6. A good leader knows not to dampen the spirit of those who labor tirelessly.

Dick claimed that he himself was the evidence implicating Archmage Akmond, though he certainly did not mean to pull from his own mind tales of the "glorious deeds of the Corruptor" to show Talgas.

Regardless of whether a sane and cunning adult would believe such baseless claims, even the greatest seer could not condemn a villain to death for sins not yet committed.

The evidence Dick spoke of was, in truth, his own past experiences.

Within this small courtyard, Dick, Captain Maldren, and a messenger from Commander Kil’jaeden conferred privately inside, while the five young warriors stood guard outside, doubling as security.

The five exchanged glances, communicating their thoughts silently. Even the most timid among them, the Imiran, was struck with fear.

The mere thought of opposing Principal Akmond brought to her mind visions of being utterly expelled from the Arcane Academy, stripped of her enrollment. For a student whose current life goal was simply to graduate smoothly, such a prospect was truly terrifying.

Yet the other four bore themselves far better. Unlike the spellcasting Imiran, they were recruits and trainees nurtured under the captain’s system. Though they trained at the Arcane Academy, their graduation and official commissioning as officers were not subject to judgment by an arcanist like Akmond.

The Eredar society was progressive, yet social strata, or as they called them, “castes,” still existed.

Spellcasters, warriors, commoners, artisans—each had their own caste, led and represented by distinct figures. For example, the Enlightener was the current representative of the spellcaster caste, while Commander Kil’jaeden stood for the officer caste.

Moreover, being an officer was merely a profession akin to that of a soldier; it did not necessarily imply devotion to the Light.

Kil’jaeden himself was five thousand years old, and long before the Naaru arrived on Argus, summoned by the sacred Atama crystal of the Eredar, Kil’jaeden had served as an officer for millennia.

Thus, in theory, even without the blessing of the Light, Dick’s rank as a high-level officer would not be revoked.

His anxieties were purely unfounded.

Though the Eredar’s caste system might sound reminiscent of the infamous “caste system” known elsewhere, they were fundamentally different.

If one must draw a comparison, it resembled more of a “military family” system, prescribing one’s profession at birth. Though inter-caste mobility was rare, it was not utterly impossible. The system largely followed the inheritance of professions from father to son, and coupled with the Eredar’s immortality, this proved the most fitting social structure for them.

“Do you believe what Lord Dick just said?”

Archer Balath asked quietly, tending to his emerald crossbow, addressing the sword-and-shield bearer, Sovos, who looked toward the others with a complex expression and replied:

“My reason tells me not to believe, but my intuition suggests it might be true. Otherwise, why would Commander Kil’jaeden and General Elodus both send messengers?”

“Yes, if this were a joke, the scale would be far too grand,” Faraya said, fingers twitching nervously on her spear.

Perhaps due to nerves—she was hardly the fierce Crescent Blade who, twenty thousand years later, would face hundreds of times more demons without flinching and launch a resolute countercharge.

After a moment’s thought, she spoke softly:

“Neither Lord Dick nor Captain Maldren have hidden anything from us, which means they trust us. So, what’s everyone’s opinion...”

“It’s not for us to judge,”

Tramon, the taciturn one, placed his greatsword across his knees. He disliked speaking and simply said:

“Just follow orders.”

“True enough.”

Faraya nodded, then after a few minutes added:

“I’m restless right now. How about another ‘Demon Unmatched Trial’? I think Lord Diakum’s targeted training these past two days must have a purpose. Perhaps we really will face demons soon.

Especially the Enlightener!

You should remember how, over a decade ago, he declared his intention to introduce fel magic into the education of Eredar spellcasters. That proposal was vetoed by the two High Overlords, but even then, he had surely begun down the path of fel. That once wise archmage has undoubtedly become a demon’s ally.”

“Alright, let’s go,”

Tramon was the first to rise.

Balath and Sovos stood as well. Seeing their enthusiasm, Imira immediately complained:

“Could you at least give me some time to recover mana? My magic isn’t like your muscles that can be used endlessly. Give me fifteen more minutes to meditate.”

“You must learn to fight while fatigued, Imira.”

Faraya said sternly:

“Demons won’t give you safe time to meditate. Get up. Lord Diakum said learning to conserve mana in battle is a required course for spellcasters. You should have learned this at the Arcane Academy. This is your practical moment.”

