Emil

The underground training facility conveniently had a medical bay. A doctor was already on standby when the witch dragged Emil’s limp body into the room. Bandages, ointment, and a myriad of other medical grade items were already laid out on a table in advance.

She had this set up so she can cobble me to her heart’s content. Emil shot her a glare. The witch replied with a conniving grin as if she had read his mind.

He grimaced as he was carelessly flung onto the bed. The doctor went to work immediately, placing a bag of ice on his swollen jaws and stripping him of the dirty bandages glued to his body. The process was agonizing. Dried blood kept the bandages tight against his body and removing them peeled away patches of his damaged skin. The doctor tried to wet the bandages with water to lessen his suffering, but it did little to alleviate the pain.

Indifferent to his troubles, the witch suddenly began, “So, about your new assignment—"

“Can this fucking wait?” Emil hissed through gritted teeth, “First answer me this, what the hell happened to my body? I thought an Exalted could only have one Gift.”

The witch shrugged, “As did I. And then you happened. I believe you might be the first Exalted in recorded history to have multiple Gifts. Congratulations.”

“Am I screwed?”

“No idea. This is threading new territory,” the witch said, completely unhelpful, “How do you feel? Any abnormal pains? Any malfunctioning faculties? Do you remember what happened prior to your Awakening?”

“Nothing unusual. Just the regular burns from using that wretched Gift. As for memories...” he said while trying to recall what unfolded within the Nostra facility, “I was desperate. I wanted to save the children from the collapsing ceiling. Then my body was suddenly enveloped in mana. It was tranquil. Soothing. I felt strong. My head suddenly felt like it was being flooded with knowledge. Afterwards, I instinctively knew how to invoke my new Gift.”

“Then you went through a proper Awakening. I can attest to that from our spar. Your mana perception has improved, as did your physical constitution. These are all regular effects of an Awakening. We also confirmed that you can invoke both Gifts without an issue, which makes you the only person fit for this next assignment,” the witch suddenly declared, “I want to station you as an undercover student at Exalted Academy.”

All of the things Emil was expecting the witch to say, going undercover at the most prestigious academy in the kingdom was definitely not on the list.

Exalted Academy was an independent institution founded to hone talented Exalted and to further the understanding on the mechanisms of Gifts and Azurite. The Academy was located at the heart of Azure City—a massive metropolis situated at the center of Ardair. It shared borders with all three of Ardair’s provinces while functioning as a de facto independent city-state with its own method of governance. While Ardair’s provinces were ruled by the royal family and two other noble houses, Azure City was run by the Council of Mana—a governing body elected by staff and affiliates of Exalted Academy.

“You want me to become a student?” Emil asked in disbelief. Is she insane? The witch had warped his body and mind for the past several years into a killing machine. And now she suddenly wanted to drop him into an institution of learning filled with kids.

“Oh, it won’t be that bad. Most Exalted have a couple of loose screws in their heads. The students of the Academy are no different. You’ll fit right in.” Hortensia waved off his concerns. “As for your objective, your main task is to be the main field agent within Azure City for any work that falls under Steiger initiatives.”

“That sounds incredibly vague and suspicious.”

His comment was met with a knowing smile. She’s doing this on purpose. There is definitely a bunch of things that she’s leaving unsaid. Emil narrowed his eyes.

From what he knew, Steiger had an authoritative presence everywhere in Ardair—except for Azure City. The Council of Mana insisted on its rights to self-governance due to its unique status as an independent city-state. Instead of having Steiger lord over its affairs, the Council wanted full control of everything, including the anti-corruption duties that usually fell under Steiger’s jurisdiction. Given its tremendous influence over Exalted affairs, the royal family was forced to acquiesce.

Which conveniently makes it a hotbed for corruption and crime, he smirked at the obvious implications.

Steiger’s existence was to “maintain the status quo.” In a kingdom lurking with individuals possessing abilities that could bend the reality to their will, the organization was found to ensure the continued survival of the royal family’s authority. Azure City was Steiger’s one blind spot within the kingdom. And after years letting them do as they pleased, the witch suddenly wanted to establish a presence in the city despite political pressures blocking her before.

