Extra's Descent

The next day.

Seated on a white stool, Brandon sipped on his coffee and turned his head at the door.

Emerging from the door, which was slowly opening, was Amelia.

There seemed to be bags in her eyes.

Most probably, she hadn't slept well.

Putting the mug down, Brandon's lips pulled up as he looked at Amelia.

"Morning."

".....Morning."

Amelia rubbed her eyes.

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Nope."

Brandon shook his head and took another sip.

Rubbing her eyes again, Amelia walked towards the kitchen.

"I'll cook something up. Anything you want...? Something that won't take too much time. I have to leave in two hours."

"It's fine."

"Hm?"

"Sit down. I'll do the cooking."

Recalling the events of last night, Brandon could only sigh.

He had teased her too much. It must've been the reason why she had a hard time sleeping.

However, it wasn't without reason. Now he had finally confirmed Amelia's feelings for him.

She had completely opened herself up to him.

"No, it's okay."

Amelia refused his offer.

"Sit down."

And Brandon refused her refusal.

Amelia shook her head and massaged her neck.

"Fine…. Thank you."

"Mhm."

Walking towards the kitchen, Brandon brought the kitchen pan and started cooking.

Just a light breakfast. For him, Amelia, and Aurelia—who was still asleep.

While cooking, he continued to ponder.

He could openly admit to himself that he felt the same way. However, circumstances had made him indecisive to pursue those feelings.

His heart wants what it wants. He had no control over it.

But in a certain future, Amelia could become a potential enemy, given her connection to the Sovereign.

That, or she would be a key to a certain something.

Brandon just couldn't shake off that feeling.

It was for that reason that he needed to keep her close.

To get her attached.

But in the process….

'It's been getting harder to hold back these days….'

His teenage hormones backfired against him.

Having memories of all of the previous progressions, yet he still had no control over his hormones.

'Shame.'

If Aurelia hadn't woken up, he would've made his move.

'Damn it, Aurelia.'

Amelia had completely surrendered herself to him.

"Oh? Looks good."

All of a sudden, Amelia's voice reached his ears.

Turning his head slightly, she appeared behind him, clasping her hands behind her back and stared at the pan.

"Yeah, you do."

"Eh?"

"I said, what are you doing here? Sit down."

"I want to see you do your thing. Don't mind me."

"...."

Amelia had seen him cook before during their journey. Yet for some reason, she still wanted to watch him again.

'Ah, she's….'

She wasn't even focusing on his cooking. Brandon could feel her sneaking several glances.

And so, Brandon paid no heed to her as he continued cooking.

Occasionally, Amelia would lean close and scan his face. But seeing his expressionless reactions, she walked back towards the couch.

Creaaaaak….

The door slowly opened, and the little elven girl emerged.

"Morning."

"Huaam…."

She yawned. As if in a daze, she walked towards the couch, dragging a plush bear, and laid down beside Amelia.

Shortly after, Brandon finished cooking, and they ate their breakfast together.

…

Amelia was about to leave as she finished preparing. She bent down and tied her shoelaces.

The auction wouldn't start for another two weeks, so the Imperial Army could only wait until Brandon's call came through.

With such thoughts, Brandon asked.

"What do you plan on doing?"

"Ah. I'm preparing for my admission in the academy. My first day's actually scheduled next week."

"I see."

Though…

"Wasn't it supposed to be pushed back after the operation."

"Yes, it should've. But I pushed my admission ahead."

"Why…? You might not be able to join the operation if the schedule interferes."

"I will. Don't worry. I just don't want to be idle while we wait for the operation. I'd like to use all that spare time to train."

Finishing the last shoelace, Amelia slowly got up.

"What about you? Are you training properly?"

"Yeah."

No. he wasn't

Not yet, at least.

He was waiting for the perfect facility.

The right time.

And that time was later.

"Ah, by the way. I forgot to mention. But we've been recently informed about Miss Evelyn's whereabouts. Sir Bellion had told us to pass onto you this message."

"Message?"

"Field Marshal Evelyn Cessna will be joining your operation. Taking control of this blackmarket is the utmost priority. Something like that?"

"I see. Actually, I've already stumbled upon her…."

*

Returning to the blackmarket, Brandon was called upon by Kael.

He was to be debriefed on his duties and was informed of the auction hall's layout.

Standing beside him were several other guards, who worked for the other heads.

They too, were called upon by the heads they were assigned to.

They were in some sort of training hall, isolated from the public.

Of course, the heads did not have a single guard. They had several of them.

And so, the guards had all aligned themselves.

There were a total of twenty elite guards. All on the fourth to fifth mana core tier.

And by estimation, around the A- to S- ranks.

Turning his head to the side, there, Brandon could see the familiar sight of the woman–who covered her features with a hood.

In front of all the guards present, a man stood. It wasn't the leader. But it was a person Brandon was familiar with.

It was Zed.

"I know we've specifically hand–picked all of you. However, training should not be neglected. We don't know what might happen during the auction."

After all, the blackmarket was a lawless place. And though some of the heads were strong enough to be able to handle such a situation, it was better to have others do it for them.

The auction would house the rarest of rarest of artifacts, and any other necessities.

Once that the government had deemed it illegal, or lost throughout history.

'At least, that's what it said in the auction's general information.'

"This training hall has all you need to hone your strength."

Brandon looked around.

Indeed, there were several devices and dummies, as well as weapons to choose from, to assist their training.

"In a few days, just for sport, we'll be hosting a sparring session between all of you. Winner takes 30,000,000 credits up–front."

That was 120 gold coins.

A significant amount.

Once again, Brandon turned his head slightly, looking at Evelyn.

She seemed indifferent about everything.

It didn't seem like she wanted to participate at all.

"Though all of you should learn to work together, regardless of the competition. I advise you all to guide each other with areas you are lacking."

'Good one.'

It was a specific request that Brandon had told Zed.

After all, Zed had known about Evelyn's identity. Though Evelyn didn't actually know Brandon was in cahoots with Zed.

The reaction would be pretty funny.

Shortly after, the guards began their individual training.