The Cahos

As the carriage arrived, its wheels grinding against the dirt path, Austin let out a small sigh of relief. The sigil of House Anagr was carved into the side, a symbol of their alliance, even if it was one forged out of necessity rather than trust. The driver, a stern-looking man dressed in dark livery, stepped down and opened the door.

"Master Ravenclaw, Lady Sonya," he said with a stiff bow. "The Duke has instructed me to bring you both to the city of Hienas with utmost urgency. Please, step inside."

Austin glanced at Sonya, who had remained silent for a while, her expression unreadable. She was still deep in thought, likely turning over the same concerns in her head that he was. The cultists. Selen. The modified monster was released into the festival. It was a complete disaster, and now they were stranded outside the city, far from the chaos—but not far enough to ignore it.

Sonya climbed into the carriage without a word, and Austin followed. As the door shut behind them, the carriage jolted into motion, carrying them toward Hienas.

Inside, the ride was eerily quiet. The only sounds were the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the dirt road and the occasional creak of the wooden frame. Sonya stared out the window, her fingers drumming idly against the seat.

"You're quiet," Austin said, breaking the silence.

She shot him a glare. "I have things to think about."

Austin smirked. "Like how you almost got yourself killed three times in the past day?"

For a while, neither spoke. The only sounds were the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the ground and the rustling of trees outside. The tension between them was thick, unspoken words hanging in the air like a sword waiting to drop.

Sonya crossed her arms. "So. What now?"

Austin leaned back, closing his eyes. "We report back to the academy. You'll probably get an earful for flying a wyvern into the festival." His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "And I have some… matters to look into."

Sonya narrowed her eyes. "What matters?"

Austin cracked one eye open. "None of your business."

She scoffed. "You're always like this. Keeping things to yourself, playing your own game. It's annoying."

Austin smirked. "And yet, here you are. Alive. Because of me."

She clenched her fists, biting back the retort that burned on her tongue. Because as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She had been reckless, and he had saved her.

The journey continued in silence for some time. Occasionally, the carriage would slow as they passed small villages, but they didn't stop. The road was long, winding through forests and hills, but the driver was skilled, making good time.

By the second day, Sonya was restless. She had been thinking about the shaman's words, about the cultists, about Selen. Her mind kept circling back to the monster that had been released during the festival. Could it be related to what she and Selen had been planning? Was Selen involved?

She needed answers.

On the third day, as the academy's towering gates came into view, Austin finally spoke again. "Once we get inside, keep your mouth shut about everything that happened outside the festival."

Sonya frowned. "Why?"

"Because people are watching. People waiting for a reason to act." His tone was serious, colder than before. "I don't know who, but something isn't right."

She studied his face, searching for any hint of deception. But he was serious. He wasn't just protecting himself—he was warning her.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and the doors swung open. Austin stepped out first, stretching his arms. Sonya followed, her boots clicking against the stone pavement.

Before them, the academy stood tall and proud, its grand towers looming over the students moving about the courtyard. It should have felt like a return to safety. But instead, Sonya felt something else—

A storm was coming.

As they stepped through the grand marble halls of the academy, their boots echoing against the polished floors, Sonya felt an eerie stillness in the air. The students bustled about, whispering in hushed voices, and she could feel the weight of countless gazes on her and Austin. Some looked surprised, others wary. She could already tell the rumors about their disappearance had spread like wildfire.

Austin walked ahead, unfazed, his usual confident stride undeterred by the scrutiny. Sonya, however, felt a growing unease settle in her chest. She had barely processed everything that had happened in the past three days, and now they were being thrown straight into the heart of the academy's power—Headmistress Elara's office.

They reached the towering double doors that led to her chambers. Two academy guards flanked the entrance, their silver armor gleaming under the candlelight. One of them nodded at Austin before pushing the doors open.

