Adion stared at the painting in front of him. He wasn’t very happy with it. Even if it was far from finished, Adion could tell that it wouldn’t turn out the way he wanted.

I’ll just start over. If I’m going to give it to Quahim, it needs to be my best one yet.

Adion was currently in his dorm room. He had spent the day in class, and thought he would be training with Sell afterwards as usual. But he found out she had plans with Felicia and Lastia, so Adion decided to train his Authority on his own before heading to his dorm room to spend the evening painting.

He hadn’t spent a lot of time painting ever since he got to the Academy. But he had promised Quahim that he would return with a masterpiece to trade him ‘A mother’s smile’ with. Adion certainly couldn’t do a shabby job, and he couldn’t save it for the last second. It was something that would require time and effort so he wouldn’t disappoint his teacher when he met him again.

Besides, painting was calming. It was unlike any other form of training Adion did. He wasn’t sure if it would ever play any part in increasing his strength, but just this one thing, Adion didn’t mind. It was fine spending time painting just for the task itself.

Quahim told me painting would allow me to grasp concepts of shadow more easily, but so far, I don’t seem to be able to grasp anything. Maybe he just made it up to get me to paint with him.

No, I could feel something from Quahim’s painting that bordered on the magical. And I know that the painting ‘Atao’ that appeared on Shiora during the Age of Wonder definitely made use of some extremely complicated and profound concepts. It’s just that I haven’t spent enough time with it yet.

Adion grabbed a blank canvas and started over. He had decided to do a painting of Sell. He knew Quahim was very fond of his niece, so he would certainly appreciate a painting of her if he did it justice. It was also something Adion was in the mood to paint. He just hadn’t captured the right scene in his head yet. His previous three efforts were all thrown out after he realized that they wouldn’t turn out at the level he was aiming for.

Maybe something during our date.

Many memories flashed through Adion’s head. All of them of Sell and her various expressions.

It has to be suitable for Quahim to look at. It can’t be something overly romantic.

Just as an image appeared in Adion’s mind that he thought was worth giving a try, he was interrupted by someone knocking on his door.

A visitor?

Adion put down his brush and went to open his door. To his surprise, he spotted Ohem, Erfin, and Prago standing outside.

“I knew you’d be here,” Prago said with a grin.

“We’re here for beer and cards, like we said,” Ohem said without expression. Adion noticed he was carrying a big crate of beer in his hands.

“I never said that,” Adion said, confused.

“Oh,” Ohem nodded and proceeded to walk into Adion’s dorm room.

“Thanks for having us, Adion,” Erfin said with a smile. He looked around the place with bright eyes as he stepped inside, “As expected of the Headmaster’s disciple. This place is really nice.”

Adion could only watch helplessly as Ohem and Erfin made themselves at home. He turned to Prago and asked, “What’s going on?”

“I spotted Sell with Felicia and Lastia over at the Scrolls. I figured you’d be lonely and sad, so I came to cheer you up. Aren’t I nice?” Prago asked with a bright smile.

“Well, I was actually painting,” Adion said hesitantly.

“I’m glad you weren’t busy,” Prago nodded and stepped inside.

Whatever. I guess it’s fine.

Adion closed the door and walked to the dining table, where his friends had already taken their seats. Adion’s dorm room was a lot bigger than the general dorm room. He even had a whole dining room for himself. It didn’t lose out much to any of the mansions he had visited.

“Adion, have a beer,” Ohem said as he picked up a bottle of beer and passed it to Adion, “It’s from my hometown. You’ll like it.”

“Oh? Thanks,” Adion said, accepting the drink, “What is your hometown?”

“Deller, in the Rellen Kingdom,” Ohem answered.

Deller…I think I’ve read a few things about that place. It’s a huge city not far from the Outskirts, and a lot of strong mages are living there. That part of the Outskirts has one of the strongest presence of beasts of all the places bordering the Endless Forest.

“Have you ever been to the Outskirts there?” Adion asked.

“No,” Ohem answered, “I was too weak. But I will in the future.”

“It sounds like an interesting place,” Adion said, “I might visit sometime, and see that part of the Outskirts for myself.”

