Meanwhile, outside his dorm, faint footsteps echoed down the corridor.

A shadow passed by his door.

The steps halted for a moment, as if someone was listening. Then they continued, fading into the darkness.

Kael’s eyes opened suddenly. His instincts flared.

He got up quietly and opened the door. No one was there. Only the cold night wind drifted through the corridor.

He frowned. "Strange..."

For a moment, he thought he saw something — a faint ripple of light at the far end of the hall, like a cloaked figure turning a corner.

He tightened his grip on the doorframe. "Someone was watching."

He shut the door again and locked it. Then, sitting on his bed, he took out his dagger and placed it beside him.

His gaze lingered on the case containing the map.

"Looks like things are getting dangerous already."

The next morning, the academy bell rang, announcing dawn.

Students began their routines — running, training, laughing — unaware of the silent tension building beneath the surface.

Kael stepped out, his eyes tired but focused. The sky was still dim, painted in hues of gray and orange.

As he walked across the courtyard, he saw Elysia from afar.

She was standing alone near the training field and her arms were wrapped with bandages.

The faint breeze played with her hair, and though her face was calm, Kael could see the weariness beneath her eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, then approached slowly.

"You’re up early," he said quietly.

Elysia turned slightly, her eyes narrowing as she recognized him.

"Couldn’t sleep," she replied simply.

Kael nodded, glancing at her bandaged hands. "You should’ve taken a healing potion."

"I don’t want to," she said flatly. "Pain reminds me that I’m still alive."

He gave a small sigh. "You’re stubborn."

She smirked faintly. "You’re one to talk."

(I know what happens and what not) Kael thought.

The first rays of sunlight touched the field, and the air grew warmer.

Kael looked toward the horizon. "Are you planning to train again?"

"Until I can stand without shaking," she said.

He nodded approvingly. "Good. You’ll need it."

"Why?" she asked, glancing at him.

"Because something’s coming. I can feel it."

Elysia frowned. "You always say strange things."

He gave a small smile. "Maybe. But this time, I’m right."

As he turned to leave, Elysia watched his back quietly. There was something different about him — a subtle aura, something dark but calm, like a shadow restrained by will.

And for the first time, she wondered what kind of secrets Kael was hiding.

(At least I can get near him and study well, as for now.... I should stick to the Kael’s plan) Elysia thought.

The sun was already high when Jin arrived at the academy.

The courtyard was filled with noise — students chatting, laughter echoing, and the sound of footsteps rushing toward classrooms.

But when Jin stepped through the gate, a sudden hush seemed to follow him.

He walked slowly.

His left eye looked normal, but his right eye was swollen and faintly red from bruising.

The faint mark across his cheek made him look like he had just come out of a fight.

"Hey... isn’t that Jin?" someone whispered near the fountain.

"Yeah. What happened to his face?" another student murmured.

"Did he fight again?"

"No way, he doesn’t look like he won this time."

The whispers grew louder as he passed. Jin ignored them all.

He didn’t even bother looking up.

Every step made his body ache, but his pride hurt even more.

He kept his twin swords strapped tightly across his back — a habit he never broke.

Even now, his fingers occasionally brushed the hilts, as if drawing comfort from them.

The bell rang, calling everyone to Orwen’s class.

The students rushed toward the large hall, and Jin followed silently, trying to blend in.

But his silence made him stand out even more.

"Yo, Jin!"

A familiar voice broke through the murmurs.

It was Edwin, standing near the class door with his usual confident smile.

But as soon as he saw Jin up close, the smile faded.

"Whoa, what the hell happened to you?" Edwin asked, frowning. "Your eye’s red. Did you get hit?"

Jin blinked and looked away. "Nothing. I... I fell down this morning. Hit my face on the wall."

Edwin raised an eyebrow. "You? Fell? Since when do you fall down?"

Jin forced a small laugh, but it sounded hollow. "I was half asleep."

Edwin folded his arms, studying him. "You’re lying."

Jin didn’t answer. He stepped past Edwin, heading for the classroom door.

"Who did it?" Edwin asked quietly this time, his tone serious. "Tell me."

Jin paused for a moment but didn’t turn around. "It doesn’t matter."

Edwin grabbed his shoulder. "Jin. Look at me."

Jin’s jaw tightened.

Slowly, he turned his head, meeting Edwin’s gaze.

For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes — anger, mixed with shame.

"It’s my problem," Jin said firmly. "Leave it."

Edwin released his shoulder but didn’t look convinced. "If someone from another division hurt you, I’ll—"

"I said drop it," Jin interrupted. His voice was low, almost trembling. "Please, Edwin."

The way he said it made Edwin go silent. He could tell Jin wasn’t just injured — he was humiliated, something he’d never seen in him before.

Jin walked away, taking a seat near the back corner of the class.

Edwin sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What’s going on lately..." he muttered. "First Elysia, now him?"

He took his seat as the class began to fill. The noise of students chatting slowly died down as Instructor Orwen entered.

His sharp eyes scanned the room.

"Settle down. We’ll continue yesterday’s session," Orwen said in his deep voice.

Edwin tried to focus, but his eyes kept drifting between Elysia and Jin.

Both of them were unusually quiet. Elysia sat alone near the window, staring at her desk, lost in thought.

Her arms were bandaged, and faint bruises marked her wrists.

She didn’t greet anyone, not even her usual friends.

She simply sat there, her eyes distant, as if she wasn’t really in the room at all.

Edwin’s brows furrowed. "What’s happening to everyone lately?" he thought.

He glanced at Jin again — the way his hand clenched and unclenched beneath the desk, the way he avoided everyone’s eyes.

Jin had always been confident, and quick to laugh. But now... he looked broken.

And then Elysia — usually proud and fierce — sitting like a shadow of herself.

It didn’t make sense. Something had changed in both of them, but Edwin couldn’t piece together what.

When Orwen began explaining mana reinforcement tactics, most students followed along eagerly, but Elysia didn’t even open her notebook.

Jin barely lifted his head.

Edwin sighed, whispering under his breath, "What happened to all of you?"

He wanted to ask again after class, but part of him knew — neither of them was ready to talk.

Outside, the sunlight poured through the tall windows, falling across Elysia’s pale face. Her eyes blinked once, and for a brief moment, she looked toward Jin.

Jin, sitting several rows away, didn’t notice her gaze.

He was staring at the floor, lost in his own thoughts.

She looked away quickly, tightening her grip on the edge of her desk.

And Edwin, sitting between them, could only frown and whisper to himself again —

"What’s wrong with everyone today?"