"T-the five minute timer has ended…If the young master doesn't stand up at the count of three, he would fail the exam."
Louis said as he stretched his hand forward and started counting.
'3-'
"Kgh."
Just as Louis started counting, he heard a low groan coming from his left side.
'Huh. He can't be.'
Louis thought as he looked towards the young master with disbelief.
"Kgh."
The groaning didn't stop as his once motionless body started to move and slowly stood up.
"Tch."
He clicked his tongue in pain and annoyance as he moved his body.
Drip
Blood dripped to the ground from his whole body, which was colored red.
Looking at the young master standing up, Louis suddenly realized what it meant as he looked towards the city lord.
'He's reacting.'
The usual calm, stoic, and solemn face was no longer present on the city lord's face as he was frowning.
…
"…What are you doing here?"
Looking at the unusual guest sitting at their office this early in the morning, Ann couldn't help but ask him outright.
"That is an odd reply."
Ben said as he put his hand on his chin.
"Good morning, Lionhot's guildmaster, Ben." Lyn, who was right behind Ann, stepped forward as she walked towards a bookshelf.
"Hmm. Thank you for inviting me." Ben said as he nodded his head towards Lyn.
"Lyn, what does he mean by that?" Ann asked as Lyn took out some documents from the bookshelf.
"First, please sit down, guild master; I will explain." Lyn said as Ann frowned for a moment but went to her chair and sat on it.
As soon as Ann sat in the chair, Lyn opened her documents and told her about the situation.
"Since this dung-"
"LYN"
Before Lyn could even finish her first sentence, Ann interrupted her and frowned at her in displeasure.
"He somehow seems to already know about it from you." Lyn, who didn't react much to the shout, said as she adjusted her glasses.
"What?"
Ann questioned what was happening around her.
"I was intrigued by the discovery of a new dungeon." Ben said as Ann looked at him.
"How did you hear about it?" Ann asked as Ben nodded his head.
"When we were returning by collecting the dead bodies, I unintentionally overheard your thoughts." Ben said as Ann frowned.
"Unintentionally?" Ann said as Ben nodded his head.
"And as I was saying," Lyn drew their attention as she again started to speak.
"Since the dungeon is a newly discovered one, there are sure to be some unknown dangers lurking around. I deduced that the strength of our guild's members wouldn't be enough considering our guild isn't entirely a strength focused guild." Lyn said as Ann nodded her understanding.
Her guild, [Holsing Guild], primarily focused on research and creating stuff. In fact, her guild was the weakest in terms of strength among the four guilds.
"Initially, I had finalized the thought of hiring a high-ranking adventurer, but, as I was coming to the guild earlier, guild master Ben suddenly appeared and started talking about helping on the dungeon for free." Lyn finished off her explanation by placing the other report book at Ann's desk.
"…You can return to the reception for now." Ann said as Lyn formally lowered her head and left the room.
Clack
"What is it that you are looking for?" Ann asked as she cautiously looked at Ben.
"No need to be cautious. I just want to know about the black flame that you were thinking about." Ben said as he shook his hands left and right.
'…He must have some kind of skill that brings out information for him.' Ann thought as she massaged her temple.
"Ok. You can come with us on the expedition. But to earn the trust and make sure you don't do anything funny, let's sign a contract." Ann said, as Ben only thought about it for a moment before nodding his head.
Whoosh
A purple book suddenly appeared in front of Ann, and Ann simply turned the pages.
"A grimoire." Ben said as he looked at the number of pages being turned. Although he could see the beautiful pages and some inscriptions, he couldn't read them.
But the reason he couldn't read that wasn't because he didn't know the inscription; it was because it was fused with Ann's [Personal sigil].
It was common knowledge that everyone had their own [Personal sigil] from birth, as well as the fact that one couldn't read or understand another's [Personal sigil].
Just like the unique skill found all around the world, it was also known as one of the wonders of the world.
[Lightning magic: Binding vow]
Zzp Zzp Zzp
Ann mouthed the spell from her book as three small purple electroballs appeared between both of them.
"Let's start the contract." Ann said as Ben nodded his head.
…
Ding
[The host is in serious condition. Please take him to safety.]
Looking out the window with blurry red vision, a huge emotion emerged within Eden as he looked at the city lord, who was already frowning at him.
Their eyes clashed as Eden didn't back down and glared back at him.
Rage
The huge emotion that he was feeling was rage.
Eden couldn't forget the view of a black lightning strike from above as Aiden continuously screamed within for the pain all over the body to stop.
'Tch'
Glaring eye-to-eye with the city lord, Eden's blood filled eyes started to hurt, but he didn't back down.
'Asshole.'
Eden thought as he stood still with all his might.
'…The young master is making direct eye contact with his father.'
Louis thought, as he knew how much the young master used to feel uncomfortable doing that.
"I would like to announce the result of the final exam that took place today on this guard for the young master's right to attend the academy." Louis said as, despite feeling uncomfortable, he walked in between them.
"Since the young master is still standing still after the spar, I would like to declare that the young master has passed the exam and can attend the Verdice Venur Academy."
Louis declared as Enel realized that Aron had indeed passed the exam.
"…"
Having nothing to say, he looked at his son, who was still glaring at him in anger.
'Suite yourself.' He thought as he turned around and left the mansion for his city office.
'Ah. He left,' Louis thought as he looked at the leaving figure of the city lord.
Thump
"Huh? Ahhhhh"