Nightmare Mythos

"Hah…!"

Spencer made it look easy to be able to replicate his movements that seemed ordinary at first but Cesar had already found it hard while training and was able to realize this in the hard way. And for him to passed this class, he'll have to achieve perfection at this technique.

Because he saw that footwork isn't just any other type of technique that one can achieve easily, and with Spencer being his instructor, Cesar encountered some problems. His movements became erratic, he tripped over himself and broke a few bones here and there, and a few others more.

It was just day one and Cesar already knew there were much more to come.

"Okay, stop now."

Cesar forced himself to stop as he slumped down on the ground, beads of sweats falling down that drenched his training clothes. Feeling pain all over his body, he tried to recollect his breath before a crazed smile plastered on his lips.

'This is great! Absolutely one of my top choices when it comes to class! It's hard but it will be all worth it if I'm able to learn all the footwork that Spencer is willing to teach me.'

Spencer cast a glance at Cesar's reaction at the end of their training, thinking that he had gone insane with that smile. However, he set those thoughts aside since it didn't look like he disliked his class. More like he was thrilled to be able to become part of it.

Spencer then contemplated something from his head before adding, "If you would like, I can teach you in the weekends if you aren't busy. Just inform me beforehand since I might be doing something in those days. However, if we're both free, then better not waste it,"

'Will that even require an answer?'

Drawing out a huge breath from his mouth, Cesar smirked and nodded, "Let's do it,"

Ending the class there while watching Spencer leave the mansion in its sorry state, Cesar remained on its premises briefly to rethink what he had learned for the past few days. Now that he had seen his whole schedule for the whole week and knew he would be learning a lot from them, Cesar didn't doubt what he could achieve with them.

Aside from the arrogant Han Langston who will probably give him the same treatment most of the time, Cesar realized it was really worthwhile.

Eventually, Cesar left the mansion a few minutes later after struggling to rise up and walk. Now that he was all battered around his body, the only thing that was going through his mind was to take a shower and sleep.

…

Days quickly passed by.

All Cesar did most of the time he was in the Academy was train and train. There was less talk happening and he was seldom communicating with his peers, but he didn't forget the important matters he had to handle eventually.

The first one was finding the Soul Scholar.

He didn't neglect everything to the last detail. Since he was running out of ideas and research, Cesar used his teacher's knowledge regarding what terrain is most concentrated with essence.

Everyone answered on their own, and even Han participated in his questions while blacksmithing, and soon, certain areas across the world were mentioned.

Red zones, safe zones, unknown zones, and knowledge that aren't made in public were told to him as well.

That brings him to the second most important event happening soon, the banquet.

Various people will come to this celebration as each official will watch the Hero of Wheels receive his rightful rewards.

However, that thing is just full of mystery and danger. Unknown threats have come into play with this banquet, and Cesar knew he was in the middle of the upcoming storm. It will either sway him like the rest of the people or use this opportunity to sneak his way out.

The sad news about that part is Arnold and Nas were still in the dark on the whole purpose of this banquet. He was hearing this piece of news along the way currently.

"We still haven't discovered anything crucial for this sudden banquet that is made for you, but there's progress," Arnold paused while gazing outside of their vehicle as they made their exit through the Academy tunnels.

Then he took an abrupt pause, "Few people are under our radar now. Hidden investigations have been implemented. And…"

Cesar noticed that Arnold grew hesitant to continue, afraid that even knowing about it would endanger Cesar himself.

"Just tell me. I'm not afraid of anything,"

Arnold took a glance at Cesar's face before sighing, "There's a third-party involvement. This just needs any other party that is willing to do something for the sake of money or fame. And… we're considering a High Ranking Personnel in the Army and Nightmare Corps. A Nightmare. Last but not least, an Administrator,"

Cesar's eyes grew wide once he heard that piece of information before finally realizing the graveness of the situation.

'Why would a High Ranking Army Officer, an Administrator of the Academy, and a fucking Nightmare in the cahoots with each other? That doesn't sound right… Does that mean they are traitors and want to do something from me? Is it because of my involvement with Deceit?'

Cesar didn't receive this kind of attention when he was only The Freak of the Academy. Now that he had gone out of one of the strongest Origin Nightmare Creature's strongholds, people started to take interest and be willing to achieve their purpose from him.

And to do that, Cesar had to be just in a place where he was the most vulnerable of any protection.

But everything is not making any sense.

'How come they are cooperating with a Nightmare?'

Cesar was about to ask that question when Arnold halted him with a raised hand.

"Don't ask about it. There are certain things that you should definitely not know. It's also for your own safety,"

Cesar shook his head as he complained in an annoyed tone, "If you're going to hide it from me, you shouldn't have told me in the first place,"

Arnold shrugged but didn't dare look at Cesar straight in the eyes.

The area inside their vehicle became awkward as passed through one of the Academy tunnels with the intention of moving through their destination, City of Lights, Dawnbreaker