Extra's Descent
Chapter 288: Awarding Ceremony [1]

"Just how many groups are you involved with?"

Brandon had told Bellion as much as he needed to know.

Of course, there were certain omissions. Such as; the fact that he was the current Primordials' First seat, and details regarding how he was able to defeat Zeke.

"So?"

Brandon began to ask, crossing his arms as he leaned back on the chair.

"Do you still trust me?"

"Do I have a choice?"

Right, even if he had antagonized Bellion due to this event, there was nothing Bellion could do.

After all, [Retribution] was in effect. Chains were ensnared around Bellion's heart, ready to crush it at any moment if he ever brings harm to Brandon.

In the first place, how would Bellion know Brandon had such an ability?

For that reason, Brandon used this opportunity to his advantage. To show Bellion he could be trusted, and the full fruition of his plans in the coming future.

Bellion was an important asset he couldn't lose.

He had to gain his trust. The kind of trust that would never question whatever he did, regardless if they were morally wrong or not.

The same kind of trust Amelia and Belle had for him.

Brandon needed those kinds of allies.

"I will provide evidence. You don't have to worry."

Brandon boldly stated.

But then, a question popped up. A question Brandon hadn't expected.

"Who are you, really?"

"Hm?"

Brandon tilted his head at Bellion's question.

"You're way too involved in these…. kinds of matters. I've never seen a kid like you. So tell me, who are you, Brandon Locke? What's your purpose?"

"Hmm…"

At that, Brandon lowered his head and pinched chin, pondering.

As he arrived at an answer, Brandon raised his head, meeting Bellion's blue gaze.

With a smile on his face, Brandon's lips parted as he went on to say,

"Just trying to fix the shitty ending."

"....?"

Of course, Bellion couldn't comprehend what Brandon just said as he tilted his head in confusion.

Brandon just dismissively waved him off and stood up.

"I think we're done here?"

"I guess so. Alright, you may go."

With Bellion's approval, Brandon approached the door. But just as he was about to reach for the door knob, he halted upon hearing Bellion's voice.

"Wait."

"Hm?"

Brandon turned his head slightly.

"Since we're in a mutual partnership, you'll fulfill a few requests of mine, then?"

"Sure."

"Can you look out for Reinhard?"

"Reinhard?"

Brandon found himself perplexed.

Reinhard?

Why did he have to look out for him?

From what he could remember, there was nothing too major surrounding Reinhard in the previous progressions.

"Just observe him. That's all I ask."

"Sure, I can do that."

"Alright, you may go now."

Just like that, Brandon left the office.

***

It seems like rumors began to spread in the academy. Rumors regarding Zeke's mysterious disappearance, and the identities of the masked assailants.

They were quite ridiculous. Saying Zeke was a trial member for their organization, and the entire incident was his test of some sort.

The closest theory was the entire incident was organized to assassinate Zeke. Of course, that was the only thing they got right. What followed after was the reasoning behind the assassination.

That Zeke was an alcoholic in the past, and had messed with the wrong people. Or, he had borrowed a large sum of money in his younger days, and his past caught up to him.

It had to be said that there was a certain dislike towards Zeke.

Prior to Brandon's return, rumors began to spread that Zeke fancied the younger cadets, even calling them for extra hours after dismissal.

It was disgusting.

Looking at the mirror, Brandon's face imprinted in his vision.

Pulling his gloves out, he stared at his hand for a few good seconds.

It was still bleeding. It wouldn't stop.

Twisting the faucet, water began to pour down and Brandon washed his hands, scraping the blood off.

A cold sensation washed over his hand. And a stinging sensation occurred, meshing with the cold water.

He tried to smear the blood off where his finger nails once were, but it seems like they were still bleeding.

Truth be told, it did hurt.

But he was used to the pain by now.

It was nothing.

Upon noticing his hands were now clean, Brandon washed his face with cold water.

Staring at the mirror once more, he looked at his drenched face.

"This isn't me."

He stated.

This entire body didn't belong to him at all. However, the guilt had already drowned out.

The previous Brandon Locke's story was over.

It was now his turn to take the mantle.

To clean up whatever mess Brandon Locke and Raven Blackheart had left him with.

Dampening his hands and face with a towel, Brandon brushed his white hair back, nibbing on a hair tie.

Then, he tied his hair back to a man bun.

His hair had grown quite long. For that reason, the bun bulged a bit much on the back of his head.

Emerging from the bathroom, Brandon looked around.

Several cadets' eyes flicked towards him at that moment.

A look of concern seemed to spread on their faces.

After all, there were still bandages around him.

It had to be said that his heroism during the labyrinth dive had also spread. The fact that he faced the assailants, and that he saved Amy was well appreciated by the other cadets.

With an awkward smile, Brandon scratched his cheek.

There were no familiar faces around.

And judging from the time, it seems like it was still break time.

With nothing to do, Brandon tucked his hand inside his pockets and leisurely roamed the halls of the academy.

"Brandon?"

A voice rang from behind.

A voice he was all too familiar with.

Brandon turned around, taking in her beautiful appearance, her blue gaze meeting his. At that moment, it felt as if the tension on his shoulders faded.

"Hey, Amelia."

