A Gathering of Shadows

The joy of not just understanding each other but running forward together was indescribable.

'I have found a true friend.'

Shirone was the last of the three to open his book.

The Royal Academy's Scholarly Assembly

The conference, overseen by the Academy, brought together individuals from various disciplines—Magic Schools, Swordsmanship Academies, Religious Orders, Academic Circles, the Alchemy Foundation, and the Elite Artists' 99 Society. It was a place where the kingdom's vision for the future was shaped.

Saad attended as a representative of Alpheas Magic School.

For days, discussions on the pros and cons of rote education had dragged on, pushing his patience to the brink.

'Damn it. Do these people never sleep? Let's just go home already.'

Though he had come at Alpheas' behest, he truly despised such gatherings.

As a notorious troublemaker during his school years, Saad had little interest in anything related to education.

'After this, I need a drink.'

The debate had long since become background noise, and his gaze drifted elsewhere—particularly toward the women in attendance.

That was when his eyes landed on someone across the room.

She had long, flowing blue hair that cascaded down to her waist. Though dressed in formal attire, there was an undeniable mischievous glint in her faint smile.

'Ozent Reina, wasn't it?'

She was a member of the Elite Artists' 99 Society, a disciple of the renowned pianist Merchen, and a royal court musician.

'Tonight, I'm going to talk to her.'

When the debate concluded at 7 p.m., the Academy hosted an evening party.

As attendees sipped wine and networked, a crowd of high-ranking officials gathered around Reina.

Seeing this, Saad clicked his tongue.

'Everyone's got the same idea, huh?'

He patiently waited for his turn, catching snippets of their conversation.

Most of it was just people flaunting their status or making cheeky jokes, yet Reina responded to each remark with a warm smile, answering them with effortless grace.

That surprised him. Unlike the usual rumors that all members of the 99 Society were eccentric, she had an approachable charm.

'If only Teacher Shiina had half that personality…'

As he took a sip of wine, Reina finished her conversation and, unexpectedly, approached him.

"Hello, Professor Saad."

"Huh? Oh! Do you know me?"

Though the guest list was available to everyone, remembering individual names was unusual.

"Of course. You're a professor at Alpheas Magic School. The Ozent family estate is in Creas, after all."

"Ah, that's right! A pleasure to meet you."

Finding themselves from the same region, the two conversed for quite some time.

Just as he had expected, Reina was bright and sociable.

"But how is Shirone doing these days?"

"Huh? Wait… You know Shirone? Ah, I see."

As a proctor for Shirone's entrance exam, Saad recalled seeing his guest status marked under the Ozent family.

"Shirone is a guest of the Ozent family. As expected of a prestigious house, they have a keen eye for talent. He's doing well—though he did get into a bit of trouble recently."

"What? Trouble?"

Saad instantly regretted his words.

If Reina, representing the Ozent family, learned that their favored student had been suspended, it could embarrass her.

"Haha! It's nothing serious. Shirone is just so talented that even minor incidents get attention. That's all."

"I see…"

Reina sighed in relief. From Saad's words alone, she could easily picture Shirone's school life.

"I'm glad he's doing well. Does he have many friends?"

"Of course! He's popular with both boys and girls. Sometimes I'm even jealous of him! Haha!"

Given Shirone's personality, he would get along with anyone.

Yet, at the same time, she felt a hint of melancholy. The incident that had once shaken her family and the admiration-filled gaze of that boy now felt like distant memories.

'Well… I suppose it was just a passing breeze.'

Saad noticed her expression.

"Is something wrong? Do you have something on your mind?"

"No… I just feel happy knowing he's doing well."

"That's good to hear. Don't worry. Alpheas Magic School is one of the kingdom's most esteemed institutions. He's in good hands."

"Fufu, you're right. I suppose I was being overly concerned."

"Not at all. In fact, I was being presumptuous. Why don't you come with me to Creas? I'm leaving in the morning. I'd love to treat you to a fine meal."

Reina shook her head with a regretful smile.

"I'd love to, but I have a performance scheduled in Bashka."

"Ah… That's unfortunate."

Saad couldn't hide his disappointment.

Unlike usual, he had genuinely taken a liking to Reina.

"Well, if that's the case, I have no choice. But I'd love to see your performance. Could you tell me the exact date? I'll make my way to Bashka."

"Oh my, what an honor! I was actually a bit worried. There's been some trouble in the capital lately, and I feared there might be empty seats."

Saad raised an eyebrow.

"What trouble?"

"I heard that a dark mage attacked Inferno and helped a B-rank fugitive escape. The capital is now under near-martial law."

"A dark… mage?"

Saad's brow furrowed.

He could have dismissed it as a simple incident, but something about it unsettled him.

'What is this feeling?'

Dark mages were rare in modern times.

And yet, one had attacked Inferno—just to free a single B-rank fugitive?

'Dark magic. Inferno. A B-rank criminal.'

A name flashed through his mind.

His expression turned cold as he muttered under his breath.

"…Viltor Arcane."

At 4 a.m., on the mountainside training grounds of Alpheas Magic School, Canis and his group infiltrated the premises.

'So, this is where they train.'

Though he had never attended a magic school, he could immediately tell how lavish the facilities were.

Behind him, a crude voice sneered.

"Whew, they sure spent a fortune on this place. Wonder how much this land is worth?"

Canis turned.

B-rank fugitive Lukas rested his twin swords, adorned with parrot engravings, on his shoulder.

"Lower your voice. The guards might be on patrol."

"What's the big deal? We just cut them down if they get in the way."

Canis' gaze sharpened.

He was only working with Lukas at his master's command, but after spending days together, he found him utterly detestable.

'For now, I must endure. Master's revenge comes first.'

Above them, the silhouette of Arcane loomed against the moonlit sky.

'A spell of that scale… Master is truly beyond human limits.'

The sky darkened, shadows surging toward the school like a tidal wave.

Arcane's eyes glowed.

'This is my wrath, Alpheas.'

Then, the darkness descended.