“This is not the right way, lad.” Instead of training with Julia, Zeke used another route while avoiding the patrols. It wasn’t that difficult, at least not until the Dean appeared nowhere. “Erys has been closed off and, barring a few exceptions, new students are allowed to leave the premises. I thought the notice made it crystal clear.” “I have to leave.” Resolutely said back the youth, his eyes defiant and fists clenched. He had to retrieve the Crown no matter the cost, because, at this rate, his condition would get worse, and, excluding the attention it might attract, he might not even be able to walk properly, much less train or attend class. “Have to? That’s the excuse everyone says in this situation. Don’t make things hard for yourself and ruin your perfect records by getting Black Stars.” “...” Seeing Zeke’s adamance, the old man stopped tapping his stick on the ground, he raised it ever-so-slightly as if about to attack. However, at the last second, he furrowed his brows

“Hey…psst!” Zeke was absent-mindedly watching the tv only for Jack, Sulong’s friend and colleague, to sit next to him and lightly nudge him. When he finally got a reaction out from the youth, Jack looked down and asked, “Are these the source of your power? Is this how you students do it? If I can get power then I don’t mind an ugly tattoo or two.” Zeke rolled his eyes and pulled his sleeves, “It doesn’t work like that. You’re either born with it or you’re not.” “Oh… I never actually bothered to learn such stuff. All that complicated gibberish about Aether and whatnot. You know what I think? They use big words and make it elaborate just to sound smart.” “Technically, you’re not wrong.” “Jack! Stop with the pointless questions and clean the office for a change! Open the windows too!” The lanky clicked his tongue and begrudgingly stood up, dragging his feet around the messy room. “What is our favorite free-loader going to do now? Maybe you can help us work?” “I’m going to leave

“Are all of the students like him?”-JackJack and Sulong were sitting on their favorite couch and staring at the cross-legged youth whose eyes were closed and his body literally emitting a faint green light.“Nah! We were just unfortunate enough to cross paths with one of the crazy ones. He hasn’t moved an inch since last night.”Even though Sulong would constantly bicker with Zeke, he had to admit that the latter was excessively hard-working, so much that he gave up on any rest for the sake of non-stop training.It has been five days since Zeke came to live in their office, and despite their rocky beginning, he mostly kept to himself and rarely, if not ever, interfered with their work.The pure Aether revolving around Zeke then getting absorbed suddenly came to a full stop as his body twitched twice and then fell to the ground. By now, this odd occurrence had become more and more frequent, so Sulong no longer voiced his worries or surprise.Zeke groaned in pain, supported himself by

“There’s no one here.” Celestia and the other five members of the squad suspiciously looked at Detective Vans. He led them to an empty field West of the Sunken Metropolis, claiming that he had received reports mentioning Jonathan’s presence here. However, even after searching for half an hour, they found nothing of import. No one lived here, and the lack of any vegetation made it difficult to hide in here. “I’m starting to think this was all a trick.” Stated James as he glared at Vans Valort. “...” “You’re not denying it…” The six surrounded the man, and though they didn’t use any violence, their piercing gazes were threatening enough. “You realized that this is a waste of all of our time, right? Jonathan could be in Kethra’s Arms, about to kill another innocent person.” Truthfully speaking, Vans was having slight regrets, but even as he was pressured, he refused to spill the beans and blame Zeke. He wasn’t forced to do any of this and, deep in his heart, hoped that Zeke succee

21st January, I still can’t believe what happened. I saw a falling red star when I was going back from work, but when I told my roommate, they mocked me. 22nd January, I saw it again! I’m sure of it! I have this inexplicable urge to see it again. It must be a sign from the Gods! It must be! 26th January, I stayed all night and was able to see it again, but it came straight at me! When I woke up, I felt a bit different. I heard sinister murmurs in my head, is the devil whispering in my ear? I must go to the church to pray. 12th February, I actually got powers from the so-called Paths of Extinctions System! I was so busy fleeing to the border and couldn’t complete the mission it ‘entrusted’ me. Still, I got a lot of available paths… I wonder what they are? They have seemingly normal names like ‘Soldier’ and ‘Judge’. Admittedly, some are more enticing than others. 14th February, I used all my available PE in the ‘soldier main path’, which subsequently strengthened my body and granted