"When you don't treasure what you have, you might lose it."

No words were needed to describe the validity of Azar's conviction as it was the unquestionable truth. He knew his worth and how much the academies valued the first place in the competition.

Eno opened the door, but as Azar stepped out, a hand firmly grabbed his shoulder.

"Young man, you should remain to discuss this," Said Sholev, obviously angered by Azar arrogant behavior. How could someone dare to came, go, and demand things from him, without even taking his existence into consideration?

The dean's behavior was somewhat accepted and respected by Azar, since most likely, he would act in the same manner giving the circumstances.

Azar's goal wasn't to act arrogant, but to manipulate Sholev for obtaining what he desired. And how could he prove his worth and capabilities better then entering in a small conflict with the dean. Azar needed to become a great ally and a terrible enemy that no one wanted to fight against. This was the strategy he implied for achieving his goal.

With a sudden burst of power, the hand on Azar's shoulder was pushed away. Frigid air slowly solidifying around his body.

"Dean Sholev, I mean no offense, but I don't think we are close enough for touching each other. I made an offer, you refused it. I gave you the fee for the actions of your men, so my job here is done. What is the meaning of you trying to stop me?" he asked, looking straight into the dean's eyes. His dead serious expression stating the fact that he was ready to defend himself at any given second.

One had to be aware that if the dean used all his power, Azar couldn't remove his hand with such ease. But what older generation used all the power of his cultivation, just for sending a warning to a junior? One with a low self respect and honor, perhaps.

Sholev remained still for a second. He didn't expect to be pushed away like that. He cultivated until the second level of an [Aikyam], and his combat power was that of a [rank A]. The young man before him was younger then 25, so how was such action even possible. Dean Sholev even asked himself for a moment if this was Azar's true appearance or not.

"Young man, I mean no offense either, but there are many things to consider in accepting your offer. And the price you demand for the deeds done by the people from my academy are too high. We won't be able to pay such price," Said Sholev keeping his calm. Secretly, he was prepared for a fight as well. After all, people were unpredictable.

Azar gave off a smile filled with ridicule. "One of your teachers created havoc in my Five Leaves, hurt my men and almost killed a family friend of mine. Are you still saying that the actions of your men aren't worth 500.000? If that's the case, then the reputation of your academy will be paying the price."

After a short pause where Azar gazed deep into Sholev eyes, he continued. "About my offer, if your network is at a level where you can't confirm my identity and credibility, I can help you and prove that I am a trustworthy person. But I am also a man of action who doesn't have time to waste."

Even if his words were harsh, the warmth of Azar's tone increased as he spoke, making it sound more like a friendly advice. The cold air around him dissipated as well, and his posture seemed to relax while waiting for the dean's response.

Sholev felt harmed by the young man's words, but at the same time he couldn't strike back since Azar was the first one to put the matter to rest and relax the atmosphere. He needed to be wise in such situations and not act from an impulse.

"Mister Azar, this academy is a powerful existence who gave birth to generations of extraordinary individuals. Those persons are now working in a variety of places, having high positions and power. It is not wise to question our ability to gather information," Sholev admonished in a mature and wise manner, characteristic for his position and demeanor.

Azar nodded firmly and smiled apologetically. "It is my mistake, dean, I didn't mean to offend you," he said while making a short bow.

"I understand from your words that you are inclined to accept my offer, so I will give you time to gather information before making a decision. Please sent someone to notice me when you've reached a conclusion!" Azar interpretation went exactly on the point that brought him an advantage in the negotiation.

Sholev listened carefully and nodded his head without realizing. The words and tonality of the young man before him making him act unconsciously. Or maybe was something else that influenced his actions.

With the matter resolved, Azar stepped forward and disappeared from the dean's view. Eno smiled politely, then turned into a puff of smoke, and followed his master. Sholev remained steady as he gazed at the empty space. The people in front of him exposed skills that even he, the dean of a powerful academy, was unaware of.

Sholev's cooperation remained an unknown variable, but if he was a man who really wanted to succeed, Azar was certain of his triumph.

Immediately after leaving, Azar transmitted a telepathic message to Eno and both headed to meet Evedo at his house. Now was the time for Azar to create his public identity and truly enter society.

'For five years I walked amongst the shadows . . . time has come for me to once again become a real person and walk in plain sight,' Azar said inside his mind as he stretched his arms at the sides and inhaled a deep breath from the refreshing air of the night.

. . .

Next day in the morning, Azar headed back to Rivero City, the only portal currently existing in Five Leaves proving its efficiency.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

At this point, Azar's identity as a complete person was already prepared. From background, to birthday, and current occupation, all that he wanted to be known was there for everyone who wished to look into him. All with the help of Evedo's connections.

[ Azar Leonard Lisolis

Nickname: none

Age: 20

Race: Human

Current occupation: Co-founder of Five Leaves chain of restaurants

Height: 1.86 m.

Weight: 79 kg.

Eyes: Sky blue

Hair color: copper

Other occupations: Potionmaker, Hunter, bodyguard

Cultivation level: Master Channeler

Class: combat cultivator

Combat Rank: A

Element: Pure Ice

Special Characteristics:

- single edge, curved, sword user

Specialty: attack

Skills and techniques: unknown

Warning: The individual has hidden all skills and techniques. Requires authorization for showing. ]

Rivero city was quiet for the moment, the morning scent was present everywhere as the hardworking people started their day. The shops were opened, the animals were fed, the morning training was done. However, Rion, one of the important officials, decided to not present himself to his duties. He no longer felt inclined to do his job and remained home with his wife and child.

