amper to realize that her older sister was just faking it all, she never had cared for her and everytime that she was on their household, there wasn''t a time of evil plot by her older sister, that was one of the reason why she had formed her own allies, other than wanting to be in the same standing of the fifth prince Feng Qi, she wanted to reveal the evil nature of her older sister as their beloved father was being blinded by the first miss.


    And what happened after Emery dropped down to the pond, every servants pointed fingers at her and those servants were people of her older sister.


    Amper remember the expression of disappointment of their father to her, it was vividly etched in her younger self and even now she could still remember the angry yet saddened tone of their father.


    "Get the second miss out of here and lock her up in her pavilion for five days until she repented."


    The younger child Amper was so clueless at time that made her to be easily bullied by her older sister, she had no idea why was Emery was doing it to her but she knew that she couldn''t take this laying.


    She already gave her full support to Emery in taking up the position as the next head of the household but now everything has changed, and with the help of the fifth prince and her formed allies, she wouldn''t let that sister of hers to run amok and do what she want.


    "You two are both idiots, it just a small event! A celebration for the second miss for her admission to Charm Excellence!" Daia stated to the two who were looking like they were both right.


    "Oh.. I heard that that the beloved older sister prepared for the ''small'' event.." the eighth prince trailed off with double meaning on his words.


    It wasn''t a secret that the two siblings of the Morai Household had a fight. But the people only knew they were fighting for the next head of the household but some insiders who knew the truth, it wasn''t just like that.


    The ignorant Leika suddenly squealed as she excitedly stated, "Older sister? Oh I''m excited to see another beautiful lady like Amper!"


    The silent second miss snapped out from her facade of sipping her tea as she turned to the innocent girl.


    "Like me?" It was just a simple statement but although Leika was an oblivious country bumpkin, she perhaps perceived coldness beneath that sentence as she unconsciously hide behind the calmly sipping Feng Cui beside her.


    Chun who was observing the sudden changes of the second miss knew somewhat what was going on in that head of a vengeful person. The silver haired young man was a bit worried with this so-called small event as she knew that there would be traps prepared for them.


    "So would you like to join?" Daeil continued as he stated with playfulness in his voice.


    "I----" Leika was about to decline as her instincts were telling her that something bad was going to happen but Feng Cui shut her up as he hold her hands and stated that they would go.


    "I''ll go too. It would be a good event!" Nola initially didn''t want to participate but when she perhaps sensed the tensed atmosphere, she knew that she couldn''t miss this good show.


    "I''ll go, I''ll go!" The charming heiress affirmed as she held the arm of the silver haired young man beside her while pleading for Chun to join the fun as well.


    "Well.. I have no other things to do."

 Chapter 160 - 152

    The Morai mansion in the residential area was more bigger than the other mansions that the silver haired young man and her friends had passed by, other than other three buildings which was the same as big as the Morai mansion. Daia and Daeil, the Levon heirs was part of the four great noble household as well as Ivory who was a Vindi.


    Chun heard from Daeil''s narration, these four huge mansions. More eye-catching than those other a relatively smaller mansion, were for the four noble households. The Morai, Levon, Vindi and Wei.


    "Then, there should be another more bigger mansion than these four?" The silver haired young man asked as she looked around the structure of the Morai mansion.


    They were currently at the large backyard were the garden was located. This were the venue of the event.


    "Bigger mansion? You mean the residence for the Royal Family?" Daia was the one to answer as she picked a plate of ?ssorted little square cakes, it was varying in colors like a shade of rainbow or it might be just the way the Levon young miss just arranged it.


    Grasping the situation for him to shine, the eighth prince immediately took her thunder, "Our Royal Family would usually stay inside Charm Excellence where is a reserved lavish palace was erected meters away from the dorm of the students. Roomate! Didn''t you notice it?"


    The first sentence was just a casual remark of Feng Cui while the latter half was directed to the silver haired young man who was gracefully cutting the saucy steak.


    "Hmm." Chun hummed in response as she ate her steak. The sliced soaked in red sauce steak, instantly melted into her mouth as the meat was cooked perfectly in complementation with the honeyed tomato sauce of it.


    She had missed this kind of fine dining.


    "So classic!" Leika praised while Feng Cui rolled his eyes and corrected the country bumpkin who was misusing the word, "It''s classy! Not classic."


    "Classee?!"


    "Cla- si. C.L.A.S.S.Y. Classy."


    "Here they go again," Nola whispered as she ignored them, drowning herself to the taste of this expensive food.


    After running away from their household, not wanting to disappoint her grandfather. She had already lived alone since then, honing herself to master her charm and to be able to enter Charm Excellence for her older brother. She was so busy that she couldn''t even spare herself with a little bit of spoiling nor enjoying life.


    Nola had never felt this kind of relax atmosphere after entering Charm Excellence but still this was all temporary so she could only live with this moment.


    As if motivated into something, the disguised girl who was somehow charming in her suit and tie was now eating like a peasant, like someone going to steal it from here.


    The silver haired young man who had been focused on her sipping of juice and enjoying this exquisite food was in fact discreetly observing her two targets. Although they weren''t up yet but still it was good to take down notes.


    "Chun, is this food your favorite? If you want more, you can visit my Wei''s mansion. Aunt Ni is a good cook when it came to meat!" Chun almost forgot this sticky heiress beside her, she was again holding her arm but not too tight as she knew that the silver haired young man was eating.


    Chun just hummed again in response as she had no opinion to offer. She had been passive to the pursuit of the spoiled heiress, despite that she was the second target of conquest. The silver haired young man knew what she was truly feeling for her, she had not fallen in love to Chun but she was just blinded with infatuation or puppy love. A common case of teenagers.


    It could be said that the silver haired young man''s handsomeness and charm was so shining that Wei Xi didn''t want to let go of it. Though it was troubling, it was still helping her from staying away from those so-called fans of hers in the school.


    Imaging those burning gazes and heart-filled gave shiver to this young man with a soul of a female. She had no interest with same s?x and only Art was her ideal. Her perfect butler.


    All of those thoughts didn''t reflected on the calm expression of the silver haired young man as they continued to play on their own table.


    Amper wasn''t here though as she was with her family, helping to greet the guest also.


    Suddenly the buzzing environment of the nobles went silent as all eyes were on the first miss of the Morai Household.


    She was dressed in an elegant red dress, patterned with glinting jewels as her top while her long skirt was flowing in red color and hit by the light, it would turn scarlet, giving a depiction of fury flames. Emery Morai was like a personification of a soaring phoenix, reaching higher mountains.


    Together with her darker shade aubergine hair color which was almost black tied up into a princess bun pinned with a elegant falling star diamond trinkets. Fair skin, black eyes, long curled eyelashes, pointed small nose and pouty pink lips. She carried a hint of gentleness in her facade as she greeted back to the people around her.


    "I thought this was an event prepared solely for the second miss of the Morai, why is the host like a peacock? Such an attention seeker!" Wei Xi deliberately said it aloud for the gentle facade of the genial first miss to slightly cracked a bit, though she still maintained her friendly smile while she neared the silver haired young man''s table.


    Leika who sensed trouble brewing in, whispered unconsciously, "She''s coming.."


    "Greetings to the dear heiress of the Wei Household, Miss Wei Xi." Emery smiled at the sweet smiling also Wei Xi. The sweeter their smiles, the more poison could be smelled in the air.


    Although, the fight between the first and second missus of the Morai Household wasn''t that known but the grudge between Emery and Wei Xi was infamous that every noble who was at attendance wanted to see a good show as they silently observed from the sideline.


    "Hmm... Greetings too. Have a very very good day also, Miss Emery. Instead of the host receiving the guests, why is the star of the event was switched with the position? Or I might wrong myself and maybe Amper was the host here and you''re..."


    The heiress trailed off as she stood also to match the standing opponent. Chun was unintentionally dragged in a standing position as well, her fork with an eaten piece of meat was left in the plate.


    Chun was now in the middle of the fight as the heiress continued to cling on her.


    Emery was about to reply with her usual remark to infuriate the heiress, she didn''t anticipate that her breath would be caught up in her throat while her heart missed a beat.


    A handsome young man with odd silver hair and very enthralling aura caught her off guard. ''He'' had a deep hooded scarlet eyes, if ''he'' directed ''his'' sight to her, she would be trap in the pool of mysteries and charm. Even though the silver haired young man ?ssumed a languid and relaxed vibe, Emery could sense that this person wasn''t simple as it seemed.


    "And who you might be?" The first miss controlled the infatuated light on her eyes as she stayed calm. Not bothering to anger the heiress who was already pumped up to battle with words.


    As a female who could easily sensed what a fellow female was thinking, Wei Xi snorted as she introduced the silver haired young man, "This is Chun, the current top ranker and he''s mine!"


    The silver haired young man pretended to not hear anything as she continued to lessen her presence. She almost cursed the first miss for mentioning her, she was already been fine of standing there and acting as a statue but now that she was mentioned, she couldn''t help but feel few burning stares directed to him.


    Chun admitted that she couldn''t maintained her student life a being lowkey when she joined with this group of nobles and odd fellows but she had no plan to have another spotlight in here and the deal wasn''t only the nobles invited here but there were also her so called family members, the princes and the princesses who was attending Charm Excellence and decided to swing by this event as they had nothing to do.


    Chun had been used to Wei Xi''s shamelessness so she wasn''t surprise by her words, she only hope that Amper would arrive now so the true event would start.


    "I heard that you aren''t compatible with this person while pairing..." Emery said with her sweetest smile as she didn''t look at the infuriated heiress.


    "Chun is your name right?" She tenderly smiled at the silver haired young man which only put the other into a tight situation.


    Chun:¡­.. ''Could I escape now? System! Xuan! You dumb fellow! Where are you? I thought you will help when my life''s in danger?!''

 Chapter 161 - 153

    The silver haired young man pretended to not hear anything as she continued to lessen her presence. She almost cursed the first miss for mentioning her, she was already been fine of standing there and acting as a statue but now that she was mentioned, she couldn''t help but feel few burning stares directed to him.


    Chun admitted that she couldn''t maintained her student life a being lowkey when she joined with this group of nobles and odd fellows but she had no plan to have another spotlight in here and the deal wasn''t only the nobles invited here but there were also her so called family members, the princes and the princesses who was attending Charm Excellence and decided to swing by this event as they had nothing to do.


    Chun had been used to Wei Xi''s shamelessness so she wasn''t surprise by her words, she only hope that Amper would arrive now so the true event would start.


    "I heard that you aren''t compatible with this person while pairing..." Emery said with her sweetest smile as she didn''t look at the infuriated heiress.


    "Chun is your name right?" She tenderly smiled at the silver haired young man which only put the other into a tight situation.


    Chun:¡­.. ''Could I escape now? System! Xuan! You dumb fellow! Where are you? I thought you will help when my life''s in danger?!


    The silver haired young man composed her expression as she replied with a cool voice, "Yes."


    Although her tone was neutral, the first miss could perceive the other was disinterested with talking to her. She clenched her fist which embedded her long intricately painted exquisite nails to her palm, drawing hints of blood while she smiled at the silver haired young man.


    Chun didn''t bother at the gritting woman as she sit down. The spoiled heiress who saw this kind of reaction was satisfied at the silver haired young man as she leaned her head at the shoulder of the busy eating person while she looked proudly at Emery with disdained.


    Wei Xi''s expression was saying ''I''m still the one who was chosen!''


    The first miss raised her eyebrow slightly as she flicked her skirt in depart after glancing at the other people on the table.


    Emery was impressed at her younger sister''s capability, she didn''t only allied with the other three noble houses but she had another Royal member in her side.


    But she wasn''t anxious to this small display of her sister, although she somehow got strong supports behind her, the first miss had a tight hold of her younger sister''s weakness. Though that old man was useless after she would take the head position of the household, he was still useful when it came to controlling Amper.


    The second miss seemed to be cold and hard to approach when it came to people that wasn''t relevant to her but when it came to their precious father, Amper would back down a bit.


    This was the reason why the second miss who had strong backings; the fifth prince and the great three noble households. It would be all rendered useless when Emery would just act filial and pitiful to their father, the current head of the family even though he had a iron fist when managing the household, he was too tamed in front of his older daughter.


    Emery used her appearance as her card, as she resembled so much like their mother, the first love and true love of her father. And their father who was still living in dream would be more lenient and favourable to her.


    Additionally, she had three diamonds in her hands to play with.


    Chun silently observed the ''enthusiastic'' first miss by the side while she listened to the grumble of the spoiled heiress.


    "Thinking highly of herself, as if we don''t know that she had the backing of three princes."


    The silver haired young man who was slicing the cake in her plate, her hand holding the utensils trembled a bit.


    "Too hardcore!" Feng Cui also voiced out her thoughts. Chun agreed silently, even Nola who wasn''t prepared hearing this type of gossip almost spitted out her juice in front of Leika who was vigorously stuffing the food to her mouth.


    Nola couldn''t help the perverted imaginations that she had came up in her head which resulted a bit of overload in her mind.


    Leika stopped her devouring of food as noticed the bleeding nose of the disguised girl.


    "Nola, y-you''re bleeding!"


    The table of the silver haired young man and her group was too lively that the crowd couldn''t help but look at their direction but somehow they didn''t dare to near this table as it composed people that they couldn''t offend, plus the benevolent eighth prince was with them also.


    They glanced a bit at the slightly far away table of the Royal Family, the ones who were seated there; the elegant first princess who had her world as she didn''t spare a glance at anyone, the playboy third prince who was teasing two females, the second princess who had a lofty attitude while picking her food with disgust look, and the fourth prince who was smiling amicably and receiving the greetings of other nobles. It seemed that only the fourth prince was the most approachable at this royal table.


    Although the eighth prince had no plans on joining at his royal sisters and brothers'' table, they didn''t care about it. This was one of the unique trait of the Royal Family, they had a sense of autonomy that no one could perceive.


    They didn''t take up the facade of a harmonious family or so as they had their own reputation to handle, unless it wasn''t so affecting the Royal Family image, badly. They don''t have to care with each other.


    Only this so-called harmonious event would be up when they would have to attend the once a month ''family'' dinner of the Supreme Ruler. Although it wasn''t mandatory, it could be said that it was verbally important, no one want to anger their magnanimous ruler.


    And every end day of the month, the the eight princes and five princesses were all at attendance, not once absent, though there was only one person who didn''t have any presence of this family dinner.


    Obviously it was the forgotten ninth prince who was currently not sitting far away from them.


    The third prince glanced at the table where his younger brother was as he noticed familiar shade of hair color. It was a silver haired young man who was eating silently as ''he'' listened at the others'' conversation.


    "Interesting." He said which heard by the fourth prince beside him. Though all of them at the table heard the third prince'' statement, they had no care about it, only the fourth prince was a bit piqued.


    "What interesting?" The fourth prince followed where the other was looking and some light passed his eyes as he continued to drink his wine.


    ''That silver white hair resembled a certain someone that they feared and respected in their heart.''


    Everyone had their own talks and topics in this event but their buzzing atmosphere stopped when they saw the star of the event entered while grasping the arm of a m?tur? man in his forties.


    The second miss was wearing a floral violet silk dress, it didn''t have any jewels engraved on it but it brought a youthful and vibrant aftertaste, although Amper was sported with her usual calm look, it made her more beautiful in her silk dress. Even the first miss who flaunted like a peacock in Wei Xi''s words were outshined by this refreshing temperament.


    As it was summer and the event was held at the garden, her floral violet silk dress was matched to the event. Even the second miss aubergine hair color shone brilliantly at this display.


    Emery could only hide her resenting heart as she greeted her younger sister with a gentle smile while inquiring for the good health of their father.


    The man in his forties was touched by the gesture of her older daughter as he slowly unclasped the hand holding his arm and patted the hand of Emery.


    Amper maintained her calm face at this scene as she silently excused herself at the ''harmonious'' atmosphere.


    Wei Xi frowned at the witch as she looked in question at the calm Amper who sat in silence.


    Daia and the others who had known the second miss since then, didn''t keep quiet as they were more interested at the show that the first miss had prepared.


    If this was a scheme prepared by Emery then they wouldn''t be disappointed.


    Even the people present who was aware about the badblood between sisters was anticipating what kind of show would be this time.


    The Royal princes and princesses we''re an exception as they perked their attention at it.


    ''The show will begin.''

 Chapter 163 - 155

    Chun was seated between Wei Xi and Feng Cui so she immediately noticed the sighing eighth prince as he didn''t comment at anything. The silver haired young man was curious to his gesture as inquired the other in a whisper, the silver haired young man didn''t want to attract the people''s concentration to the good show.


    "Believe it or not, although the first miss was so favoured by the head and the three stupid older brothers of mine. She never succeeded in cracking the image of her younger sister nor trap her. There power and backings for the next head is in a stalemate."


    While hearing that, the silver haired young man frowned as she stated, "Please elaborate."


    "If the handing of next head title depended to favorability of Mr. Wei then it will already be given to the first miss with no competition but the Head Patriarch promised his daughters that it would only based on their abilities and capabilities. He will not intervene unless necessary."


    "Oh... So there is still fairness here?"


    Feng Cui stopped the movements of cutting his food when he heard the question as he slowly answered, "Yes and No."


    "?"


    "Well, the Head Patriarch knew that the second miss is the most suited as the next head but when remembering about his other daughter... He would hesitate..? I don''t know, that''s my own opinion."


    Chun then remembered the hint that the mission card gave her for her first target. It was about finding worth...


    Chun subconsciously looked at the staring young woman at her as the silver haired young man smiled in response. The second miss just gave a faint smile as she immediately ?ssumed her aura of indifference.


    "Let''s invite Chun to showcase his charm for us to see!" Applause resounded as the silver haired young man who was awakened by the sudden call, creased her brows in confusion while she heard Feng Cui continued...


    "I forgot to tell you that, although the younger sister couldn''t be schemed but the people around her can be."


    The silver haired young man stood up while she looked at the smiling first miss with her calm expression.


    ''What is she up to?''


    A gripped on her sleeve held Chun from going to the front platform as she turned to see the heiress who was looking at her. Wei Xi was telling her to be careful as she nodded in understanding.


    The clown--- first miss waited for the silver haired young man to climb up. Chun didn''t delay her movements as she avoided to cause trouble for the second miss, Amper brought them here so it would be her responsibility what would they do and it would even impact her image.


    Chun decided to play with the first miss'' game, so far she didn''t do big moves to implicate her younger sister, knowing that the Head Patriarch of the household was here. It would be a disappoint if she would act up.


    "Chun, what will you perform for us?"


    The musical gentle voice of Emery woke up the silver haired young man from her thoughts as she answered.


    "My third spell."


    In fact, the first miss was deliberately doing this. Although she admired this handsome young man but the youth was wrong on her decision to side with her younger sister. While giving the silver haired young man an opportunity to showcase her charm to impress this nobles which could be a good way for establishing connections to powerful household yet this was all a disguised for Emery''s true scheme.


    Emery smiled as she went down from the platform. It could be said that once the silver haired young man performed badly there, it would be over for ''him'' and Amper. The second miss'' reputation would be tarnished in front of their father, knowing that their father appreciated her younger sister''s capabilities, this could lessen his hesitation.


    The first miss might be known as the overshadowing the second miss but they didn''t know that it was all just in the exterior as the Head Patriarch had his own way of perceiving things.


    Chun closed her eyes as she concentrated with her charm. It was fortunate that she had precise control of her charm aura as she saw through her charm eyes the moving five color of the charms around. While in close eyes, she performed vague hand seals in fast motion that created overlapping afterimages of her hands.


    "That..." The flirting third prince gasped as he looked at the amazing hand seals. Though he had never seen this kind of hand seals.


    "It had three form seals...no five form seals, two motion seals ¡­" He continued to blabber the series combination of the seals, even though the silver haired young man''s hands were fast enough for the n?k?d eyes but for a expert like the third prince, it was just an easy task to see it.


    However, the third prince was more astounded when he could understand the last quick succession of seals, it was unclear for him.


    With shining eyes while looking at the close-eyed silver haired young man, ''Then it means that this person...''


    The third prince widened his eyes in surprise which the silent fourth prince noticed. Even him and the two princesses stopped what they were doing as they were more focused at the dazzling scene in front of them.


    ''Now it is finished.'' Chun thought as she released her third charm spell using the air, Orion''s Belt.


    The third spell, Orion''s Belt that she created was a passive skill and it could be only useful on distractions and directions. And additionally, this spell was inspired with the three stars that she had read in those books back in Shuho household.


    Three glinting dots appeared in the center as it formed connected lines with each other then whirling wind formed around it as this blinking dots slowly being pulled by the connected lines to each other, finally it collided and silent explosion erupted as it was the caused of the convergence of the three glinting dots, the whole garden was covered with blinding light as even the crowd could only closed their eyes or cover their eyes with their hand to block the light. The light vanished and scents of lily and jasmine scattered in the air.


    It calmed the minds of the people that inhaled it. Even the Head Patriarch who was enduring his innate illness, was finally able to feel calm and serenity from the atmosphere. His aching head seemed to fade away.


    Chun bowed after her performance as she went down to get back with her food. She touched the heating mission card in her pocket as she sighed in relief.


    Somehow her troubles for perfecting this spell and having an opportunity to use it here was coincidentally had paid off as she sensed that the progress bar for Amper went up.


    The people was still in daze of the magnificent scene as they didn''t notice the escape of the silver haired young man and the most stunned was Emery.


    She was sure that she had put a charm energy oppressor around the platform as she was confident that Chun would fail, ''he'' would be unable to sense any charm elements but ¡­


    ''How?''


    The first miss glanced at the silver haired young man as she calmed herself and rounded up the atmosphere. She smiled as she praised the first year top ranker, while she was amused in discovering something unexpected.


    As the crowd went back to their spirits as they clapped for the performance and looked at Chun with praise and acknowledgement. Opposite to this was the seemed to be in a strange atmosphere table of the Royal Family, they had their own thoughts while they were in luck to be able to attend this event.


    They thought that it would be a hassle to go on this kind of small event but they didn''t think that they would stumble something interesting. The four of them were fortunate. The first princess quietly drank her tea while she enjoyed the relaxing scent.


    The silver haired young man almost choked on her food when the eighth prince who started to act out of character suddenly patted heavily on her back as he was very amazed and surprised at Chun''s performance.


    "Truly breathtaking¡­ truly breathtaking!" She continued to pat.


    Even Leika who was beside the eighth prince, stretched her hands and started to pick food for the silver haired young man.


    "Eat more... You are amazing!"


    Chun once again felt the heating up mission card as she glanced at the smiling second miss. Though, Chun got her progress but she knew that it wasn''t still finish. She needed to act for the final step which that ''worth'' would involved.

 Chapter 164 - 156

    As the crowd went back to their spirits as they clapped for the performance and looked at Chun with praise and acknowledgement. Opposite to this was the seemed to be in a strange atmosphere table of the Royal Family, they had their own thoughts while they were in luck to be able to attend this event.


    They thought that it would be a hassle to go on this kind of small event but they didn''t think that they would stumble something interesting. The four of them were fortunate. The first princess quietly drank her tea while she enjoyed the relaxing scent.


    The silver haired young man almost choked on her food when the eighth prince who started to act out of character suddenly patted heavily on her back as he was very amazed and surprised at Chun''s performance.


    "Truly breathtaking¡­ truly breathtaking!" he continued to pat.


    Even Leika who was beside the eighth prince, stretched her hands and started to pick food for the silver haired young man.


    "Eat more... You are amazing!"


    Chun once again felt the heating up mission card as she glanced at the smiling second miss. Though, Chun got her progress but she knew that it wasn''t still finish. She needed to act for the final step which that ''worth'' would involved.


    Somehow that opportunity came in.


    "As expected a first year from Charm Excellence. Such an eye-opener. I do not want to ask Chun what he used to that kind of spell but may I ask if it''s your own handcrafted spell?" The first miss inquired as she looked at the calmly eating silver haired young man.


    Chun put down her knife and fork as she gracefully drank tea. She turned to the first miss'' question and replied.


    "Yes. It''s my own."


    Gasps from the Charmers resounded. It was said to be difficult to master hand seals infused with charm than chanting or calling it out but the more harder the procedure, the more it would be critical for the opponent. At same time, making your own hand seals were more ten times harder than mastering an existing one but it depended to the Charmer if he/she could create an effective skill from it, there was a 5% out of 100 one could create a very viable and critical spell.


    After realization hit them, the Charmers were looking in disbelief while the others scoffed as they weren''t a fool to easily believe it. Although that amazing spell a while ago was breathtaking and full of cryptic seals but it could be determined that was just a spell for performance, for dazzling the audience. It had no strong points. Such a shame for that arduous hand seals performed by that silver haired young man to be able to come up a small thing.


    Some sighed and some frowned, they weren''t interested on this topic anymore.


    The first miss noticed this as she smiled at Chun and change the subject.


    "Alright. Now that an astounding Charmer had performed then we must not forget our main star for this event. My precious younger sister, Amper. May we call her to give us some enlightenment!"


    The way Emery was leading the crowd, the silver haired young man was amused to it as this first miss was qualified to be one of the performers in the Circus. She had class and elegance while on stage but if compared to Degris - the celebrity host of the Circus - she couldn''t be up compared to him.


    The second miss with unperturbed expression got up from her chair as Daia and the others cheered for her. Chun almost got a heart attack at the sudden face that had popped up in front of her vision.


    The ugly face of Xuan blocked her line of sight as he stated, "There are charm oppressors around the platform."


    Chun kept silent while turning her head towards the conspicuous intricate designs of the side platform. It wasn''t noticeable if one didn''t look enough but tge silver haired young man had seen this familiar symbols, although charm oppressors were not rare but using it as design on the stage could give out one''s motive.


    The silver haired young man didn''t feel the activation of it while she was performing there but what if it activated during the second miss'' performance?


    "If you prevented her from performing then it would greatly increase the favorability rate by ten percent but if you let it be then nothing happens. You won''t get implicated but you have no gai---"


    "Stop!" Chun said to the snobbish system but the people on her table misinterpreted it. Luckily no one other than her group had heard it as the silver haired young man excused herself to talk with her system in secret. It would be strange if she suddenly talk in air, she would be crazy then.


    As the people were focused at the second miss in front. Chun unnoticeably walked out from the garden to find a place to talk with Xuan.


    The snobbish system also followed behind with his uncaring manner. Chun suddenly turned and spoke to the other.


    "I will not intervene."


    "A-huh." Xuan nodded, not caring about her explanation.


    Chun frowned at this so-called system of hers as she thought, ''Did the higher management had mistaken on sending this unreliable partner?''


    The silver haired young man erased her doubts immediately as she set aside her complaints.


    "Because I''m in a good mood, I''ll explain it to you---" Before Chun could state her brilliant plan in order to instantly capture the first target, Xuan cut in.


    "No need. I know it already. You figured out that without power then she had no worth."


    Chun beamed like winning a lottery at Xuan''s accurate conclusion as she added, "Yes. Without shame, there wouldn''t be realization."


    Xuan: ¡­.


    "What?"


    "You''re bad at idioms."


    "Shut up!"


    The snobbish system shrugged and suddenly remembered something, "Hurry up with your side mission." And then he disappeared.


    Chun quirked her forehead as she cursed the other. It wasn''t her fault that the first target, although they were both close, Amper was difficult to read. She was someone good at hiding her true feelings.


    Always calm and cold to people, kind and understanding to her people as she never treated anyone more than business. The silver haired young man had known that, in the second miss'' eyes, they were just like disposable pawns to her. Though she acted like she valued them, Chun wasn''t blind with that invisible wall that Amper was putting up as even Daia and her group never had cross that place.


    What would happen if that ''power'' that she was building since her rivalry with her older sister got crushed to dust?


    Then what the mission card gave as a hint was the answer to it. Her worth, what was her worth without her power? Those strong connections and allies, what were the use of them?


    The silver haired young man went back to the garden and wasn''t surprise to witness an expected scene.


    Emery was ridiculing the cold faced Amper as she didn''t forget to provoke the other through her sweet stabbing words. She thought that her charm oppressor would fail again like in that silver haired young man''s performance but it was good that it succeeded.


    It was able to suppress her younger sister''s charm element.


    "Father, what happened to younger sister?" Her voice trembled in worry while she didn''t forget to add salt on the wounds. "I-is her charm deteriorating?"


    This was the most devastating thing for a Charmer to experience. A charm vanishing, it could be said that for a normal average Charmer whose charm suddenly disappeared, then it would be a terrible fate for them but when it came to a noble and a member of a great noble household at most. This would be a curse for them, a very despairing nightmare.


    Although, the second miss appeared to be calm as she looked at the show that her older sister was concocting. Amper was silent but the silver haired young man saw her clenching fisted hands on her skirt.


    ''Is she going to crack?''


    The silver haired young man''s hand was on her pocket as she waited for the card to heat up while chanting on her mind for the side mission to progress.


    Finding an opportunity to increase her favorability.


    But Chun didn''t imagine that the Left Advisor of the Supreme Ruler also the Head of the Morai Household would speak up.


    "Enough." He stood up from his seat.


    Chun almost forgot that the Head Patriarch was still there as he was silent for the whole time of the event. ''I thought that this Left Advisor knew nothing about his older daughter''s scheme? Why is he..''


    "Emery, you should apologize to your younger sister." It was stern tone that no one could refute. The first miss who was in acting, felt her face paled from their father''s reprimand in front of many important people.


    Suddenly Xuan appeared beside the confused silvee haired young man as he stated, "I told you that you just have to prevent it."


    "Well, it doesn''t concerns me though. Just hurry up with the side mission."

 Chapter 165 - 157

    The Head Patriarch had spoken and the people choked with their ridicules. It was perhaps due to the sudden interferernce of the Head Patriarch as it was rare for him to be concerned with her daughters little schemes, made them realized that the second miss although she was a bit unfavored between her and the first miss. It was unpardonable for a father to see her precious daughter to be laughed by any people.


    And also no one would want to anger the second highest authority under the Royal Family. The Left and Right Advisors were trusted people of the Supreme Ruler so it was guaranteed that they authority was second only to the Royal Family and between the Left and Right Advisors, they stood equal in power.


    "I said apologize to your sister now!" the stern voice of the Head Patriarch resounded as it made the frozen stiff due to surprise first miss to tremble and realized that their father was truly displeased with her actions.


    Emery unconsciously ??r?ssed her face who resembled their late mother''s visage. The teary-eyed crestfallen face of his older daughter softened the Head Patriarch''s tone as sighed, "Emery, you know what''s best for you."


    "Yes, father." The first miss bowed while her voice was a bit resentful as she turned to her silent younger sister. "Sorry, Amper."


    Then she dashed away in their residence after being humiliated. It was her first time to be shouted like that by their father although he would correct her sometimes but it was not like in that tone. Would he give the title to her younger sister?


    ''No!'' she would not agree with that. Giving the head title to a murderer like that!


    The first miss with reddened eyes gritted her teeth in anger as she hasten her run to escape the scene. It seemed that her schemes should be more covert now. She wouldn''t allow to tarnish her image in front of her father again, it was just a second of mistake. She wouldn''t be careless next time.


    The Head Patriarch massaged his head in worry while he ordered a maidservant to look after the first miss. He looked towards the still silent second miss on the stage. It wasn''t strange for her to be calm after being schemed by her older sister.


    He was always in know every behind the scenes plots that Emery would lay for her younger sister. Although he knew, he didn''t prevent it as he had no plan to meddle with their fight for the title but it seemed that he was too tolerating that led his older daughter to be more courageous in front important people, most of all, in front of him.


    "Amper, you may go back to your seat."


    The Head Patriarch stood up as he stated to his attending ?ssistant, "Ruiz, handle this matter." and then he left.


    "Yes, master." the middle-aged man smiled as he took the lead of the event. It could be seen that he handled well the atmosphere but it didn''t go back to the boisterous aura a while ago.


    Chun wasn''t paying attention to this happenings as her sight followed the lone figure alighting from the stage as the second miss silently took her seat. Even though she may ?ssumed her calm demeanor while she smiled faintly at the staring silver haired young man. Chun found that her smile was different from her usual faint smile, it was a bit ¡­somber?


    She was sad.


    -------------


    The silver haired young man grumbled under her blankets as the eight prince across her complained at her noise and he turned around to sleep. Though, Daeil was snoring like a pig at the other side, unbothered by it.


    Chun was amused that Feng Cui, a Royal family member declined the offered private luxurious room and his comfortable bed at their royal residence (remember that the dorm buildings were just meters away from the residence of the Royal family inside the school). Because he wanted to room in with the silver haired young man.


    Fortunately, the rooms offered by each dorms were able to accomodate three students. It wasn''t like double-deck beds as it were three plain covered simple beds that could only hold one person sleeping on it. It wasn''t too big nor too small, just enough for Chun to sleep on although, it was regrettable that she missed her bed back in her penthouse. But while looking at that stubborn eighth prince who was sleeping uncomfortably at the simple bed, the silver haired young man was rest ?ssured.


    But she wasn''t grumbling about missing her bed back at Xanxia nor this bed that she was laying on, the silver haired young man was having a headache regarding about her first target.


    The second miss wasn''t that simple as it seemed. Chun thought that she figured out the thought process of Amper but she had miscalculated there and the reactions from the event that she attended proved it.


    Amper Morai had a contradicting personality, she wanted to bring down her older sister but she didn''t also want too. She wanted the title but she was hesitating. If the second miss wasn''t hesitating then she would been the head of the Morai Household long ago.


    If the silver haired young man enumerated all of her allies with her, she could already suppress her older sister even making her father step down from the head title. It might appear that the first miss had backings of the three princes but Chun had heard that they weren''t as influential as the fifth prince who was supporting the second miss which that led Chun to ask.


    "Why?"


    It appered that this worth wasn''t so simple.


    Poink!


    The silver haired young man who was deep in thought suddenly awakened from the pillow that hit her square on the face.


