Instead of heading straight to the departure town, Jules had other plans.
The Leviathan Squad had only escorted them a short distance from the main territory before departing.
Jules had made that choice deliberately—he wanted to hunt the monsters lingering nearby and gain experience before leaving.
He could do the same in other places, sure, but those usually came with a price.
The monsters here were also weak, ranked between E and C, making them the perfect targets.
On the first day of their journey, they spent it scouring the area for beasts, managing to bring down four.
He used the opportunity to sharpen his swordplay under Ryan's guidance and refine his spellcasting.
As dusk settled, the pair made their way toward Bridge Town, eventually picking a spot to camp for the night.
The two still hadn't had any real conversations—everything revolved around monsters, sword fighting, and similar topics.
This was mostly because Jules kept his distance.
Seated in front of a small campfire, Jules stared aimlessly into the flames, lost in thought.
He had a rough plan for what to do, but he decided to improve that plan now.
Around now, that lucky fellow should have awakened after centuries of sleep.
He has probably won over people who will help him.
Soon, he'll discover the best place to grow his strength...
The Institute!
That's where Jules was heading. Not just because it was the first major setting—but because it was an information hub. Many organizations, both open and hidden, had roots there.
Jules followed that with listing characters from the academy and which he'll benefit from.
I have to make my decisions around my goal; to reduce the impact of the coming events and secondly, to become the Clan Heir… Leader actually, which will boost my power.
For the first part, I just need to grow stronger and prepare people for it.
While the other, I need to search for the Organization that's supporting the traitor and use them to identify who the traitor within our clan is.
Jules started using a twig in his hand to scribble on the ground as his thoughts went deeper.
I need more combat experience to pass the Entrance Exams. But since I know the content, it's easier for me.
Hm… I also need to forge an identity to use.
Huh… two identities actually–Heh, I can't have them know who is ruining their plans so early on!
I need to get some equipment; something to cut the connection between me…and well, me.
The "safe" Institute, huh?
Jules smirked.
As the Heir of War, that's my home ground!
At that moment, he sensed something that pulled his attention.
Sitting at the other side of the fire, a brown haired, black eyed boy was staring intently at Jules.
Jules frowned as he raised a brow. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Ryan shrugged. "Sometimes, you just exude an aura that makes me want to punch you."
Jules squinted. "Huh? Could you stop? I hate it."
"And why the fuck do I have to do as you say?" Ryan replied sharply. "You have no title anymore!"
This guy… He was actually faking his act with the original!
"I can't believe he was seen as naive. Tch, two-faced freak," Jules muttered, turning back to his scribbling.
"Inept bastard," Ryan shot back with a mumble of his own.
And I hate his dumb skill! I can't even talk freely!
Jules didn't retort, he continued scribbling as he let his thoughts run.
But Ryan had a lot to say.
"What are we even doing? What are 'you' doing? And why did you drag me into this?"
Jules smiled slightly as he answered.
"Didn't the Captain tell you? This is your punishment for keeping valuable information to yourself."
"I didn't know who to trust…" Ryan said in a low voice, before raising it again:
"Even if I did—why exile? And you—what the hell was that about? You were all scared a few days ago, and now you're running off on a hunt quest? What's with that?"
"Most especially, for what reason was I roped into this?"
Jules was quiet for a moment before answering calmly.
"You're saying it like I didn't play a part in saving your life." Sighing, he added, "It's not like I wanted you to follow me either."
Ryan looked like he had more to say but held back.
Instead, he asked, "What exactly are we doing? All I know is we're targeting an enemy faction… one I apparently should've known about."
Jules replied, "Firstly, it's best we don't pry too much into each other's secrets. Less stress."
He paused, before he continued, "Regarding what we're going to do from here, I'll naturally tell you. Before you interrupted me, I was busy thinking about that."
Ryan looked blankly for a second then hissed. "It's hard to leave the plan with someone whose first mission was four days ago."
Without waiting for Jules to reply, he said, "But outside experience, you're better than me. And I trust Captain Freya's judgment—if she sent you out, there's a reason.
Reducing the harshness of his tone, he continued, "I don't like this. But I want to go back. To the Clan. To my parents. So I'll follow your plan—for now. Just make sure it's worth it.
He is surprisingly rational.
Jules gave a faint smile and nodded. "I also want to go back."
"Is that so?" Ryan sounded skeptical as he said, "I have less issues if we our goals are aligned."
The statement made Jules chuckle. "Like business partners."
Then he lowered his voice to a whisper. "Use your skill."
Ryan immediately caught on and did as instructed.
Jules looked towards where he was scribbling and acted like he was whispering to himself.
"We shouldn't go into details right now. It's best we assume we're being observed until I deem it safe."
Ryan gave a subtle nod.
Looking up with a grin, Jules said, "I need some advice."
Ryan furrowed his brows. "For what?"
"Oh, I plan to take on that C-ranked beast tomorrow… alone."