"Well, care to do the honors, Mela?" Arthur asked, gesturing for Mela to discuss the Yaijuu hunt. Mela nodded and began.
"Based on the records, most of you failed miserably." Most of the youngsters looked down, their faces reflecting disappointment.
"Just a few of you managed to take down a significant number of Yaijuus," Mela continued, scanning the room. "Daniel Lancaster's group," she said, nodding toward Daniel, who smirked, "has a total of thirty dead Yaijuus, which is impressive considering this is their first hunt."
"Next is Richard Stiles' group, with twenty dead Yaijuus," Mela announced. Daniel glanced at Peter, who smirked back, prompting Daniel to shrug and fold his arms. "Doesn't mean anything; their kills aren't higher than ours," he said, his group nodding in agreement.
Mela continued, "Frederick's group has twelve dead Yaijuus."
"Twelve?" Someone said "But their group is meant to be the best group overall I mean there is Fredrick of the mage class and Rhea of the warrior class." Another said Murmurs from the youngsters were going on here and there.
"I thought we killed eleven Yaijuus," Alexa said.
"Remember the one you killed at first sight?" Aiden replied. "Oh," Alexa said, realization dawning.
"True," Mela confirmed. "However, they encountered someone along the way who has the same mana as a Shadow Yaijuu." The room filled with gasps.
The youngsters knew the Shadow Yaijuu, a race infamous for chaos and destruction over four thousand years. Peter and Pelia exchanged a knowing glance.
"That explains why Aiden was acting that way," Pelia whispered, and Peter nodded. "You remember they killed his family," Peter added, and Pelia nodded again.
"They survived thanks to Lord Arthur," Mark said with a light smile.
"Does that mean there will be no Yaijuu hunt?" Daniel asked. "We don't know, but..." Mela began, only to be interrupted by Arthur.
"You're right about that, Daniel. There will be no Yaijuu hunt for now due to the fact that we've encountered a human with the same mana as a Shadow Yaijuu for the first time," Arthur clarified.
"Shadow Yaijuu?" a voice echoed. Arthur and the youngsters turned to see Isaac, who had spoken up.
"A wonderful thing to talk about, don't you think?" Arthur said with a smile.
"You may all take your rest now; the next day will determine who gets a reward." Daniel's group cheered, and the others applauded, except for Pelia, Rhea, Peter, and Aiden.
After congratulating Daniel's group for their impressive kill count, the youngsters headed to their dorm rooms to freshen up and unwind. They settled in for a well-deserved rest before the next day's events.
Mela and Mark bowed their heads in respect toward Arthur and Isaac before leaving them to discuss further.
"We need to inform the king to organize a meeting with all the high-ranking officials in the Atlantian Kingdom," Isaac suggested. Arthur shrugged, walking past Isaac.
"Do whatever you want."
*******************
Zeru's Academy consists of two buildings, each housing students of different rank levels. The first building is home to lower-ranked students, including those who are unranked, D-rank, and C-rank. Aiden and his peers reside in this building.
The second building, on the other hand, is occupied by higher-ranked students, comprising B-rank, A-rank, and S-rank individuals. The upper floors of this building serve as the quarters for the Council of Masters, the governing body that oversees the academy's activities and makes key decisions. As the highest authority in the academy, the Council of Masters has the final say in all matters.
Lagertha, the leader of the Council of Masters, sat in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping her temple as she gazed toward the entrance. The door opened, and Diane and Alex slipped in, closing it softly behind them. They exchanged a glance before bowing their heads in respect.
"Mother," they said in unison.
The room was occupied only by Lagertha, Alex, and Diane, as the other council members were attending to pressing matters elsewhere. Though not part of the Council of Masters themselves, Alex and Diane served as the council's disciples, groomed to take their places when the time came.
"How are you both feeling?" Lagertha asked in a calm tone.
"We're fine, Mother," Alex replied.
"Yes, we are," Diane added.
"You're not fine, and this is my fault." Lagertha's gaze lingered on them, her thoughts revealing a different truth. As she looked at Diane and Alex, her fingers brushed against her knee.
"Arthur needs to be avoided from now on. Stay away from him," Lagertha instructed, standing up and turning her back to them, facing the window.
"Yes, Mother," Alex acknowledged, nodding before heading toward the exit. Diane followed, but she paused, her eyes meeting Lagertha's before she turned to leave. As she shut the door, a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Unbeknownst to Diane, Lagertha felt a similar pang. A tear escaped her eye, and she discreetly wiped it away as two figures opened the door.
"Lagertha," one of the figures said. She turned to see Neo Finland, a member of the Council of Masters, approaching her.
Neo's gaze caught the hint of emotion in Lagertha's eyes, and he asked, "What happened?"
Lagertha brushed it off, her tone neutral. "Nothing. Where are the others?"
She walked past Neo and took her seat, facing the entrance.
"You know they have something to attend to," Neo replied, his curiosity piqued. "Tell me what's wrong."
Lagertha's expression turned icy, and Neo raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Fine, then."
Neo settled into his seat, relaxing his head. "Oh, I saw your kids along the way. You finally found them," he said with a smile.
But before he could continue, a sharp pain struck the center of his head, causing him to stumble out of his seat. Lagertha's gaze pinned him in place, her fingers lightly tapping her temple.
"What was that for?" Neo exclaimed, clutching his head.
Sera, the other council member, took her seat with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Gray. I heard the Yaijuu hunt for the unranked students has concluded."
Lagertha's response was curt. "I know." Her eyes remained fixed on Neo. "Put ice on your forehead. It'll help with the pain."
Neo complied, conjuring an ice stone and pressing it to his forehead. The cold slowly began to ease the throbbing.
Sera's curiosity got the better of her. "I heard something occurred during the Yaijuu hunt." Lagertha's gaze shifted to Sera, her interest piqued. "Tell me what happened."