My further conversation with Thora clarified some details, but it didn't shed even a spark of light on the situation itself. I couldn't question the raig girl for long either. She was a first-level Knight, and the time she could spend in the Break was extremely limited. After bidding farewell to the girl in red armor, I inspected the library building that Mersk had entered. Not that I was hopeful of finding anything, but more out of formality; as expected, I found nothing. The library was just like any other, filled with endless shelves of books amongst which any message could be hidden, never to be found until the end of time unless one knew exactly what and where to look. I then stored my armor and returned to the university campus.

Just a couple of hours ago, I had wished to simply lie in bed undisturbed. It seemed my wish had come true. Technically. Because, indeed, I was lying on my bed with no distractions. My next scheduled task was to show up at eight forty-five in the morning in classroom number nineteen of building "C", but until then, I was entirely free. Half the evening and the entire night remained - a perfect opportunity to finally catch up on sleep and take a break from the recent frenzied hustle.

However, now as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, I found myself unable to relax. It just wasn't happening. What did that yoga instructor say? "Empty your mind, relax." I've always envied those who could manage that. The ones who could decide to clear their mind of intrusive thoughts. Unfortunately, I've never been able to do that. I even doubt that anyone without specialized training could do so, as they say, "at the snap of a finger."

But... Even if I had the ability to perform such a mental trick, it would be short-sighted to use it now. Many believe that problems can be escaped, or they'll simply resolve themselves over time if ignored. In my experience, if a problem was solved by ignoring it, it was more of a minor nuisance than an actual problem.

Could this situation with Halley also be just a "minor nuisance"?

No, I couldn't convince myself of that. And since I didn't know how to "clear my mind of thoughts," I was left with no option but to stare at the ceiling, straining my "brain folds."

Firstly, I needed to analyze the situation. What did I know? Halley periodically visited a certain location in the city, which was subsequently visited by the head of the "Masks of Novilter" after his departure. At face value, the situation seemed simple: one arrived, then left, and the other followed shortly after. However, even at this stage, a mountain of questions emerged. The main one being, "Why?" But something told me that this "why" couldn't be deduced by mere conjecture.

I don't understand. Why go through all this trouble? One person arrives, departs, then the other one arrives. If I were watching an old spy movie, the answer would be obvious - it's a method of information exchange. The first one arrives, leaves a note or a message, possibly a stash in a pre-arranged location. The second one arrives later, ensuring they aren't seen in the same place at the same time as the first, and collects the message. Logical, right? In a spy movie, yes, it's plausible. But with the advent of mobile phones and the internet, such communication methods have become, to put it mildly, outdated.

So now, I'm puzzling over a simple question: why do they need to go through all this rigmarole? Moreover, while Halley, according to Thora, at least adhered to the basic rules of secrecy on his way to this library, I saw Mersk completely disregard such precautions. It's as if the head of the "Masks" didn't care at all about being noticed. All my experience screams: that's not how "spies" behave. But experience is just that, and the situation is as it stands. Besides, I have no idea what's going on in Mersk's mind - perhaps in his view, he was being extraordinarily discreet? Although, from an outsider's perspective, it didn't seem so. But how many people have I encountered who were utterly convinced they could dance or sing? And the reality? It was a nightmare, yet even honest feedback like "no, you can't!" failed to convince such individuals of their grave error.

I detest when a clear and simple plan drawn in my mind has a detail that refuses to slot neatly into place. Okay, I might be a bit fixated on issues of security and anonymity, but even Thora understood the need for moving unnoticed to the observation point. And she interpreted this "unnoticed" quite accurately. Since a raig can pass through walls, it's almost always possible to reach a destination in the city without ever showing up on the street. So why is it that she figured this out, while Halley and Mersk just charged in and out? Yes, they both moved in the shadows, reducing the chances of being detected, but compared to Thora's actions, this is not even child's play but practically infantile.

I'm at a loss. On one hand, if this pair had nothing to hide, why would they bother with such cloak and dagger tactics? It's as if they're concealing something, but only on the surface. Yet, they undeniably don't want to be seen together. This puzzles me. There's no bad blood between BKDW and the "Masks of Novilter." Halley and Mersk could theoretically have coffee together daily, and no one would bat an eyelid. Well, they would attract attention, but out of curiosity rather than reproach. Yet, here they are, interacting in this peculiar manner.

