The grand meeting hall of Lumin Academy was unusually tense that morning. Professors, dorm masters, and dorm madams sat around the long, polished table, the sigils of their respective faculties embroidered onto their robes. The scent of aged parchment and ink lingered in the air, mingling with the faint crackling of the enchanted lanterns overhead.

At the head of the table sat Regan, the Headmaster, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he tapped a single finger against the wooden surface in thought.

"Thank you for making time to attend this meeting," he began, looking at each faculty member one by one. "Let’s get straight to the point. The recent incidents over the past few days are getting out of hand. If we don’t take action, the Emperor will— and when he does, our Academy may be reduced to ashes." His voice was calm, but the weight of his words settled heavily over the room.

Murmurs rippled through the assembled faculty.

"The incident with Viktor is a prime example," someone spoke up. "We allowed something horrendous to happen within the Academy walls."

Wilford, the oldest in the room and a man of calm integrity, suddenly interjected. "I was opposed to the idea from the start, but some of you vouched for him despite his bad reputation." His gaze swept over those who had defended Viktor in the previous meeting.

The members under Wilford’s scrutiny looked away, unwilling to ignite another dispute.

Rosemary Thornton, the eldest of the Head Madams and the overseer of Ember Lodge, adjusted her glasses before speaking. "We can’t change what’s already happened. The issue with Viktor has been dealt with, and he’s already facing punishment as we speak."

Calvin, the young Guidance Counselor, raised his hand to get their attention. "Headmaster, some faculty members have noticed a pattern—these incidents seem to occur whenever the Luminary Class is involved. Students like the Melbourne twins… and the Grimroot Glen incident."

Regan’s gaze settled on Charles, the adviser of the Luminary Class, who had been silent until now. “Charles, you’ve been personally overseeing these students. What do you suggest?”

Charles, known for his composed demeanor, exhaled as he leaned forward. “Viktor’s outburst wasn’t without reason, but we cannot allow personal grievances to escalate into public endangerment.” He laced his fingers together. “I believe stricter monitoring is necessary, particularly for students in the Luminary Class. Their talents set them apart from the average student, but that also means their discipline must be equally refined.”

Sarah, the Linguistics Professor, immediately interjected, "If you phrase it like that, it would be unfair to the other students. Headmaster, I urge you to conduct a proper investigation into what’s happening on campus grounds."

One of the Dorm Masters, a grizzled man named Everett, nodded. “The dormitories are meant to be safe havens, but I fear tensions are rising among the students. If these conflicts continue, we risk losing control.”

Madam Margaret, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. “We must set clearer expectations for student conduct within the dorms. Increasing patrols during evening hours may help curb potential altercations.”

"The real problem," the High Magus of Defense pointed out, sounding tired of the back-and-forth, "is that we still don’t know how the attackers bypassed the Academy’s wards. If it happened once, it can happen again."

Regan listened intently to each opinion before responding. "I understand your concerns, Professor Sarah," he addressed first. "And you have a point. In the past few days, we’ve realized that the Academy’s security has weakened—and none of us knows why."

"The students are frightened," Charles added, his expression grim. "After the incident with the Melbourne twins, many no longer feel safe in their own dormitories. And now, with Viktor’s recent outburst, we risk losing complete control over discipline within the Academy."

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Calvin nodded. “We should also consider a mediation program. If tensions between students are rising, discipline alone won’t fix it. We need to understand what’s fueling these disputes.”

Regan’s expression darkened. "Then we do both—strengthen security and rebuild trust." He turned his gaze back to Charles. "Viktor’s situation is a symptom of something deeper. The Luminary Class holds some of our most promising—and most dangerous—students. I want you to personally oversee them and ensure we don’t have another uncontrolled outburst that could lead to tragedy."

Silence followed.

The faculty members, who had been arguing moments ago, fell silent under the weight of Regan’s gaze.

The Headmaster’s voice lowered, heavy with authority. "We are Lumin Academy. We are not just educators—we are guardians. If we fail to act now, we may not just lose another student." His expression darkened. "We may lose the Academy itself."

The room fell into solemn silence as the faculty absorbed his words. They all knew the issue with Viktor wasn’t an isolated incident—it was a symptom of something much larger looming on the horizon.

---

When Callista returned to the Academy, she went straight to the dormitory, only to be met with Madam Margaret’s disapproving gaze.

“Madam Margaret, I just—" Callista began, forcing a smile.

Before she could explain, Margaret raised a hand, cutting her off. "I don’t want to hear any excuses."

