Professor Yusha had just finished discussing the new instructions for the students to the new level.

As stated by the moderator, the students would start into yet another entrance. The hologram map had shown the students a large, abandoned city-like kind of architecture. It had large monuments built and a compellingly sinister ambiance.

Faustina glances at the red dots from the far distance of the hologram, coming from the directions of North, East, and West. In the Southern area, several kilometers away (as far as Faustina could deduce) was the entrance that the professor had pointed.

"Th-then it's a game of chance . . . ?"

Silence.

A heavy silence transpired, following the professor's cold words.

"B-but isn't that just a test of luck, then?"

"Heeeh? I already forgot those Philosophers . . ." Whispered a student.

"Yeah, me too. They're taught to us when we were younger, so I don't think I remember them. Isn't the Philosopher Duncan more popular, though?"

"W-wait! You can see us?"

"HOLD ON A SECOND!" Said Anakin, stopping the moderator mid-sentence.

"Did I just hear that right?"

"I-if I heard it right . . . You said there was a group here that came . . . Before us?"

"Th-they pa.s.sed through the mock battles too? B-but we didn't see them—"

"Then we'll be able to meet them?"

"Did she just say 'pa.s.sed'?!"

"Those commoners got ahead of us?"

"How did that happen?"

**

It's because of that cheat . . . !

Anakin curled his fingers to a fist. He felt like he had lost.

'You're free to follow us, Lord Anakin.'

That filthy Leviticus' face was appearing in his mind. That c.o.c.ky face of his and his mocking smile. That Heilen-looking commoner was looking down on him and had gone arrogant just because he knew some sort of a secret door.

That Zweite-folk filth . . . ! Anakin wanted to remark how Leviticus was from the second continent and a sp.a.w.n of the Devil, but Anakin Disfiegro was smart enough to stop himself from doing so. He glanced to the n.o.bles who were looking at the hologram map with sheer apprehension in their faces. Anakin knew that some of the n.o.bles were from Zweite.

"Now, now, everyone." He says, clapping his hands. "We should strategize a plan."

As usual, he again caught their attention. Anakin was glad he used THAT to have their attention on him. A shady fellow had given him a charm before be entered the academy—and said that he would benefit from it.

"You will be able to have their eyes on you. The charm would make their attention yours. All you have to do is wear it."

"Huh. How dare you talk to me?"

"Don't you want to be the one to lead?" The cloaked man said. "If you do, then I will give you the offer of a lifetime. I will grant you objects Magierstadt's magic could not detect. Something that will help you climb to Ianua I."

"Interesting. I accept the offer, then! But being Anakin Disfiegro, I know you will give them to me for a price?"

**

Anakin stared at the students whose eyes were now on him. He flashed a smile as his sharp gaze met that of a solemn, naïve one.

"Worry not, everyone. Because we HAVE something that they do NOT."

"Have something that they don't?"

"What does that mean?"

"Do we have some advantage or some stuff?"

Anakin smiled.

"You shall see soon," Anakin murmurs, as he stared at Faustina whilst sliding his hand to his pocket, his fingertips feeling a crystalline object inside it.

**

"It comes for a price, right? Then name it. The Disfiegro household is exemplary and rich. Just name your price and I shall give it to you."

The cloaked man showed a wide grin.

"Bring me Faustina Feuerlon."