192 Decisions (2/2)
”Hmmm...” The lady paused for a moment as if trying to figure out whether her information gathered were real.
”Well, I've spoken to him before when our group went to their town. Do you remember the time we joined with the Veritas Group before our team went to Stella Region?” Miya could only add to explain.
”I see. I understand. Then, did you notice any powerful artifact with him? Something capable of breaking through into any magic defense?”
”Do you mean the probing magic he have with him?”
”So, you really know him!”
”Sigh~ I really don't. At most, I'm aware that he doesn't use any Mana Artifact to use a very powerful probing magic of his. It was very impressive.”
This was Miya Linus and Instructor Chamber talking about Wallace's skill.
Their conversation shows that Miss Chamber wasn't just an instructor of the academy but also a friend of Miya. After some time, Miya narrated everything that has happened in the town and within the Veritas' Airship.
”It's better not to further mess with him, instructor... You should've heard the news, correct?”
”Ah, you mean that identity of being an apprentice of a Grand Arcanist?” Miss Chamber asked to clarify.
”Mhm...”
”Well, I know my limits. I just want to do something about it. I can't just ignore that and let our defenses be this weak. Learning about that magic may help us create a better defense. Don't you agree?”
Miya smiled hearing this before answering.
”You always think about our safety, I guess... you're right. But if that was the case, you can just ask them to cooperate. Tell him your reasons, maybe he'll give in and even help you to create a powerful defense. He's an exceptional Mana Technician, after all.”
Miss Chamber paused as if realizing something. It seems that it was a good decision to speak with this young lady...
”Great! I'll try that. I hope it works...”
***
Within a high-class hotel at the center hub of the Tanza City. A group of five people entered the elevator going to the 14th floor. They were all middle-aged men and seemingly business executives based on their attire and manner of speaking.
They were all talking about some kind of businesses in their field but their topic suddenly changed after entering the board room at the 14th floor. The room was highly protected and this made them a bit relaxed and more comfortable.
”The Z-Company was no longer operating within the City...”
”Have you confirmed it with him?”
”Yes, it was from the Prime Minister himself.”
”Do you know where the Shaman's Hex Faction operates now?”
”We haven't been informed. But they were laying low due to some recent failures about their operations... Even their Cryptic Link Serum was stolen and perfected by the Congress...
”Are we still taking over this city?”
”Yes... The experimentation for the Sealed Artifact Hallowed Eyes has been completed. We can proceed to our plans now...”
”But I heard that we haven't gathered all the solidified cores yet...”
”Hmmm... We've sent two teams but they were all annihilated even before they gathered some cores.. It's very annoying.”
One of the five men started grumbling about the failures of the people he have been sending to collect the cores. Although he have the Sealed Artifact with him and use it indefinitely, it wasn't without a price. It was also costly to hire mercenaries. Although they have plenty of funds, he felt that they could've use it with other projects.
”Who was interfering? Is it the police?”
”Hey, don't tell me that they can't even defeat those lousy automatons of the Golden Trident?!”
”No! Of course not. They were just failing because they are targeting the automatons stationed at the house of Slaine's apprentice...”
The Sealed Artifact owner then started to explain what happened in the past operations. Soon, they learned about Wallace's identity and decided to stay away from him for now and gather the cores from other places.
They have a grand plan for this city as this place held some secrets they desire.
”Fine... Then we should call Avery as we need another Sealed Artifact weilder. Does everyone agree on that?”
The other four looked at each other and didn't voice any disagreement. The meeting still continued for an hour as they talk about other problems they're encountering and success they're getting.
***
Wallace attended the school on the next day as he was bombarded by his classmates about the 5th apprentice thing.
”Hey! Why didn't you tell me about it?!”
”I even laughed about it as you have the same name... Huh!”
”By the way, have you met Miss Lacus? Do you think you can help me meet her?”
”Aren't you famous now? You should at least treat us!”
”Let's celebrate!”
”Mhm... I can arrange a place.”
The last sentence came from Kenneth Cummings. Their background wasn't simple so he suggested a very nice place as a venue. Ericka, Gilbert, and some other classmates agreed about it as they tried to get as many details as they could about the method of apprentice selection.
Wallace could only helplessly satisfy their curiosity.