My head feels like it's about to burst. I could stomach the idea of Halley being recruited and becoming a "traitor." As unsettling as that thought is, it's a feasible starting point. However, violating the Knight's oath and turning against his comrades would surely result in tangible repercussions, at the very least, rust on his sword. Yet, there's no rust. On the surface, it appears we're witnessing some sort of espionage, possibly betrayal. But upon further reflection, none of it adds up.

I'll try attacking the issue from another angle. What do I know about the second organization of the Break Knights in Wilflaes, the "Masks of Novilter"? In comparison to BKDW, they're a small group with only six raigs among their ranks. While that may seem minuscule, considering that Knights rarely form alliances, it's actually a significant number. This is further reinforced by the fact that the "Masks" are the second largest association of raigs in the country. Up until recently, BKDW, with its structure and state backing, was the only major association of Knights globally.

The deeper I delve into this matter, the more I recognize how little I actually know about the "Masks." I'm only aware of the general facts, common knowledge to anyone even vaguely interested in the subject matter. Somehow, my path has never really crossed with this organization. I recall Maya sending them an invitation for joint training, but they declined. That's about it. The rest is just generic information.

The "Masks of Novilter" are primarily known for their website. They publish information about raigs, Breakthroughs, and the Break online. BKDW, on the other hand, under the guidance of the House on the Hill, had been diligently avoiding these topics as much as possible until recent events. I, myself, spent several days on their website when I first came to terms with my revival and newfound powers as a raig, soaking in information like a sponge.

The core belief of "Masks" is that information should be freely and publicly accessible. They also firmly oppose any interactions between Break Knights and the authorities. In one of the articles, Mersk touched on this issue directly, stating something along the lines of "we inhabit different worlds." By this, he wasn't alluding to the raigs' ability to enter the Break, as if stepping into "another world," but rather the difference in their social strata. The "Masks" do not have a clearly defined program. However, the more I recall what I saw on their website, the clearer the picture becomes in my mind. This organization is essentially a congregation of ideological anarchists. Furthermore, they're anarchists not so much due to the steadfastness of their beliefs but rather their youthful rebellion. "Information belongs to everyone; everyone is a unique personality that no one has the right to command; everyone's opinion holds equal value, regardless of age and social status," and so forth. On the surface, it's a highly attractive ideology for young people yearning to escape from the watchful eyes and guidance of their elders. In one way or another, nearly every teenager has dabbled in this anarchistic rebellion at some point. Some outgrow it, while others don't. It's these "not exactly cured" individuals that make up the "Masks of Novilter."

Are they dangerous? Only if they become utterly obsessed with the freedom of information and start hunting down Break Knights to reveal their real identities on their website. But there's a catch - if they decide to do this, they should start with themselves, given their ideological stance. This aspect has always tickled my funny bone when it comes to advocates of "free information": they hide behind proxies and pseudonyms online while championing the "don't hide anything, it's wrong!" cause. When you challenge them to lead by example and start with themselves, you always get the same response: "you don't get it, it's different!" So I don't believe there's anything to worry about.

In reality, genuine anarchists could pose a significant threat as they reject not only any form of authority but also the laws implemented by such authority. But of all the Masks, the only one who can be labeled a true anarchist is their leader - Mersk. The rest, I believe, are anarchists because of their age, not their life stance. Moreover, all the "Masks" raigs regularly participate in repelling Breakthroughs, limiting their anarchism to words and publications. Except, most likely, one of them is responsible for the persistent and incredibly discreet obscene graffiti on buildings owned by the capital's mayor's office. Although, admittedly, the drawings, while crude in nature, are skillfully rendered. Then again, it could be someone else entirely. There's a rumor going around that it might be Kael. I should ask her if she started it or if there were actual grounds for it. Regardless, this detail isn't crucial right now.

I need to quit dilly-dallying and consider the worst-case scenario. Hmm, what exactly would that be?

The worst situation is likely one I can't foresee. In such a case, any strategy that I formulate would inevitably be flawed. However, if I continue down this line of thinking, it's doubtful I'll come up with any productive ideas. I just need to be aware of this possibility but not become obsessed with it. So what about the scenarios I can predict?

In this situation...

Hmm.

Halley has been spending a significant amount of time with Crixus over the past two weeks. This is understandable and justifiable since they're our main negotiators in dealings with the Castle representatives. Additionally, they, along with Maya, are preoccupied with BKDW matters, constantly communicating with each other.

