"The Chronicle Book was stolen." Shien announced.
Kadaski's POV
"What?" I exclaimed in surprise.
Paanong nakalusot sa mga guwardiya ang masamang-loob na ito? Huwag mong sabihing ibinaba ng mga guwardiya ng akademya ang kanilang mga pandama dahil for the record ay wala naman talagang nagtatangkang magnakaw ng Chronicle Book na nasa pangangalaga ng Arcacia Prestigious Academy.
"It happened during lunchtime. Of course, the guards are in place, a few students were also ordered to roam around, but this is not what we were expecting." said Shien while shaking her head.
"And yet it happened." I heard Phantom whisper under her breath.
She was standing beside me, so obviously I heard it. I frowned, but I simply let her slip because tracking the book is an important matter - a very important one. I raised my hand to ask for permission from the Masters to speak.
"What is it Nueva?" asked Master Shin, both hands behind his back, his eyes attentively looking at me.
"Who was the Enchanted Elite assigned within the auditorium?" tanong ko sa seryosong tono.
"Ako po at si upperclassman Soriz." sagot ni Ryoline, kasunod ng freshman na ito ang alaga nitong Naga - isang mythical serpent.
Agad akong napa-atras, at sa totoo lang ay umapak ako papunta sa likod ni Phantom. Bakit hindi ko napansin ang nilalang nito kanina? Tch, mahirap na, kung gutom ang alaga niya, mabuti pang si Phantom na lang ang tuklawin niya.
"Aray." daing ko nang makatanggap ako ng pag-siko mula sa Silent Thief na ito.
"You're not done with your little detective act right?" she whispers to me, with a surprising lack of cold tone.
"Aski, are you thinking that the possible thief of the Chronicle Book, the suspect or suspects are those who remained in the Auditorium during lunch breaks?" Drago said stepping into the conversation.
"Ibigsabihin, hindi na ako kasama sa puwedeng paghinalaan!" bulalas ni Ertune mula sa likuran ni Soriz at Ryoline.
"Not exactly, lahat ay suspek pa rin, ngunit mas mababawasan ang puwede nating paghinalaan kung sasalain natin." sabi ko habang naglalakad papalayo sa Naga at papalapit kay Drago.
"Ertune, hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ka pumunta sa auditorium ay hindi ka na suspect, for that one needs a witness or zero proof to prove that they are innocent." komento ni Soriz sabay lingon kay Ertune.
"Ang malas naman. Temporary lang ako sa posisyong ito pero na-timing pa ako sa ganitong pangyayari." hinaing ng Nature Enchant.
"We can always ask someone specializing in lie detecting for this case, unfortunately..." panimula ng Recruiter saka pasimpleng tumingin sa kaniyang kambal na kapatid.
"Unfortunately, we detected dark magic." pagpapatuloy ni Master Shien, ang librarian.
"Dark magic? What does that mean then?" asked Ryoline.
"Dark magic can block the power over truth, so if the thief knows dark enchantments, it is most likely that they could get away even if questioned." explained the Librarian.
Hindi na ito isang simpleng thieving case, sapagkat kung involved na ang mga taong marunong gumamit ng itim na mahika ay nangangahulugan lamang na may mas malalim pang dahilan kung bakit kinailangan nilang nakawin ang Chronicle Book sa araw na sadyang abala ang majority ng Arcacia Academy.
"If you're keeping us here Masters, it would mean that you're sure that one of us is the thief? No offense to everyone, but if the Chronicle Book was stolen and we are suppose to be running after the individual right now." pahayag naman ni Soriz sa propesyonal na tono.
"The Chronicle Book is still inside the academy, I'm sure of that, no one can silence a talking book and easily get away with it. Not to mention that the school grounds are a thousand hectares wide." answered Recruiter.
That makes sense. Tumingin ako sa kanan kung saan napansin ko si Phantom na animong walang pakialam sa nagaganap na pagkawala ng Chronicle Book ng Veniceum clan. It may not concern anyone of us personally, but as a member of the Enchanted Elites she could at least pretend that she is listening to our on-going discussion.
"I know that Nueva, but it doesn't mean that we should ignore that slim chance." Master Shin answers while tipping his salakot with his thumb, "for now, place Virdjana Phantom Assassin in room arrest."
What? What does have to do with anything? Nang bumaling ako kay Phantom ay mukhang hindi niya rin inaasahan ang desisyon ni Master Shin. Kahit ako ay maguguluhan sa kaniyang desisyon sapagkat magkasama kami ni Phantom bago kami ipinatawag ni Master Shin kanina, at sigurado akong si Phantom ang kasama ni Ruby sa Karaoke Booth buong free time nitong tanghali.
"I know that this will cause confusion, but I don't have any time to explain." Master Shin added as he starts walking towards the door, but with a small pause he adds, "She's new to this place, so it's not worth overlooking her actions." he told Phantom.
