Chapter 11: "The Academy’s Gate"

The Lumina Academy was a sight to behold. Nestled in the mountains, its towering spires and gleaming domes seemed to defy gravity, their surfaces etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the sunlight. Jack stood at the gates, the merchant's package tucked under his arm, and couldn't help but feel out of place.

"This is going to be fun," he muttered, adjusting his hood.

The guards at the gate eyed him suspiciously as he approached. One of them, a tall man with a stern expression, stepped forward.

"State your business," the guard said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Jack held up the package. "Delivery for Professor Elara. From the Free Cities Alliance."

The guard's eyes narrowed. "Wait here."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze the guards," he said quietly.

The plug-in responded.

**[Guards: Lumina Academy Security.]**

**[Threat Level: Low.]**

**[Recommendation: Cooperate.]]

Jack nodded. He wasn't here to cause trouble—not yet, anyway.

---

After a few minutes, the guard returned, accompanied by a woman in flowing robes. Her silver hair was tied back in a braid, and her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Jack.

"You're the courier?" she asked, her voice crisp and precise.

Jack nodded. "That's me. Jack."

"Professor Elara," she said, taking the package. "Follow me."

Jack fell into step beside her as they entered the academy grounds. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and incense, and the halls were filled with students and scholars bustling about.

"So," Jack said, breaking the silence. "What's in the package?"

Elara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "That's none of your concern."

Jack shrugged. "Fair enough. But if it's dangerous, you might want to handle it carefully."

Elara's lips twitched, almost like a smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

---

They reached a large study filled with books, scrolls, and strange artifacts. Elara set the package on a table and turned to Jack.

"Why are you really here?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Analyze Elara's behavior," he said under his breath.

The plug-in responded.

**[Elara: Observant, Calculating.]**

**[Possible Motives: Curiosity, Suspicion.]**

**[Recommendation: Proceed with Caution.]]

Jack met her gaze. "I need information. About this."

He pulled out the Thunderclaw Bear core and set it on the table. Its unstable energy pulsed faintly, casting a dim light across the room.

Elara's eyes widened. "Where did you get this?"

"Long story," Jack said. "But I need to know why it's… like this."

Elara picked up the core, her fingers tracing the faint symbol etched into its surface. Her expression darkened.

"This symbol," she said, her voice low. "It's linked to the Crimson Veil. A cult that worships dragons and seeks to awaken an ancient, slumbering beast."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "Why would they enhance a Thunderclaw Bear core?"

Elara shook her head. "I don't know. But if they're experimenting with monster cores, it can't be for anything good."

---

As Jack absorbed the information, Elara continued.

"The Arcane Consortium might have the resources to stabilize this core," she said. "But they're not easy to deal with. And they're not the only ones interested in such things."

Jack activated the plug-in.

"Set a reminder," he said. "Research Arcane Consortium."

**[Reminder Set: Research Arcane Consortium.]**

**[Additional Note: Also, Avoid Crimson Veil.]]

Jack smirked. "Noted."

---

Before Jack could ask more questions, Elara handed him a small, glowing crystal.

"Take this," she said. "It's a communication device. If you find anything else related to the Crimson Veil, contact me immediately."

Jack pocketed the crystal. "Thanks. But why help me?"

Elara's expression softened, just for a moment. "Because the Obsidian Hand is growing bolder. And if we don't stop them—and the Crimson Veil—this world won't survive."

---

As Jack left the academy, his mind was racing. The Crimson Veil, the Obsidian Hand, the Arcane Consortium—it was all connected. And he was right in the middle of it.

He activated the plug-in.

"Set a reminder," he said. "Find out who's pulling the strings."

**[Reminder Set: Find Out Who's Pulling the Strings.]**

**[Additional Note: Also, Don't Get Killed.]]

Jack smirked. "Solid advice."