Irina stared out of the Airship's window as it soared over the rugged landscapes of Sovitechna Front. The vast expanse of snow-covered mountains and dense forests below was both beautiful and forbidding, a testament to the harsh environment her family ruled over. The journey from Eurastra had been long and arduous, but it was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil she felt at being summoned back home.

The helicopter descended towards the Melnic estate, a sprawling fortress nestled in the heart of the wilderness. The estate's imposing walls and gothic spires loomed large against the backdrop of the setting sun. As the helicopter landed on the estate's helipad, Irina took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation that awaited her.

Exiting the helicopter, Irina was greeted by a pair of stern-faced guards who escorted her through the estate's grand entrance. The cold air and the weight of her family's expectations pressed down on her as she walked through the dimly lit corridors. Every step echoed with the memories of her past, a constant reminder of the divided loyalties and internal strife that had plagued the Melnic family for years.

Finally, she reached the main chamber, where her mother and the gathered family members awaited. The room was filled with an air of tension, the flickering flames of the chandeliers casting long shadows on the faces of the assembled Melnic family. At the head of the room, her mother, Lady Melnic, sat with an air of authority, her piercing gaze fixed on Irina.

"Irina," her mother began, her voice cold and commanding. "We have much to discuss."

Irina took a deep breath, walking forward, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence, and took her place before her mother. The other family members watched her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, their expressions unreadable.

"The recent attack on NovaMyst has revealed a vulnerability in Eurastra that we cannot ignore," Lady Melnic continued. "The Sovitechna Front cannot afford to remain passive. We must seize this opportunity to expand our influence."

Irina nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Her mother leaned forward, her gaze intense. "You will act as our agent within Eurastra. We cannot trust Anton with this task—his loyalties are too uncertain. You, on the other hand, have proven yourself capable and reliable. You will gather information, gain the trust of key figures, and ensure that the Melnic family's interests are protected."

Irina's heart sank at the mention of Anton. She knew her brother was viewed as a liability by many within the family, but the thought of being used against him pained her. "And if I refuse?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Her mother's expression hardened. "You owe this family a debt, Irina. We have allowed you and Anton to pursue your studies at NovaMyst, but now it is time for you to repay that kindness. If you refuse, you and Anton will be asked to immediately return."

The weight of her mother's words settled over Irina like a shroud. She knew she had little choice in the matter. Her loyalty to her family was deeply ingrained, but her love for her brother and her desire for a different life conflicted with that loyalty.

"I understand," Irina replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You will be perhaps pleased to know that I am part of the student council at NovaMyst."

Her mother nodded, satisfied with her response. "Good. You will leave for Eurastra in a few days, as I want you to spend some time home to see if your infatuation for your brother will be an issue."

Irina's heart hammered at her mother's cold, calculated words. "Infatuation for your brother" — the phrase twisted her insides, a mocking reminder of the family's deep-seated distrust and the way her mother saw relationships as little more than political leverage. But Irina couldn't hold her tongue any longer; she had to push back.

"I... I have people at NovaMyst who need me," Irina said, a faint tremor in her voice as she fought to keep it steady. "Friends who depend on me, people who... who I care about."

Lady Melnic's gaze sharpened, her lips curling in faint disdain. "Friends?" She tilted her head, as though Irina had said something ridiculous. "And tell me, Irina, these friends of yours — are they useful?"

Irina's brows knitted in confusion and frustration. "What do you mean, useful?"

Lady Melnic's tone was detached, almost clinical. "I mean whether they can support you, elevate your position, or help you gather intelligence. Can they provide the influence or resources needed to accomplish the Melnic family's goals in Eurastra? If not, then you have no need for them." Her gaze remained unyielding, a testament to the cold pragmatism that defined the Melnic family's philosophy.

The words cut deep. To her mother, relationships were tools — connections that either had value or didn't. Irina clenched her fists, suppressing the urge to argue further. She knew that no matter how much she protested, her mother's view wouldn't change. And in the shadows of her mother's gaze, any defiance might only make things worse for herself — and for Anton.

Swallowing her emotions, she lowered her gaze, her voice flat. "I understand, Mother."

