Xenon left his bedroom and stepped outside. The first thing he saw was Iris, sitting at the table, writing on a piece of paper—perhaps studying.
Iris also looked at Xenon when she noticed the door opening, and she was shocked when she saw him.
"Did he become more handsome?" That thought immediately crossed her mind.
"What are you staring at? No greetings? I just had a breakthrough," Xenon said.
Hearing this, Iris snapped back to reality.
"I…"
"Congratulations on your breakthrough," she said.
"You should call me 'Young Master.'"
Iris froze again, not used to this.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough… Young Master," she said awkwardly.
"Alright, just keep calling me Xenon if you want," Xenon said, shaking his head.
He then continued walking and headed toward Tarra, who had just stepped outside her room.
"Congratulations, Young Master," Tarra said respectfully.
Xenon nodded and asked, "How's the information they gathered?"
During his time in seclusion, the Shadow Legion had gathered intelligence, which Tarra had studied as per Xenon's instructions.
"Young Master, the first piece of information is that the Entrance Examination for Tazar Academy will take place in two months. This exam is held only once every two years, so aspiring scholars from all over will be coming here."
Xenon nodded. He already knew this since his new maid, Iris, was planning to take the exam.
"Next, there is a secret organization called the Nine Rats. It operates within the academy and is led by a powerful individual residing there. One of our Shadow Legion members fought a member of this group and managed to uncover their base. Their goal is to create mutant humans by kidnapping and experimenting on innocent people," Tarra explained.
Xenon nodded again. For now, this information was useless to him. He wasn't a good person, and he didn't care about others. Unless the Nine Rats got in his way, they were none of his concern. But if they did, he would crush them, regardless of who they were.
Tarra then continued to explain various details, such as the strongest individuals in Tazar City, the major powers, and the influential clans.
After gathering all this information, Xenon decided to stay at the inn for now.
___
At night.
"Xenon, it's done! I'm sure of it this time!" Iris said excitedly.
She looked at the dish she had just cooked, feeling satisfied with its appearance.
Xenon squinted his eyes, took a small bite, and immediately grimaced.
"What kind of taste is this?!" he complained.
"Iris, I guess you're truly hopeless. Should I fire you now?" Xenon asked, shaking his head.
She had already wasted numerous Tier 2 demonic beast ingredients—this was her twentieth attempt.
Iris lowered her head in shame. Since childhood, she had never learned how to cook, dedicating all her time to studying and reading.
For the first time, she felt like a failure.
Xenon looked at her, his cold and arrogant nature showing. He had the 'Arrogant Incarnate System', after all. But then, he wondered why he was even helping this girl. Was it because of his past self?
No, that wasn't it.
Was it because she was incredibly beautiful? Not exactly.
There was something else—something he couldn't quite explain.
Xenon took a deep breath. Besides, the Silver Crane Inn provided free Tier 2 demonic beast meals, and as a Martial Apprentice Stage 9, he didn't even feel hunger anymore.
But still…
Eating was a bless, whether one felt hungry or not.
Xenon stood up and walked into the kitchen.
"Fine… Let me do it. It's not like I don't know how to cook. Just watch and learn," he said to Iris.
Iris was completely surprised upon hearing this. She immediately followed him.
That night, Xenon demonstrated his culinary skills, and Iris watched with shining eyes, mesmerized.