In other words, something foul was brewing in Azure City. One that may threaten the royal family’s authority.

“That sounds highly above my pay grade,” Emil said.

“In addition to a bump in salary, I will also have accommodations planned for your two friends to move into the city,” the witch replied.

Emil’s eyes went wide.

“And before you try to back out, you should know that you’re the only one capable of performing this mission.”

It didn’t take Emil long to figure out why, “…It’s because I have two Gifts.”

Before Emil’s Awakening, it was an established tenet that an Exalted could only possess a single Gift. As a result, the form and manifestation of a Gift can be used as an Exalted’s unique identifier. Given this fact, it was simply unfeasible for a Steiger agent to go undercover in an institution built around the Exalted.

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Hortensia nodded. “You’re at the perfect age to be admitted and you have enough pre-requisite knowledge to keep up with the curriculum. During the day, you will hone your newly awakened Gift. At night, you will conceal your identity and perform Steiger-related tasks with your original Gift. You’re the perfect candidate. The only candidate.”

Emil groaned. The witch was not going to let him refuse. Resigned to his fate, he sighed as he considered his next steps. Fine. But I’ll make sure to squeeze you dry.

“…My raise. How much is it going to be?”

***

He was medically discharged in the afternoon. Emil limped through the opulent terraces of Upper Dannan and onto the elevator that would take him back to the lower district. The discussion with the witch lingered in his head.

Become a student. He winced at the thought. Ever since Steiger turned him into a monster, he gave up on the possibility of living a normal life. His dream of going to school and spending his days idly studying, engrossed in books was supposed to be an unreachable fantasy. Now suddenly, an opportunity appeared. Even if it was on a false premise of going undercover, Emil couldn’t help but feel conflicted.

Can I even do it?

The idea of a normal life seemed so foreign and out of reach. What did people his age even talk about? What did they even do? Emil couldn’t imagine. It was difficult to envision himself in a classroom amongst students his age, fretting over benign problems like homework, relationships, and exams.

No matter how he rationalized it, he could only see his cover getting blown.

Failure wasn’t an option, however. Despite Van and the witch’s cavalier attitudes, Steiger as a whole was a ruthless organization predicated on merit. Emil was well-aware that his open belligerence towards Hortensia was only tolerated because of his flawless track record. The additional compensation that he receives from the witch was also a privilege—not a given. A carrot to dangle in front of his face so he would continue to produce stellar results even when worked to the bone.

A single blemish on his flawless record would wipe all those privileges away.

And then there’s Mia and Raz. Was it right to move them into a new city? Lower Dannan was becoming more unsafe, but Emil at least understood what to be wary of. Azure City was a completely new environment, unknown—fraught with its own set of cultures, intrigues, and dangers.

He would also be alone to fend for himself. Steiger’s lack of presence in Azure City meant that there would be no one to back him up if he ran into trouble.

What alternatives do I have?

Separating from Mia and Raz was out of the question. The only other option was to demand the witch to change his assignment.

That will definitely put me in trouble. He was the only one who could do this work. Refusal to accept would be tantamount to disobedience. And Steiger had no use for a dog that won’t obey.

Thud!

The engine moving the elevator shaft grinded to a halt. The platform resounded with loud creak as it landed on the ground. Emil was back on the outskirts of Lower Dannan.

The sun bled a scarlet red as it inched towards the horizon. Emil trudged back towards the tavern, still grappling with indecision—when something caught his attention.

The back of his neck suddenly flared with an irresistible itch. His Steiger training jolted him out of his thoughts. Someone’s following me.

Emil pretended not to notice while scanning his surroundings from his periphery. He caught a glimpse of the culprit as he rounded a corner. In the short moment that he was unseen, he ducked into a narrow alleyway off to the side of the road. His pursuer emerged around the bend a few seconds later.

A hooded figure. They were visibly confused as they turned frantically, presumably looking for him.

