Silence reigned in the infirmary.
Only the sound of footsteps and the occasional clinking of medical instruments disturbed the stillness of the room.
Several beds occupied the large hall.
On each of them lay a student who had been injured during the survival examination.
But some of them attracted particular attention.
"Did they really survive that?"
One healer stared at the medical reports in disbelief.
"I've been asking myself the same question."
His colleague shook his head.
"This one has more broken ribs than intact ones."
He pointed at Aren.
The young man was sleeping deeply.
Bandages covered a large portion of his torso.
Even unconscious, his face remained tense.
As if he were still fighting in his dreams.
"And him?"
The first healer pointed at Vali.
"Severe blood loss, multiple fractures, extreme physical exhaustion."
"Incredible."
"He should have died."
A little farther away, Berm was also resting on a bed.
His body was covered in numerous bandages.
Despite the treatment he had received, his condition remained concerning.
As for Ray...
He occupied a separate room.
Under constant surveillance.
Restrained.
As a precaution.
And he was still missing an arm.
No one knew exactly what had happened to him.
Or what he had attempted to do.
"All the survivors keep talking about a chimera."
"Yeah."
"And the headmistress."
"I heard that too."
The first healer sighed.
"This year's class is already giving me a headache."
Several hundred meters away...
Inside the headmistress's office.
A mountain of documents covered almost the entire desk.
Scalia Gloryspell stared at the pile with an empty expression.
Then she slowly looked up at the ceiling.
"Why..."
Silence.
"Why did I agree to take this job again?"
No one answered.
Her faithful assistant, Dona, simply placed another stack of reports in front of her.
Scalia remained motionless.
Then she looked at the new pile.
Then the old pile.
Then the new pile again.
"Dona."
"Yes, Headmistress?"
"If I jump out the window right now, would that count as a resignation?"
"No."
"What a tragedy."
Dona ignored her comment.
She simply opened a file.
"General report on the survival examination."
Scalia let out a long sigh.
"Go ahead."
"Initial number of participants: four hundred and fifty-six."
"Hm."
"Number of deaths: eighteen."
Scalia's expression hardened slightly.
Even though deaths were not uncommon during Nerathis's entrance examination...
Eighteen was still a significant number.
"Details?"
Dona checked her notes.
"Two deaths were directly related to the chimera incident."
"Only two?"
"Yes."
Scalia slowly nodded.
That meant that despite all the destruction caused by the creature...
The students had somehow managed to limit the casualties.
Or they had simply been very lucky.
"And the other sixteen?"
"Monsters."
"Conflicts between candidates."
"Accidents."
Scalia closed her eyes.
"I see."
Then Dona continued.
"One hundred and sixty-eight withdrawals."
This time, even Scalia raised an eyebrow.
"One hundred and sixty-eight?"
"Yes."
"Main reason?"
"Fear."
"Fear?"
"The magical pressure emitted by the chimera caused severe psychological reactions among many candidates."
Scalia remained silent.
She understood.
Even she had been surprised by the creature's power.
For ordinary teenagers...
The experience must have been terrifying.
"How many remain?"
"Two hundred and seventy candidates."
Dona paused briefly.
"This also changes the admission rate."
"Oh, right..."
Scalia had almost forgotten about that.
"Initially, fifteen percent of the candidates were supposed to pass."
"And now?"
"Twenty-one percent."
"Fifty-six students will be selected."
Scalia nodded.
"The classes?"
"Postponed by one week."
"Good decision."
Dona continued.
"The professors will review the recordings from the Mouchveilles up until the twelfth day."
"Number of monsters defeated."
"Written examination scores."
"General behavior."
"Adaptability."
Scalia nodded once more.
It was the usual procedure.
Even though this year...
Nothing had been normal.
Absolutely nothing.
An hour later.
The academy's main conference hall.
The most important professors of Nerathis were gathered around a long table.
Sword masters.
Magic professors.
Security officials.
Researchers.
Department heads.
All of them had been summoned.
Scalia sat at the end of the table.
Visibly exhausted.
Dona stood beside her.
"Very well."
The assistant opened a document.
"We will begin."
The conversations stopped immediately.
"Agenda."
She raised her eyes.
"First question."
"How did a chimera enter the Bechamine Forest?"
Silence.
No one answered.
Dona continued.
"Second question."
"Who created the barrier?"
Still no response.
People began exchanging glances.
"Third question."
"Why did no one detect it?"
The silence became even heavier.
Finally, one of the magic professors spoke.
"We have no answers."
"No leads?" Dona asked.
"None."
Another professor nodded.
"The barrier was on an absurd level."
"Even our specialists have never seen anything like it."
The director of the research center frowned.
"The chimera itself doesn't match any known creation."
