“I-I”m Joshua Boulard.”

The timid and bespectacled youth introduced himself with a shaky voice. He was facing the three spies from the Sun Alchemists, which was an organisation he deeply admired and wanted to join.

Finally, after many attempts, he finally got the chance to meet them.

“Before we dive into the specifics, you do realise this is not a trifling matter, right? Our organisation demands absolute secrecy and loyalty. It comes before everything else, including your family.”

“Y-yes! I’m willing to do everything I can to help. I want to study true alchemy and learn from the best.”

Jonathan scrutinized the weak-looking boy before taking him deeper into the hideout and instructing him to sit.

There were many ways to join secret organisations like the Sun Alchemists, one such way was to offer a generous amount of money and swear a special oath. Certainly, it wasn’t a creative way to join an obscure and dangerous organisation, but for the Sun Alchemists, money was an important factor as it greatly facilitated the acquisition of special materials.

Jonathan went out some important details about the rules that had to be followed and how Joshua had to lay low and wait for instructions.

Eventually, the youth was told to return to his room, which he obediently did.

As for Arthur, he remained in the hideout and eavesdropped on the remaining three.

“You can’t be serious about this, Jonathan!”

Stella’s mood worsened and her sweet smile disappeared as soon as Joshua had left.

“She’s right. We’re here to get the Alchemy Scripture, not recruit members. We’re spies, not recruiters.”

“I know that.” Jonathan dismissively waved his hand as he paced around, seemingly in deep thought.

“We can make use of him for a while. He can provide us with extra funds that would make our job much easier.”

Jonathan pointed at a small box filled with shiny Blakin Gold coins. That was the price Joshua had to pay to personally meet with the Sun Alchemists spy.

For him, who hailed from the prestigious Boulard family, it was nothing. However, Jonathan was in a sticky situation and had to take precautionary measures for later on. After all, the three of them would need to urgently escape after acquiring the Alchemy Scripture.

In the Blue Blossom Forest.

A sinister-looking black shade was hovering mid-air and roaming around soundlessly. It would stop every couple of minutes and float down to inspect the clear marks on the threes and the small holes on the ground.

It repeated the same process for two hours before it returned to its owner, Nader Coach.

The black-haired youth opened his eyes as the black shade merged back with his body.

“Another one. Another…” He seemed momentarily dazed as he mumbled to himself.

When he regained his senses, he tapped a ring on his finger, which caused a normal-looking brown leather book to appear in his hands.

Looking disinterested, Nader opened the book and skimmed through its contents.

“There’s nothing stronger than a believable lie, huh…”

Unbeknownst to anyone, including the Principal, the book in Nader’s hands was the genuine Alchemy Scripture. He had actually stolen it the moment he infiltrated the academy, but he also put a fake copy in its place.

Even after the passing of months, his thieving act was never noticed.

Once he had enough of the book, Nader threw it to the side and walked to the window.

‘Who could it be? And why? The timing is almost too perfect.’

After spying on the three spies for a while, Arthur returned to the dormitory to retrieve the body then retired to Khalil’s room.

He had to maintain two identities at once, which was mentally tiring but doable nonetheless.

He had learnt that Joshua was ‘joining’ the Sun Alchemists, hence his overly-suspicious earlier. However, Arthur wanted to hear Jonathan talk about his plan and how they were going to steal the Alchemy Scripture.

In fact, Arthur didn’t even know when they were going to do it. First and foremost, he had to find Jonathan’s secret lover, whom he was planning to use against him.

Admittedly, this whole arduous ordeal was a roundabout way to obtain information about the Circle of Damnation, but it was the safest choice for now.

If he were to use force and threaten the spies, there was a strong chance they wouldn’t talk or even resort to extreme methods to kill themselves. After all, they were spies, so they must have been trained to deal with unexpected complications like getting caught by enemy forces.

There was also the path of cooperation, but that would mean Arthur had to reveal himself, which wasn’t optimal at all. It was already enough that Sonia and Melissa knew about his real identity, anymore could prove disastrously bad.

The next day, Arthur, as Khalil, taught the First Year Students and made use of the bit of knowledge he had gained from the books. The method he deployed wasn’t particularly effective or efficient, nevertheless, it did the job for now.

“Sir!”

When the class was over and the students were leaving, Reyna, along with Feylord and Frey, walked up to him.

The usually arrogant girl had a sweet smile as she handed Arthur a red envelope.

“There will be a party hosted in Ilexset. Would you like to join us? This is an official invitation.”

“Oh?”

Arthur first looked at the perfumed envelope then at the shyly smiling Reyna. She was acting opposite of last time, though it was apparent this was an act.

Feylord subtly nodded at the parasite as if telling him to accept it.

“Alright. I’ll come.”

“Great!”

Reyna jumped excitedly before leaving the training center with the other two.

As for Arthur, he opened the envelope and read the letters inside, but it was just a formal invitation.

