The next day, Kenneth and Rika wasted no time heading to Nero’s office to discuss the formalities of establishing their investigation club. As they explained their plans and outlined their ideas, Nero leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.

“That’s a good idea,” Nero finally said, his voice low and contemplative. Kenneth and Rika exchanged a quick glance of relief, glad that Nero was on board with their vision. “But I have one condition,” Nero added, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned forward.

Kenneth, ever cautious, braced himself. “What is it?”

“You need to recruit two students from the Practical and Theory divisions,” Nero explained. “If this club is truly meant to investigate the magical mysteries of this world, you’ll need perspectives from different divisions, not just the Special Division. Otherwise, it might become too exclusive.”

Kenneth nodded, understanding the Headmaster's point. Although their club was open to all divisions, the fact that every member so far hailed from the Special Division did make it seem intimidating for others to join. He could see how the inclusion of students from different divisions would make the club more approachable and diverse.

“We understand,” Kenneth replied firmly.

After leaving Nero’s office, they found Ash, Aine, and Lucian waiting for them outside. Kenneth quickly filled them in on the conversation with the Headmaster.

“Do you have anyone in mind for recruitment?” Kenneth asked, turning to his friends.

Rika frowned, tapping her chin. “That might be difficult. Most students are already committed to other clubs by now.”

Lucian, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. “There is one girl from the Practical Division. She specializes in Spirit magic.”

Rika’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Spirit magic? That could be really useful for our investigations! Would she be interested in joining us?”

Lucian nodded slowly. “She’s currently serving our family, so I could speak with her.”

Without warning, Rika, unable to contain her enthusiasm, threw her arms around Lucian in a sudden hug, causing his usually composed demeanor to falter. “Thank you, Lucian! I thought you weren’t that interested in our club, but now I’m counting on you to recruit her!”

Lucian cleared his throat, his face flushed from the unexpected display of affection. “I… I’ll see what I can do.”

“Now we just need someone from the Theory Division,” Aine chimed in. “Someone who can provide a more academic perspective.”

Kenneth nodded, having thought the same thing. A member from the Theory Division could bring valuable knowledge to the club, particularly regarding the history and intricacies of magic and their world. One person came to mind—a student who had always impressed him with their intellect and sharp insights, although their relationship had grown complicated lately.

“I have someone in mind,” Kenneth said, raising his hand slightly. “But is it alright if I invite him myself? There’s a misunderstanding between us that I need to clear up first.”

＊＊＊＊

After school, Kenneth lingered near the Theory Division, pacing as he waited for Joash. His mind was filled with all the ways this conversation could go wrong, but he had to try. Soon enough, he saw Joash walking alone down the hallway. As soon as their eyes met, Joash visibly tensed, turning slightly as if to avoid him.

“Joash, wait,” Kenneth called out, moving toward him. Joash hesitated but continued walking, his pace quickening. Not willing to let the chance slip away, Kenneth stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

“We need to talk,” Kenneth said firmly. “I know you feel like I betrayed you, but there’s been a misunderstanding, and I want to set things straight.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Joash looked around, his eyes darting to see if anyone else was watching before sighing in resignation. “Follow me,” he muttered, leading Kenneth to his research room.

Once they were inside, Joash wasted no time getting to the point. “I don’t see what there is to clear up. You’ve been chosen as the successor, not me. That’s what’s clear.”

Kenneth winced at the bitterness in Joash’s tone. “It’s not like that. I didn’t take your position. This is just temporary—until the Ultimate Fire matures.”

Joash crossed his arms, his expression tight. “And then what? What happens if Fireon doesn’t need another successor after that? What happens to me?” His voice wavered, betraying the frustration and hurt he was trying to suppress.

Kenneth shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of Joash’s words. “I don’t have all the answers, Joash. But I never wanted to take anything from you. I didn’t come here to replace you.”

Joash’s eyes hardened. “Maybe you didn’t mean to, but you did. Everyone looks at you now as the Fireon successor, and no one sees me. Do you know what it feels like to have everything you’ve worked for suddenly… gone?”

