[Alaric's Pov]
Instructor Alaric stood at the center of the hidden chamber beneath his grand library, his posture rigid.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, crackling with static energy. On the rune-etched wall opposite him, two massive, shimmering portals of purple light tore open and stabilizing almost instantly. Two figures stepped through.
The first was a woman, Instructor Lyra, a woman whose eyes had patience of slow rivers and her silver-threaded uniform immaculate and her. The second was a man, Instructor Thane, bulkier than Lyra with a thoughtful and stern demeanor.
"I called in an urgent two nights ago." Alaric said without preamble.
Thane's jaw clicked,"You're not the only one overseeing a city, Instructor Alaric."
Lyra crossed her arms. "What is so urgent that you dragged us from our districts?" she asked.
Alaric's eyes narrowed. He pushed both hands flat against the table. "There's an Anomaly in my jurisdiction, a thirteenth candidate."
Thane's demeanor instantly shifted from irritation to grave concern. "What?" he demanded, taking a step forward. "When did that happen?"
"When the Game chose its Candidates, of course." Alaric replied.
Lyra's lips pressed together. "So, you knew this all along? And you never once bothered to consult with the Council?!"
"Alaric?" Thane said. "Do you remember the last time someone forced themselves into the Game? Do you remember what that cost us?" He leaned forward. "Half of the country was destroyed because of one man, do remember that?"
"How could I not remember?" Alaric snapped. "He came from my city as well." He slammed his fist onto the desk in the corner, sending a wave of golden mana rippling across the floor. "Why is it always my city that houses these aberrations?"
Lyra watched his outburst with an unforgiving stare. "Lashing out won't help you, Alaric. Now, have your Executioners tracked him down?"
Alaric stopped pacing. He stood perfectly still. "They did. And that's the reason why I called you here. The Anomaly... killed Commander Heron."
"What?" Thane asked, low.
"Yeah, that's how big of a threat he is." Alaric said turning to Lyra, his voice dropping to a plea. "Lyra, I know you have one of the best Executioner in your district. So please, I need you to send him."
He sighed. "I wanted to throw everything I have at the boy but that would draw too much attention and make the other Instructors suspicious. So I just need Acheron to make absolutely sure the Anomaly is neutralized before the Game starts."
Lyra sighed, shaking her head in disgusted judgment. "Fine. I will send Acheron." She tilted her head. "But in the meantime, don't you have some Candidates you could send after him?"
Alaric nodded wearily. "I have already sent some... a team. But honestly, Lyra, I don't think they'll be able to take him down."
Thane snapped his fingers, an idea suddenly clicking. "Wait, why don't find an SS-ranked Candidate. You know if one of those were to engage the Anomaly, they wouldn't have trouble taking him down."
Alaric closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face. "There is one but he's… hard to find."
Lyra threw her hands up in exasperation. "Oh my God, Alaric! Is there one thing you've got covered?"
"If I did, then we wouldn't be here." Alaric shot back, his eyes flashing. "Now please help and stop judging."
Lyra let out a frustrated sound, stepping back toward her portal. "Fine. I'll dispatch Acheron immediately. And tell your candidates to stay out of his way." With a flash of purple light, Lyra vanished through her portal.
Thane looked at Alaric, his expression softening slightly with a reluctant sympathy. "You better pray that Acheron will be able to eliminate him before the Game starts. Because if he doesn't, you'll have a much bigger problem with Grand Matriarch Gavril."
Thane offered a serious nod. Then, the second portal of purple mana collapsed and he too was gone.
Alaric straightened and left the chamber as well.