The Gamer's POV

A few days ago, Cedric had submitted a request for his name to be changed, and that request had been granted. So his name had now been officially changed on the Bastion’s records.

Both Leon and the Princess didn’t look surprised at the mention of "Mortimer." And even Vivienne seemed updated. She gave a subtle nod and took a few steps to the side, leaning casually against a bookshelf to observe the meeting.

Meanwhile, Cedric walked over to the empty leather armchair positioned in front of the massive desk and sat down with a curious expression on his face.

There was another lady in the room, standing quietly in the shadows just behind the Vice Dean’s chair.

She was a middle aged woman with white hair and gray eyes, though she was dressed in a simple, yet perfectly tailored maid uniform that didn’t quite hide the grace of her movements. Cedric suspected that this lady was probably the Dean’s bond.

"Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?" She asked smoothly, stepping forward to offer the hospitality just a few seconds after Cedric had settled into his seat.

He raised a hand politely and shook his head. "Thank you, but I am alright."

The maid halted and turned to the Vice Dean, who nodded as he handed her an envelope. She received it and headed to Cedric, then offered it to him with a slight bow.

Cedric arched a brow as he received the invitation envelope sealed with a thick dollop of dark red wax, and stamped with the Vice Dean’s personal emblem. He only studied the intricate design of the seal, but didn’t open it just yet.

"You must be wondering why I called you here," the older man said in a measured, raspy voice.

"...?"

Cedric waited curiously, keeping his expression entirely blank. But then, the Vice Dean was famous for his dramatic pauses and the needless theatricality of his office. When Cedric could no longer handle the suspense with stretched for quite a bit, he thought to himself, ’Come on, shit it out already, man.’

After a few seconds, the Vice Dean exhaled and said, "I want to enlist your help in an execution."

Cedric’s brow furrowed.

’An execution?’ His thoughts began to spiral down a rabbit hole of what this was about.

While he was still in his thoughts, the Vice Dean continued calmly. "As you already know, Cedric, the Triad’s Annual Supremacy Game will begin in less than two weeks’ time. Normally, the top ten in the third years are usually the ones chosen to represent the Bastion. But we lost two of them during the last eclipse, and a few others are currently away in the second ring for the current eclipse. In cases like this, cadets are chosen from the top twenty who are at least Grade Three to fill the vacancies.

"However, it’s a really fortunate thing that the last eclipse granted us formidable Grade Threes even in the second year."

’I know all this already. But... what does it have to do with me? I’m ranked uh... I don’t even know what number I’m ranked, but it should be really low.’

Cedric remained silent, keeping his expression perfectly blank as he slid the envelope between his fingers.

The Vice Dean leaned forward as he rested his forearms on the desk. He then narrowed his sharp red eyes slightly. "It’s already evident that aside from the unique bonded ability that you have, you are quite a formidable combatant. I’m inclined to believe that, considering that not only the Ace but even the Princess has spoken highly of your capabilities.

"So... I want you to join this year’s game as a participant representing our noble Bastion."

He paused to let that settle.

Every year, cadets from the three Bastions competed in a tournament of some sort to choose the leading out of the three.

’The Triad’s Supremacy Games are usually hosted on the Isola Bella. This seems like a really good opportunity for me. There will be a lot Grade Three monsters there I could kill to gain exp. That’s all I’m interested in to be honest. More exp! More level up! More power!’ Cedric placed his hand on his chin and feigned to be thinking deeply about the offer, playing the part of a hesitant cadet.

"After the Game, of course, you will be placed in the top ten of the second year, and your performance during the Game will determine your exact standing among them," the Vice Dean added, tapping his finger against the silver tray.

’Hm... not a bad offer. Though it’s quite funny that I’m getting this sort of offer from the Vice Dean. The audacity!

’Doesn’t he feel any sort of shame? The school didn’t give a damn about me before. It would have been better if they treated me like a lesser noble. But no. They treated me, the son of a noble, less than the lowest commoner. Yes, I was a bastard child and so what? They couldn’t even assign me a proper dorm then and now, they suddenly want to use me. Saying crazy stuff to my face like ’participant of our noble Bastion.’ Sigh. Just thinking about it pisses me off. What right does he have to enlist my help in anything?

’Tsk. What a pain. He should be grateful that there’s a lot for me to gain here or I wouldn’t even entertain this conversation any further.’

Cedric exhaled.

It had been a long time since he learned how to control his facial expressions, so of course, even though he was fuming on the inside, his exterior remained as smooth and unbothered as still water.

After a moment, he lowered his hand and finally looked the Vice Dean in the eye, letting a subtle, respectful smile touch his lips. "I understand, Vice Dean. But what’s this about an execution?"

The white-haired man leaned back with a sigh. As usual, he let the silence stretch, milking the moment for maximum suspense. After a seemingly long moment, he finally spoke in a dead serious tone.

"Recently, the Grand Council confirmed that many of the nobles in the empire are already in cahoots with the Evrarel empire. They have discovered some of them, and among them, a few of the top ten in the Bastion of Gales and the Bastion of Conquest belong to these traitorous families.

"The plan is to get rid of the entire families, one by one. Starting with the heirs both in this world and even those in the Rings."

He went quiet for a bit as he tried to gauge Cedric’s reaction.

’I see,’ Cedric thought. ’The punishment for treason in this empire is death, and with the king we have, that’s death for the whole noble family. Though in order not to alarm all the others, who can at least ensure their heirs escape, the executions are being carried out covertly.’

"I was told that I could trust you with this information," the Vice Dean continued, leaning forward. "That you are a man of rare discretion, and someone who could be counted on with regards a matter like this."

’That definitely sounds like the Princess’s words.’ Cedric avoided sparing her a glance.

"Everyone who will be involved in this execution mission will be tasked to accidentally kill any of the targets they come across during the Games," the Vice Dean added.

’...’ Cedric nodded inwardly. ’Although the games can be brutal, there is usually no killing, as Dominants are not only invaluable but are also nobles. However, it looks like this year’s games will be tweaked a bit.’

Finally, the man offered the ultimate choice. "If you decide to participate, we’ll give you a list of the traitors you need to kill, and of course, we’ll also let you know those who are taking part in the mission alongside you."

’It’s obvious the princess and Leon will be a part of it.’ Cedric sighed.

Eventually, he smiled and said dismissively, "I’ll think about it..." then he emphasized deeply, "Vice Dean.~"

The study was quiet for a few seconds.

"Alright," the elderly man replied, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Take your time. But don’t keep us waiting too long."

Cedric stood up, but instead of giving a bow, he just stared at the man condescendingly. After a few seconds, he shoved his hands in his pockets, then turned and walked out without another word.

***

A few moments after Cedric left, the Vice Dean broke the silence. "Mm. You didn’t tell me that the brat is indecisive."

Without looking, Leon scoffed. "My friend is not indecisive. If anything, he’s the more reliable one amongst us two."

He began to slowly walk out, but suddenly paused. Casting a cold gaze over his shoulder at the Vice Dean, he spoke in a much darker voice, "I think I’ve made myself clear. Since he is my friend, you will treat him with the same respect you show me. You know his name. Call him a brat again, and you will not like the consequences, Vice Dean."

He turned and left the room.

The Vice Dean was stunned into silence.

And at that moment, the Princess stood up.

She brushed off her dress and began leaving as well.

Though after a few steps, she also paused. Without turning around, she said softly, "I suggest you take his advice. Good day."

Then, she followed Leon out of the office.

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