    "I said quiet." Feng Cui mumbled as he used his pillow to cover his ears and even his face.


    ''Is he going to suffocate himself now?'' Chun shrugged as she turned back from the eighth prince and enter her dreamland.


    "Did you hear that Miss Eliza will be visiting?!"


    "Yes, I''m excited to see her ethereal beauty!"


    Squeals was heard at the early morning before the first period of class as the silver haired young man went in. Her fluffy white hair turned more fluffier due to its dishevelled state.


    Chun couldn''t be bothered with her classmates squabbles as she ruffled again her hair while she took a sit. Daia who was her classmate for this subject was seated in front of her as she turned to ask the silver haired young man''s matter.


    "I''m fine."


    "You seemed to be okay though." Daia said while she took a glance at the bright shinning apearance of the silver haired young man added with her soft ruffled hair, it gave more allure to her beauty.


    ''Such an ignorant handsome young man.'' She sighed while discreetly observing their surrounding classmates with starry eyes. Even the males were a bit red face with Chun''s obliviousness.


    Daia shrugged as she decided to keep silent with it and the silver haired young man doesn''t need help about this, she could handle herself.


    Chun tilted her head in question with the other''s strange behavior but Chun didn''t bothered to it while looking at the running magic clock in front of them. It had still ten minutes before the teacher arrives.


    ''Xuan.''


    The snobbish system was just beside her, standing there in a relax manner. It was truly inconvenient to be unable to talk through her thoughts with the other but Chun took the alternative route. It wouldn''t be weird if one didn''t see what she wrote.


    Luckily, Xuan was in the mood to tail her so she grabbed this opportunity to talk with him.


    "What is it?"


    Looking around, it was really amazing that no one could perceive that there was another being with her.


    Chun started to write again.


    ''Somehow I figured out the hint of the mission card.''


    Xuan frowned as he replied, "What hint?"


    ''The Worth of the first target.''


    "Oh." His disinterested tone made the happy silver haired young man dissatisfied. Hearing from that someone who was ordering you to hurry up with it, wouldn''t it make you unsatisfied as well?


    Well, it was an expected reaction of the snobbish system because his only purpose here was to remind her the missions and protect her from any threats of her life. So far the latter didn''t happen yet.


    The silver haired young man was about to write again but her untimely teaher went in with an excited expression. Like she had saw her saving grace¡­?


    Or might be she encountered an enthralling beauty in her way.


    "Class, listen up. Miss Eliza is here!"


    ''Teacher, aren''t you too obvious?''

 Chapter 166 - 158

    "Class, listen up. Miss Eliza is here!"


    ''Teacher, aren''t you too obvious?''


    The silver haired young man rolled her eyes inwardly as she didn''t pay attention to the enthusiastic teacher in front.


    She heard from her classmates that the granddaughter of the Principal was MIss Eliza and she saw her at the welcoming event of the first years. It was the time where the Principal was called by the President to give his speech for them.


    Chun recalled what happened at that time, the seconnd prince handed the stage to the Principal and while in the middle of his inspirational speech¡­


    "¡­first years of this batch are truly promising¡­"


    The Principal had a bright smile contrasted to his otherworldly untouchable aura a while ago. Chun thought that the Principal might be trying to imitate that kind of aura to look cool because once he opened his mouth, it degraded his so-called untouchable aura.


    His sunny personality exuded from his actions and words, truly different from what he was impersonating. The silver haired young man couldn''t help but think that it wouldn''t be impossible that the old man with white beard was just his pretense of showing his authority.


    Chun never expect that what she had thought in a whim was accurate. It was known that when a Charmer had stepped into a certain stage of his/her charm control, they would gain enlightenment that could grant them an immortal body.


    Bang!


    An explosion from outside the coliseum stage erupted which made Qiqi who was on standby rushed up to the destination. Then they had determined that the occurence was just a farce, looking from the creasing face of Nathaleon.


    "Well that''s all students.Good luck and may Charms bless you!" after that, he disappeard like smoke.


    At the same time, the entrance door for the center plarform was suddenly open as long black haired girl appeared. She was wearing a cream colored sweater partnered with black loose pants and combat boots. Coincidentally, she looked towards the silver haired young man, her hazel green eyes speckled with dark green ones dazzled Chun as the youth imediately avoided eye contact.


    Chun didn''t notice the squealing students due to Eliza''s arrival who was looking for her grandfather that had suddenly escaped and the youth didn''t also see the inspecting gaze of the woman.


    The silver haired young man was busy looking for the snobbish system after remembering that he was still on that separate space.


    After that scene, Chun just heard from her classmates that the girl with mesmerizing odd colored eyes was Eliza, the granddaughter of the Principal.


    The long black haired girl was now standing in front of Chun. She had a blank expression while looking at the silver haired young man, her hazel green eyes was piercing cold directly staring at her. Her clothes were still in the same style but the color of her sweater was different, it was black while her pants was black also with combat boots. In short, she was in all black, it made her green eyes more captivating.


    Chun frowned as she had no idea what was the granddaughter of the Principal doing here and specifically standing in front of her while her classmates were restraining their breathes, some had reddened face as if it was due to lack of air.


    "Ummm¡­sorry. Did you say something?" She was a bit in a daze while looking outside and she just noticed the presence of someone near her.


    "I want you."


    She squinted her scarlet eyes while meeting those green ones. The silver haired young man noticed a small red clover mark at the corner of the girl''s left eye. It made her more cute with that blank expression and somewhat she had a bit similarity with Art other than that expression, they had that same vibe.


    Chun couldn''t comprehend while still looking at the silent girl in question. What did she meant about that ''I want you''?


    ''Did we have the same definition of want?''


    As if the teacher who was screaming like a fangirl inwardly went back with reason, realized the awkward atmosphere in her classroom. She cleared her throat to catch their attention and save the situation.


    "Miss Eliza is here to recruit you for the Alliance."


    Confirming the words of the teacher, she simply said at the silver haired young man, "Follow me." Then she went out.


    Chun was still in a loading area as she wasn''t able to follow their words. ''What Alliance?''


    "Mr. Chun, you can go. You''re an S-rank student so you can just skip my class." The teacher graciously reminded the silver haired young man as Chun nodded and picked up her things to leave.


    The silver haired young man almost forgot that as she was classified to be an S-rank student due to her astounding results in those two tests, she wasn''t like normal students who had their own section and class schedules as she was one of the elite class.


    ''Oh that''s why I didn''t see any shadow of Amper and the others except for Daia and Leika who seemed to be good students.''


    The top ten first years were classified to be as an S-rank students, meant that they were in elite class. Elite students had privileges, they had only two focused subjects they needed to attend; the Charms and Elements, and the Charm Combat Psychology. After those, they were free to do what they wanted to do. Although, they had minor sujects but as it was stated, they were just minors.


    Realization dawned her, she subconsiouly followed her class shedules that made her like normal students. Although they were determined by their sections through their ranks, it couldn''t be avoided that they would tend to have mix classes with some higher grades. Due to her concerned with those missions, she forgot about it.


    Then she could avoid those annoying seniors in history class.


    "Hurry up!" Eliza stated as she was already meters away from the slow silver haired young man. Chun hurried her steps to catch up, she didn''t want to anger this expressionless person. She heard from Kai Sun that girls who were always had a blank expression or cold face were proned to mood swings. ''Females are sometimes unporedictable.''


    The silver haired young man was too immersed with her role as a boy that she forgot that she was a girl as well.


    A familiar structure of buildings and pathways emerged as they continued to walk. Chun noticed that this was leading to their secret place of her friends.


    ''Did Miss Eliza knew our secret place?''


    She sighed when they passed by it. It would be a hassle to find another spot to have her peaceful time. Chun finally felt the difficulty of being a famous person, although she loved the attention and blushing faces of the girls and boys while she teased them back at the original world as she was in her female body but now it was different. She was not in disguise as she was truly a boy.


    She was a bit shy with this body at first during her time in Circus, knowing that it had the complete ''important'' parts of a male body.


    "What are you thinking?" the sudden close distance of that beautiful face peeking at her, made the silver haired young man to felt hot. Her face reddened due to her interrupted shameful thoughts.


    It wasn''t her fault that Zero''s body was so s?ns?t?v? with the opposite s?x.


    "It''s hot here," she complained while flapping her hand to her face to cool down her heated face.


    Eliza was still expressionless as she titled her head and stated, "It''s not hot."


    Chun:¡­


    Both of them continued with their walk and suddenly, Eliza stopped. The silver haired young man bumped her chin at the other''s head. Confirming that the girl had a thick skull while Chun felt her throbbing chin.


    "We arrived."


    The silver haired young man looked up and saw the familiar building, although it had now a big signboard with a written bold letter words.


    ''Alliance''


    Chun asked about it when the second prince went out from the door. He wasn''t surprise to see the silver haired young man but Feng Zi was stunned that Eliza was escorting the new member.


    "Captain, you''re taking your duties so seriously. I was going to sent Lemon for it."


    The President who seemed to be calm and serious was talking in a joking manner with one of the respoected figure in Charm Excellence. And they seemed to be close.


    Eliza shrugged with her blank face as she went in, leaving the silver haired young man with the smiling President-slash-second prince.


    ''And what Captain? Lemon?''


    Feng Zi maintained his smile as he stated, "Welcome, Chun! You are the new member of Alliance!"

 Chapter 167 - 159

    "Welcome, Chun! You are the new member of Alliance!"


    The enthusiastic grin of the President was so infecting that made the silver haired young to unconsciously smile.


    "Not yet." Chun thought that the long black haired girl had left but she didn''t expect her to be listening from the other side of the door. She was leaning by the door frame as she directed her infamous blank look at the second prince.


    "Right, I almost forgot. Come in." Feng Zi grabbed the silver haired young man by her nape and put his arms around it while guiding the other inside.


    Eliza just shrugged as she turned around and left. As the field was clear, Feng Zi neared her ear as he whispered, "Don''t be scared. You will surely pass."


    The silver haired young man had no idea what she was talking about as she wasn''t that interested in this Alliance club or something and she also had no clue about it.


    The cold steel door opened and what welcomed the silver haired young man was a home-styled lounge. A brown leather four-seater couch, a small coffee table designed with a potted cactus and another two one seater brown couches. The floor was also carpeted in dark brown while the walls were cream-coloured.


    There was no one in the lounge room as Chun observed the room with curiosity, she felt that she was in another house.


    "We have to remove our shoes, please wear this."


    The President handed fluffy-eared white slippers to the silver haired young man as he wore his own plain white slippers with the logo of the Alliance.


    "Sorry we have no extra slippers other than this and... it''s just the right size!" The apologizing tone of Feng Zi was so different from his smiling expression as if he was happy to see the silver haired young man to wear his secretly handpicked rabbit slippers.


    Chun stared at the cute slippers as it didn''t seem suspicious and she tacitly received it while undoing her shoes.


    "Alright. Just help yourself on the couch, I''ll be right back." Then he ran away.


    The silver haired young man noticed the pairs of shoes varying from males to females. There were three female-styled shoes which she was sure that Eliza''s shoes were in it and another three male shoes. Looking at the clear distinctions of the two shoe racks, as she was a boy, Chun put her shoes on the boys'' shoe rack as she wore the fluffy-eared slippers.


    Why did she felt that she was being tricked?


    Chun went to sit the four-seater couch while occupying herself on staring around. She took out a small notepad from her pocket and a pen as she started to write.


    ''Did you found something weird?''


    The snobbish system was sitting beside her as he glanced at the notepad and replied, "None, other than those micro-cameras on each corner of this room."


    Chun just continued to write while discreetly glancing around, pretending to observe the place. She still maintained her calm innocent look even though she knew that there were peering eyes, silently monitoring her.


    ''What are they doing?''


    Xuan shrugged.


    "Observing you and oh, be ready."


    The silver haired young man wasn''t able to process what she heard from the snobbish system as she was immediately transported to a simulation space.


    A dark room entered her field of vision as she opened her eyes. The place smelled rotten and spilt medicine (?) or drugs. It was too dark to see clearly but the silver haired young man felt that this place was a bit like of an asylum.


    Suddenly the door opened which gave a source of bright light from the outside and eerie laugh resounded outside and there was also a shrill cry that made Chun''s spine chilled from it.


    The vibe of this place was too creepy.


    Chun moved her hands but she felt that she was held back by leather restraints on both of her hands and even her head was locked in restraint as well. Fortunately, her feet were still free.


    She couldn''t see who just entered as her head was restrained while she readied her feet to kick that threatening individual. Chun knew that this was just a simulation game but it wouldn''t be bad to beat someone up.


    "Honey, are you still alive?" That masculine hoarse voice with a sweet tone carried a creepy chill in it as Chun was starting to break free from her restraints.


    She could feel that she was still in a male body and her instincts were telling her that this unknown man was crazy and a pervert.


    Chun wasn''t able to figure out her overall situation but she knew that what was dangerous and what wasn''t.


    The silver haired young man''s hair was pulled up as the unknown man neared his face to her own. Chun was stunned that this crazy person was a doctor, observing from his white coat and that nameplate in her peripheral vision, ''Dr. Demero'' and, he was dashingly handsome.


    "Did you got your tongue cut, Honey? Hmm."


    If not for that psychopathic expression, Chun could appreciate that s?xy voice and arousing hummed.


    Chun felt the burning stare of the doctor as she regained back her calmness and answered, "No."


    "Hmm¡­" he moved closer to her ears as he breathed his hot breath and the silver haired young man almost blurted out a series of curses for the doctor''s seventy-seventh descendants and so on as she felt a slimy ''thing'' went inside her ear and it passed her chin then neck.


    Chun realized that the maniac was ???k?n? her.


    ''WTH?!''


    The silver haired young mastered all her strength as she kicked the crazy doctor away. ''Was his past life a rabid dog?''


    Chun tried to wipe away the disgusting saliva on her face as she stared at the latter with murderous-look.


    ''If I escaped from this restraints, I''m going to kill him!''


    ''Going to cut that filthy tongue.''


    Doctor Demero laughed in hysterics as he wiped the blood from the corner of his lips. He didn''t think that Subject 0101 was still strong despite the weakening drug that he injected a while ago.


    Although the boy was another failed product, ''his'' defects were so unimaginable compared to the other failed products who mutated into ugly beings. Subject 0101 was so beautiful, silver white hair, very pale skin and those bloody red scarlet eyes.


    The beautiful young man mutated into a being that they called Vampire. Even though it was so far from their expected result and this boy was discarded due to it. He was still happy to have ''him'' part of his collection.


    "Honey, it''s okay. You''re just hungry."


    ''Hungry my foot!''


    Chun frowned at this crazy doctor''s play as she looked around in order to come up with an escape plan. Somehow, she activated an ability it wasn''t her own. She could perceive the objects inside the dark room without turning her head to look around and what was more stupefying was she noticed that she could ''see'' in this dark place.


    "Or maybe the drug is wearing off?" he was talking to himself but Chun heard it clearly. ''What drug?''


    The crazy doctor turned to the silver haired young man as he said, "I''ll inject you another weakening drug with lesser dose so you can still move a bit for a drink."


    "What are you saying?!" Chun finally blurted out as she began to free herself again but the leather straps holding her down were sturdy, unmoved from her tossing.


    "I''ll be gentle, Honey."


    "Gentle my foot. Stay away or I''m going to kick your ?ss again!" She threatened while still trying to break free. The crazy doctor wasn''t even dazzled by her threats as he retrieved an injection in the drawer and took a blue drug.


    The silver haired young man widened her eyes in alarm as she was scared¡­ scared with injections. She wasn''t scared with her butler''s sharp teeth while sipping blood from her neck but it was an exception for those needles. She hated needles!


    Chun almost died on the spot as she closed her eyes in fear.


    "It''s okay now, Honey."


    Doctor Demero began to loosen the leather straps as he freed her. Chun realized that she was now unrestrained. Without thinking twice, she jumped down from the bed that caused her to almost fall if not for the crazy doctor catching her. She felt her knees wobbled as she couldn''t even stand.


    The crazy doctor sat her down on the bed while the silver haired young man tried to move her hands. Luckily, she could feel a bit of strength from it.


    Then killing that doctor could be possible.


    Chun looked at the other with piercing red eyes as the crazy doctor tacitly agreed with the hungry-looking vampire. He took out a scalpel and drew a line on his wrist.


    The silver haired young man who was still gauging the situation while also planning to kill the maniac smelled a most irresistible yummy scent. With bright scarlet eyes, she immediately looked where it came from and her vision instantly zeroed at the bleeding wrist. Chun had no idea what was inside the bleeding hand but she wanted to taste it.


    Her eager-look made the crazy doctor smiled as he dutifully neared the hungry vampire and presented his bleeding wrist. Chun felt her canines'' elongated as it looked at the delicious delicacy in front but when her glaring red scarlet eyes saw another more tastier pulsating part, she didn''t hesitate to grab the head of the unguarded doctor and bit his neck.


    Some said that a vampire''s bite gives p???sur? to their victim but when it drank too much, only death comes next.


    The euphoric doctor was m??ning with p???sur? as the silver haired young man continued to drink while a smirk was etched on her face. The m??ns turned into hurting grunts as the crazy doctor realized that the tight grip of the vampire didn''t loosen.


    Chun drank with vigor as she relished with the tasty red juice, not even once stopping while her victim started to fight back which was just a pitiful attempt.


    After consuming the other dry.


    The silver haired young man dropped the body, carelessly as she regained her strength. She started to think about her situation.


    This was another level of simulation.

 Chapter 168 - 160

    After confirming that the crazy doctor was dead. Chun scurried off to the drawers and cabinets that were present, using her night vision. She preferred to call it night vision because she had no idea what to call it.


    She recovered from the drawers a folder labelled with ''Subject 0101'' and she read that it was referred to her current role. She was a Vampire, in short, she needed blood for survival.


    Subject 0101 aka. Honey.


    The silver haired young man didn''t expect that the ''Honey'' pet name which the crazy doctor was calling her was really her name.


    She was one of the failed subjects from Project V, a project that could possibly bring new hope to humanity. Chun could only comment that this stupid project instead of helping human development, it only destroyed it.


    But the silver haired young man had no plan of planning to stop it nor stay here to be one of those psychopaths subjects of entertainment. This was a simulation test prepared by the Alliance for her as a new member which she had no clue about this group and their captain was the granddaughter of the Principal and one of its members was the second prince.


    Chun would figure about the Alliance she got out of this place. So first, she needed to find clues.


    She coincidentally landed her eyes on the dead body of the crazy doctor and decided to hide it. It wouldn''t be good if one of the psychopaths on this place saw a dead body of their fellow psychopath.


    Chun lifted the body that was light as a feather which she was surprised at and realized, it might be her superior qualities as a supernatural being.


    Although before she put the dead doctor on the bed, she changed her outfit first, wearing the doctor''s white lab coat that luckily had a small stained of drop blood on its collar. While rummaging in the cabinets which contained faded old clothes, she found a rounded eyeglass.


    Tying her silver white hair into a man bun by her nape, Chun imitated a hot doctor charisma while she fixed her eyeglasses. Confirming that the door wasn''t locked, she went out after seeing that there were no people around.


    Once she stepped outside, her field of vision was occupied with bold capital words.


    ''ESCAPE THE FACILITY WITHIN 30 MINUTES''


    "Isn''t this fun?" Chun stated with sarcasm. She walked where her instincts were telling her to go because she had no idea of this place. If luck was on her side then she could find a map of this facility.


    The silver haired young man immediately came across with two girls wearing lab coats, idling. They were laughing to some topic.


    The lady with auburn hair instantly noticed Chun who was emitting a charming vibe. She gestured to her friend about the handsome doctor which she ?ssumed that it was a newbie of their facility.


    "San, that handsome newbie is my type."


    "Yes I can see it too, but he looks a bit familiar," the lady with short black hair said while suspiciously looking at the silver haired young man who was nearing their position.


    San chuckled at her friend''s comment as she jokingly replied, "Why wouldn''t he be familiar? He''s my future so he should be."


    The other just rolled her eyes while Chun arrived at their location. Looking innocent and gullible like a newbie, she asked.


    "Hello. I''m new to this facility, can you help where the information hall is?"


    The auburn haired lady immediately felt helpful, "Information hall? Oh! You mean the front desk? It''s near the entrance-exit passage."


    "I can lead you there if you like!" She then added.


    The silver haired young man nodded while she inwardly sighed that this was too easy. ''Are the people here idiots? Or just this lady?''


    Chun just inwardly while she smiled at the helpful girl who felt that she was blinded by that sudden killer smile. ''So hot!''


    The short black haired girl who silently observing the newbie asked, "Where''s your nameplate?"


    The silver haired young man widened her smile at the observant girl while she praised herself for being smart, fortunately, she removed that crazy doctor''s nameplate or else she would be easily discovered.


    "Erica, he''s just a newbie. His nameplate should be still on process. I am correct?" San handed out a reasonable explanation for Chun which the silver haired young man agreed while sending another charming smile that made San felt her legs jellied.


    She was a sucker for handsome and hot men.


    The Erica girl didn''t comment on.


    "So shall we?" Chun asked the heart-eyes girl.


    "Yes, yes."


    "I''ll tag along as well." Erica walked beside the other which San contorted her expression, not liking that someone would be crashing her alone time with the handsome newbie.


    Chun just smiled and calmly followed them. ''This was too easy.''


    She could escape this place within ten minutes.


    The silver haired young man could clearly hear the whispering ladies in front of her.


    "He seems suspicious." - Erica


    "You''re just overthinking." - San


    Chun smirked at their conversation while pretending to not hear anything.


    "Right! What''s your name, newbie?" The auburn haired girl asked, acting cool.


    ''Name?'' Chun coincidentally looked at the room that they just passed by, it had an intricated name on it.


    The silver haired young man smiled as she responded without batting an eye of her made-up name. "Lucius."


    "Oh, I''m Sandy by the way but you can call me San and this is Erica."


    Finally, they arrived at the said front desk and Chun noticed the deserted hall, even the front desk lady that was supposed to be there wasn''t present. The silver haired young man immediately saw two elevators with respective signs. ''Entrance'' ''Exit''


    "As usual. Jamie is slacking off again." San sighed after seeing that there wasn''t any soul around.


    "Oy, Erica, can you call for me Jamie while I help this newbie here?" The short haired girl just shrugged while she turned around and fetched for the said person.


    San looked at the silent silver haired young man as she went to the front desk and took the logbook.


    "Are you going out?"


    Chun was surprised at the other''s statement. She didn''t state that she would go out¡­or did she?


    The auburn girl laughed at the innocent-look of the silver haired young man and pointed a written word on the logbook, "There''s a written notif here about ?ssistant Lucius would retrieve medicine XX from facility ZY."


    ...


    The silver haired young man waved back at the waving ''gullible'' girl as the elevator door was closing.


    Chun took off her eyeglasses and cleaned its lenses. She was prepared for any challenge that the simulation could offer but wasn''t this too easy or were they going easy on her?


    ...


    Chun heard familiar voices on her surroundings as she got back and the second prince'' voice was the most distinctive. She was in the lounge room.


    "I told you he''s a legend!"


    "Time?"


    "Three minutes and forty-three seconds, Captain."


    The silver haired young man almost vomited blood when Feng Zi like a ninja went behind her while patting her back, heavily. Chun didn''t think that the President could be this happy.


    He was like injected with chicken blood.


    And he was too different from that collective and calm President in front of other students. It might be his real attitude?


    "Shut up, Zi!" A pony-tailed girl with green hair glared at the yapping President while she dispersed a suspicious-looking black mist. If Chun wasn''t mistaken, it was one of those mist that was used during the ability testing where they were sent to a volcanic terrain with strange monsters.


    The pony-tailed girl noticed Chun''s stare and she smiled at the latter while saying, "This is my ability, I called this Mist Manipulation. Isn''t it cool?"


    Although her smile was reassuring, the vibe that she was emitting was threatening. Feng Zi who witnessed this scene smiled and whispered at the silver haired young man, "Just agree with her and your life will be safe."


    "Y-yes." Chun reluctantly stated as the pony-tailed girl nodded, "Good. I''m Notalie."


    "Chun."


    "I know."


    Then after her introduction, she uninterestedly looked at the President beside the silver haired young man.


    Feng Zi didn''t delay and started to introduce the members of the Alliance.


    Chun finally noticed that the people were all familiar and recalled that they were the council members.


    The second prince'' introduction was like an advertisement as he stated the benefits of joining the Alliance and other stuff, he even highlighted that their team captain was the infamous genius, Miss Eliza.


    "I''m Lemon," the blonde haired guy saluted and went back to his job of computing some documents. Beside Lemon was a strawberry haired boy who was sleeping on the couch, Feng Zi introduced him as Berry.


    And the one who just answered Eliza a while ago was Lollipop. She just smiled at the silver haired young man and continued on typing on her gadget.


    Chun was now curious what they were busy on.


    "Don''t worry, Lemon is comparing statistics while Lollipop is busy creating possible routes."


    "Huh?"


    Feng Zi smiled, "They are just summarizing your result in the simulation."


    ---------------- small play--------


    "San, where is that man?" Erica said with huffing breathes in between.


    "He just got out. I helped him. I''m too good, right?" San said while she daydreamed. She went back to reality when the other struck her.


    "Idiot! You help Subject 0101 escaped!"


    San: EH? EHH? EHHHHHHH?!

 Chapter 169 - 161

    The Alliance was a group of competent representatives. They represented the school itself in the intercompetition season; a battle between elite charm schools and the school who emerged victoriously would be bestowed a blessing from the Supreme Ruler.


    It was said that the Supreme Ruler''s blessing could increase the charm ability of Charmer which was beneficial to a charm user stuck on his/her bottleneck.


    The Alliance was a seven-member group which composed of a lightning type Charmer who loved to sleep when he had time - in short, he had all of his time. A short-tempered girl who specialized in air charm but more of its negative energy; black mist. An all-rounder errand boy and obsessed with planting as his relaxation. A no-nonsense girl who emitted a do-not-come-near-me aura while giving a glare at Chun. A prince who seemed to be a perfect president in front of the other students but somewhat childish. Then the infamous prodigy and granddaughter of the Principal who was now a senior at the age of seventeen and always maintained her signature blank face, as the Captain. Additionally, she was said to be the head of the Guards.


    Lastly, a handsome young man with silver hair and red scarlet eyes who had a soul of a disguised girl from another world, who wanted to finish her mission in this world and wanted to go back to her own body to enjoy life and solve the mysteries of her goddess identity. Short for, a desperate main character.


    The heavy arm of the second prince almost pummeled the silver haired young man while she balanced herself from falling. ''Why is this boy so strong?!''


    "Oh sorry. I forgot that you still suffering the aftereffects of the mental simulation. You may feel weak," he explained while helping Chun sit down.


    "Mental simulation?"


    "Right! Notalie is this black mist girl---- Ouch! What did I do?"


    The short black haired girl smiled at the second prince and turned to the silver haired young man with a smile that you could tell wasn''t a smile.


    "Zi may be the president of the council but once he steps in as a Vice Captain of the Alliance, he turned his brilliant image into garbage."


    Chun nodded with understanding because she could obviously see it.


    "Alright, alright. You win!" the second prince stated in surrender while he picked his eyeglasses that had fallen on the ground. Cleaning it, he wore it back and his eyes were still shining while looking at Chun.


    ''Is the Royal Family had this kind of ''doggy'' trait?''


    Even with the eighth prince, he would sometimes stare at Chun with shining eyes like a dog wanting to please its owner.


    "Okay, the black mist----"


    "I''m listening." Notalie reminded at the second prince. Who would have thought that the vice captain could be scared of a member? Chun was amused to the scene but she just kept quiet and continued to listen to Feng Zi''s explanation.


    The second prince ignored the other and stated, "Notalie is a mental type air Charmer and her black mist is something full of hidden danger."


    Notalie just rolled her eyes as she didn''t comment on, she went away and sat beside the silent girl named Lollipop, the girl who was still keeping her glare at the silver haired young man which someone would think that the youth had a debt with her.


    ''So scary!''


    "But don''t you think that our ability is strange?"


    As the second prince stated that, Chun came to realize that they were a bit odd. Charms were only focused on elemental types and there were sub-types as well but they weren''t as extreme as this. While the short black haired girl was mental air Charmer, a weird sub-type combination, she heard that Eliza was a water Charmer but she was more skilled in blood manipulation.


    Feng Zi saw that the silver haired young man came into realization as he fixed his eyeglasses and said.


    "We gained it after passing the simulation test that Captain had made. Although Notalie controlled her black mist to trap you to the simulation, it only served as a trigger. The main ingredient of it was the hand seals of Lollipop infused with the blood art of Captain."


    Chun creased her brows as she replied to the brilliant second prince, "Can you explain it in human words?"


    The occupied Lemon burst in laughter while the short black haired commented, "Are you sure about this new member, Zi?"


    The sleeping strawberry haired boy was now awakened as he bu??ed in.


    "Zi said that our sub-abilities were gained through the simulation. As well as you." The listless eyes of Berry stared at the silver haired young man for a minute and he went back to sleep.


    "Gained an ability?"


    Chun didn''t feel anything strange in her body after the simulation so she didn''t notice about it.


    "But that gained abilities are superficial, they could only be used when it is needed. For Charmers like us, it serves as an ultimate skill."


    "Oh."


    The second prince then enthusiastically clapped his hands and asked, "So what ability did you obtain?"


    Hearing that, even Eliza who had no care about anything perked up her ear to listen. All of the members who had their own world silently paid attention.


    "¡­"


    "Then what did you see in your simulation? Even though we''re the ones who put you in it, only you know it."


    ''So they had no idea about what happened in the simulation.''


    "I was a vampire there, a bloodsucking being that could only survive in blood but I have superior senses like night vision and accurate instincts."


    "Then what about the terrain? What was your task?"


    "Terrain? It''s a facility and there were doctors there and I''m one of their failed subjects. My task was to escape the facility." Chun left out the part where she killed a crazy doctor who had ??wd thoughts about her.


    As if the expecting atmosphere got deflated, they went back to their own businesses. Even the silver haired young man could perceive their deflated aura, she could say that nothing was amazing about her gained ability. Being a vampire with superior senses, strength and such was just dumb when compared to a Charmer.


    Though they were downtrodden about it, Chun was the calmest of it. It might be because fate wanted to be fair so she was granted this kind of ability, although compared to her other elemental charms. It was still unfair for them if Feng Zi and the others knew the truth.


    "Oh. It''s alright, you''re still an excellent Charmer and our newest member. Right, guys?!"


    "..."


    The unmoving long black haired turned to Chun as her emotionless hazel green eyes maintained eye contact with the scarlet ones, she then looked at the second prince.


    "Feng Zi, follow me!"


    They walked away.


    Seeing that, Lemon stopped with what he was doing and gazed at Notalie with wide eyes.


    "What will Captain do to Vice?"


    The short black haired girl shrugged while she played with her hair. She stood up and dragged the silent glaring Lollipop with her.


    Chun could finally relax after the intimidating girl left.


    Lemon noticed the sighing silver haired young man as he gestured for the youth to come. The silver haired young man was happy to talk to someone while she was here so she obliged.


    "Did you hear about your CP with Captain?" the cute Lemon continued to type while he was on ears with gossips.


    "What CP?" Chun saw a bag of chips on the coffee table which she grabbed it, munching the food.


    "You were a couple with Captain." Like a ninja, the supposed to be sleeping Berry was now behind Chun while he answered. He then grabbed some chips and threw it in his mouth.


    Luckily, the silver haired young man had just gulped down the food, if not, she would surely choke.


    "Couple with Miss Eliza? That''s impossible," Chun stated with disbelief.


    For your information, she wasn''t here to find love. She was here to go home. Was this even logical?! A female in soul was coupled with another female?


    She''s super straight.


    "Idiot, don''t appear like that. You almost scared me to death." Lemon complained as a rolled paper was hit on the head of Berry.


    "That couple thing was just a ship that those fanatics had fantasized. I was even shipped with that scary girl just by standing beside her when we won the Championship finals nine years ago."


    Lemon smiled with reminiscent as he remembered those glorious days. It was the time where Piero was still their captain and Eliza was the vice captain.


    He stared at the silver haired young man with hope in his eyes, "Chun, I believe that you can bring us back there."


    But the sudden appearance of Xuan with white cardboard made her immediately nod in affirmation at Lemon, even the listless strawberry haired boy was looking at her with glimmering eyes.


    -------- small play-----


    Xuan holding the white cardboard with written words ''Will you marry me?''


    Chun immediately nodded without hesitation.


    And they lived happily ever after.


    Lol.

 Chapter 171 - 163

    The silver haired young man was staring closely at the samples that Miss Steban has given her. Miss Steban was the teacher of Charm Combat Psychology which she was interested in.


    Currently, the samples that she was observing was an elemental formula, it was a tinge of elemental aura that the teacher had given them to dissect. There were five jars in front of her that she needed to observe, the task was to see the elemental reaction that their own charm would cause to each element.


    Although having the same charm with another charmer could be identified that they were in the same element but it couldn''t be compared to its user. All Charmers had their own differences despite their similar charm element.


    Chun was already in the third jar which was water. She inputted a bit of her charm inside the container and saw that the element slowly swayed and calmly received the other. It was a neutral reaction. She wrote her observation on the paper that Miss Steban had given them.


    "Right, why didn''t I see that annoying Raforte?" Wei Xi asked while using a stirring rod on testing the air charm on the jar. It was practically invisible but as a Charmer, one could sense the charm on it.


    The silver haired young man shrugged while her expression maintained calm and continued with the next jar. Feng Cui on their far side heard the inquiry of the heiress but he was unbothered to it.


    It could only be said that Raforte youth was unfortunate to yesterday''s encounter, antagonizing the silver haired young man was never been a good choice. He remembered the sorry state of the blue haired young man when he arrived there doing cleaning duties - worded by Chun- . Luckily, Drilan was still unconscious when he delivered him to the school''s hospital. He only got a broken jaw and nothing else. Somehow, Chun was still merciful to not end the life of an annoying pest.


