The silence that followed Ryker's bold declaration was razor thin. A silence that cut. That waited to be broken by steel or fire.
Chancellor Vael stood perfectly still, her amber eyes fixed on Ryker as though dissecting him down to his soul.
Then,
"Name him," she said. Her voice was quiet. Too quiet.
Ryker's heart pounded in his chest. But his voice remained calm.
"Councilman Kael Thorne."
At that moment,
Time didn't stop but it strained. The weight of that name lingered in the air like poison.
Her expression didn't change.
But something dangerous pulsed beneath her skin.
"And why…," she asked softly,
"Why should I believe a word you say?"
"You shouldn't," Ryker said, meeting her gaze without flinching. "You can kill me right now if you want. Erase me before I speak another word."
A tense pause.
Then,
The pressure lifted.
Whooom…!!
Chancellor Vael exhaled and the suffocating aura backed away like a tide.
She returned to her seat behind the desk, folding one leg over the other, her eyes still sharp.
"Fine. Let's talk, then. What is it you want, Ryker Case? And more importantly…" She tapped a manicured nail against her chair arm. "Why should I leave you alive?"
Ryker approached Chancellor Seraphina Vael's desk once again.
"Because I am valuable," he said simply.
Chancellor Vael tilted her head slightly.
"Valuable?"
"And what, pray tell me. What makes you so valuable in a world brimming with prodigies, powerhouses and parasites?"
Ryker didn't smile, but his voice had a quiet certainty. "Because I am not just someone with a sharp tongue or dangerous knowledge….."
"I am a Seer."
Chancellor Vael's brow twitched. "A Seer?"
"You expect me to believe that?"
"Those are so rare to the point of legend. Even if you were one… what makes you think I need you?"
"I don't expect anything from you, Chancellor," Ryker said, voice even. "But I see threats no one else can. I see what's coming. And if you verify what I am about to say next, you will realize I am not lying."
Her eyes gleamed. "Then prove it."
Ryker took a deep breath.
"Four months from now, there will be an incident near the Eastern perimeter of the human continent. A dormant demon cult, known as 'House of Cards', once thought to be destroyed will show themselves"
"They will breach the Eastern barrier during a moonless night. They will summon a beast sealed in the Abyss Wastes. One of the Six Forgotten Beings."
Vael narrowed her gaze. "That information… shouldn't exist. The Abyss Wastes have been sealed for decades."
"I know," Ryker replied. "The only way to stop it is to seal the Blood Sigil engraved beneath the Nexus Academy's Cathedral. You should know that is something only three people in this world know exists.
"And, You are one of them."
There was a sharp flicker in her eyes. Not a shock. Not a fear.
It was Recognition.
"You are playing a dangerous game, boy. That sigil is hidden under layers of magic, wards and history. Even most of the Predator rank Esper don't know it's there."
"And yet, here I am," Ryker said. "Saying it plainly."
[.....]
[.....]
A long pause.
Then, with no visible change in expression her face, Chancellor Vael said,
"I will verify your words. All of them."
Ryker nodded. "I expected nothing less."
She turned her gaze toward the shattered marble around her feet. Then back to him.
"You may leave now."
Hearing her command,
Ryker didn't move.
Chancellor Vael raised an eyebrow.
"You are still here?"
Ryker smiled. "Two pieces of classified information, potentially saving countless lives. I believe for that I deserves a reward."
A beat.
Then slowly… dangerously… she stood.
The air shifted again.
Predatory.
"You are either brave," she said, walking toward him, "or suicidal."
Her heels clicked softly. The sound was like the ticking of a countdown.
"Do not push your luck, Ryker Case."
He stepped forward. Unafraid.
"Then test it. Maybe you will like the results."
Chancellor Vael stopped directly in front of him.
Then suddenly, her hand moved.
Soft fingers brushed against Ryker's neck… then trailed up to his chin, lifting it up.
Forcing him to meet her gaze.
He could see her up close now.
Feel her breath.
Smell her sweet, mature scent, like a spiced wine and something far more dangerous.
His breath hitched.
And worse…
His lower region became hard and uncomfortable.
'Damn it…'
Seeing him like this Chancellor Vael smirked.
"You are very bold, Ryker Case," she whispered.
"I like it…..a lot."
Ryker swallowed. "Does that mean I get my reward or just a slow death with a seductive smile?"
She chuckled under her breath, amused.
"Depends. I haven't decided whether to nurture you or break you."
"Then I will take that as progress."
Chancellor Vael pulled away slowly, her touch vanishing like smoke.
He exhaled shakily, willing himself to calm down.
"Not now. Control"
Then,
With a flick of her wrist.
"Gaia, connect me to Professor Aria Frost."
A moment passed,
"Yes, Chancellor?"
"Professor Aria, Come to my office immediately"
After a little while, The door opened.
And Professor Aria Frost walked inside Chancellor Vael's office in a clad black leather jacket, a dark bodice hugging her waist and tight trousers that shimmered under the light. Her crimson hair flowed behind her, eyes as red as molten venom.
She stopped just inside the room, gaze flicking over the cracked floor and scattered shards.
She blinked.
Then bowed slightly. "Chancellor."
Chancellor Vael didn't explain.
She didn't need to.
Instead, she simply said,
"Take Ryker Case to the Academy Vault. He is there to pick one item of his choosing."
Professor Aria's eyes widened.
"...Pardon?"
Chancellor Vael didn't repeat herself. Her eyes merely narrowed.
"Is there a problem?"
"N-No….., Chancellor," Aria said quickly, bowing deeper. "Understood."
She turned to Ryker. "Follow me."
Ryker gave a small nod. "Nice to meet you, again Professor, I hope you are doing well"
Professor Aria raised a sharp brow. "You are awfully cheeky for someone walking out of this office alive."
Ryker smirked. "It is a gift."
She didn't reply, but her lips twitched slightly.
Ryker shot one last glance at Chancellor Vael.
She was already seated again, one hand resting lightly on her cheek.
"Be careful what you choose, Ryker Case," she said calmly. "Every gift comes with a price."
"Don't worry Chancellor"
"I am good at paying."
Ryker followed Aria out of the room.
As the doors shut behind them,
Chancellor Seraphina Vael watched as his back disappeared beyond the crimson light.
Then…
She smirked.
"Hmph… A Seer, is it?"
She leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping against the desk.
"Let's see what else you will show me… Ryker Case."