[Evocaier Academy – Academic Hall – Year 1092 Ad Felicitas]

Morning light filtered through the glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the cold white floor. The domed ceiling was adorned with slowly moving paintings, displaying glowing lines winding among the stars. The soft hum from a holographic screen filled the room, creating a blend of advanced technology and magical ambiance.

A man in a black suit stood at the front, exuding an aura of precision and discipline. His sharp eyes scanned the hall, ensuring everyone paid attention to the glowing patterns on the screen that seemed almost alive.

Beside the podium, a woman sat gracefully, holding a small tablet. Her sleek black hair fell neatly, complementing her elegant look in a black gown and teal coat. Her calm yet piercing gaze gave the surroundings an air of caution and respect.

At the back row, Sloane leaned lazily against his chair, propping his chin on his hand.

"Ugh, so boring… when will this end?" he muttered, his voice barely audible amidst Friedrich's ongoing lecture.

Next to him, Lorcan stirred from his half-asleep position. His messy red hair covered his still-heavy eyes. In a hoarse voice, he replied,

"Just go to sleep… you’ll wake up when it’s over," his tone laced with sarcasm.

Sloane snorted softly, shaking his head.

"Nah, I’ll get called out if they catch me."

As if hearing his complaint, Friedrich, the man in the black suit, suddenly directed his gaze at them. His eyes narrowed, and a small frown appeared on his brow.

"Lorcan... could you please explain what an evocyte is?"

Lorcan immediately straightened up, his sleepy demeanor turning to panic. He stood hastily, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"Uh... uh... it’s... uh... the element for controlling magic... for combat, sir," he stammered, his words shaky and nervous.

The entire hall burst into laughter. While his answer wasn’t entirely wrong, it sounded overly simplistic for such a fundamental question—like a child learning to read for the first time. Lorcan bowed his head, his cheeks flushing red.

"Sloane, please assist your classmate," Friedrich said, his voice calm but underscored with a quiet authority.

Sloane stood with confidence, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Yes, sir. Evocyte is a natural energy produced by living organisms and the environment. In the case of the environment, this energy is primarily generated by leyline systems."

Friedrich nodded slightly, his tone taking on a more instructive note.

"That's correct, Sloane, but it goes deeper than that. In the past, it is believed that all living beings, much like what we refer to as Primordials today, could harness evocyte directly—without the aid of tools such as the lumina core. Over generations, this natural ability appears to have diminished. Our responsibility now is to investigate and gather evidence to determine whether this was indeed the case and understand why it happened."

On the holographic screen, glowing green-blue leylines pulsed slowly, flowing like living veins. The lines moved, branching and merging, reflecting a faint glow on the faces of the audience. Occasionally, small nodes lit up brightly, like the breathing of a world connected in an unending stream of energy.

"Additionally, we’ve found a relationship between plants and leylines. Areas with more vegetation show better quality and quantity of evocyte."

Sloane shot a look at Lorcan, a smug grin tugging at his lips.

"Told you. That’s why you shouldn’t sleep. Just space out if you’re bored—getting called on again is the real danger."

Lorcan let out a long sigh, his frustration clear.

"Ugh, I’m done... I can’t take this anymore."

When the session moved to the Q&A portion, Luna Sabriel, the woman with black hair, stepped forward. Her voice was soft yet commanding.

"Thank you, Professor. That was an enlightening lecture. Does anyone have any questions?"

From the front row, Nadia Fernleaf hesitantly raised her hand. She blinked nervously behind her glasses, glancing around before standing.

"Please, go ahead, Nadia," Luna said with a slight nod, gesturing for her to speak.

With a quiet, respectful tone, Nadia asked,

"Thank you for the opportunity. I would like to inquire, if plants indeed influence the quality and quantity of evocyte, have global governments initiated any measures to regulate industries or limit the use of evocyte generators?"

Friedrich smiled faintly, nodding in approval.

