Extra's Descent

Milis.

January 18, 2150.

Silver Archives Institute.

The crème de la crème academy of the Milis Continent—where most noble families living in every country in the continent send their children to attend.

The academy, boasting not just flawless affinity control, magic circle dynamics, alchemic functionalities, but even the research and application of lost magic.

Runic confluence.

A topic exploring the blending of multiple rune systems and languages, focusing on how different runic ancient alphabets can be combined to create new and more powerful effects.

It was the academy's highlight, and to this day, a new thesis would emerge.

Silver Archive Institution was also the academy Belle had tried admitting into during her middle–school years.

But even her talent wasn't sufficient enough. And so, she settled for the second best academy in Milis.

However, she had no choice but to return to Holy Britannia and attend Astrea Academy.

"Professor, what do you think of the recent events?"

A student, who was currently in his Professor's office, asked.

The Professor, blinking his amethyst eyes, crossed his legs. He remained silent for a second as he sipped on his tea before responding.

"I think it's idiotic how everything's being pinned to the Great Land of Milis."

"I think so too. It's the first time I've even heard of such allegations. Milis preparing for invasion? The soldiers are as idle as they can be!"

"Exactly. But if their allegations are proven true, then it must've been the convicts that fled this country."

"I've had the same thoughts in mind. Can they really point their fingers on us, just because their alleged convicts are Milis descent?"

The student couldn't help but sigh.

The entire broadcast had left even Milis shocked by the sudden allegations against their continent.

"And that guy…. What was his name? Brandon Locke? He's too full of himself."

The two engaged in conversation for a while, before the bell suddenly rang, causing the student to stand up.

"I've wanted to have this conversation for a while. My classmates don't seem to think of the situation seriously. Thank you, Professor Fyodor. I'll be taking my leave now."

"Of course. Come by any time, Noah."

Noah von Aria.

Born from the Aria family, currently the most prestigious student of Silver Archive Institute.

A mage who attained the fifth tier of his mana core at the age of nineteen.

"He has potential."

Indeed, Noah would make the perfect candidate.

The Professor, Fyodor, stood up, glancing down by the window.

Students had gathered around the patch of grassfields, mingling amongst themselves before getting up.

Then, catching his attention, the door suddenly opened.

A man emerged, but Fyodor didn't glance back.

The man sat on the guest couch, showing proper decorum.

"You're here."

Fyodor spoke.

The man unveiled his hood, revealing his features.

"Charles."

The man was none other than Charles, of the Twelve Elders.

Charles, who would never do such an act for anyone, bowed his head respectfully.

"Apologies, it took a while to shake the Elders off my tail."

"It's fine. You've done well to salvage the situation, completely redirecting their attention. Now, there'd be less malice against Milis."

"I had no choice, it was a mistake to bring that boy to the Sanctum."

Charles may have voted against the Runic Cadaver Analysis, but only because he wanted to keep Evelyn Cessna's condition hidden.

However, there was a variable he hadn't predicted.

Isaac's interference.

Isaac had pushed the agenda, providing facts that led the Elders to vote for the Runic Cadaver Analysis to be pushed through.

And as if he was just playing around—he had voted against it.

'I don't get him at all.'

To not oppose, then to oppose?

It was as if he was playing for two sides of the same coin.

'He even got Mira to join his antics….'

The entire situation led to Brandon Locke facing a trial in the Sanctum.

Something Charles had totally tried to avoid.

And so, he had to pretend to be on Brandon Locke's side.

Things turned for the worse thereafter as he tried to salvage the situation.

'His knowledge about the Archbishops….'

It was completely out of expectations.

"Don't sulk too much, Charles. While everything has been laid out in the open, we've managed to learn two facts out of the situation."

"Yes?"

"One—someone out of our radar has been revealed to know much more than he lets out."

Brandon Locke, a name they had never heard of initially.

"And two—Holy Britannia is a top priority."

There was a third fact. But Fyodor didn't feel the need to voice it out.

It was something he needed to confirm first.

"Y—Yes, of course. Then…."

Charles' eyes darted around, seemingly hesitant to say something.

"About an Authority?"

"Yes, that…."

It had been part of their agreement. To bestow Charles an Authority.

"If you're deemed worthy for it, it'll awaken. If not—"

Fyodor's amethyst eyes flickered ominously, sending a shiver down Charles' spine.

"—No hard feelings."

"Of course, of course, Sir Fyodor."

While Charles wasn't expecting to be bestowed anytime soon, if he stuck with Fyodor, there was a chance he would be bestowed an Authority.

"You do know the conditions don't you?"

"Y–Yes. There can only be one Authority at a time. At the moment, there are no available slots. The recent Authority bestowed was Lust."

"Then why are you in a hurry?"

Charles swallowed deeply, noticing the weight in Fyodor's tone.

"Are you implying you want to me to kill—"

"No, no. Of course not, Sir Fyodor! I would never!"

"Haha."

Fyodor couldn't help but laugh.

"I don't mind doing such a thing. But at the moment, the Archbishops have been useful so far."

"Even…."

Charles hesitated. But knowing the position he held, Fyodor wouldn't kill him so easily.

"Even Lust…?"

While Lust may have accomplished the task of killing Evelyn Cessna, according to reports made by Pride, it seemed like she started operating under self–interest thereafter.

"Yes, Lust has completely infiltrated Holy Britannia, the continent we currently have our full attention on."

"....Is that so?"

Charles was completely unaware of Lust's identity.

The conversation continued there, but Fyodor had never divulged Lust's identity.

"Keep up the good work, Charles. Even if you aren't bestowed an Authority, you are the most important piece I have."

"Understood, Sir Fyodor. I wouldn't dare disappoint you."

"Good."

Fyodor nodded his head, and Charles left soon after.

Once more, Fyodor pondered on the situation.

Due to Charles managing to salvage the situation, a scenario where every continent in the world would point their weapons on Milis was avoided.

While the Archbishops may possess great power, there were even existences in this world they couldn't dare to fight against.

One of them was Lucian Frost.

The man who was deemed missing a year ago.

No, the man Fyodor was sure of, was dead.

Because inside the rift was a being that transcended human comprehension.

A Sovereign's familiar.

The Hydra.