Bellion had been busy preparing for an important mission.
For two months, his focus was on gathering the best officers for a covert operation.
The goal was simple—infiltrate Milis with spies, a response to the fact that Milis had been doing the same to them.
He knew the operation had to be handled carefully.
Carefully, Bellion had handpicked the finest officers from across various sectors.
Each one had been thoroughly vetted, chosen for their loyalty, skills in espionage, and ability to blend seamlessly into enemy territory.
Every detail mattered, especially knowing Milis already having their own people embedded in the academy or military.
Much to the point where he found himself extremely exhausted.
'An eye for an eye.'
He thought, pacing around his cluttered desk.
He was worried.
Worried that they might be caught, and it would finally ignite the start of the war.
Bellion was well aware why Milis hadn't invaded them directly, and relied on discreet matters.
Most probably, they were afraid of the other countries interfering.
After all, if they were to frontally assault Holy Britannia without any reason, the other countries would most definitely be on Holy Britannia's side.
For that reason, Milis had relied on espionage, trying to set Holy Britannia up into making the first move—giving Milis a reason to wage war against them.
Bellion was most definitely worried if results wouldn't produce out of the operation.
He needed information.
The Imperial Army needed information.
Despite listening to the voice recordings Brandon had sent regarding Zeke's interrogation, sadly, they had never uncovered the reason for Milis's hostility.
Bellion was just about to listen to the voice recordings again, when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in."
He permitted.
The door opened and the familiar sight of Brandon emerged.
Brandon cut to the chase.
"Do you know where Evelyn is?"
"No."
And Bellion was quick to shoot down his question, shaking his head.
"She's at least informed about her sudden absence. Did she explain where she was going?"
"Unfortunately, no. She had only told us she would be gone, and hopefully, return after a week."
"I see."
Not that it wasn't important to have a valid reason for absence. But knowing Evelyn's position and reputation, there was no need to question her privacy of whatever plagued her.
"In any case, I actually wanted to talk to you."
Bellion began, his gaze alternating from the documents piled on the desk and back towards Brandon.
"I heard of your awakening to S–rank. Congratulations. It's becoming a buzz in Ranker Weekly as we speak. I honestly didn't expect this."
"Thanks. Even I didn't expect it."
Brandon smiled and sat across Bellion.
Bellion could tell the hints of sarcasm in his tone.
Truth be told, though it was an unremarkable possibility, Bellion had foreseen it coming.
For a man of Brandon's caliber, awakening into the S–rank would've happened sooner or later.
"I'll just have to pencil in some extra study time. Don't worry, I'll write my way out of this one."
"Ha!"
"Hah...."
Bellion chuckled, shaking his head.
"Alright, alright. Just don't go erasing all the progress you've made."
"I've got it all in lead."
***
Raven roamed the halls of the academy, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridor.
He had just finished reviewing his notes, and was currently looking for someone.
His mind was occupied with the upcoming final exams, and while he was confident in acing the theoreticals, he didn't feel the same for the practicals.
Especially considering which class he was in.
Class A was filled with older cadets who had more experience than him.
Most of them being in the A ranks to A+ ranks.
Raven on the other hand, was barely at the threshold of the A–rank.
He paused by one of the tall windows, staring out into the academy grounds.
Students bustled outside, some practicing their spells, others going over combat forms.
It seems like everyone was serious this time around.
"Gotta work harder."
He muttered under his breath, clenching his fists.
As he continued walking, a door towards a certain office opened, and a man emerged from it.
"Ah."
It was the person he was looking for this whole time.
"Brandon."
He ran up to Brandon, who had just noticed him.
"Yo, Raven. Need something from Bellion too?"
"No, actually. I was looking for you."
"Me, huh? What is it?"
"Uh...."
Raven's words trailed off from there.
While his next words wouldn't be regarded as embarrassing, Raven had a hard time letting the words flow out.
Brandon had just awakened to the S-rank. A feat that left most cadets in awe, including Raven.
It wasn't jealousy that held him back, but a sense of inadequacy.
While he wasn't ashamed of Brandon's success, the reality of their differences in strength had started to weigh on him.
Brandon was soaring ahead, and Raven felt like he was stuck in place. The thought of being left behind wasn't just embarrassing—it was painful.
"What is it?"
Brandon's head tilted, urging for Raven to speak.
'It's now or never.'
Raven thought to himself.
That being said, the words had finally left his mouth.
"Can you train me?"