"Excellent question, Nadia. At present, generators are indispensable as our technology is deeply reliant on them. However, the Conclave of Eldoria has attempted to regulate their use by introducing quartz-based technology. Unfortunately, the international implementation has faced significant challenges, primarily due to shortages in quartz production and resistance from the Arcadia Republic."

Nadia nodded, her smile small but satisfied. "Thank you, Professor."

Soon after, the room’s attention shifted as Caelus Amelioris stood calmly. His dark eyes radiated seriousness, while his golden hair shimmered under the classroom light, catching the attention of a few female students. His partially unbuttoned black shirt gave him an air of casual elegance.

In a measured tone, Caelus asked,

"Good afternoon, Professor. May I ask, I’ve read several articles suggesting that evocyte residue from generators not only affects leylines but also nearby habitats—altering weather or even causing mutations in surrounding creatures, making them more dangerous. Is this true? Thank you."

Friedrich, now with a more serious expression, looked at Caelus thoughtfully before replying.

"That’s a very profound question, Caelus. It is true that evocyte residue can affect the quality and quantity of evocyte generated. However, regarding its impact on weather and creature mutations, we need more data to confirm. Research is ongoing, especially in areas with high residue concentrations."

The room fell silent, the students reflecting on the answer. Caelus nodded slightly, his expression still serious but satisfied with the explanation.

More students raised questions, making the atmosphere lively, though a few began losing focus.

As the session concluded, Luna stepped forward again, speaking gracefully.

"Alright, since we’re out of time, it’s now lunch break. Please return in thirty minutes. Thank you for your participation."

The students began filing out of the hall, footsteps and chatter filling the corridors with a lively echo. Among them, Sloane and Lorcan were already planning something.

As the students spilled into the hallways, Lorcan ambled along with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, a lazy rhythm in his step. He let out a loud yawn, glancing sidelong at Sloane, who walked beside him with his usual casual stride.

"I’m done. Skipping the next session—can’t sit through another minute of that," he muttered, his tone thick with boredom.

Sloane chuckled, tossing a shrug.

"Fair. I’m in, but where’re we heading?"

Behind them, Reine hurried to catch up, his nervous energy a stark contrast to their laid-back attitudes. He bit his lip, his wide-eyed expression almost pleading as he whispered,

"Come on, guys… What if they call roll? You know how this ends."

Lorcan turned just enough to glance back, his smirk lazy as he shrugged without a care.

"Worst case? Another detention. Big deal. I can’t handle sitting in there any longer; my brain’s melting."

Nearby, Bryan, Alyssa, Erick, and Caelus caught wind of the conversation.

Bryan, a tall boy with dark brown hair, leaned casually against the wall, crossing his arms with a knowing shake of his head.

"I’m telling you, Friedrich might seem laid-back, but he’s a total stickler for discipline. He’ll make you regret it."

Alyssa, a sharp-eyed girl with a fiery red ponytail, She let out a scoffing laugh without even glancing up.

"Regret? Come on. Friedrich’s not the problem. The real issue is you two thinking you’ll actually get away with this. You’ve got ‘busted’ written all over your faces."

Lorcan rolled his eyes dramatically, turning toward her with an exaggerated bow.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Alyssa. Really inspiring stuff."

Alyssa finally looked up, smirking as she leaned against the wall.

"Hey, I’m just saying. If you’re going to skip, at least don’t make it so obvious. You’re practically announcing it with a megaphone."

Reine groaned, burying his face in his hands.

"This is such a bad idea…"

Erick, a boy with wavy light brown hair sitting at the edge of the group, let out a deep sigh, his expression flat.

"You guys seriously never learn, huh?"

Caelus, as calm as ever, shot a quick glance at Lorcan, a faint chuckle escaping him.

"Just let Lorcan do his thing. You’d think by now you’d know how he operates."

Lorcan broke into a mischievous grin, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the group.

