Come Out? Let's Xibi Xibi Together

In the darkness of the Academy night, Galasum, Grand Chancellor of the Academy, was busy in his office.

As Grand Chancellor, he oversaw the entire Arcane Academy's internal affairs, logistics, and disciplinary system. Managing the food, drink, and every other daily need of tens of thousands of people was no easy task, but such work had never troubled him before. The reason he had to work overtime now was that he had spent the past few days following Principal Archimonde around, dealing with the Enlighteners.

Most of his daytime hours were spent helping the Enlighteners refine that "coup plan," allowing himself and Principal Archimonde to enter the core of the Awakeners' Cult more quickly. Naturally, his own duties had to be pushed into the night.

This undoubtedly affected the Grand Chancellor's quality of sleep.

Fortunately, he was quite a skilled Arcane Mage. Replacing sleep with meditation was enough to ensure that he could still rise the next morning refreshed and ready to devote himself to helping the principal seize power.

Unlike servants such as Dick, who had risen through nepotism yet still remained on the fringes, Galasum had been "bound" to Lord Archimonde long ago. Their fortunes rose and fell together, so naturally he treated his lord's affairs as his own.

That was the hard-earned wisdom the Academy's Grand Chancellor had gained through so many years of navigating officialdom.

However, even a miserable night of overtime work could not avoid unexpected incidents. For instance, while Galasum was finalizing the Arcane Academy's budget application to the Seat of the Triumvirate for next year, he also had to receive a student bearing a "special mission."

"Has it been dealt with?"

As he used a gem-carved arcane device to recheck the enormous budget figures, he asked without raising his head, "Why are you the only one here? Where is your sister?"

"Commander Diakum is not dead yet. He just drank the final dose of the potion. As you instructed, his soul will return to the Light at dawn. But those new guard recruits are watching closely, so Oreses had to stay behind to make sure everything proceeds according to your plan."

Dressed in a student robe, Saloras respectfully and humbly presented an arcane rune stone, placing it on the Grand Chancellor's desk. She lowered her voice and asked, "Is there anything else you need us to do afterward?"

"A witness!"

Galasum picked up the rune stone and injected it with arcane energy, causing it to display the recorded image.

Against a backdrop of pale Arc Light, the weakened Dick coughed as he slowly recounted his experience infiltrating the Awakeners' Cult. Galasum was very satisfied.

With this, Lord Archimonde's upcoming "betrayal" would gain the added righteousness of "avenging a friend and subordinate." The final piece of the moving tale of how the principal had risked everything to infiltrate an evil cult, eliminate treacherous villains, and destroy them in one stroke was now complete.

The Grand Chancellor set down the rune stone and looked kindly at his most favored genius student.

He instructed her, "Commander Diakum plays a very important role in this entire affair. You sisters witnessed the Awakeners' cultists poison him from beginning to end. That way, during the investigation afterward, you can testify in person. I will give you a list later explaining exactly what you should say.

"Once you and your sister return, practice diligently. There absolutely must not be any mistakes in such an important matter."

"Understood."

Saloras nodded. She bade the Academy's Grand Chancellor farewell and prepared to turn away, but just as she did, Galasum suddenly said, "Because you sisters have contributed to the principal's cause, in addition to the promised honors of outstanding graduates, the principal and I have decided to prepare a future for you as well.

"By the time you graduate, it will happen to be the assessment period for the civil servant rotation at the Seat of the Triumvirate. You will be sent there to serve the Grand Executors.

"For graduates of the Arcane Academy, this is the most perfect career path possible. The principal's connections and resources will also be opened to you, helping you rise through the heart of Eredar civilization's power structure. But do not become too close to Lord Archimonde, who is destined to enter the Seat of the Triumvirate, lest people notice anything amiss. Maintain the necessary respect, and nothing more.

"Your ultimate goal is to approach either Grand Executor Velen or Grand Executor Kil'jaeden. Show your talents as much as possible, and strive to become a trusted subordinate.

"But never forget where you came from. Never forget who recognized your potential, promoted you, and gave you the opportunity to display your talents."

The Grand Chancellor spoke in an even tone. "Attempting to murder a high-ranking guard can be either a major or minor matter. But since we are already allies bound by shared interests, I will naturally help you suppress this harmless truth, one that no one will ever know. Do you understand?"

"Grand Chancellor! My sister and I are utterly loyal to Lord Archimonde!"

Saloras hurriedly turned around, her young face showing the nervousness expected of a student. Somewhat awkwardly, she declared her loyalty. "Even if we received only the honor of outstanding graduates, we would already be satisfied. We willingly chose to follow Principal Archimonde because we admired his astonishing power and brilliance. It was you and the principal who discovered the potential in us sisters. Without the help of you two, we would still be wasting our lives in some small-town school on the Antoran Wastes."

