While Seneca was conversing with Apiana, Maiol found herself in Attalos' instructor's office.

  "So, you're asking me for information about that shop, are you?" Attalos inquired, leaning back in his chair.

  "Yes, that's correct," Maiol confirmed.

  Maiol expined the situation regarding Primus and Spelunka to Attalos, hoping to secure his cooperation.

  "I've never heard of a 'Spelunka' by name, but I do have an inkling," Attalos said, tapping his fingers on the desk. "I can think of someone who might know about it, someone who would likely have the information you're seeking."

  "Really?" Maiol leaned forward, eager for more.

  "Yes," Attalos nodded. "However, introducing you to this person could bring some risk to me. So, I'll require some form of compensation."

  "Compensation?" Maiol echoed, puzzled.

  "Indeed. This request of yours goes far beyond the normal scope of my duties as an instructor. For that reason, I'd prefer to treat it as an adventurer's job between us."

  Maiol paused, nodding in understanding. She had anticipated a response of this nature.

  "Of course, success-based compensation, I assume?" she asked, brows raised. "What exactly is it that you want?"

  "The secret behind your skills," Attalos replied, looking at Maiol seriously.

  "Secret?" Maiol repeated, frowning slightly.

  "Yes. Seneca, Maiol, the speed at which you two are levelling up is far too rapid to be entirely natural. There must be something you're keeping hidden. I want to know what that secret is."

  Maiol fell into thought. The secret they held was a vital part of their strength; the fewer people who knew about it, the better.

  She could easily deny that any such secret existed, but she knew well enough that such a lie would be transparent to Attalos. She wasn’t foolish enough to think she could keep it hidden.

  "Please, tell me about the risks you're facing," Maiol said, her voice steady. "At this point, the terms don't seem banced."

  Attalos narrowed his eyes, contempting for a moment. Then, in a low tone, he began to speak.

  "There's no point in evading the truth, so I'll tell you pinly: I’m well-acquainted with Lord Primus. Currently, he’s in a precarious position within the church."

  Although Attalos didn't eborate further, Maiol couldn't help but suspect that Lucius was involved in some way.

  "It wouldn't be so bad if a student of mine simply visited Lord Primus on their own. But if I were seen as using the adventurer academy to further Primus' faction, it would cause serious trouble for me."

  Maiol took in the information thoughtfully. "I understand the concern, but still, this doesn't seem like a sufficient reason to speak of the levelling secret."

  Attalos stroked his chin as he considered this.

  "True," he admitted, "perhaps you’re right. Let me add a little more to the bargain. I swear, I will never leak information about the levelling process to others. Additionally, I’ll teach you and Seneca a technique that I developed after reaching level 4. I can promise you that it will undoubtedly benefit both of you."

  Maiol’s suspicion grew. She had approached Attalos for help, yet somehow the negotiations seemed to have turned in the other direction.

  The offer to teach them a technique from when Attalos reached level 4 was generous, but something about it didn’t sit right. They were dealing with level-ups, yet they had no guarantee that Attalos' techniques would even apply to their own circumstances. Why would Attalos be so eager to teach them, and why so suddenly?

  A thought occurred to Maiol, and she asked, "That technique... which of us do you think it would benefit more, Seneca or myself?"

  Attalos, looking evasive, turned his gaze away and muttered, "Seneca."

  Maiol immediately narrowed her eyes. The secret of levelling up was no doubt important to Attalos, but it seemed clear that his motivation was more personal, especially when it came to Seneca. As a teacher, this kind of favouritism was hard to ignore.

  "Ah, so that's why you suddenly turned this into an adventurer’s contract," Maiol remarked, her tone dry.

  Attalos avoided looking directly at her, a slightly guilty look flickering on his face. His usual commanding presence was completely gone.

  Maiol sighed in resignation. "Alright then, I agree to your terms."

  "Good," Attalos said, now regaining his professional composure. "In that case, let’s make sure everything’s official. It’s always best to put these things in writing."