Lady Melnic's expression softened ever so slightly, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "Good. I knew you wouldn't disappoint me, Irina. You are my daughter, after all. Remember, sentimentality has no place in power."

Irina nodded, her face carefully blank. "I will leave for Eurastra in a few days," she said, her tone resigned. The words tasted bitter, each syllable laced with a growing sense of isolation.

"Yes," her mother replied, leaning back in her chair.

Irina fought to keep her expression neutral, but inside, a storm raged. Every step felt like a tightening noose around her neck, binding her to a fate she didn't want but couldn't escape. Her mother's words echoed in her mind, each one a reminder that, in the eyes of the Melnic family, love, friendship, and loyalty were weaknesses, vulnerabilities to be stripped away in the pursuit of power.

With a final nod, she turned and left the chamber. As Irina left the main chamber, the weight of her mother's words still heavy on her shoulders, she felt the familiar chill of the Melnic estate seeping into her bones. The stone corridors were as frigid as her family's ideals, dimly lit by sparse, flickering lanterns casting long shadows that seemed to reach for her. Her footsteps echoed down the hallway, a lonely sound swallowed by the oppressive silence.

She rounded a corner, lost in thought, when a low voice called out from the shadows.

"My lady," it whispered.

Irina tensed, her hand instinctively moving toward the spare, concealed CAT she kept in her coat pocket for this trip. But as her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she recognized the figure—a servant named Vasili, one of the few people she remembered from her childhood. His face was etched with lines of hardship, his back slightly hunched from years of service, yet his eyes held a keen intelligence, sharper than any weapon.

"Vasili?" Irina's brow furrowed as she stepped closer, keeping her voice low. "What are you doing here?"

He glanced around, ensuring they were alone before speaking. "Lady Irina, I've been waiting for a chance to speak with you, but it must be brief. They are watching... always."

She felt a chill crawl down her spine. "What do you mean?"

Vasili leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. "There are factions within the Melnic family that your mother hasn't told you about. They're working to undermine other continents, starting with Eurastra. They've been waiting for the right moment to act, and the recent attack on NovaMyst has given them the excuse they needed."

Irina's heart pounded. "Undermine... how?"

"They aim to destabilize NovaMyst's influence in Eurastra by provoking conflicts within the academy itself," Vasili explained, his voice tense. "And they're prepared to use any means necessary. Lady Melnic's faction sees Eurastra's control as an obstacle to their ultimate goal—Melnic dominance over all continents. But there are... others in the family who want more than just dominance." His voice dropped further, "They want total control, starting with NovaMyst as the first domino to fall."

Irina's mind raced, piecing together the implications. If NovaMyst fell into chaos, it would destabilize Eurastra entirely, sparking unrest that could ripple through every continent. It would give her family—or at least certain factions within it—the chance to swoop in and establish themselves as a powerful influence in the region, unchallenged.

"What about Anton?" she asked, her voice barely concealing her fear. "Is he in danger because of this?"

Vasili's eyes darkened. "Yes. The syndicate that... created him has close ties to some members of the Melnic family. They see him as a tool, a weapon they can wield to incite unrest at NovaMyst or anywhere else they see fit. If Anton becomes too much of a liability, they will discard him without hesitation. And your mother... she may not stop them. In fact, she might even see it as a necessary sacrifice."

Irina's stomach twisted at the thought, rage and despair swirling within her. She had known her family's view of Anton was cold, but to hear it spoken so plainly felt like a knife twisting in her chest. "Why are you telling me this, Vasili?"

"Because," Vasili said, his gaze unwavering, "I have watched you and Anton grow up, my lady. You both deserve a chance to make your own choices, not be puppets in the hands of others. And because... I still believe that the Melnic family can be more than it has become, but only if it has leaders who see people as more than pawns."

Irina took a shuddering breath, her fists clenching. "What am I supposed to do?"

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Play along for now. They will not reveal everything to you yet, but as you gain their trust, they will let you into their plans. Use this to protect yourself... and Anton. But be careful, Lady Irina. Your loyalty will be tested."

Before she could respond, Vasili straightened, his posture slipping back into the deferential stance of a servant. With a nod, he melted back into the shadows, leaving her alone in the cold corridor.