"Very good. Say exactly that when you are outside."

The tentacles on the Grand Chancellor's chin swayed for a moment. He nodded and said, "We Arcane Mages ought to be more pure. We cannot give others the first impression that we are wildly ambitious. You and your sister have been too high-profile in your usual conduct. Change that from now on. Since you will serve the Grand Executors in the future, you must maintain an appearance of humility.

"Go.

"Help your sister finish the last task, then wait patiently for the summons.

"You finest genius casters of the Academy will also take part in the 'war of justice' soon to begin, witnessing our rise firsthand."

"As you command, Grand Chancellor."

Saloras accepted the order and left the office. Only after she stepped out of the circular domed building did the fiery genius Arcane Mage finally let out a long breath.

Her heart was pounding fiercely because she had just told a terrible lie.

For the first time in her life, she had become a traitor.

And she had betrayed Principal Archimonde, a man of immense power in her eyes, as well as the Academy's Grand Chancellor, who had personally raised her and her sister up.

It sounded shameless, but considering that the entirety of those two men's plan was already known to the two Grand Executors, and that Commander Kil'jaeden had even issued Commander Diakum a "secret order" to eliminate Archimonde—

That meant every promise they had previously made to the sisters had already turned to nothing.

What a pity.

Saloras looked back at the Chancellor's residence, glowing gently in the night. She sighed inwardly. *If you had dealt with Commander Diakum, that seemingly insignificant little man, sooner, then your plan and the principal's might really have had a chance of succeeding.

But it is too late now.

Your opponent has delivered a lethal final blow with wisdom no less formidable than your own. He has become the mantis-stalking oriole. And even if only for my sister's life, I must turn from darkness to the light now.*

The genius Arcane Mage's sorrow and shame lingered for quite some time, but by the time she returned to Dick's small courtyard, she had already convinced herself with the facts.

This was not betrayal!

In truth, if the principal and the Enlighteners' plan were truly put into motion, the entire Mac'Aree region would descend into chaos. Countless people would surely die.

Her sister and she were assisting justice!

Without question, this was clearly the kind of moral act those priests of the Light talked about all day long.

"You're back? You didn't lose any arms or legs. Looks like you really are good at deception."

Imira, an "upperclassman" from the same Academy, greeted Saloras at the courtyard gate and mocked her. But Saloras merely sneered, flicked her cute little tail, and snapped back, "Students of the Arcane Academy should make good use of their minds. Deception and cunning are also forms of wisdom for survival. What a pity that you, senior, such a 'Good Person,' seem to lack both.

"It is all right. Following the Light is one path for casters too.

"For classmates with mediocre talent who are astonishingly incompetent, even the strictest instructors can only helplessly advise them not to waste too much time pursuing the secrets of the arcane. After all, you are not like my sister and me, senior. The pursuit of truth does not suit you.

"Congratulations, Imira. At the end of your utterly unremarkable student life, you have finally made one correct choice."

"Ah, Light above, every time I see you two, I have to fight the urge to punch those seductive faces of yours and chop off your tails!"

Imira clenched her fists and said, "But even the most mediocre priest is better than an Arcane Mage who abuses her talent to harm others. Honestly, I think Commander Diakum has been far too merciful to you two. You should have followed that evil Archimonde all the way into darkness and been sentenced to death by the Tribunal. That would have been the ending you deserved."

"That only proves Commander Diakum has also seen the astonishing talents my sister and I possess."

Saloras snorted.

She rudely shoved Imira aside as she spoke in a low voice, "As a genius, I can do whatever I want. Senior, the world of us Arcane Mages is this cruel. Oh, sorry, I forgot. You are no longer one of us who pursue truth.

"May your Light bless you, senior~"

Leaving behind an Imira so angry her teeth itched, the sharp-tongued Saloras strode quickly into the main hall.

Dick was sitting in a chair, receiving Oreses's help in removing the "injury" disguise he had deliberately put on for "recording a little video." Fareeya and Imira were not good at makeup, but for Saloras and Oreses, those two masters of delicate social maneuvering, putting on beautiful makeup was basic training for refined young ladies like them.

"Tomorrow, you will need to go there again and convey the news of my death."

Dick instructed Saloras, "The Assassin Court will find a corpse with a body similar to mine. Commander Malderan will personally handle my 'funeral.' If we are putting on an act, we need to see it through. I will have to trouble you two further."

"This is what we must do to turn from darkness to the light."

The more rational younger sister, Oreses, softly said, "We are grateful that you gave us, people who have done wrong, a chance to leave the mire behind."

"You earned this chance yourselves, children. The Light merely offered you a hint of enlightenment through my hand. Besides, the dangerous things you must do do not end here. The acts you must undertake to make amends are like crossing a swamp. They will be far from as easy as you imagine."

Dick's words sounded lofty, but he did not trust the Twins very much.

