Sophia and Arya arrived first at the Student Assistance Center, moving quickly to retrieve their schedules for the next day. The two had eagerly chosen the Department of Magic, each drawn to the mysteries of magic and their own natural talents for the craft. They exchanged a quick smile, excited to start a journey they would share, united by their common interest.

Meanwhile, Isaki, Ray, Lian, and Rael strolled at a relaxed pace, enjoying the fresh air and the chance to talk. The conversation meandered until Lian turned to Isaki with a curious look.

"So, Isaki," he asked, "did you pick up any books that weren't on the list?"

Isaki chuckled, tapping the side of one of his books. "Yeah, actually. I got a book on the academy's basic sword techniques. Figured it's always good to start from the basics, you know? And another one about places to visit in Moirai. I thought it'd be nice to get to know the area a little better—maybe we'll find some interesting spots to check out."

Rael nodded thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea at all. Might even give us a few hidden places to explore or train."

Lian and Rael admitted that they hadn't picked out any extra books, preferring to focus on honing their Aura skills to reach the next level. For them, that mastery was the goal, and they were both determined to achieve it.

As they walked, Isaki glanced over at Ray, noting the two unusual books in his stack. "Ray," he said, raising an eyebrow, "are those… botany books?" There was genuine curiosity in his tone. "Didn't know you were interested in plants."

Ray looked down at the covers with a slight smile. "I am, actually," he said, his tone calm but contemplative. "Taking care of plants is surprisingly beneficial—not just physically, but mentally too. Working with greenery can help reduce stress and anxiety, lift your mood, and even encourage socialization. And," he added with a spark of fascination, "I find it intriguing how each type of flower has its own personality, its own way of expressing a mood through color."

Isaki blinked, momentarily taken aback by Ray's thorough answer. "Well, that's… detailed," he said, chuckling. "And honestly, I wouldn't expect any less from you, Ray." He couldn't shake the feeling that Ray's explanation hinted at something deeper, something private that he chose not to share with them.

Finally, they reached the Student Assistance Center, where they saw Sophia and Arya holding their newly acquired schedules, waiting for them near the entrance. The boys joined them to pick up their own, and entered the Student Assistance Center. Lian and Rael had selected the Department of Magic, while Isaki and Ray had opted for the Department of Martial Arts, drawn to perfect their skills with their chosen weapons—Isaki's sword and Ray's dagger.

"So," Rael remarked as he scanned his schedule, "looks like we're not going to be in all the same classes since we're split between different departments."

Lian, glancing over, pointed to one shared entry on the page. "True, but we'll still see each other in Professor Jurg's Aura class. That one's open to both departments."

Everyone breathed a little easier knowing they'd have at least one class together, a chance to reconnect and share their progress.

As they stepped out of the center, they spotted a familiar figure entering: Gaus, with his usual easy stride. He flashed them a broad, almost knowing smile as he walked by, but his eyes lingered on Ray for just a second longer than on the others, an almost calculating gleam in his gaze.

Once outside, Rael glanced back over his shoulder, frowning. "Did anyone else see that? What's with Gaus's smile? Seemed a bit… strange."

Isaki shrugged. "Best to ignore him. If we start reading into everything he does, we'll go mad."

Lian and Rael seemed to relax a little at Isaki's words, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right, Isaki," Rael said with a grin. "Probably nothing to worry about."

Ray, however, remained silent, his gaze thoughtful as he watched the door where Gaus had entered. He had noticed the way Gaus's eyes had lingered on him, almost as if assessing him, and couldn't shake the feeling that he was indeed up to something.

Isaki, Lian and Rael spotted Sophia and Arya waiting near the entrance, both looking expectant. Sophia raised a hand in greeting as they approached, her curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"Alright, spill it!" she said with a grin. "What departments did you all choose?"

Isaki responded first, gesturing between himself and Ray. "Ray and I chose the Martial Arts Department."

Sophia tilted her head, studying them both with an appraising look. "Makes sense," she nodded approvingly. "You both seem like the type to pick something intense like martial arts. And you two?" She turned to Lian and Rael.

Lian answered with a proud smile, glancing at Rael. "We both went with the Department of Magic. Figured that's where we could really push ourselves."

Sophia's eyes lit up with excitement. "No way! Arya and I chose Magic too!" She and Arya exchanged a grin, clearly pleased to be among like-minded companions. Arya's gaze remained steady and serious, but there was a hint of satisfaction in her eyes as well.

Just as they were sharing this revelation, a sudden growl broke the quiet, and Rael's cheeks flushed as everyone turned to him. He laughed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess that's my stomach letting us know it's been a while since breakfast."

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Isaki chuckled, giving Rael a friendly pat on the shoulder. "You're not the only one. A break for food sounds good right about now. How about lunch?"

Sophia and Arya nodded in agreement, and Arya, her expression softening, added, "We could all use some energy after the long day we've had."

Ray, however, offered an apologetic smile, already stepping back from the group. "I'll have to take a rain check. Got a few things I need to take care of," he explained, his tone polite but firm.

Isaki raised an eyebrow, concerned. "Are you sure? Lunch with everyone might be a good way to recharge."

Ray gave a small, reassuring smile, his eyes meeting Isaki's with a calm certainty. "Don't worry about me, I'm good. I'll catch up with you all tomorrow." With a final nod, he turned away, heading toward the dorms.

As he departed, Arya watched him closely, noticing the botany books he carried under his arm. Her eyes lingered thoughtfully on his retreating figure, but she kept her observations to herself.

