"CK…do you really wish to drop out of the Nonaphrontistery? Your diploma is right here, and you can still be recognized as the batch salutatorian."
"I'm sure, professor. As for the diploma…do with it as you please."
CK could see a flicker of dismay on Professor Kitmar's face, but it disappeared quickly and returned his professional and icy demeanor. "Very well," he said, "I had been assuming it was just a joke, but you came here to fix your papers to drop out, correct?"
"Yes. It's to also clear out any misunderstandings before I leave," CK smiled apologetically. "I see," Professor Kitmar said and sighed lightly, "In that case, there's nothing for you to do much. I'll have the necessary documents prepared to remove your name from the list of graduates."
"Thank you. I've also come to return this…" CK placed a familiar black card on the table, "If it weren't for your help, professor, I probably wouldn't have succeeded. I have a lot to thank you for."
Professor Kitmar took the card and examined it. "So, it was you who found the card. I have no idea what you meant by 'help', CK, but I thought I had lost it elsewhere," he looked at CK with a knowing flicker in his gaze, "It's a good thing you returned this to me. If anything, I have you to thank for."
"Ah… If you insist behaving like this, I'll ride along," CK sighed, but a smile would touch her lips a moment later. He still refused to acknowledge helping her, huh? Maybe it's a good thing to do to preserve Professor Kitmar's credibility as faculty head.
"Hmph," the professor's lips twitched for a second as he linked his fingers together, "I'll be honest, CK. I find it upsetting that you chose to cut ties with the Nonaphrontistery at the last moment. You have incredible talent, and you know that."
"In fact, I've received a few letters of requests from a few scouts. They requested we arranged a meeting with you. I believe they had intentions of taking you into their ranks because of your grades in the past years," Professor Kitmar said. He picked out a folder of papers and handed it to CK, who took it confusingly and read through the papers.
"Do they know I'm dropping out?" CK asked. "I'll let them know," Professor Kitmar said, "But if they intend to still follow you even after you dropped out, I can't say I can stop them from doing so."
"Haha! I think they won't go to that extent," CK giggled lightly and returned the folder, "It's the brand of being an alumnus that made my image look pretty. Please discourage them before they get in trouble in the future."
"I'll pass on your words. It's a pity, really. But if you're sure of your choices, I have no right to question it," Professor Kitmar said. "Thank you," CK bowed her head.
The professor looked at his access card a last time before tucking it away. "I want to ask you about the incident in the courtroom—when you met the [Maiden of Prayer] in the flesh," he said seriously, "Did you perform the Law of Exchange with her?"
"I did. I wanted to ask her a question, but she said I lacked something that be of equal value to the answer," CK smiled wryly at the memory, "Then I asked her another question that she was able to somehow answer."
"Somehow? The [Maiden of Prayer] always gives resolute answers to the questions asked of her," Kitmar was confused. "I'm not sure, either. What I do remember from interpreting her words is that…the answer to the second question I asked her was not equal to what I used to pay the Price of Secrecy," CK shrugged.
"…You used your Syntax Level as the price, didn't you? Your Abraxas Chapter," Kitmar asked. CK blinked, "Yes… How did you know?"
"I am sensitive to radiations, CK. Everyone at the school has specific auras at specific frequencies. But the radiations I get from you are no longer there. You're basically weaker than the freshmen we have this year," Professor Kitmar said.
CK sighed. "It's really back to zero, huh?" she said, "Well, it doesn't matter. Proficiency can be raised with practice."
"Was it worth it?" Kitmar asked. "Oh, absolutely," CK's lips curled into a triumphant smirk, "The [Maiden of Prayer] has transferred ownership of the [Manuscript] to me. With the artifact's help, I'm sure things will be easier."
The professor's eyes widened in surprise, "She gave you the right to use the [Manuscript]…?"
Now it made sense to the professor. Whatever question CK had asked, the answer was not as valuable as the experience CK had obtained to raise her proficiency level to Syntax Level II. The [Maiden of Prayer] understood this and compensated CK with knowledge equivalent to her proficiency. And given that CK was one of the best wordsmiths of her batch, something just as pricey must be given to her in return…
"The Price of Secrecy and ownership of the [Maiden's Manuscript]…" Professor Kitmar shook his head with a smile, "You really love to gamble on the stakes. Your madness even managed to receive blessings from the Archetype of Rationality herself."
