His true nature!

✦ Shadows Before the Ceremony ✦

✦ The meeting turns serious

The grand meeting room of the Childs of Light was once again hushed under the weight of something electric — not excitement this time, but raw, simmering apprehension. Luke Jean, the silver-haired president of the year fives, stood at the head of the long table. His fingers tapped lightly against the dark wood, eyes scanning each of the chosen ones gathered before him.

It didn't matter whether they were first years fresh out of initiation or seasoned fourth years — under Luke's gaze, all were equally subdued.

When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but carried an edge sharp enough to flay nerves.

"I assume all of you know by now that you will soon be receiving a familiar."

A small ripple of shifting bodies followed, students glancing at one another. Of course they knew — it had been the single topic on every tongue since the announcement. But no one truly understood why it was happening so suddenly.

Luke's eyes narrowed slightly.

"And I am equally sure that none of you know the real reason behind it."

He let that hang for a breath, then continued.

"Today, I will explain. Recently, across all our legions — and not just ours — the activities of monsters have surged dramatically. They're growing more aggressive. Stronger. It's not an isolated incident; it's everywhere. Before this escalates into a disaster, we intend to prepare. By granting you mana beasts now, we give each of you a means to grow stronger, to defend not only yourselves but everything our order protects."

His voice dropped to a darker tone.

"Remember: you are receiving these familiars so you might become stronger. Not so you can swagger about misusing power. If anyone dares forget that…"

His eyes locked onto Lucas, whose face had already paled a few shades.

"…I will personally ensure you remember."

✦ Claire and the silent realizations

Across the table, Claire watched, tapping her knuckle lightly against her lips.

"So that's why they're rushing the ceremony…" she mused inwardly. A small chill chased down her spine. This wasn't about prestige or tradition anymore — it was survival.

✦ A command for secrecy

Luke folded his arms behind his back.

"Until I give you permission otherwise, this information is to remain secret. No rumors, no letters to family that might be intercepted. Understood?"

Heads nodded in perfect unison, almost mechanical.

✦ Olivia's question

Olivia, ever the earnest one, found her courage enough to raise a hand. Her voice quivered just slightly.

"Um, does this mean… all students? Even non-mages? They're allowed to bring a familiar too?"

Luke's silver brows lifted only a fraction.

"Yes. There are no exceptions. Every student, mage or non-mage, will have the right to a familiar. Even those without magic can still form a pact. Any other questions?"

There were none — or at least, none that dared to surface under that icy gaze.

✦ Luke turns to Lucas

Luke exhaled, then shifted, and the atmosphere changed like a sudden drop in barometric pressure. His eyes landed squarely on Lucas, who tried — and failed — to maintain his usual cocky posture.

"Good. Then allow me a question of my own. Lucas, was it?"

Lucas's throat bobbed as he swallowed.

"Yes… sir."

"I heard about that little tournament fiasco last week. I trust you understand how incredibly stupid it was to lose control like that? You're a chosen one. If you cannot uphold the dignity this title demands, you are welcome to step down. Voluntarily. Otherwise, control yourself. Understood?"

Lucas looked like he might faint.

"Y-yes. Understood."

✦ The meeting ends — for most

With that, Luke straightened.

"Then you are all dismissed. Except for the president of the third years. Stay behind."

Chairs scraped back, a murmur of relieved voices filling the chamber as everyone hurried out — all eager to escape the pressure that felt like it could crack ribs.

✦ Luke's private investigation

The president of the third years remained, face carefully composed. Luke waited until the last echo of footfalls faded from the corridor before speaking again.

"Explain to me in detail what happened last week. With Lucas. With that non-mage, Aether. I want nothing left out."

✦ Aether's sneeze — trouble brewing

Meanwhile, far from the oppressive gloom of that meeting room, Aether sat hunched over his workbench, a tiny spark dancing off the metal contraption in his hand.

"ACHOO!"

He sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

"Ugh, what was that? Weird… felt like someone just shoved my name into a blender."

Then he shrugged, turning back to his delicate wiring.

✦ Back in the room — dangerous envy

The third-year president recounted everything. From the moment Lucas taunted Aether, to the breathtaking duel, to how the dean herself had to intervene.

Luke's expression soured with each detail.

"So… a non-mage boy was able to not only defeat one of our chosen, but force the dean herself to move?"

There was something almost ugly curling behind Luke's eyes. His fingers flexed as though itching for a sword hilt.

"It took years of proving myself to even catch the dean's passing glance. And this useless non-mage boy… achieves it in an afternoon? Unforgivable."

✦ Shanny sees the truth

From where she stood slightly behind, Shanny Rin watched her president carefully. Her teal eyes hardened.

[Shanny's thoughts:]

This is who he truly is.

Outwardly he's the perfect leader — calm, commanding, protective. But inside? He's ravenous. Power-hungry. He's only ever wanted the dean's recognition… or maybe even something beyond that.

And that boy Aether just stole a fragment of it without even trying.

This could turn very, very bad.

She started to open her mouth.

"What are your plan—"

"Shut up. Don't talk back to me."

Luke's words lashed like a whip. Shanny's jaw clicked shut, eyes narrowing. But inside, her mind was racing.

✦ Meanwhile — Aether oblivious (but not entirely)

Elsewhere, Aether wiped sweat from his brow, pushing aside another nearly completed mechanism.

"ACHOO! Again? Damn it, someone's got me on their blacklist today."

He let out a slow breath, trying to shake off the prickle on his neck.

"Anyway… the dean did say she wants even stronger mechanisms for the academy. Like I'm some miracle factory. Do normal students have to do all this? Probably not. But hey, I'm stacking up contribution points, so who's complaining."

His smile wavered slightly.

"…Though lately, I've had a real bad feeling. Like something big's creeping up on me."

✦ Shanny's unease grows

[Shanny's POV:]

Before the familiar selection ceremony, the dean asked us to give speeches separately to the first, second, and third years. Every student — even the non-mages — is required to attend.

I know Luke. If he's planning something, it will be then.

I just hope nothing happens to that boy… though by now, I almost expect trouble to chase him like a stray dog.

✦ Aether's final sneeze — destiny's tug

Back at his dorm, Aether finally slumped down into a chair, arms dangling over the sides.

"ACHOO! …Okay, that's it. I know something's coming for me. The universe is not this subtle."

He tilted his head back, eyes narrowing at the ceiling.

"I swear, trouble must have me listed as their favorite client."

Little did he know — he wasn't wrong.