"It possesses contradictory characteristics."
"Several parts of its anatomy make no sense."
Scalia listened without interrupting.
Her fingers tapped lightly against the table.
A habit she had whenever she was thinking.
"So."
She finally spoke.
"No one knows anything."
Silence.
"Wonderful."
No one dared answer.
"Truly wonderful."
She slowly stood up.
"A chimera appears in our forest."
"A barrier prevents any intervention."
"Nearly two hundred candidates withdraw."
"Eighteen die."
"And no one knows anything."
Still, nobody spoke.
Then Scalia sighed.
"Continue, Dona."
The assistant nodded.
"In that case, let's move on to the next topic."
"Admissions."
This time, the atmosphere lightened slightly.
The professors began opening their files.
At last, a subject they could actually do something about.
"Fifty-six places are available."
"We need to establish the final list of admitted students."
Several names immediately began circulating.
Some came up repeatedly.
Others sparked instant debate.
"Stella Tallcrag."
"Admitted."
"No question."
"Excellent results."
"Excellent magical proficiency."
"Next."
"Kayla of Aurelion."
"Admitted."
"Next."
"Elmyria Von Eleanor."
"Admitted."
One professor sighed.
"We're wasting our time discussing some of these names."
A few laughs spread throughout the room.
Even Scalia allowed herself a faint smile.
Then another name appeared.
And the atmosphere changed immediately.
"Aren."
Several professors looked at one another.
The sword master spoke first.
"Admitted."
"Without discussion."
"Obviously."
The director of the research center raised an eyebrow.
"But he doesn't use mana."
"So what?" the sword master replied immediately.
"He fought that thing."
No one argued.
Even the magic professors remained silent.
"Noted," Dona said.
She wrote his name onto the list.
Then continued.
The meeting went on for a long time afterward.
But in Scalia's mind...
Only one thought kept returning.
That chimera.
That barrier.
And above all...
The person who had managed to orchestrate all of it.
Someone had prepared this attack.
Someone had calculated every single move.
And that person was still out there.
The headmistress slowly raised her eyes toward the window.
Then she murmured:
"I sincerely hope you're still nearby."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
But it wasn't an amused smile.
It was the smile of a predator who had only just begun the hunt.
*
*
*
The meeting regarding admissions had just ended.
Several professors were already leaving the room, visibly exhausted.
Others were still discussing the results of certain candidates.
But before anyone could truly leave, the door suddenly opened.
CLACK.
A messenger hurried inside.
"Headmistress."
Scalia slowly raised her eyes.
"Yes?"
The man swallowed nervously.
"Foreign delegations have just arrived."
Silence immediately fell over the room.
Several professors closed their eyes.
Others sighed.
One of them muttered:
"I knew this moment would come."
The messenger continued.
"The Holy Kingdom of Aurelion."
"The Kingdom of Valenor."
"And the Kingdom of Morvane."
No one seemed surprised.
Scalia simply rested her head against the back of her chair.
"Ah..."
She stared at the ceiling.
"What a wonderful start to the week."
No one dared laugh.
They all knew what this meant.
The Saint of Light had been put in danger.
A royal princess had been put in danger.
And nobles from Morvane had died.
This meeting would not be pleasant.
Not pleasant at all.
Several hours later.
The grand diplomatic hall of Nerathis Academy.
Dozens of guards stood around the chamber.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Very heavy.
To the right side of the hall sat the delegation of the Holy Kingdom of Aurelion.
At its head sat a man around fifty years old.
Blond hair.
Golden eyes.
Dressed in the ceremonial robes of the Church of Light.
Lurfo Dugstin.
Minister of Internal Affairs of the Holy Kingdom.
And also a high priest of the Church.
To the left sat the delegation of the Kingdom of Morvane.
Their representative wore luxurious black and gold garments.
His long black hair was tied behind his head.
His gaze calmly surveyed the room.
Prince Urvis Adjmire.
And finally.
Sitting almost alone, near the center.
A young man with white hair.
And black eyes.
An extremely rare combination.
The very symbol of the Valenorian royal family.
Gram Von Eleanor.
The heir to the kingdom.
His expression was calm.
Almost too calm.
As if none of this could truly disturb him.
Facing them.
Scalia Gloryspell.
To her right stood Dona.
Behind them stood several professors of the academy.
Dona opened a file.
Then she spoke.
"Thank you all for accepting this emergency meeting."
No one answered.
She continued.
"We will now present the preliminary report regarding the events that occurred during the survival examination."
Then she began.
She spoke of the chimera.
The barrier.
The wounded.
The dead.
The missing candidates.
The destruction inside the forest.
No one interrupted her.
Until she finished.
Silence lingered for several seconds.
