Duke was lying in his buggy, pretending to sleep. But his mind was still replaying what Veronica had done a while ago — a cold-blooded murder.
"Veronica is worthy of 2nd grade Silver," Duke was thinking, "but her energy had a hint of dark silver too. Maybe the dark silver hasn't reached her core yet, but it looks like she'll become 1st grade Silver within a year."
But what stuck in his mind was that leader's stupidity level. "Foolish... he placed all three cores together... in both eyes and one in between. If he had kept them separate, he would've bought more time... Veronica could have entertained a bit more."
With a single strike, Veronica had taken his life, with a sword that was no ordinary weapon. "It's a Soul Artifact... 3rd Grade. Definitely has the soul of a Level 4 or 5 monster sealed inside. If Veronica hadn't put her soul imprint on it, I would've stolen it... it would be quite useful for my fourth chakra."
Thinking all this, Duke's buggy continued descending the hills on the road to the Academy.
Sector A Arrival
Their journey was nearing its end. In the East Side's Sector A, they were to meet Gia, daughter of the Parker Family, a 3rd Grade Silver and Veronica's best friend. (The Parker family is one of the two most powerful families in Sector A on the East Side.)
It was 7 in the morning when Duke and his brothers reached the outskirts of Sector A. Gia was waiting for them.
Gia: "You took so long! I've been waiting for you forever."
Veronica: "Oh, these hill climbs and descents shook us up. We don't have such roads where we live, so we're not used to it."
Gia: "Come on then! First, come to our private cottage and freshen up a bit."
The cottage was part of Gia's estate. Everyone got down from the buggy and went inside. Gia had the manager arrange two rooms. The journey had exhausted everyone. After freshening up, the hotel manager served them Sector A's premium Blue Blood. As soon as they drank it, their energy returned, and after a short rest, they headed out.
Conversations on the Way
Gia and Veronica were riding side by side on horses.
Gia: "Arthar gave you a pretty big job. Handling the Falcon kids before marriage!"
Veronica (laughing): "Well, if you want to keep your husband happy, you have to do everything."
Gia: "And with someone like Arthar, how could you say no?"
Veronica: "True..."
Gia: "You were going to leave the Academy, so why did you come back?"
Veronica: "The family said the wedding will be next year. I'd have gotten bored at home... so I came back."
Meanwhile, Duke came over to Blake and sat beside him.
Duke: "Brother, didn't you like anyone at the Academy?"
Blake (a bit annoyed): "No, and I don't want to either."
Gia (teasing): "This guy runs away from girls. All Falcons are the same!"
Duke: "What do you mean by all the same?"
Gia: "No value for feelings, no intent to bond with anyone. Only the family matters."
Veronica: "She's right..."
Gia: "Even Veronica had to jump through hoops to get Arthar to agree!"
Veronica (playfully): "Arthar is still fine, Sarah had to convince joiner Russell..."
Gia (angrily interrupting): "Don't take that Sarah's name! She betrayed me..."
Veronica: "Come on, don't be so angry..."
Gia: "She broke my heart. She stole him from me."
Duke: "If you want to reconnect, Blake is the best option... give it a try."
Blake blushed, Gia looked at Duke with her mouth open. Veronica was shocked too.
Veronica (changing the topic): "Gia, what's happening on the East Side these days?"
Gia: "The Joseph Family has taken full control over Side B. Now they're the only dominant family there, no one else is even close in Side B. East Hall is supporting them. Their elder is now a Half Nova who can become a full Nova anytime, and Dark Hall has made him the Voice Hall Master."
Veronica: "So the full power of the Side Hall is with them..."
Gia: "And one more thing — their family head also became a Half Nova last month, but it's been kept secret."
Veronica: "Any idea about their plans?"
Gia: "They're connected to the White Commander from the Royal Family's North Side. His younger brother, a Level 7 Wizard, had gone to the western swamp. It's been 2 years, and he hasn't returned."
Veronica: "Yes, I know that too."
Gia: "They say he died there... the North Commander's power took a hit. At the same time, the Joseph Family took control of Side B."
Gia: "Wish the Falcon Family had eliminated them earlier! If 40 years ago the Joseph Family hadn't begged for mercy, their entire family would have been wiped out by now."
Veronica: "The Joseph Family is like a chameleon, they change colors with every situation."
Near the Academy
Talking along the way, they reached the South Border check post. After registering for entry, they got even closer to the Underground Academy. A board appeared just a little ahead:
"Underground Academy – Only 1 Hour Away"
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