    Since day one, that blue haired young man had been antagonizing Chun which the silver haired young man always turned a blind eye like he couldn''t be bothered with an insignificant person.


    "EH? EKKKKKKKK!" The shrieked followed with a bang and created smoke in the first year elite classroom.


    The face of the country bumpkin was no different from a black pot. Daeil who was the deskmate of the other pursed his lips while the side of his hair was dishevelled into an afro style. He was displeased. Daeil had already expected that having this troublemaker as his deskmate was already a trouble which led him to always on-guard when they got class for major subjects but unfortunately, it couldn''t still prevent Leika to cause trouble and implicate him.


    The moment that he laid his eyes on this girl gave him an ill-omen.


    The others who saw this laughed as they couldn''t hold the funny spectacle. Leika''s face was black and half face of the expressionless Daeil was blackened as well. Such sight was truly splendid. Even the ever so silent Ivory had a laughing twinkle in her eyes while looking at the scene.


    "By the way, other than that Raforte. Where is Nola?" The heiress shook her head after laughing her head off while she asked.


    Chun remembered that the said girl was supposed to be her target from the former side mission but thinking about that, the disguised girl was nowhere to be found for the whole week.


    Elite students like them had thrice a week major subjects which the silver haired young found out that Nola hadn''t been attending their major subjects and the two days where they would usually hang out on their secret place, the other didn''t show up.


    The silver haired young man didn''t care about her business as she had no hands on that mission. She needed to focus on the concurrent side mission.


    "Maybe she had something to take care first," Chun replied while she wrote on the paper.


    "I like that lad so I may update him for the past lessons that he missed."


    Chun didn''t mind the other as she focused on the reaction with the last element. The teacher said that while they practiced combat psychology for charms, they must first understand elemental reactions. It was really amazing to witness this kind of thing when the silver haired young man inputted on the first jar which contained the fire element. The fire aura reddened as it was being amplified by her air charm and it turned blue fire.


    Miss Steban had said that that it would benefit them on charm psychology but Chun could see that it also benefitted a Full Charmer like her. She hadn''t breakthrough with her charm fusion and this experiment gave her inspiration. It would be good if she could add temperature on air charm which could advantageous to her and it would be more unnoticeable to others too.


    Knock! Knock!


    Daia was nearest to the door so she answered it.


    "Chun! Someone is looking for you."


    The silver haired young man turned her head towards the entrance of the classroom and saw a familiar cheerful boy. It seemed that he was a first year due to his young appearance and childing temperament but Chun knew who was he. He was a fourth year and a member of Alliance, the errand boy Lemon.


    The Alliance might be famous but the only known members of the said group were Eliza and the President as the others could be rarely seen other than their participation in the intercompetition which only occur once in three years. It could be said that they weren''t into parading their faces when there''s no important event. While the President and the granddaughter of the Principal were already famous in the school, the latter were top rankers of their grade but no other reputation than that.


    And Lemon being unrecognized was reasonable. Another thing, he wasn''t wearing his uniform as a fourth year because the tie that was hanging on his collar was green which was a first years''


    Chun put down her pen and walked out of the classroom.


    "Hi, Chun! We meet again!" The joyful tone of the curly haired boy was overwhelming that the silver haired young man couldn''t help but to take a look at the boy, twice.


    ''What is he up to?'' Chun thought.


    Lemon didn''t waste time and got straight to the point, "I''m here for your first training session. Are you finish with your class?" he politely asked while playing with his fingers as if that was the most interesting thing to do.


    The silver haired man nodded as she knew that she was already done with the task.


    "Perfect! I will escort you there. It wouldn''t be good if you anger your first teacher for this session." He meaningfully cooed while he smiled and sauntered off. Chun followed Lemon after saying to the others that she would be going first.


    They already walked a distance away from the main building of the school and the silver haired young man perceived that they wouldn''t be stopping soon.


    "I heard that your teacher for this session is a beast," Lemon started with his happy tone as if what he wasn''t badmouthing one of his teammates.


    "Oh. Then who would it be?" The silver haired young played with the curly haired youth''s act.


    "Well, guess!"


    Chun thought deeply who would fit the best description as a training teacher for the first session and a face popped out. It would fit with that silent glaring girl Lollipop or that black mist girl Notalie but her instincts were telling her the opposite.


    "Berry?"


    The curly haired youth who was happily skipping almost stumbled with his own foot when he heard that. He didn''t expect that the silver haired young man to be so perceptive and this was good for the Alliance. The newbie might truly bring them back to glory.


    Lemon widened his smile in response and continued to walk. The familiar building caught her attention as it resembled the headquarters of the Alliance but the difference was there was no signboard on it and this familiarity was due to that separate space.


    "So this place was a part of the training field of the Alliance?"


    "Yes." Lemon confirmed and didn''t try to hide the fact the they used this in the first years'' ability test.

 Chapter 172 - 164

    "Aren''t you curious who will it be?" Lemon asked again, smiling with mischief.


    The silver haired young man had no energy to play with his mind games as Chun ignored him.


    "No biggie! I will now reveal it to you. ''Lo and behold my favorite fruit, not too sweet not too sour. Strawberry I mean Berry!" The grand introduction of the curly haired young man was too over the top with the sleeping strawberry haired youth under the tree.


    The separate space that Chun saw was different from today''s scenery. It wasn''t a clearing with no greenery in sight due to the trees surrounding the sleeping young man. There was even a bu??erfly resting on his nose.


    "What a good way for welcoming your student," Lemon mumbled but his smile widened when he turned to the bored silver haired young man. "As you have known, each one of us will train you with our own areas of expertise so be prepared. I am excited to have a go with you later!" He clapped his hands in excitement and disappeared.


    Chun was surprised to witness it because she wasn''t aware that teleportation could be this easy¡­was it teleportation?


    "Well, it isn''t teleportation. If you haven''t noticed, this is a simulation room constructed for the training sessions of the Alliance." The sleeping strawberry haired youth stated with close eyes as if reading the thoughts of the latter.


    Berry pushed himself up and the bu??erfly flew away. He didn''t want to waste his precious sleeping time and wanted to get over this training. He had already said to Feng Zi that he wouldn''t participate in training the newbie after the disaster that happened last time but the vice captain dismissed his words while enthusiastically put his name as first on the list and this happened.


    "Why did you use this space if it was for only the Alliance member-use only?" Chun curiously said while observing the stretching youth. Unexpectedly, the seemed to be lazy young man moved his feet and dashed forward, making the silver haired young man off-guard as she was struck by the sudden attack. She hit her back at a tree and pain travelled through her body.


    "Put in mind that the enemy will not let any opportunity slip away."


    The strawberry haired young man said with languidness in his tone while his movement a total opposite. "Here." Berry offered his hand to Chun and the silver haired youth unhesitatingly put her hand which resulted her to feel another episode of pain.


    It was bolts of electricity was coming from the hand of the strawberry haired lad.


    ''An electric type charm user?''


    "Are you sure about that I thought this was the Domain Space?"


    Berry was surprised at the silver haired young man''s statement and it gave Chun a chance to strike back. The former distanced himself away from the gathering charm energy as he knew that Chun would attack but unfortunately, he miscalculated.


    The silver haired young man smirked, "Got you."


    He didn''t notice that the other had been setting up a trap since then as this kind of spell could only be activated once it was casted three times and determined the opponent''s movement. Chun had put up an air restriction spell that congested the space of movement of the opponent using the air around the space.


    It was the third principle of the Air Charm, ''Air is everywhere.''


    "That was good, newbie," Berry praised with his unbothered smile while he easily broke the restriction.


    ''Truly powerful.'' Chun thought. Another round of surprise for a seemed to be harmless person. She didn''t expect that the strawberry haired young man who she witnessed to be always napping was aggressive when it came to fighting and he was this powerful. Well, you can''t judge a book by its cover.


    The strawberry haired young man waved his hand and the damaged trees and ground were back to its optimal state as if nothing had occurred here.


    He sat down on the ground and gestured for the silver haired young man to sit down as well. Chun followed while she was still vigilant. One shouldn''t put down his/her guard when it came to this person.


    Chun then recalled what one of her classmates from a minor subject said the last time she went to that class to retrieve her notebook. They warned her after knowing that she was recruited by the Alliance.


    "Chun, be careful. I heard from my older sister from the junior year that one of her classmates is an Alliance member which seemed to be unconvincing due to his harmless face."


    And the other one bu??ed in, "Duh! Alliance are monsters despite their faces, let''s just exclude my goddess Eliza."


    In conclusion, the silver haired young man must be on-guard with all of them. Chun just realized it now when she experienced it first hand.


    Berry silently observed the deep in thought youth while he yawned. He was too sleepy now. ''Can''t waste time anymore.''


    "I''ll just send you a task which can improve your weak points." The strawberry haired youth grabbed his communicator and sent his prepared task for the other.


    Ting!


    Chun looked at the sent objectives and she frowned on its senselessness.


    ''Draw something you d?s?r?.''


    The silver haired young man looked at the disappearing back of Berry as he went out from the separate space. ''What did he think of her? An art student? Or is he a genie?''


    "Hmm. That sure is a nonsense ?ssignment."


    "What are you doing?" Chun asked while patting her heart. She was scared to death by the sudden appearance of the curly haired young man.


    Lemon smiled after peeking at the communicator of the silver haired young man. "But I can answer your question with Berry earlier!"


    "What question?" Chun nonchalantly asked while she dusted away the dirt on her pants.


    "The Domain Space!"


    "Oh."


    The curly haired young man frowned and moved away, "Because I''m the very helpful member of the Alliance. I will satisfy your curiosity---"


    ''Lemon.'' The warning voice of Notalie resounded in his mind that made him stopped his play.


    "Tsk. Let''s just get over with this. I''m not good at physical type of teachings so I will be giving you materials to read which is a need for a member of Alliance to know," he didn''t delay anymore while he waved his hands. Two boxes of reading materials appeared in front of the silver haired young man. "And I will remind you that you must go back at the same time for tomorrow''s session. Bye!"


    "Wait---" Chun wasn''t able to ask as Lemon immediately left and shruggingly put the boxes on her storage space.


    "So was this two sessions in one day?"


    No one answered.


    The silver haired young man pursed her lips while she walked at the same way the other had left. Due to the Domain Space was still active with its simulation that could make Chun confuse if she hadn''t known the exit and luckily she was perceptive.


    "So here was it." She gestured her hand in a grasping motion and an invisible door opened which was the exit. Chun sighed and went out.


    She inquiringly looked at the long black haired lady.


    "Pack your things. You will transfer at the headquarters." after saying that, she left.


    "What an odd fellow. But what did she say?!"


    --------


    The silver haired young man sighed while looking at the mint green ceiling. It had been three months now in Charm Excellence and she had no idea what was happening in her original world at this time.


    Xuan couldn''t be asked because he was so secretive and sometimes not present which Chun guessed that the other might be reporting to his superior.


    But she determined that she could go out in this mission world after another five months. She already came out first on every tests that the school had come up and next month was the 25th Annual Charm Competition which be held in the Concave Forest. And then after that, the Alliance would be travelling to the Xangfei Empire which where the Charm Intercompetition would occur.


    Chun couldn''t imagine that her lazy life could be this occupied after getting involved with Zero and the Circus and while on that. What did happen with that guy?


    -------------


    "System, can I go out now? I think one year already passed," the black haired youth with white fringes said to the floating white ball of light.


    The said system bounced up and down while its monotone mechanical voice replied to his host,


    "Host, it''s undetermined. Time is suspended here."


    Hearing that, Zero frowned as he wanted to hit his unentertaining system although his hand passed through the unmoving ball of light.


    "Should I kill you?"


    "Host, it is undetermined if you can kill the system while you''re in this black space." The irritating monotone voice replied.


    It didn''t sit well with Zero when this supposed to be defected product was talking back to him and somewhat questioning his abilities.


    "You want to have a go?!"

 Chapter 176 - 168

    The silver haired young man almost blew up at the snobbish system after the incident of her royal father. She was so clueless about it which she was put into this tight situation.


    Currently, she was inside an exquisite carriage which was plain on its exterior but inside no one could deny that it was very extravagant. Though, Chun had a hunch why His Majesty didn''t use his royal carriage which explained about his simple clothing. The Supreme Ruler had no intentions to announce his presence her in Charm Excellence.


    Somehow the Principal knew about it which he decided the Alliance to escort the Supreme Ruler while he was here. It would be inconspicuous if he ordered the Guards to it so the task had fallen to the former.


    It meant that the job of securing the Concave Forest had fallen to the Guards. Although the Supreme Ruler''s sudden arrival was unforeseen but it wouldn''t affect the preparation for the annual competition of the school, and it would be a good chance if His Majesty would stay until the event.


    Chun was behaving herself in front of the unreadable Supreme Ruler, she was flustered until now by the current happenings. The seemed to be faceless and cold-hearted almighty king insisted to accompany him in his carriage while her older brothers; the second prince the eighth prince were another carriage trailing behind them.


    At first, when Feng Cui was stunned that his royal father had shown up unannounced, he already thought that something must be up and he was more surprised that he didn''t care to hide his visage in front of others. Even the second prince was shocked as well yet suspicious at their royal father''s odd behavior. Although the eighth prince rarely saw the silhouette of the Supreme Ruler and it would be always his masked face, it was different for the first prince and the second prince. As the most closer to the next in line of the throne. The two of them were closely taught by their father.


    But this wasn''t about getting favour from the latter as all of them- royal children were treated equally other than the ninth prince who seemed to be ''abandoned'' in the Snow Palace.


    Other than having the moniker of a Faceless King due to his always masked face, he also had another nickname - the Eccentric Monarch.


    It was because of his mysteriousness and undecipherable methods of approach. The way he ruled and managed the whole land of Terapika was truly a mystery. He didn''t shed blood when ruling as the corrupt officials would just about to make a move but they were slower compared to His Majesty.


    He was like an omniscient being that had eyes at everything which those officials didn''t dare to be unruly. Even the princes who fought for the throne were treading carefully with their steps but although, they had backings and loyal people by their side to ?ssist them for the throne. They would never know when the Supreme Ruler himself would rescind the position as it could be seen their royal father was still full of vigor and had a strong hold with the throne.


    They could stay quiet and bid their time.


    But back to the main point, the silver haired young man immediately caught the attention of the second prince not only because of her abilities but it was because the familiarity and resemblance that Chun had with the Supreme Ruler. If one didn''t know that Chun was the ninth prince then they would think that the Supreme Ruler had created a younger version of himself because of boredom.


    That''s why when the Alliance was called by the Principal and tasked to escort the latter. Feng Zi knew that something was up, his sudden visit was up to no good. Though their royal father seemed to be eccentric and unreadable but the second prince had a gist of his temperament.


    The Supreme Ruler wouldn''t just come to a place when he had no motive and he wouldn''t come personally if that didn''t interest him.


    And only one conclusion was drawn up in Feng Zi''s mind. He was to hide his ninth brother and protect him from their royal father.


    It wasn''t a secret that the ninth prince was banished to the Snow Palace due to the other''s result. ''He'' was a waste if one described it and a trash if one compared it to ''his'' royal siblings. But surprisingly, the supposed to be forgotten ninth prince was now admitted at Charm Excellence and had an astounding charm precision with the air charm.


    Chun was even approved by the Captain despite ''his'' gained ability from the ability simulation.


    No matter where one looked at it, their royal father had bad intentions towards the ninth prince after knowing that Chun had ''his'' ability.


    Inside the carriage of the two princes.


    Feng Cui was worrying while he silently cursed the Supreme Ruler in his mind. He wasn''t even aware that the silver haired young man had he was fond of was in fact his blood-related sibling and it was his ninth brother at most.


    Truly, blood was thicker than water.


    Looking to it, he remembered that after the confrontations of the silver haired young man and His Majesty. His second brother barged in and ran to hide Chun from the sight of the Supreme Ruler at his tow were the other Alliance members who were curious at the situation.


    Feng Cui immediately stared at the calm-looking second prince who was in deep thought and he shouted, "Second brother, you knew! Why didn''t you tell me?!"


    The second prince frowned when he was snapped from reality when the annoying voice of the eighth prince rendered his eardrums.


    "What are you fussing about? I thought you knew because I always saw you so sticky with our ninth brother."


    Feng Cui pursed his lips while looking down, "Do you think I''m so that perceptive?"


    "Heh. You said it yourself." There was a hint of schadenfreude in his tone which Feng Cui immediately looked up and saw the smirking Feng Zi.


    "Second brother! I wouldn''t be the eighth prince if I couldn''t beat you up!"


    "Then as a caring second brother, I will accommodate you."


    Rumbles and shaking were heard from the carriage in tow while the awkward atmosphere was broken by the steady face Supreme Ruler.


    "Pardon your older brothers'' excitement, they might be so surprised to have you back," his deep voice was laced with hidden warmth while observing at the behaved child in front of him.


    ''He was still the same cute obedient child that would usually want his attention every now and then.'' The Supreme Ruler thought while his heart softened a bit.


    ''That Nightmare beast didn''t fail his expectations despite her further refusal.''


    The silver haired young man didn''t bother with those gentleness as she grasped the main point. So their royal father thought that she would come back to them obediently? He would be innocent if he thought like that.


    She was Chun now, not Feng Hunan.


    The Supreme Ruler caught the light in those red scarlet eyes that mirrored his own. He snorted when he recalled that he was very familiar with this.


    He remembered ''someone'' what he did in this situation. He breaks that ''person''.


    ''Was he successful? Let''s find out.''


    Chun scrunched her brows when she sensed an ominous feeling. Her instincts were telling her that this royal father of hers was up to no good.


    The Supreme Ruler ?ssumed ignorance as he looked at the cat with threatening claws. He didn''t try converse with the glaring silver haired young man while he quietly flicked his hand and offered a basket of strawberries at the other.


    Although, Chun was still on-guard while watching suspiciously at the offered fruits but she was still at the mercy of this almighty king and more importantly, she had pressing missions to do so silently obliging was the only choice for now.


    She softened her glaring eyes and took a piece of the fruit and bite on it like biting a head of someone off.


    The Supreme Ruler who witnessed this scene, chuckled while he decided to wait upon this youngest son of his. He would indulge ''him'' for now until they arrived at the Royal Residence.


    At the third carriage following the two.


    The carriage seemed to be bland and simple on the outside but its inside was big enough to fit five people in Charm Excellence uniform while an armband was on their right arm, it had a soaring letter with symbols around it. It was a designated insignia for a member of the Alliance.


    Lemon was frustrated as he couldn''t fight with the beasts of the Concave Forest and kept on his rambling of complaints while the others ignored him.


    The long black haired young lady was already fine after her neck was healed although it was just a small wound that couldn''t threaten her life.


    She appeared to be expressionless though her mind was running with unknown thoughts.

 Chapter 177 - 169

    ''Isn''t this too much?''


    Chun thought while looking at the situation in front of her. The Supreme Ruler who revealed his visage nonchalantly was now wearing his white mask with ancient runes adorned on it but only the silver haired young man was aware of those runes while her royal siblings had different expressions on their faces.


    They were all looking at her with varying expressions, some were excited, hidden disgust and some had no care at all.


    The Supreme Ruler was exuding a vibe of aloofness, too different from what he showed to the silver haired young man. Chun was asking herself that this scene was too much due to the attendance of the whole members of the Royal Family.


    It was really a welcome event for the ninth prince but the silver haired young man didn''t appreciate it, one bit. She was now plunged with another hurdle to take care.


    As Chun had disembarked on this mission world, she considered not going back to the Royal Family nor revealing her royal identity as it could lead to more problems for her.


    Even the original ninth prince didn''t wish to go back and take revenge for his pitiful state but he only wished to be a great Charmer and achieve recognition by winning in the annual tournament of Charm Excellence.


    And getting involved with the Royal Family was the least matter that Chun wanted now. Next week would be the 25th Annual Charm Competition and she would fulfill her main mission and after that, next month would be the Intercompetition which the Alliance would travel to Xangfei Empire to participate.


    Chun maintained her bland expression while looking at the Royal Family.


    The Supreme Ruler sensed that it would be now the right time to speak his intentions after settling the princes and princesses.


    "This High Majesty is happy that the ninth prince had grown up well and achieved big feats on his own." The deep and reverberating voice full of power and authority caught everyone''s attention.


    Since the silver haired young man had started her studies in Charm Excellence and took many achievements, ranked first in every test in their year, it wasn''t surprising for the Supreme Ruler to know it. Even one would visit the said school and asked who was their rising star, the handsome silver haired young man with enigmatic scarlet eyes would be the first one that they would think.


    Praises and admirations could be heard from every corner of Charm Excellence, even those high esteemed seniors who treated the lower years with haughtiness somewhat would grit their teeth and admit defeat. It could be said that Chun''s developing ability could surpass even half of the promising second years which led to the Principal offering ''him'' an advancement test for second year but the silver haired young man refused it.


    They had no idea why the genius declined this opportunity to skip a grade but they respect ''his'' decision.


    Well, the only reason for it was because Chun didn''t want to waste time anymore and trouble herself to learn another curriculum as she heard that the second years'' elite class had four major subjects and she didn''t need that.


    Chun ?ssumed courtesy as she said, "I''m grateful for His Majesty''s concern. May His Majesty rule the land a thousand times more."


    It seemed to be full of politeness but the perfunctory remark couldn''t be hidden and the way the ninth prince addressed their Royal father as His Majesty. Only fools couldn''t perceive her well-meaning.


    Immediately the eighth prince was about to interject and put good words for his ninth brother in order not to anger their royal father but the frivolous third prince wasn''t only good with his ''fast hands'' but he was also fast with his mouth.


    "I heard that Ninth Brother was the top ranker in the whole first year level and he was even recruited in this declining--- I mean unpromising Alliance," the third prince stated with admiration and worry for his youngest brother. Although his expression and tone had no malice but the light on his eyes was saying the opposite.


    It wasn''t a secret that the Alliance had been stagnant for three consecutive Intercompetitions, they could only enter semi-finals and would be at a brink of defeat after that.


    "His Highness need not to worry. As you have implied, I''m talented," the silver haired young man with no shame in her voice answered which embarrassed the third prince. He was just about to set up his scheme and unexpectedly, it was easily thwarted by the ninth prince.


    Chun still maintained her bland smile. She was waiting for this to finish up. Another reason for not wanting to return to the Royal Family was this, it was full of schemes and traps. It was not aligned to her ideal peaceful life.


    "Y-you..."


    The third prince had nothing more to say with this long lost ninth brother''s shamelessness. He was even stunned that the other deliberately called him His Highness instead of calling him third brother as he was ''his'' royal brother.


    Though he was hesitant to have this ninth prince back but it was unpleasant to be addressed as a stranger by his blood-related sibling.


    The third prince decided to shut up.


    The second princess with shining eyes had been looking back and forth between her royal father and ninth brother and she couldn''t help but to gasped with their similarities. Even though the Supreme Ruler had hidden his face under his mask, his fine features, hair color and eyes were to resembling with the silver haired young man standing in front of them.


    The second princess had a spoiled and straightforward attitude that once her mind has decided, her mouth couldn''t be stopped.


    "Ninth Brother, you''re so exquisite! If I did not know any better, I would think that royal father made a mini version of himself!"


    Chun: ¡­.


    Royal siblings: ¡­.


    Supreme Ruler: ¡­..


    The aloof almighty king chuckled when he heard this from the second princess. He had been used to her non-filtered mouth and he was very lenient to it. Though he couldn''t deny that his youngest son looked more like his younger self when he was still at his most rebellious times.


    The dark chuckle of their royal father stiffened the princes and princesses while they held their breaths. The one who was the mastermind of it - second princess- trembled a bit but she controlled herself not to be intimidated with their royal father''s eccentricity.


    ''This was normal. All normal.'' They chanted on their minds.


    Chun sensed the strange atmosphere while the Supreme Ruler continued to laugh. If he was not in mask, surely they would see that the almighty king was in tears due to laughter.


    "Alright.¡­ You''re all dismissed. Hunan, come here."


    Some would smile in greetings or nod at Chun with friendliness while others seemed to raised their brows to her but what Chun had caught sight was they were somewhat had hidden pitiful looks at her.


    The passing second prince whispered, "It''s not what it looks."


    Even the eighth prince as well, "Don''t be intimidated. Royal father is just---"


    "Hurry! Go out!" The laughing Supreme Ruler a while ago was now shouting at them impatience which they immediately obliged. The first prince was the last one to go out as he personally closed the door, not forgetting to nod at the silver haired youth.


    Chun was now full of doubts if she was seeing it right. ''This seemed to be strange.''


    "Hunan--- Chun."


    The silver haired young man turned around to the gentle tone of the Supreme Ruler which Chun saw that he was now playing with his mask on his hand while smiling at the other.


    Although his smile seemed to be unaccustomed in his face. The Supreme Ruler was rare to smile nor laugh which shown a while ago that his supposed to be genial chuckle seemed to be sinister to those people that didn''t know better but the princes and princesses were already used to their royal father''s quirks.


    He was an eccentric ruler so his ways were strange and odd for the others, and they would misunderstand it if they weren''t familiar with him which was why the people of Terapika was afraid with this all-powerful faceless ruler. They never understand him but they somewhat grateful with His Majesty as he was the only ruler that could able to maintain peace between dividing nations without shedding blood. Yet that was something to be feared because the more unknown and illogical it was, the more unexpected it would be.


    Majority of humans were afraid of the unknown which was why they had this kind of fear with the Supreme Ruler, it was only revealed that he wielded to types of Charms but its severity wasn''t revealed and even His Majesty''s other capabilities.


    But Chun somehow could see that this Supreme Ruler was one of a kind.


    "Chun, come here," he said with warmth in his eyes.

 Chapter 179 - 171

    (A short-story of Magnus)


    One hundred years ago,


    Shining through the gaps of the window, an indifferent-looking man stretched out his limbs from bundle of quilts covering him while he stood up and neared the window. Looking through the gaps of it, an indiscernible light passed on his eyes and he immediately called for his servants.


    The handsome man was dressed casually, not in his usual elaborate dress shirts and pants which exuded his power as the hight authority. He decided to abstained for court meeting today while his trusted advisor would handle it.


    This was a great day to seek out his hatchlings.


    Magnus with indifferent air was accompanied by his two royal guards and a butler. They walked for twenty minutes until they had arrived at the huge expansive space where a building in hexagonal shape built with glass was erected. It was a greenhouse but one shouldn''t misunderstood the Supreme Ruler as this glass building didn''t contained any flowers nor plants.


    The two royal guards and his butler were left to wait outside while His Majesty did his ''work''. They were ordered to not disturb the latter until they were allowed to, even guests nor emergency situations weren''t an exception.


    These three trusted people had their own running thoughts about their Majesty''s ''secret'' work but they had no right to question their employer and as the personally handpicked people of Magnus, they were very professional on their work. Curiosity was not allowed when working under an eccentric king.


    Due to his abundant charm energy and he wasn''t interested of finding a queen or so. Magnus had made up his mind, without heir, there''s no one to inherit the throne so this was it. He started his project of exploring his vast charm ability and see out his limits by creating his own child.


    Inside the greenhouse, there were three glowing gem-like boulders in front of the Supreme Ruler. This wasn''t any ordinary big rocks as the glowing things had lifeforms on it. It was three sleeping children and they were in deep slumber which it was unknown when they would wake up, a sign for their birth.


    In fact, Magnus had decided to only make five creations, three boys and two girls but while on it he was struck by an inspiration. If he was in this process of making his own offsprings through the use of charm elements, why not make the most of it. Make the perfect heir. A perfect heir that was made to be a ruler and could take this royal duties from him.


    Magnus praised his brilliant idea after he had been sitting in this throne for two hundred years and now things were getting boring. Why not make a perfect heir that would replaced his from this boring---- majestic position? With that great idea, the Supreme Ruler started his plan and this plan was executed a month ago but his progress had been slow. He had only managed to create three of his offspring.


    As the Supreme Ruler had been busy and known to have been eccentric on his ways, he didn''t want to catch the attention by any snooping officials with this project of his. That''s why he decided to not to spend too much time for creation and he then attended royal duties regularly but there were times that he needed to go back with his project.


    And looking from the good weather, Magnus determined that this was a good opportunity to do his creation-spree.


    The Supreme Ruler only went out the next day afternoon after slipping on his clean clothes where he had already placed on a small table. Other than no plants existed in this place, there was a one small wooden table and an oak bed. It wasn''t appropriate to sleep on this simple bed but the Supreme Ruler had no problem with it as he wasn''t going to sleep here and those things were only accumulating dust but the only use of the table was to store his clothes.


    Magnus wiped his sweats away and used a magic cleaning spell to extinguish any bad odor or dirt from his body as he changed to his clean clothes. He went out nonchalantly, aiming for his royal bed. He wanted to sleep for now and checked his big gems for later.


    He finally managed to create his perfect heir after the fourteenth try. And resting was the only thing that his mind and body wanted to do right now. He almost exhausted his charm energy supply, it was really a bother but Magnus had been a hardworking person, achieving his goal and now that it had been reached. Finally exhaustion overwhelmed him.


    Using a transportation spell, he easily got back and laid on his soft and comfortable bed. Sleep was the priority for now. Forgetting those three men that were posted on-guard.


    -----


    After the Supreme Ruler got his good rest, he didn''t even bother to eat a meal nor see the court as he immediately went to his greenhouse.


    "Your Majesty!" The three who had been a statue there greeted with reverence, not talking unnecessary words.


    Magnus only paused on his steps while continuing inside his greenhouse. Although the greenhouse was built in glass that people could see-through what''s inside, it was still indiscernible to the human eye even in a charmers'' eyes because those glass were specially-made by a master craftsman. Using deceptions and illusions, the angles and the formation of the glass building had been all calculated which fool anyone.


    They would only see the interior of the glass, reflecting themselves like mirrors but the Supreme Ruler, he couldn''t be easily fooled by this simple trick.


    The sight that welcomed him inside were varying colors of the gem-like boulders containing sleeping lifeforms. What color they emitted represented their charm element and even without this color indication nor the charm crystal that tested the child on their fifth birthday with their charm capabilities, Magnus already determined their oww charms as he was the one that made them.


    A total of fourteen boulder gems were shining with different colors but only one of it has a white light seemed to be lonely in a corner while the other rounded gem boulders were glowing vibrant colors. This white light that this one egg was exuding was something that made the Supreme Ruler cried in tears of joy as finally his efforts had paid off.


    Although, he still maintained his aloof nature while ??r?ssing the egg with white light.


    The only thing that was left now was to wait for them these eggs to hatch.


    -------


    Another years had gone by and the signs of the first cracking of the egg started. From the morning court, the Supreme Ruler was bored to their reports - land progress, living condition development and others- things that were usually discussed and as the ruler, he would hear it everytime and Magnus had already memorized his perfunctory responses.


    "En."


    "En."


    "Increase the laborers wages by three percent and secure the area that they are mining. Casualties are prohibited."


    "En."


    "Alright. Leave that progress report to my table."


    "En."


    It was always been this way. There wasn''t even a declaration of war or something that could make his blood boil and stop this boring things.


    Sometimes, Magnus thought that he might been wrong of claiming the throne. Maybe, he should sjust stayed in his haven while watching bloodbaths due to the rulers'' foolishness. He was just an eccentric mercenary coming from an unknown village and setting foot in the Capital City was just an accident but when he heard that the position of the Supreme Ruler was a very good position to watch wars and chaos, he sworn to take it.


    And now that he had achieved his goal, the era of peach ushered in which Magnus didn''t predicted. He was now bored with this affairs and he couldn''t wait to abdicate the throne to his perfect heir.


    When he sensed that an egg was about to hatch, he didn''t wait for his court officials to go out after the session ended as he instantly barged out without warning. The officials that were about bid to their ruler was left in dust.


    The Supreme Ruler who finally saw the fruits of his efforts almost couldn''t maintained his facade while he hurriedly took the blanket from the bed. Using a cleaning spell, he cleaned the baby and the dirty blanked and wrapped the boy on it. And this baby was the first prince.


    Until all of the thirteen eggs hatched. Magnus was happy that he had royal offsprings now to show-off to the world but the world was a bit dazed when they heard that the loveless king had offsprings.


    Even those three trusted people who was used to waiting at the side by their majesty was left mystified after first seeing the Supreme Ruler carried a baby in his bosom until days after days, their majesty would carry out another baby from the greenhouse.


    Three: ¡­.


    Personal nannies were ready to take the babies.


    Somehow all of those babies were excellent. They didn''t doubt their powerful ruler but though they doubted the inside of that greenhouse.


    ''Was His Majesty hiding his lover there?''


    Only the Magnus knew.


    Magnus waited and waited until the last one had gone one and strangely, the child was already in a formed of two years old child. The silver white hair and red scarlet eyes, he rubbed his eyes while he looked animatedly at the same red eyes.

 Chapter 180 - 172

    [Main Mission Progress: 95%


    Side Mission Progress: 50%]


    The silver haired young man ignored the sudden pop-up in her field of vision while she looked out from the window of the train.


    Shadows of the trees entered and passed from her sight like how moments turned into passing memories.


    ''It was almost over.''


    Chun stared in a daze while she started to think what she would do next after going back.


    It was already her fourth month in the school, last month was like a wheel of fate. The mysterious and powerful Royal Family didn''t interfere with her decision but somehow it spread out to Charm Excellence about her existence. The ninth prince came back and now ''he'' was miraculously a Charmer. It was one out of a hundred phenomenon that something like a late potential was discovered.


    The silver haired young man just shrugged when she was asked about how did she developed to have a charm after the failed coming-of-age ceremony where the charm crystal identified that she was a non-charmer.


    She even remembered her conversation with the Supreme Ruler after finding out the truth of their birth, the ninth prince was deemed to be the perfect heir, the invisible crown prince. Which all of the abandoning Hunan to the Snow Palace act was just a scheme of the Supreme Ruler. Chun didn''t ask him directly but she knew that she was right.


