Within the familiar dome of Starlight Academy, where the students who left for the Battle Royal had disappeared, multiple powerful Lights dozed off, their watchful duty momentarily forgotten.
These Lights were sent by the heads of government, who had learned about what happened at the academy after receiving complaints from several wealthy houses.
VP Doris tried her best, but the news still got out. And how could the rich stay calm after finding that their future heirs had entered the Battle Royal without preparations?
The Academy was put in a tight spot and had to pay a hefty price to appease those families, to avoid ruining their reputation.
Yet, the real culprit, Moore, was yet to get caught. Even the government couldn't find him, as it was rumored he had entered the Battle Royal again to climb another level.
VP Doris was furious when she received a letter from him. It held a simple message:
'Don't look for me, because you won't find me. And worry not, I promise every student will return alive. They are the ones who will make the academy's name shine more.'
In any case, the group of Lights staying in the dome were tasked with monitoring the situation and ensuring that if any students returned from the Battle Royal, they would inform the heads of the government, who were closely watching this matter.
Because, in secret, the government also desired the map given to the students.
If the map truly contained the knowledge Moore claimed, it would be a monumental discovery, and they could send their young agents to secure the treasures it revealed.
Today marked the fifth night that these Lights were spending in the dome, idle and unproductive. One of them, bearing a scar on his forehead, watching a drama on his phone, glanced at his colleagues.
His name was Kaito.
"Sigh... you guys are sleeping again. I don't understand why we are even doing this job. We just returned from the Battle Royal after risking our lives, yet look what the heads of the government are making us do, almost as if they're trying to show us our place."
Another light, known as Syllus, sighed.
"At least, they did not assign this useless task to Sir Argon and the core team of our guild. I guess it's Sir Argon's kindness and love for the continent's citizens that makes him put up with this nonsense. Or else, as the strongest in this continent, he could easily challenge the government."
They were shut down by their leader, a tall, muscular man who was Argon's friend. His name was Alfanzo, but he was known as the executor because he wielded a scythe.
"Don't run your mouths."
He commanded, his voice low.
"We know the Queen is stressed because even our guild failed to clear the 51st level of Battle Royal. The heads of government are just taking it out on the top guilds who are failing to meet her expectations."
Silence enveloped the dome.
But everyone jumped to their feet when a familiar gray light flashed inside the dome.
Syllus shouted, shocked.
"Someone's really back!"
Kaito nodded, and the group quickly encircled the area with the gray light.
They had considered the possibility that Moore's map was accurate. Because they knew him — Moore had once come to their guild and challenged Argon to a duel, only to be defeated in a move. Even so, they never expected someone to return so quickly!
After all, the fastest recorded time for clearing a level in Eldoria was a month!
Alfanzo chuckled excitedly.
"Whoever this student is... if the news spreads that he cleared a level in five days, his name is going to go down in history."
That's what greeted Skyler when he finally returned. Multiple unfamiliar faces staring at him as if he was a unique species.
What pissed him off was that they were all taller than him. He looked like a little lamb standing between their towering frames.
Skyler tried to conceal his storage rings when many eyes were attracted to them.
"Excuse me. Make way! I want to pass!"
Alfanzo cleared his throat and asked his curious colleagues to back away.
Still, murmurs erupted in the dome.
"Is he Max? Why is he only a 6-star?"
"No, the report said Max is stronger. I heard Max and his team were the best among the students and were expected to return first."
"He's not Max. I saw that kid on TV in the preliminary test. Their faces don't match."
"Then who is he? A new face?"
Skyler's eyebrow twitched. Many students entered the Battle Royal, so why was Max the first name on everyone's lips? Almost as if everything revolved around Max and his team? His tone was calm, yet edgy.
"I don't know who you all are. But my name is Skyler. Skyler Ironhart. As for Max, I don't know. Maybe he's running around because a big creature is chasing him? Who knows? I'm just predicting. I haven't seen him."
His words hushed the excited lights.
Nevertheless, they were confused by his prediction. Why would Max be chased? If only they knew he was being petty.
Alfanzo glared at the others for intimidating a student who had just come back from such a dangerous place before turning to Skyler.
"Skyler, right? I understand you must be tired and want to rest. But could we take a look at the map Professor Moore gave you? We are willing to negotiate if you don't want to share it for free. After all, it's yours."
He was surprised when the ash-brown haired youth tossed a map in his direction.
Not just him, everyone was shocked.
They had thought Skyler came from a rich family, seeing so many storage rings on him, and assumed he would never give them the map. But it seems they were wrong.
Skyler watched Alfanzo intently, more specifically, he was looking at the scythe that rested behind the man's back. It was strange, but he felt a sense of suitability.
"Can I leave now? I really want to go to my room to rest and also talk to my family."
Alfanzo nodded, unfolding the map.
"You can go. But stay within the academy. We may need you again. The government is handling everything about this matter."
Skyler left the dome, feeling the weight of many eyes following him. He clutched the storage ring hanging on a chain around his neck, grateful that 505 asked him to hide the mythic-rank storage ring separately.
'I almost lost my precious treasures. It's a good thing those people weren't nosy. I am sure they are very powerful because they didn't even give off any kind of aura.'