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Eveland Academy — the academy for royals and special people. Founded at 1678 by the great Evish King Arcadia Eveland, every Royal blood of the Kingdom of Eveland has studied here, being the most prestigious among all Kingdom academies around the world.
With a population of 70,000 students, Eveland Academy has become the most ideal school for the Evish. Only the wealthiest, smartest, most talented, and influencal students could enter this majestic academy, so being able to just step inside is already considered as a privilege.
The Eveland Academy's schooling system is more or less the same as the rest of the world, except they award Arcadia Pins to students with extraordinary mastery in certain fields, academic or not. Every three months, students have to go through an evaluation to assess their mastery of different fields such as calculus, health, philosophy, sports, arts, and many more. Students with five or more Arcadia Pins are called Royal Scholars, and being one allowed them to enjoy very exclusive rights, privileges, and power. Meanwhile, students hailing from monarchial families have one Arcadia Pin automatically from the beginning.
Currently, there are five students that gave become Royal Scholars.
•Elizabeth Callas, daughter of Countess Easter and Count Ronald Callas
— five Arcadia Pins
1. (Royal)
2. Aphrodite's Pin of Beauty
3. Mastery of Ballet
4. Mastery of English Literature
5. Mastery of Biology
•Jordan Francois, first son of Marquess Jaime Francois — five Arcadia Pins
1. (Royal)
2. Narcissus' Pin of Beauty
3. Mastery of Football
4. Mastery of Chemistry
5. Mastery of Statistics
6. Mastery of Biology
•Lucy Thalia Eveland, first princess of the Eveland Royal Family
— eight Arcadia Pins
1. (Royal)
2. Aphrodite's Pin of Beauty
3. Mastery of Political Science
4. Mastery of Ancient Literature
5. Mastery of Modern Literature
6. Mastery of Calculus
7. St. Theresa's Pin of Benevolence
8. Mastery of Arts
•Benjamin Tyler Eveland, son of late Prince Kennedy Eveland, 4th in line of the crown — nine Arcadia Pins
1. (Royal)
2. Narcissus' Pin of Beauty
3. Mastery of Political Science
4. Mastery of Swordsmanship
5. Mastery of Algebra
6. Mastery of Physics
7. Mastery of Zoology
8. Mastery of Economics
9. Mastery of Anthropology
•Livius Timothy Eveland, first son of current Queen Leira and King Martin Xavier Eveland, 1st in line of the crown — twelve Arcadia Pins
1. (Royal)
2. Narcissus' Pin of Beauty
3. Mastery of Political Science
4. Mastery of Evish Royale Swordsmanship
5. Mastery of Economics
6. Mastery of Archery
7. Mastery of World History
8. Mastery of Chemistry
9. Mastery of Research Studies
10. Ares' Pin of Valor
11. Mastery of Trigonometry
12. Mastery of International Law
To attain Arcadia Pins, students of Eveland Academy must take the Mastery Evaluation after each semester. Students can pick at least five fields they are interested in and answer a total of 250 questions per field. They would be awarded by Pins if they get the 90% (225 questions) of the test correct. Special Non-Academic Awards are obtainable through extra-curricular activities such as competitions, charity works, projects, and many more.
Transfer students are also subjected to taking the Mastery Evaluation shortly after the confirmation of Transferal Eligibility. To be an eligible student of Eveland Academy, a transfer student must first: a) pass the 500-item entrance examination; b) prepare a compilation of their personal and background information; c) pay an admission fee of Ë$2,000,000 (two million Evish Dollars); and d) get interviewed by Principal Ricco Vancouver.
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Locación:
Griffini Kingdom, Caerus Prefecture, Chronos Residence, Hex's Mansion
Hex Chronos
Papers flew around my office as I frustratedly threw the file upwards in frustration. My butler Jacques, the person who provided me these information about the stupid academy I had to infiltrate, gave me a sad look before he bent down to pick up the papers that scattered around because of me. I reached for my temples and started massaging them as I slowly pivoted left and right on my swivel chair, attempting to relax myself.
