◉◉◉◉◉
In the Student Council Room.
Anos rarely came to the council room in the mornings.
He usually arranged the next day's tasks before leaving in the afternoon, then returned around noon. There was a simple reason for that.
Mornings were best spent training.
The spiritual energy in Kuoh was densest before classes began. Wasting that time on paperwork would have been unforgivable.
"President, I'm here to inform you of Stanford University's official response."
The moment Anos opened the door, that was the first thing he heard.
"Hmm?"
He raised an eyebrow.
That phrasing felt… strangely formal.
Seeing the flicker of surprise on his face, Sona adjusted her glasses and explained calmly.
"I happened to forward your academic profile to a contact at Stanford. They were extremely impressed, If you agree, you can enroll at any time."
"Even though you've only just entered your final year, they're willing to arrange early admission or preparatory coursework immediately."
"Emmmm…"
Anos frowned as he listened.
Then a thought crossed his mind.
"Judgment, is Sona trying to move me away from the center of yesterday's incident?"
[Yes]
The answer was exactly what he expected.
"She really is a good girl…"
He sighed inwardly.
Yesterday, the Ark Sphere had thrown the entire world into chaos. To Sona, Kuoh Town must now feel like a ticking bomb.
This was her way of protecting him.
"Sona, thank you for the recommendation," Anos said with a relaxed smile. "But I think this place suits me just fine. If I attend university at all, Kuoh University is more than enough."
Why would he go to Stanford?
Most people attended university to secure a better future.
But in his case?
With a single decision, he could predict market surges, manipulate investments, and generate wealth beyond measure. If elite universities could be bought, he could purchase all of them without blinking.
What was the point?
"President, why refuse? This is an incredible opportunity," Sona pressed, her brow tightening.
It was the fastest, quietest way she could think of to move him out of danger.
"Because I want to stay with everyone," Anos replied gently.
"—!"
The door behind him slammed open with a thunderous crack.
A crimson figure stormed into the room.
"Sona! I didn't expect you to stoop this low!"
Rias stood before them, eyes blazing.
"i—i? W—What exactly have I done?" Sona asked coolly, though a hint of irritation crept into her voice.
She truly didn't understand.
She was simply arranging a temporary transfer, Why was Rias reacting like this?
"You know very well what you're doing," Rias snapped, arms crossing beneath her chest. "After what happened yesterday, you approach Anos first thing this morning... You really are shameless."
Sona inhaled slowly, restraining herself.
"What I'm doing is entirely logical."
She was referring to protecting Anos from the storm gathering around Kuoh.
Rias, however, heard something very different.
"Logical? So you think it's acceptable to steal someone I've set my sights on like some alley cat sneaking scraps?!"
Destructive demonic power shimmered faintly in her blue eyes.
She was talking about something else entirely.
In Rias's mind, Sona had tried to recruit Anos as her peer before Rias could.
They weren't even arguing about the same issue.
And yet the conversation flowed with terrifying intensity.
"'Alley cat' is hardly appropriate," Sona replied evenly, pushing up her glasses. "I simply believe this is the best path for his development."
"I disagree, Sona, your arrogance is exactly what I dislike about you."
The temperature in the room dropped.
Outside the doorway, Anos quietly stepped aside while the two "queens" locked eyes.
"Looks like they're getting along wonderfully, don't you think, President?"
Akeno leaned against the wall, chin resting lightly on her fingers, thoroughly amused.
"Oh, absolutely," Anos murmured, stroking his chin. "Maybe this is just how best friends communicate."
"The Vice President only did this for President Anos's safety," Tsubaki stated calmly from nearby.
"And you think Rias is trying to harm him?" Akeno replied sweetly, her smile deceptively gentle.
"That is not what I said," Tsubaki answered, adjusting her glasses. "I simply believe Vice President Sitri's decision was correct."
As Sona's Queen, loyalty was non-negotiable.
Seeing tension building even outside the room, Anos intervened.
"Akeno, could I trouble you for a cup of tea?"
"Oh my, President Anos, are you trying to distract me?" she teased.
"I heard your tea is exceptional, I'd love the chance to try it."
"Fufufu… Very well."
Akeno understood instantly. With a graceful smile, she left to prepare it.
Truthfully, spectating Rias was far more entertaining than participating.
"Thank you," Anos said lightly.
On the system interface hovering invisibly before him, a green treasure chest pulsed.
[Opening Condition: Drink tea brewed personally by Akeno Himejima.]
He could have waited until the afternoon when Rias planned to summon him.
But earlier was better.
Just as Sona had said—
Without sufficient strength, it was wise to stay clear of the storm's eye.
And strength began with preparation.
◉◉◉◉◉
~Support with 300 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
◉◉◉◉◉
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!