    That''s why the manual book that the snobbish system that had given her was lacking, lacking of reasonable plot. Though Xuan had been nonchalant about this, it seemed that he didn''t care if Chun failed this world.


    But the silver haired young man didn''t care as well, and as she was already brought here then the only choice she have was to finish this mission with success. It''s in the blood of a Shuho to not let anything down.


    This was just an under a test world but Chun had taken it seriously which proved that she was a very professional employee, maybe the evaluation should be a perfect score.


    Many things were running around in her mind to keep her sane from missing home, suddenly a knock on the table in front of her awaken her from reality.


    The second prince was smiling gently at her while he annoying rubbed her head. Chun didn''t think that getting her identity out to the world to see was gifting her this kind of annoyance.


    She was even creeped when was still in Charm Excellence as the first prince who seemed to haven''t shown his face in school was pestering her. He would always asked her about her well-being, her health, living conditions, and all which sometimes annoyed the silver haired young man.


    Although Chun was thankful that the first prince was a Student Affairs Representative which he has so many workloads that he could be rarely had a free time.


    She hadn''t expect that the seemed to be indifferent background of the Royal Family from her inherited memory of the ninth prince and the description of the manual were just a side dish, the main course wasn''t even presented yet.


    She had a second time meeting with the Supreme Ruler which Chun knew it wasn''t a coincidence, the way the aloof aura of the other had lightened a bit and the hidden joy in his eyes. They met at the back forest of Charm Excellence where the Royal Residence was nearer, three days ago. It was also the day of her departure for the Intercompetition after coming out as a first ranker from the annual competition. The silver haired young man just went at the back forest to try her tenth time of fusion experiment involving her charms.


    Unknowingly, the silver haired young man just turned around after testing its intensity when she saw a familiar casual suit and the familiar stature. It was the Supreme Ruler who seemed to be observing her, Chun wasn''t surprise if the other had knew her full abilities as the ninth prince was created by him, successfully.


    "The way you inputted your air charm while being ?ssisted by a little bit of intensity of your water charm is good but needs improvement."


    The Supreme Ruler didn''t shy away with estrangement as he started to guide the silver haired young man with patience.


    "Yes.. that''s right.. yes. The cooling process should be right. The input of energy is perfect. Put out your hands and ¡­"


    Boom!


    A poor tree was the victim of a terrible unattempted onslaught of a small steeled ice strike.


    Chun felt a hand rubbing her head, she immediately saw that it was the Supreme Ruler. She was unaware on how did he neared their distance. She slightly stepped back which the hand fell and retracted.


    The Supreme Ruler: ¡­


    Magnus awkwardly coughed and regained his composure. He then turned to the ninth prince who had a suspicious gaze directed at him.


    He ignored it while he spoke, "I will teach you a good offense."


    Hearing that, the silver haired young man lowered her animosity to the other and silently stare with inquiring eyes. Magnus almost chuckled with this cute puppy-look but he held back. It wouldn''t be good if his dignified image in front his heir would break down.


    The ninth prince needed inspiration and he would be that inspiration. And slowly cultivating their feelings was the best choice.


    Before the silver haired young man bid good bye, Magnus didn''t forget to warn her.


    "Your royal siblings seemed to annoying you these days. You should be used to it, although they had different traits. They had this instinct to care for you as their youngest. It is a side effect of my powers." As they were created by the charms of the Supreme Ruler, it could be said that they were connected not by bloodline but by the swirling charms in their body.


    But the silver haired young man couldn''t help but ask.


    "Then why they didn''t visit me in the Snow Palace?" There was no treble in her voice as the steady tone was opposite to the case of a prince who suffered there.


    "Did you suffer there?" Instead of answering it, Magnus shot out a question.


    Chun thought about her experience in the Snow Palace and even recalled the experience of the original owner from the inherited memories. Although it was described that the ninth prince was forgotten in that cold haven. He never suffered, it might be because of Ara or some other reasons.


    The silver haired young man didn''t finish there as she asked another question, "Are they like me?"


    She had been curious if the other royal siblings were like her who was a full-charmer.


    Magnus didn''t expect this inquiry but he still satisfied the silver haired young man''s curiosity.


    "No. You''re the perfect heir." He smiled, faintly.


    -----------


    Series of steps were heard and voices were heard outside the train cabin. Chun realized that they were here. They had arrived.


    The second prince who acted like a manager of the team relayed to them to pack up as they would be going out.


    "The carriage is waiting for us. Hurry up."


    Chun was the last one to get out of the train while her teammates were excited and exhausted. They were excited for the intercompetition and exhausted due to the long ride. Because of the inconvenience of riding a flying caravan to travel, they picked the second fastest transportation, the train.


    "I almost vomit due to boredom!" Lemon exclaimed while trying to push the slightly leaning Berry from him. The strawberry haired youth didn''t care about this small disturbance while he continued with his sleep.


    The usual glaring girl Lollipop was now not doing her routine of looking at Chun as she was asleep in Notalie''s ??p. Even Notalie was keeping her eyes open, drowsiness was about to take to on her.


    Fortunately the carriage was expansive that it was able to accommodate them.


    Chun was by the door where the window was located, beside her was the captain who had her indifferent expression. On the other side seated next to her was the second prince who was busy tapping with his communicator.


    Beyond the lofty huge gates was a twin towers which people wearing knight outfits were on top of it. They having a lookout and even inspecting the carriages that would enter.


    The Alliance carriage went in and what greeted them were another group of uniformed students as they went down.


    Chun looked out and saw the big structures of building of the school while she had a one thought.


    ''Finally.''

 Chapter 182 - 174

    Lu Min wiped the blood on the corner of his mouth while he murderously looked to where the Alliance had left. He wouldn''t let them get away with this.


    "You shouldn''t get in trouble before the tournament and stay away from them," the red-headed youth stated with unreadable expression. Although the Alliance had a member from the Royal Family, Piero wasn''t afraid of it.


    In the Intercompetition, His Majesty had already declared that this wasn''t about status but it only relied on abilities. So a royal prince or princess wasn''t to be scared of unless they didn''t break the rules of directly offending the other without the premises of the Intercompetition so they were safe and the Royal Family seemed to be more grounded with provocations. They wouldn''t interfere if their names weren''t called.


    But Lu Min had overlooked something, he unknowingly offended a Royal Family member without the premises of the Intercompetition yet luckily the silver haired young man had no time to waste for him as their Captain had already gave a fitting dose of medicine for the ''scum playboy'' - courtesy by Lemon. It wasn''t surprising if the whole Terapika had not known the existence of the ninth prince except for certain individuals as it was not yet announced by the Supreme Ruler and Chun didn''t want to, for now.


    The blonde haired young man was more angered by the warning of this former captain of the Alliance. At first, he didn''t want this person to be their captain because it was too hypocritical to them. Piero was the one who led the former powerful Alliance back then which always the Rose would be held back in the second placer.


    The Intercompetition was usually held in Diclexia University and it would be a joke to be always a second compared to their rival school Charm Excellence. It wasn''t pleasing for Lu Min and his group to be praised by their fellow students in front but laughed at them behind.


    For unknown reasons, this red haired young man who was known to be the dignified captain of Alliance suddenly transferred in their school and took the position as their captain after their former captain graduated and was sent out to the military.


    Then with Piero''s perceptive vision and leadership, the Rose catapulted and replaced the Alliance for three consecutive Intercompetitions. That settled some of the grievances of the members of their team but Lu Min had been prideful as he was acknowledged to be their most best player when it came to offense. He had a rare sub-type charm ability, blue fire.


    The Blue fire was the most hottest fire in the known color scheme of fire charms and it was studied that the blue color was the rarest and more hard to deal sub-type charm element as it was belong to the fire element which was a powerful elemental charm. He was much stronger than their captain who was only a red fire charm user.


    "Captain, you should know how to control that arrogant Alliance as you knew them well, right?" There was contempt on his voice while his chin was raised, looking down at the red haired guy.


    Piero smiled back while he didn''t comment on, there was an unreadable light that passed on his eyes.


    Looking at the situation, a brunette youth with thick glasses and clean appearance cleared his throat. Easing the tense atmosphere. He had been silent for the whole time beside the black haired young man as he was observing the ''new'' member of the Alliance. It wasn''t a secret that for three consecutive years after Piero left his former team, the Alliance kept on taking ''temporary'' members.


    The first year which the Alliance had went through a change in their captain, Eliza who was the vice captain was appointed as the captain while the second prince took up the vice captain position. The Intercompetition would usually needed a seven-member group in order to join so they started to recruit a member every upcoming tournament. Which it wasn''t odd if they saw a new face for this fourth year of Eliza''s leadership.


    ''The reason why it was called ''temporary''? Well, it was due to their plots.'' Chang Min fixed his thick glasses while he thought. And now the next one to be their target was that silver haired young man.


    A glim of calculating expression flashed onto his face, it instantly vanished when he turned towards the gentle red haired captain.


    "Captain, shall we greet the next group?" Chang Min asked while next to him was a light brown haired boy who was younger than the latter.


    Chang Jing with pure eyes nodded with his older brother''s suggestion, he was the only member in the Rose who had this kind of simple character. Piero relaxed his smile as he rubbed the other''s hair, he then acquiesced.


    Without hesitation, the simple-minded guy with gloved hands grabbed his older brother and went near the upcoming group. "Ah Jing! Don''t be too excited."


    "Hehe.. sorry, older brother."


    Looking at this two, Lu Min frowned and humphed. He continued with ??r?ssing with his rose, ignoring the red haired young man. His two followers tried to pacify the haughty young master.


    Amidst to their own pace, the young man who had a disheveled hair, looking like too lazy to comb his hair had another thought in his mind. Fu Chen''s eyes still lingered to where the Alliance had left and an image of a silver haired youth emerged in his mind. He was now more interested in the Intercompetition.


    The said group with seven members were walking on a specific path thanks to the guidance of the female students who was ?ssigned to be their guide.


    Somehow this female student couldn''t help but keep glancing on the rear part of the Alliance. Peeking glances where sent to the silver haired young man, the female student sighed inwardly while she approved the aesthetics of the infamous playboy Lu Min.


    This new face was so tempting and so handsome, she immediately covered her mouth to stop her drool and embarrassed the reputation of their school in front of another school. But still, she couldn''t help but throw few glances at Chun''s direction.


    The members of the Alliance wasn''t that numb as a rock to not notice this furtive glances of another admirer. They were used to this ninth prince being a chick-magnet. Somehow they could understand the Supreme Ruler of using a mask to hide his face.


    Inferring from this handsome and charming ninth prince with explosive male hormones, they understood the Supreme Ruler.


    Feng Zi was like a proud peacock because of the Royal Family''s genes. He was already used to his fans drooling and coveting his good-looks and now that added with his youngest brother''s attractive value, they could now topple this school''s hearthrob.


    The silver haired young man remembered the scene when she was greeted by her royal siblings beside the their royal father. Although she was used to beautiful faces but she couldn''t help but praise and have her heart melted with the dazzling appearances of the Royal Family members. She thought that she was in fairy land but she didn''t show it on her face while she was there though.


    Now these glances wasn''t harmful, she could only ignore it. Chun had been used to this, she was already a beauty of the original world so there was no surprise here.


    Lemon who just coincidentally glanced at the rear back couldn''t help but frowned at the proud aura that the second prince and the ninth prince had been emitting.


    ''They were truly siblings, their faces are both shameless.''


    "Umm...here w-we are." The reddened face female student said while the Alliance looked at the dormitory building that was prepared for them.


    It was the same five storey building that Eliza and her team had been staying every Intercompetition but Chun was their new member so the second prince enthusiastically guided the ninth prince towards the entrance.


    "Ninth Brother, let''s go!"


    The other members who were left by the two people didn''t follow their hasty display. They walked towards the entrance but the female student who acted as a guide was stunned. ''Ninth Brother?''


    Did she heard it right? The second prince called someone Ninth Brother.


    Notalie noticed the confused guide and she didn''t comment on while Lemon said to the other, "Thank you for the service! We can take it from here." He politely said while he caught up with his team.


    It could be said that guides weren''t needed for these groups of contestants as the Intercompetition was usually held in Diclexia University, it meant that they had already know their dormitory path but this wasn''t the motive of the school, this was just a courtesy of the latter. Welcoming each team with great service.


    If Lemon could say his opinion, he would suggest to demolish the courtesy of the respective teams getting a greeting with the Rose or just the Alliance. It would be unpleasing to see those ''drama actors'' first day of their arrival, it would surely bring bad luck.

 Chapter 183 - 175

    ''White ceiling''


    ''Comfortable bed''


    ''Decent size room''


    ''Bathroom with shower''


    ''And a chair, closet and small table''


    Chun checked everything in her room and she was satisfied with the service of the school. Although she didn''t think that rooms provided for the teams in Intercompetition were so decently enough though a bit excessive. The duration of the Intercompetition was one month and within that month, all of the activities were performed and it would be said that this room that they would be staying was like for display, they wouldn''t be able to enjoy these services when the main event would start. In fact, the silver haired young man was despairing about her double-foamed bed and fluffy blanket.


    Knock! Knock!


    The door was widely open and it was easy to see that the silver haired youth was lying and rolling on her cozy bed. Her things were yet to put in the closet as it was still stored in her spatial storage. The only convenient similarity that this mission world had given her was this spatial storage although it was called space bag but Chun preferred to use the former than the latter (in her mind).


    Feng Zi saw his youngest brother''s comfortable position. The youth''s silver white hair was the only thing that could confirm that Chun was lying on the bed due to the fluffy white blanket that was wrapped around her like a dumpling. His heart melted from the soft and warm atmosphere. He didn''t want to disturb the other but the Captain was the one who called for a meeting.


    "Hmm?" A crip and mellow voice was heard inside the coccon. The silver haired young man was lazy to move from the cozy space.


    "The Captain called for a meeting." Chun heard the familiar gentle voice near her bed.


    "Yes, Zi--"


    "Big brother Zi," the second prince corrected. Feng Zi had begun to establish his big brother position after their royal father had confirmed their ninth brother''s existence and he was firmed to this.


    Chun rolled her eyes in secret while she pushed off the fluffy blanket covering her face and stood up.


    She knew through the story that the Supreme Ruler had told her about their birth which happened one hundred years ago, it meant that her and her royal siblings were a hundred years old plus in common human age but the Supreme Ruler said that after they had ''hatched'' out, their growth were very slow. So it could be said that when it was their fiftieth year, they started to grow a bit.


    The silver haired young man didn''t want to think about the complexity of these ages as it would only bring insanity to her. She didn''t want to think complicated stuff.


    "Lead the way, Big brother Zi!" A hint of reluctance could be heard from the tone but the second prince still smiled while ruffling the already messy hair of the latter. He then turned away and walked to the lounge room for Alliance.


    While on the way, the silver haired young man was amazed by the floor that were ?ssigned to them. Frankly speaking, the five storey dormitory building was for the five participating teams while another dormitory which also had five floors were for another five teams. A total of ten participating teams for the ten nations here in Terapika.


    Each floors had designated teams.


    When they arrived at the said meeting place, the silver haired young man was stunned due to this extravagance. She had no clue that they had lounge room here and this lounge room had a chandelier attached at its center ceiling and on a corner, there was a bar counter. But what caught her eyes were, glass chess pieces displayed on the coffee table at the center.


    The place looked like a vacation house and it screamed luxury. Somehow, amidst to this grand and extravagant place, the aura of the people seating on the couches were gloomy.


    "An expected ''surprise." Feng Zi commented while emphasizing the word surprise in his sarcastic tone. He went to the bar counter and mixed some colorful liquids with precise and expert movements.


    A swishing sound came out from his blue-green drink. "Might as well enjoy it."


    "Show off." Lemon shrugged his shoulders while he took the other drinks that the second prince had made.


    Even the gloomy Lollipop enthusiastically grabbed the ???ktail. With shining eyes, she said, "Sometimes you are useful, Vice Captain."


    Feng Zi almost choked on his drink while Notalie laughed. Chun also chuckled, she was used to this gloomy girl. She seemed to be harmless while silently looking at you with glaring eyes but once she talked, you need to be prepared with her poisonous tongue.


    The silver haired young man tried the ???ktail and she couldn''t help but approve at the second prince'' talent. She didn''t expect that he was a bartender in his past life. (That was just a joke.)


    Eliza didn''t delay anymore as she opened, "I gathered you all today for tomorrow''s event."


    "Tomorrow''s event? I thought that the usual opening of the Intercompetition is the day after tomorrow?" Notalie inquired while she played with her drink.


    "The coordinators wanted to put a bit of spice so they made another event but is isn''t part of the Intercompetition." Feng Zi clarified.


    "Then what is it?"


    "It is called locked room play."


    "Eh?!! What is that?"


    "Never heard of it."


    Chun didn''t react while she silently listen.


    The curly haired youth shook the drowsy person beside him which awakened a bit the other.


    "Hmm?" Berry asked.


    "Do you hear what captain said?"


    Berry nodded while he supported himself with his hand to not fall asleep. He was too lazy to listen as he knew already what would happen on this meeting.


    The long black haired captain turned her sight to the silent silver haired young man and then she looked away. She started to explain the mini event for tomorrow. The coordinators hinted to the captains of each team that the event would be a locked room play and they were unfamiliar to it but as an intelligent captain, Eliza explained her insights.


    While Chun heard this she somehow approved the other''s deduction but she couldn''t help but add her own.


    "Captain, I think that we will be investigating."


    Hearing that Eliza agreed also. It wasn''t far to that. Finishing up. Eliza adjourned the meeting and she left. Even the second prince also left as he needed to follow up a plan for tomorrow. Notalie also followed the two while Lollipop surprisingly didn''t follow the other.


    Only the four of them were left.


    The curly haired young man suddenly broke the silence.


    "Chun, you need to know our main rival before you could fully participate the Intercompetition!" Lemon said with enthusiasm. Even Lollipop nodded her head. Berry was left to sleep.


    "Main rival? Rose?" Chun remembered the team that greeted them by the entrance. The silver haired young man wouldn''t forget their vivid acts. They were good ''actors''.


    "You got it right! Hehe. Truly, like minds think alike."


    Lollipop frowned with the nonsense of the other while she replied, "Isn''t it obvious?"


    "Shh.. Lolli, don''t be too annoying. So Chun, as your senior. I''ll give you specific details about those seven rose people."


    Lemon cleared his throat while he turned on his gossip mode. The silver haired young man couldn''t help but think that this person was like Kai Sun, that talkative student of hers.


    "The Rose was founded by the Chang brothers. Chang Min and Chang Jing. Did you remember the one with brunette hair and thick eyeglasses? That was Chang Min, he is a deceptive prick, full of tricks. He is a wood charm user and his younger brother was the one who had a gloved hands, Chang Jing. He seemed to be cute and harmless but his ability is terrible... A sub-type of wood charm, he turned poisonous with the things that he touched."


    "The two of them, you should watch out for them in the doubles category. You would be partnering with captain in the doubles, so they''re the ones you should watch out the most!" Lemon warned with horrified voice. If Chun wasn''t aware that the other was just pretending with his act, he would be a good member to the Rose... Or maybe he is good with those actors?


    "Next is the silent dude with black messy hair. Another one to watch out in the intellectual category. He is too smart, in short. His ability is metal charm but it is rare for him to use it."


    "And those three dramatics a while ago are Lu Min, Wu Ming and Chen Yu. An emo playboy, a fake older brother, and a two-faced pure person. In the all-member category, they are the ones put on the offense. Lu Min is a Charmer with rare fire charm, blue fire. Wu Ming is an earth Charmer while Chen Yu is a water Charmer. And right, don''t get conned with those three!"


    Lemon said with warning on his tone but when he arrived at the last part, a sad faint smile emerged on his face.


    "Yes.. last is Piero... The former captain of Alliance."

 Chapter 184 - 176

    The sad atmosphere engulfed the lounge room. Even the strawberry haired youth who was occupying the four-seater couch was affected by the inevitable vibe due to the topic that Lemon had opened up.


    There was a certain feeling that the silver haired young man couldn''t pin point. It might be because of their solemn expression when they recall the events together with their former captain.


    "Right... It is regrettable to say that Big brother Piero had left but what I can''t forgive is he didn''t even explain his reason! He suddenly disappeared in the middle of the Intercompetition!" The undulating tone of the curly haired young man was full of resentment and anger. His eyes were reddened together with his puffed up cheeks.


    The sudden burst of his tumultuous emotion surprised Chun and the girl who was taciturn neared the other as she comforted him.


    Lollipop nodded at the silver haired young man while she helped the bursting Lemon to his room. Chun didn''t delay them on their way and the youth decided to stay.


    Chun looked at the displayed glass chess pieces on the coffee table in front of her. Rustling of a heavy ''object'' was heard from her side, it was Berry trying to sit up from his sleeping posture. Observing his slightly scrunched up forehead and pursed lips, he couldn''t go back to sleep.


    The listless eyes landed on the observing silver haired young man, amber eyes meeting red ones. Chun expected him to stand up after his silent inspection but the strawberry haired youth spoke.


    "You seemed to be an observer."


    She was baffled by the sudden evaluation of the other while she looked back with inquiring eyes.


    Somewhat, the taciturn young man had an energy to spare for few sentences. "You always do that kind of expression as if you are seeing things in a spectator''s perspective."


    "¡­"


    The silver haired young man had nothing to say. She knew that this seemed to be lazy guy that doesn''t care at anything at all was dangerously observant. When the other was awake, she always felt that silent attentive gaze with the strawberry haired young man. Chun had a hunched that this intelligent person had figured out something with her identity but it didn''t matter to him.


    Berry didn''t talk anymore after this short-conversation. He returned to his bed while not forgetting to look one last time at the latter, then he turned away and left.


    "Silver fox?"


    She heard the familiar name that she used in the circus and it came from the deep nonchalant voice of the snobbish system. By the corner where the dim lights of the lounge room was attached, a silhouette of a 180 meter-tall man emerged. The usual routine of her snobbish system.


    "You called for me?" Chun playfully said while she swirled the half empty and half full drink in her hand. It was interesting that she almost forget her name as a performer. The more she spent her time here, the more she forgot that she was enveloped in this generated mission world. It was like a reality under an illusion.


    Xuan momentarily paused while observing the indifferent host. He couldn''t help but feel something strange about this performer.


    "The management said that after the Intercompetition, you can leave the mission world. But before that, this is an evaluator''s notebook. You need to fill up your evaluation of this world and suggestions that we needed to improve on this world." The snobbish system handed out a pocket-sized notebook and a pen. As the silver haired young man received it, it immediately vanished while entering her.


    "You can visualize it and it will appea---"


    "Xuan, can I ask you something?" The clear voice of the silver haired young man had a firm rhythm on it. As if the answer of the snobbish system depended her lifeline.


    The nonchalant brunette man seemed to detect the atmosphere while he suppressed the usual nonchalance of his tone. "I will answer anything if its within my jurisdiction."


    The red scarlet eyes who was silently observing the blank square of the glass chess board suddenly lifted her sight and directed a silent and calm gaze at the black orbs. Xuan didn''t back down from the eyecontact while waiting for the reply.


    "What is the Circus'' main objective? Purpose?"


    Even in her recollections of memories in her deity-self, Zero didn''t clearly stated the goal of this said organization. Pandora and him were both close but some things were left unsaid.


    Xuan answered with practiced tone as if this things were the usual routine. It could be because the nonchalant world traveller was a former system. This question was easy for the latter, like just any other drill of systems when meeting their host.


    "The purpose of the Circus is to prevent the worlds and dimensions or realms that are created by the Creator to break down by itself while the Creator is not present. If not prevented, it will cause another burden to the Creator. But there are some exceptions."


    Chun frowned from the answer while observing the other. This kind of tone and speech was truly practiced and the way he delivered it was just reciting any other passage but the silver haired young man noticed something.


    "The Creator isn''t present? Where is He?"


    Instead of panicking from the bigger picture that the silver haired young man noticed. Xuan maintained his unhindered expression while he replied with a serious tone.


    "That''s out of my premise to speak of."


    The silver haired young man didn''t push her luck on the topic. She looked at her hand that the small notebook disappeared into.


    "Right, you said evaluation... So is this world part of the said exceptions?"


    The snobbish system went back to his usual nonchalant-self. "Yes. So the management needed your evaluation on this world."


    Chun ignored the evaluation part while she continued to inquire, "So this is a generated world by the main system?"


    Xuan lift up the corner of his lips in a faint smirk. He didn''t confirm but he also didn''t disagree. The silver haired young man knew that she was right.


    She then stood up from her chair while holding something in her fisted hand. "Good night."


    The silver haired young man waved lazily while she disappeared on a corner. Xuan gazed at the back of his host while he smirked.


    ----------


    White ceiling, white comfortable bed and a silver haired young man was buried in the deep sinking fluffy blankets. Snores could be heard at the princely beauty buried in the covers of her bed.


    It would be bad to break this kind of heartwarming scene but there would be someone who had no taste in life that broke this scenery.


    Bang!


    The bedroom door of the sleeping ninth prince was banged open by a curly haired youth carrying a ball plush toy. He was wearing a cat patterned pajamas and his dishevelled appearance looked really cute but somehow his expression contrasted to his warm visage.


    "Chun! Your Highness!!!! Wake up!" The loud voice with terrified tone awakened the soul out of the sleeping prince. She immediately sit up from her sleeping posture even though her fluffy blankets was tied around her, incapacitating her movements.


    The silver haired young man was still disoriented as she was suddenly awakened from her pleasant dream with her butler. Art was serving her with her favorite rose tea and braised lamp, the steaming savory sauce with meat which was about to melt in her mouth yet a dog suddenly appeared and stole her food.


    She was about to kill the dog when the loud voice of an annoying fellow took her out from her dreamland.


    "Your Highness, Your Highness---"


    "Chun." She corrected while she tried to entangle herself from her blankets.


    "Chun!!! Hurry up!" Lemon neared her bed while he started to pull her arm. ''What''s with this urgency?''


    Chun frowned while she replied, "I''m going to shower---"


    "No time for it!!!"


    "Hurry! Hurry!"


    The curly haired young man seemed to have a fire on his bu?? while he urged the unmoving silver haired youth.


    "Okay, okay! Stop shouting. I''ll turn deaf with your loud mouth."


    Suddenly, Lemon zippered his mouth but the urgency and turmoil on his eyes couldn''t be hidden. Chun who was now curious with this guy''s panic, she decided to follow the other.


    Lemon hurried out when he saw that Chun was about to get up. But somehow, the silver haired young man sensed that familiar feeling again... As if there was something she had missed. She couldn''t pin point what was it.


    ''Oh well, let''s just go with this guy''s act.''


    The silver haired young man closed the door of her room while she turned around and follow the curly haired young man. She put her hands on her pocket and felt a object. She took it out and saw a glass chess piece ..


    ''Where did this came from?''


    Chun put it back in her pocket while she followed the other.

 Chapter 185 - 177.1

    She fiddled the glass chess piece in her pocket that came out of nowhere. There was something bugging in her mind but the silver haired young man was interrupted in the middle of figuring it out.


    The shriek was so horrendous that Chun was disturbed, goosebumps ran throughout her body. The shrill noise came from the lounge room while the curly haired youth that she was following suddenly hasten his movements to the said room.


    Rustic scent invaded her sense of smell. Chun was familiar of this kind of smell but the images that kept flashing her mind would be not viable on this situation. Her instincts were warning her about it. She couldn''t help but somehow deny her conclusion.


    Suddenly, the curly haired young man stopped midway in his run by the opening of the lounge room, the putrid smell was too strong that Chun felt nauseated. She bumped at the back of Lemon which almost made her vomit on the spot, it was her restraint and sense of presence that kept her from puking out the liquids of her empty stomach.


    ''It is not advisable to drink liquor with an empty stomach.'' The silver haired young man creased her forehead in bewilderment. Why did she thought about drinking? Did she drink something yesterday night?


    Chun remembered that after her long-due hardwork in the university, she finally got her vacation. She wanted to sleep more and enjoy her comfortable bed but her fellow floormate Lemon was so persistent of waking her up. His expression told her that something was up.


    ''And why was he calling himself a girl? It should be he than she. He was a boy, right?'' Chun was confused with his sudden of gender crisis.


    The silver haired young man thought while wihe side-stepped and looked to where the direction the curly haired young man was staring. He pinched his nose while slowly nearing the scene. Chun noticed the familiar faces of his floormates on this floor, the long black haired woman with expressionless face named Eliza, she seemed scary while keeping her silence. Her aura was emitting a gloomy vibe. He should stay away from this unreadable girl.


    Chun laid his eyes to the next person standing the expressionless woman, it was a clean-cut haired person with framed eyeglasses. He exuded a scholarly air and otherworldy experience, he was the faceless famous writer that Chun had heard. Penname Zi, fullname Feng Zi.


    He suddenly sensed an overwhelming stare, he turned to where it came from and he almost back away from the piercing glare. Somewhat her glare was familiar? Chun shook off those inappropriate thoughts, he didn''t meet this glaring girl. If he had met her somewhere then he would immediately remember that terryfying aura that screamed danger.


    His line of vision was blocked by a black shirt, Chun knew this person.It was the older sister of this glaring girl, she was Notalie. ''A strange name though, Notalie? Not Natalie.''


    On top of the brown coffee table was a sleeping strange man with suspicious dark red color tainting the back part of his cream-colored sweater. There was a wine glass sprawled on the unstained carpetted floor near him


    No matter what Chun thought about this being normal as if this strange man had fallen asleep while leaning on the table due to his drunk state, the scent of dry blood and the abnormally sickly pale skin color was the evidence of a crime scene.


    The dry blood on the back part of his shirt had something on it.


    "Lemon, did Berry already called the police?" Notalie asked the stiff like a statue curly haired youth while he was snapped back from reality. He was still on the entrance of the lounge room, he walked in careful steps while every steps was making his face pale.


    Notalie rolled her eyes to this person''s exaggeration. The dead was already dead, why be scared? And this dead person was unfamiliar to them, he just suddenly appeared on their floor out of nowhere. His existence was questionable.


    The hot-tempered woman was about to burst out at this unresponsive youth when the said strawberry haired young man appeared, his eyebrows were scrunched up with frustration while he was looking on his communicator.


    "I can''t get a hold with the cops," his silky and husky voice resounded while the silver haired young man thought that this guy was not into talking and he loved to sleep. Chun frowned due to the randomness of his thoughts.


    ''Why is he thinking irrelevant things?''


    Chun neared the bookshelf cabinet and she grabbed a pair of medical gloves. She put it on.


    "No signal? This is a high-class hotel with complete services then suddenly they had no signal?" Notalie said in disbelief while Lollipop hugged her waist, comforting the other''s temper.


    The strawberry haired youth wasn''t affected by the anger outburst while he looked for a stool to sit on. He sat near the bookshelf and took out a book to read.


    The hot-tempered restrained her temper when she saw the calm guy amidst this situation. He was even reading a book while a dead body was present.


    ''His mentality is so good." She sarcastically thought and ignored the latter.


    "What are you doing?!" The young man with scholarly air frowned with inquiry in his eyes while looking at the blasphemy that Chun was committing.


    The silver haired young man with red face holding his breath pulled something out from the back of the dead body.


    It was a palm-sized object, smooth and hard. He spread out his hand and saw a broken glass chess piece. It was very sharp on its bu??om while the cross on its upper path was intact, the half-broken piece was soaked with dry blood.


    Although it was embedded on the back of the dead man, Chun knew that it wasn''t the cause of his death. While the silver haired young man grabbed the object, he traced the wound and felt the length and the deepness of it. He was stabbed but not this palm-sized object but a knife.


    ''But was it the cause of his death? A blood loss due to a stab wound?''


    Chun felt that he was like in a detective movie and he was Conan.


    The expressionless woman who doesn''t like to participate on this stuff and continued to be a background suddenly moved and neared the silver haired young man. She held the wrist of the latter and examined closely the broken piece.


    "It''s a King." She said while identifying the object. Chun also nodded as it was an obvious fact. He then took off the glove of his other hand and grabbed his handkerchief from his pocket, wrapping the piece of clue.


    "Now you''re playing detective?" Notalie stated with sarcasm while she eyed the blooded gloved hands of the silver haired young man.


    Feng Zi who was suddenly silent, reappeared from the enrance of the lounge room while he was frowning. No one felt that he left while he came back with hopeless aura. "Guys, the door for downstairs is locked and the elevators aren''t responding."


    Hearing that, they felt that something was strange from this situation. The pale face curly haired youth opened, "My room had a small valcony---"


    "The rooms are locked," the reading strawberr haired young man interrupted while turning a page, "While I was about to return to my room, I can''t open the door. I tried to open the Lemon''s to borrow a towel but it was also locked." he added and went back to his reading.


    "It cannot be. While yours are locked then mine isn''t, I have my key here," Notalie proudly declared while she showed her room key. There was a cat dangle on it.


    Shut!


    Just behind the standing scholarly young man. The door of the lounge room suddenly closed itself. Feng Zi immediately neared the door and twisted the knob to open it. He even pounded it but it seemed to be iron-lock.


    "W-what happened?!!" The curly haired young man who was frozen stiff suddenly shrieked in fright while he leaped to the direction of the silver haired young man. Chun was tackled down by Lemon which resulted of him banging his head on the carpetted floor. The impact and the weight of the other almost made Chun puke out what he was restraining to vomit. The nauseating feeling was about to go back in his system.


    Lemon was still straddling him as he hugged his waist in fright. Chun could even felt his shiver while he could only sigh and comfort the other. He removed the other glove on his hand so that he couldn''t dirty himself and Lemon from the tinges of blood on it.


    While he was removing it and trying not to touch the flurry head of the shivering guy on him, he coincidentally turned to the sickly pale face of the dead man. His black-stricken eyes were wide opened while a terrified expression was pasted on his dead face. It was now in a full view in his position due to the head posture of the victim, side-face leaning on the table.


