The school bell rings, signaling the end of another day. Dominic stretches his arms above his head, feeling relieved that classes are finally over. His focus shifts to his next objective: retrieving the 'Mirror of Lysandra' from the Greenwood Region.

He stands up from his desk and packs his things with practiced efficiency. Every movement is purposeful, driven by the determination that has fueled him since he arrived in Sylvestria.

Arthur, also getting ready to leave, watches Dominic. The mixed emotions he's been wrestling with over the years—emotions that have only grown more tangled recently—make it hard for him to leave without saying anything. Despite everything, he still wants to spend time with Dominic. They are best friends, after all, and isn't spending time together what best friends do?

After the unsettling encounter at the flower field the previous night, heading straight home is the last thing Arthur wants.

"Doms…" Arthur calls out hesitantly, his voice betraying the uncertainty he feels.

Dominic turns, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Yeah?"

"Do you… wanna hang out?"

Dominic offers an apologetic smile, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Arthur, I have somewhere to go."

Arthur feels a twinge of disappointment at the rejection. "I see…"

A troubling thought crosses his mind: 'Does Doms not want to hang out with me anymore?'

He quickly dismisses the doubt, knowing Dominic well. Dominic isn't the type to abandon those he cares about without reason.

Sensing his friend's disappointment, Dominic, unaware of the depth of Arthur's inner turmoil, quickly adds, "Hey, we'll hang out, okay? I have something important to take care of right now. How about we hang out on Sunday?"

Arthur's spirits lift slightly at the promise. "Yeah, Sunday sounds good."

Dominic nods, relieved that he has managed to ease the situation. "Great! It's a plan, then. I'll see you Sunday for sure."

With their plans set, Dominic shoulders his backpack and heads for the door, ready to face his next challenge.

Arthur waves goodbye as Dominic leaves the classroom, his heart still heavy with lingering doubts. He grabs his backpack with a slight slump of his shoulders and approaches the door. Just as he's about to leave, a voice stops him in his tracks.

"You know, you can't keep that up forever, right?"

The voice is unmistakable—Lumi. Arthur turns to find her standing just behind him. He hadn't even noticed her presence until now.

'How long has she been standing there?' he wonders, slightly unnerved.

"What do you want, and what do you mean by that, Everheart?" Arthur's tone is defensive, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

Lumi's expression remains as mysterious as ever. "You know what I mean. If you keep holding onto those feelings and let them rot, they'll eventually bring everything crashing down."

Despite having few friends, Lumi has a keen ability to see through people's facades. She has been through enough in her life—kidnapped multiple times in her childhood—that she has learned to recognize when someone is hiding their true feelings behind a fragile exterior.

Without waiting for a response, Lumi walks past him, her words lingering like a challenge or warning.

Arthur stands there for a moment, processing her words. What does she know about his feelings? How could she understand what he's going through?

And yet, her metaphor about a collapsing structure strikes a chord within him. He knows she's referring to the turmoil of emotions he has been trying to suppress—jealousy, frustration, fear of inadequacy—all of which threaten to undermine his composure and focus.

As Arthur watches her leave, he can't help but wonder if Lumi has seen something in him that he hasn't even acknowledged in himself. The thought is unsettling, leaving him with more questions than answers as he finally turns to leave the classroom.

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Dominic Eñeforte

I am sitting at the local train station, waiting for the train to the Greenwood Region.

I've swapped out my middle school uniform for something more inconspicuous: a dark grey shirt, black pants, black rubber shoes, and a black beanie. I might look like a burglar, but this was the best I could find in Dominic's drawer.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

The reason for this stealthy attire is simple: I'm planning to sneak into the Temple du Miroir Caché to find a hidden area where the "Mirror of Lysandra" is kept. The temple is notorious for its strict no-entry policy for tourists. It is heavily guarded, so I need to be extra cautious.

This isn't just a shot in the dark; I learned about this from a web novel, so I know exactly where to look. The knowledge gives me an edge but doesn't make the task any less dangerous.

I hope this outfit will help me blend in with the surroundings and move through unnoticed, allowing me to reach my goal without drawing unwanted attention.

-Hum!

The rumble of the approaching train pulls me out of my thoughts. I quickly gather my things, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. As the train comes to a stop, I board it, ready to face the challenge ahead.

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After an hour-long journey, I arrive in the Greenwood Region.

Stepping out of the train station, I'm immediately captivated by the charming ambiance that greets me—a scene from rural France. The streets are lined with quaint cottages and rustic stone buildings, their vibrant shutters and half-timbered construction adding picturesque quality to the surroundings.

Cobblestone pathways wind through a bustling market square, where locals trade fresh produce and handmade crafts. The lively exchanges create an enchanting atmosphere, filling the air with the hum of community life. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafts from nearby cafés and boulangeries, inviting passersby with the promise of warmth and delightful treats.

