Qwarian stood on the balcony overlooking the estate grounds and the distant towers of Midvest Academy. A cup of tea rested in one hand. For several quiet moments, he simply watched the students moving through the academy below. Then he finished the last sip, returned inside, and prepared for the day.
After a quick shower, he changed into his usual military-style attire. The uniform was immaculate, decorated, formal enough to resemble the clothing of a high-ranking general. Yet Qwarian wore it as casually as anyone else might wear ordinary clothes.
The moment he stepped out of his room and began descending the stairs, a voice called out behind him.
"My Lord."
Qwarian glanced over his shoulder.
"Hm?"
One of the household attendants stood near the bottom of the staircase. She possessed a beautiful, slender figure and a gentle face. Her tiger ears stood upright as she politely lowered her head.
"Your guests have arrived."
Qwarian smiled.
"Thank you."
As he passed, he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair. Her ears immediately twitched. A pleased smile spread across her face, revealing several small fangs.
"I'll meet them in the usual room."
"Yes, My Lord."
Qwarian continued down the stairs. Soon he entered the enormous lounge where his faction regularly gathered.
"My friends." He spread his arms. "It has been far too long."
Bullshar slowly turned his head. The youthful-looking dwarf was sprawled across one of the enormous sofas, his attention focused on the massive holographic projection floating in the center of the room.
"It's been two days."
Sapphire smiled politely.
"Good morning, Qwarian."
The enormous tiger Beastkin, Zephir, gave a respectful nod. Across from them, Shade casually raised one hand from beneath the folds of her assassin's robe.
Sapphire was the first to speak again.
"Not really. It feels like you summon us every other day."
Bullshar reached for another snack.
"She's right. I wanted to spend today creating something before the examination."
Qwarian chuckled before allowing himself to fall comfortably onto an empty sofa, crossing one leg over the other.
"That's fair. In my defense, I do have something worth discussing."
Bullshar raised an eyebrow.
"Something important?"
"Potentially." Qwarian leaned back. "It isn't much." He paused. "Actually, it may be quite serious."
Shade tilted her head.
"What is it about?"
Qwarian opened his mouth. Then closed it. For several seconds, he struggled to find an appropriate way to explain what he had witnessed. Eventually he gave them a wry smile.
"We need to do something about Dante."
Sapphire's pleasant expression immediately fell. 'That guy'. The memory of being casually punched through the air returned to her mind. She wisely kept her thoughts to herself.
Zephir folded his arms.
"What is the problem?"
Qwarian rubbed his smooth chin.
"He appears to have already made moves of his own."
Shade frowned.
"You mean a faction?"
Qwarian nodded.
"Possibly. I can't claim it has been officially established. But I witnessed Dante sparring against Jurian and Aishwani."
Bullshar slowly sat upright.
"Both of them?"
"Yes." Qwarian's expression became more serious. "And there were Legendary-tier individuals watching from nearby. Subordinates, most likely."
Bullshar frowned.
"I'll be honest. I still don't understand why you're so cautious around some of the names on your list."
He glanced toward the massive projection.
"I've heard of several. And you showed us the results of your fight with Jurian. But the others?" He shook his head. "I don't understand."
Zephir gave a slow nod.
"I share the same opinion. It is wise to remain aware of individuals who may become powerful opponents. Potential enemies. Potential allies. But we know almost nothing about several of the people you warned us about."
His sharp eyes settled on Qwarian.
"At the end of the day, we are being asked to fear names."
Shade continued the thought.
"Until we witness their strength ourselves, it is difficult."
Qwarian chuckled quietly. He understood their reasoning. It was logical. Unfortunately, they had not experienced what he had. They had not stood beside Dante. They had not felt the strange pressure surrounding him. They had not watched a single young man casually dismantle everything two powerful Mythical Beings attempted.
Sapphire silently observed the discussion. 'Their reasoning makes sense. But—'
She cleared her throat.
"I understand what both of you mean. However—" She looked toward Qwarian. "—Qwarian is the strongest among us."
Bullshar's youthful expression frowned and immediately raised a finger.
"Objection."
Sapphire rolled her eyes.
"Fine. The most difficult to deal with."
Bullshar nodded.
"Much better."
Qwarian laughed. Sapphire continued.
"If we take Qwarian seriously, shouldn't we approach the people he considers dangerous with the same level of caution?"
Zephir nodded.
"We do. However, that caution is still based entirely on his words. And his words remain vague."
He leaned forward.
"I am a Beastkin. My instincts don't allow me to fear someone simply because another person tells me to."
Qwarian turned toward Shade.
"Have you discovered anything useful?"
Shade shook her head.
"Nothing significant. Nothing that would contribute to this discussion."
Qwarian raised an eyebrow.
"Because you haven't seriously investigated them?"
Shade didn't deny it.
"No. It has been less than two weeks. I saw no reason to expose myself this early."
Qwarian nodded.
"Increase your efforts."
Shade studied him. His expression remained calm. His smile was relaxed. Yet something about his tone made it clear that this was not a casual request.
"I'll do what I can."
"Good."