"Do you want to see it?" CK asked. "No… That won't be necessary. However, I advise you to be careful of who you indulge this sensitive information to, CK," Kitmar said seriously, "I'm sure you know it is valuable, but you don't know 'how' valuable it is. Powerful politicians and mad people would kill to have that book and they won't hesitate to kill a teenager to get it. Keep this in your mind, CK. Your life may be in danger if you show the [Manuscript] out in the open recklessly."
"I understand, professor… You won't tell on me, right?" CK asked nervously. "I'd be attracting unnecessary attention to myself. Also, it's in my best interest to protect the wordsmiths of this institution. It doesn't matter whether they are drop-outs or not," Professor Kitmar said, "As long as they were sheltered by the Nonaphrontistery, their well-being is in my best interest."
CK sniffed dramatically as her eyes sparkled. "Aww… How touching, professor! I always thought you were scary, but you're now my second favorite professor ever. I didn't know you were such a softie," she sniffed.
The professor sighed at her in response. 'Softie'? Teens and their strange dialects…
"I nearly forgot," he said and opened a drawer. CK watched him curiously until she saw a hardcover book in his hands. She gasped.
"That's my thesis!" she said in surprise. "Since you chose to drop out, the Nonaphrontistery no longer has the right to publish the thesis. In that sense, it's only right to give it back to you," Professor Kitmar stated, "Do with the book as you wish. Copyright is now yours."
"I'm willing to sell it to the school at a fixed price. A million credits," CK's smirked mischievously, causing the professor to deadpan. "Are you trying to extort the school for your book?" Kitmar asked sternly, "No."
"Hehe," CK giggled and accepted the book, "If you don't want to, then it's fine. I still imagine that the school could use the information on sift mechanics, though."
"Hmph. What are your plans after you leave?" the professor asked. CK hummed in thought, "I'd like to pursue my wordsmithing career. But first, I should probably go back to Kelter. It's been four years since I left home. I should let my parents know before I disappear again."
'Surprise~! I have parents,' CK snickered in her mind.
"Planet Kelter? Hm… I've heard several things about your home-world. Travelogues often describe Kelter as the 'Paradise of the Rich' and is considered a living record of history," Professor Kitmar spoke. "Is that what they think of it? Huh," CK said curiously.
"The headquarters of the direct subordinates of the [Librarian] is also stationed there if I'm correct. Word is that they've been…behaving strangely. They're constantly holding ambitious projects and take measures to ensure it comes to life," Kitmar said seriously.
"Ah, that's expected. Extravagance is their signature," CK shrugged. "You know them better than I do. I only get my information from reports," Kitmar said, "In any case that you may encounter them, you should be careful."
"Hehe. I know the authorities of my world, professor. After everything I've been through, do you still doubt my capabilities?" CK asked smugly. "Hmph. You're right," Professor Kitmar snorted, "If you survived up until this point, there's nothing to be concerned about."
"Hehe," CK raised her chin proudly. Professor Kitmar looked at her with soft respect hidden in his eyes, causing CK to blink in surprise at this.
"Prof? Why're you looking at me like that? It's scary," she said. Professor Kitmar shook his head, "It's nothing. I was simply reminded of the first time you joined the assembly as a freshman."
"Do I look wiser than back when I was a new brat?" CK smiled. "Hmph. In the sense of that question, nothing much has changed," Professor Kitmar said, "You were clueless as a freshman. Now, that you're leaving, there is a sense of resoluteness in your aura. You've changed in this aspect greatly."
CK grinned as response, making the professor smile faintly. "You have been one of the most exceptional students of your generation, CK. Proof of that lies in how you defended your name in the trial," Kitmar spoke earnestly, "It's a shame we could not place your portrait in the Hall of Alumni."
His gaze was turned to the side. CK followed this and found a large painting of Winslow. Seated upright, wearing a creaseless uniform, and a dignified look on his painted face, the portrait was just like the real thing. It was an image of a rightful valedictorian.
"I used to want that place for myself in the past. But now, I think I'm good where I am," CK spoke and turned her gaze back to the professor. She grinned.
"It's Winslow's job to serve as an example. I'd rather be remembered as the urban legend of a mischief-maker that landed herself in a trial. It was funnier that way, and it will stick longer in the minds of my juniors. Hehe."
