NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Thief
Sidius caught the subtle amusement dancing in Pliero's eyes and furrowed his brow for a moment, wondering what thoughts were running through the older man's mind.
Soon, he dismissed the thought, focusing on his immediate need as he extended his arm to demand for his expansion bag.
"Right, here's your loot, boss!" Pliero said, presenting the items to Sidius. "We're going to be the talk of the town," he added with a thrill of excitement in his voice.
Sidius took the expansion bag from Pliero's hand without bothering to glance inside. He trusted and knew that Pliero wouldn't attempt to deceive him.
"Spread the news that the key for Fiery Mist will be auctioned in the upcoming month at Immussillus City," Sidius announced with a resolute voice, already envisioning the bidding frenzy that would follow.
"B-boss you will not utilize the hse of Fiery Mist?!"
"No I have no use for it as I don't have an organization yet, It's better for it to be exchanged for something we can use at the moment," Sidius answered. "Also, having this key was akin to being targeted by major forces."
Pliero's eyes widened with admiration and excitement at his plan. "You got it, boss! This will shake things up for sure," he exclaimed before dashing off towards the opposite direction.
Sidius watched Pliero's form disappear into the distance with some soft words escaping his mouth, "He's a capable secretary and aid, I really picked up a gem for my future mercenary group. Plus, a loyal one at that."
"Though some are credits to me for being his strong boss." Sidius chuckled with pride.
As he made his way to the nearest train station, the city's hustle and bustle engulfed him. The chatter of passersby, the aroma of street foods, and the vibrant colors of the cityscape added to the sense of exhilaration coursing through him.
'I should consider renting a dorm soon,' he pondered, complaining about the inconvinience of having to travel from his apartment to the acdemy. 'Those in section A sure is lucky. They get free high-quality dorms.'
After riding the train to his apartment, Sidius quickly got dressed and hopped on another train towards Edrodorth Academy.
His mind was set on exchanging the items he acquired from the Fiery Mist for some points that he could use to obtain an offensive mystical art. He desperately felt the need for such power after experiencing the disadvantage of lacking critical damage in a battle.
Upon reaching the academy gates, Sidius navigated his way to the mission hall building.
Inside were students browsing over mission posters, while some proudly reported their successful quests.
Sidius blended in with the crowd and his eyes scanned the displayed missions. After a while, he found ones that fit his criteria to earn more points.
[Collect lava stone. Reward: 2 points each.]
[Collect fiery roots. Reward: 3 points each.]
[Collect mana crystals. Reward 5 points each.]
[Collect energy crystals. Reward 5 points each.]
Using his student ID, he scanned the missions and it was instantly added to his profile with a time limit of three days. If he failed to complete the missions within that time, they would be reposted for other students to take up.
Sidius smiled in satisfaction. He he already posses the required items required for these mission.
He approached the counter where a lazy professor stood guard and presented his missions along with the necessary items.
With disinterest, the professor lazily glanced at him before confirming the transaction. But their exchange was abruptly interrupted by a fellow student with blond hair and a lean body.
"You're Sidius from section C right? The lowest growth talent in the history of the Academy?" the student chuckled as he approached Sidius before accusing him. "You're quite brave stealing my items while I was asleep eh?"
Sidius chose to treat his words like air and continued submitting his items, undeterred by the student's accusations.
However, the persistent student did not let him. He turned to the professor and yelled, "Are you allowing a student to scam the academy?"
Considering his statement, the lazy professor questioned Sidius, "Did you steal those item?"
Sidius was slowly getting annoyed by the turn of events. He had been having a good day, but now some random guy popped out of nowhere to ruin it. He could also feel the student smirking at him from the corner of his eye.
Nevertheless, Sidius looked at the professor and tried to explain, "No, they're my—"
"How could an F rank like you get those items yourself? They belong to me!" The student interrupted once again, taunting, "Please give justice, professor!"
Annoyance crept into Sidius's expression as he glared coldly at the student. His eyes narrowed, and a threatening aura emanated from him, causing the atmosphere to grow tense.
"Hey, look here, one of the things I hate the most is interrupting me," he said in a heavy voice. His tone was laced with authority, as if issuing a warning.
Upon meeting Sidius' gaze, the student trembled slightly. Visibly gulping at the sight.
Witnessing the escalating tension, the professor intervened and gave a warning, "No fighting outside the battle arena,
students."
Hearing this, Sidius averted his gaze and quickly composed himself, adopting a more neutral expression.
Meanwhile, the professor turned to the other student and corrected him, "He's not an F rank, he's an E- rank."
Startled by the revelation, the student quickly glanced at Sidius and used his skill 'Scan'. After a while, he furrowed his brows and confusion formed on his face.
"W-wait a moment," the student said while taking out his phone and switched his glance between the device and Sidius. After confirming his doubts, he straightened up himself.
"Ahem... I was not wrong. He's the one who stole my item!" The student then removed his white glove and tossed it at Sidius's face.
"I, Vince Dalton from section A, challenge you to an honorary duel!" he declared with a hint of arrogance. "Don't tell me you're too scared? Well, losing means you're admitting that you're a thief."
"I refuse," Sidius decisively remarked, his mind racing with irritation. He was not in the mood to play Vince's game. Time was ticking and obtaining mystical art was his top priority.
Noticing the smug grin on the student's face, Sidius clenched his fists. He had to keep his composure, getting into a brawl right there would only bring trouble.
"Did you not read the student's handbook? You cannot decline your first honorary duel," Vince retorted.