Cillian bought a lot of food from Star Breaker’s shop using the money he had earned from the rewards at the ceremony. Of course, he wasn’t spending it mindlessly. He had kept most of his savings in a secret storage box at home while carrying hundreds of gold coins around him.

It wasn’t like Cillian could ask his family for money when they were struggling as well. In fact, Cillian had chipped in a lot of money to help support the family because of their situation, but he didn’t dislike it one bit, nor did he ever make it seem like his parents were a burden.

After all, who in their right mind would selfishly keep their money if their own family was going hungry and worrying about having enough food every day?

At least, not him.

However, his mood continued to worsen when he noticed something strange. It wasn’t because Cillian was worried about wasting money.

It was because the closer his carriage came to his home, the more he noticed the ’irregularity’ in his vision.

It wasn’t really an irregularity. After all, it was part of his Death Flag System’s power.

Soon, after twenty minutes of riding in the carriage, Cillian got down after paying the fare, only to see someone familiar sitting on a nearby porch with two other familiar people beside him. He had last seen them weeks ago.

"Cillian."

[Death Flag]

[Marked Flag]

Finally, the source of his discomfort spoke. It was none other than Fergus Viola, the last remaining member of the Viola Family. His eyes were still full of arrogance, but traces of coldness were much more apparent than before.

It looked like he had matured quite a bit, to the point that Cillian could barely recognize the Fergus he had known back at the Academy.

"H-hi, Cillian."

"Cillian."

Sitting down beside him were Phillip and Vin.

Staring down at Fergus, Cillian clicked his tongue and said.

"The fuck are you doing here?"

Both Phillip and Vin flinched at that remark. For some reason, they could tell that Cillian had hated Fergus for quite some time, something that had become apparent at the ball.

But Cillian wasn’t done yet as he pressed even further.

"Don’t show your face to me. And don’t put these two in an awkward position either. I was the only one who expressed my unwillingness to return to the gang; Phillip and Vin didn’t. You didn’t even visit them when they were in the hospital after the bombing at the ball, which isn’t going to be fully revealed anymore now that your family is gone. And now, for whatever reason, they’re with you again? Leave them the fuck alone."

If Fergus was using whatever leverage he had over them, Cillian was making it clear that he shouldn’t use it.

Fergus might not understand it, but Cillian would definitely do something.

After everything he had experienced, he wouldn’t mind erasing the Viola Family from this world today.

"..."

Fergus continued to lock his gaze on Cillian, or rather, on the person he believed had possessed him, as the friend he had known since childhood was already gone.

However, Fergus came here knowing that the person he would be talking to was no longer the same.

That’s why Fergus immediately mentioned what he had come here for.

"I’ve heard that you’re a Ruiner. Well, you did become famous because of it and even received a medal for it. You don’t need to deny it. Everyone sees you as a hero right now, at least in this territory."

Fergus reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be Pieces, displaying them in the palm of his hand.

Then, a ridiculous smile appeared on his lips.

"The White Shepherds hadn’t taken anything aside from the lives of my family. Every piece of money, every item, and even the hidden Artifacts my father had prepared were left untouched, as if the lives of my family were the only things that mattered."

’So what?’

Cillian had to stop himself from saying this out loud, keeping it to himself as he let Fergus speak for the time being.

Cillian figured he might as well let Fergus talk for as long as he wanted before outright rejecting whatever he was trying to say.

Cillian imagined the scenario in his head with amusement before Fergus continued.

"I want to become a Ruiner."

He clenched his fist tightly and spoke through his rising anger.

"I’ve realized my shortcomings. Even though I’m better than my peers, I won’t be able to fight those who are far stronger than me. My swordsmanship is above average, and my Sorcery isn’t anything special either. That’s why I’ll become a Ruiner and take my revenge against those Shepherds."

His reasoning, which somehow made sense, slightly surprised Cillian, though he didn’t show it outwardly. If he were witnessing character development, he might have been pointing a finger at Fergus right now.

’The main character also seems to be in a good mood lately as well. Did this bastard stop speaking to him in his mind?’

Is Fergus fully immersed in taking revenge against the Shepherds now? Well, who wouldn’t focus on revenge after watching their family members die right in front of them, forced to do nothing but watch?

At least, that’s the path Cillian was willing to take if he were in that situation.

But why Cillian out of all people?

"Why are you asking me? There should still be people willing to help you become a Ruiner. You still have plenty of money left after handing out the rewards at the ceremony that Scott made, right?"

Fergus let out a mocking smirk.

"Scott had already gone rogue and seemed to be working under someone else. He stole a quarter of Viola’s treasury and seemed to be doing something with it. As for asking people for help, I don’t want to waste the remaining money I have left when we’re about to enter the Academy again."

This time, it was Cillian who froze. Thankfully, Fergus hadn’t noticed his strange reaction as Cillian almost cracked a smile.

’Hah! That Grand Strategist! You stole a quarter of Viola’s treasury and dipped? Is that what they call daylight robbery?’

Just as he was thinking that Scott’s actions were kind of funny, Fergus’s next words brought his amusing thoughts to a halt.

"And I also thought to use this opportunity to mend our relationship."

"Disgusting."

Cillian blurted it out almost instantaneously, as if acting on instinct. All his thoughts immediately stopped the moment he heard it.

This made Fergus stop speaking before he let out a short cough and tapped Philip and Vin on the back.

Phillip raised his hand.

"I also want to become a Ruiner. I have Pieces that correspond to [One] and [Two]."

Vin also raised his hand.

"Me as well. I have gathered a [Three] and [Four] and am planning to increase my sequence. We would like your help to help us. We... no, I alone believe you’re an experienced Ruiner, Cillian."

Cillian heard their voices and turned silent.

’Where did they get their Pieces—ah, right. Is this what Fergus gave them? A Piece to help them continue their journey as Ruiners? So they weren’t threatened or forced into doing his bidding. He made a deal with them.’

A soft sigh escaped Cillian’s mouth before saying.

"I don’t want to hear your thoughts about why you suddenly want to advance your sequence or become a Ruiner, especially when you’re already aware of the risks. If you want to start, then I’ll lend you a hand. However..."

Cillian pointed his finger towards Fergus and added.

"As for you, I’m not doing it for free. You’re not Phillip or Vin. Pay me a hefty amount of money, and I might consider it."

There’s no way Cillian would give Fergus the same treatment he was giving Phillip and Vin. They were his friends, and he didn’t want them to suddenly lose control because they felt pressured to pay him.

As for Fergus... meh, screw him.

Either he pays a very large amount of payment, or he won’t get his help at all.

Cillian thought he might be able to get some sort of reaction from Fergus, but all he saw was a willingness to cooperate, causing his expectations to drop.

Everyone on the porch knew how strong Cillian was. If there was anyone their age, aside from Aster, who understood what it meant to be a Ruiner, it was Cillian. Fergus understood that better than anyone.

That’s why Fergus could only agree to his demands.

"All right."

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