"Save me?"
"Yes," Nicolas Terrast confirmed. He had already released Alisher from the chains he had cast. After all, it was no more than an act to pull apart the conflict.
They stepped side by side into the giant elevator of the central tower, the only means of transport for traversing the four levels of the academy. The elevator's interior design was rather simple, not because the academy preferred minimalist aesthetics, but because the Rune Art required to lift such a hefty iron box was too destructive for any delicate embellishments.
Most forms of transport and other large mechanical gadgets of Runalond were hand-operated, as the only energy used to support them was rune energy. Students who had not excelled notably could find rather comfortable, relaxing jobs operating the machines.
"But… I mean… How?" Alisher pressed on, confusion and desperation evident in his tone. "More importantly… Why?"
Nicolas Terrast sighed, reminiscing about Nathan's reply to his previous question. A faint, unsettling frown appeared on his face.
"Alisher, what is the characteristic that the Lumendra family is most known for?" he asked thoughtfully.
Alisher blinked. The Vester family had always been firm allies with the Lumendras. Growing up under diplomatic influence, one could say that the Lumendra Clan was Alisher's second family. Nobody could comment on their nature more accurately than him.
"Brutality, and utterly shameless schemes completely devoid of morals."
Nicolas's eyes suddenly grew clearer. "Yeah, that makes sense. But the question is… Does he know this piece of information?"
Alisher shook his head. This was the first time he had met Nathan Modernson; he knew nothing about his background and identity.
"Family atmosphere directly shapes people's characters," Nicolas continued, his tone suddenly growing deeper. "He sensed it. That girl… has the eyes of a killer. And as for why he saved you… I cannot even begin to have an idea."
"Stay away from Jennifer Lumendra, and more importantly, don't ever mess with Nathan Modernson again. In this academy, there might only be one student who could top his mastery of expression discernment."
Astonished, Alisher listened to Nicolas carefully. There were only three representative students of their year. His relationship with Nicolas Terrast had always been hazy, a stage between strangers and friends. But after all these years of interaction, he had only seen such a serious look on Nicolas's ever-emotionless face once.
Nicolas's facial features flickered as he announced the name.
"President Arthur Paradox."
"Perhaps he could even be marked as worthy to be his adversary, but I hope that day never comes. It would be a disaster, a catastrophe unleashed upon this renowned academy, and possibly to the extent of the entire world."
This was also the first time Nicolas had talked so much. He had always been a silent figure, only focused on his own matters and responsibilities, unwilling to share secrets or noteworthy information.
The elevator beneath them started to operate, with vibrations so intense it almost seemed like an earthquake. Even Alisher and Nicolas, who had been through the experience before, stood stable enough to bear the pressure.
After the tremble halted, the elevator hoisted itself toward the second floor, surprisingly slow and stable.
Alisher was finally able to state his critical question.
"It must be a coincidence, right? I mean, we are talking about Arthur Paradox here. Even if everything Nathan did was exactly as you think he intended, it would still be far from the president."
Nicolas nodded in acknowledgment. "Perhaps you are right."
"But you know what? Alisher, as the only second-year student of the student council, I was always worried that I would be elected president next year. It was too much responsibility for me to take. Compared to Arthur, my leadership would be pale and tedious."
"Now, I no longer worry about such problems."
Again, Alisher's pupils widened in thorough surprise.
"Just watch. Nathan Modernson will become the president after Arthur graduates. Unless he rejects the position."
Before a reply could be constructed, the elevator had already reached its destination. As the door to the second floor slowly stretched open in deafening squeaks, the bodies of Nicolas and Alisher suddenly seemed to have shrunk in comparison to the grand landscape.
...
"Alright, alright, one question at a time." Nathan shook his head in resignation. Right after he had led the three boys into his room, Nathan was bombarded with tumults of questions.
Daniel, Joseph, and Jay calmed down instantly after the instruction was given. Though their eyes were still filled with curiosity as they scanned the representative students' dormitories, there was also a shade of visible respect and humility in front of Nathan.