Despite his youth, Halley is smart and responsible. Sometimes, it feels like he aspires to mirror the first head of our organization in every possible way, imitating Kraas' behavior and decisions, who tragically died in Eshin's terrorist attack. I perceive this as a positive attribute since, in many ways, Max was an almost ideal leader for the capital's raigs. He was more than just a leader; he was a symbol.

What could have possibly driven someone like Halley to get involved with Mersk? Moreover, I shouldn't overlook the fact that his hands are clean. Is this a double-cross, some crafty scheme? One that neither Maya nor I am aware of? If Maya had discovered something, she would undoubtedly inform me. It sometimes feels like she practically idolizes my Maestro persona. She would never withhold information from me. At first glance, there seems to be no connection between Halley and Mersk. The former believes that collaborating with the authorities is not just a necessary step, but beneficial for the Break Knights. The latter, on the other hand, is entirely against any association between raigs and those in power.

On the surface, everything seems as expected. But what if we look at it from a slightly different angle? Could Halley have fallen under Crixus' influence? After all, the disinherited heir to one of the most powerful clans in Europe is intelligent and well-educated. He was trained in rhetoric and persuasion, as well as subtle manipulation. Like Mersk, Crixus is also against the shapeshifters' authority. However, the difference is that Crixus is far more crafty; his goal isn't to dismantle their reign but to gently push them aside. To put it bluntly, he wants to replace them. Not personally, of course. Crixus aims to substitute the clans' authority with that of the raigs, but he has no intention of ruling everyone himself.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

If my hypothesis is accurate, and Halley is under Crixus's sway, then the temporary alliance between them and the "Masks of Novilter" no longer appears peculiar. Indeed, if Crixus intends to exploit the anarchists in a potential power struggle, it wouldn't be surprising - numerous revolutions have proven this tactic to be effective. These anarchists could then be distanced from all power mechanisms or even completely eradicated as an unnecessary and dangerous element. But that would come later. Crixus definitely has the education and intellect to initiate such a scheme. If this is the case, a somewhat grim picture emerges. It's not overly terrifying, but it's not bright either. This is what one might call a long game, and I can pit my influence against Crixus's.

The situation worsens when considering that all this time, I've been promoting Halley to the position of head of the BKDW. Of course, my options are limited since, according to the charter, only an open Break Knight can lead the organization. And there are only three of them in the capital. Out of these three, Maya has recused herself. I can't support Crixus, can I? Although I must acknowledge that the failed heir has moderated his brash and unrestrained behavior over the past two weeks. As a result, many raigs have shifted their opinions of him positively. What recently seemed impossible - Crixus being elected as the head of the BKDW by a majority of votes - no longer seems like a fantasy.

Let's assume this is the case: Halley has fallen under Crixus's influence, and they've decided to utilize the "Masks" in their plans. My best strategy would be to simply observe and attempt to decipher the intrigue's purpose. Generally, when the situation is ambiguous, refraining from hasty and thoughtless actions is almost always the right choice.

This is the first, most obvious possibility. But there are others. For instance, Halley and Mersk might not be collaborating but instead are dealing with a third party separately. It's a complex scheme, but if this "third" is not a raig, then such an interaction method is plausible. So, what power does this "third" represent? Ministers? No, they would act openly. Representatives of large businesses who want to use raigs for their own gain? In Novilter, all big businesses are controlled by shapeshifters. A conspiracy against the ducal family by clans dissatisfied with the current rulers? Mersk might be involved in this, but Halley... Definitely not. The Breakthroughs are intensifying, and to lose the support of the authorities at such a time? No, he's not that foolish.

Yet, the possibility of a "third player" can't be overlooked. Say, this "mutual acquaintance" could be Abel de Diaz. Easily. The Inquisitor's clout is substantial enough to persuade both Halley and Mersk. I shudder at the thought of this scenario. Outsmarting a bicentennial Inquisitor? I'm not quite there yet. Plus, I don't fancy being a pawn in his game. I'm almost entirely convinced that the legate is orchestrating some game of his own. All one can do is hope that this situation isn't a product of de Diaz's machinations.

Another theory could be that no meetings between Halley and Mersk ever happened. It's all a fabrication. Could Thora and Kael have staged this? Absolutely. And they could've done it independently, without anyone else's prompting. The sisters are convinced that Maya should assume the role of the BKDW's leader. Even if Maya herself doesn't want it. The twins aren't too concerned with this detail. They might genuinely believe that Maya would make a better leader than Halley. I have to admit that I concur with this. So, if this were their game, the sisters' hands would still be clean because they're not betraying anyone, they just want to do what's "best."

