I created my own system

Apollo and Alicia stood at the Academy's gate, their cloaks billowing slightly as they prepared to leave for Nero's kingdom. Their minds were set on finding answers to the recent attack, yet just as they were about to take their first step, they heard familiar voices behind them.

"Where do you think you're going without us?" Niko called, followed by Agnes, Mckenzie, and a few other classmates.

Apollo sighed, turning to face the group, "We've already been through this. Alicia and I are going alone."

Apollo felt like it was a good decision that it was just the two of them, though he knew his friends were capable, but bringing them along would complicate things. They were already entering hostile territory, and the fewer people involved, the better.

"We know in terms of raw strength we can't help but there should be at least something we could do. We don't have to go with you—we can assist from here, monitor and gather information. You might need backup we can contact them, anything will do, just let us help" Kieth insisted, determined to assist even just packing the supplies they're going to take.

Alicia frowned slightly, exchanging a glance with Apollo. The idea of having more eyes on the situation wasn't bad, the authorities under their command will be essential as well "We know we may slow you two down if we come, and we know how this mission is extremely dangerous, but we already face danger before.

You two know that better than anyone else, and you also know how we can be useful at times" Alya argued.

"Come on guys," McKenzie interrupted. "We're all part of this now. We've fought beside you, cried and killed together. Let us help, even if it's just from the Academy."

Jillian added, "We're not asking to travel with you, but we can work as a support system. Researching, keeping an eye on things—just let us do that."

Apollo felt a wave of exasperation but also appreciation. He and Alicia had their time of being alone in their battles so they have experienced going solo and even in pairs, they also wouldn't mind help, and though he was hesitant, he knew they couldn't completely isolate their friends. After a moment of silence, he gave a resigned nod. "Fine.

You can help, but like you all said you can't come with us, you stay here. You monitor and gather intel remotely. We don't need more people in the field right now."

The group looked at each other, then back at Apollo. "Deal," Niko agreed. "We'll handle the monitoring and data review. But you better keep us in the loop."

With that, the tension lifted slightly, and after a few more hours of delay they were finally good to go, Apollo and Alicia finally set off, leaving their classmates behind. As they crossed into the borders of Nero's kingdom, they donned new appearances—Alicia changed her hair color to deep auburn, while Apollo shifted his features slightly, masking their identities.

{Cameras are running smoothly, and the audio is also good!}

Jillian's voice echoes in the two's ears signifying that the connection was firmly established.

{No interference detected you two can proceed} Arabella said while looking at a huge monitor that shows complicated symbols.

{The satellite drone is also fully operational however it is recommended for you two to remain hidden} Matilda advised as she bit on the sandwich prepared by Keith.

"Alright thanks for the update we are heading in, keep us informed"

{We will!}

Then they moved carefully through the bustling capital, cautious not to draw any attention. But just as they began to relax, a subtle disturbance caught their senses. They could feel it, the slow and steady breathing of someone following them, along with the feeling of a gaze that felt like a burden. Someone is watching them, they can feel it.

{Someone had their eyes on you two} Blair voiced his concerns feeling the thoughts of someone among the crowd of people. Despite only seeing things inside a monitor he could tell since Apollo's copied authority is running in sync with his, although both he and Apollo aren't aware of this.

"Is it hostile?" Alicia muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the crowd. Strangely she could not fully operate her senses, it seemed the capital was being protected by a powerful artifact.

Apollo on the other hand was silent because already knew where the guy was but pretended not to notice.

{I can't sense anything negative but please be cautious since he could have hidden it} Blair warned, then a figure cloaked in dark robe approached them, stopping directly in their path. Alicia tensed, ready for a fight, but Apollo raised a hand, silently telling her to wait, he knew the person meant no harm, but the figure's presence was unsettling, yet familiar thus he became even more curious.

Apollo and Alicia waited for the person to make a move first but before they could react, the person's nimble hands took something underneath his robe. It was a badge, an insignia of the cardinal Dukes. Apollo felt confused seeing the insignia of the four ducal houses combine into one.

"You won't need that disguise here," the servant said calmly, his voice low but clear.

"You are one of them, I see you should have told us so not like this, we almost attack you"

The servant raised his hands in peace. "I am sorry I didn't know I caused you distress, you must be Lady Alicia and Mage Apollo, as you can see I'm not your enemy. I've been sent to bring you to the Archduke. He's been expecting you."

Alicia narrowed her eyes. "How did he know we were coming?" Besides their friends and the tower mages, it was only the emperor who knew their mission for today, and there is no way those people would speak about it to someone else. So how did the archduke find out?

The servant smiled knowingly as he responded "The Archduke has his ways."

Reluctantly, the two followed the servant through a series of hidden alleyways until they arrived at an unassuming building. Inside, they were led to a grand chamber where the Archduke, a tall man with velvety blond hair and light green eyes, awaited them.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Welcome," he said, his voice was deep carrying a weight of authority. "I know why you're here, and I've been waiting for this moment."

Apollo remained silent, watching the man closely. "You knew about the attack?"

The Archduke nodded. "More than you realize. You see, while the four cardinal Dukes protect the Empire from external threats like beasts, monsters, and demonic creatures—I stand guard against threats from within. Nobles, political factions, and those who seek to undermine the Imperial House."

Alicia leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "So are you trying to say that the attack on the Academy was part of a larger scheme?"

The Archduke's expression darkened. "Precisely. The Revolutionary Church, the magical beasts, are only pieces of a much larger puzzle. And Nero's involvement is crucial. But it's not just the beasts or monsters you should be worried about—it's the people behind them."

Apollo's mind raced, connecting the dots. "So, Nero isn't just using the beasts… he's also trying to destabilize the Empire itself?"

The Archduke nodded gravely. "That's what we believe. And I'm here to ensure that he does not succeed. But I cannot do it alone, although I have the aid of the four ducal houses they have their own duty to do so I can't bother them. I need people who can assist me, with of course the emperor's approval"

They had come to find answers, but they had uncovered a far deeper conspiracy.

Alicia exchanged a glance with Apollo, understanding they were already part of this situation. They can't turn back now.

"We are already here, might as well help out," Apollo thought so while Jeremiah continued his scanning, although it was slow due to the capital's powerful artifact.

"We are here to help," Apollo said firmly. "But first, we need to know everything you do."

The Archduke smiled, a gleam of approval in his eyes. "Very well. Let's begin."

While this transpires their classmates at the academy had their jaw drop surprised at the current turn of the situation.

"It seems we got dragged into bigger trouble, people" Mckenzie mutters finally putting down the bowl of noodles in his hand.