F-Rank Soul Eater-Chapter 193: The Mastermind

"Will you be my personal ward?"

The words rolled out of his mouth like an engine smoothened by oil.

It shocked the instructors. Even the Red Swords that ran to contain the Shade Stealer paused in shock.

And Instructor Ivory V. nearly chocked on her own saliva.

Why?

Because Instructor Vandabel was a Vandabel.

Most nobles were classiest by nature. And while the Vandabel’s were different because they respected power and not class, that made them even more difficult to get along with.

A family that believed that humans don’t need Soul mechas to fight Eldritch souls, ended up becoming extremists that saw every other person outside their bloodline as lesser.

Of course, respect was still given to a powerful person.

However, the person would still be seen as lesser to the family.

For this reason, they were one of the very few families that did not recruit from the Imperial Soulforge Academy.

In fact, it is said that the only reason they did not in bred often was because of diseases and genetic deficiencies.

They were so extreme, that they choose and grew people from young specifically for the purpose of mating with them, and were treated no higher than cattles for milking.

They were systematically used for their ability to give birth to the next generation and nothing else.

Most people could testify that that Vandabel family were a different kind of crazy—even within noble circles.

If that was how they treated their mates, it was a wonder that any one of them would ever consider taking in an apprentice.

This was the reason for everyone’s shock.

Furthermore, because of their prejudice with other people, this family was very tight with one another.

Meaning that if Instructor Vandabel was making this proposal, then it meant that this decision was most likely agreed upon by at least two others of the family.

The Shock was a literal blow.

But to say many did not envy Soren would be a lie.

Even the students that had gathered as a result of the news that the Shade Stealer had been captured, could not help but whisper amongst themselves.

"Damn... who is this guy? Now even a Vandabel wants to take him as a personal student?"

"By the god of the neural link, I am so jealous. The same Instructor Vandabel that is capable of making a Shade show its true self is asking a mere commoner to be his student..."

"I heard the Vandabel family have like the best training techniques, and even have people as high as the Vice rank in the miltary."

"Vice?... i wont be surprise if they have at least one Venerable."

"Lord of the neural link why can’t it be me!? I’m I a stone... why can’t you bless me like this?"

Many other students lamented their fates.

Some of them even cursed their own bodies. Wishing that they had been born differently, or been born in Soren’s body.

Such an opportunity would probably only happen once in a lifetime.

However, Soren, unaware of all this, simply smiled as he scratched his head.

"Thank you so much sir, I am really flattered. But another Instructor already asked, and I’m already considering it."

Once again, everyone froze.

"Wait a minute. Another instructor already asked?" A cadet muttered lowly, eyes widened in shock.

He was not the only one that could not believe his ears.

All instructors were from noble families. If an instructor had already asked, then it would mean that another noble family already had their eyes on Soren.

But this should not be.

It was true that Soren had had a series of unbelievable feats in such a short period of time.

But that had not removed the obvious stigmata.

He was still F–rank. Usually, his kind was not even supposed to make it into the academy.

Furthermore, piloting an actual Soul Mecha was entirely out of the question.

Only those of at least C–rank and above had made it that far.

Even though the rumors said he piloted a Soul Mecha, no one actually saw him do it.

In fact, most did not believe it was true. That was like saying it was raining candy from the sky, or a Eldritch soul was suddenly a herbivore.

And even if he did, that was an old Mecha class. One that was at least two generations in the past.

There was no way an F–rank would be able to pilot one.

And piloting a top Soul Mecha was just the tip of the iceberg on the list of considerations that noble families would have to watch out for, before intending on taking in a commoner.

There was no hard feelings to this. Talent was just that important.

Of course, because the Vandabel noble family never used Soul Mechas, it was far easier to understand why they would not mind having Soren.

—Shocking, but still on the very narrow metric of possibilities.

But another noble family?

Hell no.

Many could not help but guess that this noble family might be like the Vandabel family.

That had to be it.

Yes.

Or maybe they were looking for someone to scrub their stables.

However, curiosities had been picked.

Instructor Vandabel paused. A brow twitched.

He had definitely not expected to be rejected.

From the way Soren acted, it was clear the boy did not know who he was, or the position he occupied within the school.

After all, every instructor dressed the same. Only when necessary was position and status introduced.

And even that was dependent on Strength of both the individual and the family they came from.

Instructor Vandabel wanted to know which instructor it was—which in turn would help him know the family.

"Cadet Soren, do you mind telling me which Instructor it is that has decided to take you under their tutelage?" Instructor Vandabel asked with a smile that almost felt forced.

Nope—definitely forced.

Soren saw nothing wrong with it and wanted to talk, but behind, his eyes noticed Instructor V Ivory’s subtle head movement.

Soren did not understand what that was about, but he was not about to get in between it.

No doubt, this was a noble kind of problem. And those were never good.

"Forgive me instructor, " he replied politely, "But may I decline?"

*Gasps*

Instructor Vandabel was taken aback, and so was the crowd.

Silence.

Then he smiled—broad— revealing a set of teeth quite similar to unpolished daggers.

"Good... good!" He patted Soren’s shoulder. "I like your confidence. This is the kind of Cadets we train to become knights of the Almace Empire.

Very good. If you need guidance or anything, make sure to tell me."

Each hit felt heavy, but Soren maintained a smile back.

Instructor Vandabel turned, hands resting on his back as he strolled away.

Yet again, another shock.

"He is not angry?"

... whispers flew all about.

"Erm... sir," Soren suddenly raised his hand.

Vandabel paused, and turned half way.

"Yes."

"Well, I kinda got my wristwatch destroyed in the False Glass. I don’t know if its possible i could get another one."

"Of course..." he smiled again, "but according to school rules, it will be deducted from your points."

"Erm... how much is that?" Soren asked curiously.

"Hmmm... that’s about 50... no, a hundred thousand points."

Soren felt his heart ache.

How couldn’t it?

He had just given Aegon 50 thousand points as bribery, and now he was losing another 100 thousand points because of the Standard cadet wristwatch.

Soren’s face cringed in sudden Sorrow.

’Here I thought that I was making money... I just lost 150 thousand in one day.’

"But with what you make from capturing the Shade Stealer, there is no doubt that you can afford it." He winked at Soren.

As he left, the gathered instructors and students made way for him.

Behind, the Red Swords followed, carrying the Shade Stealer.

Soren’s eyes brightened.

Just then, his eyes saw a familiar figure in the crowd.

Sophia.

She gasped the moment his eyes landed on her, turned and hurried away.

....

An hour later, Soren stood in front of a particular place in the red zone.

The Science reasearch institute.

He took a huge breath, wondering whether this was the right move.

But with all that had happened, he had no choice.

Soren felt cold, and warmed his hands together.

But I looked more like it was his nervousness.

On getting here, the first he noticed was that Red Swords were now stationed as security.

Meaning Dr Kaya must be working on something not mean for public eyes.

After all, no one guarded a place with no treasure.

On arrival, a red sword stopped him.

"Tell Doctor Kaya, I want to see her. Its about the Shade Stealer, he left a message."

His words surprised them.

But quickly, they did as he had asked.

No doubt, these red Swords had more loyalty to the creepy doctor than they did to the Academy.

A few seconds later, they let him in.

Soren went into a familiar room. She was waiting within.

The moment he entered, and the door closed behind him, Soren spoke.

"So... at what point were you going to tell me that you were... the Shade Stealer."