Death Dragon City, Dragon Continent.
Clang!
Clang!
Swords clashed together, their noises reverberating all around the training room.
Beads of sweat dropped down from Alexandra's body as she continuously moved from one spot to another to land a hit on Arya's body, who was her sparring opponent currently.
Alexandra was under a lot of stress, and the atmosphere felt heavy. The tension had appeared due to continuous sparring for a week straight with no breaks in between.
Alexandra was really tired, but she still went on.
Arya had a lot of work to do. Being the owner of an organization as big as Scelestus and ruling over so many people from the dragon race, she shouldered many responsibilities.
But she put everything aside and prioritized Alexandra's training.
Alexandra was like a little sister to Arya and was also her husband's wife. She had to ensure that Alexandra didn't slack and reached higher ranks just like all other wives of Lith.
Arya felt that Alexandra may develop insecurities looking at the other ladies. Even though she had the potential to smoothly climb to the Emperor Rank realm and even break through into the Supreme Rank!
Arya thus prioritized Alexandra's training. She would train her so much that Alexandra wouldn't have time to overthink and develop an inferiority complex.
Arya lectured Alexandra as the two sparred and corrected her movements. Being a teacher previously, she was well-versed in teaching.
Alexandra listened and adapted Arya's teaching into her fighting skills.
As the two continued to spar, Rain, Arya's secretary, arrived in the training room.
She gestured to Arya that something important had come up.
Arya stopped training with Alexandra and asked her to take a break.
Meanwhile, she walked towards Rain and asked what was up.
Rain showed Emilia's news, and Arya raised an eyebrow in interest.
She felt it was interesting and decided to watch the stream since it was just going to begin in an hour.
Arya gave Alexandra a break, and the two went to her office to see what Emilia was doing.
Arya's office had a bathroom, and Alexandra took a shower in it.
After coming back, Alexandra saw Arya sitting on a bean bag near the window of her office and gesturing to her to come close.
Alexandra went there, and Arya immediately pulled her in and made her sit in between her legs.
Hugging Alexandra from behind, she started watching the live stream of Emilia.
Their bond was totally like siblings now, and these two sisters watched another one of their sisters on the tablet screen.
As Emilia explained things, Arya realized what might've transpired. She was once a teacher in the academy and knew the things that happened there.
As Emilia discussed the possible solutions, Arya called Rain into her office.
"Send an official circular from Scelestus into the underworld stating that offending the War Angel would mean offending the entire organization.
Send an official message from Death Dragon City too, one in my name to the whole world.
Also hand out a set of guidelines into the organization that would ensure the War Angel's image isn't sullied.
"Strictly warn each and everyone in the organization as well as in the underworld to not take any mission regarding the War Angel. If they did and went against my words, then..."
Arya's face became cold and it made Rain shiver.
"I understand." She said, without Arya needing to explain more.
Arya, putting away her cold face, nodded her head and explained a few more things to Rain.
Being Emilia's sister now, it was Arya's duty to support her and she was doing just that.
After Arya was done explaining, she asked, "Is there anything you don't understand?"
Before Rain could give a reply to Arya, Alexandra inquired with a confused expression, "What's with so much fuss?"
She was referring to the current events happening. Why was Emilia saying such things, and why was Arya supporting her? Why did the lives of the kids matter anyway?
Alexandra was a vampire from birth, unlike Lith, who was a human before reincarnation. Her thoughts and personality were shaped according to vampire standards. Killing and eating people meant nothing to her.
Arya chuckled and, patting Alexandra's head, said, "Emmy doesn't like the fact that the kids are being killed. The fuss is for that reason."
"Oh." Alexandra understood. She then asked, "But isn't she a pretty old angel? Do the lives of strangers she doesn't even know matter to her? I thought older angels were very cold and not kind to everyone."
Alexandra was an intelligent and smart girl. Her IQ dropped only when she was around Lith. The rest of the time, she was a sadist, blood-thirsty vampire who would kill anyone and everyone if needed.
Arya shrugged and said, "I have no idea. I just know that Emmy doesn't like it."
Arya didn't research the angels or their emotions, so she told Alexandra the truth. The best person to answer Alexandra's questions was Emilia herself.
"You should ask her later." Arya pointed at the screen and said to Alexandra.
Alexandra nodded.
Arya then looked at Rain and said, "Do that and ensure no missions are accepted regarding the students."
As Arya said that, she had a thought. She bit her lips as she pondered a question. After a while, she came to a conclusion.
"If I am not wrong, the first few rounds of the exam must be over, and the battle royale would begin. Hmm… it's also the last round, I think. Alright, it's decided."
Arya then looked at Rain and said, "Make one more announcement. All students qualified for the final round can stay in any Nine Roses Hotel branches for free until the end of exams."
Rain put on a surprised expression as she heard that. "Madam, that will make us incur heavy losses."
Arya chuckled lightly and, shaking her hand, said, "It's alright. It's not like we lack profits. And it's a temporary thing. The students will be there just for a few days."
"But we have to manage food and—"
"Rain."
Arya stopped her with a smile as her piercing gaze landed on Rain through her round black sunglasses.
Rain shivered as she heard that tone. She couldn't see her madam's eyes, but with how cold the tone was, she could tell they must be serious.
Rain quelled her worries and looked at Arya for further instructions.
Arya did not comment further and simply said, "Make the announcements, okay?"
Rain nodded her head and bowed in response.
"I'll act on it immediately." She assured Arya.
From her madam's tone, it was evident that things weren't up for discussion, and Rain had to act on them by any means, even if it meant taking losses.
Arya chuckled and, patting Rain's head, said, "Good girl."
Rain left the room shortly after, and Arya returned to watching Emilia on the screen with Alexandra.
*
Lenz Tower.
"...and so, that's about it. Please follow the instructions carefully and do not harm the children." Emilia said at last and finished her speech.
But then she remembered something.
She looked straight into the many cameras present. She said with utmost seriousness, "It doesn't suit me to say this, but please consider this as the last and final warning."
"Anyone found breaching the code of conduct I just mentioned will be directly offending me, and if that happens, I won't be magnanimous."
She did not have to mention the fate of the offenders, as her tone said it all.
The journalists in the room shivered from the cold tone of the War Angel, and the ones watching the stream felt the same, despite not being able to look at the Seraphim.
"Thank you, have a good day." Emilia politely said and walked off the stage.
Though she was gone, the live stream continued as the news channels worldwide got hit with a new notification.
Anchors appeared on the stream and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the event hasn't been over yet. Brace yourselves as we bring you another breathtaking news…."
"...Shortly after these commercials."