"Are you okay, young master?" He asked with worry as he neatly placed the papers on my oak table. Jacques then went behind me and took my fingers' place in rubbing my temples.
I signed in contentment. His touch is gentle and soothing, as always. "I don't know. I don't think I'm ready for this mission the king gave me, though I'm confident with my capabilities."
"Are you scared?" His voice is low and breathy. I felt one of his hands left my temple and moved down to my left ear, gently massaging my earlobes. His fingers grazed my earrings, sending a shiver in me, which I didn't like.
Before he could go down to caress my nape, I stood up and walked away from him. I went to the huge window behind me and stared outside. "Of what you're doing? Yes."
Jacques immediately bowed down. "Please forgive me, young master. I just couldn't help it."
I felt a nerve got struck in me. One of my pet peeves are people with no self control. I am fully aware of his attraction towards me, and he had admitted to me a few months ago that he's in love with me, despite our age gap. Jacques is a full twenty years older than me, though it wasn't that obvious due to his youthful appearance. Nobody could guess he's 38 unless he tells people so, nor he has feelings for the kid he raised for 18 years. Until he confessed to me five months ago.
But still. His attempt to seduce me worsened my mood. I gave him a side glare. "You crossed the line again. Know your place, butler."
The pain that showed on his eyes made me instantly regret what I just said, but I concealed it by retaining my fierce gaze. "You may now leave."
Silence. I observed him from my peripheral vision and noticed how he wasn't moving. But soon, Jacques bowed even lower with his eyes closed.
My heart ached when I realized he's closing his eyes to stop himself from crying.
"I'll be preparing the things you need for your voyage. Please excuse me."
I followed him with my gaze when he has already turned his back on me. The way he secretly tried to wipe his eyes as he walked out of my office broke something in me. I sighed and walked back to my table to treat myself some scotch.
I fucking deserve a drink for what I'm about to sign up for in a few days.
The sound of the shot glass' impact against my table as I slammed it down destroyed the deafening silence drowning me office. I can't help but to think of what horrible thing have I done in my past life that made me deserve to go undercover in a school owned by my kingdom's enemy.
That's right. I was to be deployed as a spy to Eveland Academy two days from now to investigate about the series of accidents happening to our kingdom, Kingdom of Griffini. I'm not sure if I should feel lucky that His Majesty pleaded me himself five days ago to get the job done.
I mean, I may have been on the front lines once when I was still serving in military for a year, and yes, I'm good at fighting, but I'm a CPA right now. What's the connection of being an accountant to sneaking into enemy territory to gather Intel?
"You've always been gifted with your intellect, young Chronos. And I trust no one but you to do this mission."
At that moment, five days ago, I swear I really wanted to punch the king. Is there hell I've went through when he requested me to be designated on the front lines when I was still in military service? That boomer probably thinks I'm bulletproof.
"With all due respect, your Majesty." I let it a very dry chuckle will staring at the king's eyes. Meanwhile, he was just sipping on his tea with a soft smile playing on his face. " I am the only heir left to my parent's assets, especially Chronos Tech. Industries. What if I end up getting caught and shot in the—"
"You won't die, Hex." The king smiled at me, making me gulp. Despite the gentleness he tries to show, the rest of his body language tells me that I don't have a choice but to comply to his orders. "You don't have to fight at all in there. Instead, be discreet, be private, and blend in. Considering how talented you are, I'm sure you can get closer to the crown prince."
"Easier said than done, Your Majesty." I protested. "I'd rather hack Eveland's security system to get information."
"Or you can just try your shot to be charming in front of the future king and seduce him."
I wasn't able to hide the shock on my face, causing the king to laugh. "Excuse me? Are you serious?"
"I am, Hex. I am serious." He took another sip from his cup and stood up. "I don't care how you're going to do it. Hack their system, whatever. But a piece of advice from someone who was also sent to undercover missions when he was younger: the closer you are to your enemy, the closer you are to winning."
