Ciel tackled Viers while he was jumping from rooftop to rooftop, pinning him to a wall. With anger in her eyes, she stared at him wordlessly.

  “...You know, I didn't think I would be on the receiving end of a kabedon. Very bold, Miss Valentine.”

  Ciel put her hand inside Viers’ shirt.

  “Oi, oi, that’s too bold,” Viers chuckled.

  Viers got slapped.

  “You’ve really healed. Or you weren't wounded in the first place? Was your near-death a fake!?”

  “...You truly care.”

  “Isn't it obvious? I never want to see my comrades die ever again! Now answer my question!”

  “Of course not. Those roaches really almost ate my innards.”

  “Then how did you,” Ciel gasped. “Did you use a Forbidden Arte?”

  Burning one’s lifespan for emergency healing was one of the most common kinds of Forbidden Arte. Of course, even if one possessed it, it was usually reserved only for emergencies.

  Viers looked away, it was enough for Ciel.

  “How can you be so reckless!”

  “You know why. I have a promise to keep. The injustice that Princess Elvina suffered must be corrected, is that not so, Miss Legionary?”

  Ciel slowly backed away. “I’m just worried, that’s all. You won't even tell us what you plan to do.”

  “It is not proper for the likes of you and Croix to do this kind of dirty work. Leave it to the grunts like me.”

  “Ha! Do you think it will be my first time? When the laws of men aren't sufficient to rectify great wrongs, I do what must be done. I answer to a higher authority,” Ciel made the sign of Estelle in reverence.

  She then looked down.

  “I’m just worried. You’ll be up against a Magisterium Tower Master. The danger is-”

  The two picked up some people approaching.

  “...I must go,” Viers said. “I’m humbled by your concern, milady.”

  “Go,” Ciel gave him a ring that bore House Valentine’s heraldry. “Take care of yourself.”

  “This is...”

  “My best contingency item. Should the worst happen, may it grant you safety.”

  Ciel refused Viers’ refusal. If her father knew she gave the family signet ring to another, his bloodstream would flow in reverse.

  “Take it. In the Grand Prix, I won't need it. Take it in my place, since I can't come with you.”

  “As you wish, dear. Take care of the kids while I’m off to work.”

  “Un. Leave the boys to me,” Ciel nodded. “Be careful and fair tidings.”

  She didn't stop Viers this time, who soon disappeared from view in the darkness. She wished she could go with him but she just had to trust him.

  Gosh, my eyes are wet. Since when? I hope he didn't realize it.

  “...Hm?”

  It just dawned on Ciel that their last exchange was like what a husband and wife would have said to each other.

  “...Scoundrel,” she said softly and smiled.

  With her worries addressed, not gone but lessened, she returned to the hotel for the Grand Prix participants. Only a few hours until the sun rose but some sleep was better than none at all. Round 2 would begin this afternoon. A pretty brutal schedule after three days of survival of round 1 but this was mild compared to the rigorous training regimen of the Silver Legion.

  “Done with your tryst, my lady?”

  Tinade, the maid of House Valentine who was also Ciel’s teacher, greeted her ward in front of her room.

  “Huh? There is no such thing!”

  “Tsk, tsk, tsk. You’re a hundred years too green to lie to me, sweet pea. There’s a skip in your steps,” Tinade showed her pearly teeth.

  “Khh! Goodnight!” Ciel straddled past her and closed the door with a blam.

  Alone at last. Looking at the ceiling on her bed, she reviewed her life in the past few days.

  Celedony.

  Becoming Level 4.

  Alice and Jonah’s elopement.

  Emerith Grand Ball.

  Couple contract with Viers.

  His secret Biome and cabal.

  Joining the Grand Prix.

  Pests control.

  Princess Elvina.

  How unpredictable life is.

  She did not plan on becoming Level 4, nor entering the Grand Prix, yet here she was.

  The next thing she realized was the gentle touch of the sun's rays through the velvety curtain. The luxury and comfort of the hotel for the contestants were top-class. Tinade was in the room, making preparations in complete silence.

  It made Ciel feel she was back at her home mansion, during the simple times.

  “Awake already? You only slept for three hours. Here, have a cuppa,” the much taller maid said.

  “Thank you.”

  The freshly brewed tea was exquisite. As expected of Tinade.

  “Mmhhh... I feel no fatigue,” said Ciel after she stretched.

  “Getting used to Level 4 perks, I see. I’ll prepare the bath. Shall I bring you breakfast here?”

  The routine felt like sliding into a pair of comfortable slippers. Long unused, but snuggly fit. Ciel felt she had left that life behind when she joined the Silver Legion. With the taste of the tea still lingering on her tongue, she was ashamed of her vainness.

  “I’d like to invite Prince Croix and Boram to open breakfast together. We also need to strategize for the upcoming match. And then,” Ciel turned to the maid. “I’d like to receive your instructions, Tinade. Like old times.”

  “Sharpening your blade for the strong ones?”

