Emperor's Reckoning

There was nothing more insulting. She couldn't bear the thought to apologize toward the very same person that she demeaned. Added with the smug face that Cecile brought out, her blood boiled.

Cecile had put her in checkmate. The only choice was to admit that she was wrong or to go all out, however, going for the latter would certainly invite action from Mavis.

"Go on," said Cecile as she crossed her arms. "He doesn't have much time, he needs to recuperate."

It was a blatant lie that even the onlookers could see, however, there was nothing that they could utter without involving themselves in this pure mess. The safe point was always to shut their mouths and minded their own business.

"Tch!" Ning turned to Lyon who was not as keen to see her face for the first time. "Thank you for killing this trash."

"It was a hard fight," Mavis casually mentioned. "Otherwise the First Hall won't be destroyed to this state."

"Hmph!" Ning raised her chin, "We can dispose of him more cleanly and not destroy the pride of the Alchemy Union in the process."

The farse was amusing to those that witnessed what had transpired on the seventh floor. They were layering the truth with lies that further separated Lyon from being responsible for the building's destruction. It was a game that only powerful people played.

"Well, what's done is done," said the headmaster as he shook his head. "It is an unfortunate event indeed, but if that helped the Red Lotus Clan then it's all worth it. I can't imagine what would it be if this sinner used your influence and the Red Lotus blamed the Alchemy Union for hosting such a vile individual."

(Nothing is really neutral here) said Lyon inwardly as he smirked. "The gratitude is well-received."

Lyon took off the alchemist cloak that was covering him before catching Elise with his glance. He approached the little figure that appeared frightened as he stepped closer.

"W-What?" Elise gulped seeing the smirk that he had. He didn't permeate out the bearing of a thunderous killer. He seemed more like an ordinary youth that chased more skirts than knowledge. However, the strands of goosebumps that she felt prior were real. She felt her soul being caged with chains that couldn't be undone nor melted.

(What's wrong with fate, all I wanted is a talented student! Not a powerhouse that dares to destroy the First Hall) thought Elise before she heard what Lyon say.

"Sorry, look's like I blew your pride, haha!" Lyon laughed as he gave the azure cloak— what remained of it —to Elise with both hands.

"Huh? What?" the headmaster raised his brows with Mavis alongside him. Most of the onlookers that didn't know were shocked and couldn't believe what they hear and see.

"Y-Young friend! You... are an alchemist?" asked the headmaster as he pointed at the burnt cloak. He had not noticed it before, but it was indeed the azure cloak belonging to the Alchemy Union.

(Are you serious, you're her student?) Mavis smiled wryly whilst Ning furrowed her brows.

"He is, indeed," a weary voice answered.

The headmaster turned before he saw Malaqa nodding her head, "He passed with flying colors too. You should have seen it, headmaster."

The headmaster raised his brows, "I see." He shifted his glance back toward Lyon. The youth was shrouded in mystery in his old eyes. He couldn't fathom an alchemist that was also capable of destroying the First Hall in the process. Furthermore, he was chosen by Elise, the genius elder.

"I-I see, we can get you a new one," said Elise. Her nervous tone was quite apparent. She didn't even call him 'boy' like she used to. This little niche brought a chuckle inside Lyon.

"Alright," Lyon nodded before he smiled at Tamuh who was standing beside his elder, and nodded.

Tamuh smiled nervously as he replied with a nod. However, his mind was in turmoil. (What the hell is he?! Is he an old monster or something?!) he made a harsh swallow. He was planning to drug him with wine and pined one or two female alchemists to trap him. However, he began to have second opinions after seeing what he had done.

"What's going on here? *GASP!"

The last one in the scene was Elder Anna. Her eyes opened wide seeing the destroyed tower. The rubbles and the hues of mana from the ingredients and pills were seeping out of the rubble. Her eyes trembled before Malaqa replied.

"You're late! The matter is already over!" said Elder Malaqa as she rolled her eyes.