Then Urvis Adjmire spoke.
His voice was calm.
But cold.
"Two citizens of Morvane have died."
He looked directly at Lurfo.
"And according to your own report, this creature primarily targeted the Saint of Aurelion."
Lurfo frowned.
"And?"
Urvis's expression did not change.
"The Kingdom of Morvane demands an official apology."
He paused.
"As well as financial compensation."
Lurfo burst into laughter.
A dry.
Contemptuous laugh.
"Compensation?"
He straightened himself.
"How dare you demand compensation from the Holy Kingdom?"
His eyes turned colder.
"That creature was not under our control."
"We, too, were victims."
Urvis remained calm.
"And yet, it was our citizens who died protecting your Saint."
Lurfo's expression hardened.
"Watch your words."
"I could offer you the exact same advice."
The atmosphere immediately grew tense.
Several guards instinctively placed their hands on their weapons.
Then Urvis continued.
"The son of Duke Arzivan of Morvane is among the victims."
"Our request is simple."
"One hundred million gold coins."
Several professors paled.
Even some of the nobles present appeared surprised.
But Lurfo suddenly stood up.
"One hundred million?"
He laughed again.
"You desert people have truly lost your minds."
Urvis's expression changed.
For the first time.
"Pardon?"
Lurfo continued.
"To dare demand apologies from the Holy Kingdom."
"What arrogance."
Scalia slowly rested her head against her hand.
She already looked tired.
Very tired.
The argument continued.
For several minutes.
The voices rose.
And so did the accusations.
Then.
CLAP.
A simple sound.
Someone had clapped.
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone turned toward the source.
Gram Von Eleanor.
The Crown Prince of Valenor.
He still wore the same calm smile.
"If I may."
His voice was gentle.
Yet strangely authoritative.
Even Urvis remained silent.
Gram slowly stood up.
"We are here to solve a problem."
"Not to create another."
Then he looked at Urvis.
"Your anger is understandable."
Next, he looked at Lurfo.
"And naturally, the Holy Kingdom cannot accept public humiliation."
Lurfo nodded.
Urvis remained silent.
Gram continued.
"Then let us proceed differently."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"The Holy Kingdom will pay one hundred and fifty million gold coins."
Several people widened their eyes.
Even Lurfo.
But Gram continued.
"In exchange."
"The apology will remain private."
"An official letter will be delivered directly to the Kingdom of Morvane."
Urvis appeared to consider the proposal.
Then Lurfo spoke.
"And if they make that letter public?"
Gram smiled.
A perfect smile.
"In that case."
"The Kingdom of Morvane will repay the full one hundred and fifty million."
"And it will answer diplomatically before every kingdom present here today."
Silence fell.
Urvis stared at Gram.
For a long time.
Then, finally.
He nodded.
"I accept."
All eyes turned toward Lurfo.
He opened his mouth.
Then he met Scalia's gaze.
And immediately understood.
He should not continue.
"...The Holy Kingdom also accepts."
Dona discreetly sighed in relief.
Then she brought forward the official documents.
Both parties signed.
The first problem had been resolved.
More or less.
Gram then spoke again.
"As for the Kingdom of Valenor."
The entire room turned toward him.
His expression had not changed.
"His Majesty the King expresses his profound concern regarding the level of security at the most prestigious academy on the continent."
Even Scalia raised an eyebrow.
Gram continued.
"My sister was placed in danger."
"As were hundreds of other candidates."
He paused.
"The Kingdom of Valenor therefore requests that all findings of the investigation be shared with the nations present here."
Then he bowed slightly.
"And we hope to receive an official apology from the academy."
Silence returned.
This time.
No one could truly argue with him.
Scalia sighed.
Then she stood up.
"Very well."
Her gaze swept across the room.
"Nerathis Academy will issue an official apology."
Several professors lowered their heads.
Scalia continued.
"And I personally promise that we will discover who is responsible."
Her smile returned.
But none of those present found it reassuring.
"Because when I find them..."
She stopped.
Then smiled even wider.
"I am going to make them have a very bad day."
No one answered.
Even Lurfo preferred to remain silent.
Because for the first time since the beginning of the meeting...
Everyone understood something.
Scalia Gloryspell was not merely an eccentric headmistress.
She was angry.
Truly angry.*
*
*
*
The diplomatic meeting ended shortly afterward.
The representatives began leaving the grand hall.
Some looked relieved.
Others looked frustrated.
And some were already thinking about the political consequences this incident would bring.
Gram Von Eleanor, however, remained seated for a few moments.
Silent.
His black eyes rested on the empty chair that Scalia Gloryspell had occupied only seconds earlier.
Then he stood up.
His bodyguard immediately approached him.
"Your Highness."