    He almost passed out because of the sudden stimulation. It was a novel experience.

 Chapter 186 - 177.2

    A pindrop¡­


    The stand-off persisted.


    Seven individuals were unmoving, inside this quiet lounge room were a dead body was next to them. Though there was a frequent distinct noise emitted from the flipped pages of the strawberry haired youth. Wasn''t this situation so mind-thrilling enough?


    The dead man with wide black-strikened eyes was staring directly to the silver haired young man. His dull and lifeless eyes brought chills to Chun but he noticed the strange-shaped mouth of the victim. It was pursed tightly and it was bloated.


    Chun pushed away the dazed shivering curly haired young man, it could be said that they were both close that when the door suddenly slammed shut. Lemon immediately ran to where he was. He treated this youth so kindly the moment he arrived on this hotel for his break as the latter was the one who initiated their friendship.


    He frowned when he wanted to remember how did they met? It seemed like he forgot about it. The silver haired young man shrugged those irrelevant thoughts away while he focused to the current event.


    Chun wore the gloves that he just took off and neared the dead body. He heard a terrified squeal behind him but he continued to remove the substance that was the victim had been biting on until his last breath.


    It could be another clue.


    The breath of a dead body was like a person who never undergone the toothbrush since his birth.


    He pursed his lips while holding his breath, not to inhale too much ''poison''. The silver haired young man was able to retrieve a piece of rolled-up paper while he slowly unfurled it.


    Wiping it with other gloved hand in order to see what was written on it. The paper was smooth in texture and a bit shiny when the fluorescent light shone on it.


    "It is silk paper," Feng Zi was like a noiseless ninja suddenly appearing beside Chun without the other noticing.


    "Silk paper?"


    "It''s a very expensive paper, only the nobles can use it." He adjusted it his glasses while an ''I''m also a noble'' expression was written on his face.


    "So you have used this kind of paper too?" Chun played along with the latter''s intention. With chin raised and his lofty attitude showed, his scholarly vibe complemented his upbringing. Feng Zi hummed in confirmation.


    Chun didn''t bother with the antagonistic air between the two youths while he read the written text on the silk paper.


    ''Find the key before he gets you.''


    Even the expressionless long haired woman was interested in the contents of the silk paper. "Key?"


    "So we need to find the key? And who was the ''he'' here?" Chun said to the other. It seemed that only the two of them was interested on solving this case so he only directed his question to the girl.


    But he didn''t think that the taciturn Berry who was occupied on his book, stood up from his chair as he put back the book in the shelf.


    Somehow the silver haired young man saw an imagery of a shelf of liquors and wines overlapping the bookshelf while a man was expertly mixing drinks and served it into ???ktails on the bar counter. Then the vague scene flashed and disappeared as if it was just an illusion.


    "We have no liquors here in the lounge room, how come this person had a wine glass in here?" He simply said while examining the wine glass on the carpetted floor.


    A gloved hands stole it from his hand and the strawberry haired youth appeared to be also inspecting it. He sniffed it a bit and immediately frowned from the unexpected scent that came from it. He wasn''t fond of alcoholic drinks.


    "This is a fifty-year old red wine. Smells sweet and fruity but there''s something off with that odd strong sour-like smell¡­" Berry trailed off. He was in deep thought. The way this day had started to the strawberry haired young man was quite unusual and strange as if the moment he woke up, there was something wrong. Even his instincts were warning him, alarmed bells in his mind kept on ringing.


    ''What was it? What was it?''


    This was the question that kept running in his mind. The moment he stepped out from his room and bumped or more specifically, Lollipop bumped on him. He sensed that he forgot something.


    Until he was asked to call the police as one of the guy living on this same floor saw a dead body on their lounge room. He just calmed himself through flipping the pages of the book, he didn''t even read it.


    "What are you thinking?" Chun asked the silent youth. He was curious to what clue that he had caught on.


    "I ¡­" perhaps sleep at the wrong side of the bed. Berry brushed off that dumb hunch while he said, succinctly, "Flipped this carpet."


    "Wait¡­before you do this detective play of yours, can you even proved what you said earlier? Can you even smell a taste of a wine?" The tone of Notalie was full of suspicion. She wasn''t interested in their detective play but she noticed that this guy was acting suspiciously calm in this gruesome scene. He even read a book after calling the police though it didn''t go through.


    ''Did he even called the police?'' Notalie frowned while there was an accusation in her eyes.


    Before she could accused him due to her overthinking, Berry replied with a nonchalant tone, "Dropped that idea." He then turned to the silver haired young man to continue where they had left off.


    Eliza voluntarily flipped the carpet and they saw written words in capital letters.


    ''BEFORE THAT, LET''S PLAY. WHO COULD BE THE KILLER? NO¡­ WE DON''T NEED THE KILLER. LET''S JUST PUT IT SIMPLY, HOW DID THE VICTIM DIE?''


    "W-what? We''re going to solve this in order to go out?" Lemon said with frightened voice. He retained a bit of calmness, though it couldn''t be denied that he was still stimulated. He was the second person to see that dead body.


    And who was the first person to discover the body?


    Chun somehow looked at the direction of the hiding girl on her older sister. "What? What are you staring at my younger sister?" Notalie exclaimed.


    "Your younger sister saw the body. Did she noticed anything?" Instead Chun asking. Berry was the one who initiated the question.


    The hot-tempered woman raised her brows and puffed in the air with hateful voice, "How can she notice anything if she was meek silent and too scared to say something when she hugged me with shivering body?"


    Berry didn''t press on while he examined the writings on the floor. It was in red font but it wasn''t blood. Just a red marker. "Can you lend me the silk paper?"


    The silver haired young immediately passed to him the paper which Berry compared. From the strokes and the way it was written, the grasped of the author seemed to be careless while he admitted that they were the same handwriting.


    "How did he die though?" Feng Zi said with curiosity and tried to look at the dead man. Although, he didn''t try to get closer to it. The smell was so nauseating and hours had already passed, then this corpse was exuding a very bad odor.


    If he could get out then he was a second out from this room. He couldn''t believe that these three was truly playing detective and not even minding the smell of the disgusting thing.


    "What do you think?" the strawberry haired young man directed his inquiry to Chun and Eliza while he continued to inspect some of the traces that he found.


    The long black haired woman didn''t answer while she maintained her expressionless face. Chun somehow thought that this girl was the only one who was not out of character in this bunch of people.


    "I am not good with this stuff but I have bits of guesses."


    "Let''s hear it out then."


    "He didn''t die by blood loss due to a stab wound and I think that stabbing someone with this broken glass chess piece is a bit off¡­"


    The strawberry haired young man nodded while he looked at Chun with an expression of asking him to continue.


    "And while I took that silk paper from his mouth, I noticed that his tongue is black and his teeth are purplish. Is that somehow cause of poisoning?"


    Hearing that, Berry quirked the corner of his lips and a faint smile emerged. The cover of this case seemed to be simple but it wasn''t.


    Chun didn''t focus to the intent of the latter''s smile as he found it weird for the other to smile. That strained smile was off-putting his character¡­. and the silver haired young man noticed that he was thinking something unimportant, again.

 Chapter 188 - 177.4

    The gloomy girl who was acting scared and stuck close to her supposed older sister was quietly probing each of the people''s mentality. As empathy was her gained skill, she could fell the resonating emotions from each of the people present. She could even feel that they were like a repressed shell, it could be attributed that all of the qualifications of the members of the Alliance was having an above average mental strength.


    But sadly to say, it meant that the event that was designed was truly targeting them which could e explained that they were fully-prepared.


    The situation wasn''t unexpected but the gloomy girl was expecting her team to immediately snapped out of it. They would soon snapped out of this deception but that would be too late. They would lose points from this, she heard from the captain that this mini event had around two-hundred points prize if they were successful in it.


    Every Intercompetition Lollipop had joined into since her participation as a member of the Alliance was divided into three segments. The team battle, doubles, and intellectual category.


    The team battle as it was put, it was about team cooperation and what was interesting in this segment it was a mixed of physical battle and mental battle. For example was the previous Intercompetition, as she had remembered they found themselves in a very big mansion, and the mechanics of the game was to find the five flags while also finding the key. The purpose of the flags were equivalent to points and in order to win the segment, they would need a total of one hundred points.


    Each flags had its own color, blue, yellow and red. Blue was equivalent to twenty points and out of the five flags, there were two of it. Yellow for thirty points and also it had two green flags out of the five flags. And lastly, the only red flag was fifty points. If one would simply thought about it, the team would just find the one blue, one yellow and the red flag which was a total of a hundred points but that wasn''t it.


    The team battle segment wasn''t merely played like this. There were two teams would compete and not only they would clash in wits through solving the hints and clues that were put in the mansion to find the flags, they would also clash for those flags. It was okay if one team would manage to find all of the flags, a total of one hundred and fifty points which could greatly give them an advantage than the other teams because those points would be their team points all throughout the Intercompetition.


    And as well as the doubles and the intellectual category, they had also points and the team who had gained most points would be determined as the champions. It was so easy to say it but doing was difficult.


    As for the doubles and intellectual category, they were purely combat and intelligence respectively. But what was hard about these three segments were they were a surprise for each of the teams. Although the Intercompetition was usually hosted in Diclexia University which was also participating the grand tournament but the coordinators weren''t part of each of the schools that participated.


    The said coordinators were few trusted people of the Supreme Ruler even though the Magnus himself had his sons or daughters joining this big event, he wasn''t like a person who gave favor or leeway even he was his most beloved son. Even the silver haired young man who was supposed to be his perfect heir hadn''t known the prepared segments that the coordinators would start.


    So it could be considered that all of this coordinators had been fair with giving out events but this mini event was unprecedented. This wasn''t part of the Intercompetition but it was still had points that they needed.


    Lollipop was also curious why would this kind of event suddenly popped up but she had no time for thinking about it while she begun to concentrate her focus to Chun.


    They had no idea that although the Supreme Ruler didn''t give unreasonable favors but he liked to pit his child. And the child was none other than Chun, he wanted to see the potential of his heir.


    Previously, while Lollipop was probing the mind of the strawberry haired youth who was first candidate on her mind to have a huge mental strength using her ability. Berry had the skills to snapped out of it but his mind was just like him, too lazy dealing with complicated things unless it was a life and death situation, it just shut down and went with the flow. As a Empath who was s?ns?t?v? to emotions and feelings, she felt that she hitting soft cotton as her probing came fruitless. Then if she wanted to dig deeper, it would felt like a quagmire swallowing her up. The vast knowledge of the latter''s head was so profound that she could able to comprehend if she would go crazy if she had that high intelligence. One reason why Berry likes to sleep. He was lazy to deal with mundane stuff.


    And as of the Captain who was stiff as frozen block, her mind was just like her. The moment she inserted a bit of her mental energy, choking revulsion entered her. Like a piece of hard ice, Eliza''s mental defense swas rejecting her out. Another failure.


    Sighing inwardly, her mental energy landed on the person near Eliza. This kind of feeling was refreshing. The silver haired young man''s mind was so vast and ''his'' mental energy was just a bit higher than Berry. It was surprising for her but also left her confused. But somehow while she was roaming her ability in Chun''s body, she felt a hidden emotion, it seemed locked up which she couldn''t able to enter but when she touched it, she somehow sensed a feeling of sadness and excitement. A repressed joy that she felt that the other was waiting for something and the latter would surely obtain it.


    ''What is it though?'' she didn''t ponder deeper as she realized that she was welcomed by Chun''s mind. It seemed identified her as not harmful while she probed freely which only meant that...


    Lollipop collapsed in Notalie''s embraced after using too much mental energy. She tried her best...she would hope that Chun would not let her down.


    "Lolli? Lolli?!! Are you alright?"


    "What''s wrong with her?"


    "Oh, she''s just asleep."


    "Don''t make noise, my sister is sleeping."


    The silver haired young blinked countless of times while she heard the familiar voices and when her blurred vision cleared, she saw her gloved hands with a piece of folded handkerchief. She subconsciously unfurled it and saw a broken piece of a King and clarity washed the haze in her mind.


    This glass chess piece was the one that was missing on the chess board at that night.


    Chun looked around and found it confusing that the similar yet different lounge room was somehow renovated? Or was she seeing things? Renovations wouldn''t happen in just one night.


    But while examining what had occured at this time, she knew what was up.


    The silver haired young man saw that her teammates were all in their baffled state and they weren''t acting on their own right character. Chun somehow wanted to enjoy this kind show.


    Eliza who was an expressionless and strong captain was now fallen into a state of a frozen statue. She was still in her blank-expression but she was by the side with unreadable light in her eyes while looking vaguely at the ground. She seemed to be deep in thought.


    Even her second brother Feng Zi was ?ssuming a scholarly aura which was a bit off yet at the same time inline with him but still it was too not right for a shameless person to be downgraded like this.


    Feng Zi: ehem...


    Notalie was acting like a hot-tempered haughty noble princess which a character that she herself didn''t like. It would be fun if the short haired girl woke up and realized this. Chun would expect a beat-up coordinator. They truly planned it out well.


    Though, Lollipop was just sleeping in the former''s arms which seemed to be an alright trait. The gloomy girl wouldn''t be embarrassed if she would woke up.


    Exhausted Lollipop: What are you playing right now? You ungrateful prick! Hurry up and solve this!


    Chun suddenly remembered her purpose. She should not be distracted by this ''wonderful'' play although it irresistible not to laugh but she must hold on, their points relied on her.


    "What have you thought up? Did you find something?" Berry who was busy roaming around and examining the every object was truly acting like a professional detective in Chun''s eyes.


    "Did you figured out how the victim died?" Chun asked but her mind was on the clue.


    ''Kiln. Iceberg. Heart.''


    If one who literally think about it, it would be found in any other romance novel that Chun had read. Kiln if ?ssociated with Heart then it meant that a passionate and burning love while Iceberg plus Heart was like male lead who had cold personality and if she would summed up it all, she got a typical romance novel with melodrama.


    She should stopped walking on a derailed path. Immediately, Chun erased those inadequate nonsense while she listened to the other.

 Chapter 190 - 179

    ----------------


    "Congratulations Alliance for winning the mini event entitled Locked Room Escape! Record time is 20 minutes and 5 seconds." A cheerful voice rang out from a corner of the lounge room which a hidden speaker was located just behind a elegant painting..


    There were frowns and confusions etched on their faces as Chun turned to look at her teammates. Immediately the surroundings rearranged itself and the bookshelves and cabinets disappeared while the wine shelves and bar counter emerged, even the dead body and bloodstains or more specifically the crime scene were nowhere to be found. Only the glass chess pieces and board was displayed on the small table.


    Chun sighed in relief when finally it was over and when she heard with the total duration of time that they just spent on this event was so surprising because the silver haired young man felt that she spent racking her brain for a whole day but it was only twenty minutes? How could that be possible?


    But she should just accept that time were trifling matter when it came to plots like this. A memory of her age not matching her appearance as the ninth prince resurfaced which Chun could only say that this was a proof.


    By the way, the cheerful voice said that the Alliance won the game. It only meant that there was a time mechanics as well. Other than solving it, they must also be fast.


    "Can you give me the results?" The silver haired young man said. She had known that the voice was surveiling them so it wouldn''t be a guess that they also had a hearing devise in order for them to judge.


    There was a momentary pause before the cheerful voice with a tone of pleasing the benefactor, reverberated.


    "Your Highness, we had just sent the results in your communicator."


    It was no big deal that the other knew her identity, it would be surprising if they weren''t. The trusted people of the Supreme Ruler which stood as coordinators of the Intercompetition couldn''t be trifled with.


    "Hmm.. thank you."


    While looking on her communicator, she spotted that the list of the teams in the result. It had the name then the duration and points. As the winner of the event, the Alliance was the first one on the list with a 20 mins and 5 secs record time and a total of 100 points. The next one was the Blues with a duration of 21 mins and 5 secs and their points were 80.


    Unexpectedly the third one was the Rose, time: 25 mins and 5 secs. Points: 50. While other teams lined up next.


    The silver haired young man didn''t expect that the imposing rival team was in the third placer. But the Blues had caught her eyes. They should not only focus on one opponent.


    The other Alliance members had woken up while Chun was busy looking at the results.


    Feng Zi was the first one who reacted. His usually elegant and strict mouth unexpectedly cursed out ''rainbow'' colored words. The memories came crashing in and he was so angry that his smile was so gentle with cold light.


    He wanted to kill that coordinator who put them through this. His character was so out of line with his princely and charming reputation. Maybe the Rose and them had colluded!


    The second prince and the black mist girl tacitly looked at each other, deciding some scheme. They couldn''t make a move on the coordinators but they could do it in the Intercompetition. Let''s see if they would try to trap them, again.


    Well, black schemes are black schemes.


    Lemon didn''t react too much after he had woken up as he neared the silver haired young man and asked her about the process of the mini event.


    As the Alliance analyst, he was in-charge of databasing and through this they could come up routes and plans if they had to encounter these mini events. The coordinators had started this then it wouldn''t be surprising if they come up another round of this in the next Intercompetition.


    Eliza who had been in dazed in her position ignored what humiliating thing that happened to her earlier like it wad didn''t occur at all.


    Praises were coming out from the minds of Chun and the others. ''As expected of Captain! Even she was frozen stiff during half time of the event, she took it all head on!''


    Chun noticed the slightly reddened neck of the expressionless girl but she turned a blind eye on it. It wouldn''t do good if she revealed their Captain''s ''high endurance''.


    "So it was like this." Feng Zi nodded in understanding.


    The silver haired young man explained how she solved the puzzle. The clue that had already disappeared after the game was finished, she still remembered it.


    ''Kiln. Iceberg. Heart.''


    ''KilN. IceberG. HearT.''


    ''KNIGHT''


    It was the Knight chess piece and that said piece was the key. And where did she found the Knight?


    Chun stood up while the others huddled over at the curly haired young man as he brought his ??ptop and started to put all their conjectures. It could be said that Captain had a formidable brain when coming up with tactics and routes.


    She walked near the displayed glass chess board on the small table and decided to put back the Knight chess piece in between the Rook and the Bishop. That night, it had been the King was missing and when she saw the broken piece that was embedded in the dead man''s back, she had a faint feeling about it but due to the influence of the game she ignored it.


    But currently, that missing piece was now on the chess board complete and intact. The King was silently standing there with his Queen, they were observing their soldiers, waiting for a right opportunity to move. Chun grasped her pocket and felt that the Knight chess piece was still there, she put it on its rightful position and then the Empire could attack now.


    "Chun?" The second prince called out which snapped her back from reverie.


    She went back to the discussing heads.


    "We have now a hundred points which meant that that we have a bigger advantage to the other teams," Notalie said while rubbing the head of the sleeping Lollipop. The said girl was still onto hibernate due to the exhaustion of her mental strength.


    Notalie reasoned that it was because Lollipop wasn''t used on expending too much mental strength and she had just tried to probed everyone of them. It would be tiring for an empathy ability user to do something out of her league. As the gloomy girl was created and wanted to help her team, she came out with this method of waking up them.


    Originally, empathy supposed to feel and share the emotions of the person she directed her ability. It would soothe the person''s emotional burdens but Lollipop tried a new kind of method which her first time to try out and she succeeded.


    "She is really a genius!" Feng Zi also complemented.


    It could be said that all of them in the Alliance were geniuses but they had their own unique way of being one of it.


    "Pay attention." Eliza said which silence the rowdy people. The seriousness of her tone entailed that they would be discussing the routes of the team battle. The theme of it, it would be just a speculation for the others but when it came to their great Captain. Nothing but accuracy.


    They settled down as they listen of the clear and stern voice.


    "If we draw it out for today''s mini event and the previous Intercompetition, the three segments are a crime scene investigation, a night terrain, and a tower defense team play."


    The curly haired young man raised his hand while his other hand was still typing on the keyboard, recording each of the keypoints that the long black haired girl had said.


    Eliza nodded at Lemon.


    "Captain, if team battle is a crime investigation scene then can it be connected to the earlier event play?"


    "Yes." The Captain confirmed with no hesitation.


    An alarmed expression emerged on the face of the curly haired young man while he didn''t notice his other typing hand had also paused. "Then---"


    "Yes... That would be the killer play." Eliza simply stated as if the notion wasn''t important. She glanced at each of the her members while they looked back at her with confusion and some contemplative expression.


    If that was it then the team battle could be a bit difficult for all of the teams.


    Eliza didn''t want to delay on that one subject as they had other subjects to discuss. She cleared her throat, "The doubles is a night terrain. I am not sure what it be but I have two hunches, a survival game or a last team standing theme but it can be either of those two."


    After she had said that she paused, waiting for any questions and affirming that they had understood she added, "Alright. The decided doubles are me and Chun." She turned to the silver haired young man and stated, "We will talk about it later."


    Chun agreed in response.


    "The intellectual category is a tower defense team play which means that... Berry, you should cooperate well with the other teams."


    It meant that this intellectual category could be said a team play but every teams would be sending out only one members which meant that those members would be teaming up with the others. Such a complicated category.

 Chapter 191 - 180

    "Captain, isn''t this bad?" Lemon asked with hesitation.


    They were all looking on the huge screen in front which displayed the participating players of the intellectual category and doubles category.


    This...this was unexpected.


    --------


    After they had suffered the might of a surprise event, they discussed their tactics. It was already on schedule that after the day of the mini event, the Intercompetition would be opening officially. Then they didn''t waste time to dwell on their grievances as the Captain seriously started the team meeting.


    It was finalized that the team play would be a crime investigation which was connected to the earlier case. But how would they would go about it depended on the coordinators.


    The doubles was known for purely combat, which meant that it was like a normal duel but the terrains that they would be fighting on was another veiled thing. Though it was already decided that the silver haired young man and the expressionless Captain would partake the segment.


    Berry was still on his usual mood of sleeping, not even bothered with the upcoming event that he would be participating.


    "Don''t mind him. He''s used to it, he had been the usual representative for the same segment for the last five Intercompetitions," Feng Zi said in passing to the silver haired young man.


    Chun was also curious to what would look like a serious and cool-headed Berry when it came to solving cases. Would he be like her cousin(Lerrent) who had an illness of suddenly shutting down after expending too much brain power? Or would he be like a person with two contrasting personalities that could face slapped judgemental people?


    The Alliance slept not so early and not so late as to prepare for tomorrow official opening. They would be meeting other teams as well and they needed beauty sleep, maybe not beauty sleep but energy to expend for tomorrow''s main event.


    One month was the duration of the Intercompetition, while there were only three segments. Those segments weren''t that easy, each segments would last days and usually the team battle would last for weeks. It only depended for the prepared concepts of it. Although it wasn''t accurate to say that the whole tournament would last a month as some teams would be fastest to clear a segment or slow to clear it at all, until the next segment would be issued.


    The advantage for the teams who were fast to clear, they had their time to relax and enjoy the scenery but under the premise of not going out of Diclexia University.


    Diclexia University was like Charm Excellence, it had its own town and all of the buildings that one could see in a normal prosperous city.


    And the day of the Intercompetition came.


    The silver haired young man was excited yet nervous at same time because it was her first time to join on this kind of big tournament. She had no opportunity on joining in Harconia''s big world winter tournament due to the invasion of the demons but it was still worthwhile to meet her students.


    ''How are they now?'' Chun thought.


    ...¡­.


    Xanxia.


    It had been a long vacation for the Harconia Institute and the students decided to go back to their hometown or go elsewhere to spend their vacation.


    The lazy young man who had transformed into a working machine because of his older brother''s insistence.


    "Hurry up. Deliver this to father''s office." Daigo stocked a bundle of papers and waved his younger brother who was about to lay down on the sofa to sleep.


    Lerrent who was like a personal ?ssistant of his older brother didn''t complain and immediately took the papers. He even wobbled while balancing the pile of papers.


    "Brother, be careful of it," Daigo reminded while looking on the files.


    The kind doctor Lith who was helping her mother on running their small clinic.


    "Alright. You''re healthy, nothing serious.You just need to drink water everyday. It''s just dehydration." She smiled that almost gave the healthy person a heart attack.


    "Next!" Lith''s gentle voice floated and the patients who were ill, felt their sickness lightened.


    The mechanical genius who had started to engage in commerce and traded her ''rare'' gadgets to merchants as her hobby of wanting to earn more money because she wanted to buy a certain material that was going to be auctioned.


    "Yes! This is the most amazing mecha-bird. As you can see, it''s very lifelike and very convenient for young master''s who didn''t like bodyguard''s tailing them. It could serve as a pet or a guard." Li Li enthusiastically advertised her product to her partner merchant.


    "Really?" The merchant was rubbing his hands while greedily estimating the profit that he would sell with this product.


    "Yes! It had high artillery and intelligence too!"


    "How much is a batch of it?"


    But the greedy merchant couldn''t be more greedier than the sly Li Li. She had already experienced getting cheated but now she knew how to deal with them.


    "It depended if how much you can offer."


    The ?ssassin was climbing on a snowy mountain. Snow storm was currently surging on his way but he wasn''t affected by it, he continued to walk on his path. He didn''t want to go back to his household which he decided to gain experience and strengthen his skills more. He wanted the silver haired young man to be proud of him when she went back.


    Han had no idea what happened to their teacher after she had granted a break as suddenly the Headmaster said that the Head Patriarch of the Shuho Household, Shenin sent a letter to the latter that his third ''son'' would be resigning.


    Though the seven students were stunned by the sudden news but they knew that their teacher had her valid reason for leaving and they hoped that the other was fine and to see the silver haired young man visit them in Harconia Institute.


    ''Teacher, let''s meet soon!'' he thought while he traversed through the difficult road of the snowy mountain.


    "Well, well. I win!" The clad in tradition clothing woman with carefully braided hair and bejeweled hairpins and ornaments were decorated on her hair.


    She was currently on an undercover mission to ?ssess the police most wanted syndicate.


    Terra who was the known to be pretentious and tend to be a haughty social bu??erfly was currently doing her uncle and favor. Because of her innate psychological intelligence, she was included in this mission. She was dressed as an escort lady of the target in this teahouse casino-slash- a prostitution house. Where they sell their kidnapped beautiful ladies to auctions.


    She didn''t think that she would be able to do this but well... as great and brilliant of herself, she was a good manipulator.


    "Having you by my side is really my luck, baby," said by her golden-teeth target. Terra rolled her eyes in her mind while she smiled sweetly at the other, whispering sugar-coated words.


    Meanwhile, the said uncle who was the Chief of the police department was silently doing their ambush.


    ''Life is too precious to waste it on pointless things.'' She thought while looking at the playing poker people who was already labelled as dead in her eyes.


    The silent and gloomy hacker Rye spent his vacation of being a shut-in while developing algorithms and codes that only beyond recognition of any normal human being. He was still good, nothing unusual for this young man other than he had been in frequent contact with Li Li while he helped the other developed with some gadgets that she wanted to be programmed.


    The seemed to introverted person had a person that he could call his close friend.


    Ding Dong! Ding Dong!


    "You are?" A maid servant answered the gate.


    "Kai Sun, a student of Chun Shuho--- I mean the third young master."


    ...¡­..


    Chun and her team got out of their dormitory and went to the waiting hall of the main building which was a connected building of two dormitories. There was a huge screen hanging in front were specific announcements would be shown. They even bumped into some teams and they greeted each other politely.


    But what caught her eyes were the prominent colors of dashing blue and faint white on the team that they had encountered. From the obvious uniform, it could be only one team but she wanted to make sure.


    "Lemon, who are they?" Chun directed her stare to the team with blue and white uniforms while the latter shook hands with another team that they were acquainted with.


    The curly haired young man tousled his hair, fixing it here and there while he replied to Chun, "Them? They are the Blues. That''s the second placer, right? They''re formidable."


    Chun silently looked at the said team but a red irritating familiar uniform blocked her vision.

 Chapter 192 - 181

    The blazing red uniforms with roses stitched on its br??st pocket was so eye-catching that the silver haired young man wouldn''t able to forget.


    Looking at that frivolous face of a certain young man, Chun slightly frowned while she didn''t bother with him. These were the three actors that they had met in the entrance days ago.


    Lu Min smiled in splendidly. He was so pleased with himself. Yesterday, there team was not in a good condition after they the mini event was over. He didn''t want to recall what happened as it was so embarrassing, more humiliating than a shameless person like him could ever be.


    Wu Ming was even more happy to tease him in that case.


    Fortunately, while they were on the way to their team ?ssigned seats. They had stumbled upon with their favorite group. As their Captain wasn''t here to intervene, they could have their fun time.


    "Oh, my favorite team is here? How are you guys?" Lu Min took the role of the main lead. He didn''t even hide his wanton glances at the silver haired young man beside the second prince.


    Feng Zi was mad at the other''s rotten stares and he hide Chun behind him. The blondie playboy was displeased by the sudden blocking of his scenic view and was about yell off his mouth to this ''bug'' but when he saw the familiar figure, he immediately stopped his mouth from rolling off but he didn''t hide his temper. It coud be said that he was unafraid to the second prince due to the backing of the Intercompetition rules and restrictions.


    "Heh. His Highness is usually seemed to be an observer when it came to our play. Is that newbie your precious person?"


    Chun wasn''t only a precious person of the second prince but he was also the beloved ninth son of the Supreme Ruler.


    Knowing that their ninth prince had returned. The eight princes and five princesses immediately ?ssembled in the Royal Residence to see the other in flesh.


    The Royal Residence wasn''t that grand and massive like the Royal Palace but it could still b as huge for a normal household residence. The royal princes and princesses instantly set aside their important tasks or works and went immediately to said place after their royal father had informed them.


    Despite some of them were there to gloat and scrutinized their youngest brother but it couldn''t be hidden that they expected to imprint their presence in the ninth prince'' memory. Only Magnus knew that while he created his offsprings through his immeasurable power, they were designed to be unconsciously subservient to the sibling that had more power than them.


    During the ninth prince wasn''t present, there wasn''t any powerful entity that could suppress them and gave their unconscious support as they were all equal in power but now that Chun had showed up, this battling for the throne should be stabilized.


    Although Feng Zi wasn''t enthusiastic about this fight for the throne, he was still happy that he could finally released a relax breath and be idle for his following days in the Royal Palace. It was evident that there were siblings of his that didn''t show it, they were all happy to dote on this youngest brother of theirs.


    Even the reserved and cold first princess had silently took her day off from business and handled the issue of preparing the White Palace of her cute little brother. The first prince was even more joyful when he could have his rest time as a Student Affair''s Representative and able to spend it with his ninth brother.


    If Chun wasn''t aware and would open her mouth, Feng Zhou (first prince) would give her the stars and the moon and even the throne was already in her grasps.


    But all of this happenings was a blind spot to the silver haired young man, the story manual that had been given to her was limited in information. And Xuan was the least person to inform his host about this, it was fun to watch so he didn''t want to add water to the burning show.


    "Yes, he is my precious person!" The second prince declared that even the teams near them couldn''t help but drawn in with curiosity.


    ''Did His Highness bend like that?'' This was their current thoughts.


    Feng Zi promised to the other princes and princesses that while they were on Diclexia University, he would protect their ninth brother. Even without those promises, he would not let his youngest brother to get bullied.


    As a member of the Royal Family, they were dragons and phoenixes that wouldn''t put anyone on their same level. And this lowly people dared to try him?


    The second prince maintained his gentle smile while his aura was a lot calmer than ever, it made Lemon sensed that the Vice Captain wasn''t in a good mood. Although it would be good to get rid of this eyesore but it wouldn''t be best if they were under the premise of the Intercompetition and violate the rules.


    Lemon took it as his responsibility to handle this situation, "Let''s not focus on that topic. I saw your ''amazing'' feat yesterday! I didn''t know that your team is capabled. Good job!" Emphasizing the amazing word while rubbing salt on their wounds. The curly haired young man was so well-versed in his words.


    Chun peeked from the shoulder of the second prince and saw the reddened faces of the three actors but it couldn''t easily determine if they were embarrassed or mad from the latter''s daggers.


    With blue veins almost bulging out his skull, Lu Min was known to be easily angered and hearing his sore spot. He didn''t respond while he rushed towards the arrogant-looking fruit.


    But the expressionless long black haired Captain who seemed to be invisible on the antagonistic scene happening suddenly incapacitated the blondie''s attack with a single strike.


    The blondie playboy didn''t knew what happened next after being sent to dreamland.


    Eliza earned admiring gazes from the teams who were spectating the show. Once the ''stronghold'' interfered even tigers and lions should back down.


    The Captain of the Blues with silver blue eyes just spared a mere glance at the scene and turned back his attention to the team that he had been talking with.


    The A.M. Captain couldn''t help but whistle at the pitiful state of that blondie haired guy who had suffered the ''sleeping pills'' of Eliza. During the doubles match, he had taste that medicine so he knew how painful that was after waking up.


    He suddenly asked the other, "What do you think about Alliance?"


    Qin Shi, the Blues'' Captain just hummed his answer which left the latter guessing.


    A.M Captain: What did he mean?


    "Captain, you went too far. Isn''t this violating the rule?" Lemon whispered after looking at the sorry-state of the unconscious playboy. Lu Min was escorted back of his two teammates.


    The two even didn''t forget to leave snide remarks after they rolled out of sight of Eliza''s expressionless visage.


    Notalie was the one who answered, "It isn''t. It''s still under the premise of self-defense and the coordinators would already showed up if we had violated anything."


    Not even seeing a shadows of this said coordinators, then Lemon could only sigh.


    Ting!


    The mechanical ringtone came from the huge screen in front. It was said that before the official opening of the Intercompetition in the evening, the teams would gather in the waiting hall and look for the line-up in order to prepare themselves.


    Hearing the familiar yet not so familiar announcement sound. The teams who were scattered around immediately went to their respective seats. The chairs had certain team logos which could help them arranged themselves.