Irina lingered in the silence, her mind whirling with new resolve and conflicting loyalties. Her mission to Eurastra was no longer just a means of fulfilling her family's demands—it was a dangerous game where every move counted, and one misstep could mean losing the few people she held dear. She took a steadying breath, hardening her resolve. Whatever it took, she would protect Anton. Even if it meant betraying her family.

Back at Eurastra, the atmosphere was tense. The explosion and attack had left the academy shaken, and whispers filled the halls as students speculated about the aftermath and the academy's possible involvement in a grander scheme. Tensions ran high among the staff and student council, who were struggling to regain control and reassure the students.

In the hospital, Nate lay on a cot, watched closely by hospital's medical staff. Despite his protest, a continuous stream of tests had been run on him, with the doctors unable to explain his resilience or the strange anomalies that appeared in his body scans. He was no longer just a patient—he was a curiosity, an anomaly the academy wasn't entirely comfortable housing. A discreet order had been given to increase surveillance around him, restricting all visitors.

But Elysia and Chloe had not been deterred. Using their family names, they had managed to lift the restrictions, pushing their influence until the authorities were forced to summon Elysia's father, Lord Arundel, to mediate. After a tense discussion, Lord Arundel ensured the academy's leadership that any concerns would be handled discreetly. For now, Nate was free of surveillance, though the doctors continued to monitor him closely under the guise of routine checkups.

Elysia, Chloe, Anton, and Evan sat scattered across the room, the weight of exhaustion settling on each of them differently. Chloe leaned back against the wall, her arms crossed as she kept her gaze on the door to Nate's room, her thoughts clearly far away. Anton sat at the small table, a tablet in front of him, absently scrolling through data but with an air of vigilance, like he was only half-focused on the screen. Evan, meanwhile, had drifted into an uneasy sleep on the sofa, his exhaustion finally catching up to him, from always staying by Sophia's bedside.

Elysia stood by the window, her hands gripping the sill as she looked out over the academy grounds, still haunted by the scene in the crater, by the lingering echoes of the explosion. For the first time, she felt the tension between her obligations to her family and her bond with Nate crackle uncomfortably inside her. She thought back to his guarded expression, the way he'd pulled his hand away. They were closer than anyone, yet lately, she felt him slipping beyond her reach.

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The door creaked open, and a nurse entered, looking somewhat hesitant. She gave a brief nod to each of them before addressing Elysia and Chloe specifically.

"Miss Arundel, Miss Rawllings," she said, keeping her tone professional but quiet, "we've completed our tests, though... there are a few results we're still processing. We'll call you once everything is conclusive, but for now, Mr. Davis is asking to speak with you."

Elysia and Chloe exchanged a look before they entered Nate's room, the air around them heavy with unspoken concerns. Nate was sitting up, his face pale but more alert than before, his gaze meeting theirs with a mix of weariness and something darker—a guarded look that hinted at the weight of secrets he carried.

"Good to see you're up," Elysia said softly, taking a seat at his bedside. Chloe settled into a nearby chair, her expression a mix of relief and worry.

Nate managed a small smile, but it quickly faded. "Thanks," he murmured, glancing between them. "But... there's something I need to tell you. Your father, Elysia... he came to see me."

Elysia's posture stiffened, her heart dropping as she saw the serious look in Nate's eyes. "What did he say?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"He's doing what he can to cover for me," Nate began, his tone low and guarded. "But the other families... they're putting a lot of pressure on him, demanding action. There's enough so-called 'evidence' piling up against me that it's becoming harder to argue in my favor. It's... bad, Lysia. Really bad."

Chloe's brow furrowed as she leaned forward. "What kind of evidence? None of this makes sense. You saved lives, Nate. Why are they targeting you?"

Nate sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not just the attack. They're bringing up... everything. Susana's suicide attempt—she accused me of leaking those photos, remember? That's still fresh in people's minds. They're saying I targeted her because of her family's influence, and name since the Bently's are the only ones with access to the Magical Grid." His jaw clenched, the frustration clear in his eyes. "They're twisting everything, even though I had nothing to do with it."

