Chapter 29 - 29: The Journey Final

"Finally cooperating, good. Now for the questions..."

Aron said to Anastasia in a calm almost mocking type of tone as he kept his hand raised still, maintaining the spell he had cast on her.

'I shouldn't ask so much that she suspects I'm not of this world...' Aron thought to himself before looking at Anastasia right in the eyes.

"If you lie, I won't hesitate to do what I said. For my first question, I want to know who the strongest person in Pesia is. It's common knowledge to everyone that it's the arch-mage but aristocrats are so secretive, so I need to be sure." Aron stated before explaining his reasoning on his own.

Anastasia took a moment to assess his question, she did find it strange but it would make sense for a commoner to doubt who was the strongest person in Pesia. What Anastasia was curious about was why he wanted to know.

"I can't speak for the other noble families but from my knowledge the arch merge is indeed the most powerful person in all of Pesia. How powerful exactly is known to maybe only the family heads who all hold great respect towards that title. Why do you ask?" After answering, Anastasia couldn't help but ask the reason as to why Aron needed surety.

"Quite simple really, an acquaintance of mine had told me no one can interfere with the matters of the Galos Academy. If the arch mage is the most powerful then I don't have to fear offending people during the journey." Aron replied casually and received a short nod from Anastasia.

To her his reasoning made enough sense but little did she know that wasn't even close to the reason Aron was asking. But seeing as she didn't seem suspicious, he carried on with the questions.

"For my next question, I want you to explain the power structure for Galos Academy. Rankings and such." Aron's facial expression remained stoic as he asked this while still maintaining eye contact with Anastasia.

For this Anastasia found no problem as it was general knowledge among the aristocrats of higher families. She explained that the journey could be considered the first test students receive at Galos Academy. Simply surviving grants you entry but excelling puts you on the rankings and gets you noticed by important figures.

For aristocrats, this was basically a battle ground where they'd try to make a name for name for themselves and bring honor to their families. But now with the addition of commoners, they have the opportunity to recruit the very best outside the aristocratic community. Which is why most major noble houses didn't protest to the idea of their addition.

As for how to excel, it was quite simple. Killing or defeating other contestants or beasts present during the journey and or finding some of the many artifacts and treasures hidden in the region.

"...I see, but then how do they measure each contestants number of defeats or kills?" Aron nodded at what Anastasia has explained thus far before asking this.

"Simple, the entire territory belonging to Galos Academy is one gigantic formation. It's tier is unknown to us noble families but it's a great example of just how capable the arch mage is." Anastasia explained but showed a sour look as she did this while Aron remained silent for a moment as if lost in thought before continuing.

"Well, that was enlightening. But on to the real question I've been meaning to ask. Why are you traveling alone? and remember... the truth." Aron reminded Anastasia before a small smirk appeared on his face.

Anastasia furrowed her eyebrows at this question and seemed reluctant to answer, but Aron's piercing was enough to tell her he was completely serious.

"Most times, major noble families don't battle during the Journey as they have little to nothing to prove. They almost always directly head for Galos Academy but this time with commoners present, some have chosen to use them to increase their ranking while most are after artifacts because it was rumored the arch-mage had items that even major noble families would want hidden in this years Journey."

"Most nobles are currently searching for these and so am I, everyone wants to gain glory and honor for their family by doing so and also have more talented commoners come their way." Anastasia explained while still baring a hateful gaze towards Aron who now lowered his hand, ceasing the spell he had cast upon Anastasia.

'Is that all he wanted to know?' Anastasia thought to herself as she calmed her breathing and looked towards Aron who was about to turn and leave.

"I acknowledge you aren't like other commoners. Swear allegiance to me and I guarantee you a more than comfortable life within the academy and if you perform well, a position in my family is all but guaranteed." Despite the hateful glare she still showed Aron, Anastasia was smart enough to recognize a good asset when she saw one hence she made Aron an offer without hesitation.

"I have no interest in swearing allegiance to anyone. As for a comfortable life in the academy, that's all but guaranteed now thanks to your information and coordinates". Aron replied vaguely before turning and walking away.

'Coordinates?' Anastasia thought for a moment before she had a sudden realization.

"!!"

A look of panic grew on her face as she began checking the pockets on her clothing frantically.

'It's gone!' She concludes with wide eyes before turning towards Aron who was close to exiting the room.

"You bastard! return it to me! If you so much as go anywhere near those coordinates, you'll be hunted down like the pig you are!" She threatened furiously and loudly but never turned back and continued walking away, the sound of the young woman cursing him growing fainter and fainter.

After leaving the lower floors, Aron didn't immediately return to his quarters but instead made a stop by Scarlett's.

When he arrived at her door, he knocked lightly on it twice before it rapidly swung open and a frowning Scarlett appeared.

She had changed from her usual attire and now only wore black undergarments that left little to the imagination.

"What?" She asked in an annoyed tone with her hands on her waist as she looked up at Aron.

"I'm from asking our guest a few questions and it's bred some rather interesting results." Aron explained before taking out a piece of paper and handing it to Scarlett who shifted from a frown to a greedy smile.

"You really know how to make a woman's night, but you know if we go through with this we'll practically become the most wanted group during the Journey, in both senses of the word." Scarlett pointed out but rather than worry, she had a greedy look in her eyes and a smirk on her face.

"That's what I'm hoping for. I Always plan ahead."

[Rule#16: Always Plan Ahead]