Besides these three theories, there are, of course, others. One could speculate that Halley is simply trying to convince Mersk to join BKDW training. They chose this intricate and unconventional way of communication to keep other members of "The Masks of Novilter" in the dark about their leader's association with our organization. Maybe. Who knows? There could be a dozen more such theories, if one stretches their imagination.

When the clock struck exactly eleven in the evening, I realized that if I kept theorizing, I'd be dozing off in lectures again tomorrow. Sure, the situation might turn out to be unpleasant, but compared to the impending End of Everything, it hardly seems tragic. If I've managed to fall asleep without worrying about the looming Armageddon, I shouldn't be racking my brain over this. I've already mulled over the main theories, revisited them thrice, and that should be enough. After all, there's a reason for the saying, "morning is wiser than the evening," and it rings true.

I looked over the schedule for the following day: typical, just a lot of back and forth between academic buildings. The first lecture was at nine in the morning. Damn, that meant I'd have to rise early; the building I needed was all the way across the island from my dorm. It was a shame that bicycles were off-limits on campus for everyone except faculty; otherwise, I would've gotten one for myself. Sometimes it felt like I was running a marathon between lectures. I wondered if scooters were also banned. I couldn't recall that particular rule; I'd have to look it up. Wait! Random thoughts like these always seemed to creep in just before bed. Enough - it was time to sleep...

The next morning greeted me with distant clouds, a refreshing chill, and a gentle breeze. Speaking of which, I needed to find out if Zanh Kiem was a fan of cognac. If he was, I'd definitely buy him a bottle. His method of utilizing the Spark to induce sleep, regardless of the circumstance, was nothing short of miraculous. Without it, I'd probably spend the entire night lost in thought, only managing to drift off right before dawn. But instead, here I was, strolling along a sandy path, baring my face to the wind, grinning like a well-rested individual should.

I quickly hid my smile though - it somehow stood out starkly against the serious expressions on the faces of other students rushing off to their early morning classes. Everyone looked grim, a good number of them sporting dark circles under their eyes. If this was just the start of the semester, what would it be like come exam time? I didn't even want to contemplate that.

The central square was packed to the brim. And immediately, you could distinguish the regular students from the shapeshifters. The ordinary students were in a hurry, practically running, while the nobles strolled at a leisurely pace, seemingly in no rush at all. Representatives from noble clans were trained to put on a brave face right from the cradle. It was a relief that such chaos was mostly confined to the early mornings; later on, it didn't seem like there were quite as many students around. And during lecture times, the university grounds were practically deserted.

I quickly traversed the central square, sticking to the outskirts. I visualized the island's map in my head and veered off onto a serene path, which was rarely used as it was rather winding and didn't provide a direct route from one building to another. I had left with time to spare and could afford the detour - unlike most students, who, as usual, set their alarms to squeeze in as much sleep as possible.

No, even on this trail, I wasn't alone, but there were nearly ten times fewer people on it than on the main pathways. Sometimes, I wish I were an open raig. If I were, I could have slept in longer and then, within ten seconds in the Break, dashed to the right classroom. As far as I've observed, that's what Maya does. I've caught sight of her shadow at least five times in the past couple of weeks. Since she doesn't need to conceal her true identity, she freely uses the Break without any fear of being unmasked. There are definitely perks to that.

As I pondered the benefits of being an open Break Knight, I nearly missed my turn. The prospects are enticing, of course, but the price to pay for such conveniences... no, it's certainly not worth it.

This part of the trail is practically deserted - just one figure is visible about forty meters ahead. I glance at my watch, knowing I'm not late, but I'm unfamiliar with the building where my classroom is. So, I quicken my pace to arrive early and avoid any unintentional tardiness. I close the gap with the figure ahead and then switch to a walking pace. Regrettably, it appears my plan to arrive early has been thwarted. The student ahead, as Spark pointed out, is a shapeshifter. Even worse, a foreign student. I've had a few run-ins with their type before and their arrogance irks me.

This is Novilter, a country that's quite progressive when it comes to the display of equality. However, it's a different story elsewhere. In Japan, for instance, a commoner who dares to look at a noble without due respect or overtakes him might find themselves not decapitated - we're not living in the Middle Ages - but potentially in a hospital with broken legs. It's seen as an act of disrespect.