  His sudden change in demeanour took Maiol by surprise, but she nodded. They would need to get used to this sort of thing as their status as adventurers rose.

  "Given that adventurers' standing often involves contracts, it's best you get used to this," Attalos advised. "Maiol, being from a merchant family, you should at least familiarise yourself with the basics."

  Maiol recognised the wisdom in that. With the long holiday approaching, perhaps it was a good opportunity to discuss such matters with her family.

  Attalos scribbled the terms of their agreement onto a piece of fine parchment. Maiol scrutinised it carefully, ensuring there were no loopholes. Once satisfied, she imbued the contract with her magic, sealing their agreement.

  "Maiol," Attalos said, his tone turning more serious, "this situation won’t cause any major issues, but you must remain cautious when it comes to anything involving the church. I know you’re both vigint, but you’ll need to be doubly careful moving forward. The political situation has grown far more complicated."

  "I understand," Maiol nodded. "Attalos, are you affiliated with any church factions?"

  "Not at all," Attalos replied quickly. "However, I do owe Lord Primus a personal debt. As such, we exchange information when needed."

  "Understood," Maiol said, filing the information away in her mind.

  "Now then," Attalos continued, "since the contract’s settled, I’ll introduce you to the person I mentioned. We agreed the time is tomorrow, yes? In that case, we’ll need to meet tonight. Meet me at the 'Hero's Fountain' in the eastern part of the city in two hours. Dress casually, as if you're a regur citizen."

  With that, Maiol left the instructor's office and made her way back to the dormitory.

  ...

  Upon returning, Maiol found Seneca speaking with Kito. She had evidently just returned as well. Maiol, having been deyed by the contract signing, had arrived ter than usual.

  After hearing that Seneca had made a promise to visit 'Spelunka,' Maiol shared the details of her contract with Attalos.

  "So, Seneca, it looks like you’ve got a solid lead to meet Primus, and I’m in a good position as well," Kito remarked.

  "Yes, it seems that way," Maiol agreed. "I had hoped to get Attalos to form a contract with either you or Seneca, but he insisted that 'Maiol was the one who passed the trial,' and refused."

  "A trial, huh? I wonder if only one of us can be taken along for a reason," Kito mused.

  "I'm not sure either," Maiol replied, unsure of the answer.

  Seneca, overhearing their conversation, spoke up.

  "Sorry, you two. I’ve decided to share the levelling secret with Attalos."

  "I don’t mind," Seneca said, her tone surprisingly nonchant.

  "I think it was for the best. As long as it doesn’t spread around too much, it’s fine. In fact, it might be worth trying to pull Attalos onto our side," Kito suggested, grinning widely.

  "Pull him to our side?" Maiol asked, puzzled.

  "Yeah! Why not have him on our team, just like we did with Yulia? He’s a famous gold-ranked adventurer, after all. We’re going to need experienced people to guide us as we grow."

  Seneca hummed thoughtfully. Perhaps it was a reminder of the mock battle where she had been thoroughly defeated, but her mind was clearly elsewhere.

  "That’s a good point," Maiol agreed. "Given his experience, having him on our side would certainly be a strong advantage."

  "Well, then, Kito, why don’t you join us when we meet Attalos?" Seneca suggested.

  Maiol nodded, adding, "He’s a veteran adventurer, so perhaps he could offer some valuable insights into potion development as well."

  "How lovely," Kito said, clearly pleased.

  "Shall we go together to discuss the levelling issue?" Seneca asked, tugging lightly at Kito’s sleeve.

  "Yes, I think that could be a good idea," Kito agreed, smiling.

  "I have to meet Attalos now. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, so I won’t be able to see you, Kito. I’ll update you in the morning," Maiol expined.

  "Understood. I’ll be at the magic academy researching something, but we can talk tomorrow."

  With their pns set, the three of them split off to continue with their respective tasks.