Two majestic structures dominate the skyline: the elegant Town Hall and a grand church. Their stately presence adds a timeless allure to Ville d'Émeraude, a small city in the heart of the Greenwood Region. Though modest in size, Ville d'Émeraude is the capital of the Greenwood Region, renowned for its status as a popular tourist destination in Sylvestria.

"Now, it's time to find a taxi," I murmur as I scan the area.

It doesn't take long to spot one of the Aether-powered, levitating cars hovering nearby. I approach cautiously, knocking on the window. It slides down smoothly, revealing a muscular man with a blonde flattop hairstyle, sunglasses, and a prominent scar slashed across his face.

Despite his intimidating appearance, something about him doesn't set any alarms. I have a gut feeling he isn't dangerous.

"Uhh... hello," I venture, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sup, where to?" he asks, his tone casual, almost disinterested.

"To the 'Temple du Miroir Caché'... please."

He glances at me momentarily, his gaze lingering just long enough to make me sweat under his scrutiny. But then he nods as if coming to a decision.

"Okay, get in," he finally says.

I exhale a quiet breath of relief and open the door, sliding into the vehicle. As I settle into the seat, the door closes with a soft hiss, sealing me in. The engine hums gently as the car lifts slightly, ready to whisk me away to the next stage of my mission.

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"That will be 100 Camilliums," the driver says.

I nod and hand over the 100 Camilliums, watching the taxi drive away, leaving me alone to take in the majestic sight before me. There it is—the 'Temple du Miroir Caché.'

The structure is ancient, its stones covered in thick layers of ivy and moss, as if nature has slowly reclaimed this sacred place. Tall, slender spires pierce the sky, their tips catching the faint glow of the morning sun, creating an ethereal silhouette against the dawn light. The air is filled with a quiet reverence despite the buzz of activity.

Groups of tourists cluster around guides who speak animatedly, their voices echoing slightly off the timeworn stone. Cameras click, and selfie sticks wave as visitors capture the enchanting mix of ancient architecture and the lush, creeping ivy that adorns the weathered stones. Children laugh and tug at their parents' hands, eager to explore every corner.

Knowing I need to blend in, I scan the area for a group of tourists with a guide I can join. The plan is simple: follow them, quietly slip away, use my 'Chrono Pendant' to slow down time, and sneak past the guards into the temple.

Just then, a voice addressed me, "Hey there, are you, by chance, a tourist?"

I turn to see a female tour guide approaching. Her timing couldn't be more perfect.

"Yes, are you a tour guide?" I respond, trying to sound like any other curious visitor.

"Great! I can give you a tour of this place for 50 Camilliums! Do you want a single tour or with a group?" she asks, her smile warm and welcoming.

"A tour with a group, please," I reply.

"Okay, please follow me," she says, leading me toward a gathering of other tourists.

"Bonsoir, everyone! Now that we've gathered, let's start the tour!" she announces brightly. "I'm Sarah Barns, and I'll be your tour guide today!"

As she leads us around, pointing out various statues and notable sites around the temple's exterior, I only half-listen. I already know the history of the 'Temple du Miroir Caché.' This isn't just a temple that houses the Mirror of Lysandra—it's one of the monuments to the Grand Magician of Verdant Haven, Charlemagne.

After the war against the demons, Camille chose five people to spread the art of magic. These individuals became the Grand Magicians, the epitome of [SS] rank, nearing the mythical [SSS] rank. They founded the five nations that form Sylvestria today, each leaving a legacy that shaped the world.

As we approach the temple's entrance, two guards stand watch, their presence imposing and unwavering. Now is the moment I've been waiting for.

Standing at the 'Temple du Miroir Caché entrance,' I know it's time to put my plan into action.

"Activate," I whisper.

-Tick-tock!

The familiar sound fills my ears as time around me slows down. Seizing the moment, I dart away from the tour group and slip inside the temple. A glance behind me confirms that no one has noticed my sudden departure; everyone is still moving in slow, languid motions, their actions suspended in time.

I sprint through the temple's interior, my heart pounding with the thrill of the heist. The corridors twist and turn, a maze of ancient stone and shadow. As I round a corner, I press my back against the cool wall of a quiet corridor, catching my breath.

Cautiously, I tilt my head upwards to scan for cameras that might record my presence. To my relief, the ceiling is clear of any modern surveillance. This stroke of luck brings a sigh of relief from me.

"Deactivate."

-Chime!

Time snaps back to its normal pace, the distant echoes of footsteps and the soft murmur of voices returning to my ears. I stretch my arms above my head, loosening the tension built up during my dash. With the immediate threat behind me, it's time to focus on the main objective.

"Okay, time to find you, mirror," I murmur to myself, determination setting in as I prepare for the next phase of my mission.