“Arcane... no, by the Light, Faraya, please don’t imitate Lord Diakum’s speech.

By the way, do you know our instructor has a nickname among his peers—‘Holy Spear Dick’? Some of the more open-minded female classmates claim to have secretly spied on Lord Diakum while he bathed.

They say that the scale...”

“Enough! Imira, you are now a priestess. Such indecent talk is unbecoming. Beware the Light’s judgment. Get up!

If you still have energy to tell dirty jokes, you’re clearly not too exhausted.”

——————

“Principal Akmond outwardly resisted the Enlightener’s attempts to recruit him. He did not want deep involvement with the Awakener Cult, but that was merely to cultivate a righteous image. From the beginning, he sought to exploit Sachir’s mad coup to gain political capital.

Long ago, he sent me to infiltrate the Awakener Cult, and I have served as his informant, gathering intelligence on that group.”

Inside the room, Dick, maintaining a state of mental clairvoyance, handed Talgas various pieces of evidence he had uncovered over the past two days, speaking to the two men:

“Putting aside whether planting spies to advance one’s own mentor is right or wrong, that is Akmond’s personal moral issue and outside our discussion.

I can only tell you that while Principal Akmond outwardly resists fel’s seduction, Captain Maldren has enough evidence to prove that Akmond deliberately allows members of the Awakener Cult to teach fel magic to students within the Arcane Academy.

This dangerous, soul-corrupting behavior has persisted for at least ten years!”

Dick spoke gravely to Talgas:

“He knows how devastating fel’s corruption of the mind can be, yet for personal gain, he tolerates it. On this basis alone, he should be removed as principal of the Arcane Academy. He is far less competent than he appears!”

Talgas studied the scrolls detailing the Awakener Cult’s members and their key information, then turned with a serious expression to Captain Maldren, who nodded in confirmation, indicating Dick’s claims were true.

Fel instruction at the academy had always been clandestine; Akmond’s direct school, the Arcane Academy, was the worst hotspot for forbidden knowledge. As security officers, the captains had long detected many clues but were unable to investigate further due to the principal’s direct protection.

“But this only proves Akmond’s incompetence, not that he poses a national threat,”

Talgas pondered briefly, shaking his head:

“This only convinces Commander Kil’jaeden to support his dismissal, but it is insufficient to classify him as a dangerous individual in the eyes of the two High Overlords.”

——————

“What if I told you that Principal Akmond has secretly studied fel magic for a long time?”

Dick was well prepared.

He had spent two full days readying for this conversation. In response to Talgas’s doubt, he spoke solemnly:

“He is the Enlightener Sachir’s most favored student and political heir. When Sachir first encountered fel magic, Akmond was among the first apprentices he shared arcane secrets with. As a spellcaster addicted to power, Akmond could not resist the temptation.

I can assure you, Sachir is the most powerful fel warlock in the world of Argus, without question. But the second strongest is our ostensibly upright Principal Akmond.

He disguises his normalcy with exquisite spellcasting skill and the arcane relic ‘Mark of Enlightenment’ he carries, but any high-level priest conducting even a rough examination can detect the fel aura within him.

This level of power cannot be concealed.

Fel corrupts the heart, and its masters tempt others down the path of destruction.

The Enlightener fell from a wise leader of spellcasters to a cultist in just over a decade, proving this. Akmond’s exposure to fel is barely later than Sachir’s. How long do you think he can remain sane?”

Dick rose, deeply worried, addressing the two who listened intently:

“During my infiltration of the Awakener Cult, I saw many spellcasters indulging in fel, arrogantly calling themselves ‘Man’ari,’ viewing their corruption as an honor. They abandoned ancient ogre wisdom and claimed to hear the ‘Benefactor’s’ encouragement and whispers.

They have become beasts, no longer our brethren.

When you act, you will witness these fallen ones tearing away the elegant facade of the Eredar and transforming into savage, frenzied half-demons.

But if you wait until then to act, it will be too late.”

“Wait!”

Talgas interrupted, asking:

“Tell me more about this ‘Benefactor’ voice the Awakener Cult members claim to hear.”

“I have not trodden the fel path, so I cannot hear those voices. But I have spoken with the twisted fanatics among them, who claim that in a half-dream, half-awake state, they saw a ‘God of Flame’ walking among the stars, who called himself the ‘Benefactor’ and generously imparted cosmic secrets.”