CK left Professor Kitmar's office after confirming all the needed documents and clearing any confusion on the faculty's part. Her feet took her to the hospital. In the silence of the empty hallways, CK was left with her thoughts.
Had it not been for the trial, she would have been the batch salutatorian. She would have taken a secure job and do her part in society uneventfully. But realizing the outcome of such a life, CK was glad she left. She was young and had a lifetime to spare. Why give up living so soon for the sake of prestige?
A wry smile touched her lips as she remembered the beautiful canvas they prepared to hang for Winslow. Juniors will speak of only two things that happened during their year: the trial of CK Vincenzo, and the glorious victory of Winslow Danchev.
'There are two kinds of examples in this world: The good that inspires others to follow after it, and the bad examples that must be avoided,' CK thought. She smiled upon seeing the hospital room of her destination.
'We've fulfilled our roles to this degree, Winnie. I must say, I'm satisfied,' CK thought and knocked upon the door politely, 'I hope you are, too.'
"Hello? It's CK. I'm coming in now~"
CK opened the door and placed a hand over her chest, a solemnly dramatic look on her face, "Master, your unwaveringly loyal apprentice has arrived at last! Have you finally awoken from thy restful slumber?"
"Ugh… It's too early for me to deal with this nonsense."
"Ah! Sleeping Beauty has awoken at last!" CK's eyes sparkled with delight when she saw Professor Erzem. He was busy adjusting his outfit as he had just changed out of his hospital robes, and there was a disgruntled look on his face.
"It has only been a few hours, and I'm already feeling exhausted," Erzem muttered. "Oh? Your old age must be catching up to you, then," CK smirked and sat on an empty chair, "How are you feeling?"
"Brat. I could have used a few more hours of peace before you came," Erzem said sternly. CK giggled excitedly as her eyes shone, "You're not going to believe what happened after you fell asleep!"
"Ah, yes. Kitmar has told me what happened, but that was only about the trial," Erzem said seriously and sat down on the bed. "But he doesn't know all the details. I do," CK giggled, "Sit comfortably, master! Let's start from after the hearing ended."
CK was a little exaggerated during her retelling of events, but she never left a single detail out. From contracting Malphas, to receiving help to get the [Maiden's Manuscript] and the encounter with the purple-eyed man, CK revealed her speculations about the paladin that had entered the dungeon before she claimed it as hers. Erzem's brows furrowed lightly when hearing she asked Winslow's help to enter the databank and her encounter with the Juris, but it disappeared when he heard how Kitmar 'accidentally' helped CK after dropping his access card. CK never hid a thing and spent an entire hour retelling it to her master, who never said a word the entire time.
By the time she was done, Erzem was sighing loudly and pinching the bridge of his nose. "It was pretty eventful, huh?" CK grinned, "Anyway, after the trial, I decided to drop out. I'll be going home after everything has been taken care of."
"Dropping out is the least surprising thing you've done recently. Giving Malphas the freedom to move was reckless. Now, he has a physical body of his own. You even signed a contract with him! There have been countless cases of people signing contracts with daemons, and they never ended well," Erzem frowned.
"I had no choice. It was the most viable option at the time," CK pouted, "Aren't you glad I managed to defend myself on my own?"
Erzem thinned his lips and sighed. "Yes… That's one thing to be relieved about. You did well to defend yourself during the trial despite being alone," he muttered. CK grinned like a puppy receiving praise.
"Let me see the [Manuscript]," Erzem said, causing CK to summon the item, "Does the administration know you have the book?"
"They should if they heard what happened at the trial," CK answered and gave the book to him, "Do you think they'll try to confiscate it from me?"
"No. The [Maiden of Prayer] has given you her blessing, and they won't dare go against her wishes," Erzem said and examined the book without opening a page. He frowned thoughtfully.
"I won't question the [Maiden]'s judgment, but how did she measure your wordsmith Chapter and deem its value equivalent to an artifact directly connected to her power? The Syntax Level is not that high compared to those in the Saltare and Rudimentus Chapters," Erzem muttered.
CK tilted her head in confusion while Erzem traced his fingers across the cover. "Well, never mind. I'd be arrogant to believe I could understand an Archetype's logic," Erzem said and gave the book back, "You said she asked you about why you exist 'here', correct?"