Elysia reached out, her hand resting on his arm. "Nate, we know you didn't do any of that. This is a smear campaign, plain and simple. They're just looking for someone to blame, someone who doesn't fit neatly into their world."

He nodded, though his expression remained grim. "And it's not just that. With Sophia's betrayal... the missing faculty members who were revealed to have ties to the Purity Front... all eyes are on me. They're saying I had something to do with her actions." He let out a bitter laugh. "They're painting me as some kind of infiltrator, working with the Purity Front to destabilize NovaMyst."

Chloe shook her head, disbelief mingling with anger in her eyes. "This is ridiculous. Anyone who knows you would see through these lies. There has to be a way to prove your innocence."

Nate met her gaze, his eyes weary but resolute. "That's the problem, Chloe. They don't care about the truth. They care about control. Your father," he nodded to Elysia, "he's doing his best, but he's under immense pressure. There's only so much he can do without jeopardizing the Arundel family's standing. And if it comes down to choosing between his family and me... well, I can't expect him to ruin himself for my sake."

Elysia's hand tightened on his arm, her jaw set with determination. "We're not letting them do this to you. My father won't abandon you, and neither will I. They can't get away with scapegoating you."

Nate's gaze softened, but there was a resigned acceptance in his eyes. "Lysia, it's not that simple. They're leveraging every bit of power they have to pin this on me. The academy, the families... they're all so scared of what they don't understand. And I'm the perfect target, especially with my... unusual background." He hesitated, his voice dropping. "They're even starting to question the origin of my powers, suggesting they're... unnatural."

Chloe leaned forward, her voice sharp with anger. "That's absurd. Half the students here have powers that don't fit into neat little categories, and no one's questioning them. This is a witch hunt."

Nate gave a bitter smile. "Maybe, but they're not wrong about me being different. And in their eyes, 'different' equals 'dangerous.'" He looked back to Elysia. "I just want you to know... if it comes down to it, if they really force your father's hand, I don't want you to fight them on this. It's not worth risking everything."

Elysia's eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm not giving up on you, Nate. You've stood by me through everything. I'm not about to let them take you down just because they're afraid."

He shook his head, his expression pained. "Lysia, please... don't make this harder than it already is."

For a long moment, they stared at each other, the weight of his words settling over them like a shroud. Finally, Chloe broke the silence, her voice trembling with a quiet determination.

"We'll find a way," she said firmly. "There has to be evidence that can clear your name, something they haven't considered. We just need to think... strategically."

Nate sighed, looking down at his hands. "It's not that I don't appreciate it... but this isn't like anything we've faced before. They're using everything at their disposal, and we're just students. Even if you manage to clear me, the trust is already broken. Plus with the incident at the academy I had, I'll always be under suspicion. but I suppose it isn't all that bad, after all you did say if things went badly I'd have to handle it, so I suppose I'll have to."

Elysia's gaze hardened, a spark of fierce loyalty igniting within her. "Then we'll make them regret ever doubting you. We'll expose the real culprits, whoever's manipulating things behind the scenes. They can't hide forever."

Chloe gave a resolute nod. "If the academy's leaders won't seek the truth, we will. You're not alone in this, Nate. We're with you, no matter what they throw our way."

A flicker of gratitude crossed Nate's face, though it was tinged with lingering doubt. "Thanks... I really don't deserve people like you."

Elysia managed a small smile. "You just had the bad luck of being assigned to me as a knight. Guess you're stuck with us now."

For the first time, Nate's smile felt genuine, if only briefly. "Guess so."

As the three of them shared a rare, quiet moment, a shadow loomed in the doorway. Elysia's father stood there, his expression unreadable. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"Elysia, Chloe," he began, his tone calm but authoritative. "A word, if you don't mind."

The two girls exchanged a look before standing, following Lord Arundel into the hallway. His gaze remained stern, his eyes flickering with a mixture of concern and calculation.

"You both need to understand," he said, his voice low, "the situation with Nate is... delicate. We are at the mercy of the other families' influence, and they are using this incident as leverage. If you continue to associate too openly with him, you may find yourselves under the same scrutiny."

Elysia's eyes narrowed, defiance hardening her resolve. "He's done nothing wrong, Father. They're twisting things to fit their narrative, and I won't abandon him."

