Eyes That Watch

[Nova Academy – Two Days After the Exam]

The morning sky above Eterna Prime was slightly overcast, as if it knew today wasn't an ordinary day. Clouds rolled lazily above the towers of Nova Academy, giving the impression that something big was waiting behind this calm atmosphere.Inside the academy complex, the cadets who had just finished the exam were relaxing—or at least trying to relax—in the gardens, cafeteria, or training rooms. But the atmosphere was different from usual. There was no Kael shouting challenges for duels in the yard. No loud music coming from the Rank D training room. Everything felt... a little too orderly. Too quiet. Even the mechanical birds in the garden seemed to chirp more softly.I—Deren Arkwright—had just bought three packs of instant noodles from my favorite vending machine. It was a little rusty, but it knew my taste: extra spicy and fast-cooking. I was about to enjoy a quiet moment before the sun rose higher when a notification sound came from my wristwatch.

"All Rank C and above cadets are required to attend the main hall for inspection briefing. Please arrive within 30 minutes."

I stared at the message long enough to make sure I didn't misread it. Normally, I'd ignore messages like this, but somehow... the font today looked a little more threatening.

"Inspection? Since when does the academy need a briefing for an inspection?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow.

Kael appeared from behind a pillar as usual—silent but full of energy. His hair was messy like he'd just woken up, even though it was already morning."BROOO! This is it! They finally see us as important!" he shouted, snapping his fingers at me.

"I don't want to be seen as important. I just want to eat my noodles in peace," I replied, opening the plastic lid of the first cup.

Ryn arrived shortly after, his steps measured and his face half-serious, half-curious."There's a rumor from the admin staff. They say this isn't just a routine inspection. They brought a special evaluation team from the central government."

I fell silent. My stomach was hungry, but my instincts said... it's better not to attend. Unfortunately, a second notification popped up. This one sharper:

"Attendance is linked to your personal evaluation system. Absence will be considered as refusal to participate."

I sighed. "This is a trap," I muttered, staring at the increasingly gray sky.

[Main Hall – Nova Academy]

We arrived at the hall along with dozens of other cadets. Most looked anxious. Some were busy straightening their uniforms, and others—especially the Rank A ones—looked like they were about to step onto a stage. The aura of competition sparked between them like static electricity.Our footsteps echoed on the marble floor. On the main stage, a woman stood tall. Her uniform was different from any instructor I'd ever seen—sleek, navy-blue with gold lines, and the emblem of the central government on her shoulder.

Her face was cold. Her gaze, sharp. Even her short hair was neatly styled in an intimidating way. Every step she took felt like a silent assessment.

"Good morning. I am Nayra Alveen, Special Inspector from the National Strategy Committee."

The room immediately fell silent, as if all sound was sucked away by her introduction.

"You were summoned not just because of your achievements, but because the results of the last simulation revealed an anomaly."

I glanced at Kael. He glanced back, trying to look smart, but his eyes were clearly confused.

"We will conduct additional surveillance and evaluation on certain candidates, including observation of technologies and tactical potential demonstrated in the simulation."

"And one of the names on the primary observation list is... Deren Arkwright."

I almost dropped my instant noodles. The lid even popped up a little from the pressure of my grip.

[After the Briefing – Academy Hallways]

"BRO! They said your name out loud!" Kael patted my shoulder repeatedly, his face like a kid who'd just been given a giant candy."I know... I heard it..." I replied weakly."You're a hero!""I'm a victim of a system bug. Please, there's a difference."

Ryn approached with a worried look. He glanced around before speaking."You need to be careful. Inspector Nayra isn't just some random officer. She's known for having sharp instincts. One wrong step—"

"I'll be suspected of being a dark tech conspirator?" I cut in quickly.

Ryn didn't answer, but his expression said enough. And suddenly, my noodles tasted a lot less flavorful.

The three of us walked down the hallway. The academy was still quiet. Even the cleaning drones seemed to keep their distance.I looked at the cloudy sky from a large window at the end of the corridor. Outside, Nova Academy looked as calm as ever.

But I knew.Why does every small step I take toward a peaceful nap... always turn into the start of a bigger problem?And why is it... that lately, all eyes seem to be turning toward me?