The king then placed his hands on my head, a gesture known for giving blessings to someone. I bowed my head as he spoke.
"I am expecting great things of you, child." His dry lips stretched to a kind, fatherly smile. "I know you won't disappoint me. Am I right, Hex?"
How am I supposed to say no to that.
I poured myself another glass of scotch and one-gulped everything. My eyes darted to the stack of papers containing the information about the Eveland Academy, the most prestigious, though we Griffinians hate to admit it, of all prestige academies around the globe. The Kingdom of Eveland has always been known for its rich natural resources and dense population, being the Kingdom with the largest territory. Meanwhile, Griffini Kingdom is the heart of technology, science, and innovations that aids the world in its rapid modernization. Our Kingdom may not be as wealthy as the Eveland, but our technological inventions helped our nation to be recognized as one of the biggest monsters other countries should not touch. Our strong military forces are also one of our kingdom's pride.
If only Eveland and Griffini could be allies.... But no. A hundred and fifty years ago our kingdoms waged war because of a fucking piece of land. The bloody war must've been over, but everyone knows the cold war going on between the Evish and the Griffinians.
The arson of one of the biggest barhouses in the Ayusagi city that killed more than a hundred people, the sudden unknown destruction of the HC6745 Signal Tower, the world market rejecting our mined fuel, and many more incidents occurring in our kingdom all points to the cold war between the Griffini and Eveland.
Now I have to go undercover and investigate if the Evish Kingdom is actually involved with the misfortunes befalling our nation. Well, fuck.
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"GOOD MORNING, Mr. Chronos, are you here for her?" The nurse at the front desk beamed at me. It's too early in the morning and I just passed by the private hospital to visit someone before I leave Griffini for my mission.
I smiled back, just a small one. I'm actually not in the mood. "How's she doing?"
The nurse but her lip awkwardly and looked away. "S-She's managing."
Just from that, I learned they she's been venting out her frustration on the nurses. But I can't blame her. "I'm sorry for her attitude."
"We totally understand." The nurse smiled sadly. "I feel bad for her."
"Don't." My face turned hard. "Don't you ever feel bad for her." It will make her feel more pathetic.
The nurse looked shocked, but stayed silent. I'm sure she misunderstood what I meant, but I don't owe her an explanation.
I nodded at her and proceeded to walk down the plain white hallway, heading to room 587. I didn't even bother to knock. I just straight up opened her door.
As I expected, she shot me a deadly glare. "What the fu— can't you knock?"
I threw her the paper bag I was holding. "You're welcome, bitch."
Her glare didn't leave me but she eventually got curious about what I got her. She dug her head in the bag and took out a thick sketch book and a bunch of color pencils. A frown immediately appeared on her face.
"What am I, a three year old?"
There she is again. If only she can still stand, she would've been flashing me her infamous bitchy pose. "You act like one."
"You could've just bought me a new phone or something! Not this? I can't draw!" She shrieked at me.
"Well, I can't buy you a better personality so stick with that for the mean time." I walked closer to her bed and I saw how pain flashed in her eyes for a second. "And maybe you'll start paying attention to small things done for you by people if you learned how to draw."
Her eyes rolled at me as she placed the sketchbook on her lap, arms now crossed. "Shut up."
I had to sigh to calm myself down. I slowly sat on her bed, my back facing her. I noticed how she grew stiff on the bed, obviously shocked of how I sat closely to her. This is the closest we've been as far as I can recall.
"I'm leaving for Eveland later." I twisted the titanium ring my little sister gave me when we were younger. It was silver, like how my hair have always been due to my albinism, and a small emerald in the the middle, the same shade of green as the eyes of all members of the Chronos family. "I won't be visiting you for a while. I'll make sure to send you a drawing every week."
Then there was silence. I could feel the tension brewing up between us. It took a few seconds before she broke the silence.
"It's dangerous there, dumbass." Her voice was quivering, making it harder for me to keep my resolve. "You might end up being crippled for the rest of your life like me if they found out a Griffinian has entered their territory."
