Chapter 62: House Leader Aluxor
The man blinked in surprise. "Oh, this is the first time I'm seeing someone react like this. You're just going to sit back because you think I'm more powerful than you?"
Severin didn't bother to go into a word game with the man because, with the way he could see and tell exactly what his Stigma was, it was clear that he wasn't an average person.
Besides, from what Severin could tell, the man looked like a final-year student. And with all those high-grade artifacts on him?
Well.
The only thing he could do then was to start thinking of ways to get out of the situation. So he stared back calmly. "Currently, the students think that I'm the weakest student in school."
He tilted his head. "Are you?"
"Depends on what the measurements of strength are."
"Use your measurements. Are you the weakest?"
Severin didn't answer. He knew he had long since stopped being the weakest. Still weak, sure, but never at the lowest bottom. "Who are you?"
He finally demanded.
The man was dressed very weirdly. He wore suits that were best left in the 70s in the real world. And he carried too many metals on himself, from ear piercings to bangles and chains.
Everything clinked together as he bowed. "I am Aluxor Filix, House Leader of House Arkwright."
Severin did his best not to stiffen his muscles in tension, not only because a House Leader was standing before him but because of the name Aluxor Filix.
Aluxor Filix, the man blessed by the System.
In the whole world, nobody enjoyed the privilege of the System like the man in front of Severin. It was as if the System was not malfunctioning at all, and it even provided him with the way to secretly level up.
Unfortunately, his type of power isn't one that could be claimed secretly.
Severin blinked. In the book, it wasn't mentioned that he was a student of the Zenith Hero Academy at any time. The time that he was mentioned was when he became known as one of the most important and powerful Etherion researchers ever.
And later, the most renowned researcher in history.
And why not? He was the man blessed by the System, beloved by it. The man that created an equipment that actually rivaled an artifact.
Honestly, with his power, he should be an MC all on his own, but the author cursed him and gave him a very burning passion toward researching.
Indeed, Zenith Hero Academy is legendary.
Severin stood up and returned the bow. "Severin Reignhart, Leader of House Chains."
"I know, and that's why I'm here," Aluxor said. He drew a chair and sat down. "I am just returning from my trip outside of the Academy, and yet I heard of your tales, Founder."
The way he spoke, as if he'd known Severin since childhood, didn't fool him because he knew just how strong the man before him was. Not to mention the difference between their stages.
"And what did you hear?" Severin asked. That must be the reason that Aluxor was here before him.
Aluxor went straight to the point. "The Researcher Center. I hear that you were involved. Tell me everything that happened."
Severin looked at him and raised his brows. "No."
Aluxor blinked. "What?"
"No. I'm not telling you anything."
Aluxor was baffled. "Why? I'm asking."
Severin nearly smiled at the casual way that the man spoke. It was as if he'd never even imagined that someone so weak to him could reject his orders that way.
In fact, from his view, Severin should be doing everything to please him. Isn't that what the weak always do to the strong? Kissing their ass?
"And I am telling you no."
It was simple, direct, and to the point.
Aluxor frowned. He was genuinely surprised. "Then... what will make you tell me?"
Severin nodded. Now they were talking. "Nothing much. Just tell me the dynamics between the Houses. Tell me about all the Houses, and I'm sure you know what I want to hear."
One of the reasons Severin was speaking as an equal to Aluxor was because they were actually equal on one foot. And because the man had shown no aggression so far.
Aluxor sat back. "Oh well. Alright."
"There are twelve... thirteen Houses, I guess." His eyes flashed to look at the room. "But we'll focus on the twelve for now.
"There are twelve Houses. What should I tell you? Okay, let's go with the Binding Agreement. Do you know what that is? You don't? Alright, I'll tell you.
"The Binding Agreement was crafted by the highest authority in the Academy. The Director. This agreement was based solely on the Houses. Any House that agrees with the Binding will have some of their authority withdrawn and, in return, get the direct protection of the Academy." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Severin raised his brows. There was something like that?
"Back in the days when the Houses were not even this powerful, all they did was fight against each other for territory and resources in the most brutal way. The Academy was turned into a mini battleground... war ground.
"It was actually so bad."
"But they still fight for resources," Severin pointed out.
Aluxor snorted. "Not like before. This looks like child's play. Now there are some regulations, but before? It was total chaos, and if left alone, the Houses would destroy themselves."
"So the Binding Agreement was made, and Houses that wanted to agreed to it. Eight Houses agreed to it, and the remaining four? They didn't join, but it hardly mattered then because the remaining four couldn't touch the Eight without fighting the Academy itself.
"So the time of chaos stopped, and the Houses had time to grow. The Houses that joined the Academy Agreement were given more partnership, like my House.
"House Arkwright. We are a House that focuses mainly on artifacts and research. We are in partnership with the Academy's research facility."
"Tell me the Houses that are not in the agreement?" They would be the Houses that Severin would have to look out for the most.
"House Draconis, House Solarin, House Caelum, and House Blackthorn," Aluxor looked at him and smiled. "I guess House Chains is part of those without the agreement as well."