It took nearly ten minutes of awkward, occasionally comedic maneuvering before Silva and Valeria finally wriggled free from beneath the bed.
They emerged, each flushed with mild embarrassment and irritation, their expressions marked by a rare blend of determination and frustration.
Silva, ever the composed maid, dusted herself off with precision, while Valeria muttered a few indignant complaints under her breath as she straightened her tunic, shooting occasional glances at the small slime now nestled contentedly in Eclipse's belongings.
Eclipse watched them with a half-smirk, crossing his arms as he leaned against the bedpost. "Took you both long enough."
They both glanced at him, momentarily looking like chagrined children caught doing something silly.
Silva, ever the professional, cleared her throat, brushing off some invisible dust from her sleeve as she launched into an update on everything he'd missed while he'd been recuperating.
"The headmistress has launched an investigation into the recent forest attack, Master," she began, her voice calm but with a hint of tension.
Eclipse gave a nod, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That's hardly surprising. It's not every day someone sabotages the Academy's teleportation spell—and with the Academy heroes supposedly watching over everything."
He mulled this over, aware of the Academy's reputation and how seriously they guarded their image.
The failure to protect students during the trial was a blow to the administration, one they couldn't afford to take lightly.
If this is happening, then...
"Did they implement the new curfew?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
Silva and Valeria exchanged confused glances, each of them looking equally puzzled. "New curfew?" Silva echoed, brow furrowing.
Eclipse hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. Right, he thought, recalling how the curfew had been imposed in the game to tighten Academy security after incidents like this one.
But this version of events was unfolding differently; maybe the curfew hadn't been announced yet.
"Never mind," he said, waving off their questions.
He needed to be more careful about blending what he remembered from the game with what was happening now.
Just as Silva and Valeria prepared to leave, Eclipse stopped them with a raised hand.
He listed off several items he wanted them to gather for him—a selection of alchemical supplies, including vials, flasks, a small mortar, and a handful of specific herbs.
The order was extensive, suggesting that he had more in mind than a simple potion or two.
Silva took the list without question, though her brow lifted slightly at the odd array of supplies.
With a nod, Silva and Valeria turned toward the door, casting a final, cautious glance at the small slime lounging amidst Eclipse's belongings.
The creature seemed to sense their attention, giving a slight jiggle, which only made Silva purse her lips in distaste.
Without another word, they left Eclipse to his work.
___________
Outside, both lady released a collective sigh of relief, their shoulders relaxing as the tension of the last hour dissipated.
They strolled through the Academy corridors, which buzzed with the chatter of students recovering from the recent trials.
Some bore fresh bandages, evidence of minor injuries, while others strode past looking smugly victorious.
Valeria glanced back over her shoulder with a bemused smile. "Honestly, I half-expected him to throw us out after the slime ate all his things."
"Yes… and he let us off without a punishment," Silva replied, her eyes narrowing in thought. "That alone is strange."
Valeria's curiosity piqued, and she raised an eyebrow. "Strange? You mean it's strange for him to be merciful?"
Silva shot her a quick, assessing glance. "You wouldn't know this, but Eclipse… has been acting differently lately. It's something I noticed even before the demon attack in the forest."
Valeria's eyes widened, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait—you think he's… possessed by a demon?" then she added with her narrowed thin eyebrow, "That somehow made him merciful?"
For a moment, the memory of her encounter with Eclipse in the Mist Forest resurfaced, how she'd mistaken him for some monstrous figure.
Silva shook her head, her face returning to its usual cool neutrality.
"No… his haughty demeanor, his disdain for commoners—that much is still very much intact," she muttered, half under her breath. "But it feels like something's shifted."
Valeria pursed her lips, the color a sharp cherry red in contrast to her otherwise pale face. "So, if it's not a demon, then what has changed?"
Silva's expression grew distant, a flicker of a memory flashing across her eyes.
She thought back to when Eclipse had brought Valeria to the Academy after the forest trial.
She remembered how weakened he had seemed, as if he were almost… relying on Valeria. Was it protection? Did he know something I didn't?
It gnawed at Silva, who prided herself on her keen observation.
Her mission was as clear as her loyalty to those who'd assigned it, but now questions clouded her mind.
If Eclipse truly suspected her, why would he keep her by his side, still in her role?
She couldn't ignore the possibility that he knew more than he let on.
Her gaze hardened as she turned to Valeria. "You're not hiding anything from me, are you?" she asked, her tone sharp and direct.
Valeria's eyes widened in innocent surprise, and she shook her head emphatically. "Me? Hide something from you? I've already told you everything. I'm not lying," she said with a small, nervous laugh, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her tunic.
Silva's gaze didn't soften.
"Good. Because if you are, I won't be honoring our deal."
The words hung heavily between them, each fully aware of what they meant.
Silva and Valeria had struck a secret agreement, one centered on Valeria's search for her missing sisters, which Eclipse still hadn't known about.
But Silva's patience had its limits, and Valeria knew better than to push her luck.
They continued down the Academy's grand courtyard, weaving through paths lined with statues of past heroes, their stone forms casting long shadows across the flagstone paths.
Towering trees framed the walkway, their branches heavy with leaves that rustled gently in the breeze, while ornamental fountains sparkled in the sunlight.
It was the Academy's heart, a place usually bustling with pride and camaraderie, yet today it felt more subdued, as if everyone sensed something looming beneath the surface.
Valeria stole a quick, uncertain glance at Silva. "So… how exactly are we supposed to go about this?"
Silva sighed, rolling her shoulders as though adjusting an unseen weight.
"First, we gather what Eclipse asked for. Then," she trailed off, her eyes scanning the nearby students and staff.
But Valeria, who didn't bother with the same careful attention to secrecy, continued without hesitation. "Then we look for my sisters?"
Silva's gaze hardened, her tone turning cold. "No. Then we sneak into the Academy's offices."
The mention of the Academy's offices made Valeria's pulse quicken.