Virdjana's POV
Great. I remember my first day being messy enough, a week later I was chosen to do a mission, and a month later here in the oh-so Prestigious Arcacia Academy and I'm under room arrest.
"You have some explaining to do." I heard Kadaski say.
"Why could that be?" I responded amusingly.
"Drago, put her into room arrest. Keep an eye on her, and I would prefer that another person would keep an eye of her with him." utos ng Library Keeper, implying for the other Enchanted Elites to volunteer.
"I'll watch upperclassman with him." volunteered Ryoline.
Oh, so is this first year suspicious of me too? I'm not blaming her since it was not like I did not plan to steal the book from the beginning.
The other Enchanted Elites were ordered to help alert the guards to look for the book while pretending that everything is alright to other students. Masters Shin and Shien will track the thief with their own abilities, while I, on the other hand would proceed to be arrested and watch over in my own room.
On our way back to the dormitories, Drago and Ryoline along with her Naga stands to my right and left. The atmosphere was not awkward at all, and we looked like three students hanging out during the Chronicle Play Event. One thing was for sure, I am not starting a conversation.
"Teka! Sasama ako."
Sabay-sabay kaming lumingon sa likuran namin, kung saan nakita namin si Kadaski na dahan-dahang bumabagal sa pagtakbo. Nang makalapit na ito ay tinanong siya ni Drago, "what's the rush Aski?"
"Upperclassman, why are you here?" tanong naman ni Ryoline.
"An innocent student is being arrested, why can't I rush about that? That's why I'm here." sagot ni Kadaski kay Drago.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Drago, samantalang tahimik lamang na nakikinig si Ryoline sa tatlong upperclassman sa harapan niya.
"Do you believe that Virdjana is innocent?" kuwestiyon ni Drago sa matalik niyang kaibigan.
"Well, before I answer that, kailangan kong malaman kung bakit kaswal mo lang na sinunod si Master Shin? Akala ko ba ay buddy-buddy kayong dalawa?" pahayag naman ni Kadaski.
Drago gave me an expressionless glance, and answers his best friend's question without breaking eye contact with me, "it's not about how close we are, sinusunod ko lang ang utos ng mas nakatataas sa atin. It's also not about whether I believe if she's innocent or not, gayong hindi naman binigay ni Master Shin ang dahilan para sa room arrest."
Woah, kailangan ba talaga iyong pang-matagalang eye contact Drago? Mabuti na lang at kontrolado ko ang facial expression ko ngayon. Mahirap na kong nag-react ako sa harap ng mokong na si Kadaski at ng underclassman naming si Ryoline.
Jeez, when did I start caring about what others think of me?
"Iyon lang? Eh, ikaw Ryoline anong rason mo at nag-volunteer kang magbantay kay Phantom?" tanong ni Kadaski sa nakababata naming kasama.
That's actually a good question. I can definitely ask Drago about his reason or ask for his explanation later, but Ryoline has nothing to do with me.
"Phantom? She's a Phantom?!" bulalas ni Ryoline.
Nagbago ang kaniyang kalmadong facial expression, at agad-agad nag-defense stance tungo sa akin. Tumayo na rin ang kaniyang Mythical Beast na animong naghahanda na upang tuklawin ako.
To my surprise, both Drago and Kadaski jumped in front of me to shield from the confused first year student. I did not see that coming so a startled expression was present on my face. I was quick enough to mask it away before the both boys turn their heads around to look at me.
"That's her second name." it was Kadaski who explained the situation.
"O-oh? Oh! I'm so sorry! I overreacted." remarked Ryoline as she sinks into embarrassment I believe, "so she's not working for...you know?"
"No." answered Drago firmly.
Does he really have to answer that for me? Nonetheless, Ryoline no longer asked anything about it. I also have no idea what the Beast Tamer Enchant is referring to , so it was actually convenient.
Nothing much happened after that and all four of us made our way to my dormitory room. After opening the door with the I.D scanner, I 'welcomed' them inside my personal space.
"Make yourself at home." I spoke sarcastically.
Drago's POV
"I will." pabiro kong response sa pahayag ni Virdjana.
The bedroom was just tidy enough to show that she cared about the space and just messy enough to show that she was able to let her creativity roam free. There were stacks of comic books on her bed, but that was the only messy part of her place.
There was only her bed and no chairs nor study table, wait there is one with a lamp on top of it. There's the standard rug on the floor that every room have. Similar cabinet sizes, similar curtains, but I guess she may have no idea that you can ask for customization as a benefit of being a part of the Enchanted Elites.
"Bakit walang upuan dito?" tanong ni Aski na naka-basag ng pag-oobserba ko ng kuwarto ni Virdjana.
"Mukha ba ako iyong tipo ng tao na hilig mag-imbita ng kung sino-sino?" malamig na tanong ni Virdjana.
