Divine Luck: SSS-Rank Battle Maid Harem

Zach stared at the note. After a moment's confusion, he understood what it was. It could only be one thing.

It was the timeline for the ceasefire.

Zach didn't know why the Underworld had extended the courtesy of letting them know how long they were planning to lay low. He couldn't know whether it was a lie meant to lull them into relaxation.

The only thing Zach knew, even without any proof or basis for his belief, was that it was the spy who had delivered the note.

After looking at the note for another minute, Zach grabbed it and quickly gathered his club members in the club room.

They were leaving for their break in a matter of hours, regardless of whether the note was true or not. The principal had ensured them they didn't have to stick around unless they didn't have to. During the break, they didn't have anything to worry about. Well, aside from the obvious, of course.

The principal wouldn't fix anything. He would keep things from going totally out of control during the break.

Anything that happened would be left for the students to deal with when they returned. So, if they weren't strong enough to handle it, they would be in deep shit. They also had to worry about what they would run into during their break. Not all of them would or could spend it peacefully.

But, in the end, it was still a break from the Academy. They should do things that weren't related to their school activities. It was for the good of their health and their studies.

So, there wasn't much for the club to discuss when they looked at the note.

"Setting aside how credible it is, it's a bold decision to deliver it to Zach's door." Dukiel's tone was full of thought as he crossed his arms and looked at the note.

"Probably another warning. If Zach's familiars can't notice them, none of us can, and we should fear the spy or something along those lines." Violina's brow was low.

"Could be. Could also be because I'm the president of this club."

"..." The others looked at Zach without saying a word. Right. He was the president. Could be the reason. Probably not, though.

"Assuming they will stick to it, we have three months after the break. That's a lot of time," Nessa said.

"A third of the year," Anerias helpfully added.

"So, meet back here two weeks before school start?" Zach asked.

"Sounds good."

"Yeah."

"Mm. Dukiel, Anerias, stay safe."

"...Why just us two?" Dukiel and Anerias glanced at each other before looking at Nessa after her words.

"Well, me, Zach, and Violina are heading to the south together. Given Zach's condition, it will probably take some time, so we'll most likely be spending our break together…"

Nessa stopped speaking. The atmosphere turned strange as Dukiel and Anerias turned to Zach with intense looks. Zach avoided their gazes.

"I get you and Violina going but why is this…Why is Zach coming with you?" Anerias asked Nessa without looking away from Zach.

"We're going to the Labyrinth together. In exchange for his help, I gave Zach a Ticket."

"How many of those Tickets do you have?"

"Two. One for me and one for Zach. And I only have the one for me thanks to Violina. I would have had to give up my own and sit this one out in favor of a cousin if it weren't for her."

Dukiel and Anerias looked at Violina at the same time. She shook her head.

"All the Tickets already have owners. If you want to tag along, you will have to find one and convince them to hand it over. If you use force, though, my family will hunt you down."

Dukiel and Anerias glanced at each other.

"You don't happen to know anyone that would be willing to give up a Ticket or two?"

Violina shook her head again.

"No. The only names I know have Tickets would rather die than miss this chance."

"But doesn't the Labyrinth of Syst open again in two years? Isn't it too extreme to die? Can't someone be patient?"

"Exactly." Violina nodded toward Anerias and Dukiel at Anerias' questions.

"No, I know we can go next time if we manage to get ahold of a Ticket, but we want to go with you guys. We have a reason to go this time."

"Exactly." Violina nodded toward Anerias and Dukiel at Anerias' statements.

"...Fine. Have fun. Have a great time, you three. I guess Dukiel and I will just spend our break together."

"I'll be working in the city, though."

"Fine! I'll be having the best break of my life! Alone. Without all of you!" Anerias stood up and stormed out.

"..." The others looked at the door as it slammed shut behind him in silence.

"...I'll talk to him before we leave." Zach surprised the others with his thoughtful intentions. Nessa narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

Still, after a few hours of doing seemingly nothing, shortly before Zach, Nessa, and Violina were to leave for the south, Zach went looking for Anerias. He found him sitting on a bench looking at the forest.

"Hey, man."

"..."

"You won't be able to go with us this year, and I know how it feels to be left out. If it makes you feel better, it wasn't intentional. I would have loved to go all of us together. But this isn't our last break during our time at the Academy. It won't be your last chance to spend it with Violina.

"On the contrary, it might even be good to spend a little time apart from Violina for a couple of months. Think about it. You two have been pretty close lately, right? But nothing has happened yet. But what if she is stuck in a Labyrinth for a couple of months with me and Nessa? Won't she start missing you?"

"Do you really think so?" Anerias asked, simultaneously with hope and doubt.

"No idea. But it's possible. Anyway, if you actually want a fun and interesting break, head east. Enter Jira. You don't need any Tickets, and you can let loose, release some stress, and grow stronger at the same time. If you're lucky, you'll strike it rich, too."

"So, you're advertising your home? Is that why you came here?" Anerias skeptically questioned Zach.

"It's just an idea. You head east this break. We head south. And…you're from the north, right? Let's all go there together next year."

"..." Anerias didn't answer. But he didn't refuse Zach's idea, which was as good as accepting it in Zach's eyes. So, after patting Anerias on the shoulder, even when he tried to avoid it, Zach returned to the carriage where Nessa and Violina were waiting. He gave them a thumbs up, and when Violina looked out of the window, he winked at Nessa.