The Extra Wants Control

Chapter 166: Ray meets Seraphina.

Neveah tossed aside the documents, Mavis' meticulously recorded information about the Blessed burning into his mind.

The five Blessed, according to the data, were all exceptional. Upper 7-star already, their progress was phenomenal they weren't even limited by the longevity factor. They were pushing each other in fierce rivalry behind the image of unity they made.

Neveah smirked at the mention of "matches, bets and games" used to claim new recruits. Betting on lives, turning the fight for survival into a twisted competition – the very thought amused him.

More impressive was the lack of racial bias. Atleast it wasn't shown blatantly. Blessed of all racesnhad joined their factions. They really did whatever they could to get a strong academy faction. But this didn't just end in the academy the blessed were spreading roots in the real world and had even created guilds.

Some even tried to actively collaborate with merchants and create a new Babel if they couldn't get in collaboration with the real Babel. Which they couldn't as Ray wasn't available.

Each faction was amassing power and influence at an alarming rate. Bribery and poaching tactics… sabotage, defamation. They did it all.

They were heroes in public but beneath they were very selfish. Even Azrael's faction was growing with questionable tactics but Neveah assumed that Azrael was in the dark and it was Seraphina doing this.

To Neveah all these factions were a threat to him.

***********

A mix of cheers and joyous roars reverberated across the Dragon Continent as the Acarna Mysteria the colossal island hovered majestically in the sky. Its regions and body, usually shrouded in stealth magic, gleamed brightly today, adorned with vibrant banners that fluttered in the high-altitude winds.

Today was graduation day, a momentous occasion broadcasted live for the entire world to witness.

The celebratory atmosphere crackled with a manic energy. Students, their different coloured graduation robes that signified their races embroided with the Academy's insignia and their factions badge, walked about, their faces alight with pride and nervous anticipation.

Nervous laughter mingled with the excited chatter as families and friends, crammed onto specially constructed viewing platforms below, craned their necks to catch a glimpse of their loved ones.

For those lucky enough to secure a coveted ticket, the day promised to be a spectacle. The Academy had spared no expense. Gleaming airships, piloted by skilled mages, zipped between the viewing platforms and the Academy, ferrying dignitaries and special guests.

Food vendors with carts laden with exotic delicacies lined the platforms, their wafting aromas a tempting counterpoint to the thrill of the day.

However, a stark contrast lurked beneath the celebratory facade. Tickets to witness the graduation ceremony live were a coveted, and expensive, commodity. Only the wealthy and well-connected secured a place on the viewing platforms.

For the common folk, the festivities were a distant spectacle, glimpsed through flickering screens in public squares or taverns. The live stream, though available, lacked the immersive experience of witnessing the magic firsthand.

Still, for those fortunate enough to be present, the day promised to be unforgettable. It was a three-day extravaganza of games, exhibitions of arcane prowess, and, of course, finally graduation ceremony awaited on the last day.

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, punctuated by the occasional gasp of awe as young mages, their power barely tamed, showcased their newfound abilities.

As the clock struck noon, a hush fell over the crowd. A

booming voice, amplified by magical means, echoed across the skies, announcing the commencement of the opening ceremony. A collective gasp rippled through the audience as a procession of figures, cloaked in shimmering robes of power, emerged from the Academy's grand gates. It was the now vice chancellor of the academy...

The beautiful human saintess Seraphina Orion ( Azrael was first to reach seven star and Lara got to it an hour later. The others took some time to reach.)

*********

Excitement crackled through the air, a vibrant current that pulsed from the graduating students to the cheering crowds below. The Academy graduation ceremony was a spectacle unlike any other, a three-day extravaganza of magic, laughter, and friendly competition. Seraphina, azipped through the bustling throng, her golden hair a beacon amidst the graduation robes.

As one of the lead organizers, her smile was as bright as the enchanted lanterns strung across the viewing platforms.

Her partner Aqua with eyes like pools of cool water, trailed behind her, a clipboard clutched in her hand.

Their collaboration had been a stroke of genius. Seraphina andAqua, the calming breeze, kept the festivities running smoothly.

This year, things were bigger and better than ever. Seraphina, always one to push boundaries, had secured a partnership with none other than Stonegate'd Babel, the gleaming city that symbolized progress and innovation.

Ray, the charismatic manager overseeing Babel's operations, stood beside a booth overflowing with dazzling prizes. His silver hair, a stark contrast to his usual dark attire, seemed to shimmer under the artificial sunlight.

