-If you like it here, you can make it to the S class; it's a privilege for the best demons in the republic. I know you have potential. Answer me honestly, even though you asked us for a payment, you put yourself in great danger for us, why? -Nirian who finished his words with a question mark, looked at Mart fixedly because he wanted to listen and interpret every word and gesture Mart showed when answering.
Mart remained calm and answered him:
-Because you are valuable to the republic; you have a talent that should not perish without reaching the fullness of its abilities. That was the reason.
At that moment Nirian opened her eyes even wider, she was surprised by those unexpected words, but after overcoming the impression she asked him:
-Are you worried about the republic?
-No, I am worried about the demons, to be more specific, the demon world, since I want the demon world to be prosperous and long lasting, much more than it has been. That's why I hope you won't change, Miss Alcariz.
Mart finished his words, saw the plate where the cake was, called Nely and said:
-Nely, you serve me three portions of cake to go, I will pay for them.
Nely looked at Nirian, and Nirian answered:
-You don't need to pay, it's a gift from me; I also hope that what you told me today is not a lie.
Mart nodded, got up, as he was curious about what had happened with the students who conspired, before walking away he asked Nirian:
-They and their families were exterminated; this way we will avoid more traitors; they are the main cause of the republic's decline.
Mart nodded, no matter what arguments were used, he knew she was right, then he said respectfully:
-I take my leave Miss Alcariz; I wish you a bright and lasting future.
When they reached the only exit that surrounded that place, Nely approached with a white box with golden edges that had a golden handle and handed it to Mart, he took the box subtly brushing her fingers and said with his charming tone:
-Why don't you accompany me to the exit of the labyrinth.
-I, I, I, I..." Nely couldn't answer and looked down.
Mart laughed and said kindly:
-It's a pity, I didn't wish to frighten you.
[Inciting an innocent and pure young girl: reward].
Mart left that area, and when he looked back the entrance had disappeared, a short time later he was approached by another minotaur who was also dressed in an elegant suit.
-Young Sevec, I will guide you to the exit of the labyrinth. -Said the minotaur with a respectful tone.
"This is a very enigmatic place," thought Mart after remembering how the entrance through which he had exited had disappeared in an instant.
••••
Mart was on his way back headed for the corridors of the Academy, but he suddenly turned his gaze to the training grounds, and after walking towards them, he headed towards the bench among the trees where he had seen Selenia earlier.
"She's a treasure; second chance," Mart sighed as he repeated those words, after realizing the overwhelming amount of possible infiltrators he doubted he could do anything.
In the distance, the echo of someone brandishing a weapon could be heard.
"It must be someone from the S class," Mart thought, he was about to walk away and heard Selenia ask him in a serene voice:
-You wanted to see me?
Mart watched her, he didn't know what to say, because he never thought to meet her, so he just kept watching her, while he thought, "Does she want to be saved? She already tried to die once, maybe she is looking for the same path again?", Mart sighed and asked her sincerely:
-Do you want to live?
-Do you love me? -asked Selenia.
-The Mart you knew in the past, is dead; but I will love you if you choose me, I will burn anyone who tries to hurt you; only that I can do, because I am not the Mart you loved. -Mart answered honestly, for he never disliked Selenia, especially after seeing so many memories in which she was a young woman to be cherished.
There was a gleam in Selenia's eye that soon faded, and she said to him:
-I hope you will be the only person I see before I die.
"I will kill you, I will be merciful," Mart kept those words in his mind, then nodded, for he had understood that was what she wanted.
"Maybe that's one way to save her," Mart thought as he walked down the halls to the female dorms.
••••
Asfil and Selis were in the same room, they had requested to be placed in the same room when Asfil was promoted to B class. At the time, Asfil was sitting in a chair reading a book, and Selis was lying on the bed.
Knock, knock, knock.
Asfil got up, and went to open the door.
-Mart? Did something happen? -Asfil asked calmly.
Selis got up immediately, and ran to the bathroom to change, Mart saw the pink blouse and white shorts Asfil was wearing, he placed his hand on Asfil's cheek and said:
-First, I need to talk alone with you, then I will give you an honest answer, take and serve two portions, I will take the remaining one.
Asfil took the box, and hurried to serve, soon after Selis came out with a white silk dress that made her look pure in spite of her sensual curves, she ran to Mart, he hugged her and kissed her.
-How are you?" Mart asked her.
-Don't worry, I managed to assimilate the properties of the mandrake, besides I reached the midpoint of the second rank," explained Selis enthusiastically without moving away from Mart's arms that held her by the waist.
-Here it is. -Asfil handed the box to Mart, he took it, kissed Selis again and walked away.
"Did you manage to sense the demon god's energy?" he asked in his mind, as he walked out of the female dormitory area.
[ The energy of the demon god has been detected]
"I knew it, they are everywhere, and now that they didn't achieve their goals they will most likely get impatient; but the best time to do it would be at the end of the year, when there is more movement at the Academy," Mart thought, changing his course towards the dormitories for the Academy maids.