"Believe it or not, I'm almost as confused as you guys. Let alone being close to the First Seat, this was probably the first time I had seen her in my life. Well, rather, the first time I've known that she's the first seat," Nathan continued, but after seeing the expressions on the three boys' faces, an imperceptible disappointment and sorrow flashed through his features.
"Well, before I state the rest of my perspective, I need to set something straight."
Everyone focused their eyes on him. Again, their expressions were uncomfortably respectful.
Nathan sighed. "After what happened previously, everyone in this academy will treat me as some sort of idol. They will show insane amounts of respect and acknowledgment to me—real or fake—it will always be based on the fact that I am someone special."
"But you guys are different. Back in Gemville, you guys helped me, a stranger, a nobody. You showed me kindness, disregarding my identity." His voice carried a degree of sorrow and truthfulness. "So I, Nathan Modernson, hereby swear that the invitation of friendship you offered me will never be forgotten. In the future, whatever joy, fortune, and pleasure I experience, you shall enjoy them with me."
The previous admiration in Daniel and Joseph's eyes disappeared after hearing Nathan's words. They turned to Jay harmoniously, who responded with a genuine, definite nod.
Jay Short, the son of a "vicious" businessman, had grown up under the significant influence of his father. Even though he was still young and inexperienced, he had already clutched the intricacies of identifying whether one was being truthful or not if he paid close attention.
Daniel, who always seemed to be the leader out of the three, replied after a short moment of silence.
"Nathan, I do believe what you said was from the heart. But there are way too many unsolved mysteries, and I can tell that you are not willing to share them. With these uncertainties, we could never fully entrust everything to you."
After all, Nathan had lied about his identity in the past.
Nathan smiled mischievously and confidently, as if expecting that response.
"I'm not going to explain myself with words. I'm going to earn your trust and friendship through my actions," he stated calmly.
"Let's see, Daniel Whitedawn, heir of the globally known Whitedawn family. Though the heritage of the family had unfortunately departed from the central powers, your close relationship with Charlotte Clayfield had already proven that to be a false statement."
"Joseph Gravekin, son of one of the most influential leaders of the Rune Arts Federation. To put it simply, almost anyone you hate could be easily wiped out from this world. Even though it's hard to accept, violence is the most effective way to resolve problems, no?"
"And Jay Short, not only does your family own the mining industry of Gemville, but I suspect that the supremacy and wealth of your family were dementedly understated. Through your interactions with David Edmonds, one could say that you treat each other as equals."
"So there we have it, three ordinary students who have only a mere shade of a thin curtain named nobility that differentiates them from representative students. So you must be able to live a colorful, presiding academy life, right?"
The boys in front of him froze as they heard Nathan's analysis, their expressions too complicated for anyone to comprehend. But one thing was for certain: their hearts tightened up in fear as Nathan's next words coursed through their ears.
"In another perspective, the stories become slightly different."
"Daniel Whitedawn, your identity is more of a burden than anyone else could ever have. The support of the once-supreme Whitedawn family is a conflicting mockery—both crucial and meaningless. No matter who you side with, they will drain all the value out of you without ever giving you the respect that a person deserves."
"Joseph Gravekin, you know better than anyone that the true danger of assassins is never death. In such a peaceful era, the fifth department is arguably the least potent of all nine. The fate of your family members is already sealed—tools for killing and potential scapegoats for sin."
"Jay Short, unlike aristocrats, businessmen always stand at the edge of instant demolition. The identity and wealth you are proud of now will only become nostalgic memories with a single misstep. The Edmonds family has already noticed your family's value. You're smart enough to predict what's going to happen next, correct?"
"But don't worry, I'll sort out these problems for you," Nathan concluded, his voice powerful and confident.
"Whatever trouble you face, I will remove it for you."
"Whichever person you dislike, I will humble them before you."
"Whenever you feel that despair is about to haunt you, I will drive it away from you."
"I will prove with my actions that I will always be your shelter. If the world ever abandons you, trust that I won't, for you didn't abandon me when I was the vulnerable one."