The White Hero (Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle)

Chapter 21: Risk and Reward

In the school courtyard, (Y/N) is seen relaxing on a bench with Lux next to him, extremely anxious. 

"The existence of the Ragnarok threatens this new kingdom," Lux explains. "According to Lisha-sama, Celis-senpai was nominated to be the next leader of the Ragnarok Suppression Force, but political squabbling behind the scenes caused her selection to be disputed."

"You said since Krulcifer is a foreign student and Lisha is the princess of the New Kingdom, they can't be sent out on such a high-risk mission as well, right?" (Y/N) asked. Lux nods as he nervously looks at (Y/N). (Y/N) opens his purple eye, taking a glance at Lux. "Relax. We'll be okay."

"It's late," says another voice. The two boys look toward where the voice seems to be coming from, seeing Airi approach them. "Are you...thinking about something?"

"It's nothing to worry about, right Lux?"

Lux nods. "What's the matter? You said you wanted to talk..."

"Yeah..." Airi responds. "I heard some top-secret information earlier from the headmaster...It seems that Balzeride Kreutzer, who was imprisoned in the capital, has been murdered."

This information shocks the two boys as (Y/N) ponders the possible suspects. "The capital has the best guards, but someone was able to get past?"

"It seems like he was killed by an Abyss attack...They were both killed in the middle of the investigations on their connections to the 'Black Market Trader,' who is currently active in various countries. This all seems suspicious," Airi adds. "And, while this is unrelated...The parliament of the Heiburg Republic has recently expanded its military further. There are also rumors that with the cooperation of their two allies, the military has created a separate mercenary force."

(Y/N) ponders the situation, adding in his thoughts. "I'm guessing this instant to bolster their defenses and prepare for the Ragnarok attack. Which means..."

"Yes," Airi responds. "It is possible that a certain 'Black Market Trader' has been selling them weapons such as Drag-Rides and Horn Flutes." 

"Don't tell me!" Lux shouts.

"Yeah..." Airi whispers. "This 'Black Market Trader' is probably the same person we're pursuing."

"Fugil Arcadia!" Lux predicts.

Unlike before, (Y/N) starts to become slightly nervous. Airi is quiet, and Lux ponders a bit more. 'Should I let them know Fugil contacted me?' (Y/N) thinks. 'Perhaps it's better to stay quiet. If Fugil is behind all of this, I'll have no option but to pursue him as well...'

"...If the 'Black Market Trader' turns out to be him, it's possible that if you stay at the academy, he'll find out the location of you and 'Bahamut,' and you may become a target," Airi explains to Lux. "It's probably better for you to decide whether you will stay at the academy and fight or leave the academy and chase after him..."

The three sit in silence. Lux calculates his options, before asking (Y/N). "What's your choice (Y/N)? Fugil will no doubt chase me down, but what about you? If Fugil decides to deal with you first, you'll have no option, but to use Tathamet."

Airi and Lux look towards (Y/N), who looks straight up. (Y/N) ponders before letting out a sigh. "...Fugil has always been strategic with his options. However, we know firsthand that he can be irrational with his choices.  That makes him more dangerous than anything else we've faced...I think we sho-"

Suddenly, he's cut off as Tillfur runs out towards the group. "Lux-cchi! (Y/N)-cchi! Are you both here?"

"What's the matter, Tillfur," Lux asks.