The Shepherds Are Dense

Chapter 98: HAINA's Request

Though Aiwas took leave, he only planned to skip morning classes. Having borrowed from the university library using his teaching assistant status, he now had time to study in his dorm. The book’s knowledge surpassed the “secret” teachings from the Red Nobility Society, covering common rituals up to the second energy level. Meant for priests to identify and counter illicit Transcendence rituals, Aiwas could reverse-engineer it for his own ritual magic. After breakfast, he settled in the second-floor study to read.An expected yet surprising visitor arrived: Haina, his senior. Aiwas teased her for visiting at a reasonable hour—10 a.m.—unlike her usual untimely arrivals. Haina, flustered, admitted her punctuality issues were mysterious but brushed it off, stating she had three matters to discuss, one tied to yesterday’s club incident.

Director Kent offered a secret text as thanks, even a Transcendence path one, fully sanitized. Aiwas could name a recipient, including foreigners, and the Bureau would vouch for them, protecting them from arrest for studying it, even if it’s an illegal path. Aiwas, expecting a “commendation” or “consolation,” jokingly asked if another ceremony was planned. Haina awkwardly called it a “gift.” The Bureau, wary after the near-disaster, avoided another public event, especially since Princess Isabel witnessed it. While publicly praised, the Bureau faced private scrutiny, with ministers grilled by the Queen and an emergency Round Table meeting ongoing.

Aiwas understood the true gesture: the Bureau allowed him to recruit a superhuman subordinate, even an illegal path user, with identity protection and liability coverage—a significant favor, likely from the Great Guardian, Avalon’s rare fifth-tier superhuman. This secured Lily’s Adaptation path without hiding. Relaxed, Aiwas teased Haina about her curiosity for Transcendence texts, flustering her into denying it, admitting only an interest in alchemy. He handed her , fulfilling a prior promise, and invited her to study beside him, which she eagerly accepted.

When could he claim the text? Haina said tonight or tomorrow at White Queen District, as Red Queen was chaotic with Gordon and the new director at the Round Table. Aiwas, wary of scheduling mishaps, suggested Haina accompany him home after afternoon class, with Lily selecting the text. Haina offered to escort them and protect Aiwas all day, citing Edward’s potential blame if he was hurt. Aiwas doubted another immediate attack by the demon scholars, but Haina’s serious tone introduced her remaining concerns.

She bowed earnestly, requesting his help. Great Arbiter Meg, Avalon’s strongest, tasked Haina with a test involving a “portable alchemical bomb.” Aiwas was stunned—Meg, a fifth-tier superhuman with three +1 priority items (Barrier, Revelation, Resistance) and potentially a fourth (Command) via the Queen’s Scepter, was considering Haina as a disciple. Her discerning, Authority-path arrogance made this significant; she smiled at all but favored few. Haina’s potential fifth-tier talent matched Chloe’s, though advancement wasn’t guaranteed without aptitude. Aiwas recalled “Mr. King,” stuck at first-tier despite years of trying.

He agreed to help, seeing it as an investment. Sharing credit with Haina wouldn’t diminish his growing fame, which had diminishing returns. If Haina became Meg’s disciple, Aiwas could gain influence with her, crucial since Meg’s death triggers Avalon’s “Cruel Autumn.” Convincing Meg to delay her fatal advancement could alter history, buying Aiwas development time.

Curious about Sherlock, whom Meg also wanted involved, Aiwas learned Haina’s third matter: Sherlock was attacked last night.

(Chapter End)

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