"Senior..." panimula ni Ryoline kaya lumingon kaming tatlo sa kaniya, "I mean, Senior Assassin, apologies for bursting the calm bubble but why don't we act like Enchanted Elites at the moment? I have questions for you."
What Ryoline stated is right, and in fact I was in that Enchanted Elite mode earlier if it was not only for Kadaski unprecedently following us. I would have done the same thing and start to interrogate Virdjana, but it wouldn't be related to the Chronicle Book so I guess I could wait.
"What could that be?" tanong naman ni Virdjana na mukhang handa-handa.
"I was wondering why Master Shin would put you into room arrest, so you may have done something bad. You can tell us Senior, you can trust our organization." said Ryoline with a smile on her face.
Virdjana chuckled before tilting her head to the right, she gave Ryoline a challenging look, and a gust of breeze sweeps around the room. It was no coincidence, and I believe that was Virdjana warning Ryoline to be careful of what she will say. I'm having a bad feeling about this.
"Something bad? Can you name the bad thing that I could have done?" tanong ni Virdjana bago umupo sa gilid ng kaniyang kama, bumunot siya ng comic book sa pile ng mga magazine, saka nagsimulang magbasa.
"Of course. It's stealing the Chronicle Book." she remarked.
"Nanami Ryoline, you really think that your Senior could have done something when she's with me all this time? Then that makes me a suspect too." stated Kadaski while placing a hand on his chest.
This is a new scenario, Aski defending the girl she spites in our classroom? Teka ano? Magkasama sila during free time? Kaninang tanghali nga ay yamot na yamot siya kay Virdjana tapos malalaman kong si Virdjana pala ang kasama niya? Mas nalilito lang ako sa sitwasyon, dahil ang pagkakatanda ko ay si Ruby ang kasama ni Virdjana.
"No, Senior Nueva is innocent, I can feel it." Ryoline stated with determination.
I tried to suppress my laughter, but I ended up cracking a small smile instead. Do we even have the time to pin point accusations without proof? This looks fun.
"Ryoline, how about me then?" tanong ko pagkatapos ay ngumiti.
Poor child, literally blushed in front of us three, and quietly she shook her head. I guess I'm innocent too.
"Paniniwalaan kita kung may maipakita kang pruweba." seryosong sabi ni Aski.
"Under her bed, the Chronicle Book is there." Ryoline claims as she points at that certain place.
"You'll be getting your position as Enchanted Elite revoked with your lies little lady." pahayag ni Aski bago magsimulang maglakad papalapit sa kama ni Virdjana.
"Phantom, excuse me." Aski states politely.
"Watch out for the bloody demons down there." said Virdjana in a teasing manner.
Kadaski flinched, frowning he began searching under the bed.
What the?! Andoon nga ang Chronicle Book! Mabilis na nagbago ang atmospera sa loob ng kuwarto ni Virdjana. Nagkatinginan kami ni Kadaski, at mukhang pareho ang iniisip namin ngayon, sana parehas nga. Binalingan ko rin si Ryoline ngunit hindi ko makita ang expresiyon ng mukha sapagkat nakatingin siya sa sahig sa kung ano mang dahilan.
"Looks like you found out." Virdjana smirks right after standing up.
There and then Virdjana leaped towards Kadaski delivering a high kick aiming for my best friend's head, luckily he blocked it using the Chronicle Book.
"Damn it Phantom! You and your tricks!" Aski cursed and proceeds to pass the Chronicle Book to Ryoline, "get out of here Ryoline! Report to the Masters!"
Ryoline's POV
My plan was to sneakily shapeshift Naga into a Chronicle Book and move her to the bed while I distract the Seniors with my accusations. H-how could there be two Chronicle Books? I bit my lips, staring hardly on the floor as I try to comprehend the situation, could it be that the one I took was fake? Nonetheless, this is an opportunity I should not waste.
"Get out of here Ryoline! Report to the Masters!" shouted Senior Nueva.
"R-right away!" I stuttered, hugging my Mythical Beast and smoothly riding out of the window.
Once we made it to the open grounds of the Academy, I knew that I had to avoid getting seen by any students. I ordered Naga to slither to the direction of the back gate, through the mini forestry where I and Naga could blend in. As expected there are many Arcamy on guard, ever since the Siege, the security of this school tripled.
"They're so stupid, adding a bunch of guards with shiny armors won't change a thing." I whispered out of disappointment.
"Naga, Toxic Spray." I enchanted.
The shade of smoke blended with the misty afternoon, almost invisible to the naked eye. I coated Toxic Spray with dark magic, therefore it would be much difficult to sense unless your level can rival students of the Mastery Department or at least the level of a professor.
In a matter of time, they all slowly fell into their deep slumbers and I went away with a smile of victory.
"I'll never step back here." I chuckled.
.
.
.
"Good job, Ryoline~."