Megan got up early today and headed towards the Magic Tower archives. The atmosphere was quiet since the daily curfew was still in place for all students. Megan had begun to despise these insects called students; to her, they were nothing but thieves.
She arrived at a place that resembled a library, yet it wasn't. It was the archive of the Magic Tower—a place containing everything related to the tower, including manuscripts, records, information about students and professors, judgments, some exams, test points, and anything else imaginable about the Magic Tower.
This place was also off-limits to some of the newer professors, who had to obtain a permit before entering or conducting any kind of business there. Upon entering, she was greeted by an old woman with wrinkled skin, who welcomed her with a smile and a calm tone, "Ms. Megan, nice to see you. What can I help you with today?"
In a cold tone, Megan replied, "I'm here to look up a student's name "
The old woman interrupted her, saying, "Ms. Megan, there's no need. You know they're doing their best to recover your belongings. Just wait a bit longer, and everything will be sorted."
Megan answered icily, "Imagine someone's invading your privacy right now. How would you feel? I'm doing what anyone in my position would do. I won't argue further. I have full authority from the old man to search anything, anywhere, however I wish. Do you understand?"
The old woman gave in with a final look and said, "Yes, Ms. Megan. I'll do as you say. What do you need?"
"Kyel Everhart, ninth grade, beast-taming specialty. Look him up," Megan replied coldly, thinking of a particular name.
The old woman gestured, and a large book floated towards her. Its pages began turning on their own, seemingly searching for something. After a while, the woman replied, "There's no record of that name in this specialty. Perhaps the name or information you provided is incorrect."
Megan replied, "No, that's all I needed. Thank you," and left. The old woman gave her a strange look.
'It's him, I'm certain. He gave me false information so I wouldn't search for him. Why would he do that? If he has nothing against me, why give a fake name? Damn you, insect. I'll kill you no matter your connections. Even that old man won't save you.' Megan swore to herself.
---
The search was progressing smoothly, but there was news that it would be restarted with new details. There was now a description of the suspect's appearance, and an announcement was made across the Magic Tower that anyone who provided information on a student named "Kyel Everhart" would receive a reward.
In more welcome news, the daily curfew on students had been lifted during certain hours in the morning and evening. Students were eager to go out, though classes and studies had been postponed until further notice.
Kyel, meanwhile, was in his room, barely interested in the announcement. The night had been comfortable, though he didn't remember any particular relief. He'd awoken in the morning, feeling neither good nor bad. He didn't yet realize that surviving solely on the powder was dangerous; he could be ambushed one day while unconscious.
Kyel put on wool pants, slippers, and a light black jacket, then headed towards the canteen. Although he couldn't taste, his body needed food. The canteen would be packed, especially with the curfew lifted.
The hallways were crowded with students. Some first-years were playing, their laughter and chatter filling the air. When Kyel arrived at the canteen, it was packed. He planned only to order food and leave, but the line was chaotic.
He reconsidered eating there and decided on a restaurant instead, despite the cost. He had enough money to spare and owed thanks to Arlott, who had been so greedy as to even steal from Professor Megan.
Something odd crossed Kyel's mind: it was strange that a professor like Megan didn't have a storage ring for valuables. Kyel had noticed she wore two rings last time; he was sure one was a storage ring.
He ordered grilled lamb, salad, and lemon juice, watching others enjoy their food without tasting his own. "What a mockery," he thought. He paid a symbolic price—three silver coins.
Kyel had 3,000 gold coins, his cut from Arlott, who must have stolen tirelessly for that much. While walking, he ran into two familiar faces—the "lovebirds" he had met earlier.
Upon making eye contact with the violet-haired girl, her face flushed red as she remembered that encounter. The blond boy beside her was confused. "Why is Myers acting like this around him? Does she know him?"
Kyel took the initiative, "Hey, you two again? Looks like they've let you off easy."
The blond boy, Lumis, asked, "What do you mean? Have we met? I don't recall."
Kyel shot a glance at the girl. "You didn't tell him?"
"Tell me what?" Lumis asked.
Kyel answered, "When that hunchback caught you that night, I was the one who saved her."
Lumis thought, 'So what? Should I be grateful?' Then he said, "Myers didn't mention anything, but I don't see why you're interfering. Should we be thanking you, or do you want compensation for one rescue? You did it on your own."
Kyel nodded, "Oh, you're right. I'll stay out of your way, then."
As they walked past, Myers stole a glance at Kyel, recalling when he'd hugged her from behind, that something pressing against her. Her face turned as red as a tomato.
As they left, Kyel thought, 'Can't control yourself when you lose your emotions, huh? What did I expect? Fool.'