Lin Zhong’s words were as cold as an ice spike. Virgil knew that if he took even one step forward, that spike would pierce his throat.

"Don’t push your luck."

The dark-gold-haired boy had reached his limit—but a blade still pressed against his neck.

"If I were you, I wouldn’t do that."

Sebastian’s blade nicked his skin. A trickle of crimson blood slid down his neck, his face paling rapidly.

This wasn’t a bluff. They meant it.

"My apologies," Virgil said, still wearing that gentle smile. He turned and clapped his hands toward his companions. "Since we’re clearly unwelcome, we shouldn’t overstay. Let’s go."

"But, Boss—"

The dark-gold-haired boy’s hand hovered over the hilt of the Long Sword at his waist, frustration tightening his jaw. One word from Virgil, and he’d strike back.

"Leave. Now."

Virgil’s smile never wavered, but his tone brooked no argument.

This wasn’t the time to fight. Virgil wouldn’t recklessly clash head-on with Lin Zhong’s group—their strength wasn’t on the same level. Ranked twelfth among the Apostles, Virgil was nearly at the bottom. Su Han, however, was the third-ranked powerhouse, and Aester the strongest support. Together, they could even defeat the top Apostle. And then there was Lin Zhong, a quasi-Apostle.

Sebastian’s bounty alone was staggering. Only Charlotte wasn’t a threat. What right did they have to challenge Lin Zhong?

"Go. We’re not seeing you out."

Lin Zhong’s gaze swept over them, hostility sharp in his voice.

"Hmph."

Virgil tipped his hat with a faint smile, gave a slight bow, and walked out.

SLAM!

The door shut. Charlotte exhaled sharply. Sebastian sheathed his Famed Blade. The golden glow in Su Han’s palm—and the ice-and-lightning orb—vanished. Even the ice spike had melted into a puddle on the carpet.

"What’s wrong? Something strange?"

Charlotte studied Aester, who’d fallen silent since the duel yesterday. She hadn’t spoken another word until Virgil left.

"He wasn’t among the eight Apostles at yesterday’s duel," Aester finally said. She’d memorized every Apostle present—but Virgil hadn’t been there.

He was the only Apostle who hadn’t witnessed Lin Zhong’s strength firsthand. So why was he the first to approach?

It made no sense. If he’d come to recruit Lin Zhong, Virgil was the least likely Apostle to try. Rumors alone wouldn’t make him this invested.

To most students, Lin Zhong was merely strong. Only those eight Apostles truly understood his quasi-Apostle power.

Had their intel been leaked?

Aester brushed her hair back—but Lin Zhong cut her thoughts short. His hand landed on her shoulder.

"Let’s go. Now."

He had no patience for this unexpected Apostle. Right now, he needed a skilled Battle Mage.

"Mm."

Aester shook her head slightly. His motives didn’t matter. He was still an enemy.

"Stay here. Don’t open the door for anyone. None of them deserve our welcome."

Lin Zhong pointed to the wooden door. Entry required verification through the Club system. This was a Safe Zone—no fighting allowed within its boundaries.

Unless someone trespassed into another Club’s room. Since Sebastian had opened the door, Lin Zhong had no grounds to attack.

But the dismissal was clear. He wouldn’t let them linger. And Virgil knew better than to stay.

"Understood."

Charlotte nodded. She was the one Lin Zhong worried about most. Sebastian, more level-headed, knew the rules.

"We’ll be back soon."

---

"Boss, we could’ve fought them! They broke the rules!"

The dark-gold-haired boy touched the cut on his neck.

"And what would you fight them with?"

Virgil’s smile remained, as if he’d merely bid farewell to old friends.

"With—?"

"Two Apostles and a quasi-Apostle stand against us. What do you think you’d win?"

An Apostle’s strength wasn’t so easily judged. If these three could be taken down by ordinary fighters, why weren’t *they* Apostles?

"Don’t be reckless. Our goal isn’t war. Apostles aren’t what you think."

Virgil sighed. He’d held his rank for over three years—still stuck at eleventh.

Rank meant power. Higher rank meant stronger fists. Challenging those above you only brought defeat.

(Except for supports like Aester. But they had Su Han—ranked third. She’d surpassed him in just one year. A near-perfect monster. Only Lin Zhong could restrain her. Fighting him meant facing Su Han’s full fury.)

In the past, they might have captured Lin Zhong to threaten Su Han. But now? His quasi-Apostle strength was undeniable. With Su Han guarding him, that weakness had vanished. No one could handle Su Han *and* seize Lin Zhong.

"Let’s see how they handle this Battle Mage. It’s beyond our reach for now. Still…" Virgil’s smile deepened. "Today wasn’t without its rewards."