My Soul card is a Reaper

"Master, you sold our academy?" Azzy was the first to react to it. The others also turned their heads, waiting for confirmation.

Remembering how Barton showed off his enormous wealth during the auction, Mia and Gideon now suspected whether there's a deal regarding them behind their backs. Many theories popped up in their mind now that she confirmed the identity of the old woman.

In response, Barton nodded his head, "The contract has already been finalized. After this semester, Aclein Academy will not exist, anymore. I'm going to inform everyone tomorrow. You five are receiving the news just in advance."

Before Azzy or others reacted, Linnea told them that they don't need to care about it. She stressed that only ownership and the name will be changed. Barton will still be the Principal, Sahara will still be the Vice-Principal, the rest of the faculty will not be removed and the students will continue studying as usual.

Of course, she didn't say anything about the curriculum or the addition of new faculty or change in divisions as she believed it was unnecessary to talk about them at the moment. After all, the three girls will graduate in one year and the two boys will graduate in two years.

The only thing she needs to worry about convincing them to continue for advanced studies in the university.

So, she started to talk about good points like a student exchange program, scholarships for merit students, no requirements for the Aclein Academy's graduated students to enroll in the Eternal University or affiliated colleges, special one-week internship program per every three months, exclusively for ninth and tenth graders, etc…

While she was explaining the details, Angie observed the reaction of these so-called champions. She saw no change in Azzy's expression; Mia also seems to be uninterested as if she doesn't care; Claire and Gideon seemed to be in deep thinking; Snivy was the most excited of all.

It was different from what she imagined, either way, Angie didn't care much about scouting as much as Linnea as the contract has already been signed. After all, in her eyes, genius students will come and go. What she needed is a legendary realm expert as a loyal soldier. This is why she didn't hesitate to offer an enormous amount of fortune to acquire his loyalty.

This contract Barton had signed is considered a slave contract for Barton as it stated that he cannot quit the company for the next hundred years and in exchange, he will continue to be the principal.

This is how he received the payment of received 300 million Krocs in cash (3B credits) and six billion worth of weapons and materials beforehand. He basically decided to sell himself to acquire the Jewel after receiving the news from Aegis. Even his wife doesn't know of the terms of the contract either, at least not yet.

"Okay, Mr. Everglade. I need to leave for the Headquarters." Angie shook his hands and used a teleportation card to leave without making any commotion.

At first, they thought she might be in a hurry but as everyone exited the restaurant, they saw a group of people with cameras. They started clicking the pictures as soon as they saw the new celebrities of the city.

*Sigh* "Let's take one for formality and leave." Barton said to everyone.

After a group pic, they boarded the limo and left for the academy. The girls were the first to be dropped at their dormitory. Then, it was Gideon's turn. Just when Azzy thought of getting out of the vehicle to leave for his home, Barton stopped him, telling him that he'll drop him at the home.

He said good night to Gideon and continued to sit.

"Go to Training grounds-1," Barton ordered the driver. Azzy thought the couple probably would get down there. And they did too. But, to his surprise, Barton told him to follow him to the office.

Azzy wondered what it might be. Does it have anything to do with the meeting with Angie Silverthorn? Does he want to give an explanation to him about his reasoning for selling the academy? Whatever it might be, from his earlier experiences, Azzy knew that it won't be a simple matter.

His suspicions increased further when Barton said his wife to wait at the entrance hall. It even surprised her a bit but Sahara nodded and stayed there, assuming that her job is to make sure to keep an eye on the barrier.

Unknown to him, the Reaper was also seemed to be anxious, waiting for the forty-two percent future possibility to happen.

As they entered the office, Barton created another barrier to make sure no sound escape. He doesn't even want to let his wife knowingly or accidentally hearing it.

After closing the door, Barton pointed to the sofa, "Sit down, first."

Azzy now almost believed that his master will give him an explanation for sure. Back then, he did the same to clear his doubts regarding Neal and his intentions to hide him from the world, although he failed.

But then, thinking of how his master brought him here when he can just tell it in the limo, Azzy threw away his useless thoughts.

It was at that moment Barton summoned his storage card and took out a glossy black crown with a green jewel embedded in it.

"The Jewel of Life, it is yours…" He put for the crown on the table, stunning Azzy.

Standing up on his feet, he displayed his shock. "What do you mean it's mine?"

Looking straight into his disciple's eyes, Barton said, "Your potential is something that I can't even calculate, Azrael. However, your talent will bring too many enemies along the way. After seeing the seriousness of the church of light, I realized that I cannot protect you at all times. If there comes a time where I wasn't around, this will help you. Oh, and also, it is extremely heavy, so, I caution you to use carefully."

"Take it, Azrael." The Reaper's words echoed in his head. "Don't hesitate. You don't get another opportunity like this to get your hands on a cosmic gem."

Azzy sensed the voice was filled with excitement. He never thought the Reaper would be this excited about this stone. From the Reaper, Azzy knows of its origins and he also knew what his master has sacrificed.

Azzy stared at it but his hands never went forward.

The Reaper understood his dilemma. He tried to convince him, "If you think you can't take it for free, then, acknowledge him as your Prime Master and pledge your loyalty. You met your future self. Then, you should know that you are destined to become a Demi-God in about two hundred years. As a Legendary realm Arcana master, he still has a long life ahead of him. Isn't the status of a Demi-God's master worthy? Everyone in the world will fear him and even a Supreme realm expert will have to respect him in the future. Think about it."

Azzy proceeded to lift it. It felt heavier than even the combined weight of adamantine gloves.

Keeping it back at the table, Azzy stepped aside to an open space and then suddenly kneeled before Barton, giving him a surprise of life.

....

....