Emil silently lunged into his pursuer’s blind spot.

“Don’t move,” he whispered, placing a hand on the person’s shoulders. He felt the person flinch.

“Don’t speak either. Unless you have a death wish,” he said, coating his voice with the intent to kill. The person froze, unmoving—except for the faint shudders coursing through their body. Emil slowly pried off their hood.

A bundle of hair leaked out. A feminine face. Their skin was unusually dark with a powdered texture as if it had been meticulously smeared in ash. Their eyes radiated a distinct emerald green.

“…Lisha?”

***

It really was her. The expensive daughter of some noble family who was wandering Lower Dannan in disguise. She helped him on the night he collapsed after fighting against the Exalted from Aois Nua.

Lisha had a hand over her chest. She shivered, laboring with deep haggard breaths. Sweat and tears cascaded down her cheeks, carrying bits of the powdered ash off her face as it dripped to the ground. Emil stared at her sheepishly. He was the cause of this visceral reaction.

Ugh, I feel really bad.

“Umm, sorry about that,” he apologized. The young lady nearly broke down. Emil had to drag her off into the alleyway to keep her vulnerable state out of sight. With Lower Dannan in chaos, he didn’t want to risk her being seen by any of the gangs that might be lurking about.

“I-I seriously thought you were going to kill me!” Lisha said between sniffles, having regained enough composure to complain.

“Well, it was a possibility,” Emil admitted. She shot him a glare.

He continued, “Let this be a lesson not to tail anyone in the lower district. Given how close the slums are, people are bound to be a little paranoid.”

“I think that went beyond a little paranoid!” Lisha protested, “No normal person tries to kill someone just for following them!”

He smirked. “Well? What did you want?"

“…I just wanted to say hi. I was curious how you were doing after that night, but I wasn’t sure if it was you.” Lisha glanced up. “You see, umm, your face—”

“Enough. Don’t say anymore.” Emil raised his hands. The swollen part of his jaw suddenly flared up, searing with a dull pain. He winced, cursing the witch for giving him a make-over. Out of all the places if she could have chosen to hit.

“Anyways, the lower district is becoming more chaotic recently. You should probably stay out of here,” he warned, “Whatever troubles you’re running from, I can guarantee it’s not worth losing your life over.”

Lisha narrowed her eyes, “Why do you assume that I’m running away from something?”

Emil stared at her blankly.

“Ah, is that the stereotypical story?” Lisha asked with a wry smile. She stood up from her slumped position, peering intently into Emil’s eyes, suddenly feeling audacious, “You know, when you deliver unsolicited advice, it’s often because you're projecting your own troubles onto someone else.”

Emil’s eyes went wide. “That’s—” He fell silent, unable to refute. Lisha’s word punched deep into his guts.

“Just so we’re clear, I’m well aware that I live a privileged life. Far more than what you can imagine,” Lisha said with a solemn gaze, “But knowing is different than experiencing. I came to the lower districts to gain a different perspective. To try and understand the plights that the commoners face. And perhaps it’s presumptuous of me, but I wanted to see if there’s something I can do to make life a bit easier for everyone.”

So it wasn’t running away from home, but because of a sense of noblesse oblige. Emil sighed. Which is the second most common reason why expensive daughters are found in the lower districts.

He shrugged, “Fair enough. I apologize for assuming.”

“Your apologies are accepted. I will, of course, still heed your advice. I could feel it myself too—the vibe of the lower district has gotten increasingly hostile lately. It’ll be problematic if I get myself into trouble.” Lisha’s expression softened as she readied to leave the alleyway, “But before I leave, however,” she flashed him a wink, “You have yet to fulfill your end of the bargain to me.”

End of the bargain? Emil shot her a confused look. He rattled his mind for memories of their first encounter.

“…Oh, treat you to a meal?”

“Yes. It was the original reason why I wanted to see you,” Lisha smiled. Her emerald eyes glistened with mischief. “So, what will it be, Miles? Will you treat me? Or will you rest uneasy being forever in my debt?”