"...."

Amelia looked around first. Her sudden acknowledgement of Brandon seemed to have surprised the other cadets.

After all, Amelia was regarded quite highly in the academy. Known for her beauty, her strength, and her achievements.

For that reason, cadets who aspired to join the Imperial Army put her on a pedestal.

And it had to be said that their relationship…..

They were being private about it at the moment.

However, Amelia breathed out a sigh and walked towards Brandon. Eyes fell on her, and Brandon could hear murmurs around them.

"Oh, my, that's Senior Amelia, isn't it?"

"It is. How does she know Brandon Locke?"

Scanning, Amelia's face was gradually turning red. Before he knew it, Amelia was now in front of him and….

"....?"

She linked her arms around his.

"What are you—"

"You don't like it?"

"No, I do. But…."

Brandon paused and looked around. Cadets began averting their gazes as soon as they met his. Thereafter, looking back at Amelia, he whispered.

"I thought we'd lay low for now….?"

"No, I've changed my mind."

Yet despite her words, her lips trembled nervously. Her expressions, betraying her words.

"Hmm?"

Brandon tilted his head in confusion. Amelia wasn't usually this bold when others were around. Especially people she didn't know.

The only reason she wasn't this embarrassed during their date was most probably because it was a date.

However, this was the academy. A place for them to maintain their professionalism.

"Did something happen?"

Brandon asked.

"....N-no."

Yet again, her expressions and tone told Brandon all he needed to know.

"Should we take this somewhere else?"

"....Yes."

*

Seated side–by–side on the academy benches, Brandon looked around.

Although there were still cadets passing by and eyeing them, it wasn't as overwhelming for Amelia as compared to the academy halls.

"Haaa….."

Amelia breathed out a sigh of relief.

"If you were that embarrassed, then why did you do that? I don't mind laying low."

"N-no, uh…."

Amelia stammered. But as soon as she found her composure, she continued.

"Fine, it's just that, I saw some girls tried hitting on you…. It was uncomfortable."

"Oh?"

Hit on him?

When did that happen—

"Ah."

He recalled.

Indeed, there were girls who asked for his phone number, back when he was being treated in the nurse's office.

Some even used it as an opportunity to get close to him, asking him if he wanted to be friends. They flocked to the office upon realizing 'Brandon Locke is injured!'

Bunch of nonsense like that.

So….

"You were jealous?"

"N-no…. Yes, yes I was."

"Haha."

Brandon couldn't help but laugh.

Looking at Amelia's complicated face right now….

She was too cute.

"It's the same case with you, no?"

"Well, yes. But I'd usually ignore them or respectfully reject them."

"I'll still get jealous."

"Really?"

The complicated look on Amelia's face was replaced with a bright expression upon hearing his jealousy.

"Yes, I mean. They can approach you so easily. Do you know how much I want to be with you during breaks without hiding?"

That was often the case.

If they were to eat lunch together, the two would leave the academy separately, trying to peer away from prying eyes.

"Sorry, it's just that, I wasn't ready for what the other cadets might say. It's a fault on my part. I'm sorry."

Way too cute.

Brandon couldn't help but want to tease her.

"Ah, as you can see, I was injured during the labyrinth dive."

"Yes, does it still hurt?"

Truth be told, he wasn't injured at all. They were mostly light injuries inflicted by Illya.

"It does, none of the nurse's treatments soothed the pain."

For that reason, Brandon took the opportunity handed to him like free cake.

"Oh, we should get you checked by a doctor later. You can still move, right?"

"No, no. Akh! It's starting to hurt again."

He exaggerated.

However, Amelia took him seriously as she stood up and looked around.

"Stay here, I'll tell the instructors and we can take you to a hospital fa—"

"No, no. The nurses told me just what I needed."

"Really?"

She was way too gullible.

"Akh—! They said…. affection. I think I need a kiss."

"Eh?"

Amelia's panic washed away and she tilted her head.

Then, as if she had realized something, she looked at him seriously.

"You…."

"Ah, it hurts!"

Brandon leaned back at that moment and covered his eyes with his arm, pretending to look in pain.

"Couldn't you have just asked those girls to give you a kiss? Then you wouldn't be in this pain anymore."

"...."

He was just about to say something, when he felt a soft sensation on his cheek. And he peered one of his eyes open.

He could see Amelia up close, her lips pressing on his cheek.

Then, she pulled away and looked at him funnily.

"Hehe~ Just kidding. As if I'd let that happen."

"You…."

Seizing the opportunity, Brandon pulled her close and locked her in an embrace.

"I've been wanting to do this for so long."

"In the academy?"

"Of course. I wanted to announce to the whole world that Amelia Constantine is taken. So all of you should stop shooting your shots."

The two stayed like that for a good few minutes. Cadets passed by, but realizing the air surrounding them, they tried their best not to stare.

"Kuhum…."

Suddenly, a cough rang from behind them, and the two pulled away from each other.

Turning their heads to the source of the sound, a sense of familiarity dawned upon them.

It was Belle, who stood still, looking as if she had caught second hand embarrassment as she spoke with her eyes averted.

"Public display of affection is banned in the academy. Please read section nine of the student handbook."