At around half past eleven in the evening, Azzy bid goodbye to his parents and left for Vesna nation's silver city, where WAMO's HQ is located.
He had to wait until his sister is asleep or else, she will cause a ruckus around and won't let him leave that easily.
After receiving the memory card item from the Data Services department, he went straight to the dorm and slept until 8 in the morning.
Before he left for his current workplace, he didn't forget to report to his superior and asked him about Flora's brother-in-law.
He hasn't read the information yet and before he did that, he wanted to confirm the status of Neal.
Azzy was actually slightly afraid that Neal never went after the evil sorcerer, Uphiar. He was afraid to find that everything he learned is a lie, created because of some grand secret mission.
That is why he asked the supreme commander for the truth. Based on what this elf will say, he will digest it and get his heart prepared to learn the real truth.
Surprisingly, Commander Kruger said, "We know about him long ago. They could even pass off as twins had Neal been alive but they aren't the same person. Neal Edwards existed when Neal was alive."
"They could be clones, we don't know," replied Azzy, not intending to believe it. He probably wanted to hear that they were the same person.
Azzy further theorized, "I know of a person who created a physical clone by severing a part of his soul. The clone lives and behaves like a normal human. Is it possible that Neal might have done the same?"
"Severing a part of the soul?" Commander Kruger was taken aback when he heard those words but he quickly composed himself and replied that the ages of Neal and Neal Edwards don't match either. They were 14 years apart and even their DNA didn't match either, ruling out the possibility of any relation. Neal himself did that and reported to us."
"But, they looked too similar though. Anyways, if they aren't related, he shouldn't be my concern. I have more important things to do." Azzy threw away the unnecessary thoughts to the back of his head and talked about this Arcana festival by the Dragon Academy.
In order to make it official, it needed approval from WAMO, and Azzy wanted to recommend the colleague he was acquainted with as the organization's representative.
After having breakfast at the cafeteria, he returned to the academy and went to his dorm, changed his clothes, and then, proceeded to the principal's office.
"Morning, Captain Garcia. You aren't at the staff meeting today and left two days ago. I was worried that something happened while you are on a mission. Anyway, sit down please."
As Azzy sat down without bothering to give him any explanation about his absence from the academy for the past two days, the principal handed him a file, "I took your advice and agreed to the Dragon Academy's proposal. We received the draft in return. This file contains all the details of the upcoming festival. And there's also something that you should know."
"What is it?" asked Azzy as he took the file.
Principal George revealed the proposal he received from Aaron, a day ago. The vice principal is hoping for his successor to be 10-A's homeroom teacher to reduce Azzy's burden.
Aaron's reasoning is simple. Azzy took another extra load on his shoulders by taking the job of teaching practical combat to 10-B students.
Judging by how the students performed excellently during their test, Aaron said that he felt Gary/Azzy would do even better if some burden will be lifted off his shoulders.
He also added how there's a rift between Gary and the students of 10-A. And Aaron didn't forget to use his financial backing to pressure the principal to do his bidding.
Azzy didn't have to think too much to understand Aaron's intentions. He would never let him do that.
Hence, he used the authority of WAMO to pressure the principal instead of convincing him. "Mr. Danvary, you must understand that I'm not here to teach some kids but on a mission. There's no way you are taking away my job. It is the same as obstructing my mission. Since I won't be here for long, think of an excuse to postpone that new guy's opponent for atleast two more weeks."
"Alright." The principal reluctantly agreed.
Azzy then returned to his apartment and sat down on the bed. He first read the contents of the file.
Basically, from grade-8 to grade-10, a total of 60 students will participate in this Arcana festival scheduled to start on the 22nd of February, i.e. 6 days later. Since it is just the pilot version, the festival will end on 23rd Feb.
As the homeroom teacher of class 10-A, he had to discuss with Flora to select 20 outstanding students from 10th grade.
These 60 students shall participate in various events like debates, panel discussions, talent shows, Chess, Tennis, Futsal, cooking, an obstacle race, practical combat, art and literature exhibitions, and a special lesson conducted by the Dragon Academy's principal (a supreme realm expert).
It is mandatory to participate in every event even if it is just one student.
Apart from the students, atleast six teachers are also required to participate in this festival, led by either the principal or a vice principal of the visiting academy. The teachers can participate in these same events against their counterparts.
"Okay, this sounds cool."
Azzy put away the file and then took out the memory item card. He closed his eyes and placed the card on his forehead before pouring his soul energy into it.
The memory item card dissolved into specks of light and disappeared into Azzy's head. Suddenly, a wave of information made its way into his brain.
"So, the Dragon Academy totally has 17 Arcana Masters in the 7-stars realm, 4 Arcana Masters in the 8-star-realm, and 1 in the 9-star-realm."
He received all the info there is about the Dragon Academy, including the list of geniuses in advanced courses. And it could be considered an alarming thing for Emerald Academy.
But then again, there's no shame in losing to such a top-tier academy anyways. Or so he thought and shifted his attention to the next piece of information, which is a bit shocking as Azzy was expecting something else after getting to know from his superior.
It appeared that Neal Edwards is an orphan who was later adopted into Edwards' noble family at the age of 8 after awakening a gold-grade Arcana called the Bone sword.
Due to the worry about losing their assets to a branch family, his adoptive parents covered it up by announcing him as their real child.
With a necromancer as their ancestor in their family known to the public, it became easier for them to cover it up even easier.
Neal Edwards awakened the Arcana of their ancestor and was claimed as the pride of the Edwards family despite society's stereotypic views about necromancers.
During Azzy's time in the academy, Neal Edwards was working abroad, developing his company's branch office and lying low. His parents also lived with him for some reason despite their high standing within the Northern Qudour.
Azzy felt that he is too suspicious after reading the data.
"Chronos, I feel like I should meet this fellow in person. I have read about this bone sword in the Book of Death. One of the past clan heads wielded it."
The Reaper also agreed, "I think we will find out after meeting him."
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