    The Alliance was seated between the Rose and the Blues, a truly desirable position. While Lu Min was still unconscious, his two followers didn''t forget to sent hostile glances at the nearing Alliance. Lemon was in the good mood as he ignored those petty glares while Piero who heard that news sent a apologizing look at Eliza which the long black haired girl didn''t acknowledge.


    She seemed not to care about it with her usual unreadable expression.


    They has their own circumstances but the announcement of the line-up on the screen couldn''t be delayed.


    The first that was displayed was the team battle. It was a. elimination round so it could be said that what was displayed on the screen was like in a semantic web style.


    And the Alliance was matched up with the A.M.


    Chun had a bit idea of the A.M but it was still lacking from what her teammates had known of.


    Rose. Chang Min and Chang Jing


    Blues. Fu Qin and Su Xiao


    ¡­..


    ¡­.


    ¡­.


    Alliance. Eliza and Berry


    ¡­..


    ¡­


    This situation didn''t look good.


    "Captain?" Lemon asked.


    Even the others had their confused expression written on their faces.


    The Captain had already submitted their representative for the doubles and intellectual category. Maybe the coordinators had messed it up?


    But the Alliance wasn''t the only team who were experiencing the same situation as all of the team were in the same state.


    Unhurried footsteps suddenly snapped the flabbergasted atmosphere. It was a young man in formal suit had arrived.

 Chapter 193 - 182

    He was wearing a formal three piece suit. His jet black hair slicked to the back and tied on his nape which gave a prim and proper look with a hint of subtle charm. The young man looked like a overbearing young master of a certain noble household but one could obviously see that he was one of the said coordinators of the event.


    The young man with sleek black hair was with accompanied with two charming young men with varying auras, they were also in their own unique suits. The one with messy green hair was smiling lethally, he was wearing a simple bu??on-up white longsleeve shirt and black ironed pants. His overall outfit was slovenly worn due to his a bit untidy look. While the other didn''t put anyone in his eyes with his annoyed expression plastered in his handsome visage, he was in a collared sweater with dark blue ironed pants.


    Chun was unfamiliar to these people but she knew one thing. These three were the coordinators chosen by the Supreme Ruler.


    They didn''t speak and waited for the announcement to finish before talking their motive of showing up, unannounced.


    And as expected to what the results for the intellectual category.


    ....


    ¡­.


    ¡­.


    Alliance. Chun


    ¡­..


    The silver haired young man had already knew that this would happen after knowing that Berry was partnered with their Captain.


    Chun was fine with Berry and Eliza with the doubles as she had ?ssessed their overall strength and charm abilities. Even the others who had been a team with the two knew them very well.


    You can''t judge a book by its cover.


    The strawberry haired youth might be lazy and listless and his natural hobby was sleeping but when it came to brain power, he had been number one in the intellectual category since joining the Alliance. Moreover, the other teams had never been aware with Berry''s style of fighting. They always knew Berry with his astounding mental power but they never saw the latter in a battle field.


    Although the strawberry haired young man had been participative in the team battle but he would be always outshone by the Captain and the Vice Captain during the team battle. But now doubles were the only two of them, this would be a surprise to the opposing teams.


    Chun as one of the trainee under Berry''s ''lazy'' teachings, she would always end up in a helpless state if she let her guard down a bit.


    There were two specific words to accurately describe the strawberry haired youth''s fighting style; firm and aggressive.


    It couldn''t be seen in his usual it-doesn''t-matter vibe but when it came to having a duel with him, one would feel doubtful in his existence.


    He loved to hit vital points, one would think that his aggressiveness and excessive movements were irrelevant but that were just cup of tea, a cover of a wolf in a sheep''s clothing.


    But the opponents had no idea about it. And Chun would love to see their great fanfare.


    "Chun, will you be okay with this?" The second prince asked in concern after looking at the announcement screen.


    They were ignorant what happened but the coordinators were now here so it could be explained that what had occured in the matching would be told by them.


    The young man with sleek black hair nodded at his companions as they strode with relax aura in front.


    He looked around, inspecting each of the teams with seemed to be a glance but that probing blue eyes were noticed by Chun.


    "Lemon, are they the usual coordinators?" The silver haired young man whispered at the youth beside him. While they sat on, Feng Zi was in her right and Lemon was in her left. On the second prince'' side was Eliza then to Lemon''s side was Berry then Lollipop and lastly Notalie.


    "No. They are new. That smirking Noel last Intercompetition is so vivid in my memory so I wouldn''t mistake his smug face with these brilliant people," Lemon said while a bitter taste could be sensed in his tone.


    Feng Zi who heard the silver haired young man''s curious inquiry said in casual tone, "I knew them but I only once saw them in the Royal Palace. I somehow heard from what Royal Father said that they were his trusted subordinates."


    "Oh."


    "I am Feron and these two are Dexer and Gai." The guy with a mischievous smile hanging in his lips was Dexer and Gai was the frowning youth. They were all appearance-wise looking like in twenties.


    They were too young for a hundred years old ''old man'' to be his trusted subordinates which only meant that they perhaps had been enlightened in charm abilities and gained the immortality life span or also known as having a longer life span for a strong Charmer.


    "His Royal Majesty had mandated a change in system just now so we rushed immediately here and luckily we just arrived in time." Feron paused with his faint smile, wanting to let the teams to slowly ?ssimilate the sudden information.


    Feng Zi scrunched his forehead and distressed to what their sly fox royal father had been scheming on. The Supreme Ruler had been neutral and never actively instill a new change of mechanics in the Intercompetition.


    But why did he do it now?


    Though the teams were baffled and was alarmed at the sudden active move of the Supreme Ruler as if he was doing this in favor of someone but while observing on the current situation, other than the second prince. No other additional royalties were here so it could be said that it wasn''t for his offsprings but what was his motive?


    They were all speculating and overthinking as the real reason lied behind the silver haired young man. Looking at her name as the representative for the intellectual category still flashing in the screen. She somehow had a clue what was going on.


    Now that royal father knew that the ninth prince was strong in charm ability then he wanted to see some areas that he could possibly examine the ninth prince.


    Feron glanced at Chun for three seconds and moved away his sight. He then proceeded to explain the certain changes.


    "The usual giving the Captain a control to pick the representatives for each segments were now banned. The system machine would have a draw of names to pick out wonderful unanticipated youths for each team!"


    "Hmm... Isn''t that good? You can see the other power output of others that you had least likely see in that segment! It''s so exciting!" Dex who had been wanting to insert himself in the solemn and simple explanation of the other, added with joy as if saying the teams to praise the Supreme Ruler for this genius idea.


    Hearing that familiar cheerful voice, Chun knew that this was the one who made that mini event. She was interested what would happen if the second prince and the black miss girl knew. It would be a good show but Chun had no intention to inform then, it was best if they find it out for themselves.


    Yeah, it would be big play for them to know their opponents other members who might be hiding their true strength but at the same time, it was a disadvantage for an unprepared team.


    The planned that they already set up and had been used to was now broken. They could only silently plan another tactics and call for a team meeting tonight.


    Luckily the official opening didn''t start for the segments but a friendly game between selected teams and that friendly game depended on this smiling three coordinators. Maybe one smiling youth while the other two had their own expression.


    The reluctant to talk frowning young man gripped his collar to loosen it a bit. He then opened up, "The official opening will be moved tonight for the convenience of the said friendly game between two teams."


    "So that''s it. You may rest now and later, guides would be sent to your dorms to ?ssist you to the venue for tonight." Feron said and dismissed them as the three left.


    ------------


    The silver haired young man entered the lounge room after she had taken a bath. It was almost time for the opening.


    Although, they had never knew the full capabilities of the silver haired young man but they reassured Chun to do ''his'' best and retreat if ''he'' couldn''t do it.


    "It''s alright, guys. Rest ?ssured. I will win."

 Chapter 195 - 184

    It reflected in her scarlet eyes the different vibrant colors illuminated at the charm simulated ceiling of the enclosed space coliseum-like venue. At the same time, a wall in each side separating the teams erected, this was due to privacy convenience.


    The main event had now started.


    Feron drew the attention of the crowd as they had settled and the uproar weakened.


    "Charmers of Terapika, we will not delay and waste time. For tonight''s opening event is a friendly match between two selected teams. These two teams were the giants of the Intercompetition since then."


    The silver haired young man felt a nudge on her side and she turned to it.


    Lemon with his mysterious expression, stated, "Guess who will it be?"


    "Blues and Rose."


    "Ehhh?! How did you know?"


    Chun just shook her head in disbelief. The curly haired young man was sometimes silly. As an analyst of the team, he himself knew it with just looking from the past Intercompetitions.


    If not for the Alliance declining, these two teams were just a tip of the Alliance''s glory. Looking at the current statistical analysis of the winning streak of the teams. The Alliance had been an immovable champion but since the sudden transfer of their former captain, they had been slowly declining.


    They tried to get back to their previous momentum even without Piero and slowly adapted the new Alliance. They believed that time would heal but although they had been in their peak condition but their situations that couldn''t be controlled.


    Alliance were performing good in their doubles and intellectual category but when it came to team battle they weren''t as good as before. The reason was having a ''temporary'' member due to the transferring of Piero, they had started to reruit a new member every year but somehow it never worked out.


    They had been aware of the schemes of Lu Min against their newly recruit but even without those schemes, the newbie ''themselves'' would voluntarily quit after expeiencing a trauma in the team battle.


    The said trauma was due to the teamwork and cooperation.


    It is said that if one is new and can''t get along with the rhythm of the seniors even they are capable and skillful, it will not work out.


    To sum up it all, the current Alliance for the past three consecutive games would be always in the top three or four and the Rose would be the first and the Blues was the second, both of them would sometimes tied or replace each others.


    "Luckily we have His Highness here!" Lemon exclaimed while he rested his arm around the ninth prince''s shoulders.


    The second prince frowned as he slapped away the naughty paw of the urly haired youth.


    "Keep your dirty paws to yourself," Feng Zi warned. He even took his clean handkerchief and wiped Chun''s.


    "Lemon, I remembered that you said about Berry being his fifth time as a player for the intellectual category. Who was before?" Chun asked with curiosity.


    Berry and Notalie were fifth grade juniors, Lollipop and Lemon were fourth years, Feng Zi was a senior tenth grade senior and Eliza was a upperclassmen.


    "It was Captain."


    Chun was surprised that the expressionless long black haired girl had been the player in that segment. Observing it in during the simulated mini event, the Captain had been participating in solving the case halfway but she didn''t last until the end.


    Or it might be due to an influenced of external factor that Eliza acted that way.


    "Then who were in the doubles?"


    Suddenly the curly haired young man who had a bored expression while watching the long overdue speech of the mischievous young man, smiled with bright amusing light in his eyes.


    "Piero and Berry."


    "So we don''t need to worry in the doubles match then?" Chun said, she wasn''t that bewildered after knowing that the lazy strawberry haired youth had been in doubles. Looking at the calm faces of her teammates after Berry and Eliza were put into the doubles match. Chun had a guess about it and well, now it was confirmed.


    "Right, I recalled that these opposing teams were used to Berry''s winning streak in the intellectual category so they might forgot his play during his doubles."


    Then the silver haired young man realized something, "Isn''t Berry a fifth grader?"


    "Oh that? He repeated."


    "Eh?"


    The young man with sleek black hair pursed his lips while his eyes were twitchingin annoyance. Sensing the atmosphere, Gai who had been frowning with the other''s quibbles, stepped forward and grabbed Dex''s collar and Feron took the lead.


    "Alright." Looking that the Blues and Rose were finished preparing. Feron didn''t waste time anymore and started the friendly match.


    The friendly match was a team battle. The center-field lit up as the ground that the two teams were on lifted up into a high-platform. At the same time, each teams'' box and the audience area had a screen monitor which appeared in front that would allow for a convenient viewing to the match.


    The terrain was a push your opponent out of the ring (platform) and to make it more creative, there was a floating ball in the middle. Whoever retrieved it from its position, they would win the game.


    The Blues and the Rose didn''t immediately moved for an attack as they had a tacit agreement of a short meeting in their own team.


    "Well, this is really a friendly match, they can have on the spot discussion but in the main segment, this doesn''t happen." The second prince calmly explained.


    Obviously, no one would do that during a serious match. What would be the purpose of the pre-mediated planning if they delay the match for a tactic discussion on the spot? Then their enemy team had already grabbed points.


    The lean and tall young man with an eye-catchy violet spiky hair suddenly disappeared from his position and reappeared beneath the floathing ball.


    Looking at the screen, the curly haired young man couldn''t help but hooted with satire.


    "Qin Shi is really swift. He wanted to end this game fast," Lemon commented. There were two ways to win the match, it was to push out all of the opposing members of the team or just grab the floating ball.


    But the blondie playboy didn''t allow it. With precise actions, a blue fire was thrown at the stretching arms of the spiky haired young man.


    The spiky haired young man with s?ns?t?v? reflex automatically vanished in his location while he returned back to his previous position. He cursed as he almost lost his hand there. The blue fire of Lu Min couldn''t be underestimated.


    "It''s alright. I''ll handle that scum." The girl with pink hair wearing a tight fitting combat suit which was designed for speed endurance said with mischief.


    "Yeah, you handle that ex of yours." Chao dismissed the scum man to Rize. Even he didn''t want to admit it, he was no match to Lu Min as that blue fire of his was dangerously fatal.


    Rize smiled while she locked her eyes at the scum blondie man. She had been played by this person so she would be the one playing him.


    Using her supersonic speed, she threw a knuckle punch while approaching the target. While she was a air charm user just like Chao who was best in position displacement (teleportation) using his air charm, she was a speed-type air Charmer.


    The blondie playboy had a triumphant smile while boasting his attack a while ago, he didn''t notice that a pink haired girl with a grudge was coming at him.


    "Lu M---"


    Bam!


    "---Min, you shouldn''t be talking right now." The late warning of Chang Min. He just shrugged after knowing that the playboy had been knocked out of the platform.


    On the other side, Lemon couldn''t help but burst out of laughter as the screen monitor replayed the dumb face of the blondie being punch by the pink haired girl.


    Back at the platform, it was announced that Lu Min had been eliminated while the Captain of the Rose didn''t panic abou this as he already deemed Lu Min to be useless during this match. With or without him, they would perform as usual.


    Chen Yu and Wu Ming who were the close buddies of the playboy shrugged, they already knew that this would happen while Chang Min sighed.


    ''This was just a friendly match so they shouldn''t be riled up with this. No matter who would win this, it doesn''t matter as the main segments would be theirs.'' The Rose thought.


    Rize withdrew her hands and insincerely apologized for her ''uncontrolled'' movement. The charming girl melted the hearts of the inexperienced young men who were watching.


    The red-headed Captain didn''t use any unnecessary actions as he dashed forward and attack head on Qin Shi.


    Despite the uneven numbers, they were still could hold out each other which meant that Lu Min was just a spare tire in this match.

 Chapter 196 - 185

    It was a friendly match but suddenly the atmosphere that was supposed to be a simple exhange became a fierce fight. The Rose thought about taking this easy but their opponent took it differently.


    Qin Shi, the Captain of the Blues was someone that one should be aware off. If any given opportunity was presented to him, he wouldn''t let it slipped away. Piero knew this but he still let down his guard, he didn''t want to let their team exhausted as this was just a warm-up match but ¡­ there was nothing he could do if his teammates were now all thrilled to take this seriously.


    "Twins, you handle Rize and Sevi!" The red-headed Captain commanded the Chang brothes while he took Qin Shi as his opponent.


    "Yes, Captain! But we aren''t twins---"


    The floating ball was left their hanging while the fight turned heavy, cheers resounded on the audience area as they felt the heated game, the two teams weren''t even holding back compared to their earlier actions.


    A young man with striking dishevelled appearance was the most noticeable scene on the match, it was not just because of his unique movement technique but he was also taking two opponents at the same time. And what was cool upon this situation was, those two were being played by this one person.


    He had a nonchalant aura while effortlessly dodging the fire ball and water splash that were coming in his way.


    "That''s Fu Chen. It may not be obvious but he''s difficult to deal with in intellectual category. He was the one of the lucky few who was still placed in his specialty." Lemon said when he noticed that the silver haired young man was watching Fu Chen''s match.


    The screen monitor in there box was displaying three matches at a time, which it highlighted each every fight of the two teams.


    "But he just joined the Rose, don''t worry about that one match. Berry defeated him so you can too," Feng Zi interjected, cheering for the silver haired young man.


    Lemon immediately added, "Well, he''s just a second year so I''m not sure of his capabilities other than that but you just need to watch out."


    The Intercompetition happened once in three years but it could be said that each Charmers grades were arduous to passed. The normal average for the curriculum of each grades were three years as every grades had their own levels so it was normal for Fu Chen to be a second year while he was still in first year last Intercompetition.


    Chun nodded while her attention was still in the fight of Fu Chen. Her eyes were following the long haired youth who was facing the latter. The youth was a fire Charmer specialized in target shooting but he couldn''t pin point the next movement of the other but he still kept shooting randomly with his fire ball.


    Fu Chen with his bored expression, calmly walked back and forth and then with his movement technique, a slight nudge of his foot. He shortened the distanced between him and the fire Charmer.


    "He will be eliminated." She whispered but somehow her teammates heard it. Even Lemon and the others were surprised that Fu Chen was also capable in combat.


    The long haired youth with a smug smirk was praising his success as the dishevelled appearance young man who had been bearing a bored-look, finally entered his field of target. Initially, he was stunned by the latter''s movement technique knowing that this guy was best in the intellective segment. But one shouldn''t expect much with these nerds, although he was good but he was still rough in the edges.


    He had still fallen in his trap.


    The long haired youth was about to activate his fire trap yet he was a second late. He only discovered that he was sent flying out the high-platform.


    Now the number of the players were tied.


    Six members vs six members.


    Though, it wasn''t even a minute when the water Charmer that Fu Chen had been facing off was the next one to be eliminated.


    "Wooahh¡­" The silver haired young man exclaimed as she realized the other''s ability.


    It was a norm for members of each teams who would be a contestant in the Intercompetition had their own special abilities which was still related on their charms. In the Alliance, it was called gained abilities while in the other teams had their own name on it. Like the Rose who had been a rival of the Alliance, their ''gained abilities'' were called special skills.


    And it also differed on how would they obtained it, the Alliance obtained those abilities through the ability simulation while other teams had their own way of having it, it could be through a secret manual from their ancestors or any method that could be used. Although, it was good to have a special skill but it was also one of the qualifications of being able to participate in the Intercompetition.


    This was the pre-destined requirement of the Supreme Ruler and no one would dare to oppose it.


    "What have you discovered?" Lemon asked the other while a notepad and pen was on his hands, ready to take note the silver haired young man''s words.


    Chun recalled that this young man with a messy-look was the one that Lemon had described to be having a metal charm. A rare sub-type charm ability.


    Considering that the dishevelled-looking man who looked harmless was just a second year and he participated in the intelletual category, having this kind of offensive kind of charm ability was unfitting with him.


    "Then if this intellective segment is purely your mental intelligence with no charm attach as well as the doubles being purely duels. How did you knew?"


    Chun asked with curiosity. ''How did Lemon knew about his ability if he was merely a newbie?''


    As what she understood, that the doubles were purely clashing of charms and skills while the intellectual category was for mind games and the team battle were a mix of the two.


    The silver haired youth had a bit of a hunch but she just wanted to confirm it.


    The black mist girl who was just listening by the side, interrupted. "Who briefed you that?" She was frowning while looking at the second prince who was now looking away.


    No one answered as it was already obvious. The always cool-headed and ?ssertive second prince and also their Vice Captain for the first time failed in his duties. After they had trained the silver haired young man, the youth was supposed to undergo about the briefing of the Intercompetition but this fool of a older brother was so excited of his younger brother that he forgot.


    Chun was even more ignorant about this case.


    Notalie didn''t pursue the problem as she sighed.


    "Chun as the new member, after completing the your training and the shool charm competition. You will supposed to be enlightened about the Intercompetition. We ?ssumed that you knew already beause you had been agreeable with the tactics¡­" Lemon explained to the oblivious silver haired young man.


    With a defeated sigh, the curly haired youth explained the details that was omitted.


    "So you mean that it wasn''t just a mere mind games in the intellective segment?"


    "Ahuh." Lemon nodded while his curls cutely bounced on his head.


    "Then as well as the doubles¡­" Looking at the silver haired young man''s frowning face, the sluggish strawberry haired young man suddenly interrupted.


    "I admit that his difficult to handle." After Berry said that, he went back to his nap.


    "Chun, about your question earlier. It is through Berry that I knew his charm. He seemed to be well-adept in his metal charm that you wouldn''t able to detect it while he was using it."


    "Right, what have you discovered with his movement a while ago?" Lemon once again asked.


    "I''m not sure but it would be somewhat similar of a displacement technique but I think he is a dual charm user?"


    "Really?!" The curly haired young man immediately noted it down as he was happy with his another new information.


    The second prince who heard that suddenly turned to the expressionless long black haired, "Captain, should change plans?"


    If what the silver haired young man stated was true then, the team battle last tournament was given light.


    It was hard to admit but their battle between the Rose was one-sided that time, Feng Zi had been in dilemma while he kept remembering it and even the others were confused as well. The plan went well but when they were about to seize the key to enable the fifty pointer red flag, the ?ssumed red flag turned into a blue flag. At that final juncture, all of their flags were replaced which was the supposed to be flags of the opponent and then their points were truly puny compared to the Rose.


    They had complained as they had thought that there must be a cheat here or something but the coordinators that time said that this was just purely an ability, there was no any detected schemes.


    The Alliance knew that the Rose wouldn''t be that petty in the actual tournament but they had been truly confused to what happened but now that the silver haired young man had said that then this unlikely Fu Chen must really a dual charmer as he was the only newbie that at that moment which they had been unaware of.


    Berry who had been napping suddenly put his thumb up, agreeing at Chun''s conjecture.

 Chapter 197 - 186

    The match was over and it was a draw between the two. What was mind-blowing about it was the ending were the two captains ended up standing in the field.


    No one payed attention at the floating ball as the they were engaged in the fight while on it, Chun was expecting that the Rose would win the match but it didn''t happen. After Fu Chen defeated his two opponents, he went down from the high-platform.


    Lemon who had a big anticipation about the dual-charmer''s fight was drenched in to the cold water of reality.


    "He was too careful not revealing his other ability!"


    The silver haired young man just smiled at the desperate laughing curly haired fruit.


    Then that was the unexpected end of the friendly match. Both parties shook hands and went back to their respective places.


    The high-platform descended and the three coordinators walked in front as they announced the flow of the three segments.


    It was already past 9 in the evening but the crowd were still energetic. Cheers and encores for the teams that they were here for. And even the teams were given strength due to their support.


    Just being there for their schoolmates could help in lifting up the teams'' mood. Even the silver haired young man was infected too. The Royal Family''s area was the only area which had a solemn aura. They might be not cheering actively but their attentions were attached at the ninth prince.


    The Supreme Ruler was seated beside the first prince. He maintained his restrained vibe while the half-mask was still covering his upper face. Only the pursing of his lips could be seen. Chun was unable to perceive his thoughts but when the Supreme Ruler saw that his youngest son was looking at him, a faint smile was seen in a blink of an eye.


    Chun ignored the Supreme Ruler and looked at the position where the Elite Class of the Charm Excellence was seated. Feng Cui waved to her direction while Wei Xi who did not want to be overshadowed by the other immediately blocked the eighth prince''s line of sight as she waved at Chun.


    The silver haired young man chuckled but she didn''t notice the squealing of the female species in the crowd even the male were blushing from that enthralling smile.


    Feng Zi by the side reminded the latter about the sudden cameos on the screen. Then Chun saw her face with a surprised expression looking at the screen of their box. The second prince was not lying, there was really a small camera featuring the faces of each players.


    ''What''s this sudden celebrity treatment?''


    She couldn''t help but whisper, "Why didn''t you warn me about this?" Chun then smiled at the small camera and on the screen, it reflected her eye-smile. It struck the hearts of many.


    The unaware silver haired young man became the talk of the students who came from other schools. ''His'' handsome appearance and silver white hair was too attractive for the them, it was a bit alarming that somehow resembled the silverish color of the hair a certain powerful person seated in front. But those were just little doubts of the few.


    Aside from that triffling matters and whatnot, the teams were more focused on the announcement.


    The mishievous young man was the one who was tasked to hand out the surprise of this night event. Before he could start, he did not forget to praise the newbies of each teams while discreetly glancing to where the ninth prince''s direction.


    "By the way that handsome young man from Alliance is an oustanding student belonging to the first year''s Elite Class." Dexer paused, looking at the reaction of the crowd. "I hope that the opposing teams shouldn''t underestimate the newbies."


    Gai was seated next to Feron at the coordinators'' area. He wasn''t frowning but his lips was thinned in line, staring at the zealous figure at the center-field.


    "You shouldn''t concern yourself with that dumb guy''s scheme," Feron commented while rolling his eyes at the elaborate performance of the misfit.


    It was obvious that he was pulling aggro to the ninth prince. Feron admit that even them were curious to the capability of the heir of His Majesty. So it couldn''t be blame on them as even the Supreme Ruler who wasn''t blind to the scheme of Dexer, didn''t stop it.


    "Now it is nighttime. It is a good opportunity for the doubles segment to launch~~" Dexer stated in a singsong tone. Confirming that the audience were now focused on his next sentence. He looked at his watch and said, "It is now 9:30 in this great night. At exact 10, the doubles match will start."


    "And for tonight''s doubles segment, the audience had a special place for watching the match, we had aready prepared it. You can now proceed to the main building, the student guides will direct you."


    Immediately, students that were wearing the uniform of Diclexia went in each side to accomodate them. The students obediently followed through while some of the students who were excited to meet their classmates or friends from the teams, reluctantly moved.


    Feng Cui and the others followed as well. It would be best to have the front seat to watch the match, closely.


    While the audience area were slowly dispersing, Dexer added, "Right. The participants of this segment should take a rest or warm-up before the clock strikes because this match will break your bedtime schedule. That''s all, sweeties! Wish you luck!"


    -----\\\


    Some teams dispersed from their area after the walls that were erected, separating them from the other teams disappeared. Even the screen monitors vanished as well. The wonders of this world were truly indiscernible.


    Chun wondered about the story plotline of this generated world and who was behind it. ''It was so magical'' with sarcasm.


    The curly haired young man immediately turned to Eliza, "Do you need to go back and sleep, Captain?"


    Eliza just shook her head sideways and said, "No."


    She stayed in her seat, waiting for the expected time.


    There was no need for him to bother the other.


    "Then Captain, are we going to wait here?"


    "Hmm."


    Lemon had no opinion about it while he took out his ??ptop from his space bag (storage space) and began his typing journey.


    The tapping of the keyboards, occasional distinctive whispers between them and the soft breathing of the strawberry youth by the side could be heard in their group. There was nothing for Eliza to discuss with Berry as despite how much a sloth was the latter, he was still reliable when it came to their line-up. Even the Captain herself doesn''t like to repeat thrice, it was okay for two times but over than that was much.


    One is few, two is enough and three is too much.


    Brrr! Brrr!


    A vibrating sound dawned upon the silent space while the second prince felt that it came from his pocket. The communicator was put into vibrate mode if there was an incoming call.


    ''Old Man''


    "Is Chun there?" a deep voice with magnetic allure said from the other side.


    Chun knew who was this person.


    "Yes, ol-- Father!" The second prince almost slipped. ''They'' would be in trouble if their royal father knew about the name that him and his siblings were calling him behind his back.


    Somewhat calling their father ''old man'' was the only tacit understanding that existed between them before but now there was an addition to that - their cute little brother.


    "Are you listening, Seond Prince Feng Zi?" it wasn''t apparent in his voice but the Supreme Ruler was a bit angry by his second son''s moment of silence.


    The Supreme Ruler tended to use their first names when talking to his child but if he started to use their title and fullname, that was another subject that they should consider.


    "Y-yes, Father--- I mean what do you mean?"


    Magnus sighed at the second prince''s inattentiveness while he repeated his words. "Bring your brother here."


    Then he hung up.


    Feng Zi didn''t want to test their Royal Father''s temper right now. He sensed from his tone that he was in a bad mood. ''Did something happened, though?''


    "Chun, follow me. There''s an urgent matter." The silver haired young man was grabbed by the second prince in a hurry while Feng Zi threw an excuse of being called by the ''boss''.


    Eliza and the others had known about the other''s attitude when it came to the Supreme Ruler. They had been a witness of his panic charades, the clear-headed and calm second prince would immediately storm out in fright like a dog with his tail tucked between his legs.


    But they weren''t unaware that this doesn''t only apply to the second prince because even the upright first prince and elegant first princess had went through this as well, and all of the other royal siblings. Only the ninth prince had not experienced this yet but erased that ''yet'' part as Chun wouldn''t be experiencing this oppression because initially, she had never been the ninth prince.


    "Where are we going? Why are you grabbing there?" an annoyed expression was vicible in Chun''s face while Feng Zi was holding on the collar of her shirt as he was dragging her which was in fact, in literal sense, he was truly dragging her.


    After Chun and Feng Zi went to attend their urgent business. A message icon popped out in the curly haired young man''s ??ptop and he oppened it due to curiosity. It could be something important.


    ''To: Alliance. Lemon


    There were sightings of a Dark Charmer within the Diclexia University''s premise. Due to the lack of manpower and we don''t want for the doubles match to be postponed, we like to have your good cooperation. Please also tell your other two free members to participate.


    Considering that this is inconvenient for you and your teammates, there will be contribution points for your cooperation.


    Place; Dormitory Building A


    Coordinators ( ? 3?)? ''


    Looking at the serious opening of the content which a ''disgusting'' emoticon was attached at the end. Lemon pictured out the dandy face of the Dexer guy.


    But it couldn''t be help that this was an emergency situation.


    Lemon showed it to the Captain as Eliza agreed for them to go yet as the three went away, leaving Berry and her. The sleeping young man who seemed to be in deep slumber was in fact, not ignorant to what was happening around him.


    "Captain, why did you agree?"


    Berry knew that the Captain wasn''t oblivious to what was truly happening.


    It was already 9:45, fifteen minutes away from the expected time.


    "I can''t do anything about it." Eliza said in a simple manner but there was a hint of amusement in her tone.

 Chapter 198 - 187

    Eliza had known that something was up with the way the coordinators were doing things. She was aware since the case about the mini event. The was they had plotted the scenario with a mix of surprise to left the teams unprepared. She knew that after the friendly match, this would happen.


    It could be said that you couldn''t pull the same trick twice but it couldn''t be applied to those three.


    As a capable Acting Master of the Guards and her grandfather having connections with the Supreme Ruler, it was not difficult for her to obtain first-hand informations from her subordinates even His Majesty himself had know her behind the scenes movement but he just turned a blind eye to it.


    The long black haired turned brave and investigated the three coordinators that the Supreme Ruler had arranged for the Intercompetition. She unfortunately got small information about them and it was all basics but still if didn''t hinder her from drawing up conclusions. She was innately intelligent since growing up so it wasn''t a hustle for her to figure out these things.


    And she was correct about her hypothesis about the doubles, it was ''nighttime'', a good opportunity to start the doubles with unsuspecting players.


    Berry wasn''t in the mood to sleep as he was now thoroughly awaken by the current situation. ''This doubles segment was really something.''


    He didn''t ask the other what they were going to do next because he had already understood.


    9:50 pm¡­.


    The silver haired young man and the second prince arrived were a man standing at the nearby artificial lake. His noble and majestic aura exuded a strong presence upon the people that would see him but there was still the lonely and ascetic beauty in that lofty figure.


    Silent and otherworldly, the round full-moon grazed its light upon that man. Sensing that someone was coming, the Supreme Ruler with the lonely aura turned into an enthusiastic father. Though he still retained his calmness under the guise of the mask covering his face but the light in his eyes were evident.


    ''Old man, I''ll just pretend that I see nothing.'' See no evil, hear no evil.


    Chun greeted the Supreme Ruler together with the second prince with a polite bow. The was no outsider at this lakeside which Feng Zi immediately dropped the courtesy but he was still respectful.


    "Father, what do you have arranged for Ninth Brother?"


    Magnus stayed silent for a moment. He was unwilling to talk as his mouth would be guilty to admit.


    The silver haired young man who couldn''t stand the crickets background noise, smiled and inquired, "His Masjesty isn''t so inconsiderate to waste his time for a small person like me?"


    Even the ninth prince was favored by the Supreme Ruler, still Chun didn''t want to act familiar to the other despite their blood relations. It was not for her own benefit but for the ninth prince benefit. The original owner was forgotten and died in the Snow Palace so this meeting with the father was not in the orginal plot that she had been aware of¡­ or maybe she miscalculated?


    ''I''ll just ask Xuan later.''


    Suddenly, the Supreme Ruler who had been a statue there, asked. "What''s the time?"


    "10 pm." The second prince dutifully answered but in the middle of it, he paused while he realized something.


    "This¡­" Looking at the lofty figure who had a bit of guilty light in his expression, the second prince was mad but he maintained cool-headedness before emotions.


    Chun also realized it, too. She took hold the hand of the her second brother.


    "Zi, we should be going. The Captain will miss us," her statement was half-joking but her tone was not.


    Feng Zi snapped out from his stupor and controlled himself of bursting at the old man''s tricks. He was used to their Royal Father''s scheming attitude as he was not the only victim of it but his other siblings as well but those events would only occur inside the Royal Palace.


    ''But now, truly¡­ this person had no bounds at all.''


    The second prince was confused if he should be anger or irritated at the latter''s actions but there was this feeling that restraining him of angering the other. It could be his survival instincts but Chun wasn''t one to be put into their books.


    She would write off this debt and let the Supreme Ruler have a difficult road of cultivating his heir.


    Magnus sensed the sour feelings of his two sons, he pursed his lips and couldn''t help but leave a hint.