“I’ll welcome you in my home at that time,” Ohem said with a slight smile.

“Thanks,” Adion said with a grin.

He quite liked Ohem. Even if they hadn’t known each other for long, they had spent a lot of time playing cards together. Something Adion knew Ohem greatly appreciated, since he couldn’t advance if he wasn’t allowed to play.

“Alright,” Erfin said, “Let’s play. What should we start with? Sailor’s luck?”

“Sounds good,” Adion nodded.

“We should have some stakes,” Prago suggested.

“Do you even know how to play?” Adion questioned.

“I’ve played plenty of cards with my grandfather,” Prago said, “Even if I’ve never played Sailor’s luck, I’m sure I’ll learn quickly.”

“Should we bet credits?” Erfin asked.

“That’s fine,” Adion nodded, “We can start small. How about 10 credits each per game, winner takes all?”

“How is that small?” Erfin questioned, shocked.

“Adion gets 1000 credits every week from his ranking. Don’t think about it. It will only make you depressed,” Prago said mournfully.

“Right, I forgot,” Erfin said with a sigh.

“Well, we can do whatever you guys want then. The amount doesn’t matter,” Adion said.

“10 credits sound good,” Ohem said in a calm voice.

“You’re also in the top 10 diamond class,” Erfin said with a sigh, “Whatever. I can afford it!”

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“Me too,” Prago nodded, “Adion. I’ll be stopping by to teach you some runes tomorrow. You’re still far from adequate.”

“Sure,” Adion answered with a smile. He would probably be paying back Prago more than double the amount of credits he lost tonight in the coming week.

The group started playing, and it was obvious that Ohem was the undisputed champion. But what surprised Adion was Erfin’s skill. Adion had thought that he had gotten pretty good at Sailor’s luck by now, but he couldn’t compare to Erfin.

But as he thought about it, the first time he had met Erfin was outside the House of the Scrolls where he was playing cards with Ohem. He probably had a lot more experience than Adion.

Since Adion had plenty of credits, he didn’t really mind. He simply drank the beer Ohem had brought and enjoyed his time.

That was until Prago started showing his skills. Even if it was his first time playing, he quickly caught on and began overtaking Adion. Even if Sailor’s luck came down to a lot of luck, skill was a fundamental part of the game. As skill was involved, pride naturally came with it.

Adion could take being inferior to Ohem and Erfin, as they had played longer than he had. But he didn’t want to lose to Prago.

“Haha,” Adion laughed as they just finished a game, “Take that, Prago.”

“What do you mean ‘take that’? You lost!” Prago yelled out.

“I still beat you,” Adion grinned. The alcohol made him feel extra good about beating him.

“This is so infuriating,” Prago mumbled, “Credits don’t even matter to you, so what’s the point.”

“We could do a different kind of bet,” Erfin suggested.

“What do you suggest?” Ohem asked.

“We could do dares,” Erfin said, “We are all equal in front of dares.”

“That’s…” Adion hesitated.

“That’s an excellent idea,” Prago said with vigor.

“Sure,” Ohem nodded.

“Fine,” Adion sighed, “What kind of dare?”

Just as Erfin was about to respond, Prago yelled out in an aggrieved voice, “You have to set up a date with Felicia for me!”

What?

Adion stared at Prago in shock. Even Ohem had a rare look of surprise on his face.

“Er,” Adion didn’t really know what to say, “You like Felicia?”

“Who wouldn’t like that goddess?” Prago questioned, “She is perfect in every way. I thought you would be a good friend and set things up for me at the auction. You did promise me, after all. But you didn’t even think about it, did you?”

“Er,” Adion once again was at a loss for words. In truth, that particular matter had slipped his mind.

“You have this kind of power, Adion?” Ohem asked with a bit of reverence.

“No, no,” Adion shook his head, “I just promised Prago…Whatever, forget it. If you like her, just tell her, Prago.”

“As if I could do that,” Prago murmured.

Adion suddenly got an idea that appeared brilliant to his intoxicated mind and said, “Alright, Prago. Let’s play a game with some stakes. If I lose, I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try my best to set things up. If I fail, I’ll pay 1000 credits, no, 4000 credits. A whole month’s worth.”

