Bloodline Evolution: I Can Choose Opposing Paths-Chapter 69: An Unusual Commission?

A week had passed since the Orientation Exchange happened. Imperial Mystic College had already moved on...Well, at least on the surface.

The banners celebrating Lightning’s victory had been taken down, replaced by new announcements for midterms among other events. Students had stopped replaying the midair steal on their tablets.

Aren had become somewhat of a celebrity on campus, which was mostly due to Daniel’s influence, and frankly...his loose mouth, as now everyone on campus knows he’s a Line 3 freshman.

Just really hope he kept my Bloodline out of whatever tea he’s spilling.

Aren sighed as he finished his final set in the school’s gym. Sweat ran down his face as he wiped it away with a towel. Physical training was grounding, a place for him to think about events.

He left the gym and crossed the courtyard toward the campus cafeteria. Students filled the outdoor seating area, whispering things back and forth to each other.

"...Ice’s funding almost got cut, you know."

"...For like a day."

"...Didn’t her father step in?"

"...Yeah. Huge donation. Covered everything."

Aren didn’t slow, as it was something he already knew...And also the same piece of information the whole school’s been talking about the entire week.

With Luna’s loss during the Orientation Exchange and the increased funding was allocated to the Lightning Department instead. The Ice Department, who used to train lavishly, now had their realities changed.

Many complained to Luna, who was supposed to be their strongest representative.

Even if they would’ve lost harder in the same position.

But that was until the day after, where a private transfer had corrected the imbalance overnight. The Northern Commander had likely donated the funds toward the Ice Department to fix his daughter’s mistake.

Even if they were on bad terms, he couldn’t exactly let her lose her reputation.

And Luna herself...they hadn’t talked properly the whole time.

But Aren understood and gave her space. He could imagine how it must’ve looked from her side, constantly reminded that—at the end of the day—she was still dependent.

It was the weekends, when most students only showed up to use the facilities. Aren finished his meal and checked the time:

9:30 AM.

Senior Daniel had told him that they’d be going on a joint mission with the Urban Hunting Club next month. He’d said it casually but it was clear that the mission would be bigger.

He stood from his seat and stepped outside, hands sliding into his pockets as he crossed the courtyard. Some students greeted him, which had become normal at this point, and he waved them back.

Since I have some free time, let’s take a commission.

Aren stepped toward the transit station leading to East Ward, wondering what commissions would be available.

Aren stepped on the eastern streets once more. The weekend crowd was thicker than usual, students mixed with civilians and even tourists. But the energy had felt louder than before:

"...Did you get tickets?"

"...Tomorrow night!"

"...She’s debuting the new single!"

"...After what happened at Lorianne Festival? No way I’m missing this!"

Aren’s steps slowed slightly as he passed a group of girls practically shaking with excitement outside a dessert shop. A large digital banner flickered across a building further down the street.

MIU HARMONIA

Imperial City — One Night Only — Imperial City Auditorium

The name lingered in his mind.

Miu Harmonia...

He had heard it twice now, once from those girls swarming Daniel. And now...it’s everywhere.

Vendors were playing snippets of her songs through portable speakers. Posters had been taped onto street poles. Even a delivery drone buzzed past, carrying a holographic advertisement trailing pink light behind it.

She’s that big?

Aren frowned faintly.

If she was this popular, this influential...

Why can’t I remember her?

In his previous life, Imperial City had always been a distant name during this period in time for him. He hadn’t even been close to the city at all.

And by the time he did come here...it was already tangled up in conflict.

Aren exhaled slowly and decided to mind his own business, squeezing past the crowd to get to where he needed to go.

He pushed the door and entered the Mountain and Seas bookstore. There were a lot more people here than he remembered. Well, mostly for the actual book service it provided, and not the Committee that was underneath.

Aren glanced around once more, hoping to catch a glimpse of an old man he remembered, but still no luck.

The young clerk looked up from behind the counter and immediately recognized him.

Only when Aren got closer to the desk, he whispered softly.

"Welcome back, Hunter Cross."

"Are you planning to take your first request today?"

Aren rested a hand lightly on the counter. "Anything available. I’m not picky."

The clerk sighed slowly.

"There was a surge of activity earlier this week," he said evenly. "Most of the simpler One-Star commissions have already been assigned."

That information didn’t really surprise Aren. With the increased foot traffic during the weekends, problems were bound to occur.

"So nothing left?" Aren asked.

"There are a few," the clerk replied. "But most are follow-ups or minor patrols."

But that was when the clerk paused and stared at him, before reaching beneath the counter and pulling out a small file.

"There is one commission," he continued slowly, "that has not been taken."

Aren’s eyes sharpened slightly.

"Why not?"

The clerk’s fingers rested on the folder without opening it.

"It is classified as One-Star," he said. "However..."

"It is a bit...unusual to say the least."

Even if he was normally disciplined, his curiosity surged the moment the commission was mentioned.

"What kind of unusual?" he asked finally.

He slid the file slightly forward, just enough for Aren to glimpse the header.

"The commissioner already employs a full professional security team," the clerk continued.

"Then why request an additional hunter?" Aren asked.

The clerk’s gaze lifted from the folder to meet his.

"The request specifies a... personal attachment."

Aren frowned.

"Personal?"

"The wording indicates that the commissioner is dissatisfied with the current team’s... discretion."

Doesn’t seem like a normal security job?

Aren leaned forward slightly.

"Who’s the commissioner?"

The clerk did not answer immediately.

Instead, he closed the file halfway and glanced toward the main bookstore floor, making sure no one was listening before he whispered:

"Miu Harmonia."