Lord Arundel's expression softened, if only slightly. "I know, Starling. But you need to choose your battles wisely. Defying the families openly will only bring more harm—to you, to us, and to him. We have to play this carefully."

Chloe folded her arms, her gaze sharp. "And what's your plan, Lord Arundel? Do we just stand by and let them ruin him?"

He gave her a calculating look. "No. We gather what information we can, quietly. Find any inconsistencies in their accusations, any evidence that proves his innocence. But we do it discreetly. Understood?"

Elysia nodded, though the anger in her eyes remained. "Understood."

Lord Arundel placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I know this is difficult. But remember who you are, and who you represent. Our family has survived countless challenges, and we will survive this one too."

With a final nod, he left them, disappearing down the hallway.

Chloe turned to Elysia, her expression a mix of determination and quiet rage. "So... what's the plan?"

Elysia's gaze was steely. "We dig. We find out who's really behind this. And when we do, they'll regret ever coming after him."

As they returned to Nate's room, a new resolve settled over them. The path ahead was dark and uncertain, but together, they would uncover the truth—no matter the cost.

Irina arrived back at Eurastra's main terminal, her mind still lingering on the warnings she'd received from Vasili back at the Melnic estate. The journey had been long, giving her ample time to stew in her conflicted feelings. She had returned to NovaMyst with a quiet resolve, knowing she'd have to tread carefully if she wanted to protect Anton and navigate the dangers she now understood far better.

Upon entering the academy grounds, she quickly located her brother and friends, finding them gathered in one of the more secluded lounges, away from the usual bustling halls. The academy's renovations had given the once-grand interiors a more somber tone. This, combined with the new, unified uniforms, made NovaMyst feel like a different place entirely.

Irina took a breath and greeted them, her eyes scanning each of their faces. "Alright," she said, a slight edge to her tone, "I need to know what I've missed. "Elysia exchanged a glance with Chloe before beginning, her voice quiet but tense. "It's... complicated. After the attack, there was an investigation. Some evidence came to light, linking Nate to both Susana's incident and Sophia's betrayal."

Irina's brows knitted in frustration. "What? That's absurd! Nate's the last person who would be involved in any of that!"

Chloe sighed. "We know, but the academy's leadership doesn't care about the truth as much as they care about control. They're under pressure from... well, everyone, really. The other families, the ATRA... They need a scapegoat, and Nate's differences that have also come up during his medical examinations make him an easy target."

Irina clenched her fists, anger flashing in her eyes. "So, they're using him as a pawn. Typical." She turned to Anton, her gaze sharp with a new idea. "Could you come with me for a minute I have a message from mother."

Anton looks at her slowly blinks but regains his composure. "Lead the way." He says, following her out of the room.

"Sorry it wasn't mother but I didn't want anyone else to overhear us... Why don't you use your black ops contacts to dig up information and prove his innocence?" She whispers.

Anton blinked, caught off-guard. After a moment, his face brightened with realization. "That's... actually brilliant. I hadn't thought of that." On impulse, he hugged her, surprising both of them. Awkwardly, he pulled back, clearing his throat. "Thank you, Irina. I'll reach out to them and see what I can find."

With that, Anton left to contact his covert connections, leaving Irina to return to the others.

Over the next few days, she turned her focus to investigating another lingering shadow over the academy: the group of students implicated in the self-prostitution scandal. Though Mason Blackburn, the apparent ringleader, had died during the attack, the other students involved had also been found dead recently. Irina made it her mission to gather information from the affected students, piecing together the remnants of the scandal that might reveal additional connections to the Purity Front.

Meanwhile, Nate continued to navigate the academy's surveillance. Although he was technically allowed back, Professor Lillian—newly appointed as the vice headmaster in the absence of the Master of Ceremonies and former vice headmaster—kept a strict watch on him. Lillian, with his position and authority, had influence over nearly every student council and enforcer decision. His involvement, along with Chloe's influence on the council, helped push the changes that symbolized a new era for Voiders and Blanks, breaking down the visual distinctions in the academy's uniform code. All male students will now have a black stripe on their uniform, regardless of whether they are a Mark, Blank or Voider. And all female students will wear the iconic white cape regardless of status inside the academy.