"Oh, please. You’re all such chickens. Me? I’ve got nothing to fear."

Their banter was suddenly interrupted by the sound of loud, cheerful laughter. A group of girls emerged from the lecture hall, their laughter bright and carefree, led by Vaeloria, her golden hair shimmering under the sunlight as it cascaded down her shoulders.

Beside Lorcan, Sloane turned his head, his wide smile appearing the moment he spotted the group.

"Look, even the girls are ditching. Let’s go!"

At the door, Reine stood hesitantly, shaking his head slowly. His uncertainty was written all over his face.

"But…" he mumbled softly.

Lorcan cut him off with a casual yet commanding tone.

"Stop overthinking, Reine. Come on, hurry up!"

Reluctantly, Reine followed, his steps slow but without much choice.

From a distance, Nadia stood silently, clutching a small notebook to her chest. Her eyes followed them as they walked away, but she said nothing, her face showing a contemplative expression.

Meanwhile, Alyssa, Erick, Bryan, and Caelus all sighed almost in unison, their expressions showing a mix of fatigue and exasperation at the antics they’d grown far too familiar with.

As the group exited the building, they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with Luna Sabriel in the hallway. Her cold gaze rested on them briefly, freezing the moment like a pause in time.

Lorcan forced a smile, trying to appear casual.

"Good afternoon, Miss Luna," he greeted politely, though a slight awkwardness crept into his tone.

Luna responded with a thin smile, saying nothing as she continued walking past them, her steps steady and unhurried, as though their presence didn’t concern her.

As soon as Luna disappeared from view, Lorcan let out a long breath, relief written all over his face.

"Man, dodged a bullet there. If it had been Alina, we’d still be standing here getting interrogated."

Sloane gave him a playful slap on the shoulder, chuckling under his breath.

"Yeah, no kidding. Let’s move before someone with a lot more questions shows up. This could go south real quick."

They picked up their pace, trailing behind Vaeloria’s group as they meandered further down the path. Unable to contain his curiosity, Lorcan broke into a brisk jog to catch up with her.

"So, where’s the party, Ria?" he asked, his grin widening as he glanced her way.

Vaeloria turned, a light laugh escaping her lips.

"Oh, you’re ditching too, huh? Good. The more, the merrier."

Her voice bubbled with excitement as she leaned in slightly,

"We’re headed to the Serrahn Festival in the city. And guess what? Starlight Vagabond is the headliner!"

Sloane’s jaw practically hit the floor, his eyes going wide.

"No way! I’m obsessed with Leila! How did I not hear about this? Nothing came up on the Arcane Network!"

Vaeloria gave a sly smile, shrugging casually as if holding onto a secret only she could share.

"I know, weird, right? They didn’t make any official announcements. I got the scoop from a friend who’s working the festival."

Lorcan’s grin stretched ear to ear as he let out a satisfied laugh.

"Now that’s what I’m talking about! Way better than wasting the day half-asleep in some boring seminar."

With newfound energy, the group made their way toward Nethia City, leaving behind the stiff atmosphere of the lecture hall.

[Location: Nethia City – Festival Square – Midday]

The streets of Nethia City buzzed with life. Crowds ebbed and flowed like a living tide, creating a rhythmic hum of chatter, laughter, and the occasional vendor’s call. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled food and spices, blending seamlessly with the upbeat strains of traditional music that echoed throughout the square.

Drifter walked slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the vibrant scene. His steps paused as a soft but pointed voice called out to him.

"Hey, it’s you again… the one from the past."

He turned to see a young woman with soft teal hair that caught the sunlight like rippling waves. Her outfit—a blend of white and blue—was both elegant and practical, giving her a calm presence that contrasted with the bustling energy around her. Her face stirred a faint memory, an image of a peaceful home and a figure in a white gown.

"You’re Reine’s sibling, right? So, you’re part of the Evocaier Order?" he asked, his tone flat yet attentive.

