"No. Just no," Donovan answered immediately.
"How come? This would be beneficial for you," Avshino attempted to persuade them.
Gary turned around, double-checking that the door was closed so no one could overhear their conversation. The sleeves on his ripped shirt slowly began to grow back, leaving him feeling uncomfortable. He silently wished they'd let him wear a tank top instead.
"Unless we can trust them fully, we're not allowing anyone else to join this mission," Donovan leaned in. "We still don't trust your descendant, Aziroth, at all."
"I understand," Avshino nodded, standing and pacing around his office. "But there will come a time when the three of you won't be enough. You'll need help."
"We won't," Donovan said firmly. "I can't risk anyone else. I'm barely managing the three of us as it is."
"But what if you face them? The Red Hand, or even a dozen of their agents? You can't fight them alone," Avshino replied, his tone more patient. "Still, I can see your hesitation. Just... give it some thought, alright?"
Gary grumbled, half agreeing with Avshino. They'd only encountered a few low-ranking Red Hand members, but even that was a struggle. At times like this, Gary was reminded he wasn't invincible—none of them were. Not even Donovan or Samuel. His mind wandered to Samuel, who he hadn't seen yet.
Meanwhile, in the main building, Samuel sprinted through the halls, trying to locate Gary and Donovan. His best guess was the headmaster's office. He'd overheard gossip from other students about Gary and Donovan taking on an entire class, 'Haelfein.'
Samuel wondered how things would change after that brawl. He didn't care much for attention, but right now, he needed to focus on finding his friends. He had artifacts and a journal to show them.
As he dashed around a corner, he missed seeing Aziroth, who grabbed him by the collar.
"Not so fast."
"Agh—! Azzy—"
"Don't call me that," Aziroth hissed, pressing a curved metal blade to Samuel's throat. "You haven't earned that privilege."
Samuel glanced down at the golden blade, realizing Aziroth was wielding a scythe. "What do you want...?"
"What's in your pouch?"
"Why are you asking?"
"I can sense wisps of magic around you—familiar ones. Magical artifacts always have a distinct aura, and the ones I'm fond of were stolen recently," Aziroth pressed the blade harder. "And now, I can feel them on you. Empty your pouches."
"Mugger," Samuel muttered, shoving Aziroth away and pulling out a sickle before Aziroth could strike again. "You're right. I do have some stolen artifacts. What you don't know is that I'm returning them to the headmaster."
"Are you, really?" Aziroth's voice dripped with suspicion.
"Yes," Samuel nodded. "I'm taking a gamble telling you this, but we need you on our side. These artifacts were stolen by Jacob—he was forced to take them. The Red Hand threatened his sister."
Aziroth listened silently as Samuel continued, "If you want the rest back, you'll have to work with us. Join our mission. I know you're strong, and you can make a difference here."
Aziroth remained quiet for a moment. "They're coming. Hide your weapon."
"Hmm... fine." A dark mist appeared as Aziroth stashed his scythe, and it vanished. Samuel quickly put his sickle away just as a familiar voice echoed down the hall.
"Samuel!" Rovanne called out.
"Gah! H-Hey there...!" Samuel's confidence wavered.
"There you are." Elyssia appeared next to Rovanne. "Aziroth? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to meet my great ancestor, with Samuel," Aziroth answered coolly.
"Come on, then. Donovan and Gary are waiting. Jacob just left, looking pretty upset," Matthew added, "Dunno what happened."
Aziroth and Samuel followed the group up to the headmaster's door. They knocked, waiting briefly before entering.
Inside, Avshino stood with Donovan and Gary. Both of their expressions softened when Samuel walked in.
"There you are, Sammy. Everything go well?" Donovan asked.
"Yeah, I managed to break into Jacob's dorm. I found this..." Samuel pulled a journal from his pouch, then began laying out the artifacts he had recovered. Aziroth and the headmaster inspected them carefully.
"Well, look at that," Aziroth scoffed. "I feel like I'm missing some info."
Donovan explained everything Jacob had told them: the threats, the Red Hand's involvement, the forced mission. Meanwhile, Samuel opened the journal, revealing more proof of Jacob's forced involvement.
"There's one more thing I need to mention," Samuel said, recalling a key event.
"What is it?" Donovan asked.
"I overheard members of the Red Hand talking."
Everyone's attention snapped to Samuel. "What do you mean?" Avshino asked, concerned.
Samuel detailed the encounter: two masked figures in Red Hand garb had stolen the artifacts Jacob had hidden. They mentioned a secret stash, and this new revelation made everyone uneasy. Even Aziroth, who had been skeptical, began to reconsider his stance.
"That's... concerning," Avshino said, frowning. "You didn't see their faces?"
"No. They were masked, and their voices were distorted," Samuel replied.
"Do you have any plans yet?" Aziroth asked.
Donovan thought for a moment. "It's only the first day. We're still gathering information and the trail's cold. Give us a little more time."
"I trust you'll succeed," the headmaster sighed. "But today ends early. Aziroth, head back to your dorm. You three, follow me."
As they exited the office, the security force was still waiting outside, looking bored. They straightened and bowed as Avshino approached.
"Headmaster, we're ready for your instructions," Elyssia said.
"Aziroth, return to your dorm," Avshino instructed.
"Alright, Great Gran," Aziroth muttered, brushing past the guards before vanishing down the hall.
"As for you three," Avshino continued, pointing at the delinquent trio, "You'll be staying with the security force from now on."
This surprised the three Security force members standing nearby, "Headmaster, are you sure?" Elyssia hesitated.
The headmaster stared at her with a resolute face. No words were needed for his confirmation. He always had that sort of authority in him. Even when he's not teaching or managing the school.
"Understood, sir," Elyssia said, though clearly still hesitant.
"Good. I'll see you three later. Try not to get into any more trouble," Avshino said with a slight smile.
"Alright, headmaster," Donovan replied as they walked away, the weight of the situation heavy on their minds.
Avshino watched them leave, deep in thought. He questioned whether involving Hanlerk had been the right choice and whether these three were truly the best to protect the school. One thing was certain—he wouldn't let Cainlocke fall.