  “Since I’m in the tourney, I mustn't show a pathetic display. And there’s no shortage of worthy opponents.”

  After leaving the room, Ciel and Tinade were joined by Sir Eugene. Ciel didn't know much about the knight who was appointed to be her guard by her parents. Apparently, he and Boram were friends.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Croix’s room was empty. They were in the training space. There were many pocket dimensions in the hotel, freely available for the Grand Prix contestants and all 16 finalist groups had one.

  There were Croix and Boram, the prince’s red dragon, and an older knight fiercely loyal to the prince, Alfred.

  “Good morning, Miss Valentine. I meant to invite you for breakfast but I lost track of time. Forgive me,” Croix paused his training the second he saw her. Boram and Alfred also greeted her and her entourage politely. It pleased Ciel that Tinade and Eugene were not the type to look down on Boram despite his status.

  “Please think nothing of it. Since we are all here, how about a light workout before breakfast?”

  “I’d be glad to,” Croix said.

  “Thank you very much,” Boram bowed.

  Ciel looked at her teammates.

  Croix was 18 and possessed handsome and earnest facial features and wore his heart on his sleeve. He had dark hair and gray eyes, however, some of his hair had started to turn fire-red.

  It was nothing unusual. Colored hair was common among high Level Pathseeker. As for herself, she was content with the golden hair she was born with.

  The prince’s interaction with his dragon was like a man and his dog; only the dog could breathe fire hot enough to melt rock, fly as regal as Crowned Albatross, and eat a whole cow with still more room in its stomach.

  As for Boram, Viers’ disciple, the boy was 15 years old. He was usually expressionless and content to stay in the background but the boy was a beast in a fight, witnessed by her own eyes. At his age humans should only begin their Pathseeker journey, but he was already a Level 3 peak. Ciel heard a little about his unique circumstances but didn't delve into the details. He had absolute faith in his master and seemingly had no problem with his slave status whatsoever.

  “...Boram, why are your steps making dents on the floor?” Ciel asked.

  “Gravity rings, Miss Ciel,” he showed he was wearing three of them. “For training.”

  “How old fashioned,” Tinade smiled in approval.

  “I borrowed one and it flattened my insides,” Croix shook his head in defeat. “Boram ate and slept with them on.”

  “That’s... brilliant.” It was insane but Ciel was too polite to say it. “Tinade, Eugene, may we count on your help?”

  “Alright little guy, show me what you got,” Tinade took an interest in Boram.

  “It would be my honor to have a match with a legendary dragon knight,” Eugene said to Croix.

  “I’m not a knight, not yet. I’d be glad to match skills with you, sir.”

  Ciel had a sparring bout with Alfred. Fighting different opponents would enrich their experiences. They exchanged opinions, tips, and advice. The cordiality extended through breakfast, to which Croix invited Elvina.

  The half-elf princess was doom and gloom. With the unforeseen wound suffered by ‘Avel’, the plan of rescuing her mother had been pushed back. Croix was doing all he could to calm her down.

  Avel was still in hospital; his injury was so severe that he couldn't get out of bed. But it was a fake, a magic body double, which Ciel admitted was very well made. The man himself was already up and about last night. Astonishing recovery power. Ciel wondered if the prince and the disciple knew the truth.

  After a hearty breakfast, Ciel planned on returning to the private gym with the others but Tinade informed her she had a visitor.

  “If it’s my parents or their messenger, send them away,” Ciel said.

  “No, miss, this person is from the Silver Legion.”

  Ciel was always pleased to meet her brothers and sisters in arms. Sometimes, it felt more at home than at the Valentine main mansion. Ciel gave her visitor a hug the second she saw her.

  “Wendy!”

  “Ooof, easy girl. Now, now. How are you, Ciel?”

  Wendy was an older sister figure for Ciel. They were in the same squad and faced numerous crises together. Wendy was there for her at the Battle of Valkut and many others since.

  Since Ciel was out from active duty to avoid her parents' machinations, they haven't seen each other for more than a year.

  “Are the others here too?” Ciel hoped.

  “No, just me. I will be joining them after this. But, since I saw your visage in the Grand Prix video cast, I have to come.”

  “Heheh, thanks for coming.”

  “So, what are you embroiled with this time? And what’s this about the boyfriend I hear?”

  “Ah, long story, Wen.”

  Ciel gladly shared her experience with Wendy.

  “Still haven't reconciled with mom and dad?” Wendy had a pitying look.

  “Enough about them. How’s the gang?”

  “Putting out fires everywhere, meaning business as usual. You’re the last of us who become Level 4. After today I’ll be going to the Coalition to meet up with them. There’s a situation there that made the higher-ups in a tizzy.”

  “Yeah? Lay it on me.”

  “Tanael has been sighted. That’s right, the mastermind behind the Soul Surge Crisis three years ago was making grand appearances in his old haunt. In just one week he made an upheaval in Marakkus city, pacified the Temple of Screaming Beasts, and conquered the Ryron Tournament.”