Her smile widened, exuding a warm charm that was hard to ignore.

"Yes, I’m Reina. You should stop by our base sometime instead of just staying at the academy."

Before he could respond, three figures approached. Their movements were unhurried, but each radiated a presence that demanded attention.

The first was a tall, strong woman with curled horns adorning her head. Her long, fiery orange hair caught the light, and her amber eyes swept over the scene with a piercing gaze, as though assessing everything in an instant. Her metallic black outfit left her midriff exposed, and a white fur cloak draped over her shoulders added a regal, untamed air.

"A friend of yours, Reina?" she asked warmly, though her sharp eyes never stopped analyzing him.

"Oh, he’s my little brother’s friend," Reina replied lightly, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

The horned woman smiled, a sharp grin as dangerous as a freshly honed blade.

"Hah. Isn’t he a little old to still be a student at the academy?"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Reina’s tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious.

"He’s the one they say is from the past."

The words hung in the air, wrapping the moment in a heavy silence as all eyes turned to him.

The second figure stepped forward—a man with dark gray skin, glowing red eyes, and pointed ears. His simple yet striking dark blue shirt made him stand out in the crowd. Extending a hand, he greeted warmly,

"Oh, so you’re the one from the past. I’m Xaltherion, but you can call me Therion. Nice to meet you."

Drifter studied him for a moment, his thoughts racing.

"An Umbradi? What’s he doing here?"

Before he could speak, another voice interjected.

"I’m Helvra. Nice to meet you. What should we call you?"

"Drifter. It’s nice to meet you all," he replied calmly.

Behind them, a fourth figure stood quietly. His layered dark blue hair fell slightly over his eyes, and his gothic black attire—complete with silver accents—added to his mysterious aura. His crimson eyes glinted as he silently observed, exuding an air of quiet intimidation.

Xaltherion gave a faint smile.

"So, how’s it been? Adjusting to life here?"

Drifter nodded slightly.

"It’s been… manageable."

Helvra chuckled softly, his shoulders rising in an easy shrug.

"Next time, why don’t you join us on a mission? Could be fun."

Reina’s curious smile widened.

"I’m curious about you too. I heard your duel with Grandmaster Mina ended in a draw. That’s impressive."

Xaltherion added, his tone soft but firm.

"Yes, we’ll be waiting for that day."

Drifter responded with a small smile, keeping his deeper thoughts well hidden.

The bustling crowd around them grew louder, but Drifter’s attention was drawn to a familiar group approaching. Vaeloria walked with Lily, Mia, Lorcan, Sloane, and Reine, their steps steady as they navigated the chaos.

As their gazes met, Lorcan and Sloane quickened their pace, broad smiles lighting up their faces. Reine, however, hung back hesitantly, his steps slow. Vaeloria, flanked by her female companions, glanced over briefly with a small, knowing smile.

When they arrived, Reina shot Reine a teasing look, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Well, well. What’s this? Cutting class, are we?"

Lorcan waved cheerfully, his grin as wide as ever.

"Hey there, Oldman—oh, Reina, didn’t expect to see you here!"

Sloane jumped in, laughing as he raised a hand in greeting.

"What’s up, what’s up!"

Reine, meanwhile, barely managed a mumble, his voice soft and hesitant.

"Hi, Sis…"

Reina’s smile softened, but there was a note of warning in her voice.

"You know Mom’s gonna be upset if she finds out, right?"

Reine looked down, his cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment, his response barely audible.

"Uh… yeah, sorry…"

Lorcan and Sloane snickered, their carefree attitudes making the tension roll off them like water. Reine, however, shuffled uneasily, his eyes darting around as if plotting an escape route.

Standing nearby, Helvra chimed in with an easy smile.

"Hey, Reine, long time no see. How’s it going?"

Reine glanced up slightly, managing a faint smile.

"I’m doing okay, Helvra."