    "Chun, where would you find a quiet place yet full of unspoken noise?"


    Chun and Feng Zi was about to leave the perpetrator but they paused in their steps.


    "Good luck." The Supreme Ruler then vanished, leaving without a trace.


    The second prince couldn''t help but curl his lips. Their father was really good. Even the silver haired young man felt that her initial thoughts of revenge should be considered first.


    "Then, should we go back to Captain?"


    Chun declined that idea. If this was part of the segment then it was obvious that separating them had a purpose.


    "Let''s contact them first." It wouldn''t be wise if they mindlessly go back, what if there were dangers on the road. Taking caution wasn''t bad.


    ''To; Alliance. Zi and Chun


    Subject: Let''s Work Together


    The doubles segment had now officially started. We give you the twist of the segment. Instead of the two participants dealing with their opponents for survival. The other teammates who were dutifully separated from them should be earning points at the sideline as well.


    Mission: Find three specific objects.


    Hint: Only you know.


    Duration: This is a long night. A week long night


    With high regards,


    Coordinators ( ? 3?)?. ''


    After reading that, Feng Zi saw another message that was left unread fifteen minutes ago. It came from Lemon.


    Feng Zi was amused if the they were also tricked or that information was legitimate. Knowing that the captain and the strawberry haired youth was left in there.


    Showing it to the silver haired young man, the second prince asked for her opinion.


    "He said that they will be at the dormitory building A. Then let''s group with them first before doing this task," Chun said as it would be good if they analyzed things with the other three.


    But when the second prince was about to click the send bu??om to relay a message to Lemon. It didn''t allow him to send it.


    ''Message failed to send''


    What was this?


    Obviously, they were hindered of easily finding the others. This should be not only happening to the Alliance because on each of the teams'' side, they were also plotted.


    20 minutes before¡­.


    With a dreamy face, the Vice Captain of the Blues, Chao said with happiness, "Captain! Captain! This is a great opportunity, the coordinators sent a task of capturing a Dark Charmer and it also comes with contribution points!"


    Before Qin Shi could say anything, Chao with an excited mood did not wait as he dashed away with vigor. The long haired effiminate man could only sigh and voluntered himself to catch the ''headless chicken''.


    Luo who had been bored with his mind tagged along as well. He did not want to be left out with the fun stuff than waiting here for the doubles segment to start.


    The pink haired girl wasn''t interested with those things as she went back to the dorm, the gentleman Sevi offered his service to escort his ''goddess''. It would be unfortunate if Rize would bumped with that playboy scum on the way.


    Only the handsome stern faced captain and the sturdy with a huge body man was left behind. Although Shi Feng was reluctant to be sitting here, ''waiting to die''. It was inevitable because he and the captain were paricipants, they still need to run through the tactics that they would be taking.


    ----- Dormitory Building A


    From the other side, the Rose decided to go back to the dormitory first. Piero wanted to shower in order to get rid off the sweat that came from the match earlier. He had been known as a clean freak so it wasn''t surprising for his teammates.


    Meanwhile, Lu Min and his buddies wanted to enjoy some ''fresh vegetables'' while strolling in the night. That was their excused to the red haired captain while their Vice Captain Chang Min knew what they were up to.


    "Captain, we will be going back first!" he said outside the bedroom of the changing man. Piero didn''t respond but his silence was an affirmation.


    "Let''s hurry up, bro. We need to gauge out the other teams'' participants."


    Chang Jing also agreed with the idea and he hurriedly finished with changing his inner clothing with a more durable shirt.


    But as he stepped out, many heads welcomed him. Why were there many gathering teams here?

 Chapter 199 - 188.1

    Groups of people were huddled in front of the Dormitory Building A. The red haired captain saw the scene and was stunned to what was going on.


    Seeing their captain was present, Lu Min was the first one to call for the other. The three of them were about to pick up some ''fresh meats'' on their way but while they were on it, some student guides blocked them off and prevented them from leaving.


    At first, they were confused when they knew that the coordinators were the masterminds of the these event but as it started to filled up with people from other teams. Lu Min and the other two realized that they were not the only ones in this scheme.


    "Then where ares Chang Min and Chang Jing?" Piero inquired, looking at their group.


    "Oh them? They were let off."


    "It could be that participants of the doubles aren''t needed here," Wu Ming added while observing the surroundings. He already noticed the strange composition of this gathering group.


    There was one thing apparent, there were no participants involved.


    "Brother Ming, I got this odd message a minute ago." Chen Yu showed his communicator.


    ''To: Rose. Chen Yu and your other buddies


    There were sightings of a Dark Charmer within the Diclexia University''s premise. Due to the lack of manpower and we don''t want for the doubles match to be postponed, we like to have your good cooperation. Please also tell your other two free members to participate.


    Considering that this is inconvenient for you and your teammates, there will be contribution points for your cooperation.


    Place; Dormitory Building A


    With high regards,


    Coordinators ( ? 3?)? ''


    "Dark Charmer?" A flashed of light glinted in the deep black orbs of the red haired captain. The situation seemed to be not simple.


    Tonight''s doubles segment shouldn''t be that simple.


    Other than thinking about his conjectures, he noticed something. Counting the heads of his teammates and him, there were four of them present. Minus the two participants, they had missing person.


    "Where''s Fu Chen?"


    23 minutes earlier...


    The dishevelled looking young man that you would mistook as a harmless and person at first sight, suddenly disappeared without notice while his teammates were dawdling on things while going to the dormitory.


    Although the captain saw him disappearing without saying a thing, he turned a blind eye as Fu Chen had always been this inclusive. He had been reliable in the Intercompetition and other certain stuff but when it came to privacy and freedom, he didn''t want to let anyone take it away.


    Fu Chen went away because of a message. It came from the first princess, the said person invited him for a talk about his family situation.


    It wasn''t a secret that his parents were envoys of their home country Danderfrost in Archin Continents which was the second smallest continent to Everright Continent.


    While the Supreme Ruler was the sovereign of all Terapika, there were some continents that were too greedy for their own good. Xangfei Empire which was in the second largest continent Dura Continent didn''t even dared to act out in the eyes of the Supreme Ruler yet the Drench Kingdom were too proud to wanting to eat up another continent.


    As the capital city of Archin was the Danderfrost, the Fu family were the Lords of the land. Although, Fu Chen''s parents were from the side branch, they were still trusted people of the Lord so they were sent to Free Continent (a neutral continent from the name itself but this where the Royal Family resided as well as the Charm Excellence).


    The capital city of the said continent was the Abbervant, this was were the home of the Royal Family. It was also the most largest continent.


    And back to it, the Danderfrost sent an envoy in order to let the Supreme Ruler help them about their precarious situation.


    So this was where Fu Chen had been going on. The first princess handled the decisions about it so he wanted also to aid his parents then it was not a question if he was lead by the noose here.


    The unkept young man didn''t care about his appearance while he appeared on the specified place of the first princess. The place was full of blooming nocturnal flowers while in the midst of its clusters was the leisure fine young lady, sitting down with a tea cup in her hand.


    Feng Rui was being served by her personal maid while she looked silently at the blooming garden. When the expected guest appeared, she didn''t lift up her sight on him but the personal maid offered Fu Chen to sit down.


    Fu Chen wasn''t in a hurry as he sat down while the personal maid brewed a cup of tea for him. He didn''t touch the tea while he waited for the first princess to speak up.


    Although it wasn''t that obvious but the two them were familiar with each other. Even Fu Chen didn''t to bother to greet his Royal Highness as he knew that Feng Rui didn''t want him to act polite to her, they already dropped the courtesy part so what''s the used of it.


    Ten minutes had passed and the first princess was finally showing up an expression in her calm face.


    ''It''s been seven years and he''s still the same. The same silent kid.'' She thought and opened up.


    "Fu Chen, you''re still the same! I still hated your guts."


    It was too amusing that the always level-headed first princess which the Supreme Ruler relied the most was bursting in annoyance.


    She had been classmates with this stinky boy during their basic charm class and he was the only person that always got ahead of her. But while she advanced in her studies due to some matters which she where unable to enter the same school with him and now she was running her royal duties while this person still enjoyed the prime of his youth.


    It was too hateful that whenever they competed, she got the losing end but what was more hateful was; he was still the same. So ignorant and dense!


    "Hmm.. same," Fu Chen said with uninterested tone.


    Feng Rui put down her tea cup with her graceful movements that one would thought that she was on a commercial of product.


    "Well, the wasted time was still good. By the way, His Majesty had agreed with it."


    Fu Chen knew what she meant and he stood up. He was about leave after getting his purpose but the personal maid blocked him.


    A smug smile was etched in that elegant face as the first princess spoke, "It''s not yet time to go. Let''s have a game first."


    The silver haired young man together with his second brother were threading silently in the night. It was best to be careful as they had no idea what dangers were lurking in.


    They were directed to the place that the Supreme Ruler had given them.


    It was a quiet place yet full of unspoken noise.


    Hearing that, Chun had already knew of what place was it. Even the second prince had an idea about it.


    They gave up the idea of going to the Dormitory Building as they knew that it wouldn''t be good to group with others while they had another task to do. Looking at the content that Lemon had sent to Feng Zi, it could be said that they weren''t aware the task that Chun and the second prince was given and same goes to them, they were also unaware of the former''s task if Lemon hadn''t message them.


    But it was no use to inform the others as currently they couldn''t even send a message.


    Heading off to the library of the Diclexia University was easy said than done. They were unfamiliar to the place so they needed first to map out the university but before that finding the entrance of the school was the first objective.


    It was common for schools this huge to attached the layout of the whole school at the entrance as it was convenient for new people.


    "Then, it''s decided. Let''s go," the second prince unconciously grabbed the wrist of the silver haired young which Chun noticed that it was strangely familiar.


    Then a memory of a child and a younger version of the second prince overlapped. Chun realized that this must be some fragments of the original owner''s childhood memory.


    There were even bit of memories about the other siblings then it could be said that the manual that she had read might not certain in some aspects.


    Chun could only grimaced while thinking at the poor original owner. He was still thinking about his Royal Family despite the abandonment.

 Chapter 200 - 188.2

    "Where are we?" Chun asked the second prince while keeping check the time.


    It was already past 10 and it meant that the doubles segment had already started.


    "I have been around Diclexia University so I know the way to the entrance but I am not into libraries." He explained with an apologetic expression. It was no surprise that he had been a member of the Alliance and being familiar of the place was apparent but being familiar with the library... looking at the appearance of the second prince who was exuding a m?tur? vibe of a big brother (aside from the tendencies of spoiling his ninth brother to the extent of having that expression of wanting to be stepped on by Chun if she said so) but it wasn''t unexpected if he had no idea about the library of the this school as even in the Charm Excellence, Chun bet that the other had not been there.


    The Royal Family seemed to be dignified and profound in their reputation but they were all had the spitting trait of not being a bookworm.


    Why did Chun concluded to that point? It could be said that she was stereotyping them but it was still a closer description to them.


    It couldn''t be blamed that she had bit of the same mentality with those people thinking the royalties having spoiled attitude and typical things but at this moment, the silver haired young man had no time to bother with distinguishing about this world''s Royal Family as she was busy with the current task.


    "We''re near---"


    Shua!


    Thanks to the silver haired young man''s fast reflexes, she was able to save the second prince''s head before being blasted off into smithereens. That firepower of the Earth Charmer was terribly strong.


    Clank!


    The earth refined weapon was truly sturdy. It was able to embed itself in the concrete wall, leaving a deep crack. It was horrible if that was Feng Zi''s head.


    Chun frowned. Looking at their clothing, they didn''t belong to any teams that she saw. She remembered each uniforms of the participating team, it wasn''t unexpected if another team intervening them on their path in order to stop them from earning points and it would be their mission as well, just like them but observing the odd black clothings with no insignia or bearings that they came from the said teams, the silver haired young man could guess that they were outsiders.


    And from what currently was going on, the participants who weren''t part of the doubles were busy garnering up points for their teams which meant that they had no time to waste. Moreover, killings were forbidden during the tournament and that attack earlier was one hit sure kill.


    The silver haired young man could understand that stunned expression of the second prince. Although killing was forbidden but it was more of a commiting a crime against the whole continent and even bringing the wrath of the Supreme Ruler to boot if they one attempted ?ssassination towards a member of the Royal Family.


    Chun stood up from their crouching position as they had dodged from the death''s door a while ago. The second prince followed suit. But what had bothered the silver haired young man were their uncaring faces even that medium ?h?stnut haired young lad was sporting a disappointed face while looking at the missed missile that he had launched.


    "Chun, the coordinators aren''t joking about the Dark Charmers." Feng Zi had now a serious demeanor. He was ready to fight them.


    As a prince and reared by the Supreme Ruler despite their reputations and images that they would act on but under those masks, they were all skilled Charmers. It would be a waste for Magnus in creating them if they were just useless, although they had been ''failed'' product for his supposed ideal heir but still they had never been powerless.


    The Earth Dark Charmer who had crazy expression on his face wasn''t the only to be wary off as he had two Dark Charmer with him.


    The distinctive features of the two was; the girl had that bloodless pale face, looking like she was about to tumble down with just a kick. While the other one, was a young kid, it was much younger than her as the boy was just like a five years old in appearance but his black irises couldn''t be ignored.


    They were all emitting the same suffocating energy. Then Chun remembered the familiar energy that she felt during the transformation of Nola, it was good that she had snapped of it because if she hadn''t been prevented from turning into a Dark Charmer then she would look like this three Dark Charmers who had certain aberrations in their appearance.


    But Chun was curious about the abnormality of that Earth Dark Charmer as he looked more normal than his two companions.


    "Chun! You leave them to me. Just find the map and immediately go!" Feng Zi was still being thoughtful of not telling the place that she was supposed to go but it wasn''t good to face these three at the same time.


    "I''ll help---" before the silver haired young man could finish her sentence, the second prince declined.


    "No!"


    If it was the ninth prince then he would be dashing off to the said place despite his reluctance but sad to say, this was the silver haired young man who had a soul of an otherworlder and she was also a deity. Although she had cheats like any other systems that could offer to their hosts but she had the memories of her former deity-self.


    Looking through, she had been stubborn as she even dared to disobey the Creator''s warning and after that...


    "I won''t. Second Brother, don''t forget that I was the one to save you a moment ago." Hearing his younger brother''s declaration, Feng Zi almost puffed put his ?h?st for pride but embarrassment came crashing in. Recalling that he made a momentary ??psed that he was second from the death''s grip.


    "And it will be more faster," the silver haired young man added.


    Distorted chuckle? Or crying? resounded from the Earth Dark Charmer''s mouth. He was now more crazed than ever while looking at the two people in front of him.


    Excitement and greed flashed in his eyes.


    The girl who had a pale face said, "We''re looking to have two princes at the same time. We only need to exterminate the second prince but now another bonus had popped out!"


    Though her tone was bland with no excitement at all unlike the latter but her sentence said it.


    It only spelled that the second prince had been their target and what of it? What was their motive?


    They dared to hunt the second prince while the Supreme Ruler was present, either their nuts or they were really nuts.


    Or unless? The Supreme Ruler was ''busy''.


    But Chun''s slipped off was a misfortune as the Dark Charmers got the point.


    The said girl peered over at the silver haired young man, neither an expression on her face but a light of confusion passed in her eyes.


    She was conflicted who was this prince. She had never saw this prince. As the close aide of their Master, they had already memorized the faces of the Royal Family members but never heard nor saw any silver haired prince and this prince face was more handsome compared to other princes that she saw and what more... ''his'' hair resembled the hated enemy of their Master.


    "Older brother is handling that Majesty so we have time to what prince he is!" She brilliantly said to the others aloud.


    Meanwhile, the boy who looked like a five years old kid sighed in hopeless as he helped the idiot people with him. "He is the ninth prince."


    Hearing that, even the wordless Earth Dark Charmer was frowning although his crazed-look was undeterred.


    "Eh? I thought he''s dead?" The girl Dark Charmer voiced out.


    If he could leave this pig teammates to fend off for themselves, the boy had already done that from looking in his despairing expression.


    ''Master is so brainless sometimes.''


    Master who still yet to appear: ¡­.


    Well, it would not be only the Supreme Ruler but all of his siblings destroying him.


    He could understand that it not yet time for the silver haired young man to be known and it was still dangerous as there were many threats hiding, waiting to retaliate on the Royal Family so they decided that while Chun hadn''t still decided then they could hide the ninth prince.


    But the problem was Feng Zi wasn''t careful enough. Although he subconsciously ignored the fact that Chun herself slipped off the title but as the older brother, he should be the one responsible.


    "Stop chitchat. Let''s fight!"

 Chapter 201 - 188.3

    Hurried footsteps resounded through the dark hallways, only the light of the moon was guiding their path.


    The silver haired young man and the second prince had successfully escaped the clutched of those Dark Charmers. Thanks to the inteference of the teams who were on the hunt.


    They fortunate that they ran upon those participants ?ssigned to look for the Dark Charmers but they didn''t chance upon Lemon and the others.


    "We should be careful." Feng Zi reminded while they hide at the dark corner of a pillar.


    It wasn''t sure if those were the only Dark Charmers that were sent to hunt for them as even the information that Lemon had said that there were sighings of a Dark Charmer which he did not specify their numbers. Moreover, the second prince was concerned about them knowing the ninth prince. He needed to inform their Royal Father about this.


    "Zi, we''re near," Chun said after looking at the map. Their destination was the library because that was the most closest thing that Chun guessed after hearing the hint that the Supreme Ruler had given.


    Next thing on the list was looking for the three objects which depended of their judgement.


    ''Only you know''


    ''What does it mean?'' She pondered on the way to the library building. The silver haired young man expected that the library would be like in Charm Excellence having its own building and her expectation did not let her down.


    The door of the library building wasn''t lock. Feng Zi was about to touch the knob when the silver haired young man felt a string of energy vaguely directed to the door handle.


    Without warning, Chun pulled the second prince while they stayed away from the door. At the same time, she kicked a pebbled towards it and as if trigerred, it blasted off. Bringing an earth shattering sound.


    BANG!


    If Chun weren''t perceptive enough then the ''thing'' that had been blasted off was the second prince. Meanwhile, Feng Zi shivered from that brutal outcome while he rubbed the dust particled that stuck onto his face.


    Etched on his face were astonishment and fear. The silver haired young man sighed, knowing that she would had that similar expression if she was in that position a minute ago.


    Clap! Clap! Clap!


    A familiar figure appeared near the blast, Chun saw the person and her eyes steeled. It was no surprise if this person had an opposite task which was against them.


    The dishevelled appearance of Fu Chen sported a languid and lazy charm on him. Not caring with mundane things, if not for being the mastermind of that explosion. Chun would believe that he was just a passerby.


    "What are you doing?!" There was anger in the eyes of the second prince. He was the first to break the intense atmosphere but with a grim face, he wouldn''t let this person go.


    According to the Intercompetition''s rules and regulations. Fu Chen just violated it, observing that trap. It would certainly blow an individual into pieces.


    As if not caring about the tornament, Fu Chen shrugged and said, "I knew you would be able to escape that small trick."


    His tone was confident but still his usual way of speaking of being slured and dragging made it look like provoking the other with that sarcastic remark.


    Fu Chen glanced at the silver haired young man with an underlying meaning while the vigilant second prince blocked his stare as he hide Chun behind him.


    Assuming the gaze of the former was being malicious to his Ninth Brother. It wouldn''t be good if Chun got hurt while in his care. He would not be let off by his siblings and he would be ashamed to face the ninth prince in the future.


    Which he decided, "Chun, you go while I''ll deal with him."


    The silver haired young man looked at the second prince with hesitation. Reluctant to leave but due to the other''s firm gaze, she acquiesced.


    "Then I''ll leave it to you!" She then left.


    The dishevelled looking young man waited for the silver haired young man to leave which surprised the second prince. He thought that the other''s task was to stop them from fulfilling their mission but it doesn''t seemed so¡­


    Fu Chen sensed his relief which made his lazy expression had a hint of light. Couldn''t wait for his surprise to be discovered.


    Noticing the strange expression that the youth had been plastered on his face, Feng Zi had a foreboding feeling. He was about to follow Chun but an attack stopped his foot from taking another step.


    "Hmm." Fu Chen just hummed with a displeased expression. Not liking that the other was putting his nose to another''s business while not finishing his own matters.


    The second prince turned to the culprit and calmed himself from acting mindlessly.


    "Alright. I''ll be your opponent."


    "Good."


    He hoped that the silver haired young man could hold on until he finished this person.


    Fu Chen knew what he was thinking. He smirked to himself, deciding to vent his misgivings from the first princess with the second prince as they were siblings.


    It might be evident but this nonchalant youth was quite vengeful if he wanted to and he would be just playing with the second prince.


    ''And as of for that ninth prince, it''s not yet their time.''


    -----------


    "Captain, are you alright?" Berry was concerned to the ''injury'' of the captain. Between them and the second prince, he was more aware of Eliza''s injury.


    The injury was gained years ago when the long black haired girl encountered a Dark Charmer during her patrol. She was still a Guard-in-training back then before she got her high position.


    That past injury had been a bane in Eliza''s career, she was supposed to be the commander of the Guards after graduating but due to it, even before graduation, she went to the position of the Acting Master which was like a manager to the Guards with the highest authority but still Berry couldn''t help but remember her valiant figure at that time.


    Berry heard that months ago that Eliza had been exposed to dark energy because one of the first year was on the process of turning into a Dark Charmer, luckily it didn''t happen¡­but still..


    This was the one of the rare moments of having the strawberry haired youth worked up. He was too worried for the captain, knowing the unfavorable situation of the doubles segment.


    Eliza maintained her expressionless face and answered that she was fine. Although, she would sometimes tremble a bit because of the fluctuations of dark energy. Her steadied herself while looking at their current opponent.


    Before the segment started, the coordinators informed them that they shouldn''t be worried by their teammates outside.


    Even without divulging anything, they knew that the task that was given wasn''t simple. Lemon left in a hurry with Notalie and Lollipop which he forgot to inform the captain about the task yet they had a knowledge what was it.


    From the frequent fluctations of dark energy, the Alliance darkened their gazes. The other teams weren''t that clueless as well, the dark energies were too strong not to be ignored.


    The coordinators reassured them that the Royal Family was also helping which settled them but it didn''t meant that they should be slacking off with the current segment.


    "Captain, let me do it." with his decisive tone, the strawberry haired young man drew in his arms and crackling bolts of purple currents travelled in both of his arms.


    Their opponents were surprised to the passive person a while ago.


    Looking at the familiar purple lightning, the shorter youth grabbed his teammates at they distanced themselves.


    "Brother, that''s¡­"


    "Warring Thunder!" His so-called brother finished his statement with surprised in their faces. Even the teams who weren''t on the field while watching the match between the Alliance and the Redforth, they were astounded to witness that familiar purple lightning.


    The old members of each teams had a tacit understanding while the newbies and the seemed to new ones were unaware as they asked the others.


    They got this same reply, "We almost forgot ''him''. He''s only second to the Alliance Captain when it came to aggressiveness."


    The newbies could only frowned while looking at the strawberry haired youth who had a sleepy face earlier.


    Before all of this happened.


    Li Tao and Jiang Chi were the remarkable pair of the Redforth team from Stone Academy of Cyan Continent.


    Last tournament, they had almost beaten the Alliance by a slight margin of points during the doubles segment as they had miscalculated their move but now, they wouldn''t let another slip up.


    Eliza was the most familiar of their offences and defences which she was able to hold out until then and she was confident that she could overwhelmed these two as they couldn''t be compared to the Chang Brothers when it came to coordination but she didn''t think that her injury would act up for a littke traces of dark energy.


    She had told Berry that she could handle it he ?ssist by the side. She had considered that it would be a burden to the latter to keep up with her so she wanted to take them all but she overestimated herself.


    They slowly being overwhelmed by the Redforth team. The pair with flashy attacks was closed to performing a show and they thought that the show was about to end with bouquet of flowers to their path yet the moment that purple currents appeared, they felt pressured.


    Warring Thunder wasn''t easily to be forgotten.

 Chapter 203 - (DO NOT UNLOCK. JUST AN ERROR)

    Chun breathed in and out. She was inside the library and started to look the three objects that they needed to find but while on it, she was overwhelmed to the high-rised bookshelves that were displayed in her sight.


    She forgot that libraries in elite schools were too huge and thousands of books would be here. But that wasn''t the point, in the hint that was given to them. It didn''t state about the objects being a book but she was still confused.


    The silver haired young man went to the librarian''s cubicle where the students would usually go to borrow a book. Maybe, she could find a clue there.


    Turning the pages one by one. Chun skimmed through the book registry. There were written names of the students who borrowed books and she immediately turned to the latest register.


    ¡­..Name / Book(s) / Date¡­..


    Feron - The Fool''s Demise - Spring/23rd/xxxx


    ''Surely, there is a clue.''


    However, she didn''t expect that the lead could conclude some of her speculations. Feron was the name of one of the coordinators and there were three of them then it meant that the other two objects could be in-line with those other two.


    "23rd of Spring, xxxx. The Fool''s Demise. Feron."


    The date written was the same as the current date which meant that this was the right clue that Chun was looking for. And the ''The Fool''s Demise'' was obviously a book but which book?


    There were many bookshelves to start with and the silver haired young man couldn''t delay on finding those objects, knowing that there was a duration.


    "Host, you''re smart."


    Xuan might be silent the whole time but he was always there spectating.


    The silver haired young man didn''t turn to where the snobbish system was located while she said, "Can you confirm that the duration time of this is by dawn?"


    "Yes. The closing of the library is until dawn then you can go back after 12 hours. So for within one week, there would be no daylight but the time still continues to run."


    Chun was looking through the other notes of the librarian while she listened to Xuan''s statement. The brunette youth with a bored expression smiled while he neared the cubicle. He leaned to his host as if divulging a very confidential secret.


    "Host¡­" The body temperature of Xuan was not any different of having no body temperature at all. It only meant that he didn''t exist in this world as only Chun could converse and see him.


    "Hmm?"


    She ignored the leaning youth while she looked for the clues of the book. There must be something here.


    "I can help you with this while you owe me a favor."


    The silver haired young man doubted her sense of hearing as well as she doubted the words that came from a useless system. For the times that she spent in this world, she had never had Xuan help her. He only appeared when he needed to and he never insisted of helping her. Chun didn''t mind of not having any ?ssistance from him because she could take care of herself.


    "Did you drink your medicine?"


    Xuan: ¡­.


    --///


    "So you say that the Royal Family knew about the Dark Charmer that was supposed to be an acquaintance of the Supreme Ruler but those three a while ago wasn''t the said acquaintance?"


    "Right."


    "Other than that, the Royal Family will only move when this segment will at its end?"


    "Right."


    "Meaning that they have no idea about the three tresspassers?"


    "Right."


    "And lastly, we cannot escape this Domain Space that Gai created until the doubles segment finishes and that would be in week''s time?"


    "Right."


    Xuan lazily affirmed while he and the silver haired young msn trudeged to the mystery section. She found out that the book was detective genre theme and she didn''t waste time while they talked.


    "Now you owe me a favor."


    Chun smirked and continued to walk. She carelessly replied, "We can''t be sure if what you had said to me is a fact. It can be just your imagination."


    ''Are you trying to pit me? Wish you luck. You suddenly help me by owing you a favor. Do you think that I''m stupid?'' She thought, willfully.


    The silver haired young man might have an innocent shell for the most of the time that she spent in this world as she had no opportunity to trick anyone.


    She did her best in doing the missions that was given to her. It was all smooth sailing. She had never encountered any scheming people because the ninth prince''s siblings had took care of them after they knew of her existence. And before that, she had great friends who were the ones taking care of unpleasant people in her way, it could be sum up that she had many golden th??hs.


    It wasn''t her fault that she had been relying to them. Why would she exchange convenience for inconvenience?


    Ara (nightmare beast who taught her in the Snow Palace) said that if there were people that wanted to help you, voluntarily then you shouldn''t be shy to it as it was for your own good, too.


    The silver haired young man was proud that she learned that. Before going back to her world, she should visit Ara for the last time.


    ----


    The nightmare beast who had been grooming her fur felt a sudden chill from the night wind.


    ----


    Chun ignored that the snobbish brunette was fallen behind her steps while she walked through the aisle.


    The smell of the books were the best scent that the silver haired young man had ever smelled. The fresh opened books and the old musty books. ''This is paradise.''


    ''The Deception¡­The Art of Playing Safe¡­ Tossed Coins¡­.The Fool''s Demise¡­ Walking Through¡­''


    "The Fool''s Demise." She stretched her hands to grab the book but there was a thief who was a second faster than her.


    "Chi chi chi," The ''thief'' squeaked while its dark furs shook and it passed in front of the silver haired young man.


    "What is that?"


    "That''s the bug!" Xuan blurted out and it was too late for him to backtrack in what he said.


    "Bug?"


    They were both chasing the pesky ''thief''. It was a rounded black fur from what could be shown in its bouncing shape, it kept moving and dodging Chun and what was making Chun angry was it would only bounced away when the silver haired young man was a hand-reach away from it.


    The book was hanging in its mouth as it squeaked, provocatively.


    "Chi chi chiii!"


    She stopped while she calmed her breathes. Chun coincidentally saw that the brunette system was smiling while leaning on a bookshelf, looking at her making a show. He had a ''do you want my help?'' expression plastered in his face while smirking there.


    It couldn''t be help that Xuan was enjoying her misfortune as she had just tricked him but it also couldn''t be help that she doesn''t need his help.


    Ara had also taught her that, she only need to receive ''voluntary'' help but not unintended ones.


    She smiled at the nonchalant youth and turned to the ''thief''. Chun concentrated her wind charm around the space of the black furball and with a gesture of capturing it, she incapacitated the poor ''thief''.


    The black furball was squriming in the hold of her wind charm while she took the book from its mouth.


    "Chiii chiii chi!"


    The silver haired young man sarcastically grinned at the squirming ball and busied herself with the book. The book was the right clue. When she opened it, there was a rainbow-color feather squeezes in its pages serving as a bookmark.


    ''Page 229¡­ a pink scarf."


    That was written on the page that was highlighted by a pink marker. Chun put the rainbow feather bookmark in her spatial storage and looked at the time of her communicator.


    1:33¡­


    5:30 was the dawn time which meant that she had only four hours and three minutes until the closing time of the library.


    Before that¡­


    "This thing is a bug? What do you mean?"


    She must clarify some things before she would proceed in this task. It would unfair that as a chosen performer in this world, she had no idea about this ''bug'' matters.


    Xuan just smiled and didn''t want to say anything about it but Chun wasn''t an easy person.


    "Then I will give a bad review---"


    "Alright, alright. I''ll talk." He sighed in defeat.


    The silver haired young man held the black furball in her hands while it wanted to get away but unluckily, every strokes that Chun patted in its furs were threatening. ''Good boy, good boy.''


    Like a good ''dog'', it motionlessly behaved itself with a lifeless ''Chi.''


    It sensed his life would immediately perish if he angered this human like his original ''master''.


    "That creature suddenly appeared in the Circus administration after the start of the newbies'' test. Third Seat was the one who captured it but it tricked Third Seat and entered this world while I was about to go back from my report."


    Chun continued to stroked the trembling black furball while she pondered and then she noticed the familiar golden eyes of the creature.


    "What is its true form?" She inadvertently asked.


    "A small bird with strange golden feathers."


    "Oh."


    Xuan sighed as if granted amnesty. He had never been in this kind of tight situation, knowing his superior-self, he had never suffered like this but of not for the importance of the review of his host, he would really want to teach this person a lesson.


    The silver haired young man immediately turned to the snobbish system who she felt that was glaring at her but looking at it, Xuan maintained his nonchalant expression while he smiled in response.


    Looking at the poor fella in her hold, "Do you want this?"


    Xuan uncaringly declined. Even knowing that this was a bug in this world, Xuan had no care of it. It wasn''t one of his responsibilities of capturing it as he had already finished his task of informing the management about it earlier while Chun was busy chasing the bug.


    "Then let''s proceed." Continue to look for the next object.


    A pink scarf¡­

 Chapter 204 - 188.5

    While the time duration in the silver haired young man''s side were limited but in the Eliza''s and Berry''s side were not bound to it.


    The long black haired girl and the strawberry haired youth were finished with their match and the tide that was supposed to be in the Redforth''s favor were turned around to the Alliance.


    At this moment, it was a match of the Rose and Terances. Poison versus Venom.


    The contenders were specialized in the wood charm, while the Chang Brothers were a variant of plant charms, the Vipers were a variant of turning things venoumous.


    The Vipers were just an established name for the two members of the Terances as they were specialized in animal variant. They were also one of the teams who got out of luck yet still it was luck in disguise. Their doubles wasn''t supposed to be the current participants but that were the names that came out from the line-up then they had no choice.


    Gu Hai was a wood Charmer who specialized in beast taming while Zhen Jun was also a wood Chamer but more of in the animal variant, he could make any harmless beast venoumous and what was difficult with him, he could instill venom in any part of his body. For example his nails and skin, just a contact of it then one would be inflicted.


    "Brother, let''s be careful," Chang Jing said to his older brother. Chang Ming knew the thoughts of his younger brother so he agreed.


    They had been competing in this doubles segement which meant that they had both a tacit understanding and they were also siblings. They were together since birth, although they weren''t twins but Chang Ming was just a year older and their birth date were separated by a day.


    Wasn''t it coincidence or a fate of brothers?


    The selected dueling place in the doubles was a mixed terrain. The theme wasn''t survival but just a pyramid elimination match. There would be a one-on-one match for every team that would be climbing up and it was made to be based on the accumulated team points for the last three tournaments.


    Although the Rose had been the previous Champion by a little point margin but it couldn''t be said when it came to Blues that were kept on giving them a stalemate when it came to contributions points.


    The Alliance had been a fierce competitor but it their fire stagnated after their team was reformed and the Blues came to be the next rival which was shoulder to shoulder with the Rose.


