The academy's lecture hall hummed with subdued energy.
The usual boisterous chatter was muted, and the rows of seats were noticeably sparse.
Only about half the students were present.
The aftermath of the demon ambush weighed heavily on everyone; many students were still in the infirmary, nursing wounds both physical and emotional.
Stricter curfews had been implemented after the attack, with patrols doubled and even the slightest breach of rules met with harsh penalties.
The faculty had made it clear: the safety of the academy came above all else.
Eclipse sat in the back of the room, slouched in his seat, half-hidden behind a book.
From his vantage point, he had a perfect view of the hero's party seated in the front row—Caelum, Seraphine, Finnian, and the rest.
His gaze lingered a moment too long on Seraphine, who, for once, didn't seem to react to his attention.
Normally, she'd throw a glare his way or mutter something about "that insufferable noble."
But today, she merely sighed, her sapphire eyes fixed ahead as if she had more pressing concerns.
Finnian noticed her uncharacteristic calm and leaned over, whispering, "Well, this is a first."
Caelum, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "What's a first?"
Finnian glanced back at Eclipse before answering under the cover of their lecturer's droning voice. "Seraphine's actually ignoring him. Usually, she'd have snapped by now."
Seraphine blinked, confused. "Eh? Ignoring who?"
Finnian smirked. "That Eclipse guy. He's staring at us again, and you haven't even commented on it."
"Eh?"
"Seraphine, did his good look deceived your heart?"
Seraphine's cheeks flushed faintly, though she masked it quickly. "What are you even talking about?"
Caelum turned his head slightly, catching Eclipse mid-stare.
The noble quickly ducked behind his book, pretending to be engrossed in its pages.
Caelum's lips quirked upward in a knowing smile. "Did something happen between you two?"
"No!" Seraphine snapped, a little too quickly.
She straightened in her seat, her voice dropping to a mutter. "Nothing happened. I still hate that arrogant bastard. Don't you remember what he did to us?"
Then their conversation steered...
"But…" Her expression turned thoughtful, her brows knitting together. "Don't you think he's been acting… strange lately?"
Caelum tilted his head. "Strange how?"
"It's just a feeling," she admitted. "Back in the forest trial, he told me to go to you because something was going to happen. And then the demon attack…"
Finnian chimed in, "He did ask some strange questions, Caelum. Remember? About your weapon and that pendant you wear."
Caelum sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Perhaps I've been too focused on my immediate surroundings. It's my mistake not to look at the bigger picture."
Seraphine glanced toward the podium where their lecturer droned on. "Not even our teachers seemed to know about the demon attack… so how did he?"
Finnian's expression grew thoughtful. "Maybe he has an informant."
The three of them fell into a contemplative silence, each turning over the possibilities in their minds.
The lecturer's voice rose above the murmur of the room.
"Attention, class. The headmistress herself is here."
A hush fell over the hall as everyone stood.
The sound of boots clicking against the polished floor echoed like a melody as Headmistress Aurora entered.
Aurora was a vision of elegance and authority.
Her long golden hair, streaked with strands of pure gold, cascaded down her back, catching the light with a radiant glow.
Her bright, piercing eyes seemed to see straight into the soul of everyone present.
She carried herself with a calm dignity, her presence commanding awe and reverence.
As she reached the podium, the students bowed in unison, their voices a chorus of respect: "It's our pleasure to meet you, Headmistress Aurora."
Eclipse bowed too, surprised to feel no sting from his Dignity+ trait.
Aurora's status as headmistress—and her accomplishments as an S-tier hero in the game—surpassed even his prestigious family's legacy.
Back in his world, Aurora had been one of Eclipse's favorite characters.
Her role as a powerhouse who balanced leadership with raw strength made her a fan favorite.
In the game, she was an unstoppable force, and her battles were legendary.
Seeing her now, standing in the flesh, was both awe-inspiring and surreal.
Aurora's voice rang out, smooth and commanding. "Students, I commend you for your resilience. The recent demon ambush tested this academy in ways we haven't faced in centuries. Many of you have endured great challenges, and some have suffered losses." Her gaze softened, though her presence remained unyielding.
"Given the circumstances, the results of the trial cannot be fairly assessed. Many failed to complete their objectives, but that is to be expected. Survival was the true test this time,
And for those who persevered, there will be rewards."
She paused, her eyes scanning the room, resting briefly on Caelum, Seraphine, and even Eclipse before moving on.
"Let this be a lesson: strength alone is not enough. Knowledge, foresight, and unity will be your greatest allies in the battles to come. Dismissed."
As she swept out of the hall, the students murmured amongst themselves. The room buzzed with speculation about the rewards and the implications of her words.
________________
When Aurora left, the room remained quiet for a few moments, her powerful presence lingering like an echo.
Gradually, the students began whispering among themselves, the hum of conversations filling the hall.
The lecturer, seemingly unconcerned, gave them leave to talk amongst themselves while he prepared for the next portion of the lesson.
Eclipse leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the room briefly before returning to the person beside him.
It wasn't Silva at his side today—it was Valeria, sitting awkwardly as if she'd stumbled into the wrong place entirely.
Her shoulders hunched as she glanced at him with a mix of irritation and confusion. "Eclipse, why did you drag me here? I don't know the first thing about being a maid, you know! And I've got plenty to do at the academy—important things!"
Eclipse sighed, his expression weary as he rubbed his temple. "Don't we have a deal?"
Valeria blinked, momentarily thrown off. "A deal?"
After a few seconds she made a face as if saying 'Oh... that deal.'
"We have a lot to talk about." He leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "I need to know something."
"Eh? What kind of—"
"The Draught potion," he interrupted, his tone sharp. His piercing gaze locked onto hers. "Who did you steal it from?"
The question hit like a lightning bolt. Valeria froze, her face instantly paling.
Her mouth opened as if to respond, but her words tangled in her throat.
Eclipse smirked a little in the inside knowing this would be her reaction at the least.
But he had underestimated Valeria...
In her panic, she bit her tongue—a little too hard.
"Argh!" she yelped, her voice muffled as her hands flew to her mouth.
Her chair screeched against the floor as she leaned back too far, toppling over with a loud crash that echoed across the hall.
Every head in the room turned toward the commotion.
Valeria scrambled to sit up, her face red with embarrassment, tears brimming in her eyes as she clutched her sore tongue.
Above her, a faint blue screen materialized, glowing ominously: Class: Thief.
Eclipse pressed a hand to his forehead, exhaling slowly as if summoning patience from some divine source. "Fantastic," he muttered dryly. "Great job staying inconspicuous."
Valeria shot him a glare, still clutching her mouth, but the effect was ruined by the tears in her eyes and her frantic attempt to gather her scattered belongings.
"I'm fime!" she mumbled, her words slurred from her bitten tongue. "Eberything's fime!"