"Then leave some space for me here." I stood up and fixed my trench coat. "Be a good girl while I'm away. I'll never forget about you, but I'll try."
I felt her stare follow me as I walked towards the door. I stopped on the way when I heard her say something.
"Don't go." It was like a whisper.
I tucked my hands inside the pockets of my coat. "I'm going."
"I said don't."
"You can't stop me, Heart."
My younger sister's muffled sob made me clutch the fabric inside my pockets. "I hate you. I hate you so much. You don't care about me. You never fucking did." She said in a shaking voice.
A smile made its way to my lips. "I hate myself too."
I quietly opened the door and left. I smiled at the nurse at the front desk and she immediately returned it with an understanding one.
I had to dig out my handkerchief and wipe my tears that are about to fall, guilt swallowing me after what happened to Heart.
If only I paid more attention to her. If only I looked out for her like any other older brother or there. If only I wasn't drowning myself in a pile of paperworks in my office when it happened, when she was trying to contact me, asking for help because the bar she was in started to go up in flames.
It was the famous Gokkun Bar at Ayusagi City. One evening, it mysteriously blew up in flames, killing more than a hundred of people there along with severely wounded survivors, including my sister.
I could've saved my her if I wasn't a useless brother. She shouldn't have witnessed her friends getting burned alive, nor experience getting her own legs getting crushed by a burning rubble.
"Young master?"
I didn't notice Jacques was already in front of me, keeping the limousine's door open. He looked very worried even if I was rude at him last time.
"Nothing." I fixed my ribbed turtleneck to compare myself. "Did you bring the Plasma Elixir like I told you?"
"I did."
I slid myself inside the backseat while he went to the driver's seat. I opened the unfamiliar pouch next to my luggage and saw vials of two different colors of liquid. "What does it turn me into?"
Jacques let out a hearty chuckle. "Still you. But your hair will be black and you'll have a long scar from your left temple down your chin. It'll also temporarily reveal the scars you got on your torso that you've treated before. Your eye color will change to dark brown, too."
"I supposed it's the black ones doing the job." I said as I ran my fingertips along the route of Black vials before dragging them to the red ones. "What does the red do?"
"The effect of a black vial are three months long. But in case you need to reverse it, drink a red one." He darted me a concerned glance through the rearview mirror. "But I'm worried. It takes about two hours for the transformation to be complete, and it'll be truly painful. Do you want to take a painkiller first?"
"Jacques, I was the only survivor of a terrorist ambush a few years back when I was in the military." I took a black vial and gulped it's contents in one go. It was bitter with a minty aftertaste. "What makes you think I can't handle two hours of pain when my longest record was ten days playing hide and seek with terrorists in an unfamiliar forest with more than a dozen of severe injuries?"
I saw him wince through the mirror, obviously hating the memory of me barely moving when I was rescued after, just like what I said, ten days of escaping and surviving the enemy territory after getting ambushed. I chuckled at his reaction but soon felt the early effects of the Elixir, the burning and electrifying sensation growing more powerful constantly every second. I remained calm however. I've been through worse.
Jacques looked back at me. "Are you alright, Hex?"
"Eyes on the road." My whole face burned with pain at the slightest movements. "And yes, I'm alright."
"Are you sure?" He looked unconvinced and more worried. This man has no faith in me.
"Of course." I smirked. "I could even drink another Elixir for growing a dick so I could have one."
"Oh God," Jacques grunted, making me laugh. "I don't know what to say to that."
I shook my head while smiling. "Being an intersex albino is hard. Everyday is a pain. Too abnormal for this world."
What I said is true. I mean, what are the chances of getting both rare conditions? Albinism and intersexuality at the same time? The fuck?
I heard Jacques sigh. "You're not abnormal, Young Master. You just happen to not fall at the ends of the spectrum. There's nothing wrong with you."