  Each was a famous place that Ciel knew. Especially the Temple of Screaming Beasts. Souls of powerful monsters there have become a menace and an obvious choice for a Soul Pathseeker to further his craft.

  “Ryron tournament. He entered that high-stakes underground event? Did he win?” Ciel asked.

  “Well, not exactly. He infiltrated the tournament venue and stole the prizes but he was detected. He’d then fought his way out, through the guards, gang bosses, cult spectators, even the contestants. Since he defeated almost a hundred people all at once including the tourney fighters, he might as well have won the whole thing.”

  “Goddess be good...” Ciel massaged the bridge of her nose.

  “Command will be tightening the net utilizing multiple squads. Ours is included in that number. Tanael’s growth rate is concerning. Sure enough, he has become a Level 4.”

  “Be careful.”

  Ciel knew how terrifying a Soul Pathseeker could become. In a secret battle during the Battle of Valkut, she was instantly defeated by Level 5 Soul Pathseeker. If the Divine Sword didn't save her that day, she would already be at the Goddess’ side. The Church and her friends didn't know of this incident since she had sworn secrecy since this matter would reveal Viers’ survival.

  They all thought Viers Isuel died that day.

  That same Viers was now attacking a Magisterium Tower, Ciel assumed.

  But still, against a Soul Pathseeker, another Soul Pathseeker was the best match. Against this Tanael fella, would Viers entertain the motion? He’s a softie after all...

  Viers so readily leaped into a pit of danger to save Elvina’s mother, a stranger that he’d just met. Without asking for a boon or price, he volunteered for a daring rescue. Such an act of altruism further reinforced Ciel’s belief that behind all of his fake smiles and swagger, Viers was a truly good person.

  Boram's devotion towards his master was making more sense, as was Prince Croix’s trust. He’d also helped Alice and Jonah find happiness even though he only knew them for a short time. Also, Ciel didn't forget she still owed him a life debt or two during their shared time in Valkut. Now, Ciel only wished her ‘boyfriend’ would return safe and sound.

  “Ah, I know that smile,” Wendy said while grinning. Was she? Ciel didn't realize. “You’re thinking about your boyfriend, right?”

  “...You're completely mistaken.” Ciel stirred her hot tea using a spoon.

  H-How did she know?

  “Because you have that wistful, girl-in-love look. So this Avel guy, he’s better than Paladin Orlando, hm?”

  Orlando was the number one bachelor of the Silver Legion. Ciel had... a period of closeness with the man, the youngest to enter the ranks of Paladin in living memory. Her parents wanted her to marry insistently, so she might as well take the initiative and find an agreeable partner.

  After two dinners and a luncheon, nothing further happened between them. There wasn't a fight or anything; their relationship was as amicable as it should be. Both sides simply drifted away like two glaciers in an ocean. Dispatch missions that took them far away from each other didn't help either.

  “I told you, we’re just acting,” Ciel whispered. “It isn't real.”

  While Ciel was lost in thought, she was stirring her tea cup even faster, making the clicking sound of metal meeting porcelain. Wendy’s smile got even wider.

  “Liar. Oh, I am so very worried. You have only fallen for bad guys,” Wendy put the back of her hand to her forehead and leaned back slightly in a grandiose manner. “Must be a curse.”

  “He’s not a bad guy!” Ciel put the tea cup on the table with a little force. “I-I mean, I've not fallen for him in the first place!”

  “I bet he’s surrounded by other bad people, plotting mischief and no good,” Wendy illustrated further.

  “He’s in the hospital!”

  ***

  Zetel Sultanate.

  Rupa Province.

  Viers was standing with his arms crossed on a sandy cliff, overlooking a one-hundred-meter-tall tower surrounded by mana smog and the industry complex sprawling at its feet.

  The cape of his enchanted battle garb swayed in the sandy and dry wind, for desert had claimed much of Zetel’s territory. A black mask covered his face and he exuded a solemn aura. He was like a general strategizing a battlefield. Epic music that quickened the blood was playing in his head.

  “Boss, they are here.”

  Jessica, also wearing a mask to hide her identity, informed her employer.

  From the sky, people riding birds of bones landed on Viers’ back left.

  From the earth, people emerged from a pool of blood on Viers’ back right.

  The Bone Ravens and the Blood Church. Two out of the seven devil god cults.

  Both sides had about twenty people and were led by two Level 4 Pathseekers!

  Each group had enough firepower and skill to decimate a mid-sized town with thousands of people!

  Hostility was thick. Both cults weren't exactly chums. They were more enemies than friends. Not just anyone could bring them together.

  “Welcome, ladies and gents,” Viers turned, carrying as much dramatization as Morpheus.

  “Today, in this place, you are not enemies. At this moment, we are Chaos Undivided!”

  Viers’ powerful Level 4 aura bathed them all. Some took a step back, some fought a migraine. The act firmly established where he belonged in the food chain.

  “Let those who sit fat and content in their ivory tower rue this day!”

  Following Viers’ finger, the cultists looked at the Magisterium Tower with the eyes of starving wolves.