Chapter 10: Questions Without Answers
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The academy noticed.
They always did.
The moment an anomaly appeared, the school’s higher-ups acted like bloodhounds catching a scent.
And last night?
Something crossed the line.
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The Investigation Begins
The next morning, the academy grounds were filled with whispers and unease.
Something had disturbed the outer barriers.
A fluctuation in the defensive runes. A gap in security.
The official report claimed it was a natural mana surge.
I knew better.
Because I had fought the thing that caused it.
And I had killed it.
So why did it feel like it had left something behind?
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The Headmaster’s Statement
By midday, an emergency assembly was called.
Hundreds of students gathered in the main hall, murmuring amongst themselves.
Then, the Headmaster arrived.
Headmaster Alden Graves.
An old man with sharp, predatory features, wrapped in long ceremonial robes. His presence alone silenced the room.
His voice was calm but heavy.
"A disturbance was detected last night at the edge of the academy grounds."
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No unnecessary words. No wasted explanations.
"As of now, we are investigating the source. If any student has information, they are expected to report it immediately."
His gaze swept across the hall—searching.
For what?
For who?
I didn’t move.
Didn’t react.
Because I knew if I did…
That predatory gaze would land on me.
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Kaela Voss Has Her Suspicions
After the assembly, I barely made it down the hall before Instructor Voss intercepted me.
She leaned against the doorway of an empty classroom, arms crossed, watching me like she already knew the answer to her next question.
"You wouldn’t happen to know anything about last night, would you?"
I sighed. "Is this a trick question?"
Her smirk was small. "Maybe."
I hesitated. "And if I did?"
Kaela’s gaze darkened—just slightly. "Then I’d tell you to be careful."
Something about the way she said it sent a chill down my spine.
She knew.
She might not have proof, but she knew.
And that meant others would suspect me soon, too.
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Scolding Umbra
Later that night, back in my dorm, I stared at Umbra.
The tiny metal creature wriggled on my desk, twitching its stubby little legs.
I folded my arms. "So. You gonna explain why you didn’t help me last night?"
Umbra froze.
Then, slowly, it turned its shiny, round eyes toward me.
"Uhhh… I was… busy?"
I narrowed my eyes.
"Busy doing what?"
"Uhh…" Umbra wiggled. "Moral support?"
Nyx snorted in amusement from my side.
"Ah, yes. The legendary technique of ‘watching your master nearly die.’"
Umbra twitched aggressively. "HEY. IT WAS DARK AND SCARY, OKAY?"
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
"Umbra, you''re literally a sentient weapon. You''re supposed to be dangerous."
"I AM DANGEROUS!"
"You’re a butter knife with a bad attitude."
"I RESENT THAT!"
Nyx chuckled. "It’s not inaccurate."
"I WAS WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT!" Umbra insisted, bouncing. "STRATEGICALLY!"
I sighed.
"Next time? Actually do something. Or I’m training you extra hard."
Umbra gasped. "YOU WOULDN’T—"
I raised a brow.
It drooped.
"...Okay, okay. I’ll try next time."
"Good."
Because next time?
There wouldn’t be room for hesitation.
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The Unseen Threat Lingers
As I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, something kept nagging at me.
Something about that creature.
Why had it been there?
Why had it targeted me?
And why did it feel like this wasn’t the last time I’d see one?
Nyx whispered softly in my mind.
"This is only the beginning, my master."
I closed my eyes.
I knew she was right.
And I had a feeling—
The academy did, too.
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