Outside, the night air was cool, but the tension between Austin and Professor Scharf made it feel heavier.
The professor crossed his arms, staring at Austin for what felt like an eternity before finally speaking.
"Tell me honestly, did you cheat on the Placement Exam?"
Austin blinked, stunned by the accusation. "What?"
Professor Scharf's sharp gaze never wavered. "I asked if you cheated."
Austin frowned. "No, I didn't. Why would I?"
The professor studied him for a moment, then sighed, rubbing his temple. "Then explain how you got a perfect score on the Placement Examination."
Austin's confusion only deepened. "I just answered the questions normally. Why is this a big deal?"
Professor Scharf let out a humorless chuckle. "Because it has never happened before."
Austin raised an eyebrow. "Never?"
"Not once," the professor confirmed. "Since the academy's founding, no student has ever achieved a perfect score. The exam adapts to the test-taker. If you're weak, it gives you easy questions. If you're average, it gives you a fair challenge. But if you keep answering everything correctly..."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"It becomes infinitely harder. To the point where it's designed to be impossible to complete perfectly."
Austin remained silent, processing this. So that's why some questions felt absurdly difficult toward the end. Thanks to Akasha, I was able to answer them.
"But you," Professor Scharf continued, narrowing his eyes. "You not only reached that point—you cleared it."
Austin exhaled. "And you think I cheated?"
The professor shook his head. "No. It's impossible to cheat. I was watching every single one of you. I know you didn't." He crossed his arms. "I just can't believe it."
Austin let out a small sigh of relief. "Then what does this mean?"
Professor Scharf's gaze remained unreadable. "It means you've just put yourself in the spotlight, whether you like it or not."
The cold breeze brushed against Austin's face, but it did little to cool the frustration settling in his chest.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"I don't want to be in the spotlight," he admitted. "I only aimed for the highest merit so I could secure the best room for next year." His voice was calm, but there was a clear undertone of dismay.
Professor Scharf raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That's all?"
"That's all," Austin confirmed. "So… can we just keep this confidential?"
The professor scoffed, shaking his head. "That's not possible anymore. The moment the results are officially posted, people will start talking. You've already drawn attention to yourself whether you like it or not."
Austin exhaled sharply. Just great.
"Besides," Scharf continued, his tone shifting to something more serious, "the real reason I came to find you is because the Headmistress wants to meet you."
Austin froze. His expression didn't change, but internally, alarms were going off. "I'll pass."
Professor Scharf's eye twitched. "You'll what?"
"I'll pass," Austin repeated, voice steady. "I have no reason to meet her."
Silence. Then the professor clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. "You—" He inhaled sharply, visibly restraining himself. "Listen, brat. This is not a request. Furthermore, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you have any idea how many students would kill for a chance like this? To meet the Headmistress personally?"
Austin remained firm. "I just want to graduate and live my life in peace. That's all."
Professor Scharf narrowed his eyes. "Then go tell her that yourself."
Austin frowned.
"You think I care about your future plans?" Professor Scharf continued, voice dripping with irritation. "I don't. But the Headmaster does. So go talk to her and make your stance clear—"
Professor Scharf notoced the suit that Austin was carrying with him.
"—It's a good thing you already brought your suit for tonight. You probably won't have time to return to the dormitories before the ball starts. You can even change into it on the way since we'll be passing by a restroom."
"What?" Austin sighed. It was clear the professor wouldn't let this go.
After a moment of contemplation, he reluctantly nodded.
"Fine." Austin said as he held the suit in his hands harder.
Along the Hallway to the Headmistress' Office, Austin followed Professor Scharf through the dimly lit corridors of the academy's upper wing, where only the highest-ranking faculty and esteemed guests were allowed to walk.
Unlike the rest of the academy, this hallway felt peaceful.
The walls were adorned with floating, shimmering sigils that pulsed softly.
Each sigil cast faint golden glows upon intricate murals depicting legendary figures, arcane battles, and celestial beings.
The ceiling stretched impossibly high, where a swirling night sky flickered with constellations that shifted with every step.
Beneath their feet, the floor was a polished obsidian-like material, reflecting the ethereal glow from above.
Austin remained composed on the outside, but inwardly, he was fascinated.
The professors get to see this every day?
They finally stopped in front of a set of double doors—no, not doors. The entrance looked more like a massive, ornate gate, woven with intricate silver filigree and a large emblem of the academy crest in the center. It was a masterpiece.
Professor Scharf barely lifted a finger, and the doors parted soundlessly.
"Go on," he said, stepping aside.
Austin nodded and stepped in.
The moment he crossed the threshold, Austin was met with a sight even grander than the hallway.
The office was vast, yet it carried an intimate elegance. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with textbooks. A magnificent chandelier floated midair, its delicate crystal lights suspended by unseen forces.
At the far end of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a view of the academy's main courtyard.
The setting sun is visible from here.
Then there was the Headmistress.
She was beautiful—almost too beautiful. Long, silver-blonde hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes held an otherworldly wisdom, sharp yet oddly kind.
She wore an elegantly tailored robe, deep sapphire with delicate embroidery that shimmered like starlight.
For the first time in a long while, Austin felt momentarily stunned.
Professor Scharf cleared his throat. "I've brought him as requested, Headmistress."
She nodded. "Thank you, Professor. You may leave us."
Without another word, Scharf turned on his heel and exited, leaving Austin alone with her.
The Headmistress studied Austin for a moment before offering a knowing smile. "Welcome, Austin."
"Good evening Headmistress, Stehlmacht."