The things these two had done in the True History of the Dark Portal were enough to violate every law in any orderly world.

Unlike the five young heroes, who possessed simple hearts of justice, the Twins were born without an inner moral boundary by which to measure good and evil. They might still be immature, but the fact that they could commit murder for the honor of outstanding graduates showed that if they were cut open, they would probably be black all the way through.

These two young women were undoubtedly the same kind of people as Archimonde.

Wildly ambitious, contemptuous of morality, arrogant, and exceptionally gifted. After all, the fact that they would one day become the "Deceiver's adjutants" already proved that their talent for evil was no weaker than their astonishing Casting Talent.

Yet Dick was still willing to give them a chance.

It was not simply because, as a part-time physical education teacher, he could not bear to see promising young talents led astray. It was also because the Twins had not yet done anything truly unforgivable.

If he could kill Archimonde and reverse one dark fate, then perhaps the Twins' fates could also change through his intervention.

If geniuses like them could walk the proper path, it would be a blessing for Eredar civilization, which would face devastating calamities in the future.

"After I am 'buried,' you must work with Commander Malderan and Instructor Talana. Coordinate matters and contact Ms. Vilara, the Academy's Executor, persuading her to join this effort to 'set things right.'"

Dick instructed them, "There are also Awakeners' Cult members within the Arcane Academy. They are hidden among the Academy's instructors and administrative staff, forming small groups.

"I can tell you plainly that Argon, the high-ranking Enlightener responsible for Academy affairs, is one of the Awakeners' Cult's core members. He is one of Sarkir's disciples and has considerable influence within the cult.

"While we take part in the operation against Archimonde and Sarkir, the Academy must also maintain at least its most basic order.

"The students here are innocent. The only one who can protect them in a crisis is Ms. Vilara, the Academy's nominal second-in-command.

"I do not need Ms. Vilara to lead the righteous instructors against the cultists. Commander Malderan will handle that. I only hope Ms. Vilara can protect the students during the crisis and move them to a safe area in advance.

"I have no one else available, so this can only be done by you two.

"I believe that if this disturbance can be resolved peacefully, Grand Executor Velen and Commander Kil'jaeden will see your determination to turn from darkness to the light.

"Just as they saw mine.

"I once took the wrong path, but in the end, I returned to the right one."

The sisters looked at each other. They did not hesitate for long before accepting the mission.

As the most dazzling geniuses of the Academy's recent classes, they both knew Ms. Vilara. They were indeed well suited for this task.

That was probably the advantage of being top students.

After the Twins went to rest in a nearby room, the five young heroes were summoned into the hall. Dick had already changed into a traveler's outfit meant to conceal his identity.

With a hood over his head and a backpack beside him, he sat in a chair and said to the five recruits before him, "Before dawn, I must disappear into the shadows and prepare to head to Enlightener Sarkir to complete the final link in the plan. This will be dangerous, so I will not be taking you with me.

"You will remain at the Academy and accept Commander Malderan's command. Once the Awakeners launch their coup, the Academy will also become a battlefield. The results of your training these past few days will come in handy then.

"I do not have much else to tell you. At this parting, I bless you all to become radiant warriors who defend Eredar civilization under the Light's guidance.

"I believe your talent and resolve will surely allow you to achieve this."

"Lord Dick, do not make it sound as if you are leaving your last words."

Imira could not help saying, "You should keep hope in your heart. Everything will be resolved smoothly."

But no one else agreed with Imira.

They understood the terrifying risk Commander Dick was about to shoulder as he entered the cultists' stronghold. Yet, in the face of the threat of being killed by the Enlighteners, he had not retreated. Instead, he had bravely taken up his duty. That alone was enough to show the five recruits the character of a high-ranking guard.

And it gave them a deeper understanding of the Light's "guidance."

As a race that had coexisted with the Light for a thousand years, the Eredar had developed a new tradition of firmly believing that every rise and fall in fate came from the Light's guidance. They loved seeking "enlightenment from the Light" amid the changes of the material world, though it was admittedly quite superstitious.

For example, the five young heroes now believed that Commander Diakum, an elder with a complicated past who had ultimately faced his fate, had been sent by the Light to teach them something.

As for what each of them might come to understand from it, that depended on the individual.

Dick left behind the weapons and armor he had collected over his years as a high-ranking guard for the five young heroes. Wearing only a set of old armor himself, he left the courtyard where he had remained ever since crossing into this world, accompanied by the tearful farewells of the five recruits.

Commander Malderan was already waiting ahead. He handed Dick the reins of a Talbuk.

Once Dick mounted the sturdy Talbuk, Malderan said, "No matter what danger you face, Diakum, you must hold on and call upon the Light's protection. Once I have fulfilled my duties at the Academy, I will immediately head to Oronaar City to rescue you."

