Back when Brandon was still changing...
"I need you to do something for me."
[Anything, Lord Moriarty. Do you need me to kidnap someone? Or to Kill someone?]
Brandon pinched his brow at the mention of 'killing someone'.
"No, nothing like that."
[Oh, understood. But how can I prove my skills to you, Lord Moriarty?]
"For now, I'll assign you to a reconnaissance mission."
[I see, that happens to be one of my specialties as well. Who will I be stalking? The Mayor? The President?]
Once again, Brandon pinched his brow in frustration.
Alpha was way too ecstatic.
"No, no. I just need you to scout out a specific location. I'll be sending you the details and the address. Be sure to come with a disguise as I'll be there too."
[Ohh once again, you'll grace me with your presence.]
"Ukh...!"
Once again, Brandon shuddered from the cringe. But he knew how much Alpha wanted to prove himself as much as he could.
So he decided to go with it anyway.
[Is something wrong, Lord Moriarty?]
"No... I'll be sending you the address now. I'll be expecting results."
[I wouldn't dare disappoint y–]
Click-
He had to end the call as soon as possible before Alpha went overboard with the praises.
At the end of the call, Brandon immediately sent the address of the party's venue, along with the details of the mission.
In the venue, there was a secret passage that led to the academy's prized artifact vault.
The secret passage was constructed there because the venue was typically off-limits within the academy during normal days.
Plus, no one would expect such an important place to be directly connected to the venue.
It was the perfect location.
What Brandon needed was an item that was situated in the vault.
Mirage Mask.
Once the mask is worn, any traces of the individual's identity will cease to exist, regardless if someone was familiar with their figure. But the effects would be rendered useless if the user is seen wearing the mask.
It was an artifact that belonged to a Wraithbound in the early 2100's.
Wraithbounds were literally what the name implied.
Bounded by Wraiths.
Individuals who had made a pact with a Wraith for a surge of power.
In short, they sold their souls.
The Headmaster of the Academy was the one to have slain the Wraithbound. Which is why he was entrusted in keeping the artifact.
Since the mask would be stolen by a minor antagonist in the future, then it wouldn't conflict with Raven's progression.
At least, that's what Brandon thought.
Click-
After sending the message, Brandon could hear Belle from the other side of the room.
"Brandon! They said they're going to leave if you don't come out in 1 minute."
"Yeah, yeah. Coming!"
Back to the party...
After Claire drove away the men that crowded both Rachel and Amy, the three returned to the table.
They continued to mingle, getting to know each other.
It was then when Amy pulled out her phone, clasping it with both hands.
"Hey, we should create a group chat!"
"I had the same thoughts."
Raven retrieved his phone as well.
"Mhm, can each of you give me your contact info so I can invite you?"
After Amy's instructions, she gave her phone to each person, typing down their contact information on her phone.
The group chat had been established.
But just as it was created...
[Reinhard Van was kicked by Claire Victoria.]
"Hey! What gives?"
Reinhard glared daggers at Claire.
Claire spared him no glance, and said,
"Why'd you add a random person in the group, Amy?"
"Hmm? Oh, sorry. Must've been a typo."
The rest gave a thumbs up for what Claire did.
"You guys..."
Reinhard could only wallow in shame.
As they continued to poke fun at Reinhard, a student with blue hair, adorning a suit approached their table.
Or...
The side where Rachel sat.
"Excuse me, do you need something from us?"
Claire asked him, furrowing her brow.
It was obvious there was going to be trouble.
After all, the man's face was flushed red, most likely drunk.
"Yes, I'd like to t-talk to Lady Rachel over here, to continue where we left off in our d-discussion earlier."
"I thought I already gave you my answer."
Rachel's expressions were uncomfortable, causing Brandon to frown.
It was because he knew who the man was.
Felix Osborn, an heir to the Osborn Corporation, the company that manufactured shiftporters.
And...
'The first appearance of a Wraithbound in the novel...'
"Lady Rachel, if you give me enough time to get to know me. You might change your m–"
"Sorry, but no still means no. Please leave our table."
"You heard her, don't make things uncomfortable now."
Claire chimed in, noticing how uncomfortable Rachel was.
"Now, why are you butting in our conversation? Hic-"
Felix said, as he let out a hiccup due to the alcohol.
"The only one who's butting in the conversation is you, so please leave."
"No, I'm a human with free will, you have no right to tell me when and where to go."
At the mention of 'human', Brandon let out a chuckle.
Felix turned his gaze towards him.
"Did you just laugh at me?"
"Who knows?"
Brandon just shrugged it off, swishing the wine from his goblet.
"So this is what the world has c-come to, commoners thinking they're b-big shots, just because they got accepted in Astrea Academy. Hic-"
"Maybe? But what kind of big shot has his fly down?"
Immediately, Felix looked down at his fly, only to find it zipped up.
When he did that, the group let out a chuckle of their own.
"B-Bastard, how dare you h-humiliate me! Hic-"
"You're the only humiliating yourself. Clearly, she doesn't like you, so just go."
Felix then leaned in closer to Brandon.
"Why don't we t-take this outside y-you albino bastard, I'll teach you a lesson for m-messing with me."
As soon as Felix uttered those words, Reinhard and Raven stood up.
"Try me."
Brandon narrowed his eyes, glaring daggers at Felix.
Since Brandon now had power, he didn't want to become a pushover anymore.
All the confidence stems from his [Mana Disruption] skill.
He knew Felix might be stronger than him due to being a Wraithbound.
'But what is he going to do if he can't conjure up a magic skill?'
Raven then got in between Felix and Brandon–who was still in his seat.
"Okay, that's enough. Like they said, leave our table... now."
Raven seemed like he had enough, he could allow a little bullying when it's just him.
But if it's directed towards his friends, he wouldn't let it slide.
"And who are you supposed to be?"
"Raven Blackheart."
As soon as Raven spoke, Felix's eyes shot wide open, but quickly fixed his expressions.
"Ah, t-the Ranked 1 student, rumors say you're a duelist. You sure you want to m-mess with me? Hic-"
"You realize you'll be taking all six of us, right?"
When Raven spoke, everyone else nodded their heads, narrowing their eyes at Felix.
"Pah! Whatever, commoners like you can only put up a fight when you're grouped together."
Felix waved his hand, motioning to leave, but took a little glance at Rachel and said,
"Lady Rachel, I'll t-try again next time, so w-wait for me, I'll p-prove my l-love to you. Hic-"
After parting those words, Felix left, heading towards a different table.
"Haa... What a stubborn bastard."
Claire breathed out a sigh.
Brandon then turned towards Rachel.
"Hey, you okay?"
"...Yeah, thanks for driving him away. Thanks everyone."
They all nodded at her appreciative gesture.
Everyone then continued their conversation, trying to change the mood.
It was then a waiter inconspicuously passed by.
"Do you kids need a refill?"
"Yes, I'd like some."
As the waiter filled Brandon's goblet, the waiter passed him a crumpled paper, just fast enough for no one to notice.
"Thanks."
"It's my pleasure, Lor– Sir."
Brandoned furrowed his brow.
'He was definitely about to say Lord Moriarty...'