CHAPTER - 54

  Narrator: During the call, Matteo was torturing one of Italy's most important ministers: Ruggiero De' Medici.

  Matteo (wielding a spiked hammer with a crazy smile): Talk to you later, my friend!

  (He ends the call and turns towards Ruggiero with an excited expression.) Now, back to business.

  Where were we?

  Ruggiero De' Medici (covered in blood, with torn patches of skin, but still defiant):

  You won't get any information, bastards!

  (Laughs, coughing up blood.)

  The Sect will find you... and slaughter all of you! AHAHAH!

  Matteo (bursting into hysterical laughter):

  Let's see how long that lasts, then!

  (He slowly approaches, bending down towards him.)

  You know... Zephirus said the same thing.

  Ruggiero De' Medici (turning pale, his breath catching for a moment):

  Wait... what? Zephirus?!

  (Screams as the hammer strikes again.)

  AHHRGG!!

  Narrator: Meanwhile, Dav continued talking with the Director at the bar.

  Dav (curiously raising an eyebrow):

  What did Matteo mean by "his position"?

  Director (clenching his fists, staring at the plate in front of him):

  ...Well, actually, I'm the guild leader of the Italian National Security.

  (He pauses, then continues in a lower voice.)

  Currently, only a few people know... one of them is Rugerus, my deputy.

  (He runs a hand through his hair, thoughtful.)

  We were permanently assigned to the academy to monitor the hero, in case he lost control... like at the hospital.

  (He breathes deeply.)

  At first, we were only there to train and instruct future heroes, but not much more.

  Then, when the hero woke up, we noticed one of his brothers was studying at the academy.

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  (He darkens.)

  It was almost certain that, sooner or later, he would come to visit him... maybe with a formal invitation.

  (He half-smiles bitterly.)

  Or he'd simply show up, relying on his reputation, walking through the gate without even needing permission, maybe at the start of the new year.

  (He stops for a moment, clenching his jaw.)

  We also thought that... if you stayed too long, you might become dangerous.

  That's why I decided to meet with you first.

  (He looks up at Dav.)

  I wanted to make sure everyone was wrong.

  (He leans back, crossing his arms.)

  I also spoke with Gabriel, but... he couldn't give me much information about you.

  (Sighs, then weakly smiles.)

  So, I went straight to your mother.

  I gave her the invitation in person while you were out with your nephews and Gabriel.

  (Lowers his gaze.)

  In the end, we were all wrong.

  (He stands and bows deeply.)

  And for that, once again... thank you.

  Thank you for protecting us every day.

  Dav (tense, waving his hands):

  Alright! Alright! No need for all this.

  (Looks up, trying to lighten the mood.)

  The academy is a great place after all.

  (He gives a half-smile.)

  Remember? Free beer.

  Director (pauses for a moment, then bursts into laughter, relieved):

  I remember perfectly!

  Dav (freshly):

  I think it's time to head back to the academy.

  Director (standing up):

  Let's go then.

  Let's go home.

  Narrator: As soon as they arrived at the academy, all hell broke loose.

  Everywhere, students and even professors were staring at their phones, glued to the American national broadcast.

  The special guest? Azrael Kingsley.

  TV / Live Broadcast

  Host: "Mr. Azrael Kingsley, what do you think of all the rumors coming from the Dav De Lion Academy?

  It's not just students, but even professors!"

  Azrael Kingsley (confident, with a half-smile):

  "I don’t see why these rumors should carry so much weight.

  It wasn’t Mr. Dav De Lion who said it directly, but someone else with their gossip."

  Press:

  "Would you duel against him? And if so, who would win?"

  Azrael Kingsley (becoming serious, crossing his hands on the table):

  "We're talking about the man who saved us all... on his own.

  A million monsters and a divine calamity boss... yet, he came out victorious.

  He may not have the same strength or physique as before... but he's still the hero.

  And in my opinion, a truly strong man."

  (He pauses, then smiles slightly.)

  "It would be an honor to fight him in a friendly match.

  But I won't force him, nor will I make a man who saved us back then participate in something like that...

  ...especially for a simple title like Top 1."

  (He stands, adjusting his cufflink.)

  "That's all, gentlemen. Have a good day."

  Narrator: As soon as the live broadcast ended, everyone turned towards Dav, standing at the entrance of the academy.

  The looks were clear:

  "Please, fight!"

  Dav (laughing, but visibly irritated):

  If you all have this much free time...

  ...why not use it in the arena?

  (Smiles ominously.)

  I'll tear you apart, you useless bastards!

  Narrator: A deathly silence fell.

  Then, as if an emergency march had started, everyone began running to their classrooms, without a word.

  The next day

  Narrator: After all the stress from the news and Azrael Kingsley...

  Dav took a day off.

  Once again, he helped Miss Iris with the shopping, spending the day with her.

  END OF CHAPTER - 54