Dick elaborated:

“Any mage who heeds the ‘Benefactor’s’ teachings quickly masters fel’s mysteries, becoming more powerful and gaining the ability to summon demons.

I believe this is a kind of ‘blessing.’

Just as the Eredar once received elemental blessings in ancient times, and more recently the Naaru bestowed the Light, this fallen demon god dispels the elemental and Light blessings from the cultists, replacing them with fel power, connecting them spiritually with demons.

They claim demons formed the ‘Burning Legion’ to reduce all weak worlds among the stars to dust.

They have seen true images of the Burning Legion ravaging many worlds, deepening their thirst for power and viewing it as a ‘prophecy of destruction,’ steadfastly believing that our world of Argus will face the same fate.

In truth, Enlightener Sachir has long told his followers that his coup was to win his people a chance at survival. He claims only Eredar who embrace the ‘Benefactor’s’ gifts will have the right to live through the apocalypse.

I cannot be certain if Akmond also heard the ‘Benefactor’s’ seduction, but I believe once the Benefactor whispers to him, Akmond will not refuse such temptation.

That is his nature!

Knowing his past makes this clear, and this is why I consider Akmond more dangerous than Sachir. Sachir is but a foolish old man, but Akmond desires more.

If someone like him climbs to power atop his mentor’s skull, it will mark the beginning of disaster for all Eredar.”

Silence fell.

Captain Maldren’s fists clenched.

Clearly, Dick’s words had convinced him, but Talgas, a seasoned assassin and spy, was not so easily swayed. This intelligence chief, trusted by the two High Overlords, fixed a subtle gaze on Dick.

After a moment, he said:

“You still lack concrete evidence proving Akmond’s fall. I admit your theory is excellent, and personally, I think it may come true. But you must understand, the two High Overlords cannot convict a spellcaster leader on mere conjecture.

Also, it seems you and Akmond have some ‘personal grudge,’ is that so?”

“Yes, I confess.”

Dick answered candidly:

“Not only because I understand Akmond’s threat but because the commander who sent me undercover into the cult—full of pious words—tried to bury me the night I was assassinated.

He cannot allow someone who knows too many secrets to live. Whether Sachir’s coup succeeds or not, I was doomed!

But the Light did not teach me to despair and await death.

I will strike back, and the two of you, along with the High Overlords behind you who will decide, are my means.”

“Very honest. Commander Kil’jaeden likes honest people, even if you have indeed walked with demon worshippers and made mistakes.”

Talgas nodded with approval, then bypassed the question of Akmond’s trustworthiness. He asked:

“You said you have a plan. Tell me.”

“It’s quite simple.”

Dick sat back down and said:

“Akmond hopes to personally defeat Sachir on the eve of the coup, so he can leverage the credit of quelling the rebellion to ascend and legitimately seize Sachir’s esteemed position among the spellcasters. Therefore, we only need to warn Sachir in advance of Akmond’s plan.

Then the two masters will slaughter each other in a night filled with betrayal.

If what I said is right, the outcome we want most is the mutual destruction of Sachir and Akmond, solving two problems at once.”

“But how will you convince Sachir that his most trusted apprentice plans to betray him?”

Talgas pressed. Dick responded firmly:

“Of course, I will betray him myself!

My identity is unique, Lord Talgas.

I was originally Akmond’s spy planted in the Awakener Cult. They discovered my identity and attempted to assassinate me. Now, as this ‘dead man’ reappears, if Sachir is not too foolish to decide, he will naturally know who betrayed him.

I am the perfect candidate to ignite this ‘evil internal conflict.’”

“But there is a high chance you will be killed again in a second assassination attempt by cultists.”

Captain Maldren shook his head:

“No! We cannot let you risk your life again. No matter what you did before, Diakum, you have clearly returned to the Light’s guidance.”

“Precisely because of this, those who have erred deserve a chance at redemption.”

——————

Talgas smiled:

“Mr. Dick has made his decision. I see resolve in his eyes. Words and accusations from someone who places life and death so lightly carry weight.

Very well.

I will report all you said tonight to Commander Kil’jaeden, and the High Overlords will decide your and Akmond’s fate.”

“Of course, I will not shirk my responsibilities. To change fate, one must bear heavy burdens. I understand what this choice entails.”

Dick declared nobly but then warned:

“Please tell Commander Kil’jaeden and High Overlord Velen that I am certain Akmond will reveal Sachir’s conspiracy to them personally before acting. This is his attempt to claim credit. Please do not be deceived by his words.

