One week.

One week had passed since the massacre at the Sorcery Academy of the Viola Family.

The whole world had taken an interest in the news that made great changes, especially for the now six Sorcery Academies.

If the Academy, which promised its students protection once they are under its influence, failed to uphold that promise and protect everyone within its walls, it was bound to provoke a backlash against anyone associated with the Academy, whether directly or indirectly.

Today, the other Sorcery Academies across the continent suspended all activities and placed their students on an ’indefinite’ leave from their school.

It was a precaution taken from each of the authorities in the world, involving the Lords of each family, the House of Lords and Commons, and more important individuals who had a say in this incident.

It was just one week, but it has already brought too many changes in the world, especially the existence of Shepherds has been widely spread.

It seemed that keeping their existence hidden from the public was no longer possible after the Academy suffered such devastating casualties at the hands of these individuals. The survivors of the incident had also come forward to testify, spreading the truth about what had happened even among ordinary people.

Even official organizations had been made aware of this situation.

For the time being, Cillian was confident that the Shepherds of Creation would have to lie low unless they were reckless enough to reveal themselves to the world again.

But it was too impossible to happen, at least for now.

Well, there was no point trying to understand what went on inside those crazy minds of those lunatics. For all Cillian knew, they might just decide to reveal themselves in one random day.

’If they are trying to show themselves when they attacked the Academy, they would’ve already done so. Those White Shepherds would’ve tried to wiped us all and left no evidences behind of their group. It made me realize more that they really screwed up sending the right people for the attack.’

Cillian mused inwardly before lowering the newspaper from his bed and continuing to prepare his things.

He is leaving today at Khalish Viola’s manor.

After the survivors have been rescued at the Academy, most of the people decided to accept the Lord’s invitation at his manor to take a rest there.

Cillian was one of the people who accepted this offer, knowing that what awaited him there was a free bed and food he could request any time.

Those who declined this offer were familiar people Cillian recognized, but the one who strongly declined it was Aster.

It was already self-explanatory, knowing Aster had beaten Fergus twice in their confrontation between the two of them. Even the Lord of the Viola Family is staring at him throughout the ride until they part ways.

Of course, Cillian was unaffected by the sad treatment since he’s on pretty good terms with Fergus, adding the fact that he’s his lackey and the third brother in their Brotherhood.

Oh well, he won’t be the third brother any longer since he’s planning on breaking ties with him. The good terms between the two of them will disappear as well.

At first, Cillian was planning on using Fergus, but because of the [Death Flag] not disappearing above his head, he had to screw this plan.

Associating with this guy is going to make his normal white flag turn into a Death Flag, and Cillian had to stop it from happening.

This is pretty much the reason he’s leaving the Viola’s manor today.

As for other reasons, Cillian had taken plenty enough rest during the week, and it was time to get serious again.

He was serious about having fun while still taking some other things seriously.

Tak—!

Cillian heard someone knocking on his door.

"Yes?"

Speak of the devil, the person he’s trying to avoid was the person outside his door currently. It was Fergus Viola.

"It’s me, Cillian. Can I enter?"

Cillian was quiet for a few seconds before answering in an even tone.

"I’m currently packing my things for my leave."

’It’s my way of saying get lost nicely.’

Cillian continued packing his things, thinking that Fergus got his message pretty well to not disturb him. Well, only for a moment, as he heard the doorknob’s clinking and moving.

Cillian had to turn around and watch Fergus enter with his calm face, even if his face says otherwise.

’The door’s locked... Ah, he has keys. Welp, doesn’t change anything.’

Cillian then ignored Fergus and continued packing his things.

Fergus remained standing, eagerly waiting for Cillian to look at him. But as if he were merely an air that can be ignored, Cillian continued packing, not giving a damn about the son of Lord Viola waiting there.

"Cillian."

As if he couldn’t wait any longer, Fergus had to start the conversation himself and continued, his voice full of excitement.

"Aster’s group and even Aster himself seem to have taken quite a liking to you. Even Freya Gray, the closest person to the current Arch Mage, is talking with you in high regard. I’m really... impressed. You’re doing so well after I was sent to prison for my wrongdoings."

’You don’t look like a person who had gone to prison. Even if you do, it’s probably a high-class meant for nobles in a caliber such as you.’

Cillian scoffed inwardly as he continued packing without even batting an eye at Fergus.

On the other hand, Fergus was becoming irritated at Cillian’s actions. It was different from before when he was a respected and well-known prodigy amongst his peers.

Now, even Cillian, a non-noble, was treating him as if he were some sort of trash.

"When are you going to fucking stop packing up and look at me when I’m speaking, you piece of stupid, low blood fucker?"

Cillian had to stop himself from moving and slowly gaze towards Fergus, whose face was filled with a nasty frown and confident, smug lips.

"Yes, you should’ve done that in the first place. Why are you making things hard for me? Look at me when I’m talking, but don’t match my eye level. Remember that?"

Cillian didn’t move an inch and continued staring him in the eye. His eyes were only emotionless, unfazed by those stares he was receiving, almost akin to daggers.

"I said fucking look down!"

Fergus shouted as the calm expression he had been wearing broke down. The hatred on his face was not something he could show openly outside, given how many people were watching him.

It was probably something he wanted to show to Aster when they met again, but Cillian couldn’t care less if he’s faking or not.

But there’s one thing Cillian didn’t like about the demand Fergus was asking.

He won’t be looked down upon, especially by this fucker.

"Cillian!"

Fergus went forward and tried to slap Cillian, only to be stopped with his hand without showing any kind of emotion.

[Sleight of Hand]

Fergus wanted to get out, but Cillian held his arm, tightening his grip so hard it made the other one wince.

"Argh! Let go!"

"Fergus."

Cillian called out to him before letting go of his arm.

"Why did you come inside my room?"

Fergus clicked his tongue as he shook his hand while glaring at Cillian, his tone rising each second he spoke.

"So what if I come to your room?! You own this place?! You own that bed?! You own the food you’ve eaten for the whole week?!"

"I didn’t say that."

Fergus then grabbed a kitchen knife from his pocket before pointing it at Cillian.

"Aster Densworth’s information. I want you to tell me everything you know about him! Don’t leave anything at all!"

"Why should I?"

Fergus got closer, the tip of the kitchen knife touching Cillian’s cheek. His cheek started to trickle with blood as it dropped down from his face.

But Cillian remained unfazed and unbothered by his actions.

Cillian maintained his cold stance and continued.

"I’ll tell you everything I know about him. So put the knife down..."

’...before I use that to kill you instead.’

Cillian was barely able to maintain his anger, but he had to calm down, knowing he was still in the middle of an enemy’s lair.

An action that is rash is bound to have many consequences. Cillian won’t allow that action to decide his freedom when he decides to explore the outside world of the academy in the meantime.

Unless, Fergus had taken too far already.

If that were to happen, Cillian will have no choice but to put him down today.

But as if Fergus understood Cillian, he was able to calm down and drop the knife. Then, he demanded and asked the question yet again.

"Now. Tell me everything you know about Aster Densworth."