"Saint Seraphina!" Ray said calling the woman on the platform. "You've outdone yourself this year!"

Seraphina nodded with a small smile. "It wouldn't be possible without Babel's generous support, Ray. Those activities you provided are a guaranteed hit!"

Indeed, students were clustered around the Babel booth, their faces alight with concentration as they tackled the games and activities. The playful competition, with prizes like luxury jewelry, property, cash prizes, quality weapons all these were proving to be a crowd-pleaser.

Aqua who now seemed calm amd different from how Neveah remembered her chimed in, "The Babel-Arcana collaboration has been a win-win. The students love the prizes, and Babel gets money. I'm sure Mr. Ray is pleased... Correct?."

Ray chuckled. "Precisely. But who can resist seeing the joy on these young faces?" His gaze swept over the cheering crowd, he smiled putting up a great act. He looked like he was a kind merchant from anybody's view but infront of Seraphina and Aqua that was not the case they saw him for who he was a greedy man. But that was exactly what Neveah was hoping for.

The opening ceremony had just concluded, leaving a festive buzz in its wake. Laughter filled the air as students swarmed the various booths, eager to try their luck at the games and activities. Seraphina, Aqua, and Ray stood amidst the joyous chaos, a testament to the successful collaboration.

An article was made in Babel's official page where they interviewed Seraphina who said that 'this wasn't just about the festivities; it was about creating memories that would last a lifetime for these graduating students.'

Pictures of her as she watched students walk away with excited eyes and Babel-sponsored prizes in their hands, portrayed her as a teacher who was proud of her students.

She then added, "Graduation wasn't just about academic achievement; it was a celebration of potential, of stepping into a world brimming with magic and possibility. And Babel with its innovative ideas was a fitting partner in celebrating that potential." She finalized and that post alone got million of likes amd comments praising her.

Some commented on her beauty, some said it was kind of her and very few said it was a publicity stunt but those comments got deleted mysteriously just minutes after.

***********

The celebratory buzz of the graduating students faded behind the heavy oak door, replaced by a quiet hum of conversation. Ray and Seraphina found themselves in a secluded room quiet and secluded.

Ray leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You know," Seraphina began, her voice dropping to a conversational tone, "there's an old story about a soldier who became king."

Ray raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A soldier to king, huh? Sounds like a tale of bloody struggle."

Seraphina chuckled. "It was. This man no... This king, was born in the wrong family" she continued, her eyes gleaming with a distant light, "dreamed of a world united. No more wars between races, no more discrimination based on magic or lineage."

Ray remained silent, letting her weave the tale.

"So he rose to becoming King because of how strong and popular he became... But uniting a divides world is no easy feat,"

Seraphina went on.

"The king had to make difficult decisions, some bordering on the questionable. He forged alliances with dubious characters, betrayed most, compromised his ideals at times, all for the sake of his grand vision. And he failed..."

A pause hung in the air, heavy with unspoken questions.

Finally, Ray spoke, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "So, what are you getting at, Saint Seraphina? Are you suggesting you are or know of someone destined to be King?"

Seraphina let out a small laugh devoid of amusement, the sound echoing off the stone walls.

"Far from it, Mr.Ray! I want to ask for your opinion on the matter. What decisions should the king have made or not made." Her smile widened, and she leaned forward, her gaze meeting his.

"Because you're also not as simple as you appear, are you? A vampire building a business empire within human territory?"

Ray's smile widened, the amusement in his eyes deepening." Hehhh!"

" Fufufu~" Seraphina smiled.

" What do you want miss Seraphina?"

" Drop the formalities we now have a secret... That should make us closer... No?"

" MISS SERAPHINA... I can't be close to a woman like you. You are too intelligent."

" Awww... You hurt my feelings... What is it you have against intelligent women? We could have something special~"

" I won't know when you are playing or being serious nad that's too dangerous. Besides the Saintess I know of is very serious why are you flirty with me? Not that I mind of-course."

Seraphina's laughter subsided, replaced by a frown. " You've created a space where both can co-exist, a small step towards that unified world I was talking about."

"I'll ask again.... what exactly do you want from me, Seraphina?"

" I can't tell you what I don't know." She said pulling back her hair as her face regained a her sweet smile.

" What you don't know?"

She nodded in affirmation.

"Okay so what is this?"

" This?"

" Yes this conversation... What is it you want?"

" I want to feel you out."

" Excuse me?"

" I'm curious."

" About what?"

" why and how a vampire managed to build all of this unnoticed."

" you want to know my secret?"