Gram slowly adjusted his white gloves.
"Where is my sister?"
The guard bowed slightly.
"In the temporary building reserved for the candidates."
Gram nodded.
"Very well."
He began walking.
But after a few steps, he stopped.
"You will remain here."
The guard raised his head.
"Pardon?"
"I will see her alone."
"But Your Highness, your safety—"
Gram smiled.
A perfect smile.
"Do you truly believe someone could harm me inside this academy?"
The guard hesitated.
Then lowered his head.
"No, Your Highness."
"Then wait for me."
Without another word, Gram left the building.
The sun was beginning to disappear behind the mountains.
The air had grown colder.
Several injured candidates still wandered around the campus.
Others were resting.
Some were crying.
Others simply stared at the sky.
The survival examination was over.
But for many, the wounds it left behind would remain for a long time.
Gram calmly walked across the campus.
No one dared approach him.
His royal attire spoke for itself.
Eventually, he arrived in front of a massive building created temporarily through magic.
Several hundred candidates were staying there.
An academy employee quickly bowed.
"Your Highness."
"Elmyria Von Eleanor's room."
The man quickly checked a register.
"Third floor."
"Room 317."
"Thank you."
Gram climbed the stairs.
His footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Then he stopped in front of a door.
He raised his hand.
Knock.
Knock.
A few seconds passed.
Then a familiar voice answered.
"Come in."
Gram opened the door.
The room was simple.
A bed.
A table.
A window.
And sitting in front of that window...
Elmyria Von Eleanor.
Her long silver hair flowed down her back.
She was looking out at the sky.
Or rather...
Pretending to.
Because from the moment the door had opened, she had already recognized who had entered.
She immediately stood up.
Then bowed perfectly.
"Big brother."
Gram smiled.
"Elmyria."
He slowly walked toward her.
"I heard that you were injured."
"They were only minor injuries."
"I see."
Silence settled between them.
Only for a few seconds.
But they were strange seconds.
Heavy.
Gram observed his sister.
She looked calm.
As always.
Perfect.
As always.
And yet...
Something about her posture felt different.
"I was worried about you."
Elmyria lowered her eyes slightly.
"Thank you for your concern, big brother."
Once again.
Silence.
Gram walked toward the window.
"Were you afraid?"
Elmyria thought for a moment.
Then answered:
"Yes."
"Very much."
Gram slowly nodded.
"That's normal."
Then he slightly turned his face toward her.
"But you survived."
"Yes."
"Good."
Elmyria lightly clenched her hands.
But her smile never disappeared.
Not even for a moment.
"Did you meet anyone interesting?"
This time, Elmyria took several seconds before answering.
"Not particularly."
Gram looked at her carefully.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Silence filled the room again.
Then Gram smiled faintly.
"I see."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"And the academy? What do you think of it?"
Elmyria considered the question.
"The classes haven't started yet."
"But the candidates are competent."
Gram slowly nodded.
"That's good."
Then his gaze became slightly more serious.
"And you?"
Elmyria froze.
Only for an instant.
"Me?"
"Yes."
His smile faded slightly.
"Have you improved?"
This time.
She did not answer immediately.
"A little."
Gram stared at her.
"A little?"
"Yes."
Silence.
Then he smiled once again.
"That isn't enough."
For a brief moment.
It felt as though Elmyria's heart had stopped.
But her expression never changed.
Not once.
"I understand."
Gram stood up.
Then he walked toward her.
Very close.
"You know why you must become stronger."
It was not a question.
Elmyria lowered her head slightly.
"Yes."
"Repeat it."
Her hands trembled.
Very slightly.
"I must become stronger..."
Her voice remained calm.
Perfect.
"So that I can help you."
Gram gently placed his hand on her head.
Like an affectionate older brother.
"Exactly."
Then he smiled.
"I knew you would understand."
Elmyria smiled as well.
A beautiful smile.
A perfect smile.
A smile that revealed absolutely nothing.
Gram withdrew his hand.
Then walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he stopped.
"Get some rest."
"We will speak again soon."
He opened the door.
Then left.
CLACK.
Silence returned.
For several seconds.
Elmyria continued smiling.
Then.
Very slowly.
Her smile disappeared.
She looked at her hands.
They were trembling.
Again.
Still.
She closed her eyes.
And remained motionless.
Alone.
Meanwhile.
In the corridor.
Gram walked calmly.
His bodyguard joined him.
"Your Highness?"
Gram continued walking.
"Yes?"
"How is the princess?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"She is as obedient as ever."
The guard did not answer.
He did not know why.
But that response had left him with a strange feeling.
And somewhere.
Without either of them knowing it yet.
The wounds of this family.
Ran far deeper than the ones left behind by the chimera.