    Then in the pyramid elimination round of the doubles segment. The Blues would be the last contender to be faced off. That was the fixed spot while others were at a random.


    Eliza expressionlessly looked at the fight between the Rose and the Terances. It was already known that the Chang Brothers would still win on this match despite their opponents were full of agressive fighting power but it wasn''t matched with the coordination of the Changs''.


    But Eliza knew that this match would be a bit difficult to handle by looking at their opponents'' movements.


    "Berry, prepare." It was a simple reminder but the strawberry haired young man who had been in dazed their due to sleepiness, awakened. He knew that they would face off the Rose after this match.


    He perched up and observed the match that was about to finish with just one perfect strike.


    --------


    Chang Ming admitted that these uncalled pairs were a bit hard to handle for them. Chang Jing could only launched his special ability if he got in a certain distance with the opponents and that was difficult to execute. Everytime, Chang Jing tried to get close and locked with Gu Hai that was less to be dangerous, Zhen Jun would appear and sent out his partner''s pet Night Howlers to handle them.


    The two Night Howlers weren''t venoumous only their ferocious bites were fatal but once Zhen Jun touch them, he instilled venoms in their claws which was difficult for Chang Jing to get a close distance activation.


    Moreover, the mixed terrain wasn''t just for show as it was convenient for all charm ability users. It could maxed out the highest degree of skill ability control and their charm precision which meant that even though Chang Ming as a wood charm user with a plant variant could only used his charm in a forest terrain, he could freely summoned plants on any kind by his own will in the mixed terrain.


    Both teams were at an advantage with this type terrain but it would only be decided in how they would use it at their advantage. The advantage could be at the same a disadvantage.


    They never knew.


    "Jing, I will distract them while you stealthily plant those ''things'' of yours." Chang Ming had made up his mind.


    They must win this because the other option would be losing. And other than the team''s prestige for his inspiration in winning this match, he also wanted to duel with Warring Thunder.


    He remembered that time when he suffered a fatal hit that almost ended his life. Chang Ming had no idea what had been running in Berry''s mind at that time because he just suddenly struck a overwhelming bolt and immediately ended the duel while he instantly left.


    It was luck for his younger brother to be protected by him during that perilous moment which made him severely injured and it almost made Berry to be banned in the tournament but he was the one to not allow it because he was the victim so the coordinators let it off.


    Chang Ming wasn''t resentful by almost knocking at the death''s door. He was just fired up to defeat that guy. What infuriated him was the lazy expression of that strawberry haired youth, seemed to be harmless but it was just a cover.


    The drowsy Berry by the side: he felt chills on his body, sensing an ill omen.


    -------------////


    The pink scarf was something out of place in this library setting and it gave the silver haired young man a headache while she looked through again to the librarian''s cubicle, she might have missed something there.


    The black furball that she was squeezing earlier was now in his best behavior, resting at the shoulder of the silver haired youth. Chun figured out the identity of the bug and it was none other than her forgotten ''pet'' Thundra. That legendary thunder bird who looked like a snotty peacock while it haughtily challenge her during her trip to that island which she forgot the name off.


    Or was it an island?


    Mysteriously, Chun was able to established a mind link to Xiao Fen. The Thundra was happy to know that his master was alive.


    Xiao Fen had been in doubt since Chun was left sleeping in the Shuho Household due to some unknown ''illness''. Art, the butler of his master didn''t stayed calm as that Demon Prince travelled back to his father''s land to procure a ''mystical cure''.


    While the Shuho Household had been in chaos, the thunder bird slipped through. He escaped from the household while trailing to follow tendrils of his master''s spirit connection to him.


    He was fortunate enough to end up here.


    ''You mean that father and my brothers were in distress of finding a cure for my abnormal sleeping condition?''


    ''Yes...''


    Chun fronwed. How did it stand as if she was suffering in an illness.


    ''Who was the doctor?''


    ''Master---''


    ''Chun.''


    ''Chun-ni Master!'' Xiao Fen immediately corrected with his nickname to his master.


    ''It was due to a passing wanderer. She said that she was a travelling doctor.''


    Meanwhile, Xuan who had been silent at the side could only see that that the black furball on the silver haired young man''s shoulder was kept on ''Chi chi chi'' while Chun would occasionally pat it as she continued to search around.


    ''Doctor? Why would suddenly a ''doctor'' appear out of nowhere?


    "Chi chi chi."


    ''Yes. Xiao Fen finds it odd as well.''


    Chun decided to dismissed that topic while she had another pressing matter.


    ''Aside from that, did you find something strange about that silver box?''


    "Chi chi chi."


    ''Chun-ni, I had a look at it while your body fell asleep and ancient runes slowly were stretching at that silver box. That seemed to the Deity of Prevalent Tragedy''s marking.''


    As a legendary thunder bird, guardian of the Mountain Qi together with his kind. He was more familiar with the markings of the deities.


    Chun knew that this Thundra wasn''t aware of her deity identity due to having no time to talk with this guy seriously. It could be explained that this was the sloth birds fault. He had been lazing in her room since Chun had picked him up. The bird had been no use to her so she almost forgot about it but looking at this current situation, the bird was useful when finding its master.


    She had known also from bits of their conversation that the blood contract between her and Art was still in active while she away. Xiao Fen ?ssured her that the demon was still healthy because of her preparations of stacking up her blood for the other.


    Chun was rest ?ssured but still worried of the Shuho Household. Her father and brothers wasn''t in the know of her situation.

 Chapter 206 - 188.7

    The clock ticked ''til dawn.


    At the same time, the teams in the doubles segment were finished in the first round matches.


    It was a definite result and next would be the elimination round. A round that the coordinators prepared for the eliminated teams to challenge a team that they wanted to take over their position.


    The Three Kings; Rose, Blues and Alliance. No one wanted to challenge them in this round. It was reasonable to avoid storms and floods.


    Eliza and Berry were on their own box, resting there.The strawberry haired sleeper wasn''t in the mood to get a wink. He noticed that the high ceiling of the enclosed colliseum-like place did not change.


    They were aware that the high-ceiling were enchanted with illusion charm which reflected the outside sky. Even though it was just an illusion to make the atmosphere in the venue at ease but the reality it showed wasn''t fake.


    "Captain, the sky is still dark," Berry said while he glanced at the dark starless sky.


    Moreover, the match did not start yet as the coodinators stated that they could have a thirty minutes break but while they were in the box, they still could see what was happening outside. Even the other teams noticed as well.


    Eliza looked up and silently gazed at the dim dark sky. Her expression was unreadable, no one knew what she was thinking.


    --------


    The place that Chun ended up was another setting that wasn''t there earlier. Xiao Fen directed his master to the concentrated energy he sensed and he did not expected that it was a trap to transport them to another location. Fortunately, the snobbish system suddenly volunteered himself to shield them for a safe transfer which it made them well as they had arrived in the cave-like place.


    Maybe, it was really a cave?


    Chun saw that the place they were at was alighted with torches, she took a torch from the wall. The place had only a one way, behind her was just a dead end which meant that she needed to go forward to get out of this place.


    ''Master, this is not good.''


    Even without the warning of the black furball, Chun already sensed the danger as they proceeded forward.


    Xiao wasn''t scared at the danger before them but what he was anxious was that he wouldn''t able to protect the silver haired youngman with his current form.


    As a ''bug'' in this mission world, he was just only limited to moving and some small basic attacks but if he would use his real power then this form of his would collapse and he would be immediately ejected.


    He didn''t wish to leave his master in this place but if there was no other option then he would just wait for her once she got back. He was confident with his tracking skills.


    Xuan was silently following the silver haired young man when he suddenly blocked her path.


    The black furball stood in all fours while he looked vigilantly at the brunette youth.


    ''What is he planning?'' The Thundra thought.


    Xuan finally decided to give an ?ssistance. He had been bored to be an observer, why not join the fun? Also, the administrator couldn''t interfere. Xuan knew that Sixth Seat (Ryder) was busy and only the kid was left to watch the main system so it could be said that Blu did not bother if the issue wasn''t that big.


    The silver haired young man frowned at his action but she stopped her tracks. She could pass through Xuan if she wanted yet she wanted to see his scheme.


    "I''ll offer you an escape rune."


    It was surprising to hear that from this unrelenting person but in fact, Chun didn''t need it. She doesn''t need that his help but what was offered, shouldn''t be declined.


    "Are you helping me as a system or as a fellow performer, Senior?"


    Xuan smiled at the question of the latter, he then replied, "It''s free. Just do your mission quick."


    "No other purposes?" She wanted to make sure. What if?


    ''This guy is truly cunning.'' Xuan with his profound thought.


    "None."


    "Then I''ll take up that offer next time," she then continued her journey.


    The snobbish system was left unsuspecting. He did not expect that response. But he wasn''t a pushy person so he didn''t pursue the topic. If this youth blamed him for ''his'' overconfidence then ''he'' should blame ''himself'' for it.


    Xuan lazily shrugged while he tailed his host, amused for the other''s reaction. He would just see if what Chun would do.


    Yes. Surprise him.


    Chun was oblivious to the dark scheming thoughts that her system had been thinking while she trudged the only patch. She did not encounter any difficuties on the way nor any turning paths as the way that she was taking was straight ahead.


    Meanwhile, a covered in black woman with shadowy stature smiled. Her black pupils were bottomless while she gazed through the dark, waiting for her ''soul''.


    -------


    The teams was shocked when they heard the declaration of the Constellar. This was a newbie team, they were just established last Intercompetition which they went out as a dark horse during that time.


    Their total team points was astonishing as it was truly a rare feat for a newbie team to have that kind of total score. They even surpassed the record of the Alliance during their newbie year which made this team confident.


    Now, they were the best example of climbing a rocky mountain with b?r? feet.


    One of the reasons why Eliza''s parents died was due to that which Nathalion did not want to partake, knowing that his precious granddaughter would also suffer.


    And one of the rumors was Eliza was supposed to be bethroted to Armanis if Nathalion didn''t escape with his granddaughter.


    Long stroy short, the Larow''s Household resented Nathalion for it.


    Even Armanis hated Eliza. She was so powerful now that it would be good if she didn''t escape. They were a great match.


    He snorted while he stood in a lofty manner and said, "I challenge the Alliance!"


    Armanis didn''t expect that their overwhelming streak would resulted to this after they were matched up with the Blues but it was really a blessing in disguise. As in this round, they could choose a team to fight with.


    Currently, the one who was administering the elimination match was the unruly Dexer. He flipped his bangs while raising his brows in amusement.


    It was a good timing that Feron and Gai was busy due to the unforeseen situation on the other side. He was happy to witness a good show.


    With his smiling satire, "Oh. Then do you have anything to say?" he urged.


    Armanis sneered but he didn''t forget his condition.


    "If we win, Eliza! I dare you to come back in Cross Household."


    Going back means that she will be marry him.


    Even though they ran away, her grandfather didn''t change their last names. It was laughable in her side as she didn''t want to be recognized as one of those scums but despite that, Nathalion had been that kind of grandfather. Protecting her while at the same time, protecting the memory of her parents.


    The Cross wasn''t just a surname but it was also her only connection to her parents. If they changed their last name, it was a show of severing their ties and as well as severing their bloodline.


    This was one of the norms in Terapika. The family bloodline, it was the most important here. When Chun had read that in one of the books in the Snow Palace, she was amazed by the mysticity of the bloodlines in this world. It was one of the reason why, although the ninth prince was initially a waste, the Supreme Ruler just put him in that cold haven and let circumstances took care of him.


    They could never kill or harm their own kin explicitly and dirrectly as divine retribution in this world was real. But that wasn''t the real reason of Magnus, it was just that, this was his perfecrt heir. He never had mistaken it.


    The expressionless long black haired captain was not moved by this. She just glanced at the arrogant face of the handsome youth.


    Berry didn''t want to have this situation prolonged so he responded, "Then if the Alliance win, you shouldn''t bother Captain."


    Eliza immediately turned at the strawberry haired young man. She was surprised by the other''s statement but she still maintained her poker face meanwhile Berry just yawned while waiting for the opponent''s agreement.


    Armanis frowned. He didn''t like what he was seeing but he controlled his irritation and arrogantly raised his chin.


    "Deal."

 Chapter 207 - 188.8

    The silver haired young man walked deeper the dark endless path. She had the aid of the torch lamp, lighting the path beyond her was still the blackness of the cave.


    ''If you delve deeper into the darkness, the darkness will delve into you.''


    She couldn''t help but derived a phrase within this eerie place. The cave was humid. Every step she took, she could feel the moisture under her shoes.


    Chun continued her walk while the black furball on her shoulder kept quiet, trembling with uneasiness. The black furball was shaking in anxiety, even a Thundra like him knew what danger lurking in the darkness. The more they got closer, Xiao Fen sensed an oppressing aura.


    However, the silver haired young man was feeling strange. The odd yet familiar feeling rushing within her bones¡­no¡­ it was a feeling coming from her soul.


    ''This¡­''


    "Chiii chi!"


    Xiao Fen didn''t know why his master suddenly quickened her steps, as if there was something ''exciting'' beyond that darkness but only he felt danger.


    The black furball with small fluttering wings, with all his might tried to pull and stop the silver haired young man in rushing to her death.


    "Chiiiiiii chi chi chiiii!"


    ''Chun-ni, don''t be rash! I feel bad there!''


    He kept perching and squeaking, diverting Chun''s attention from running to that place. The silver haired young man halted her movements while she listened to her ''bird''. The Thundra was persistent on stopping her and that made her curious.


    Even though, the familiar feeling couldn''t be ignored. Her instincts was even telling her. That was her¡­


    Fragment.


    And this fragment was not like the first one that granted her a small glimpse of her memory nor the second one which enabled her deity ability, not even the third fragment that ascended a little bit of her deity-self while she regained another part of her memory. She felt that this one was very important.


    Very very important.


    Titus told her that once she slowly regained back her deity memories, her half-deity form would slowly progress until her full original form.


    ''Pandora, the Deity of¡­''


    The silver haired young man had been curious to one thing since having the partial memory of her deity-self. What was her title as a deity?


    She sensed that this fourth fragment could suffice her inquisitieness.


    "Chi chi chii!"


    ''Master, what are you thinking? We must go back now. This is not a good place.''


    Chun almost forgot the presence of the black furball. He was the one to stop her from nearing that familiar ''feeling''.


    ''Xiao Fen, I need to retrieve my ''important'' part there.''


    ''Eh? What important part, Master?!''


    Although the Thundra had a foreseeing ability, he only knew that his master was special because he was unable to see-through the silver haired young man but he was ignorant to the real identity of the latter despite her unique case.


    Xiao Fen wasn''t aware to the deity identity of the silver haired young man which was reasonable for him to stop the other from entering the darkness further.


    Chun also knew this but she was in a hurry to obtain her fragment. Maybe this was destiny, for her to end up in this mission world.


    She didn''t think that she would discover her fragment here.


    Truly fortunate.


    Looking at the eager face of his master. Though he was opposed for leaving Chun to danger but he decided to accompany the latter, knowing that his master said that an important thing to her was in there.


    Chun was released by the Thundra as the other went back on her shoulder, silently allowing the silver haired youth to continue her path.


    For two minutes, she had walked with the alighted torch lamp. The ''feeling'' was getting stronger and the black furball on her shoulder felt a sense of crisis from the overwhelming pressure.


    Xiao Fen then realized this kind of dangerous yet familiar oppression.


    ''This¡­this is a deity''s divine aura.''


    But what Xiao Fen was perplexed in was how did this divine aura exist in this generated world when the deities were in the original world, specially in the Mountain Qi.


    Opposed to the bedazzled thoughts of complexity of the Thundra, the silver haired young man was exhilarated and drunk with an expression of excitement.


    She had confirmed that this was her fragment, the nearer she got, the clearer it was. But somehow, there was another being there. Was it a guardian of the fragment like in her first fragment?


    "Chi chiiii!"


    The dazed thunder bird was now awakened from his thoughts, even though the emitted aura was a sign of danger. He couldn''t help but be excited, it was a deity. A deity that he liked the most.


    The ''chi chi'' noise of the Thundra made the silver haired young man paused momentarily while her expression tightened while her conjectures were confirmed.


    ''Chun, Master! Pandora!''


    Xiao Fen might be a part of the Thundras that stood as a neutral party when it came to the clashing factions between the deities. In which they only favored the Creator but Pandora was an exception. She was closer to the Creator which in turn made her favored by the Thundras and also she had been in the neither faction of the deities.


    But that was it¡­


    The black furball closed his eyes while he wanted to forget a painful memory from six hundred years ago.


    Chun noticed the changes of the black furball on her shoulder. At first, Xiao Fen was moving in excitement but suddenly, he ceased to move and went silent. The Thundra might be in a black furball form but as a master of the thunder bird, they were connected by a contract which enabled her to perceive the sudden turmoil of emotions of the latter.


    "What''s the matter?" Chun might not be that affectionate but she had still a conscience. She ruffled the motionless black furball while Xiao Fen was awakened by the warm touch.


    The white palm that almost covered the black furball brought warmth to him and erased his gloomy mood.


    "Chi chiii chiii!"


    The black furball slapped away the hand of the silver haired young man while he perched in anger, his liveliness was back.


    The door in front was covered with strange markings, the twirling silver-like patterns which reached the upper portion of the door and it stretched to the bottom.


    But what caught her attention was the ''calling'' of the ''other side''. This was the familiar feeling and the silver haired young man knew what was it. She had never been wrong with this sensation.


    Caught with the feeling, Chun didn''t notice that the black furball on her shoulder stilled while looking at the strange markings spreading in a vine-like pattern, it spreaded and intersected at the center part of the door.


    The door had no knob to twist in order to be opened but Chun determined that it was connected to this markings.


    ''Chun, I think that I saw this patterns.''


    ''Where did you saw it?''


    Chun was curious to the Thundra''s speculation. It was fortunate for her if Xiao Fen knew about this pattern. As a legendary thunder bird living in the deities'' mountain, he should know a lot.


    "Chiiiii!"


    The sudden squeak of the black furball near the silver haired young man''s ear made her scrunched up her face into a frown while massaging the ''damaged'' eardrums.


    ''What is it?''


    Xiao Fen''s crazily enthusiastic jumping made his voice in Chun''s mind depicted as a shrill squeaking of this bird.


    ''The markings! The silver box! Prevalent Tragedy!''


    ''Can you say it properly?'' Chun thought in irritation but somehow the words that the black furball blurted out were making a conclusion on her mind.


    ''Master, this is the pattern that I saw on the silver box while I had left to find you. The markings of the Deity of Prevalent Tragedy!''


    ''The silver box must be that real silver box!¡­?''


    Even though the Thundra almost knew the surroundings of his master and her traits but he was still unaware with some details, like this silver box.


    He was a guardian in the Mountain Qi but he had never got a glimpse with the three Pandora boxes. He had only heard its appearance from the description of his ancestors who were now in seclusion.


    Xiao Fen saw the silver box in his master''s possession but he doubted it. Although it matched the descriptions that he had heard yet it was impossible for it to appear, knowing that Pandora perished with it.


    ''But how come?''


    The silver haired young man was amused at the baffled expression of the Thundra. She was entertained with the fact that the legendary thunder bird did not recognize a divine artifact yet at the same time, she wanted to figure out the mechanism of this door.


    ''If it is related to Titus and the silver box then perhaps¡­"


    Chun widened her eyes in realization.

 Chapter 208 - 188.9

    Although, Chun had came with a realization, it wasn''t enough to open the door.


    (It means that although she had her conclusion and all but before that could be confirmed, she needed first to figure out how to unlock this knob-less door)


    ''How do we open it?'' The black furball landed on the ground while he started to imitate a normal bird, pecking the strange door with his nonexistent beak.


    ''Currently, he isn''t a bird. Why is he acting like one?''


    The silver haired young man did not bother the dumb bird while she started to figure out the strange door.


    While the black furball was pecking the doorsteps, Chun noticed a conspicuous markings at the ground, just beneath the door.


    It wasn''t a pattern but darkish-looking dried liquid.


    Even the imitating bird Xiao Fen noticed it as well, and while he was near, he smelled an old rustic smell. Like it was¡­dried blood.


    ''Master! It''s blood!''


    Immediately, Chun crouched down and took out a handkerchief as she wiped the blocking dirt on the traces of dried blood.


    It was really blood.


    "Chi?"


    "I don''t know if my blood can open this but let me try."


    The observing Xuan was interested what was behind that door which was not even present at the setting plot of the generated world but he was a lot more curious to the silver haired young man''s actions.


    He heard her statement. And playing as a helpful system, he confirmed Chun''s guess.


    Her blood could open the door but Xuan didn''t know the reason. The main system just helped him examined it but it was the same result, it matched.


    Chun cut a small nip on her palm using her air charm and blood spurted out from her fresh wound. She then pressed it at the center of the door.


    Suddenly, like a bloodsucking creature, Chun felt a warm current flowing in while her blood was being su?k?d by the strange door. The blood proliferated and all of the markings turned red as it shone, blinding the silver haired young man''s sight.


    Chun didn''t know that while the light was blinding her vision, she was being enveloped by it. Bringing her to an unfamiliar place. Meanwhile, Xiao Fen and Xuan was left behind.


    The place she was in was similar with the white space inside the silver box but still it felt unusual.


    The environment was not like the usual calm and quiet space, the sly deity would welcomed her with his deceitful smile because the one who welcomed her was the other persona of Pandora.


    She had the same curve smile like Titus but hers was more of an open temptation, knowing it was dangerous but one would likely volunteer themselves to fall in her trap.


    "Mistress, finally, you have come," The persona greeted her with its charming voice. The melodious tone and her lazy smile was setting off an alarm in the silver haired young man''s mind.


    But Chun was not patient enough to play with her charades. "Let''s not pretend anymore. Where is it?"


    "What do you mean?" The persona who had the face of Pandora or it might be not truly the face of Pandora but just its facade. No matter what, Chun wasn''t the type to dilly dally.


    The persona curled her lips in a mischievous smirk. She loved to play with this kind of serious person, knowing that ''he'' was so handsome despite she was in disguised.


    "I''ve been waiting for you. I never expected that we would be meeting here."


    The silver haired young man frowned from her statement. The implication was obvious.


    There was a momentary silence. The persona or let''s call it ''Pandora'' - smiled and puckered her lips in interest while observing the pretty boy.


    "I''m the second one, right?"


    ''Second?'' Chun thought.


    Pandora knew the thoughts running in Chun''s mind. Silence was a confirmation as well.


    Pausing but not contemplating, the persona said, "Then let''s start."


    The silver haired young man braced herself. The first fragment put her through to a life and death scenario in which she should choose who to save and this one could be¡­


    "You just need to answer three questions and I''ll give you the fragment."


    ''That simple?''


    Chun was conflicted. She would never trust a persona of Pandora, why? Let''s call it as her instincts telling her not to believe ''herself'' - well, her deity-self.


    Pandora hummed then nodded thoughtfully.


    "I''ll begin. Are you ready?"


    The silver haired young man looked directly at the direction of the smiling woman. Her white long hair was curly at its ends and the persona was playing it with her fingers while an amused smirk was plastered on her face.


    "The first question is rejection. How do you define rejection?"


    Surprisingly, it wasn''t a riddle. Chun pondered.


    She was in deep thought. She had not suspect that this was the first question but she should not answer with a simple thought.


    If one put it in simple words, rejection is refusal. Opposition for a belief of the person who asked them. The receiver''s refusal to the sender.


    Putting it in a love language, rejection to the other party''s courtship or attempts of courting. Then another one is the rejection to a business deal, a contract or just a simple attempt of an invitation to an event. There''s so many chances of rejection in every situation but how one defines it, depends on the person.


    The silver haired young man might be lazy and sometimes lacking with motivation but when it came to serious situations that needed careful thinking, she was like a wise person full of profound wisdom.


    A flashed of careful consideration appeared on Chun''s expression.


    The persona was very observant while at the same time, patient like the time was running for her or the time wasn''t even running in this space. The vast white space looking endless as ever was in a standstill as if the movement of time depended to the answer of the silver haired young man.


    "I define rejection as a challenge," Her simple answer but direct meaning dealt a momentary surprise to the persona but she masked it with amusement.


    "Good thought."


    Pandora was then made silent after her response. The one question was just a mere opening.


    The second was the desert and and the last one was the main course.


    "Alright, the second question."


    As if on cue, after the last word left the persona''s mouth, the environment changed. The white space which seemed to be endless changed into a forest-like theme.


    Pandora and Chun was standing in front of a cabin. The silver haired young man was about to ask the persona about the second question when suddenly a shout came from behind, interrupting her.


    "Hey! You let us chase you but you''re an idiot to make it easy for us," a man''s voice resounded.


    "Don''t move. We''ll shoot you." It was another man''s voice but it was more deeper than the former.


    Chun instinctively followed their words, it was not due to her will but this body''s will. It felt like she was trapped to a body that she had no control off.


    Although these sudden happenings baffled her but she saw that the woman with a mischivous smile seemed to be invisible to the two men who took hold of her. She ?ssumed that this was the second question.


    The young woman was also bounded but it was on a metal chair with some kind of wirings around it. It felt like it had an electrocution function. The weird things was her vague face, it was all fogged up, not allowing Chun to see the other girl clearly but her memory while on this body was that this girl was her best friend.


    While the silver haired young man was being tied as well on an identical metal chair but it has no wirings attached, the silent persona by the side suddenly opened her mouth.


    She was unseen to the people inside the cabin but she could still communicate to the silver haired youth.


    A smile hunged on her lips while she said, "This is the second question. If you were trapped in a body of your best friend or a loved one and the same with your best friend or loved one, they were trapped in your body, and the torturer wanted you to choose who to suffer the brunt of the torture. Who will you choose?"


    The second question was irrefutably difficult but if Chun would tread with cautious steps then a good answer would suffice. The silver haired youth''s head hunged low while she thought deeply.


    And another thing to ponder was, the body that she was possessing was not hers and the body that the other was ocupying was hers. This was a choice of between body and soul or body and mind.


    But there was another vital question.


    Chun lifted her head and asked, "Can I go back to my body after the suffering?"


    This was the trick test in this situation. It put one in deeper thinking but by carefully uncovering the situation, one would see that this was just a simple roundabout way of confusing the person who would be put in this happenstance.


    Pandora did not responded, she just flicked her sleeves and the scenario vanished. They went back to the same white space.


    She looked meaningfully at the silver haired young man while Chun was busy rubbing away the numbing pain of being suddenly bound.


    "What is it?" Chun asked.


    "You''re good."


    Then silence once again prevailed.

 Chapter 209 - 189

    "What did you say?" Chun wanted to clarify the words that had came out from Xuan''s mouth.


    "Mysteriously, you have completed the tasks. You can leave this world now."


    This statement was confusing. Chun was also ignorant to what truly happened at the main mission and other additional tasks as suddenly her snobbish system bursted in her room and this happened.


    "How?" The silver haired young man had been careless for some time but it was impossible not to be startled with this kind of development.


    She was currently relaxing at her room. Regarding about the first segment which lasted a week and due to the ''uninvited guests'' (Dark Charmers), the doubles segment was extended for another three days and finally, it was over.


    And surprise, surprise! The Alliance had been first in the point rankings, just a slight margin higher from the Rose.The points was counted for the performance that Eliza and Berry had showcase. If it wasn''t for the provocation of the Constellar captain, Armanis, things would have not gone that far.


    Berry wanted to take it slow but when the smug Armanis showed up, he was obliged to do so. No one knew if his bottomline was being touched due to his friendship with Eliza or there was another meaning for his action but the silver haired young man was thinking elsewhere.


    Xuan only replied, "Master is back."


    She was stunned to hear that. It wasn''t possible¡­ unless that person was fake.


    Chun almost wanted to stand and reveal the identity of the body she had been possessing in front of Xuan. Even though she only got acquainted with Zero for an inevitable instance but she could feel the emotional turmoil of the body. It was likely from the subconscious of the original owner.


    But she also didn''t want to suddenly depart while the tournament wasn''t finished yet. She only got to participate in the doubles and she was the chosen player for the intellective segment.


    "Can I stay until the Intercompetition ends?"


    The brunette man had an opinion of its own but somehow he didn''t open his mouth as he agreed with the other.


    The two days relaxation was over. Chun and her team were heading to the field quadrangle where the intellective category would be held.


    For the current segment could only be possible in a big open space.


    The Alliance was not the only arriving team while some were earlier than them. They ?ssembled in line before their erected team flags. All of the team flags were very stylish and eye-catchy in their own way, it was visible that the schools of each team had prepared the flags with great hands.


    But the intellective segment was unlike the previous segment were audience were allowed to watch. The ten teams and the three coordinators were the only ones present, nonetheless this was the normality of this segment. Even the Royal Family wasn''t an exemption.


    No one could watch unless they were part of it, they only needed to wait for the results.


    In front of the teams was the mounted platform that was currently the three coodinators were standing. As usual, they wore their own signature expressions but there was a pink ''thing'' that was grabbing the attention of the teams. It was the pink scarf worn by the smiling Dexer. His green hair was already blinding and added with that pink scarf.


    "He looks like an actual strawberry," the curly haired youth voiced out what Chun was thinking. He even chuckled while Notalie glared at him to shushed him.


    Even the glaring girl, Lollipop had a hint of smile in her eyes while she immediately dismissed it when she saw the silver haired young man was looking at her. She snorted at Chun while the latter ignored it.


    Chun was not surprise that the other took a liking of it. As she arrived, the cheeky man kept glancing at her way while purposely arranging his pink scarf. The familiar flashy scarf was none other than the acquired task item of hers.


    If he wants it then give it to him, why bother if the item was already surrendered to the latter?


    Feron turned a blind eye with Dexer''s antics. He stepped forward and explained the mechanics of the intellective segment and as predicted by the long black haired captain, it was a tower defense team play.


    The teams who didn''t come up to this conclusion, reacted while some wasn''t surprised.


    Qin Shi, the captain of the Blues hummed. His silver blue eyes deepened while he looked at a certain team''s direction, specifically a silver white haired person.


    Chun felt a gaze on her but when she turned around, she did not saw anyone looking at her.


    ''Was it her imagination?''


    ''Master!'' The chirping voice of the little bird invaded Chun''s thoughts.


    Xiao Fen was staying at her room because it was inconvenient to bring something inconspicuous. The black furball was too attracting and even her teammates did not know about it, it was due to Xiao Fen'' stealth ability that he was able to go unnoticed.


    ''What is it?''


    ''The energy flow of this world is ¡­strange.''


    After she heard that, the third question flashed in her mind.


    -------------


    The persona smiled while she twirled her curls with her fingers. They were on standstill after Chun answered the second question. The woman had been like that while observing her with deep meaningful look in her face.


    Chun could not understand what was going on her mind but she waited for the other to talk.


    "Interesting."


    Chun: ?


    But the persona wasn''t willing to talk in detail as she changed back to asking.


    "Well, this is the final question. Pick one from these choices, responsibility, purpose and love."


    ....


    It shone brightly, more mesmerizing than any other light, even the white space couldn''t compete with its brilliance.


    ''This was the fourth fragement.''


    The silver haired young man passed the test of the smiling Pandora while still looking at her with that odd expression on her face.


    After receiving the fragment from the silent persona, the white space begun to tremble. It was about to collapse but Chun didn''t panic as she knew that she was about to go out but before that the unmoving woman suddenly mouthed with voiceless words.


    ''The world is changing. Go, my goddess.''


    -----------


    Chun snapped out from her thoughts while Feron finished with the introductions.


    It was the start of the intellective segment.


    The amusing gameplay of tower defense was not the thing that caught the attention of all players. They were more focused on the set-up. Each of the ten teams had their own representative and these representatives would be grouped into three teams.


    There were ten of them and they would be divided by threes'', each member in the group had specific roles - the strategist, the empire and the hero. And roles has certain tasks and functions.


    The strategist was incharge of determining the positions of their enemy while taking the role of the leader leading the attack. The empire was one to be protected but it was the only role that could occupy a territory or tower of the enemy. The hero was the one to protect the empire, the player ?ssigned to this role must protect the empire well unless they wouldn''t be able to covet any enemy''s tower without it.


    Each of these teams had their own supplies and soldiers to expend because this would happened in a simulation space. Although, they wouldn''t be dealing the matter head-on but they would be using their mental strength in activating their actions.


    It wasn''t like the usual way of transferring them on a separate space nor using an illusion manipulation array like the last time where they played the mini event because this segment involved a massive creation.


    They would be using the energy embedded capsules where the players would lay in and their soul perception would be put in the gameplay environent.


    (Just like in a virtual reality game but this one involves the world energy.)


    Though, it was a new and interesting set-up for this intellective segment but that wasn''t the thing that


    caught the attention of the players.


    It was the division of the players. If three''s in each group then where would the solo player would go?


    Although, Feron mentioned that there was a fourth role in passing, he didn''t indicate what was it. This was one of the task of the solo player, ''they'' need to hide their role. If they would be found out then it was over for them. It was difficult situation for the solo player because they had no teammates and they would be an enemy with those three groups but on the brighter side, they did not need to be involved in the war.


    They needed to only maintain their hidden role while doing their task and first and foremost, they should be discreet what their task was because it would be over for them if the enemy had figured out.


    The coordinators only said that while they were on the team, their main goal was to occupy their enemy''s territory. Nothing more, nothing less.


    And it was not up to them to decide their teammates but the selection crystal would. Then they could ?ssign which role they would take.


    The first team were Fu Chen (Rose), Zin (Redforth), Righ (Landlord)


    Second team were Qin Shi (Blues), Renji (A.M), Li Yu (Fatal)


    Third team were Xander (Constellar), Xia Xia (Terrances), Sunshine (LWY)


    Looking at those flashing names of each participants, Chun just thinned her lips in a flatline.


    She had already a hunch while looking at the smiling coordinator who had a pink scarf tied around his neck.