I almost rolled my eyes, but chose to close them instead. It's starting to grow less tolerable every minute passing by, and it feels like my face is being peeled, rubbed with salt and lemon, fried, grilled, burned, toasted and stabbed with a thousand needles as vinegar was poured over it. That's how horrible it is. Sooner, my breathing became very ragged as I clutched my fingers onto the console of my seat.
Looks like I underestimated how painful the Elixir is.
In just a few minutes my head started spinning. My eyelids may be droopy but I caught a glimpse of Jacques wearing a face mask and spraying something into our car's air conditioner. I saw Jacques giving me a worried look through the rearview mirror before I fully lose my consciousness.
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As my nose picked up the strong scent of mint and magnolia, my eyes immediately flashed wide open. I woke up sitting beside Jacques in the backseat in our car and reclining against his built body, his left arm protectively wrapped around my waist while the other holds a big cotton bud moist with my favorite minty magnolia scented oil. I looked up to his eyes and saw the genuine surprise and concern as I met his gaze.
"Hex," he called my name like it was very fragile. "Are you alright?"
I sighed and pushed myself up to a straight sitting position. He slowly let go of my waist but not without giving it a gentle squeeze before slipping away. "Where are we?"
"Cunana Province of North Semouri," he said while looking out to the window. My eyes darted to the driver's seat, which I noticed that somebody else was driving. It is one of our trusted men. He gave me a smile and I returned it with a nod, acknowledging his hardwork. "North Semouri is the last state we'll have to pass before we reach the border of Eveland Kingdom. After Cunana is Tazechk. After Tazechk is the border. We'll have to drop you off there."
"I see." I crossed my arms against my chest and leaned back. We're already past three kingdoms after ours. I looked outside, appreciating the empty bare land around us, until I saw my reflection.
My eyes went wide liked saucers when I saw my new but temporary face. "This... This doesn't look like me at all."
My fingers grazed over the long scar that is now on my face, extending from my left temple down to my left jaw. It wasn't that big but it was nasty up close. My eyes are no longer green as well, it's just the most common dark brown. My naturally silver albino hair has become jet black.
My lips slowly stretched to a big grin. "I look fucking badass."
Jacques laughed. "Yeah, you look really cool. You give the impression of a naughty boy especially with that mischievous grin of yours. But you look pretty ordinary without your silver hair and flawless face."
"Oh c'mon," I whined as I admired the effects of the Elixir. "I love this." The Elixir is a proud product of our company, Chronos Tech. Industries. But unlike our other inventions that we sell on the world market, this is one of the products that remains exclusive to the royals and Griffinian spies only. It is a top secret between the monarchy and our company.
"So, your name's not gonna be Hex Chronos for sure, right?"
"Of course."
"Have you thought of a new name?"
I gave him a side glance while smirking. "Noeh H. Corxs. My name's anagram."
"Ooh." He looked up for a while, trying to decode my new name to my true one. "What does the middle initial H mean in your new name?"
"Heart."
His face broke into a delighted smile. "What a caring brother."
"I actually wish I could care less, but I can't." I fiddled with the ring Heart gave me for my birthday when she was only seven. We were never close, in fact, we fought a lot. This ring used to be loose around my thumb but it fits my ring finger now snugly. "Can't believe I'm risking my life for that bitch."
Jacques couldn't help but to smile at the lad beside him. He have watched him grow, and he always knew that the young master is known for never wearing his heart on his sleeve. He also knows how Hex is not always heartless, rather, he just thinks carefully before letting his emotions out. But this tiny glimpses of Hex's love for his family is the exact reason why he can't stop himself from falling for him, no matter how creepy people may think about it.
However, despite his feelings for Hex, he couldn't muster the courage to tell Lord Helio Chronos, Hex's father and his real master, of his love for the boy. As much as he wanted to stay by Hex's side not just by being his butler but also as his lover, he never felt adequate to be worthy of the lad's love nor attention. Next to him, he felt like he was worth nothing more than a grain of sand. The eldest son of the influential and powerful Chronos family is someone who was envied and admired by all, which is why despite his fragile-looking size and frame, he was certainly intimidating. Hex is a natural born genius who finished his high school at 12 years old, graduated as the magna cum laude of his batch at 16, entered the military at 17 and received his CPA certification shortly after his resignment from duty.
