(Zack's Point of View)
Seeing the atmosphere around the Hansen building has given me a strange feeling these days. I'm not sure why a couple of people are staring at the building outside. Some people, in particular, are deliberately or unintentionally observing me.
They avert their gaze whenever I try to look at them. I walk towards Mr. Arthur's cabin, shaking my head. Mr. Arthur let me in after I knocked the door.
"I'm glad he's here," I muttered under my breath. When I saw him go missing for a few days, I assumed he was sick.
"How are you doing, Zack?" Mr. Arthur was curious.
When I heard that, I responded, "I'm fine, Mr. Arthur, but what's going on?" "Could you please tell me?"
Mr. Arthur, on the other hand, squinted his brow. He was aware of what Zack was inquiring about. "Those scumbags from Crimson Hall are already acting. "There has been an increase in activity near the Hansen building over the last few days," He thought to himself. He sighed and turned to face Zack. Mr. Arthur decided it was best to notify Zack. Allow him to stay up to date on Intel.
"Do you know Crimson Hall?" Mr. Arthur asked.
When I heard that, I nodded to him. "Someone was spying on you from behind while you were in Marsh City." He uttered.
Hearing that, my heart tightened, and I looked at him for more information.
"Actually, seeing your performance in a life-or-death duel," Mr. Arthur continued. "Many forces have their sights set on you. They wanted to gather information about you. Nobody, including our centre, is aware of your ability."
"Crimson Hall, as one of these forces, dispatched their men to investigate your level. You, in particular, are our center's seed candidate. They are more concerned with you. But, thankfully, Elder Thornton overheard this information and successfully apprehended the man."
Then Mr. Arthur informed the following Intel about the Parazam Hunter league.
After hearing his explanation, I was at a loss for words for a moment. A massive movement occurred behind me. I couldn't stop getting goosebumps. "So, those guys watching from outside were sent by Crimson Hall," I said solemnly.
When Mr. Arthur heard this, he interrupted, saying, "Not necessarily; perhaps they hired some lower forces to keep an eye on us."
While they were both talking. Notifications flashed on Mr. Arthur's sci-fi watch.
After hearing the words from the receptionist, Mr. Arthur's expression became solemn.
Mr. Arthur said, "Let him in!" after listening to the receptionist. Then he hung up the phone.
Inside, I'm perplexed by Mr. Arthur's expression. But I didn't inquire. It's impolite to inquire if it has nothing to do with my case.
Then Mr. Arthur looked at Zack and asked, "How are you preparing for the upcoming life-or-death duel?"
Hearing that, I'm taken aback. No one can possibly be my opponent. Last week, in particular, it took no more than five minutes to win the duel. "What is it, Mr. Arthur?" I inquired. Is there anything I should be cautious of?
Then Mr. Arthur said, "There is a senior student named Luke." His whereabouts had been unknown for several days. And we don't have any reliable information about his past. Especially given his personality. He is not interested in these types of exhibition events. It's very suspicious for him to sign up for a live or death duel. We don't have any evidence. So, Confronting him is difficult."
Hearing that my pupils are constricting, I've been slacking lately. To believe that there is another variable. I sighed quietly to myself.
We were about to leave when we heard a knock on the door. Mr. Arthur opened the door for the visitor.
A very attractive young man entered, a sword scabbard hanging at his side. What's more, this young man is dressed in a white suit. It stands in stark contrast to the usual black suit worn by warriors. Deep blue eyes, black hair, and a straight nose. This is accompanied by fair skin. It's difficult to believe he's a warrior.
Mr. Arthur was looking at the blue-eyed youth. The youth didn't look at Zack and simply said, "Hello, Mr. Arthur, Rayford Training Centre is where I'm from. I came here on the orders of my elders to seek advice."
Hearing the new words May ford Campus piqued my interest. "Does this have anything to do with student exchange?" I thought to myself.
But consider Mr. Arthur's completion. He does not appear to be pleased to see this person.
Mr. Arthur eventually asked, "What is your name?"
