Spring or Burn

Dimitry entered the classroom for Magic Theory—a subject taught in five levels:

1. Magic Theory Basics

2. Defensive Magic

3. Offensive Magic

4. Magical Innovation

5. Mastery in Wizardry

Despite being first-years, the Fav Five were already at Level 3. They usually sat together, but today, only three were present. Setaro had been missing since morning.

Justin's eyes burned with tension ever since he saw Seraphina Nightshade walk into CAM some time ago.

The others kept glancing at Dimitry. Elizabeth remained buried in her book. Zekai looked restless.

Dimitry sat through the lecture, distracted.

As soon as the bell rang, a call came through Zekai's communication device.

"Forrest Nightshade: meet me now at the bell tower."

Zekai hurried off.

He frowned. Why was his sponsor calling him now?

Zekai worked part-time as a hacker for Forest's company, FMN, in exchange for a scholarship that got him into CAM. The arrangement had always been business. But today's summons felt different.

As the students filtered out, the remaining members of the Fav Five stayed behind.

Justin suddenly yanked Dimitry by the collar.

"What game are you playing, Nightshades? Why is she here?"

Dimitry calmly pried his hand off.

"CAM isn't your father's Devron. And I've never asked how your dad forced your stepmother into that abortion."

"Dimitry—!" Justin shouted.

"Lower your voice," Dimitry cut him off coldly. "You're not the only one with power."

Jezz stepped in, trying to ease the tension.

"We're just concerned. Your stepsister... she's different."

"You don't know her well enough to judge," Dimitry snapped.

Aron spoke, calm but with clenched fists.

"We're trying to talk, Dimy."

Dimitry gave a bitter laugh.

"Talk? Or interrogate? The only one who cares about me here... is Setaro."

Justin grabbed him again.

"Then tell me—what's her standing here?"

Dimitry's voice turned to ice.

"Why are you so worried about my sister, Justin? Don't worry—she won't even glance at you or your so-called power."

He shook him off and walked out toward the Assembly.

Belltower~

Forrest met Zekai at the top. He handed him a file—

The same file that Seraphina had passed to him earlier. Along with it, a pinup scroll sealed with magic.

Forest stared into the distance.

"Check its authenticity. Keep investigating.".

Zekai asked carefully,

"I will, boss... but the money—"

Forrest replied calmly,

"Don't worry—you'll soon have the post permanently. But what I'm giving you now could ruin you. It'll drag you into high-society drama. That darkness can consume you. Are you ready?"

Zekai glanced down, then smiled.

"The life my sister's heading toward... she doesn't see it, but it's inevitable. As her brother, it's necessary."

Forrest thought of Zekai's twin, Elizabeth, and the rumors about Justin Devron's interest in her. He wasn't into gossip, but with the future in mind, he gave Zekai a hard look.

Zekai tried to pry."Your sibling came today..."

Forrest smiled faintly, advising," Stay away. They're too much for you to handle."

Zekai's heart broke—

Then fluttered.

Forrest turned his gaze back toward the distant Assembly.

Two hours later, Zekai's message popped up:

"The file's authentic, boss. The one who collected it... has had those for a long time. But I'll keep digging."

Forrest sighed, eyes closing briefly to calm himself.

He had made his decision.

Elsewhere on campus

Seraphina, Asher, and Danial were touring CAM with Ramuel when a smooth, magnetic voice echoed from the campus radio:

"Hey, CAM!

Setaro Calestra Hall on the mic—and baby, spring isn't the only thing heating up today.

What can I say? The moon of the Empire has landed. And she didn't just walk into CAM—she owned it.

Every step she takes? It's like a bell rings in the heart of every poor soul lucky enough to see her.

Her eyes? They lit something in me I didn't even know needed saving.

And that green hair? Call it a forest. And guess what?

I'm not even trying to find my way out.

So let's make it official—welcome to CAM, Seraphina Nightingale Nightshade.

The halls feel different now, and not just because it's spring.

You've got the charm and the mystery, and that looks like you know exactly what you're doing.

And me? I've got the mic, the music, and just one question:

What do you say, Seraphina—ready to play a song together?

'Cause this station's got room for two… and I do love a good duet."

A melodic tune followed, echoing through the halls.

Seraphina smiled.

Asher snorted.

Danial raised an eyebrow.

"Are all Hall family members like this? Is he their number-one flirt?"

Asher scowled.

"He's something."

Seraphina added casually,

"He's kinda cute."

Asher ground his teeth.

"What a vixen…"

Danial muttered,

"Why did he only mention Sis? He's targeting her openly—even knowing you're her fiancé?"

Asher shot him a deadly look.

"If you're asking me, who am I supposed to ask?"

Ramuel glanced at Seraphina meaningfully. She just shrugged.

Asher's communication device buzzed. A slow smile spread across his face. He looked at Seraphina.

"Our Knight just joined the fight."

Danial frowned.

"Who the hell is this Knight? You didn't tell me. Who controls the Inner House and outer CAM for us?"

He was anxious and irritated.

Seraphina replied nonchalantly,

"Our dear big brother."

Danial froze.

"…Forrest."

His eyes turned stormy. He wanted to ask why.

Seraphina looked at him.

"He knows now—it's you."

Danial trembled, trying to speak, but fell silent.

Asher was stunned.

"The one who saved Forrest five years ago… was Danial? Why?"

Seraphina snapped,

"What do you mean, 'why'?"

"Umm—sorry—I meant how."

Seraphina returned to her calm tone.

"His yellow magic awakened back then. It had nothing to do with emotions."

Asher frowned."Yellow magic comes to life when deep inner emotions trigger it."

Danial snapped,

"I was six, okay? Not all of us are precocious like you."

Asher didn't let it go."Still—why the hell did you save him? He was in a car—you didn't need to use both golden and yellow magic. That's too much for a six-year-old brat!"

Danial answered quietly,

"The next day was my birthday, but if he passed away, how could I celebrate?

I just saved him—that's all. How was I supposed to know he'd get stuck on it forever? He's my stepbrother."

Seraphina and Asher didn't reply.

After what they'd learned about the past...

After seeing Dimitry's actions…

And now Forrest is entering the game—

The logic of "he's just my stepbrother" no longer worked.

They looked at Danial sympathetically.

It gave him goosebumps.

Sigh.

This kid was still too young for all this mess.