```
Although the Crystal Stone in his hand held the address of the Academy, Shard hadn't the chance to take a closer look; all the text on the page cleared, and a large number "3" appeared.
The four people by the wall held their breaths, but they were all extremely excited:
"Shard, get ready!"
Dr. Schneider loudly reminded.
The number "2" appeared.
Shard hurriedly pulled out his house keys and tossed them toward the wall, along with the page before him and the messy pile of things in his pocket.
The number "1" appeared.
"If I come back late, remember to feed the cat for me,"
he shouted. Then the crystal in his hand exploded like a bomb, bursting forth a startling white light. In the room with closed doors and windows, a violent wind arose amidst this light. The doctor and the others instinctively closed their eyes, and a few seconds later, both the light and the wind disappeared—as did Shard, who had been standing there.