But it wasn't just his achievements that made him the apple of the eye among the bachelors of Griffini, but also because of his delicate looks. Siren emerald eyes surrounded by long, thick lashes that were dyed jet black along with his perfectly curved brows that both used to be silver in color, a patrician nose that looks like God carefully molded it himself, flawless ivory skin that fades into a blushing pink at his fingertips, and wavy silver locks that never failed to tempt Jacques to reach out his hands to give it a tousle and feel how soft they are.
For Jacques, Hex seems so out of his reach despite how close he believe they are, no matter how much he try to strain his arms out. There are times that he just wanna accept the fact that he doesn't have a chance with him, but now that he's about to watch Hex leave, he couldn't help but to feel uneasy, worried, and agitated.
What if he gets caught?
What if gets hurt?
Or what if he meets someone there that piques his interest?
Jacques knows that the last one is pointless to think about, but he couldn't shake off the jealousy and anxiety that possibility gives him. And if ever it happens, it would be a much bigger problem because Evish people hates Griffinians, and the feeling is mutual.
Well, he trusts Hex is intelligent enough to not love an enemy. There's no way Hex wouldn't be able to see that.
The hours have passed, and they have reached an unguarded part of the Semouri-Evish Border. By that time, Hex was already finished re-checking all the stuff he brought: from the most advanced spy equipments their company made, forged papers, to some few necessities like money and clothings.
Jacques stepped out first to open the door for Hex. Like usual, despite the change of his appearance, Hex's movements are fluid and smooth. He was wearing a Phony Face, a full-head skin-like mask that looks like a real person, and this one looks like ap an uninteresting old man, out of all the designs he had to choose. It looks so genuine that you wouldn't know it's a product of technology. His arms and legs are also covered with baggy bulletproof clothes that completed his short-old-man look.
"This is where we're dropping you off, young master." Jacques had to sigh as he faced Hex who's currently in disguise. They had to be careful even in an unguarded area of the border. "Please be safe."
"I had to. Take care of my gun collections while I'm away."
He couldn't help but to chuckle. "I'll take care of your babies like how I take care of you."
Hex smiled weakly. "Take care of yourself too, Jacques. Stop thinking about me too often."
"How can I not to?" He returned the smile at the smaller male, but it's a sad one. He stepped closer and wrapped the younger man in his arms, squeezing his tiny frame inside him. "Please come back safely, my love."
Hex, sensing Jacques sadness in the older male's hoarse voice, raised his hands and began stroking Jacques' back.
He doesn't like being called love. But he just can't keep hurting this man's feelings. God knows how important Jacques is to Hex's life, even if the latter usually takes the former for granted.
"Sssshhh.... It's alright, it's going to be alright, Jacques." He started whispering onto Jacques' ear to calm down the man who's already tearing up. "I'll be safe, so you too. I'll be back soon before you realize it."
But his butler wouldn't stop crying. He counting to sulk as he refused to let the smaller man go. Hex's sighed. He knew it would come to this at some point, good thing he managed to prepare something that'll completely shift Jacques' heart completely to letting him go to his damn mission.
He stepped back, looked up at the bigger man's eyes through his lashes seductively. Even with the unsightly disguise, Jacques still had to heir his breath after being stared at by Hex with such desire.
"Jacques..." Hex's voice was low and breathy, making his butler gulp hard.
"Y-Yes?"
"When I come back after this mission," a smile slowly crept up to his lips.
"... I'm giving you permission to court me."
Shock was evident on Jacques' face that it took him a few seconds before he recover. "Huh?"
"Wait for me," Hex continued as he started caressing Jacques' cheek. "If you managed to wait for me till I get back, then I'm yours."
He didn't wait for Jacques to react even further. After planting a chaste kiss on Jacques' chin, which made the older man's mind to go even haywire than it already is, Hex marched his way onto the border without looking back.
***