Helvra turned her attention to Lorcan and Sloane, her smile turning playful as she gestured at them.

"Come on, Reina, don’t be so hard on him. Everyone needs a little fun now and then, right?" she said, throwing a wink at the two troublemakers.

Reina let out a faint sigh, her smile thinning as she fixed them with a firm look.

"Fine, but keep him out of trouble, got it? No shady business."

Lorcan gave an exaggerated thumbs-up, grinning mischievously.

"Shady business? Us? Never!"

Sloane raised a hand like he was swearing an oath, his tone mock-serious.

"Scout’s honor, ma’am!"

Lorcan and Sloane pretended not to hear, their grins full of mischief.

In the background, a man with dark blue hair started walking away from the group without saying a word.

From a distance, Xaltherion leaned casually against a post, one hand resting on his hip. A faint smile curved his lips, and his eyes gleamed with an unreadable glint, as though he was privy to secrets no one else could guess.

"Hey, who’s that guy?" Sloane asked, nodding toward the figure with dark blue hair as he walked away. His voice carried that unmistakable tone of curiosity that always came with a hint of mischief.

Reine glanced briefly in the direction the man had gone, his response barely audible.

"I think… he’s my sister’s team leader."

Lorcan strode up to Drifter, raising an eyebrow as he studied him.

"What brings you here, old man?" he asked with a grin, his tone full of curiosity.

Drifter crossed his arms over his chest, his voice steady but carrying a faint edge of tension.

"Work. I’m on security duty."

Suddenly, the sound of music from the main stage caught their attention. A mystical melody blended with sharp, rhythmic percussion, weaving through the air and silencing the crowd.

Drawn by the captivating harmony, Drifter and the others moved closer to the stage. Dancers clad in glittering costumes moved in perfect synchronization, their every step telling a story. Graceful yet powerful, their performance was mesmerizing.

At the center of the stage, one figure stood out. Her wavy brown hair shimmered under the lights, and her golden eyes sparkled like gems. As she twirled, time seemed to slow, her gaze locking momentarily with Drifter’s.

image [https://i.ibb.co.com/34Z6Rwb/01-16.jpg]

Something about that look—faint recognition, a flash of something deeper—stirred emotions in him that he couldn’t quite place.

Drifter stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the figure. The music swelled to its crescendo, drawing cheers from the crowd as the dancer bowed slightly before disappearing behind the curtain.

Sloane stood frozen, eyes still locked on the stage, muttering under his breath,

"Whoa… that was… something else."

Vaeloria turned to Drifter, a playful glint in her eyes as a sly smile spread across her face.

"Well, well, Drifter. Didn’t peg you as a fan of Leila. Guess you’ve got taste."

Drifter shook his head slowly, his expression settling back into its usual calm mask.

"Not a fan. Just… watching."

Lorcan let out a loud, exaggerated laugh, his voice dripping with mockery.

"He won’t admit it… I bet his lumina core is packed with Leila’s photos."

Drifter sighed, lifting his hands in mock surrender with a faint smirk.

"Oh no, how’d you figure it out? My big secret’s out."

Reina chuckled softly, waving a hand as she stepped back.

"Alright, alright. We’ll leave you to it. Our leader’s probably waiting for us."

Helvra gave a carefree wave.

"Later, you lot. Don’t get into too much trouble!"

Xaltherion nodded, his warm smile lingering.

"Until next time."

The group drifted away, disappearing into the bustling festival crowd as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting everything in a golden glow.

Sloane, unable to hold back his enthusiasm, suddenly grabbed Drifter’s arm, his eyes practically sparkling.

"Come on, old man! Let’s go get Leila’s autograph. Come on, please!"

Drifter gently pulled his arm free, his voice steady but firm.

"I’m working. This isn’t the time."

Lorcan clapped a hand on Drifter’s shoulder, a mischievous grin lighting up his face.