We should focus on what a person does, not what they say.”

“Well said!”

Talgas stood, staring at Dick:

“We must focus on deeds, not thoughts, and certainly not the beguilement of words.

Dick, I hope you keep your word. If you are as hypocritical as Akmond, Commander Kil’jaeden and High Overlord Velen will be just as disappointed in you.”

“I still think Diakum should not take on such a dangerous mission!”

Captain Maldren protested loudly:

“We should discuss further; this is a death sentence! The Light teaches us not to...”

“Knock, knock, knock.”

Urgent knocking interrupted Maldren’s words. Faraya whispered from outside:

“My lords, someone is coming! They are students from the Arcane Academy. My companions are blocking them outside, but they claim to have been sent by Principal Akmond specifically to care for Lord Diakum.

They also brought suspicious potions.”

“Look at that.”

Dick sighed bitterly:

“Akmond never intended to let me go. Here come the assassins. Please, you two hide for now and help me survive this.”

“Heh heh heh, such ruthless tactics. I’m beginning to believe your accusations against Akmond,”

Talgas chuckled.

Grasping Maldren’s wrist, he retreated while casting a shadow concealment spell, quickly enveloping them both.

Known as the “Hunter” throughout Argus, Talgas’s path combined traits of hunter and assassin. Trusted so highly by two High Overlords, his personal strength could not be lacking.

“Let them in.”

Dick lay back on the bed, playing the part of a weak patient, and whispered to Faraya through mental sight.

Minutes later, the door opened.

Two Eredar sisters wearing Arcane Academy student robes entered.

Though Eredar women generally possessed graceful figures and alluring tails, some naturally excelled at maximizing their beauty, such as these two young students.

In terms of figure and appearance, Faraya and Imira were no less attractive, but when all four stood together, men’s eyes were invariably drawn first to these two.

The twins wore nearly identical hairstyles, yet one was fiery and passionate, the other calm and mature.

They had personally altered their student robes, transforming the once solemn garments into stylish long dresses. The fashion-conscious girls had inlaid unique gems on their gauntlets, greaves, and footgear, and their tails were meticulously groomed.

Remarkably, they also wore leg coverings resembling “stockings.”

Dick, with thirty years of experience as a security captain, guaranteed this was not traditional Arcane Academy student attire! They would fit seamlessly among the tavern dancers of Oronar City.

Still, one must admit—top students often enjoyed “privileges” at school.

And if a normal man were wounded and assigned two such charming secretaries to care for him, he would surely rise overnight to sew dragon robes for his superiors as a mark of loyalty.

Regrettably, Dick, gazing at these twins destined to achieve great things themselves, could not endure Akmond’s “twin-flower show” arranged for him.

Hmm, indulging so fully might result in shadow strikes and ignites, but with both buffs active simultaneously, he might just explode on the spot!

“Lord Diakum, on instructions from Principal Akmond and the Academy’s Grand Chancellor Garasum, my sister and I have come to attend to your daily needs.”

The elder twin introduced herself:

“My name is Saloras, and this is my sister, Oreses.”

“Or you may consider me the elder sister among us, as Saloras was born just seconds before me.”

Oreses gently objected to this, then both stepped forward and, under Dick’s silent gaze, withdrew a vial filled with liquid from their waists.

“This is a healing potion personally formulated by Principal Akmond, designed to help you recover swiftly from weakness and to treat your throat injury.

Please drink it promptly.

Once your vocal cords have healed, we will record a magical image of you as evidence to accuse Sachir of conspiracy.”

Dick weakly raised his hand, waving it to indicate he would drink later.

But the twins were relentless.

They pressed onward, even reclining on Dick’s bed, and with an ambiguous yet insistent manner, forced him to sit up.

The younger sister restrained Dick’s feeble hands while the elder unscrewed the vial cap, gently yet coldly bringing it to his lips.

“This potion is made from carefully selected herbs and outstanding alchemy by the Principal. It is incredibly precious and should be consumed before its potency fades to achieve the best effect. This is also our graduation project as distinguished graduates. Please do not make it difficult for us, a humble physical education teacher.”

She reached out to stroke Dick’s severely injured throat, supporting his chin, and said:

“Come now, my sister and I will personally serve you... Lord, it is time to take your medicine.”