Of course, these might just be rumors circulated by the Novilter state machinery. It's their way of saying, "Look how things are elsewhere, and be grateful you live in our magnificent country!" I'm open to the possibility that this could be the case, but I'm not eager to test the theory firsthand. Here, no one would break my legs over such a trivial matter. All university students are under the protection of the ruling house of Wilflaes, and that's not just a hollow phrase or formality. Yet, it's easy to earn the enmity of an influential noble. And do I need that? No. Besides, I still have time.

Moreover, judging by his stride and other minor details, the person walking ahead of me is Japanese. Oddly enough, I wouldn't have been able to distinguish a Japanese person from a Korean before, but Izao could do it in a snap.

I trail about seven meters behind him, matching his pace. Senior foreign students have already acclimated to the local liberal attitudes and remain unfazed by its manifestations. But freshmen are a different story, as everything here is new to them, and the one in front of me, like myself, is a first-year. It's easy to spot due to the characteristic chevron with a single tab, displayed on the sleeve of his stylish jacket made of the finest llama wool. Such chevrons are compulsory only for students in the military faculty.

Novilter and Japan have been allies for the past fifty years, and Japanese students comprise nearly thirty percent of all foreign applicants studying at our university. They are particularly prevalent in the military department. I believe this isn't just because a military career is the only noble path, but because Japan dreams of a large ocean fleet.

While mulling over these irrelevant details, I nearly missed the moment when the person in front of me came to a halt. I didn’t stop though and continued strolling nonchalantly. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the Japanese student's badge. Indeed, it read - military department, first year, name: Ketsu Sugawara. But why should I care about this? Although... Sugawara? From the same Sugawara lineage that dates back to the tenth century? The ones who consider the divine Tenjin as their ancestor? Well, I'm glad I refrained from rushing into anything. Considering such an extensive lineage, who knows what sort of eccentricities this young man might harbor?

As I pass him, I give a brief nod. Not a bow, of course, as it would be customary in his country, but it should suffice. The young man glances at me disinterestedly, his gaze briefly resting on my badge before he turns away, studying the nearest tree as if I never existed, as if I were a void that he had already devoted an unacceptable amount of his precious personal time to. Damn! I wish I could master that! To wordlessly and insult-free, show someone nearby that they are insignificant and not even worthy of your fleeting attention. And he didn't do it in a contrived manner; on the contrary, it seemed quite natural. This skill could prove useful to me at some point, definitely. But forget him, this Japanese. He didn't bother me and didn't even take offense at my curt and formal nod. Perhaps he's a decent person? By the time I arrived at the academic building I was heading to, I had already pushed this brief encounter out of my mind.

The modest, three-story building blends in with the others scattered across the island, save for the unusual abundance of satellite dishes crowding its roof - at least a dozen of them.

"Stop!" A guard at the entrance steps towards me, blocking my path.

What's this about? I've never encountered such an abrupt halt at the university before. The guards, plentiful as they are, usually strive to remain inconspicuous and avoid disturbing the students unless they've committed some infraction. But have I done something wrong? I stop obediently while the guard looks at my badge, then at his tablet.

"Izao Vaillant. You may enter. First floor, classroom nineteen." He steps aside, allowing me to pass.

Strange. The building is ordinary, yet suddenly there's a pass system. Such stringent security is only typical of the military faculty buildings. This one seems completely normal. Perhaps due to the floating schedule, I've somehow ended up with a military department class today?

I ascend the stairs under the guard's watchful eye and enter a deserted, dimly lit hallway. Finding classroom nineteen proves to be effortless. Checking my watch, I see I've arrived five minutes before class.

Pushing the door open, I find a small hall designed for no more than two dozen students. A large board covers the entire wall, ordinary desks are arranged neatly, and space-themed posters adorn the walls: diagrams of the solar system, photos of rockets on launch pads, drawings of Jupiter and its moons.

I'm not the first to arrive. Five students already occupy the desks. However, I can't make out their faces due to the stark contrast between the semi-dark corridor and brightly lit classroom, courtesy of wide windows facing the sun.

I sling my bag over my shoulder and step forward, only to hear the dull thud of something heavy hitting wood. The students in the first row turn at the sound.

Behind the back desk, Maya Grimm's face is buried in the tabletop, quietly banging her forehead against it.

I wave at her, triggering another forehead thump on the desk from the girl. This is amusing! Should I sit next to her? Why not? I make my way to the third row and head for the desk beside hers.

"Psh-m-m-sh-sh-sh-sh!" Maya hisses through clenched teeth in response.

My mood soars. For some reason, I enjoy getting under her skin. Plus, when she's angry, she blushes in the most adorable way!