3rd August

I do not like what is happening at all. I am now in Miss Yuan’s chambers facing her along with Naomi and John with his lackeys. The walk to Miss Yuan's office felt like a journey through purgatory. Naomi and I moved in silence, our footsteps echoing ominously in the corridors. The weight of the impending confrontation bore down on us.

The moment we stepped inside Miss Yuan’s chambers we were enveloped in an atmosphere that was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. The room was spacious, its high ceilings adorned with intricate mouldings that hinted at an older, more opulent era. Dark wood panelling lined the walls, giving the space a solemn, almost foreboding feel. Heavy, dark velvet curtains were drawn back to reveal tall, wide windows through which the rays of the dawn cast long shadows across the room.

The centrepiece of the chamber was Miss Yuan’s imposing mahogany desk, its surface meticulously organised. Various papers and ancient-looking tomes were arranged in neat piles, and a single, ominous-looking book bound in dark leather. Behind the desk, a high-backed leather chair added to the sense of authority that Miss Yuan exuded.

To one side of the room, an ornate fireplace framed with marble roared with a contained yet powerful fire, casting a warm, flickering light that contrasted with the room's dark ambiance.

Shelves lined the other walls, filled with an eclectic mix of ancient scrolls, mystical artefacts, and curious trinkets that seemed to hum with latent energy. A large, ornately carved wooden cabinet stood in one corner, its glass doors revealing swords like Daos and Katanas put on display.

A long, plush rug stretched from the door to the desk, its deep red hue adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise dark and severe décor. Flanking the rug were two tall, wrought-iron candelabras, their candles burning with an eerie blue flame that flickered as we walked past.

Miss Yuan herself was seated behind the desk, her piercing eyes following our every move as she wrote into some notes. The room seemed to amplify her presence, making her appear even more formidable. The heavy, dark atmosphere pressed down on us, making the air feel thick and difficult to breathe. It was clear that this chamber was not just an office but a sanctum of power and authority, a place where decisions of great consequence were made.

As we stood there, awaiting our judgement, the room seemed to close in around us, reinforcing the gravity of the situation and the formidable presence of Miss Yuan.

“Mr. Tachibana and Ms. Sasaki, sit.” she commanded, her voice as cold as the room.

We complied, taking the two chairs in front of her desk. The silence was suffocating. Miss Yuan let it stretch, her gaze never leaving us, I could also feel the stare of John on my nape. Finally, she spoke.

“Do you understand the gravity of your actions, Mr. Tachibana?” Her voice was measured, each word precise and cutting.

I swallowed hard, struggling to find my voice. “I... I didn’t mean to cause such troubleー” Miss Yuan's eyes narrowed. “Intentions are meaningless without knowledge and control. Your ignorance has not only endangered yourself but others as well. Magic is not something to be taken lightly.”

Naomi shifted uncomfortably beside me, her hands clenched into fists. She seemed to shrink under Miss Yuan's gaze, her earlier courage evaporating. She had tried to warn me, and now we were both paying the price for my recklessness.

Stolen novel; please report.

Miss Yuan’s gaze shifted to Naomi. “And you, Miss Sasaki. Your duty as an not only an experienced student but also Mr. Tachbana’s scout is to prevent such incidents. You failed in that responsibility.”

Naomi’s face paled. “I did what I could, Miss Yuan. But Yuki’s stubbornness… it’s not easy to handle.”

I flinched at her words, knowing they were true. Miss Yuan leaned back in her chair, her eyes scrutinising us both. “There are consequences for your actions.” she said finally, shooting daggers into my eyes. “Mr. Tachibana, you will be placed under strict supervision. Your training will be closely monitored, and any further incidents will result in immediate expulsion.” her gaze shifted towards Naomi, “As for you, Ms. Sasaki, you will assist in his training. Ensure he learns control, or you will share in his punishment.”

My heart sank at the verdict. Probation. It was a lifeline, but a tenuous one. Naomi’s eyes widened with a mix of shock and fear, but she nodded, accepting the responsibility placed upon her.

“Understood, Miss Yuan.” Naomi said, her voice trembling slightly.

Miss Yuan dismissed us with a wave of her hand. “You are both dismissed. And Mr. Tachibana, remember, the only reason I’m giving you a chance is because you are new here. Do not squander it.” She looked behind my shoulder, “As for you, Mr. Davis and company, your punishment shall be decided now, take their place.” she said as Naomi and I got up from our seats.

The both of us left the chambers unsure of John’s future, the weight of Miss Yuan’s words sitting heavy on our shoulders. Enveloped by silence, we walked back through the veranda. Naomi attempted to break the ice and said, “Let’s show you the student dorms.” She tried to sound enthusiastic about it.

“Yeah. It would be fun to look around more.” I replied with a smile, trying to be equally enthusiastic. “I haven't seen anything more than these dark verandas.”

“These verandas really are gloomy,” Naomi chuckled.

“I wouldn’t say it’s gloomy… more like gothic,” I replied.

“Sure,” Naomi chuckled. “Let’s show you around the city complex.”

We crossed the training grounds and walked through Block B, which was meant for seniors. The atmosphere here was different, more serious and studious. Seniors moved about with purpose, their faces etched with the experience and confidence that comes from years of training. We navigated through the labyrinth of hallways, lined with old portraits of notable alumni and awards encased in glass displays.

Finally, we exited Block B through the main gate, an awe-inspiring structure that commanded respect. The gate was made of obsidian, its smooth, dark surface reflecting the sunlight with a mysterious sheen. Intricate patterns were etched into the obsidian, depicting scenes of ancient battles and legendary heroes, their tales immortalised in the hard stone.

Flanking the gate were two towering stone pillars, each crowned with a golden statue of a phoenix. The phoenixes were meticulously crafted, their wings spread wide as if they were about to take flight. Their eyes, made of gleaming rubies, seemed to follow our every move, imparting a sense of watchful guardianship.

The base of each pillar was adorned with ivy and climbing roses, their vibrant green leaves and delicate flowers providing a stark contrast to the dark obsidian. The scent of the roses mingled with the fresh air, creating an intoxicating aroma that was both calming and invigorating.

As we stepped outside, a cool breeze greeted us, carrying the crisp scent of the night and rustling the leaves of the cherry blossom trees that lined the pathway. The petals, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, created a delicate pink carpet on the ground. The scent of blooming flowers mingled with the cool breeze, making the transition from the gothic interiors to the serene outdoors even more striking.

Ahead of us, the city complex lay bathed in the gentle light of street lamps and the occasional lantern, creating an atmosphere that was both peaceful and lively. Students and faculty moved between buildings, their laughter and conversations filling the air with a sense of camaraderie and life.

Naomi pointed towards a tall building in the distance. “That’s the main dormitory for first-years,” she explained. “It’s got everything you’ll need – a cafeteria, study rooms, and even a small gym.”

I nodded, taking it all in. “This place is huge. It feels like a city within a city.”

Naomi smiled. “It is. Avalon is designed to be self-sufficient, so students can focus entirely on their training and studies without needing to leave the campus.”

We continued our tour, Naomi pointing out various landmarks and sharing stories about her experiences. Her initial fear seemed to fade as she spoke, replaced by a genuine enthusiasm for showing me around. It was a small comfort, knowing that I had at least one ally in this vast, intimidating place.

As we approached the dormitory, I glanced back at the path we had taken. The main gate stood proudly in the distance, a reminder of the world I had just entered – a world of magic, challenges, and endless possibilities.

<13 - SurgeーEpisode 3 - Fin>