Then he lowered his voice. "Do not trust the Assassin Court's promises too much. As an organization directly under the Grand Executors that specializes in the nation's darker affairs, they are more inclined to prioritize completing the mission over protecting others. Diakum..."

"You can call me Dick, Malderan. I think we have repaired the terrible working relationship we had for the past thirty years. What do you think?"

Dick pulled up his hood.

Looking at the deep night before him, he softly said, "After everything that happened, after wandering at death's edge, I have decided never again to casually place my fate in another person's hands. I may die in the storm about to begin, but only I can decide where I will die and for what reason I will face the end.

"You know, Malderan, I am still searching for my Holy Light Doctrine.

"I have a feeling that if I survive, I will once again step onto the path the Light has arranged for me."

"But the more you say that, the more you sound like a 'martyr' to me, Dick."

Malderan sighed. "After I became a guard, I encountered people like that in battles against creatures from other worlds and rampaging beasts. I do not know how to persuade you, but do not do dangerous things merely to earn the Light's recognition.

"That would be putting the cart before the horse.

"It is only a doctrine, Dick!

"Being a guard is only a job. With it, you may become more steadfast, but without it, you can still live well."

"To hear such words from a devout believer like you, meant to comfort me, it seems our relationship really has improved a great deal. Still, do not be so gloomy. You make it sound as if I truly will not return."

Dick smiled and said, "If I come back alive, will you invite me to dinner at your home?"

For a married Eredar, inviting someone to dinner at one's home was an invitation extended only between close friends.

As an Eternal Life race, older Eredar increasingly preferred solitude with their families. Malderan was more than twice Dick's age and had reached the stage of "learning to enjoy oneself and reconcile with solitude."

Hearing Dick's joke, Malderan smiled. The serious, rigid guard nodded and said, "I will have my wife prepare a feast, and I will introduce you to my children. Dick, come back alive!"

"Mm. I will do my best."

With that, Dick tugged the reins, setting the Talbuk galloping through the night as it carried him swiftly toward Oronaar City.

The guards patrolling through the night were all Malderan's trusted men. They knew what Dick was going to do, and so they stopped one after another, saluting this comrade who had once been ordinary but had now found the courage to face his fate.

At the Academy gates, Quaram, the high-ranking guard responsible for Academy access control, personally operated the massive arcane sentinel to clear a path for him.

When Dick looked back, he could still see the old guard standing atop the tower, saluting him.

"This atmosphere makes it feel as though I really am riding toward my death. Ah, you Eredar are such bad luck..."

Dick grumbled from atop the galloping Talbuk.

To him, leaving the academy felt like a kind of "freedom." Around colleagues he had worked with for thirty years, he could only do his best to maintain Diakum's image, imitate the way he spoke, and not even crack a few jokes whenever he pleased. But the real him wished he could be a little more carefree.

"Now the sea is wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky high enough for birds to fly."

After riding for an hour, Dick took the device for contacting the Assassin Court from his pocket and pressed it, shattering the Rune Stone.

He rested in a pavilion near Eredath Lake, the largest water source in the region. Leisurely, he fashioned a crude fishing rod and casually cast the line into the water, waiting for Talgas's subordinate to come meet him.

Yet only a few minutes later, he felt the fishing rod twitch. Dick lifted the wooden stick, only to unhappily find a brightly colored water snake tangled around the line.

He removed the little thing, intending to toss it back into the water, when he suddenly recalled that ten thousand years later, a dangerous giant water-serpent monster would lurk in this very body of water.

It was hard to say whether that creature was the wriggling "little darling" in his hand.

"Hmm, I remember you're called Xilithorn. I don't know whether that's your name or the name of your species, but I do know that, like the Eredar, you can live a very long time. If you eat enough demons and mutate, maybe you'll live even longer."

Dick said to the struggling water snake in his hand:

"Go back. Hide well, and don't run around before you grow strong. After the demons land, remember to eat a few demon brats and vent your fury on behalf of this world that is destined to fall.

Maybe we'll meet again in the distant future, little fellow.

Good luck to you, and good luck to me."

He tossed the water snake back into the lake, then heard a teasing voice behind him:

"For someone about to carry out a dangerous mission, you certainly have a remarkably good mindset, Mr. Diakum."

Dick shrugged and turned to look at the Assassin Court lady behind him. With a sapphire hunting rifle on her back and a head of long white hair, she cut a striking figure. He said:

"Even if my mood were worse, it wouldn't let me refuse Commander Kil'jaeden's secret orders. Naturally, I have to find a way to adjust myself. So, can we set off now, valiant lady?"

"Oh, you do know how to talk. Not much like a rigid garrison officer."

The masked female Eredar smiled and pointed at the flying ray behind her.

"Come with me. We've been waiting for you. Also, my name is Neri, captain of the Assassin Court's elite ranger unit. It's a pleasure to work with you."