Pretending To Be God

Chapter 13: Academy Inquiry Part 3 [Bonus chapter]

"Why would he call me again?" Donovan wondered, perplexed by the sudden summons. He wasn't exactly the most skilled guard among the Emerald Guards, and even among the academy graduates, he ranked far from the top. Mason Wolfe, with his impressive abilities, would have been a more suitable candidate for such a meeting.

As Donovan entered the bustling cafeteria, he spotted the 'Detective' making his way towards him with an outstretched hand. "Donovan, it's good to meet you again," the Detective greeted him warmly.

Returning the gesture, Donovan took a seat with the Detective at the same spot they had occupied during their previous encounter. "It's good to meet you too, Detective," he replied, curious about the purpose of this second meeting. "Are you here to ask me more questions about the academy?"

The 'Detective' leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, it does involve the academy, but there isn't much left for me to ask on that front. The real reason I sought you out is because the Wizard himself suspects there might be a spy within the academy," George lied.

Donovan's interest was instantly piqued. "A spy?" he repeated, his eyes widening. The notion of espionage within the esteemed academy was both thrilling and concerning.

The Detective nodded gravely. "Indeed. Considering your extensive time in the academy, I believe you would be able to discern a true student from an impostor, am I right?"

Donovan wasn't entirely convinced about his ability in that regard, but it was customary to agree with one's superiors. "If you say so, Detective," he replied, trying to sound confident.

"Good. In that case, I am planning to assign two Emerald City guards, including yourself, to ensure the safety of ten specific students," He revealed, sliding a piece of paper across the table.

Donovan picked up the paper and examined the ten pictures displayed on it. Most of them were well-known prospects with promising futures in the academy, but there was one face he couldn't recognize. "Detective, um... who exactly is this?" he inquired, pointing to the unfamiliar individual.

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George glanced at the picture and coughed, trying to divert Donovan's attention. "Oh, that's just George Sterlinguard. Don't worry too much about it."

Perplexed by the evasive response, Donovan persisted, "Hmm, and why do you want to ensure the safety of these students?"

George grinned, sensing that he had successfully shifted Donovan's focus. "We have reason to believe that the spy might be targeting them. Our goal is to protect them from any harm, danger, or unfair treatment," the Detective explained, emphasizing the importance of fairness.

This was all a ruse, of course, to ensure extra protection for himself. The notion of encountering more talented individuals in the academy meant the possibility of facing bullies who would exploit his weaknesses. Having more experienced guards looking out for him and ensuring fairness within the academy, especially for his benefit, wouldn't hurt either.

Donovan's mind raced as he contemplated the situation. Many pieces started falling into place, and the idea of a spy within the academy became increasingly plausible. He couldn't help but wonder about the identity of the spy, who had sent them, and the potential consequences if their presence went unnoticed.

Had spies already infiltrated both the academy and the Emerald City itself?

Numerous questions flooded Donovan's mind as he pondered the possibilities. None of them aligned with the truth, as they were all products of Donovan's imagination fueled by George's deceptive words.

"So, Detective... who do you plan to send on this mission?" Donovan finally inquired, eager to know more.

"Well, as I said you are one of the candidates," the Detective replied, causing Donovan to nod in agreement. If Detective John himself had approached him with this information, it meant he was considered suitable for the task. "But don't worry about the Chief Guard—I've already spoken to him. And for the second position, call Mason Wolfe. If possible, you can begin your inspections or whatever else you need to do at the academy today. But remember, your primary objective is to protect these new students entering the new semester."

"Yes, Detective," Donovan affirmed, standing up alongside the Detective as they shook hands before parting ways.

Donovan let out a sigh as he gazed out of the cafeteria's windows, noticing some of the other Emerald City guards peering through them. As soon as they witnessed the Detective's departure, they hurried into the cafeteria, hungry for answers.

"What's going on, Donovan?"

"Come on, spill it. There's no way he was just talking about the academy."

The cafeteria buzzed with anticipation, the guards pressuring Donovan for information. "Fine, I'll tell you, but you have to keep it a secret, alright? I can't disclose much, but I have some information that suggests the academy has been infiltrated by spies."

The guards erupted into excited chatter, speculating about the potential ramifications of this revelation for the entire Emerald City.

Overwhelmed by the noise, Donovan hurriedly exited the cafeteria, his ears still ringing from the boisterous conversation. Stepping outside, he found Mason Wolfe leaning against the entrance wall, scanning his surroundings for eavesdroppers. "The Detective has assigned us to go to the academy..." Donovan whispered to his fellow guard, ensuring privacy.

Handing Mason the paper he had received from the Detective, Mason asked, "What's this?"

"That, is our mission." Donovan replied.

Mason looked slightly uncomfortable as he looked at the pictures but smiled anyways.

"Are you okay?"

Mason nodded, "Yeah, Im just fine..."

"So should we leave for the academy now, or..."

"Give me a minute. I'll be back." He responded, pulling out his pen and walking away.

"Okay..." Donovan waited at the front entrance f the cafeteria till his legs were left aching and the sky darkened.

"Send this to the mail office tomorrow, okay?" Mason said as he handed a letter to one of the staff before walking towards Donovan.

"Dude, that was more than a minute; that was like a full hour!" Donovan shouted, Mason had always been early for everything; what had suddenly changed for him to be this late?

"Sorry, I will make it up to you..." Mason replied as he wiped off the sweat.

Donovan couldn't help but stare at the letter that he handed to the staff, "So, who is that letter for?"

"It's for my family. Don't worry about it."