"Oh, come on, man. It’s the middle of the day. Who’s going to cause trouble at a festival? And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us."

Drifter narrowed his eyes, studying him for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh.

"Fine. Just for a minute."

Sloane’s face lit up, his grin so wide it looked like it might split his face. Without hesitation, he grabbed Drifter’s arm again, dragging him toward the line.

"Yes! This is gonna be awesome!"

Drifter followed reluctantly, muttering under his breath,

"Why do I let you two talk me into these things?"

Sloane’s face lit up with excitement as he grabbed Drifter and pulled him into the line without giving him a chance to reconsider. The chatter and laughter of the crowd filled the air as a long line of fans stretched out before them.

Sloane glanced at the line, his grin widening.

"No surprises here. She’s always a showstopper."

Drifter, standing a few steps behind, eyed the crowd skeptically.

"‘Oracle Booth’? What, is she some kind of fortune teller?" he asked, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

Sloane chuckled, shrugging.

"Sort of. She writes these cryptic messages with her autographs. It’s her thing."

Drifter nodded faintly, barely interested, and turned to leave.

"This’ll take forever. I think I’ll head out."

But before he could step away, Lorcan grabbed his arm.

"Oh no, you’re not going anywhere. We’re almost there!"

Sloane chimed in, practically bouncing.

"Yeah, hold on a little longer! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!"

Drifter sighed, finally relenting.

"Fine. Just a little longer."

In the background, Vaeloria laughed softly, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"You guys look like kids in a candy shop."

As the line crept forward, the air around them seemed to change. A hush fell over the crowd, and a figure ahead came into view.

Her golden eyes seemed to glow, framed by a flowing veil that swayed gently with the breeze. As their gazes met, it felt as though time stopped. Her piercing stare held a weight that was almost tangible, locking him in place.

Reine, standing a few steps back, watched the interaction nervously and whispered,

"Why is she looking at you like that?"

Drifter shook his head, his voice rough and barely audible.

"I don’t know. I don’t even know her."

Sloane, still awestruck by Leila, muttered dreamily,

"She’s… even more incredible up close."

Finally, stepping forward, Sloane grinned nervously as he held out a book.

"Uh… Lady Leila, could you… sign my book?"

She chuckled softly, her movements graceful as she took the book.

"‘Lady’? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?" she said, signing with a fluid elegance.

"So, how’d I do? Did I live up to the hype?"

Sloane’s grin widened as he nodded enthusiastically.

"Amazing! I’ve been a fan since day one!"

Leila raised an eyebrow, a playful smile gracing her face.

"Oh? Well, thank you for the support. And what’s your name?"

"Sloane! It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Leila!" he said, his voice brimming with admiration.

Lorcan, rolling his eyes, nudged him with a smirk.

"Come on, man. Tone it down. You’re making us look bad here."

Leila, still smiling, looked at Lorcan before turning her gaze back to Sloane.

"You're funny, Sloane."

However, when her eyes shifted back to Drifter, the atmosphere changed. Leila’s gaze became sharper, more intense, as if the world around them disappeared once again. A heavy silence fell, and the small smile on her lips felt full of meaning.

"Hello," she said, her tone light but carrying something unspoken.

"Is there something I can help with?"

Drifter, still on edge, responded politely but carefully.

"No... it’s just... your performance earlier was impressive. Very remarkable."

Leila smiled wider, but her eyes remained full of mystery.

"Thank you. I'm glad you liked it."

Sloane, still excited, suddenly appeared again, holding his phone.

"Can we get a picture together, Lady Leila?"

Leila chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of playful teasing.

"Of course."

They took a picture together, with Sloane looking like a kid who had just gotten a new toy. However, before they could leave, Leila’s voice stopped them, her tone shifting to something more serious.

"And for my fortune... this:" (her eyes locked directly on Drifter, sharp as a dagger).

"You walk in shadows that stretch far beyond your own. When the past rises, will you stand—or fall with it? Beware the darkness that seeks you, for it will find you when you least expect it."