"Yeah. How can I answer those questions when I don't even know what I want in life?" CK sighed. Erzem looked away, "Perhaps that is why she cannot give you the answer."
'There is a reason why we exist here.'
Erzem has heard those familiar set of words before. He frowned. Could it be related to the reason why the [Maiden of Prayer] would ask this from CK? But…why CK of all people?
"Archetypes work in strange ways and logic," CK mused as she stared at the book in hand. "Let the Archetypes do their work. We are microscopic beings compared to them. The best we can do is adapt to however they choose to run the way of worlds," Erzem said.
"I know," CK sighed. "Hide the artifact and give it a new name when you find the right time. You must've heard this already but be careful when using the book. Knowing you and your…chaotic tendencies, you might be tempted to use its power unnecessarily," Erzem bid her, "Always be at the better side of rationality, CK."
"I get it, I get it. You have no faith in me, do you?" CK pouted sulkily. "If I didn't, I'd be confiscating the book from you. However, the [Maiden of Prayer] has decided to entrust it to you. So like her, I will choose to believe in you," Erzem stated, "You were my apprentice, after all. I couldn't have taught you to be anything but capable."
CK sniffed dramatically as her eyes sparkled. "Your words are touching, master… So you have faith in me, after all!" she sniffed. Erzem grimaced at her dramatization, "Stop that."
"You make me cry, master…"
"Do you want me to give you a better reason to cry?"
Both individuals turned to the door upon hearing knocks. "Who would be visiting at this time?" CK wondered while Erzem grew serious.
"They're on time. Open the door, CK," he said. "Alright," CK got up and did as asked. She blinked in surprise to see a few men in seemingly ordinary clothes.
"Greetings, my lady," the man in front greeted politely. "Hello. Might I ask what brings you here?" CK asked, an observant flicker in her stare.
"We are Professor Theodore Erzem's caretakers. We were sent to help him pack and take him to receive better treatment," the man replied. "Hmm. I see," CK smiled and stepped aside, "Please, come in."
"Thank you," the man said and entered the room with his companions. CK's lips curled as she closed the door, and Erzem looked at the newcomers without much reaction.
"Is it time?" Erzem asked. "Not yet. But the medium of transportation is ready. We will leave once you are ready, professor," the man replied.
"In that case, I hope you don't mind waiting until this evening. There is one last thing I must take care of before leaving," Erzem said. "Very well. We shall accompany you," the man nodded.
CK stared at them and leaned against a desk. "You're not actual caretakers," she said, causing the men to look at her.
"Why do you think so?" one of them asked. "Hehe. A caretaker's first procedure would be to check on the patient's health. You all came here and spoke as if you knew the master would be well," CK's eyes glimmered, "You're all in a disguise, correct?"
The man chuckled wryly. "I think you're mistaken, my lady," he said. "Caretakers don't use such chivalric terms for other people, either," CK mused. Erzem chuckled.
"There's no need to keep up disguises with my apprentice. She's already catching up," he said and gestured at the men, "These are delegates from the Knights of LaCroix. I have business matters with one of the people they answer to, so they were sent to check if I'm still not dead."
"That's a rather harsh choice of words, professor," a man sighed. "The Knights of LaCroix? I remembered running into some of them before the graduation rites. I thought they'd be here just to watch the rites. I didn't expect they're here to babysit the master, too," CK mused.
"Brat," Erzem glared. However, her words made the Knights turn to each other in confusion.
"I…believe there is a misunderstanding, my lady," one of them said, "We have only arrived today and quickly came here to check on the professor. We haven't attended to watch the graduation rites."
"Really? But the Knights I met wore the armor and the crest," CK said in surprise. "I don't remember receiving orders to send anyone to watch the graduation rites…" the leader frowned and turned to CK, "What was their name, if they gave any?"
"I think it was Hakeem… Captain Hakeem was the leader's name," CK replied, causing the others to stare at each other. The leader asked, "Does he have anyone with him at the time?"
"Yes, but they were all wearing helmets," CK replied. She got serious, "Something's wrong, isn't there?"
Erzem, too, was serious. The leader of the disguised delegates pressed his lips, "My lady, there is no captain with the name of 'Hakeem' among the current ranks."
"Huh?" CK said in surprise. She frowned. Who the heck was the person she met back then?