Callista lowered her gaze helplessly.

Margaret suddenly reached for a book and held it out to her. "I expect two copies before midnight. This is your first warning, Miss Alberts."

Callista’s eyes widened as she read the title: Conduct and Ethics: A Guide to Discipline. The thick volume was intimidating, and just imagining the hours of writing ahead made her fingers twitch.

Her lips trembled as she forced herself to respond politely. "Thank… Thank you, Madam."

Margaret barely spared her another glance as she adjusted the sleeves of her dress. "You may return to your room."

She thought she’d finally get some rest—until a knock on her door shattered that hope.

“Callista!”

Emily burst in, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I’m so glad you’re okay…"

Callista blinked, startled by her friend’s emotional state.

“I heard from Lord Haven about what happened…” Emily’s voice wavered, and she sniffled. “I should’ve warned you more… I’m so sorry.”

Callista stilled. Lord Haven? When did she get close to Ivan?

Neo whimpered at her feet, nuzzling her skin, while Emily wiped at her face, her emotions spilling over.

“I was completely useless…” she murmured, voice cracking as fresh tears fell.

Callista sighed, unsure what to do with a crying Emily. “Emily, it’s not your fault. I’m sorry if I worried you,” she said, trying to reassure her.

"But still…" Emily sniffled.

God, when will she stop crying already?

Emily hiccupped, her distress growing. “I got so anxious. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you…”

Callista stiffened, watching her carefully. She couldn’t quite understand why Emily was this emotional over something that hadn’t even involved her directly.

“I’m really okay,” she reassured her with a small smile. “I’m perfectly healed.”

Emily kept crying.

With a sigh, Callista finally reached out. “Come here.”

Emily hesitated, startled by the gesture, but after a few seconds, she stepped forward and fell into Callista’s embrace.

“I’m really glad you’re okay,” she mumbled against Callista’s shoulder.

Callista chuckled softly, rubbing gentle circles on Emily’s back. “I told you, I’m fine.”

After a moment, she pulled back slightly. "Enough about me. I haven’t seen you around much lately—what’s wrong?"

Emily fidgeted. “It’s nothing, really,” she muttered.

"You expect me to believe that?" Callista raised a brow. "Should I cry too since you keep insisting you’re fine?"

Emily’s eyes widened. “No, no!” she said frantically.

Callista laughed. “Then tell me. Are you okay?”

Emily hesitated before admitting, "I can't get a hold of my mother. I'm worried something's happened to her."

Callista’s expression softened. “Have you tried visiting?”

Emily shook her head. “With exams coming up, it’s hard to get permission to leave. The Headmaster isn’t likely to approve an absence unless it’s urgent.”

Callista thought for a moment, then gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m sure she’s fine. Just wait a couple more days, and if you still haven’t heard from her, I’ll come with you to check on her.”

Emily blinked, her expression melting into relief. “Thank you, Callista…”

Callista smiled. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

****

Inside Ignis’s room, Ivan leaned in, inspecting the sigil etched onto the underside of Ignis’s tongue. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he studied its intricate design. After a few seconds, he exhaled sharply and pulled back, shaking his head.

“I’m really not familiar with it,” he admitted, his voice carrying a note of disappointment.

Ignis sucked at the inside of his cheek, thoughtful. “What kind of magic do you think it is?”

Ivan straightened, flipping open a book and skimming through its pages. “It’s not a curse, that’s for sure,” he said, brows furrowed. “If anything, it looks more like a protection spell. The sigil engraved in your skin is unique—I've never seen anything quite like it.” His tone held a hint of amusement despite the mystery.

Ignis didn’t respond, suddenly lost in thought. Ivan, ever perceptive, immediately caught on.

“How long have you had it?” he asked.

Ignis sighed. “I don’t remember.”

Ivan leaned closer again. “You didn’t ask my father about it?”

“No, I didn’t.” Ignis shook his head. “I never had the time.”

Ivan frowned, tilting his head. “I’ll check my father’s library, see if I can find anything. But it’ll take time…”

Ignis ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “It’s fine. Just keep this a secret from the others.”

Ivan blinked, puzzled. “Okay… but why? It’s not like you have a reason to—”

“I’m serious, Ivan.” Ignis’s sharp gaze pinned him in place. “Don’t say anything to the others. You have a habit of running your mouth.”

Ivan raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I get it!” He took a step back, muttering, “Geez, no need to look at me like that.”

Before Ignis could say anything else, Ivan swiftly retreated, deciding he valued his life too much to push the matter further.