The words hung in the air, heavy and full of mystery. Lorcan looked confused, murmuring under his breath.

"What was that about?"

Sloane, trying to laugh off the awkwardness, spoke nervously.

"Heh… you’re kidding, right?"

Leila smiled faintly, her voice warm but carrying an underlying strength.

"Of course. Just be careful, okay?"

As the group started to walk away, Drifter remained frozen in place. Leila’s words continued to echo in his mind, haunting his thoughts. Visions of the Black Cube flashed through his mind, something no one outside the Academy should know about. But how could she know? Her eyes, her gaze—she seemed to look right into his soul.

Inside, he wondered,

"Who is she... really?"

Vaeloria, noticing the shift in Drifter’s expression, nudged his arm lightly, a playful smile curling at her lips.

"What’s going on, Drifter? Got a little crush on Leila?"

Drifter slowly turned his gaze to her, his expression impassive, his voice cool but guarded.

"Crush?"

Vaeloria raised an eyebrow, her smile turning mischievous as she narrowed her eyes.

"Yeah, looks like Leila was eyeing you. Maybe you two are a match."

Drifter just shrugged, his face giving nothing away. He turned slowly, preparing to walk away.

"You’ve got too wild an imagination, Ria... I’ve got work to do."

Lorcan laughed quietly, slapping Drifter’s back casually.

"Yeah, yeah. Catch you later, old man!"

Sloane, with his usual dramatic flair, waved both arms high in the air.

"See you, secret fan!"

Reine, who had been quiet the whole time, gave a small nod, his voice soft.

*"See you later, Drifter."

As Drifter walked away, the group continued their path, blending back into the lively crowd of the festival, which was growing more energetic as the evening wore on.

Lorcan, Reine, and Sloane stopped at a Spectra Duel Simulator area, a popular spot for players of holographic card games. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with the sound of cards shuffling and bright holographic screens flashing as players battled it out with energy and enthusiasm. When one of them won a rare card, loud cheers erupted, breaking the warm silence of the afternoon. The joyful energy spread, drawing in curious visitors who stopped to watch for a moment.

Meanwhile, Vaeloria and her group walked towards the section selling Serrahn Kingdom attire. They stopped at each stall, inspecting the shimmering fabrics and intricately designed gowns, imagining how they would look wearing such clothes.

Before heading back, they sampled festival snacks—sweet treats and savory bites that were irresistible. Every bite was filled with laughter, light moments that felt like pure freedom. The distant sound of music, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic footsteps filled the air, creating the perfect atmosphere.

But as the sun began to set, the energy of the place shifted. The festival lights flickered on, bathing the area in a soft, captivating glow. The crowd started to thin out, and the cool evening air slowly replaced the warmth of the day.

Vaeloria, with a mischievous smile on her face, turned to her group.

"Think we can get back to the Academy without running into Friedrich or Luna?"

Lorcan, chuckling softly, shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Impossible. Our names are definitely on their radar by now."

They moved quickly and cautiously toward the Academy, their eyes scanning every corner. When they turned a corner, their steps came to an abrupt halt.

Ahead, two figures stood silently. A man with piercing blue eyes calmly observed them, watching their every movement without a word. His face remained expressionless, but the weight of his presence was undeniable.

Beside him, a woman stood with neatly styled black hair. Her gaze was sharp, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Nothing escaped her watchful eyes. Silence enveloped them, freezing time between them.

Vaeloria, grinning but faltering, her eyes darting nervously:

"Uh-oh."

Sloane, fidgeting, his voice rising with panic:

"We’re so dead." He swallowed hard, and the carefree festival vibe vanished as quickly as a snowflake melting in the sun.

Immediately, Vaeloria’s female companions began talking over each other, their voices overlapping in a chaotic mess of fear and confusion.

