[color=0072bc][u][h1][center]Chapter 1: Paragon of Espial[/center][/h1][/u][/color]

Felix was invested in his Manadial, the mana hologram projecting from his wristband was showing a type of news article called, "Obscure Daily", which was the leading news network on the mananet. The way the app worked on the Manadial, was when he selected the app from the round mana crystal, the crystal levitated from the inlay and morphed into a blue, tangible, slightly transparent, folded newspaper. Every so often, Felix would sip his coffee as he read the paper.

The front page headline was, "Most Flaunted Catholic Mana Researcher, Now Most Wanted Apostate!"

The article had a large picture of Felix in his Mage Robes, in a not so savory position. The picture was taken back at a Good Friday party three years ago. As with most Catholic parties, there was a lot of alcohol involved, and Felix may have imbibed a bit too much that night. The picture was of his drunken face as he attempted to leave the party, and was pushing through a crowd of magi. His red face and scowl looked like he was stern and angry, but in reality he was sick and was attempting to find the bathroom to retch in.

Felix marveled at the fact that the media always found the most compromising pictures to represent those painted as villains. [i]I wonder how they even got this picture...[/i] Felix raised a bit of an eyebrow at the thought, but didn't put too much effort into it. 

Then the red haired summoner made her way to the table. Felix noticed she had the same shirt on but pajama pants instead of jeans. He also noticed there was a pixie on her shoulder brushing her hair. He also raised an eye to this sight but quickly changed his expression to a smile.

"Ah, Jessie! Yes indeed. I have prepared this spread for everyone. There is more than enough to go around, so dig in. We have quite the day ahead of us. I'll wait until everyone is here to start the debriefing." Felix replied. Then Nemo came down a few minutes later, extending his gratitude for the meal. "You're more than welcome, eat as much as you'd like."

Felix sipped on his mug, and continued reading, but soon the coffee mug was empty. So he used a simple levitation spell to pour himself some more, and then he levitated the creamer as well pouring just enough. Levitating the cup back to his hands, he continued reading. On the next page was a news article about increased sightings and attacks from the Disciples of Salem.

[i]That has to be because they are also looking for the Paragons as well...[/i] Felix thought back to his dream, and the many endings the world would have if his team did not succeed.

Then the white haired Yuno came down the steps to the kitchen as well. She thanked him and he gave her a smile.

"Not a problem at all. I know you all will have your work cut out for you today, so please eat your fill." Felix said enthusiastically.

[hr]

Raiya didn't even flinch as the knife came down. She was much too angry, tired, and rattled to care. She was, though, a little irritated that she had left her knife out in the haste of her anger after she stormed out the night prior. Raiya griped the knife, and spun it, as she opened her leather coat and sheathed the knife in the empty leather scabbard pocket. 

[color=ec008c]The knife looks much better pushed through the flesh of my enemies. You wouldn't happen to be one of my enemies, would you?"[/color] Raiya said with little enthusiasm. Normally she would be one for banter, but today, she was much too drained to put effort into anything.