Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 13: Aggressive Invitation

Azul turns to Idia and Ortho to asks, "How are you two so calm?! Our school is under attack! We need to contact the other housewardens and—"

"Three flying objects approaching rapidly. Landing in three, two, one..." Ortho says.

And right on cue, something crashes through the windows and into the classroom, and they're the suited men, the Ferrymen.

One of the men says, "Nona Team, reporting in. We have visual on Subject C. Idia Shroud and the technomantic humanoid Ortho also sighted."

"It appears we're out of time," Azul says, "All freshmen, evacuate! By my authority as Octavinelle housewarden, I authorize—" as he grabs his magepen to fight.

But Idia interrupts him, "Chill, Azul. Don't try and put up a fight. Just stay cool."

"What?" Azul questions, shocked.

"That's the Charon spec-tech unit," Idia says.

"The Charon...what now?" Azul asks, confused.

Idia explains, "Specifically, they're members of Charon, a special technomantic security force with Styx. Just take your hands off your magical pen and put your hands behind your head."

As long as you follow my brother's recommendations... Your chance of sustaining an injury drops by 87%, Azul Ashengrotto." Ortho says.

"Ah... All right,"Azul says and does what Idia and Ortho say.

Seeing this, the Ferryman says, "Target has surrendered. We request you come with us."

After a moment of silence, Idia lets out a sigh, "Dude, you guys are being way too rough. You're gonna get sued one of these days. You're not even going after a Phantom here. This guy's a generally reasonable person. Couldn't you at least talk with him first?"

"We are prohibited from disclosing mission details," The Trooper says.

Idia groans, "Ugggh, here we go with the 'prohibited' stuff."

"Your presence has been requested at Styx HQ, Mr. Shroud," The second trooper says.

Idia asks in confusion, "Huh? They want me? Are Mom and Dad out of town or something?"

"We are prohibited from disclosing the location of personnel," The second trooper responds.

Idia sighs in reply, "K. ...Uh, I mean, roger." Then turns to Ortho, "Let's go, Ortho."

"Coming, Idia!" Ortho says.

The two do just that.

Confused, Azul asks, "Idia, what is going on?! Why would they want YOU?!"

"I'll tell you later," Idia answers, "Basically, 'do nothing is the optimal strat for this random event." Then says with annoyance, "Geez. There's a ranking-based event for my fav character today. I was gonna push it hard... This sucks."

In the Headmage's office, the door has been slammed open to reveal the suited men, catching Crowly and the other treacher staff by surprise.

Trein frimley questions, "Who are you people?! And who gave you permission to come onto campus?!"

"We are Charon, a special technomantic security force with Styx," The Trooper answered.

The teachers are stunned to hear it.

"Charon? With Styx?!" Trein questions.

Then one of the troopers turns to the headmage, "You are Mr. Dire Crowley, head of Night Raven College, correct? We request you come with us."

Without putting up a fight with a serious expression, Crowley says, "Very well, I shall honor your request. And would you please refrain from roughing up our students?"

"We are authorized to use force if they refuse to come peacefully," The trooper says.

"I can only hope no one gets hurt..." Crowley says to himself.

Then turns to Trein, "Professor Trein, I leave you in charge in my absence." and walks towards the suited men.

Trein calls out, "But headmage! Please just take a moment to explain—"

However, the Troopers have already taken Crowley away and out of the office.

"...They're gone," Trien says, stunned, "What on Earth is Styx doing at Night Raven College?"

The teachers remain silent, still stunned as to what's going on.

Trein says to himself, "We cannot waste time fretting about things that are out of our control." Then turns to the teachers, "Quiet down, everyone! Losing our heads won't help matters. Our first priority is to make sure our students are safe. Faculty, gather the housewardens."