Mia’s eyes darted frantically, her breathing shallow. Her lips trembled as she glanced at Vaeloria, confusion written all over her face.

"What do we do, Ria?" she asked, her voice breaking, the panic in it unmistakable.

Next to her, Lily stood frozen, her movements sluggish and drained of energy. Her wide, vacant eyes locked onto the scene before her. Her lips were pressed tightly together, before she let out a shaky breath.

"I guess we just surrender..." she whispered, her eyes betraying the fear creeping in.

Friedrich raised an eyebrow, the air around them thickening as if time itself had paused. His gaze was cold, his presence suffocating.

"Ah, so you finally showed up," he said softly, but the coldness in his voice sliced through the silence like a blade.

His eyes scanned them slowly, methodically, as if peeling away the layers of lies they hadn’t spoken.

Vaeloria forced a laugh, but it came out like dry twigs snapping underfoot. Her glance shot nervously toward Sloane, as if searching for some miracle escape.

"Good... afternoon, Professor! Uh, we’ve got... a bit of a headache?" Her voice trembled, far from the usual confidence she wore so well.

Sloane scratched his neck, trying to speak, but his words faltered under the increasing pressure.

"Yeah... about that..."

Lorcan, usually calm, tried to keep his tone casual, though his voice trembled slightly.

"We... uh... we stopped by the hospital."

Friedrich narrowed his eyes slightly, a small smile forming, sharper than a knife.

"Oh? To the hospital? Let me call the doctor there, just in case you need better care."

Vaeloria swallowed, her laugh turning into a mumble that was barely audible.

"Oh... Actually, we didn’t go to the hospital... it was full."

Friedrich’s smile didn’t fade, but the coldness in his expression grew sharper.

"I see. My friend the doctor can come to the academy. We need to make sure you’re all fit."

Silence hung heavy in the air. The atmosphere around them felt suffocating, as if even breathing had become a struggle. Reine finally couldn’t take it anymore. His face turned red, his gaze dropping, his voice trembling.

"W-We didn’t mean to skip... W-We thought maybe... a quick rest would help."

His words trailed off, swallowed by the tense air. Vaeloria sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging in defeat.

"Okay, sorry. We messed up. There’s no point pretending anymore."

Lorcan lowered his head, scratching his scalp, regret evident on his face.

"Yeah... sorry, we messed up."

Sloane raised his hand slightly, his eyes cast downward.

"Sorry. We promise we won’t do it again."

Friedrich sighed heavily, his voice calm but carrying a weight that couldn’t be ignored.

"I appreciate your honesty. But remember, discipline is crucial. In the battlefield, negligence doesn’t just put you in danger—it puts everyone else at risk too."

Vaeloria nodded quickly, her voice more resolute now.

"Sorry, Professor. We really are sorry."

Luna stepped forward. Her soft smile remained, but the coldness of it was as sharp as frost.

"Next time you skip, at least be smarter about it."

Her gaze shifted slowly, making sure her words sank in. Without waiting for a reply, she turned, her steps light but unmistakable, following Friedrich as he walked away.

Silence fell over them once more. Only the sound of their breath filled the space, heavy with the weight of the encounter they had just experienced.

Vaeloria sighed deeply, brushing her slightly disheveled golden hair back.

"Why are they so terrifying? They didn’t even yell, but it felt like a death sentence."

Lorcan, nervously laughing, shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to hide his unease.

"Yeah, they don’t need to yell, but the vibe is seriously scary."

Sloane, groaning as he rubbed his temple:

"Yeah, I’d rather get yelled at by Alina all day. At least we know what to expect. With them... it’s like..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Reine, finally able to breathe again, shot them a warning look.

"See? Told you. Next time, don’t skip."

They walked slowly toward their lockers, their steps heavier than when they left the academy earlier that day. The festival lights, once warm and inviting, now felt dim. Friedrich and Luna’s words echoed in their minds, reminding them that every action had its consequences.