Kenneth’s heart sank as Joash’s pain became clear. “I get it, Joash. I really do. But I never wanted this to come between us.”

Joash’s silence lingered, his emotions swirling behind a mask of indifference.

“You were the first person to help me when I came into this world,” Kenneth continued, his voice gentler. “You didn’t have to, but you did. I’m grateful for that. I’m sorry things turned out this way, but I don’t see myself as replacing you. To me, you’re still the true heir of Fireon.”

Joash’s expression softened slightly, though he remained quiet.

Kenneth took a deep breath. “I can’t do this alone. I need your help, Joash.”

Joash frowned, skeptical. “Help? With what?”

“With Fireon. You’ve spent your whole life studying this magic, learning about the Ultimate Fire. You know more about it than I ever will. Just because I have the power now doesn’t make me the right person to lead. I want you to be a part of this—to help bring Fireon back the right way, together.”

Joash stared at him, clearly torn. Kenneth could see the conflict in his eyes—the struggle between his resentment and the desire for something more.

“I was actually going to invite you to join a club we’re starting,” Kenneth added. “It’s an investigation club. We’ll be looking into magical cases, mysteries, that kind of thing. You’d be a huge part of it. Not because I feel sorry for you, but because I respect what you know and what you can do.”

Joash was quiet for a long time, his gaze fixed on the floor. Finally, he spoke. “You really want me to be involved? After everything that’s happened?”

Kenneth nodded earnestly. “Yes. We can’t do this without you, Joash.”

Joash sighed, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. “I’ll think about it,” he finally said, his voice tired. “But don’t expect things to just go back to normal.”

Kenneth smiled, relieved to have made some progress. “That’s all I ask. Take your time.”

As Kenneth turned to leave, he gave Joash the location of their next meeting in case he decided to join them. It wasn’t a perfect resolution, but it was a start.

＊＊＊

In the classroom, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. All five were present, along with the new recruit from the Practical Division that Lucian had invited. Elena, a quiet girl with the power of Spirit Magic, stood before them, bowing politely.

“I’m Elena. It’s an honor to be part of the club,” she said, her voice soft yet composed.

Aine, always cheerful, waved off the formality. “No, no, don’t be so formal with us. We’re all on the same team now!”

Rika smirked, unable to resist teasing Lucian. “By the way, Elena, what’s your relationship with Lucian? Given his personality, I’m surprised he has a friend.”

Lucian shot Rika a sour look but remained silent, rolling his eyes slightly. Elena, meanwhile, remained unfazed.

“I’ve known him since childhood,” she replied with a small smile. “Although I’m serving his family, I’m not in a position to be considered his friend.”

A brief pause followed as everyone processed the statement, surprised by the reserved nature of Elena’s response. Aine, ever the peacekeeper, quickly tried to ease the tension. “Well, friend or not, we’re all in this together now.”

As the conversation flowed, Ash turned to Kenneth, noticing the subtle worry etched on his face. Kenneth had yet to reveal the member he was responsible for recruiting, and the others, though curious, trusted him enough not to question it openly.

“President,” Ash spoke up, his voice light but inquisitive, “where’s your recruit?”

Kenneth opened his mouth to answer, but before he could respond, there was a knock at the door. Every head turned as it creaked open, revealing Joash standing in the doorway.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Joash said, stepping into the room. He glanced around, briefly locking eyes with Kenneth before surveying the others.

Kenneth exhaled in relief, his worry melting away.

“Hello, I'm Joash Barnett from the Theory Division.”

Rika’s eyes widened in surprise, her smile widening. “You got Joash to join? He’s notoriously hard to convince! He even turned down the student council.”

Joash, caught off guard by Rika’s remark, gave a small chuckle. “Yeah, about that… I was too wrapped up in my research back then. But this club’s focus is more in line with my interests, so it felt like the right fit.”

He glanced at Kenneth, who returned his look with a grateful nod. For the first time, Joash’s usually guarded expression softened slightly. Despite his initial hesitation, he had chosen to be here. And maybe, just maybe, this club would give him the fresh start he hadn’t realized he needed.