Chapter 505: Sudden Rush!
Chapter 505
Meanwhile, in the administrator’s building, a meeting had just been called and the higher-ups were summoned once again.
Inside the room, Gunther could be seen with his swords strapped to his side, oozing his oppressive aura which was no less than that of Sera, who sat across from him.
She had a smile on her face, but the aura she exuded was almost suffocating as she leaned calmly in her seat, unbothered and relaxed, while the last member, Kent, just slammed his head on the table gently.
"Why does Leo like meetings? This is the second one we’re having in the span of a week and a half. The hell is this?!" Gunther shouted in anger, his voice rumbling through the chamber.
"I’m even tired," Kent said as he gripped his hair before straightening it and leaning back in his seat with a groan. "It’s hard teaching these kids who are so slow to pick things up. And on top of that, we keep getting called into meetings."
"I believe he has something important he wants to tell us," Sera calmly said, her voice exuding confidence and softness. Yet beneath that confidence and softness, there was always something darker lurking, something carefully concealed.
"Leo knows how busy each one of us is, so if he called us into a meeting, it means what he wants to discuss is of utmost importance."
"Well, I don’t even think I have anything that important to attend to except for the fact that I’d like to get back to hunting now." Gunther scoffed and looked away, though Sera caught the flicker of irritation in his eyes.
It was subtle, but a tiny smile crept on her face before she turned her gaze elsewhere, enjoying the fact that she had gotten under his skin.
Finally, after waiting for ten long minutes, the door swung wide open and two individuals walked in. Gunther was about to throw out a remark when Leo raised a hand, his usual polite smile resting on his face.
"I know, I know. I’m sorry I came in late. Something held me back slightly," Leo apologised as his cane tapped against the floor.
"And you think we don’t have something important to do too?" Gunther asked with a raised brow, his tone sharp.
"Wait! Wasn’t it you who said you were less busy a few minutes ago?" Kent asked with his brows knitted.
"So? That was then, and this is now." Gunther scoffed as he turned his head away dismissively.
"I’m sorry once more," Leo said as he took his seat, gesturing for the second individual, a woman, to also sit at the table.
The woman didn’t look too memorable at first glance. She had average looks, a small nose, and long black hair with tips that faded into yellow.
Yet when her deep, mesmerizing yellow eyes swept across the table, there was something chilling about her quiet smile, something that made even the air in the room feel heavier.
"Huh? Who’s this?" Kent asked with a raised brow as he stared curiously at Leo.
"Part of the reason for this meeting," Leo muttered and then sighed. "She’s Albed, and she’ll be working closely with you, Kent. Think of her as a substitute teacher when you’re too busy or too tired. She can fill in for you."
"Oh really?!" Kent’s eyes lit up brightly as he suddenly sat upright, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Is that all? You could have just called Kent alone instead of all of us." Gunther scoffed angrily, his arms folding across his chest.
"Are you deaf or daft? Which one?" Sera suddenly interjected with a frown. "Didn’t you hear when he said she’s part of the reason for this meeting? Which means there’s still more."
’Oh my gosh! I raised my voice at Gunther! ARGH! I hate myself.’ she screamed inwardly, though her face betrayed nothing.
"Do you know something?" Gunther asked as he turned to glare at her. "Others might hesitate because you’re a female, but my swords believe in gender equality. Just a warning."
"Enough." Leo slammed his cane into the ground, silencing the room before it could erupt into more arguments. The sound echoed like a crack of thunder, forcing all eyes back onto him.
"Tch!" Sera scoffed, tossing her head away with a tight frown.
"That’s not the main reason I called this meeting. Something else came up." Leo’s voice dropped, and a ripple of confusion ran through the room as everyone raised an eyebrow.
"Which is?" Sera asked, curiosity sharpening her tone.
"The clans have all sat down and discussed things. They want us to speed things up a little." Leo replied, and the weight of his words made every brow deepen.
"Meaning?" Kent choked out, unable to hide his panic.
"They want to pull the tournament closer. Instead of happening in two months, they want it to start in one month’s time. Also, the selection program should begin in two weeks." Leo said, and silence slammed into the room like a physical force.
"Wait, what?!" Kent exploded, shooting out of his seat like a spring. "But... that means I have to cram the lessons. That’s impossible at this pace!"
"Isn’t that why I brought a substitute teacher?" Leo countered with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, your workload isn’t the worst. The weapon instructors have the real strain."
"If I may ask, why the sudden rush?" Gunther asked, folding his arms as he leaned back, eyes narrow.
"Information came in that the Umbrafell faction are planning to strike the Noxarian faction in a month," Leo explained, his voice steady. "No doubt it will end in a stalemate again. Our tournament timing would coincide with their clash.
After their fight, the all-faction tournament we originally planned for later will begin, and everyone will be showing their full might." He smiled faintly, like a man who knew the pieces moving on a massive board.
"Oh." Gunther exhaled and stood up. "Alright then. I will make preparations for the tournament." He left with a decisive stride, already shifting into logistics mode.
"I’ll drill the students harder," Kent groaned, pushing himself to his feet and storming out in a flurry of paper and irritation.
Sera rose, straightening herself, and left as well. Only Leo and the newcomer, Albed, remained sitting at the table. Albed had barely spoken, barely introduced herself. Her silence felt deliberate, like a stone dropped into still water.
Albed watched the others depart with careful, calculating eyes. When the room finally emptied, she stood, smoothing the hem of her sleeve. Her lips pressed into a thin line.
’Now that I’m here,’ she thought, ’the mission is clear. Find that terrorist. Do not fail the Midnight Sun Clan.’