Jasper, blissfully unaware of the commotion she had caused, simply paused on the stairs and tilted her head in curiosity, watching the scene unfold with a bemused smile. Elara sighed inwardly, wondering if there was more than just beauty at play in Jasper's charm.
As the scene shifted, Alastair rubbed his head, seated on the couch with a half-grimace. Regin leaned forward and asked, "Remember that fox-like beast you saw at Ryen's house?"
"Yes, but what about it?" Alastair replied, still nursing his head.
Silas, adjusting his gold-chained glasses, added, "There was a similar creature found at Instructor Lyra's residence, though it had some differences. This one stood on two legs and had a horn on its forehead."
Alastair sat up, concern flickering in his eyes. "Did something happen to Lyra?"
Silas shook his head. "No, she managed to capture it without much trouble. They're studying it now and think it could be a new type of Metbeast."
Alastair shrugged. "We discover new or mutated species from time to time. Doesn't sound too shocking."
Silas's expression hardened. "But doesn't it seem unusual? Metbeasts usually try to flee if they sense a stronger opponent. They can easily judge whether to fight or flee. Yet, the two beasts—the one you killed and the one Lyra caught—both tried to attack instead of retreating."
Alastair leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "So, what are you suggesting?"
Regin interjected. "A Fallenion's influence."
Silas nodded, and Alastair's face fell in shock. "But what would a Fallenion gain from this? And how could it control other beasts?"
Regin replied, "That's exactly what we need to find out and fragments can give anyone any abilities, and it's likely a skill they've acquired."
Silas added, "And with this happening just before the semester starts, it feels too deliberate. They're planning something."
Alastair's brow furrowed. "Does Master Orion know?"
Regin nodded. "He advised us to keep this quiet. There's no need to cause panic—let people think it's a newly discovered species for now. We'll track down the Fallenion and their plans before the semester begins."
Alastair checked his watch. "Then we have only five and a half days."
Regin stood up. "We'll start by revisiting Ryen's house, where this all began."
"But Steven already swept through the place," Alastair countered. "What could we find?"
"We're not going to inspect the house itself but the surrounding area," Regin replied. "We may spot something he missed."
Alastair nodded. "Possible. When do we leave?"
"Tonight," Silas confirmed. "Be ready."
Just then, Ryen appeared, rubbing his temples as he approached. Silas gave Alastair a look, his voice soft, "Keep things casual. We don't want anyone to catch on."
Alastair nodded in agreement. Regin turned to Ryen, putting on an encouraging smile. "How's your training going?"
Caught off-guard, Ryen shifted awkwardly, then turned the question back. "Where are the ladies?"
"They're outside, training," Silas answered.
"Oh, I should join them," Ryen said, turning to head outside.
Alastair, now very serious, called out, "Wait, I'm coming too." He pushed himself up from the couch and followed Ryen out.
Silas sighed, watching them go. "Why don't young stars today show that kind of dedication toward their actual duties?"
Regin smirked. "Not everyone is a workhorse like you, Silas."
A faint pulse throbbed on Silas's forehead.
Ryen and Alastair walked into the training grounds, their steps slowing as they caught sight of Lady Jasper. Her presence, intense and captivating, seemed to make the very air around her hum with energy. Nearby, Lady Elara was sparring, electricity crackling from her fists, casting brief flashes of lightning across the arena. The energy in the room was almost palpable, and both men exchanged a startled glance.
Alastair cleared his throat, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and humor. "We're gentlemen," he whispered to Ryen, his tone slightly chiding. "It wouldn't be proper to stare at a beautiful lady in that way."
Ryen gave a sharp nod, his gaze fixed ahead but his expression serious. "Quite right," he replied solemnly.
Lady Jasper, her glass-like katana gleaming as she twirled it in a graceful arc, turned toward them. "What are you two whispering about?" she asked, her tone curious, though her stance remained poised for battle.
Alastair gave a nod of mock seriousness. "We were just…admiring how beautiful you are," he blurted out, before his eyes widened, realizing his slip. Flustered, he quickly corrected himself, shaking his hands frantically. "No, no! I mean—your swordplay! Yes, your swordplay is…uh…magnificent."
Lady Jasper raised an eyebrow, her cheeks flushing faintly, and beside her, Lady Elara smirked, crossing her arms with an amused look. "Ryen," she called, her voice carrying a playful challenge, "care to spar with me?"
Eager to escape the awkward moment, Ryen nodded. "Of course," he replied, stepping forward.
They faced each other, readying their stances. Elara gave him a small smirk. "So, do you use any weapon?"
"Not yet," Ryen answered. "Master Kaelith said I'd receive mine on the day of enrollment."
"Good," Elara replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I won't be using a weapon, either."
She dropped into a crouch, her legs bent and poised like a runner about to launch forward. Sparks began to dance along her skin, gathering at her feet and shoulders. With a crackling burst of energy, she shot toward him like a bolt of lightning, her right leg slicing through the air in a high, powerful kick. Ryen reacted instinctively, turning and catching her leg mid-air. His eyes began to burn with blue flames, a mystical aura enveloping him. Blue fire sparked from his hands, wrapping around Elara without burning her.