“Seriously?” Prago asked.

“Of course, I’m serious,” Adion nodded, “But if you lose, you have to go to Felicia and ask her out yourself. And you have to do it tonight. Do you dare?”

Prago hesitated for a moment and asked, “What if Ohem or Erfin wins?”

“I’ll give them 100 credits, and we can play another game after that if we want. Our stakes would be canceled,” Adion said.

“Alright,” Prago finally nodded, “But you can’t go back on your words.”

“Neither can you,” Adion said with a grin.

“Then let’s play,” Prago said resolutely.

“Good,” Adion nodded.

As Prago picked up his cards, entirely focused on the game. Adion grabbed Erfin’s and Ohem’s attention and gave them a meaningful look. They both nodded back in understanding.

Adion could cheat using his space magic, of course, but he felt that would be wrong. He could cheat, but he would cheat the right way.

With three against one. There was never a chance for you to win.

Thirty minutes later, the four of them were already almost at the House of the Scrolls.

“You know what, guys, let’s stop here for a moment and enjoy the night sky,” Prago suggested.

“No way,” Adion refuted, “You lost the bet. Be a man about it.”

“I’ll do it, I’ll do it,” Prago muttered, “It’s such a nice summer’s night. I just thought we could take a small break.”

“No matter what happens, I envy your courage,” Erfin said, trying to be encouraging.

“We’ll go back to Adion’s place afterward so you can drink away your sorrows,” Ohem added.

Adion gave Ohem a look.

“I meant to say…So you can drink in celebration,” Ohem corrected himself.

“Yeah,” Prago said in a somewhat shaky voice.

Maybe I pushed it too far. Even if I think this is the best way to go about it. It’s ultimately Prago’s business.

But just as Adion started having second thoughts, the group ran into Sell, Felicia, and Lastia exiting the House of the Scrolls.

Whatever. Even if he fails, this is an important first step. I’ll just have to give it my best to support him so he doesn’t give in to despair.

“I’ll take care of Sell,” Adion whispered to Ohem, “I’ll leave Lastia to you two.”

Ohem nodded, and Adion stepped in front of the group and approached Sell. Prago had slowed his steps, but Adion didn’t wait for the rest of the group.

“Sell, can I talk with you for a minute?” Adion asked.

“Oh, sure,” Sell nodded and stepped away with Adion.

“Sorry about that,” Adion said as he and Sell walked away.

“It’s fine. What’s going on?” Sell asked.

Adion explained the situation, and Sell opened her mouth in surprise.

“I never knew Prago felt like that…” Sell said hesitantly.

“Neither did I,” Adion said, shaking his head with a smile, “But it made me-”

Adion interrupted himself as he felt someone’s presence about 200 feet away. Adion was always on his guard when he was alone with Sell, so he didn’t miss someone walking past them.

Adion turned to look at who it was and breathed out in relief when he saw it was just a first-year student, a blonde girl, walking past. And he realized he hadn’t said anything compromising, even if it might not look great that they were alone so late at night.

Just as Adion was about to turn his attention back to Sell, something in his mind stirred.

That girl. Why does she seem familiar?

Adion tried to recall where he had seen her. It wasn’t unlikely that he had spotted her somewhere during his months in the Academy, but something at the back of Adion’s head made him feel it wasn’t as simple as that.

And then he remembered. The first day he entered the Academy, when he just finished his admission. He had spotted her just before Aiden called out to him and thought he recognized her from somewhere.

Have I met her before that?

The girl seemed to have noticed Adion’s gaze as she turned around to look at him. She smiled.

That smile…doesn’t seem right.

The girl turned around and kept walking. Adion got a bad feeling for some reason.

“Sell, do you know who that girl is?” Adion asked in a serious voice as he pointed her out to Sell.

“No,” Sell said, shaking her head, “Why?”

“She just smiled at me,” Adion said in a low voice.

“How nice for you,” Sell snorted.

“It wasn’t that kind of smile,” Adion said, his voice somber.

Sell noticed his serious expression and asked, “What kind of smile was it?”

Adion furrowed his brows and answered, “It was challenging. No, more…triumphant.”