I walked with Bob through the streets of Brigians.
Since it was morning, people were out for walks, and shop owners were opening their shops.
The morning was lovely. Normally, I would have enjoyed the stroll after a wonderful breakfast, but I couldn't.
-Still?
"Yes. He's still following." Persephone responded.
Ever since I left the house with Bob, Persephone had told me someone was following us. It's Ducas, the man I took with me when leaving The Church.
Originally, I'd planned to go to the outer region of Brigians and then fly toward Brimos. But with Ducas tailing us, it would be problematic.
"You seem troubled about something."
Bob looked at me with concern in his eyes. Sometimes I wondered how an honest man like him could live such a peaceful life—I envy that.
"It's nothing. I am just a little concerned about the city."
Bob nodded in understanding. The city was peaceful, but many were still talking about last night's incident.
"I'm concerned too. Someone broke into the church last night."
"That someone is right here." Persephone sounded amused.
She wasn't troubled by our conversation in the vault, I guess it is for the better.
"I hope The Church will be alright."
"Those people should suffer more."
I nodded, agreeing with both Bob and Persephone. The Church needed to remain intact so the future wouldn't change too much, but part of me wanted to see them fall further.
"Sir Bob, you should go back. I can find a transport vehicle on my own from here."
Bob hesitated, so I spoke before he could refuse.
"You have work, and James needs to get to school."
"...Alright."
I'd used family sentiment—an honest man like him, who loves his family, wouldn't deny his responsibilities. He walked me to the main road, then bid me farewell.
"If you have trouble finding anything, come back. And just call me Bob."
"Okay. Thank you for everything."
Bob turned and walked back toward his house. I watched until he was out of sight, then headed toward the outer region of the city, where fewer people lingered.
-Is he still following?
"Yes."
Once I was sure no one was around, I activated the shared Flight skill from Persephone and took to the sky.
+
[The Active skill, 'Flight Lvl 9,' has been shared.]
[The Active Skill 'Flight Lvl 1' has been activated.]
+
"That stalker's running after you. His expression is hilarious."
Ducas must have been shocked to see me fly. He'd never witnessed me do anything unusual—he'd been under hypnosis the whole time. Ignoring him, I soared into the clouds without looking back.
"I thought you'd talk to him. Why not just take him along?"
-He'd attract unnecessary trouble.
After observing this world for so long, one thing was clear: strong people drew other strong people. I didn't need more baggage than I could handle.
"Well, anyway, let's have a riddle for the day."
+
[The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments "ok."]
[The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments "It better be reasonable."]
[The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "Ready."]
[The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is listening.]
[The Nubecula 'Raziel' is listening.]
[The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "I'll get it this time!"]
[Some Nubeculas are paying attention to you.]
+
"You sure enjoy this."
-It's good business.
I had to thank Gumiho for this. She must have told the other Nubeculas about me. I don't like attention, but it helps me gain points—and this popularity would be useful later.
"I have thirteen hearts, but no organs. What am I?"
+
[Some Nubeculas are thinking about your question.]
[The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments "A deck of cards."]
+
This time, Hwang Jini got it right. Then again, she was known for her intellect.
"Very good. As expected from someone renowned for her intelligence."
+
[The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is pleased with your compliment.]
[The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is jealous.]
[The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments "Give us another one!"]
+
"Tch..." Persephone twitched.
+
[Some Nubeculas are enjoying the competition between women.]
[400 total points donated.]
+
It seemed some Nubeculas were competing with each other. Persephone also looked spirited. I hoped to earn more points.
"Alright, then. Next one: I have no feet, no hands, no wings, but I climb to the sky. What am I?"
+
[Some Nubeculas are looking forward to the competition.]
+
And so, the riddle contest continued.
After seven hours of flying, I reached the town of Brimos. The riddle competition had lasted a while, and it was nearly evening now. Most people on the streets wore black cloaks.
Like a typical witch town, but it isn't. Most of them were either Trivia students or professors there. Of course, there were normal people too.
I landed outside the town—I didn't want anyone to notice flying me. Even with all the skills in the world, flight was still rare.
Then, as soon as my feet touched the ground, Persephone spoke.
"That man from Brigians is approaching. He's persistent—he followed you all the way here."
My mood soured. When I first saw Brimos, I'd been happy. After so long, I'd finally reached my destination. But now, I consider fleeing somewhere far away.
"We should hurry."
I spoke aloud, my voice carrying through the quiet streets as I considered the problem approaching me. With purposeful strides, I made my way deeper into the city of Brimos. The cityscape unfolded before me in all its grandeur - a sprawling metropolis that, if I had to draw comparisons, bore a striking resemblance to Paris in its 1980s heyday, though with its own distinct magical character.
The thoroughfares were impeccably clean, lined with charming cafés and boutique eateries that exuded an air of sophistication. The citizens moving about their business carried themselves with the poised demeanor of scholars and artists, their conversations laced with intellectual curiosity. Everywhere I looked, I saw evidence of a cultured society that valued both knowledge and refinement.
As my memories served me, Brimos enjoyed renown for two particular treasures: its exquisite coffee culture that attracted connoisseurs from across the continent, and the prestigious Trivia School of Magic that stood as its crown jewel.