"No, this is my fault!" said Nit as he stepped forward and bowed at Malaqa.

Anna let out a sigh, "Forget it. What's going to happen now?"

The headmaster made a light cough, "We need to rebuild it, of course, it's as simple as that."

"Alright then, I'm kind of hungry, Mavis, care to join?" asked Lyon with a smile on his face. The onlookers couldn't believe how thick-skinned he was.

"Eh? Sure!" Mavis was delighted before the two of them left together.

The headmaster and most of the elders were stupefied (They're friends? Who knew...). He had never heard of Lyon before yesterday and now, he saw him leaving with Lyon to have lunch. (As I expected, Lyon is not just anyone can mess with) thought the headmaster before he looked at Nit who was stupefied by the scene of the two going out together. (At least he won't do anything rash now).

Meanwhile, Cecile was chuckled as she saw the two of them go off. "When we visit the Red Lotus, will you come to welcome us, Miss Ning?"

Her question brought another tension to the atmosphere as Ning raised her brows with contempt.

"Hmph! Don't get ahead of yourself," said Ning as she raised her chin. "I'm leaving."

She balled her fists as she stomped her way out of the Alchemy Union. She was livid but she had no way of expressing her anger through physical contact. She had never seen someone like Lyon and Cecile before. (Damn it! Damn it! They are just a nobody!! Coming to Red Lotus?! Hmph! Don't be dreaming!) cursed Ning inwardly.

The five guards trailed behind Ning as she left the place. Meanwhile, Cecile was still standing with her arms crossed.

Cecile snorted before she passed by Hilde and jested, "Look alive Hilde, you seem like you have seen a ghost! Hehe."

Hilde furrowed her brows as she watched Cecile's calm shoulders follow behind Lyon and Mavis. "I rather fight a cursed ghost than this."

The heated event calmed down with Ning leaving the Alchemy Union in a subtle but furious manner. The First Hall was destroyed and words will undoubtedly spread, it was more than enough topic for three nights in a bar.

The name of the unknown youth had once again sparked against the sky like a firework for the people to see and hear. Yesterday he came with a carcass of kunpeng— a fully complete carcass —today he had destroyed the First Hall of the Alchemy Union and was revealed to be friends with Mavis of the Sky Clan.

The unknown tension between the tall auburn beauty and Ning of Red Lotus also became a heated topic for some people, and the identity of the corpse that was unrecognizable beyond belief was left uncovered.

Then at the table where Lyon, Lumina, Cecile, and the three generals sat—plus Mavis...

Lyon was naturally sitting between the two ladies as usual. His arms were crossed and he was looking at Mavis with his usual smirk. "Now then, I'm sure that you want something out of this."

Mavis giggled, "Well, you can make it more subtle if anything."

"Young master Lyon, can I join you and young master Mavis?" a delicate voice came to be.

Lyon turned before he saw Cherie, "Ah, well, we are about to discuss something quite sensitive, here."

"It's fine," Cecile answered, "Hilde, you too, no need to hide and just join us."

"Welp," Lyon shrugged his shoulders, "If she said so, then it is so."

Mavis laughed, "Hahaha, so this is what married life is like."

Lyon shook his head with his eyes widened. He obviously won't answer that question.

Hilde came out of her hiding with a blush on her cheeks. "I-I need to—!!HMM!?! (Again! Seriously!)"

Kesya covered her mouth as she shook her head. "Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Enough chit-chat and join us, o princess of Bog Kingdom."

"HMM—Bolg!" said Hilde as she pulled down Kesya's hand.

"Well, whatever," Kesya shrugged before she returned to her seat.

Cherie nodded before she bowed at Mavis, "Please excuse me for joining."

"It's alright, haha," Mavis smiled and his eyes couldn't be seen.

Cherie picked up a chair and put it behind Lyon before sitting with the princess etiquette. Soon, Hilde joined in the same.

Mavis smiled wryly as he noticed that he had no one on his side while Lyon got the whole army on his. (W-What is this? Is this really a regular lunch?).