Two days passed in a flash. Today was an auspicious day; on this day, Alex and others decided to celebrate Gracier's birthday; she had turned 15 two weeks ago.
The Blue Haven Manor was heavily decorated; in the enormous hall, tables lined with foods could be seen. At the center of the hall stood a birthday cake tall as Gracier herself.
Guests coming from afar filled the hall, son of noble, daughters of nobles, classmates from the academy, and some of the academy teachers such as Chris came. Adler, the first prince, Katherina the second princess, came on behalf of the emperor.
Suddenly, the hall turned silent because the star of tonight's celebration had finally arrived.
Gracier wore a beautiful red princess dress; her high heels clicked against the ground as she sauntered forward. She was so beautiful that most of the young men present had their breath taken away, they fell in love. The most courageous one had already decided what to do.
''Welcome to everyone that came tonight to celebrate with us my sister's birthday. I'm grateful to you all. I won't waste too much of your time, let's begin the celebration. Happy birthday Alexandra, and cheers.''
''Happy birthday!!"
''Cheers!"
The celebration went on, and the guests, one by one, gave their birthday present to Gracier. Leon, Artemia, Kuina, Eris, and others all handed their gifts. Alex's gift was a restaurant; Gracier was so happy.
The celebration ended four hours later. Too tired, Gracier and the girls went to sleep.
Alex sat on the balcony overlooking the city below; Leon joined him shortly after.
''My friend, how have you been?" Leon asked while looking at Avalon's beautiful night sky.
''I'm fine Leon, it's good to see you again, my friend. It's a good night to drink, don't you think?" Alex brought a bottle of wine from his item box and two glasses; he poured the wines in the glasses.
Leon took one and immediately gulped it.
''It's a good wine.''
Leon's hands were shaking, Alex could see it, and he knew why it was like this. Ferris and Leon might look like they would always fight each other, but deep down, they were friends, childhood friends; they were best friends. So Ferris dying like that was a huge blow to Leon. Sometimes he wondered if it wasn't a dream but quickly denied it.
''Alex, I would make them pay for what they did.'' Leon declared while clenching his fists so much that they made a cracking sound.
Alex patted his shoulder and announced. ''Don't worry, they will pay. I'll make them pay, no we will make sure of it. What we need to do is to strengthen ourselves because the enemy is not weak. They are strong; I fought one of them and lost; she is strong. You must have heard about our next destination.''
Leon nodded his head; it was one of the reasons for his presence here, to go in Exodus.
''Let's become stronger there.''
Leon nodded before suddenly remembering something; he shared the news with Alex.
''I heard that the Holy Daughter is coming to the academy. You should be wary.''
Alex furrowed his brows; he felt compelled to massage his forehead; he had forgotten about the Holy Crux empire; their fixation on Luna hadn't changed; he wondered what the Holy Daughter goal would be? Threatening them, or she would try to befriend them? Either way, nothing good would come out in getting associated with people from the Holy Crux empire.
''Thank you, I'll be careful.'' Alex declared; Leon nodded; the two continued to drink until late in the night.
The following morning Leon left because he had things to do.
Several days passed in a flash, and classes resumed in the academy. Today, Chris was about to announce a new student's arrival.
''Quiet please, as you must have heard it there is going to be a new student.''
Alex sighed while Luna's expression changed; it became cold all of a sudden.
''Please come in.''
At Chris's word, the classroom door was opened, and a girl walked in. White long hair tied in a ponytail, beautiful forms, and golden eyes.
The girl walked forward and stood before the class, and bowed.
''Nice to meet you all. I'm Cecilia Adelia Crux. Please take care of me.''
Alex secretly used his Eye of Truth on Cecilia. He was shocked at how strong she was.
[Cecilia Adelia Crux]
Class: Paladin
Age: 18
Female
Race: Human
[Rank 10]
Level 100
Experience Value: 30000/40300
Magic Power: 3800/3800
Magic: Light/Wind
Attack: 1500
Defense: 900
Agility: 1300
Intelligence: 1500
Luck: 1400
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: ????
Skills: [Swordsmanship Level Max] [Wind Slash Level 3] [Wind tornado Level 4] [Gale Slash Level 2] [Flying Slash Level 1] [Presence Detection Level 9] [Dark Vision Level 7] [Wind Vortex Level 4] [Holy Barrier Level 8]
Special Abilities: [Blessing Level 5] [AOE]
Titles: [Saintess] [Slayer] [Swordmaster] [Goblin Slayer] [Executioner]
'Wow! She's strong.' Alex commented when suddenly he caught sight of Cecilia looking in his way; it was only for a moment, but Alex could swear to have seen her frowning.
'Sil, did she notice me appraising her? I thought my Eye of Truth was almost undetectable.'
Unexpectedly it was Nyx who answered Alex's question instead of Silveria.
〖This girl is unique; she has an innate ability to sense other people gaze.〗
'Nyx? Welcome back. I miss you so much.' Alex almost shouted when he heard Nyx's voice; he had thought it would take a long time for her to reappear again.
〖Ah! Concentrate on what is ahead. Although I can now talk, you can't use me, yet I'm still exhausted. By the way, congratulations, I never expected you to inherit my ability, the one that let you rewind time, later we need to train it, it would become your trump card, understood?〗
Alex nodded his head; he had forgotten about Cecilia, he was glad that Nyx was back. Unbeknownst to him, Cecilia was observing him; as Nyx had said, she noticed Alex appraising her and frowned.
She remembered her mission: to get close to Alex's group, try to invite them over to Holy Crux; if the plan fails, then use that method once inside Exodus. The goddess was getting impatient as she must acquire her vessel to descend into Mysthia.
'I must succeed.' Cecilia clenched her fist; her eyes were filled with determination.
The days passed, and a special group composed of Alex and a few others students were about to head to Exodus, the unusual dungeon.