The remaining group exchanged glances, shrugged, and made their way to the dining hall for a well-deserved meal.

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Meanwhile, inside the Student Assistance Center, Gaus was collecting his own schedule, lost in thought as he remembered an earlier encounter from the library.

That morning, Gaus had been selecting books when he noticed Mich, a second-year student he had spoken to the day before, sitting quietly at a table with a thick volume open before him. Gaus approached with a smirk, placing a firm hand on Mich's shoulder.

"Mich," he greeted, his voice low and laden with an air of superiority. "Got a second? There's something I'd like you to see."

Mich looked up in surprise but nodded, closing his book. "Of course. What is it?"

With a satisfied grin, Gaus gestured for him to follow, leading him into a secluded section between two tall shelves. He stopped and motioned toward a table across the room, where Ray sat with a book open in front of him, deep in concentration.

"That's the one," Gaus murmured, his gaze darkening. "Black hair, violet eyes. He's the one I need you to take down a peg."

Mich followed Gaus's gaze, narrowing his eyes as he studied Ray's features. He nodded, committing every detail to memory. "Understood. But there's not much I can do here, in the library."

"Don't worry," Gaus said, his voice laced with cunning. "You'll get your chance during the upcoming mixed trials between first and second-year students. He's a first-year, so he won't be expecting anything from someone with your experience." A sly smile curved his lips. "When the time comes, make sure he learns his place. Humiliate him, break him down, and make him a puppet. That way, we'll have him obeying orders and putting on a show for everyone."

Mich's face turned steely, his eyes hardening with resolve as he nodded. "I understand, Gaus. Leave it to me."

Gaus gave an approving nod, releasing Mich's shoulder with a smug expression. "Good. Don't mess this up." And with that, he turned and strode away, pleased with the gears he had set in motion.

In the present, Gaus pocketed his schedule and sauntered out of the Student Assistance Center, a smirk tugging at his lips as he thought of his plan. He imagined Ray—once so calm and collected—brought to his knees, bending to his whims and following orders. The thought made him chuckle, and he whistled a satisfied tune as he strolled toward his dormitory.

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Night had fallen at the academy, casting long shadows across the grounds, while students retreated into their rooms, their minds buzzing with the day's activities and tomorrow's lessons. In one quiet corner, Ray lay on his bed, deep in thought, surrounded by the two botany books he had chosen earlier, their pages illuminated by the soft glow of his bedside lamp. The room was quiet, with only the rustle of turning pages breaking the stillness as Ray delved into the mysteries hidden within the old texts.

His reasons for picking these books weren't immediately clear to others. Ever since that day at Fate Academy's entrance, when he had glimpsed the unusual power of Jessica and watched as she effortlessly made flowers bloom, he had been intrigued. This ability to summon life from the earth wasn't one he had encountered before, and he wondered if there was more behind her power than met the eye. This curiosity had driven him to explore the academy's vast library, hoping to find answers hidden in its volumes.

The first book, a botanical guide filled with detailed illustrations and notes on various types of flowers, had been a straightforward read. Its pages described flowers, herbs, and plants, some said to carry traces of aura, powerful enough to influence those who knew how to harness them. Yet, it offered no insight into Jessica's gift, and Ray found himself closing it, slightly disappointed. There was no mention of a power that could control nature, no explanation for the vibrant aura she radiated.

Turning his attention to the second book, Ray found it an unusual choice for a botany collection. It appeared ancient, with faded lettering and dog-eared pages, as though it had passed through many hands over the years. Rather than a scientific treatise, it unfolded as a narrative, telling the tale of a young florist whose life revolved around his blooms. The story spoke of his small shop, always filled with color and fragrance, a sanctuary where townsfolk gathered daily to buy flowers and feel the vitality they radiated. As Ray read on, he found himself strangely captivated, even though the narrative seemed to offer little more than the florist's daily routines.

Finally, after flipping through dozens of pages, Ray reached the last one. The final words struck him as something more than just a poetic ending:

"Eyes as blue as the sky, within which lies the power to embrace nature."

Ray's mind sharpened, his attention entirely focused on this cryptic line. His thoughts immediately returned to Jessica and her eyes, a remarkable shade of blue that seemed almost otherworldly. Could this passage be referring to someone like her? Could people with such rare eye color hold a unique bond with nature, giving them the ability to influence it?

Curious, Ray examined the book more closely, looking for any sign of an author's name, a clue as to who might have written it and what knowledge they held. But no author was listed, and instead, below the final line, he found a symbol that was new to him. It was a "Koru," a spiral shape derived from the natural curve of the Silver Fern, a plant long associated with rebirth, strength, and harmony. Ray traced his finger over the symbol, feeling its timeless, quiet power, and wondered if it held any connection to Jessica's aura.

The mystery lingered in his mind, a puzzle waiting to be solved. Jessica's powers, her aura, and this unusual symbol—there was undoubtedly something more to discover. As his gaze drifted to the closed book, Ray felt a mixture of satisfaction and impatience. He had uncovered a clue, but he still knew so little.

The weight of the day finally settled over him, his eyes growing heavy from the late hour and the intensity of his thoughts. He placed the book on the nightstand and lay back, closing his eyes, letting the mysteries surrounding Jessica and her power float to the edges of his consciousness.

As the night deepened, Ray drifted into sleep, a quiet determination settling in his heart—he would find the truth, no matter how long it took.