The afternoon sun, now hovering at about four o'clock in the sky, reminded me of my pressing schedule. I needed to complete my business before nightfall to secure a proper place to stay.
My path led me to an imposing set of golden gates that shimmered in the sunlight. The ornate metalwork bore testament to skilled craftsmanship, while the polished nameplate mounted beside the entrance proclaimed in elegant script: "The School of Magic and Art, 'Trivia'."
Passing through the gilded entrance, I noted the watchful guard stationed nearby. His cursory glance in my direction lasted only a moment before he returned to surveying the street. Trivia maintained an open-door policy for visitors during daylight hours, so my presence raised no alarms.
The campus grounds took my breath away. The main building resembled nothing so much as a palatial estate that had been converted into an academic institution. The architecture reminded me of something from my dreams - perhaps influenced by that vampire-themed television series I'd so enjoyed in my youth. The similarity was uncanny.
Trivia's history, as I recalled, lent credence to this impression. Legend held that the school had originally been the personal residence of the goddess Hekate before her ascension to Nubecula status. Historical records detailed how her devoted followers had transformed her magnificent mansion into a center of magical learning, preserving her legacy by specializing in the arcane arts she had mastered.
Stepping through the grand entrance, I found myself in a reception area that maintained the building's aristocratic origins. Though sparsely populated at this hour, the space spoke volumes about the institution's prestige through its vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows that cast bright rays across the marble floors. My footsteps echoed as I approached the massive reception desk where a bespectacled man sat attending to paperwork.
+
[The Active Skill 'Prescient Description' activated.]
+
[Name: Todd Middleton
Age: 52 years
Blessing: None
Active Attribute: Fox (General)
Active Skills: Observation Lvl.3, Studying Lvl.4, Organizing Lvl.3, Dagger Wielding Lvl.4, Pass from Sight Lvl.2
Passive Skills: Calmness Lvl.2, Endurance Lvl.2, Footing Lvl.3, Wit Lvl.2
Overall Stats: Strength Lvl.80, Stamina Lvl.85, Agility Lvl.89, Magic Power Lvl.80
Description: A composed individual who values preparedness above all else. Prefers to operate unnoticed while maintaining perfect control of his environment.]
+
Outwardly, Todd Middleton appeared utterly ordinary - the very picture of an unassuming office worker. But I knew better than to judge by appearances, especially after witnessing his capabilities in my dreams.
So one might dismiss a receptionist as insignificant, I recognized the lethal efficiency hidden beneath his mild demeanor - the way he could sever a man's head from his shoulders with the same nonchalance one might show while slicing through soft butter.
Suppressing the nervous tremor in myself, I approached the desk.
"Good evening," I offered in greeting.
His response was a perfunctory glance that communicated volumes without words - a look that clearly said 'state your business and be quick about it.' Familiar with his temperament from my memory, I elected to be direct.
"I'm here regarding an open position at Trivia."
Todd exhaled through his nose in what I interpreted as resigned exasperation - probably thinking 'not another applicant' as he reached for a form from the stack behind him. The paper slid across the polished wood surface with a whisper.
*Sigh...*
My own sigh escaped before I could stop it. He'd handed me a worker's application - the sort used for ground staff or security personnel.
+
[The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' is laughing.]
+
My jaw tightened. This bastard is looking down on me, the casual dismissal stung. Couldn't he at least have asked which position interested me before making assumptions? I pushed the form back across the desk with deliberate slowness.
"I'm not applying for a labor position."
The change in Todd's expression was subtle but unmistakable - eyebrows lifting a fraction, lips parting slightly. My own surprise mirrored his. Did he really think I was here for the worker position?
"Your age?" he inquired abruptly, bypassing the usual formalities of name or purpose. On Teraa, this made a certain sense, in a world where people could live up to two centuries, age often served as the first metric by which potential was measured. Without a Blesser's patronage or exclusive skills, decades of training were typically required to develop one's capabilities.
"Twenty years," I answered.
Todd gave a curt nod and produced a different form - the student enrollment application. As his fingers released the document, I interjected, "Nor am I here to enroll as a student."
Now genuine confusion creased his forehead. I could practically see the gears turning behind his eyes as he reassessed me.
"Then what position could you possibly mean? Beyond staff and students, Trivia only accepts applications for professorial appointments."
He is correct, of course. The school maintained three distinct roles: the service staff who maintained operations, the students who came to learn, and the professors who taught them. Manual labor held no interest for me, while student status wouldn't serve my greater purpose. As for professorship - that required either formidable credentials or widespread recognition, neither of which I currently possessed.
"Yes, I am aware of that." I acknowledged. "I'm actually inquiring about the assistant position."
Todd's lips thinned. "Assistant positions aren't applied for directly. Professors select their aides from among their top students based on merit and compatibility."
This too is true - the standard procedure. But I knew of one notable exception.
"Except," I countered, "Isn't there one professor who is accepting anyone for the assistance position? "
For the briefest instant - so fast I might have imagined it - Todd's eyes widened before his professional mask snapped back into place.
"You're referring to Professor Lisa Yates?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.
I allowed myself a small, satisfied nod. Lisa Yates - the entire reason for my journey to Brimos, the cornerstone of my plans.
She will be my Blesser.