The Demonology Sect’s infiltration of the Duel Academy exploded into public view—and ended just as swiftly, in a way no one saw coming.

But though the incident was over, the gossip had only just begun.

Plenty fueled the chatter. The Demonology Sect and Duel Academy had always kept to themselves—until the Sect inexplicably stirred chaos inside the campus, only to be stopped in time by vigilant students and concerned bystanders.

Then there was the shocker: the young master of House Norflin had joined the Demonology Sect… and was taken away by the Luminous Order.

No word yet from the patriarch stationed at the border, but rumor said Enwell Norflin—Lei’s uncle—smashed half his study upon hearing the news past midnight.

Naturally, the hottest topic was the new exclusion zone… and its creator.

The moment the new rule and the name “Simon Drait” surfaced in collective memory, the dueling world erupted.

A rule-breaker of this caliber? Yet outside the Royal Capital, he was utterly unknown. Even within the capital, only a handful recognized the name. As for Academy students…

Carn rose, stepped to the window, and slightly lifted the blind.

Seeing Simon’s card shop still swarmed three layers deep, he retreated to the basement and grabbed the walkie-talkie.

“The students are still surrounding the target’s shop. No access possible. That’s the situation, Bishop.”

He exhaled deeply, spun slowly in his swivel chair, and shot nervous glances at the ceiling.

These students had gone mad just to glimpse Simon Drait’s brilliance.

After squeezing back through the crowd, he’d nearly fainted hearing a voice from above: *“Reporting to senior sister—we’ve secured the second floor!”*

His surveillance-grade magical instruments were hidden up there!

He stormed upstairs, flung the door open, and kicked the student—still reporting out the window—straight into the air.

Learning they planned to leap from his roof to Simon’s, he slammed and locked every window and door.

*Were they trying to pull off a rooftop raid?*

Back to the present.

Carn had barely drifted when the walkie-talkie crackled: “What was done with those two black rats?”

He knew the Bishop meant the Demonology Sect pair. Instinctively, he half-covered the mic.

“Xavier’s remains will be sent to the cathedral shortly. As for the female vampire—Simon claims her as his spoils. She remains in his custody.”

An unspoken deal between Carn and Simon.

The Bishop understood. No pushback. Straight to the core issue:

“How to handle the two Grade B cards? Both the Holy Maiden and Pontiff are watching closely.”

“You’re the field agent. Your opinion.”

Without pause, Carn replied: “I have none. I defer entirely to your judgment, Bishop.”

He’d learned his lesson.

When asked? Total obedience.

He was merely a humble vessel for the Bishop’s wisdom.

Silence stretched from the other end. Carn didn’t dare rush it, thumb stroking the silver cross at his chest.

He got it. The Bishop, finally entrusted with real work under the Pontiff and Holy Maiden, had set a trap.

And accidentally hooked the creator of the new rule.

Truth was, the Luminous Order had lured the Demonology Sect into the Academy to eliminate them. Unaware of the “Calabash Brothers” trope, their scheme eerily mirrored its essence: baiting foes one by one.

Now the whole world’s eyes were locked on the Duel Academy. So much for fishing.

Rumor said the Anglers’ Association was already nominating the Bishop for their Hall of Fame.

In the end, the Bishop dared not provoke a genius destined for legend.

Only a stern warning followed: “Intensify surveillance. If he falls to the Demonology Sect’s influence… his impact would rival a vampire prince—no, the Progenitor. He could rally a new faction overnight.”

Carn breathed easier. “Understood.”

“One more thing.”

Just as Carn thought it was over, the Bishop asked with sudden curiosity: “Is recruiting him into the Order… possible?”

“Uh…”

Carn’s brain felt like it was about to short-circuit.

He knew: one “yes,” and a new mission would land squarely on his desk.

But his hesitation wasn’t fear of workload—it was genuine doubt.

*Could Simon truly be brought into the Order?*

Even without knowing Simon’s grand scheme to topple the Luminous Order, Carn still shuddered recalling his chaotic words that night.

If the higher-ups ever saw through him… Carn might be first on the chopping block.

Still, he couldn’t shut the door completely. He forced out:

“With proper guidance… there might still be a chance.”

…

While the commercial district buzzed, the Academy grounds lay unusually quiet.

Naturally—after learning the rear mountain had nearly been flattened, classes were canceled.

Inside the council chamber, ten seats were filled again. But the air was ice-cold.

Everyone deliberately avoided Enwell Norflin’s chair, leaving his face flushed with fury.

“The reason for this emergency session is clear. No need to elaborate,” began the Acting Chairman—a teacher elected by consensus.

But before he finished:

“Next…”

“Acting Chairman, please wait.”

Atris raised a hand.

“What is it, Teacher Atris?”

She smoothed her pleated skirt, stood calmly. “Before proceedings begin, I move to excuse Enwell Norflin from this meeting.”

The words detonated like a bombshell.

Eyes flicked between Atris and Enwell with gleeful anticipation.

*Stripping voting rights? Bold.*

“You—!” Enwell choked back the insult. Under scrutiny, he swallowed his rage.

“State your reasoning,” the Chairman prompted.

Atris rested a hand on the table. “He has a vested interest. His presence compromises impartiality.”

Enwell’s knuckles whitened, veins throbbing.

*Damn the Demonology Sect—why drag Lei into this?!*

But expulsion required a two-thirds majority. If votes held like last time… he’d stay.

The Chairman nodded. “Roll-call vote. Enwell abstains. All in favor of dismissal—raise your hands.”

*Whoosh!*

Enwell froze at the unanimous show of hands, then shoved his chair back.

“What are you doing?!”

“Enwell Norflin. Nine votes in favor. You may leave.” Atris’s voice was glacial.

“Fine. A bunch of fair-weather allies… just wait.”

Empty threats. They’d long grown immune.

Last time, they humored him—Simon was nobody then.

Now? No one played the fool.

After Enwell vanished, the Chairman cleared his throat. “First item. Something simple.”

“Inviting Simon Drait to join the Academy logistics department. All in favor…”

Before “anonymous vote” left his lips—every hand shot up.

“No need for anonymity. Unanimous approval.” Atris crossed her arms, voice low and final.