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After reading the ancient book, Russell finally understood why his senior brother Felix had called its contents both important and unimportant. It revealed the origin story of pocket dimensions - a truth that the Federation's top leaders and Association higher-ups likely already knew. The weight of this knowledge settled in his chest like a cold stone.
Could this be the real reason for the disagreement between the court and the Association? he wondered, though he lacked sufficient evidence to support that theory.
His thoughts drifted to the demons in the underground spaces he'd encountered, and Russell couldn't suppress a bitter chuckle. "Turns out internal fighting is their ancestral skill. Backstabbing runs in their blood."
In that case, he decided, this book could serve as currency with the Spirit Begging Society. Since the information was already known at the highest levels, he felt no moral qualms about trading it for personal advantage.
Russell casually handed the ancient book to a Shadowkhan standing silently beside his desk and pulled out his phone.
[Russell]: Director Misty, I will be coming over later.
[Misty]: ? Why did you suddenly think of notifying me? Usually you just show up.
[Russell]: The way I'm coming this time is rather strange. Be prepared.
[Misty]: ?
After pocketing his phone, Russell watched as an ornate chair emerged from the shadows in his room. He'd purchased it two days ago specifically for this purpose - if the Shadowkhan could transport anything through shadow-space, he might as well travel in style. Settling into the plush cushions, he signaled to his servants. Several Shadowkhan surrounded him, and together they dissolved into darkness.
On the other side of the city, Misty stared at her phone screen with growing curiosity. What strange way? she thought, setting the device aside with a shrug. Whatever. I'll deal with Russell's dramatics when he gets here.
She picked up her lipstick and began applying it to her lips, using the compact mirror on her desk to ensure perfect precision.
In the next moment, several dark figures materialized from the shadows of her office. Misty's eyes flashed with alarm as her hand instinctively moved toward her card holder. But before she could summon her defenses, a familiar figure appeared seated regally in an ornate chair, surrounded by his supernatural servants.
Recognition replaced panic, and Misty's expression soured. "Couldn't you explain it more clearly? You nearly gave me a heart attack."
Russell accepted a delicate teacup from one of his Shadowkhan and took a leisurely sip. "My, my, I didn't expect you to be so easily startled."
Despite her irritation, Misty couldn't help studying the silent, black-clad figures with professional interest. "What brings you here this time? Just showing off your new card?" The envy in her voice was barely concealed - the versatility of his Shadowkhan was genuinely impressive.
Russell chuckled, setting down his teacup with practiced elegance. "Who do you think I am?" At his subtle gesture, one of the Shadowkhan approached Misty with a USB drive in its outstretched palm. As she took the device, Russell added, "Before you examine it, make sure your computer isn't being monitored."
She rolled her eyes with exaggerated patience. "Don't question my professionalism." The USB drive clicked into her computer port, and Misty began scrolling through the files. Her expression gradually shifted from casual interest to intense focus. After several minutes of reading, she finally looked up. "Where did you acquire this?"
Russell took another calm sip of tea, maintaining his composed facade. "I discovered it during my pocket dimension training."
Misty's brow furrowed with concern. "Is the source location still accessible?"
"It wouldn't be appropriate to share such things with the Society," Russell lied smoothly, "so I gave the original to my teacher. Seemed like a good opportunity to earn some favor with him."
Her expression relaxed immediately. "Excellent thinking. You were right not to hand it over to the court faction. The Society needs you to demonstrate more value in front of Director Blake."
Russell's pulse quickened, though he kept his face neutral. He'd been testing her loyalties, and her response confirmed his suspicions. The Society definitely wants me climbing higher in the Association's hierarchy. Outwardly, he adopted a helpless tone. "Unfortunately, my teacher has been stationed on the coastal defense line. I haven't seen him in weeks."
"That's precisely why the Society has maintained a low profile along the coast recently," Misty revealed without thinking. "We want to reassure him enough to return to Northgate sooner."
The casual admission sent Russell's thoughts spinning, though his expression remained perfectly composed. After a moment, he allowed a trace of greed to color his features. "The Society will provide appropriate compensation for this intelligence, correct?"
Misty caught his expression, and ammusment flickered in her eyes. "Naturally. I'll contact you when the arrangements are finalized."
Russell drained his teacup in one smooth motion. "Then I'll take my leave." He and his Shadowkhan dissolved back into the shadows as seamlessly as they'd arrived.
Left alone, Misty's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Finally," she murmured to her empty office.
Back in his apartment, Russell reviewed his performance with careful analysis. I should have convinced her, he thought, settling into his regular chair. Today he'd played the role of a talented student gradually succumbing to corruption - someone who'd evolved from resisting the Society to accepting his place within their plans.
The practical training course at Northgate University had officially concluded, and the classroom buzzed with animated conversations.
"How was your harvest?" "I managed fine. What about you?" "Don't get me started. The monsters in our pocket dimension acted like they'd been fed gunpowder. If I hadn't kept my wits about me, I'd have been monster food."
Similar exchanges filled Class 1's classroom as students compared their experiences.
Heath glanced at his watch, then whispered to Keith, "Class starts in a few minutes. Where's Russell?"
Keith looked at the empty seat beside them. "No idea. Maybe he's still stuck in his pocket dimension?"
"Seriously? That would be rough."
As the two friends speculated, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation. "What are you two gossiping about?"
"Russell!?" Heath's surprised exclamation was loud enough to draw attention from across the classroom. Realizing his mistake, he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry." Then he leaned closer and whispered, "How did you get in here? I swear you weren't here a second ago."
Russell accepted a textbook from a Shadowkhan that materialized briefly beside his desk. "What do you mean, how did I get in?" he asked casually.
Heath stared slack-jawed at the retreating Shadowkhan, while Keith's expression mirrored his amazement.
"New card," Russell explained with deliberate understatement. "Would you guys like some snacks?" As he spoke, another Shadowkhan appeared before them, kneeling gracefully while offering a selection of treats. The class bell chose that moment to ring, and the servant immediately melted back into the shadows.
Heath found his voice first. "Damn, dude. That card is incredible."
"It's alright," Russell replied with huge grin.
His phone buzzed with an incoming message, drawing his attention from his friends' continued staring.
[Coach Carter]: Let's go to the Battle Club after the last class today.
[Russell]: Got it.
Russell pocketed his phone and settled in for what promised to be another ordinary day of extraordinary circumstances.
(End of this chapter)
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