The days at the academy continued without another incident. The monster attack in the city lingered in everyone’s minds for a while, but with no further disturbances, life at the academy slowly returned to normal. Classes progressed and  training sessions became more challenging. Ren, once reserved and distant, began interacting with the group more, especially with Artemis. Though his words were often quiet and measured, there was a warmth growing in his presence.


    At times, he would join in conversations during meals or linger after class to talk. He even began training with them more, sparring alongside Cyrus and Eric, though it was clear he was still adjusting to the dynamic of being part of a group. Occasionally, he would overcompensate—offering to help with things, making sure Artemis or the others had what they needed, or stepping in when he thought he was needed. The moment he realized he was doing too much, though, his face would turn a light shade of pink, and he’d step back, looking away as if embarrassed.


    One afternoon, after helping Artemis pick up a stack of books she had nearly dropped, he quickly stepped away, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”


    “You’re fine, Ren,” Artemis said, smiling at him. “Really, it’s nice having you around.”


    Lydia nodded. “Yeah, you don’t have to feel weird about it. We like having you in the group.”


    Sakura, standing beside them, grinned. “It’s cute when you get all shy, though.”


    Ren let out a small sigh, glancing away, but a tiny smile tugged at his lips. “I just… don’t want to overstep.”


    Kayla, ever blunt, rolled her eyes. “You’re not. Stop overthinking it.”


    Cyrus patted Ren on the back. “Exactly. Just go with the flow, man.”


    Ren seemed to relax at their words, though he still looked a little unsure. Artemis caught his gaze and gave him a reassuring nod, which he returned before quietly returning to his usual composed demeanor.


    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


    As the seasons changed, so did the academy. The trees inside the barrier, which had remained lush and green since they started school, slowly began shifting their colors to golds, reds, and deep oranges.


    Artemis noticed it one morning while walking across the courtyard and paused, gazing at the vibrant leaves as they fluttered to the ground. It was strange. Before, she had assumed the academy existed outside the natural cycles of the mortal world.


    “Puzzled?”


    She turned to see Archie strolling toward her, hands tucked into his pockets, his ever-present grin on his face.


    “The trees,” Artemis said, motioning to the shifting landscape. “I didn’t think they changed inside the barrier.”


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    Archie glanced up, nodding as a leaf floated past him. “They were designed that way—so that students wouldn’t miss the experiences of the outside world.” He looked at her, his usual casual tone holding a note of sincerity. “You’re here to train, but you shouldn’t feel disconnected from the world beyond these walls.”


    Artemis considered that, then smiled. “That’s actually kind of nice.”


    Archie chuckled. “Glad you think so.” He studied her for a moment before asking, “So, have you adjusted to your new life here?”


    Artemis didn’t even have to think about her answer. “I have. I love it here. For the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere.”


    Archie’s smile widened slightly. “That’s good to hear.” As he turned to leave, he casually added, “Glad you made it back safely after that random attack in the city.”


    Artemis’s heart skipped a beat. She froze, her mind racing. They hadn’t told anyone about what happened.


    She turned sharply. “Wait—”


    But Archie was already walking away, disappearing down the path before she could question him.


    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


    That evening, as dinner buzzed with conversations, Artemis remained lost in thought about her encounter with Archie. How had he known about the attack? Who else could possibly know?


    Her thoughts were interrupted when Lydia smacked a flyer onto the table, grinning. “Guess what? The school is holding a Fall Festival!”


    Artemis took the paper, scanning the details. The festival was set for the following weekend, and it encouraged all students to participate in some way—whether through games, performances, or organizing events.


    “This could be fun,” Cyrus said. “We should do something for it.”


    Kayla raised an eyebrow. “As long as it doesn’t involve anything ridiculous.”


    Before they could continue, a familiar, haughty voice cut through the air.


    “I’m going to be the lead role in the festival play,” Amore announced as she sauntered over, flipping her hair dramatically.


    Before anyone could respond, Ren, in a rare moment of snark, muttered, “Is the main role a troll?”


    Silence fell over the table. Then, in unison, Artemis, Lydia, and Eric burst into laughter. Even Kayla smirked behind her book.


    Amore’s expression darkened. “Excuse me?”


    Ren, entirely unbothered, leaned back in his chair. “You heard me.”


    Amore clenched her fists before narrowing her eyes at Artemis. “I see what this is. You’re just trying to be her knight in shining armor.”


    Ren’s eyes met hers, eyebrow raised. “Why do you feel the need to constantly compete with Artemis? She may be the Headmaster’s daughter, but she has her own skills that far exceed yours. She’s been improving her magic, her archery is one of the best in the school, and she doesn’t rely on charm to get people to like her.” His tone sharpened. “Unlike you.”


    Amore’s face burned red. “You—!”


    Ren didn’t flinch. “You haven’t managed to charm anyone here. Maybe you should try focusing on actual skills instead of just trying to manipulate people.”


    Amore’s hands trembled before she let out a frustrated huff, spinning on her heel and storming off.


    A beat of silence passed before Sakura grinned. “That was adorable.”


    Ren blinked. “What?”


    “You, defending Artemis.” Sakura clasped her hands together teasingly. “So cute.”


    Ren flushed slightly, crossing his arms. “She was insulting my partner. That’s all.”


    Artemis chuckled. “Still, thanks, Ren.”


    Ren shifted in his seat, mumbling something under his breath before picking at his food, ears still slightly red.


    Lydia smirked. “I think this Fall Festival just got a lot more interesting.”