Being the director in charge of the public order, his job was extremely important. Not even two hours passed since he was supposed to begin his work and a young man dressed in elegant, yellow attire, knocked on his door. The youth had a polite, but confident smile on his face as he saluted the person who opened the door.

"Good morning Mister Rion! My name is Darius, one of the seven people in charge with the wellbeing of this city. May I know the reason behind your absence today? From what transpired to me, you needed to take care of the distribution of human resources for changing the shifts at the city gates," The youth said respectfully.

Rion scanned Darius from head to toe, then replied in the same manner. "I'm well aware of who you are, Lord Darius, and yes, i had a lot of things to do today. Unfortunately, my son is sick, and I am forced to remain here to take care of him."

Darius smile froze. His expression turning serious as he spoke his next sentence. "Mister Rion, I have the ability to distinguish between lies and truth. I'm sure you know the consequences for trying to lie to me."

Rion tried to act calm and control himself for a little before dropping the charade and speak his true thoughts. "Listen here boy, I am one of the high ranking people sent here by the Divine Feather Clan. Since I arrived, all I did was work. I'm taking a break. I don't take orders from you or your brothers, so have a good day and get away from my doorsteps!" he said straightening his posture and raising his chin.

Darius looked at the man in front of him with his usual, clear eyes. He didn't believe what he heard at first, but seeing that the situation was actually the reality, he came back to his senses. "Mister Rion, from what I know, you only work five days a week and have free days and relaxation time as the rest of the people, isn't it so?" he asked, still maintaining his respectful approach.

Rion furrowed his brow. "Yes, and? You and the rest of the self proclaimed leaders did much less work, and spent so many free days away from the problems. I didn't vote for you seven to be in charge, and I won't comply to your orders either. I only listen to the Elders from my clan, who actually did something for our lives. Have a good day!"

Rion entered his house intending to slam the door behind him. Darius however, stopped the door with his foot and barged into the house.

"Miss Friminne, are you home?" he asked pushing Rion away.

"You dare enter my house?" Rion shouted activating his power as a [Master Channeler].

Darius moved swiftly, with lighting like speed, and hit the man with the blade of his palm. Rion fell down, unconscious, and without the smallest resistance.

. . .

Not even a few hours passed since Azar got back home and he already found himself in the decision-making room. Together with some of the people from the council, he needed to decide Rion's fate.

"So what is the reason again for your sudden revolt?" Azar asked Rion directly. From what he heard, the actions of the man felt like a small revolt. But why was such behavior needed.

Rion looked around the room, at the people who gathered to decide his future and his confidence seemed to waver. "I . . . I didn't revolt. I just wanted to spend more time with my family."

"And instead of managing things in a way that allowed you to have more free time, or announcing your absence a few days earlier, you decided that you can just stay home and do as you please?" Rodemir asked in a loud voice. He was definitely not pleased by Rion's behavior.

"Your position, Mister Rion, comes with both privileges and obligations. There were people who depended on your decisions, and by not doing your job, there was a chain reaction of problems. We are also aware of the words you've told my little brother, so now you have the chance to explain your unsatisfied opinion," Said Markos who arrived the day before.

Rion looked around like trying to ask for someone's help, but after remaining quiet for a time, he calmed down and decided to speak his mind.

"I'm tired of working so much. I don't have enough time to relax, so maybe that was the reason why I spoke those words to Lord Darius. I am sorry if I offended you!" he finished with a short bow.

However, Azar wasn't going to let his words go in the wind. "Mister Rion, you said that you're working too much. May I know if you had the holidays free as the rest of the people? You have more responsibility and more working hours then the regular citizens, yes. But your payment and benefits you receive are also higher. You are treated the same as the rest of the directors from other institutions and departments. If you can't do your job, then we can always find - "

"Benefits?" Rion interrupted abruptly, "Are the techniques and health rituals you're sharing even useful in any way? I've practiced what you people preached for a few months already, and I don't see any changes," he shouted loud enough to cover the whole room, and express his frustrations at the same time.

"Then you're blind!" Rebucked one of the tribe chefs. "Have you really practiced what you were taught?"

". . .Yes, everyday," Answered Rion as confident as he could.

At his serious words and expression, more then half of the people present burst in laughter. For them it was clear as day that Rion tried to lie blatantly.

"Gentlemen, I think we have concluded this meeting," Rodemir said seriously. For him, the situation was serious enough to ruin his mood.

Azar smile vanished at that moment as well.

"Yes!" He said getting up and exchanging gazes with the people from the council. Then, focusing on the man responsible for the matters associated with Divine Feather Clan, he ordered, "Send this man back to his realm, he is too great to be kept here. From what Darius said, his wife and son dosen't share his opinions. If they wish to remain and continue their lives here, let them stay, but keep an eye of them."

"Yes, Lord Azar," said the man before calling the guards behind the door and escorting Rion away. The poor man tried to struggle and curse at everyone, yet he fainted when Eno gazed at him. It was just like the abyss had eyes.

"Darius, send someone to inform Mister Doher about his new post and attributions as a director. If there are no more matters to be handled, this meeting ends here," Said Azar making a short bow after no one said anything.

"Have a good day, everyone!" Said Markos before leaving in a hurry.

"How many more "brainwashed" people do you thing we have among us?" Darius asked Rodemir.

"Too many," Rodemir replied shortly.

"We'll need to make a cleaning in the near future." Azar added. Both brothers nodded their heads at his words.