Apparently, the party was going to be hosted by a wealthy noble living in Ilexset and many of the students were going to attend in order to relieve some stress and have some fun.

‘She’s trying to buy some goodwill from me. I’m not interested in the party, but… if Jonathan is going to attend then his lover might also be there. Alternatively, it would be good to stay here and keep watch as this is a good opportunity for the spies to steal the Alchemy Scripture. Since Julian is out of the picture, then only Jonathan will try something.’

Ilexset was the only city in the Nether Storm Archipelago: it was a bustling and breath-taking place filled with all kinds of entertainment.

It was ruled by a couple of aristocratic families that originated from the Western Continent.

As it was situated in the Southern-east of the main island of the archipelago, Ilexset had many unforgettable places to sightsee at, which made it the perfect haven for the young and adventurous students.

Instead of directly going to the big party, Arthur tailed Jonathan during the evening. When he saw the youth change into an expensive dark blue suit and even put on some cologne, he headed toward the city with some of his friends.

Although Arthur didn’t have an outfit suitable for a party, he wore his usual outfit which came with Khalil and took a carriage to Ilexset.

The sun started to set and many of the students were excitedly getting ready for the big party. It would be the perfect place for romance, entertainment, and gambling.

After handing out the invitation and walking into the spacious, luxuriously-decorated, and luminous grand manor, Arthur saw not only Jonathan but other familiar faces like Frey, Feylord, Stella, and even the solitary Nader.

“Welcome to the party, sir!”

Less than five minutes after his arrival, Reyna appeared out of nowhere. She wore a fancy long red dress, a lot of jewellery, including a diamond pendant that radiated subtle energy fluctuation.

‘A protective amulet, perhaps?’

“You are the new teacher, yes? I am Rodriguez Zarkin.”

A plump man with a cleanly-shaven face and tanned skin introduced himself amicably. Arthur had heard of him and knew he was the organiser and host of this party, but he didn’t expect him to be so close to Reyna.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Khalil.”

The two exchanged a handshake before Rodriguez looked at Reyna and chuckled, “Reyna has told me how good and strong you are… much better than the previous teacher who, unfortunately, turned out to be lecherous.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

The conversation was short-lived as Rodriguez didn’t seem that interested in prolonging it.

“Please have fun, sir. If you need anything, you can ask Feylord.”

Like a loyal dog, the blond-haired son of the deceased Baron appeared out of nowhere and politely bowed toward the parasite.

Reyna excused herself and went to mingle with other nobles while Feylord was tasked to follow Arthur along and entertain him.

Arthur sipped on some wine as he scrutinized the many guests, but there was nothing out of place worthy of suspicion. Jonathan was chatting with Stella and other students, but there were no signs of his secret lover.

“Are you sure you want to follow me around?” Asked Arthur as he glanced at the silent and obedient Feylord, who acted more like a butler or a servant than a guest.

“I’m happy with the current arrangement, sir. I’m knowledgeable about most of the guests here and I can help introduce you to anyone you fancy.”

“But aren’t you a noble? Doesn’t it feel degrading to wholeheartedly serve a teacher of unknown origin?”

“A teacher working at the Nemia Academy has more prestige and power than most aristocratic families. By helping and entertaining you, I’m also solidifying my position as Miss Reyna’s friend, therefore earning her trust.”

“Are you sure you want to be telling me this?” Said back Arthur as he emptied his glass of wine and sat down.

Feylord stepped to the side and stood at Arthur’s flank before earnestly responding,

“It is not like I’m trying to hide my intentions, sir. When societal status isn’t enough, it’s one’s usefulness and worth that ultimately defines where they stand at the echelon of power. Miss Reyna hails from the Imperial Family, so I’m willing to do anything to please her.”

“Is that so? Come to think of it, I remember seeing you hang out with Verno Vir Divitiae too.”

Feylord frowned before regaining his solemn face and answering,

“I’d like to have more than one option, sir.”

The youth wanted to say something else but Arthur raised his hand and signaled him to stop.

A distance away, Jonathan slipped from the crowd and, while sweetly smiling, gazed at a stunning girl with curly orange-colored hair, a round face and two beautiful green eyes. The girl’s face reddened as she reciprocated before subtly moving stairs leading to the 2nd floor.

On a small balcony at the other side of the manor, away from the chattering guests and singing bards, Nader Coach was looking at to the front while mumbling with a soft voice.

“It’s too early. I have things under control.”

A voice akin to a ghastly whisper rang inside the student’s ears, but from the deep frown surfacing on his face, it was apparent that he strongly disagreed.

“Juian is not amongst the guests… and even if he were, this is still not a good move. Why are you in such a hurry?”

The voice echoed again, but that only made Nader let out a heavy sigh and dismissively wave his hand.

“I don’t care. Do whatever you came here to do and leave me out of this. I only report to one person and he’s clearly not the one who sent you.”