Extra's Descent

Chapter 296: Circles [3]

"Archbishops…."

Brandon could see the look of confusion in Bellion's face. But it couldn't be helped. He didn't know anything.

In fact, this was the first time Brandon had heard of such a group.

He was only aware of their correlation to the Circles of Hell, but the full extent of their powers and their identities were a mystery to him.

For some reason, no matter how much he peered into the memories of Raven, there were no signs of any Archbishops, or any Milis officer that harbored similar traits to a Wraith's power.

Was it for the best?

Because this progression is 'different?'

Whichever it was, Brandon could care less.

Whatever foes he might face in the future, he only had one objective.

To thoroughly crush them.

With those thoughts in mind, he clenched his fist.

But he was soon broken out of his thoughts as Bellion spoke.

"Good job. I'll relay this to the other officers."

"Sure."

Then, Bellion changed the topic.

"How are those artifacts coming along?"

"It's going smoothly so far. Thanks to Sir Jain—"

"Hiee—"

"....?"

He could swear he had just heard Bellion yelp, his body twitching.

However, he quickly dismissed it. There was no way someone as imposing as Bellion would make such a sound, akin to a little girl screaming.

'Must've been the wind.'

"Kuhum. Sorry, I thought I heard something. Anyway, thanks to Sir Jain—"

"Hiee—"

"...."

Okay, now he wasn't hearing things.

This old fart….

"Sir Jain—"

"Hieee—"

"The fuck is wrong with you?"

"Sorry. Just some…. trauma."

Right, his reactions were understandable. Brandon would be a hypocrite to judge him for reacting that way when it came to trauma.

For whatever kind of past Bellion had with Jain, Brandon could care less.

"Thanks to 'him,'"

He had to change his wordings.

"We were able to increase labor. Prototypes safe for use should be ready in two months."

"Is that so? I'll be expecting them then."

With that out of the way, there was one more question lingering in Brandon's mind.

"Bellion, do you know anyone named Lianna?"

"Lianna?"

Bellion rubbed his chin, seemingly pondering.

"Lianna…. Lianna…."

"I saw her during the awarding ceremony. I didn't know who she was. For that reason, I couldn't help but think she might be from Milis."

"Ah, Lianna Venice."

"So you know her?"

"Yes, one of our fresh recruits. Her background checks out, she's not from Milis."

"I see."

Brandon felt relief upon hearing the confirmation.

There was no need to be on edge.

"Any other questions?"

Bellion asked.

"None that I can think of."

"Alright. Anyway, about your class transfership, are you sure about this? No need for any paperwork, I can approve it right now."

"Yeah, I need to take those upper classes. I'm pretty sure I'm overqualified for class B."

"How arrogant."

A smirk spread across Bellion's face after saying those words.

"Delton said it. Can you blame me?"

Brandon just shrugged his shoulders in response.

"Yeah, yeah. Approved, you'll be taking them starting from tomorrow. Make sure you don't get lost trying to find the right room."

"Who am I, Raven?"

"Haha! Not bad."

"Pfft…."

The two found humor in talking behind Raven's back.

"Ah!"

As if Bellion had just recalled something, he snapped his fingers. Snap—!

"We'll be conducting the raid next week. You wanted to take part in it, correct?"

"Yes."

Brandon nodded his head.

It was about time.

However, he particularly didn't care about the raid.

He had just wanted to complete a certain objective.

To retrieve the comatosed Rafael Asami.

After all, Brandon tasked his company to create a facility to specifically treat Rafael, using medicated technology often used in the syndicate.

He could do at least this much for Rachel.

"Anyway, that's all. Your break should start soon. Can't believe you skipped out on your lectures."

"Can't learn anything from there."

"I wonder where your arrogance comes from…."

"Heh."

Just like that, Brandon headed for the door. But just as he was about to twist the doorknob, he had to leave Bellion with a parting gift.

"Jain."

"Hieeee—"

"Heh."

***

"Psst…"

Brandon, who had volunteered to get something from the academy's storage room, was walking around the halls, when he spotted the familiar sight of Amelia, and called out to her.

"Hm?"

Amelia turned back around. As soon as she did, their gazes met.

"What are you doing? Shouldn't you be in class?"

Amelia asked.

"I can say the same for you."

"Ah, I was just in the bathroom."

