Extra's Descent

"Thank you for your purchase!"

It only cost him a little bit of 1,000,000 credits.

He had never shopped this much.

Everything in the blackmarket had always caught his eye.

After all, everything was useful.

Things that were often not sold on the surface.

He tucked the pill tightly inside his pocket.

The pill would only work once he was about to breach S- Rank.

If used incorrectly, the side–effects were severe. Worse case, he would die.

But death….

….He didn't fear dying anymore.

If killing himself was what he needed to change this progression. To improve himself. To become strong enough.

Read today at mvl _em _pyr.

Then it was a small price to pay.

'I'll just come back from the dead.'

"Where are we going next, boss?"

"Where I came here for."

"Ah?"

"This place."

Brandon and Matthew scanned.

A white building stood tall, shading the sun as it cast a shadow over them.

It had dark polished stone walls and fancy metalwork. Tall arched windows showed stained glass scenes. Heavy wooden doors with iron bands were guarded at the entrance.

Realizing what the building was, Matthew spoke skeptically.

"The auction house?"

"Yes."

"I've heard about the upcoming auction next week. But wasn't it invite only?"

"I'll get an invitation."

"How?"

"You'll see."

Matthew tilted his head in confusion.

"Let's go, Matthew."

It wasn't time to make contact with Zed yet.

Brandon walked ahead. Matthew followed shortly after, pulling his eyes away from the auction house.

Then, Brandon paused.

Turning his head to look at Matthew, he pursed his lips.

"Know any good places to eat?"

***

Imperial Army headquarters.

Bellion Van's office.

Seven officers stood upright. In particular, Belle's task force. A total of six, including Amelia.

But it had to be noted that Amelia wasn't part of the task force.

A deep voice rang.

It was Bellion. He wasn't the Grand Marshal. But he was one of the nominees, and the most likely to succeed the position.

"How sure are we that this informant would reply back to us?"

"I trust him, Field Marshal Bellion."

Belle stepped forward.

"If it ends up meaningless. I will shoulder all responsibility."

"Admirable. But do you understand the risk of this plan of yours?"

"We do. Which is why we're here to convince you of our commitment."

Bellion shook his head at Belle's words.

"A spy inside the Imperial Army… Ridiculous. Don't you realize how much you're undermining our security right now?"

"Sir Bellion, it's better to be safe than sorry. We've proven our respect for the Imperial Army by confiding in you, and asking for your permission."

"Haaa…. I wish my nephew was as responsible as you, General Locke."

Then, Bellion stood up, hands clasped behind his back as he walked towards the window.

Scanning, he spoke without looking back.

"I'll let you in on a little secret. Hopefully, it will assist you somehow. Actually, I've had my suspicions as well. Which is why I've been discreet with this. However, since the goals are aligned, I'm inclined to tell you."

Bellion turned around slightly, meeting the gaze of all the officers present in the room.

"Your informant, or insider. He's not the only one that has infiltrated the syndicate's blackmarket."

"...."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"You see, to fool your enemies, you must first fool your allies. One of our Field Marshal's, and one of the strongest rankers in this continent has successfully infiltrated this organization we're fighting. Currently, she's in no contact to assure her mission is a success."

Bellion stepped forward.

"Field Marshal Evelyn Cessna will be joining your operation. Please inform your informant to find her and pass this message,"

His face seemed to gloom, and his expressions turned serious. Swallowing, he pursed his lips.

"Taking control of this blackmarket is the utmost priority. While killing the heads only comes second."

"But Sir Bellion, shouldn't it be the other way around?"

"No."

Bellion shook his head.

"These heads of theirs…. They're nothing. The only head that truly matters is the leader of the syndicate."

"Do we know of his identity?"

"Not yet. That's what Field Marshal Cessna is trying to uncover. You said there would be an auction, correct?"

"Yes."

Belle nodded her head.

Bellion continued.

"Then if it's true that the leader was participating, most probably, Field Marshal Cessna's operation truly starts there. Please assist her, and let her assist you."

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

Thump!

All the officers stomped their feet on the ground and flashed a salute.

"Understood, Field Marshal!"

"Good."

Bellion nodded his head.

"All of you except General Constantine are dismissed. I need to have a word with her."

Amelia stepped forward, and everyone else left the room shortly after.

Bellion sat on top of his desk, and retrieved a pack of cigarettes. Biting on the cigarette, he snapped his fingers.

Snap—

Then, the tip of the cigarette lit up. He took a long drag.

*Puff*

"Huuu…."

A cloud of smoke formed and slowly faded.

Then, Bellion opened his mouth.

"So you've made your decision?"

"Yes, Sir."

Amelia responded, standing straight.

"Good. Your father…. I've respected him since I was still a child. You could say he's my hero. Which is why I had never accepted the Grand Marshal position. I knew one day you would take it."

"...."

"We all know power isn't what decides the Grand Marshal position. However, General Constantine, you still lack sufficient power for a General itself."

"....Yes. I know."

"I'll give you time. You plan on joining the operation, right?"

"Yes, Sir Bellion."

Amelia nodded her head.

Bellion took a long drag again and puffed.

Then, he pursed his lips.

"Good. If the operation succeeds, it would be a significant boost to your achievements. Although, like I said, I'll give you time to get stronger."

"....Eh?"

"After the operation, I'd like for you to attend the Imperial Academy. We have great instructors there, and the facilities are centered to help you break through the S- Ranks."

"Then what about General Locke?"

"We've had this conversation before. She's agreed under the pretense of allowing another person to enter the academy, under her recommendation. No questions asked."

Amelia was well aware of who it was.

She was sure it was none other than Brandon.

"But wouldn't it be quite ridiculous, Sir Bellion? A General going back to school?"

"Nonsense. You're all still children to me. Plus, you two aren't the only Generals attending the academy during the day anyway."

He had a point.

There were lots of officers who attended the academy under their own fixed schedules.

The facilities the academy offered catered to training, and increasing their strengths.

There was no such thing as hierarchy, and everyone was focused on improving themselves for this upcoming war.

A stark contrast to the previous Astrea Academy.

"Just think of yourselves as celebrities when you attend the academy."

"...."

"What do you say?"

"I accept."