The next morning I woke up. Everything was the same as yesterday: training, food, and classes again.
Today there was only one lesson — History of the Empire. After that, I was completely free.
The rest of the day went just like before: sparring with Eleris and Cecilia, then personal training, then sleep.
On day 3, a new subject was added — Survival in Extreme Regions.
In short, it covered dangerous climate zones and the beasts that inhabit them, but unlike Ecology, it focused more on general conditions rather than individual species.
After that came training with Professor Lanner — the same one who taught Monster Ecology. Nothing new, just him probing for weaknesses in our techniques. This time he also held sparring matches. After that, the repetition of day 1 followed.
On day 4, Monster Ecology was exactly like day 2.
Day 5 was identical to day 3.
Finally, the weekend arrived. I could complete missions without worrying about classes.
I went to the mission board.
E-rank missions.
Elimination missions.
I looked through the missions in search of a suitable one, and I found it.
Morden Veilcross, 35 years old
2nd core aura rank
Target description:
Face: thin, sharp features. Clearly defined cheekbones, pointed chin. Pale skin. Straight, slightly elongated nose. Thin lips, often tightly pressed. Cold, attentive gaze under thick brows.
Red-orange hair
Green eyes, unkempt hair
Height: 185+ cm
Distinctive marks: none
Elements: Fire, ???
Killed 3 first-rank warriors and 1 second-rank warrior to steal their equipment and monster materials. Last seen in the port city of Lunariv, in the southeast of the Empire. Likely planning to leave the Empire by sea.
Reward: 120 credits, everything carried by the target.
This is what I needed. The travel would take time, but it didn't matter. As a student, I could travel for free.
After several transfers, I arrived at the destination. On the train I couldn't train, so I focused more on meditation, especially on magic.
And of course, I slept.
Upon arrival, I quickly found a random tavern.
"I'll take a beef steak, beer, and tell me when the nearest ships are departing and where they're going."
I tossed him a silver coin. It was more than enough for the meal and information.
The tavern keeper was surprised, but didn't ask unnecessary questions. Five minutes later, my food and beer were on the table.
Finally, the tavern keeper spoke:
"A ship to Thalassia departs this evening. The next one won't leave for at least three days."
"And have any ships left in the past two days?"
"None."
"Thanks."
I thanked the tavern keeper, finished my food and beer, and went to look for the ship. Luckily, there weren't many departures.
I asked around and quickly found the correct ship.
There were still five hours before departure, so I had time.
It was obvious the target was traveling illegally.
The ship was a cargo vessel.
I found the captain — a 3rd-rank warrior.
The cargo didn't seem particularly important.
I approached him.
"Hello, I am a student of the Imperial Capital Academy."
I showed him my student badge (all students were issued badges for missions and dorm access).
"Hello, how can I help you?" the captain replied politely.
"There is a criminal in this city, and I am on an academy assignment to capture him. If I'm correct, his goal is to leave the continent by sea. I would like to inspect your ship — there is a chance he has already infiltrated it."
The captain frowned.
I thoroughly inspected the ship, especially the cargo hold, but found no trace of the target.
I reported back to the captain and thought.
The criminal wants to leave later. Or maybe the captain is hiding something.
There is also a chance the criminal is trying to create a false trail of departure, but I doubt it — such details would have been included in the mission intel.
"I have a question, Captain. Did you perhaps take on any new crew members recently?"
I knew that if the captain was involved, there was a chance he would try to kill me and dispose of the body unnoticed, but that was unlikely. Killing an academy student — and also the child of a Grand Duke — would be close to suicide, especially for someone only slightly higher ranked and likely corrupt.
So the risk was worth it.
The captain remained calm.
"Yes, a few."
"Were any of them second-rank? No — better yet, take me to them."
"Of course. Follow me."
The captain was surprisingly cooperative despite my suspicions.
We arrived at the tavern, already filled with sailors.
I scanned the area, looking for possible escape routes. The only way to find someone who plans to flee is to think like one.
The captain ordered all second-rank individuals to come down. He waited for everyone, preventing anyone from escaping by jumping from the second floor.
THUD.
I turned toward the sound. It came from the left.
I saw a man running.
Based on his build, he was very likely the target.
I immediately gave chase.