Chapter 18: EASC

The blades of the helicopter cut through the air loudly as it descended toward the landing zone close to EASC.

Surprisingly, nothing happened on their way to EASC.

Not a single void creature attacked them when they left Europe.

Though they didn't have anyone escorting them, since there was no need now that Solomon was with them.

There are barely any planes flying in the sky anymore since the appearance of the void rifts.

"There is an SUV already prepared here that will bring us to the walls of EASC, but after that we can only go on foot, since no vehicles are allowed today inside the capital."

Solomon's voice could surprisingly be heard clearly as he spoke calmly.

"Though your clothes are good, we will need to fix your hair unless you want to present yourself as a homeless person like this guy here."

Solomon pointed his right thumb towards Ragnar, who sat next to him and grumbled in response.

"I don't look homeless; you're just jealous. Besides, his father also has long hair, so aren't you the problem here?"

Hearing Ragnar's words, Solomon looked bewildered at him and pointed to himself.

"Me, the problem? No way. It's honestly still a mystery how Aeliana and Olivia married the two of you with such horrendous hair."

Only Solomon could say stuff like that to the heads of the great clans without any consequences, since he is a saint—or perhaps because he is Solomon.

Seeing Ragnar scowl as Solomon joked, Azriel couldn't help but laugh, earning a cold stare from Ragnar that felt like a knife was suddenly placed at his throat, making him shut up instantly.

'D-damn, he looks pissed.'

Coughing to hide how nervous he was feeling, Azriel asked a question.

"Didn't we arrive much earlier than we expected, even though we took a longer route? I thought the plan was not to cause a big commotion."

In the end, they decided it was still best for Azriel to reunite with his family without the presence of every head of the great clans, much to Solomon's reluctance.

"You don't need to worry about that. We will just be touring around the capital until they leave. Since the heads are visiting, the capital will be more empty than usual, and rumors about you actually still being alive will only reach the Crimson Estate a day later."

Ragnar was the one who answered, making Azriel nod toward him.

His parents apparently never left the mansion anymore, as his sister never left the academy. Though she should also be in the mansion today, he doubted she would leave it as well.

'Dammit, all of this really is a pain. To think I was just reading about all of this a day ago, and now I am in the actual book.'

'The entire plot is going to change now with my return...'

After all, there was no way he wasn't going to attend the hero academy...

The helicopter smoothly landed on the ground as Solomon slid open the door.

The sunlight hit Azriel's face, making him squint as he exited the helicopter.

Putting his hand above his eyes to protect himself from the blinding light, he looked a little bit further...

His eyes widened in disbelief.

Before him rose towering gray walls, so colossal that only half of the skyscrapers managed to peek over them.

Massive turrets on top of them scanned around everywhere, and lines of people snaked towards the fortified city gate.

Soldiers stood on top of the walls and below with machine guns, and armored vehicles with modified weapons surrounded the line of humans waiting to get inside the city.

"Ah yes, I never understood why so many guns are wasted when they would barely work on anything above a grade 3 monster. But anyways..."

Solomon, who was next to him, suddenly spoke in a bored tone about the view in front of him.

"Welcome back to EASC."

*****

Only 10 more minutes were left before they would arrive at the city gate.

Surprisingly, the driver hadn't said anything to Azriel, making him confused.

Was it because the driver didn't recognize Azriel?

Yes, and that was because...

Ragnar was sitting next to the driver in front,

while he was squeezed, sitting in the middle between Solomon on his left and Thomas on his right.

Honestly, he couldn't blame the poor driver for failing to recognize him, as his nerves must be on fire for having the literal head of the Frost clan seated next to him.

While at the same time, the most talented saint was breathing down his neck.

Being surrounded by those two, it was normal someone like Azriel would be the least of his attention.

Besides, he doubted that many would recognize him currently as Azriel Crimson.

And another thing he noticed was the reason why Ragnar actually sat in front.

It wasn't anything with status or his pride.

Azriel easily understood, for the past 20 minutes, his reasons...

"Hey, hey Azriel, let's sing a song together!"

"Sorry, I don't want to become famous for killing a saint with my voice."

"Eh? Is that supposed to mean you are good or bad at singing?"

"Bad."

It looked like Ragnar already had some prior experiences with sitting next to Solomon.

"Fine, fine, how about we play some games?"

"Hmm? What games?"

'I wonder if the games in this world are the same as my previous world. I mean, it's only been 150 years, so how much can change?'

"How about the yellow car game?"

'Okay, not much.'

"We are the only ones driving towards the gate though."

"Oh right... then how about 'Would You Rather'?"

'I am gonna regret this, aren't I?'

Though his curiosity and boredom that he was honestly also feeling got the best of him.

Thomas next to him didn't even speak as, like Ragnar, both had their eyes closed.

'I rather not go on a road trip with them... and Solomon is way too hyper for me to handle.'

"...Fine, you win."

"Alright!"

Solomon cheered happily, making Azriel doubt how old he actually was.

Suddenly, an evil smile appeared on Solomon's face as his gaze locked with Azriel, making him already regret his choice.

Azriel swore he saw Solomon's eye dart towards Ragnar, who was seated with his eyes closed, for a second.

'Shit! This maniac, don't do anything stupid!'

Azriel was sure that Ragnar was listening intently like everyone else in the SUV.

He really hoped Solomon wouldn't say something stupid.

His hope shattered the moment Solomon's lips parted...

"Would you rather date Celestina Frost-"

"Huh!? Don't you dare involve my princess in your stupid little games!"

He didn't even get to finish his sentence as Ragnar cut in, raising his voice in anger, startling almost everyone.

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'Woah!'

A high-pitched scream escaped the driver's lips as the car swayed before he stabilized it again in time.

"A-ah, I am deeply sorry, Lord Ragnar, Saint Solomon!"

The driver apologized sincerely, with cold sweat surrounding his entire body.

"Ah right, no, my apologies. I shouldn't have scared you like that when you were so focused on driving."

"N-no, please don't apologize, I am not worthy of such things."

"No need to be humble."

"R-right."

'As expected of the head of the Frost clan who is known for being most generous.'

He managed to calm himself instantly and didn't even scold the driver and accepted that it was his fault,

though the one who was actually to be blamed was someone entirely.

Glaring at his left, he saw Solomon gazing straight ahead, trying his best to suppress his laughter.

'Dammit, this fucking maniac!'

He definitely did that on purpose!

Thomas, on the other hand, was still seated with his eyes closed as if he already expected this to happen.

"Ahem, even though I said that it doesn't mean I am against Celestina dating you, Azriel."

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

"Eh?"