"I'm Leon Steven," the blue-eyed adolescent said with a smile.
Mr. Arthur nodded when he heard that. "All right," he said, "I'll arrange for someone to see you." "You wait in the reception area." Mr. Arthur motions for him to leave. But this guy appears to be thinking about something.
Leon Steven was visibly upset, and he didn't even try to hide it. He looked at Mr. Arthur and saw that he didn't want to talk any longer. He exited the cabin.
Nobody behaves like him in front of Mr. Arthur, and I'm completely perplexed. "What exactly is going on?" "What is his purpose?" a slew of questions raced through my mind.
Observing Zack's perplexed expression.
"Didn't I tell you earlier that Crimson Hall will act indirectly?" sighed Mr. Arthur. This May Ford Academy is a well-known training facility located in one of the largest Tier-8 cities.
Willow Peak City is named after their founder, Late May Ford. Crimson Hall is behind it. Because of their stature, they will not act directly. They'll send someone to cause trouble here on their behalf."
Hearing this, my expression became solemn. How long has it been since my visit to Marsh City? They acted quickly. This situation is becoming increasingly complicated. As long as we tried to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble. The more problems that pile up on us, the more problems that pile up on us.
Hansen bulging's calm atmosphere is about to be disrupted. When you think about it, it is extremely stressful. But I also see it as a challenge to sharpen my character. I don't want to be irritable and reveal my true identity.
Looking at Mr. Arthur, who is keeping his mouth shut. "Mr. Arthur, why can't we refuse?" I remarked. It's a tier-8 city like us."
Mr. Arthur shook his head and said, "It's not as simple as that; usually, people send their students to different parts of the tier-8 cities to learn as part of the programme."
It is unusual for us to have these international students. However, it is now going to be increased, and it will not be peaceful. Willow Peak City's population has been growing at an alarming rate over the last few decades. This is primarily due to the fact that this city shares a border with Crimson Seal, a Tier-7 city. There is currently discussion about elevating Willow Peak City from Tier – 8 to Tier-7 status."
When I heard that, I took a deep breath. I see why Mr. Arthur is so solemn now. This is considered bullying. Crimson Hall is causing havoc here by utilising their connection. Given these events, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to continue studying here. If something happens to that bright-eyed adolescent. Then there'd be a problem. Then I turned to look at Mr. Arthur. He was wearing a wry smile on his face.
"How are you going to handle this, Mr. Arthur?" Even if we exercise caution in our actions. There's bound to be some issue." In a serious tone, I inquired.
Mr. Arthur cracks a small smile when he hears that. "Don't worry, everything has a solution," he replied. You must concentrate on the next battle. Don't even consider these issues. It is not your responsibility."
Hearing that, I nodded, and we talked about a few other topics before I left his cabin and went to my training.
...
Mr. Arthur dialled Elder Thornton's number after Zack had left the building.
Elder Thornton, on the other hand, remarked, "Looks like that brat from May Ford academy came here." Mr. Arthur's ears pick up on his words. "Elder, what are we going to do?" he inquired hastily. If this kid did something on purpose, it's going to be a headache."
When Elder Thornton heard this, he snorted, "What is he going to do? Apart from attempting to sully our reputation and gather intelligence during his stay here."
Mr. Arthur gave him a nod. Elder Thornton then appeared to have had an idea. "If it really gets out of our hands," he quickly added. "We don't have a choice but to close our facility."
Mr. Arthur was taken aback when he heard that. But then I realised something. He, too, thought it was a good idea. It is impossible for us to allow those people to slander us. Once our reputation is ruined, we will suffer additional losses.
"OK, Elder," Mr. Arthur said after gaining some clarity. I'll try to deal with those issues for a while." He ended the call after saying that.
Elder Thornton, on the other hand, sighed. "I'm getting on in years. I can't work on both projects at the same time.. "I'm already guarding Zack, and I don't have the energy to handle the affairs of the Hansen building for the time being," He thought to himself.