"Oh, I was told to get something from the storage room. Something called a mana regulator. Wanna help me find it?"

"Hmm…."

Amelia began to ponder, rubbing her chin.

"I think I know where it is. Alright, I'll take you there."

"Thanks."

Truth be told, he had barely seen Amelia in the past few days.

She had been busy juggling academics and Imperial Army matters. For that reason, she had been coming home late.

It had to be said that Brandon had been coming home late as well. He had barely seen Aurelia as well, these past few days.

Whenever he arrived home, Aurelia would always be asleep, accompanied by Brianna.

Of course, Belle had also been coming home late.

They had all been quite busy with their own matters.

Then, they entered the storage room. Brandon stood and looked around as Amelia looked for the mana regulator.

There were several artifacts stowed in the room. Artifacts that would most probably be used in specific tests or exams.

"It should be here."

Amelia, on her tippy-toes, extended her hand up, reaching out to grab the artifact.

"Found it—Ah?"

But just as she was about to grab it, Brandon appeared right behind her and wrapped his arms around her abdomen, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"What are you doing….?"

"I missed you."

Amelia lowered her hand and wrapped her arm around his, her other hand on his cheek.

"Me too. I'm sorry we can't spend much time together lately. Things have been really busy."

"It's fine. I've been quite busy as well. But I've got good news."

"What is it?"

Amelia asked as she caressed his cheek.

"I'm moving to your class starting tomorrow. We'll be able to see each other everyday."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It's been approved since there was nothing for me to gain in the lower classes."

"Guess you'll be stuck to me like glue then."

"...."

Brandon remained silent. However, at that moment, Amelia, whose back was still against his body, turned her head slightly.

She pulled Brandon's head closer to hers, their lips barely an inch and he could feel her warm breaths on his face.

Then, Amelia leaned her face close, their lips pressed against each other.

Ba… Thump! Ba… Thump!

Brandon felt the quickening of his heartbeat, its drumming sound echoing in his ears amidst the silence that overtook the room upon realizing that Amelia took the initiative, kissing him.

Then, Amelia pulled back, smiling teasingly as her index finger pressed on his lips.

"That's your reward for working hard. It's kind of disappointing how you didn't receive a medal…. I would've complained if you allowed me to."

"I don't mind. It was my request after all. Plus, this reward is way better than any kind of medal."

"Is that so~?"

"I need more."

This time, Brandon took the initiative and leaned his face close. Amelia had no objections as the two kissed each other yet again.

However, unlike before, it was just the simple act of their lips pressing against each other as Amelia pulled away.

"I think that's enough. Any more, and I'd be spoiling you—"

"I want more."

"Eh—Nmh…"

Brandon paid no heed to her words as he leaned closer once again. With his hands on her waist, he turned Amelia around. The two, facing each other without breaking the kiss.

"We'll be late—Mmh~"

Once again, ignoring her words, Brandon continued to seal another kiss.

Amelia's arms wrapped around his neck as her back implanted on the wall. At that moment, Brandon lifted her leg up, pressing his body against hers, his other hand snaking around her waist.

"Mmmh~"

In the passing seconds, while the sound of Amelia's occasional whimpers echoed, the kiss grew more intense…. More passionate.

"Nmmh~"

Their tongues intertwined, as if they were beasts fighting for control.

The taste of Amelia's tongue around his felt intoxicating, as sweet as nectar, and Brandon's head began to spin.

"Mmh—Pwah!"

Finally, the kiss broke. A line of saliva connecting both of their tongue, dripping down as they pulled away from one another,

Brandon could see the reddening of Amelia's cheek, as well as her ears.

'Cute.'

He felt incredibly lucky.

Lucky that this beautiful woman was his, and that he was hers,

Amelia wiped her drenched mouth with a handkerchief before speaking.

"What's with you today?"

She said with a warm smile on her face.

"That was your reward."

Brandon, who was wiping his mouth as well with a handkerchief, said.

"Hm?"

Amelia's head curiously tilted.

With her finger on her lips, she went on to say,

"I think I need more too?"

"...."

A sudden urge rose within Brandon upon hearing those words.

If she said that…. Then how could he hold back?

Just as he was about to lean in for another kiss, Amelia flusteredly waved her hand.

"Ah, wait, wait! I was kidding...!"

"You asked for it."

"Ah—We'll be late—Nmh...!"