Through the influence of Elysia and Chloe on the student council, the academy newspaper published stories highlighting the valour of Voiders and Blanks during the attack, which were then picked up by broader media. The coverage pressured the academy and the ATRA to enact structural reforms and support for Voiders and Blanks, highlighting the importance had played during the attack. Adding public scrutiny that shifted some focus off Nate's situation. ATRA's new aid program requested assistance from other continents to help Eurastra recover.

Weeks passed, and NovaMyst slowly resumed its classes, though a palpable tension hung in the air as the holidays approached. The academy was buzzing with the fact that the Solstice Eve Festival, an annual winter celebration that blended traditions from various cultures and continents into a unified holiday, was only five weeks away. The academy grounds were filled with shimmering decorations and glowing orbs that floated in mid-air, creating an ethereal atmosphere amid the lingering unease.

It was during this time that Anton returned with a lead.

Gathered once again, the group listened as Anton shared his findings, his expression as grim as it was hopeful. "There's a name I came across—Lance Read. He's connected to certain factions that might know how the Purity Front infiltrated NovaMyst. And he might also be able to help us wake up Sophia and Susana."

Elysia raised a brow. "How?"

Anton hesitated, glancing at his sister. "Using the same ability, I used to restore those students during the incident with Nate, but I'll need Lance's expertise to stabilize her mind once she's conscious."

"You should talk to him, Elysia." Anton says without missing a beat. "Since you're close to being engaged to him... he won't be able to refuse you."

At the mention of an engagement between Elysia and Lance, Nate's eyes flickered with shock. He looked at Elysia, a mixture of disbelief and pain crossing his face, and Elysia, noticing, gave him an apologetic look. Though her feelings for Nate were deep and unspoken, duty demanded otherwise. She nodded in resignation and agreed to approach Lance.

A few hours later, Lance arrived at the academy hospital, strolling in with an air of smug confidence. He was dressed impeccably in the new male uniform, looking every bit the part of a noble heir. His gaze lingered on Elysia, his smirk infuriatingly self-assured. "Ah, my dear fiancée," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm and mock affection. "How could I ever refuse a request from my wife-to-be?"

The comment was intended to provoke, and Nate's fists clenched in response, his face hardening with anger. Evan subtly placed a hand on his shoulder, a quiet reminder to stay calm.

Without waiting for further pleasantries, Lance activated his CAT device, summoning a series of intricate symbols that began to glow as he prepared his spell. His expression turned serious as he focused, his smirk replaced by the concentration of a master at work.

He initiated the Cognition-Rebalance Infusion, a delicate combination of Cognitive Reformation and Zero Modulation Type Magic. The air around Sophia shimmered as he began to map her mind, identifying the cursed areas that held her consciousness in stasis. His Psychē moved in subtle waves, probing, isolating, and weakening the curse without harming her natural mental processes.

Thermal modulation kept her brain's temperature stable while Lance adjusted the density of her neural pathways, ensuring they would transmit signals effectively once the curse was broken. With a final, controlled surge of Psychē, he infused Sophia's mind, gently prompting her neurons back to life, and as he does this Anton places his hand over Sophia.

Moments later, Sophia's eyelids fluttered, and she gasped, her eyes opening to take in her surroundings. Her gaze was disoriented, but the spark of awareness was there. Lance, taking a step back, gave a satisfied nod, his earlier smugness returning as he looked back at Elysia.

"A gift, from me to you, my dear," he said, his eyes glinting with self-satisfaction.

Elysia held back a retort, nodding curtly. "Thank you."

Lance's gaze drifted to Susana's bed, and his face grew solemn. "As for Susana... whatever she ingested has left fail-safes in her brain. If I attempt to wake her, the risk of irreversible damage or even death is high. Sophia was cursed and hacked, that's easier to reverse. But Susana's... it's like an internal trap set to activate if anyone interferes."

The weight of the situation settled over the group as they absorbed his words. While they had succeeded in bringing Sophia back, the mystery surrounding Susana's condition only deepened, raising more questions than answers.