Chapter 122 - We Have Something that They Don’t

{So, are the instructions clear?}

"Yes, Professor!"

Professor Yusha had just finished discussing the new instructions for the students to the new level.

As stated by the moderator, the students would start into yet another entrance. The hologram map had shown the students a large, abandoned city-like kind of architecture. It had large monuments built and a compellingly sinister ambiance.

{That is the first floor of the dungeon! And see those red dots coming in the hoard? That will be the cyclops. You will all be situated in the entrance and in the middle of the paths, the cyclops will appear. And by the end of the floor,} says Yusha. {will be four doors that could lead to different chambers. One of them would be where the next level would be, two will be traps to a cyclops' den, and the other would lead to one of the undead royals.}

Faustina glances at the red dots from the far distance of the hologram, coming from the directions of North, East, and West. In the Southern area, several kilometers away (as far as Faustina could deduce) was the entrance that the professor had pointed.

"Th-then it's a game of chance . . . ?"

{It will be a game of strategy and luck.} Yusha chuckled. {I pray you will not underestimate Magierstadt again . . . after all, we will not pick the weak anymore.}

Silence.

A heavy silence transpired, following the professor's cold words.

{However . . .} articulates moderator Yusha, {Magierstadt isn't too harsh. The instructions were loud and clear. It isn't necessary to fight, but that doesn't mean will not need to. The only thing you have to do is to go past the hoard of cyclops and get to the exit, which would mean to choose between four doors.}

"B-but isn't that just a test of luck, then?"

{Oh! I did forget to say one thing.} says Professor Yusha. {Each door would lead to a specific chamber you all can go into. Each door would have its corresponding symbols and riddles that would lead to the answer of what lies ahead inside it. If you studied Folkmanor and Goldenfag, then you should be good to go!}

"Heeeh? I already forgot those Philosophers . . ." Whispered a student.

"Yeah, me too. They're taught to us when we were younger, so I don't think I remember them. Isn't the Philosopher Duncan more popular, though?"

{Folkmanor and Goldenfag are graduates of Magierstadt. They are one of the brilliant minds in the academy. I won't repeat the lesson you've already taken. You're all nobles, I see~}

"W-wait! You can see us?"

{Well, I can't. But the group who came here told me that nobles and the common folk had split,} says Yusha. {So I assumed you're all nobility. Correct me if I am wrong, though! Well I am not, so let's proceed—}

"HOLD ON A SECOND!" Said Anakin, stopping the moderator mid-sentence.

"Did I just hear that right?"

{Hear what right? Take note that I cannot see you all, but I will remember your voices. So refrain talking in a brash manner—children,} bellowed the voice, which turned Anakin silent for a minute.

{Hehe~} Yusha giggled. {So what is it that you want to ask?}

"I-if I heard it right . . . You said there was a group here that came . . . Before us?"

{Yup! You heard that right.}

"Th-they passed through the mock battles too? B-but we didn't see them—"

{Aha, no! They were able to skip the perils of the mock battle. That group had found a secret door and already advanced to the first level.}

"Then we'll be able to meet them?"

{Oh, no! That group already passed this challenge. They have already advanced to the second level! All of them!}

"Did she just say 'passed'?!"

"Those commoners got ahead of us?"

"How did that happen?"

{Ehe. So if you don't have any questions, I'll be leaving you guys now with thirty minutes to strategize your plans. The hologram map I have given will stay in you. They are powered by our specialized spells, so when you summon them—even by the mind—you will all be able to have them displayed right in front of you.} Yusha exclaimed. {Now then. I wish you all the best, our future students! May the firefly guide you all to your chosen paths.}

**

It's because of that cheat . . . !

Anakin curled his fingers to a fist. He felt like he had lost.

'You're free to follow us, Lord Anakin.'

That filthy Leviticus' face was appearing in his mind. That c.o.c.ky face of his and his mocking smile. That Heilen-looking commoner was looking down on him and had gone arrogant just because he knew some sort of a secret door.

That Zweite-folk filth . . . ! Anakin wanted to remark how Leviticus was from the second continent and a spawn of the Devil, but Anakin Disfiegro was smart enough to stop himself from doing so. He glanced to the nobles who were looking at the hologram map with sheer apprehension in their faces. Anakin knew that some of the nobles were from Zweite.

"Now, now, everyone." He says, clapping his hands. "We should strategize a plan."

As usual, he again caught their attention. Anakin was glad he used THAT to have their attention on him. A shady fellow had given him a charm before be entered the academy—and said that he would benefit from it.

"You will be able to have their eyes on you. The charm would make their attention yours. All you have to do is wear it."

"Huh. How dare you talk to me?"

"Don't you want to be the one to lead?" The cloaked man said. "If you do, then I will give you the offer of a lifetime. I will grant you objects Magierstadt's magic could not detect. Something that will help you climb to Ianua I."

"Interesting. I accept the offer, then! But being Anakin Disfiegro, I know you will give them to me for a price?"

**

Anakin stared at the students whose eyes were now on him. He flashed a smile as his sharp gaze met that of a solemn, naïve one.

"Worry not, everyone. Because we HAVE something that they do NOT."

"Have something that they don't?"

"What does that mean?"

"Do we have some advantage or some stuff?"

Anakin smiled.

"You shall see soon," Anakin murmurs, as he stared at Faustina whilst sliding his hand to his pocket, his fingertips feeling a crystalline object inside it.

**

"It comes for a price, right? Then name it. The Disfiegro household is exemplary and rich. Just name your price and I shall give it to you."

The cloaked man showed a wide grin.

"Bring me Faustina Feuerlon."