Inside, Headmistress Elara sat behind her large oak desk, her sharp, golden eyes immediately locking onto them as they entered. She was a striking woman, her presence alone enough to command silence. Her long silver hair was braided over one shoulder, and her black robes, lined with intricate gold embroidery, gave her the aura of someone not to be trifled with.

"Finally," she said, her voice smooth but laced with unmistakable irritation. "You're here."

Austin gave a slight bow. "My apologies, Headmistress. We encountered… complications."

"Complications?" Elara leaned forward, steepling her fingers. "Do you have any idea what kind of chaos your absence has caused?"

Sonya swallowed. She had expected anger, but the intensity of the headmistress's gaze made her shift uncomfortably.

Austin, however, remained calm. "I believe Duke Kael already informed you of the situation."

Elara's eyes flicked to Sonya, then back to Austin. "Yes, I was told that Miss Sonya recklessly engaged with a wyvern, which led to an escalation that forced you both out of the protected festival grounds. And yet, something tells me that isn't the full story."

Sonya tensed.

Austin simply smiled. "I wouldn't dare keep secrets from you, Headmistress."

Elara exhaled sharply and leaned back in her chair. "Do not test my patience, Austin. I've already lost too many students this festival—some injured, some missing. And now, I have reports that the cultists of Somara released a modified beast into the festival grounds. Tell me, is this merely a coincidence?"

Sonya's breath hitched. Her thoughts immediately raced to Selen.

Austin's expression didn't change. "That's beyond my knowledge, Headmistress. However, I believe this attack wasn't random. Someone wanted to stir chaos."

Elara studied him for a long moment before finally sighing. "The monster was slain by the instructors, but the attack exposed weaknesses in our security. The Council will demand answers. I need to know if there's anything else I should be aware of."

Austin shook his head. "Nothing that I can confirm yet."

Elara's gaze flicked to Sonya once more. "And you? Do you have anything to report?"

Sonya hesitated for a fraction of a second. She could feel Austin's silent warning lingering in her mind. She wasn't foolish enough to outright lie to Elara, but she knew better than to reveal too much.

"…No, Headmistress. I don't."

Elara's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press further. Instead, she waved a hand. "Very well. I expect full reports from both of you by the end of the day."

Austin gave a small nod. "Understood."

As they turned to leave, Elara's voice stopped them.

"One more thing."

They turned back to face her.

Her golden eyes darkened. "The Third Prince of the Empire was supposed to attend the festival but never arrived. Keep your ears open. If something happens… I want to know immediately."

Sonya felt a chill run down her spine. She didn't know why, but those words unsettled her more than anything else.

With that, Elara dismissed them.

As they stepped out of the office, Sonya exhaled. "That could've gone worse."

Austin glanced at her. "It's not over yet."

The academy was no longer just a place of learning. Something far bigger was brewing, and whether she liked it or not, Sonya knew she was already caught in its web.

Austin adjusted his coat, he turned to Sonya with an air of finality.

"You go back to your dorm," he said, his voice firm. "I'm initiating a curfew for the next few days."

Sonya narrowed her eyes. "Can you even do that?"

Austin raised an eyebrow, amused. "I'm a Ravenclaw. A duke. A high-grade professor. Yes, I can do it."

Before she could argue further, he turned his attention to a young academy assistant standing nearby—John, one of the staff members responsible for administrative duties. The moment Austin spoke, the boy straightened up, clearly aware of the professor's authority.

"Ah, John," Austin called.

The young man quickly scaled down the marble steps towards them, slightly breathless. "Yes, Professor?"

"Summon all the instructors," Austin ordered. "Tell them to assemble in the conference hall immediately. Also, inform the Headmistress—this meeting is urgent."

John hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Understood, sir." He turned on his heel and sprinted down the corridor, disappearing around a corner.

Sonya crossed her arms. "What exactly are you planning?"

Austin exhaled, his sharp gaze scanning the academy grounds beyond the grand windows. The atmosphere was tense—students whispering, guards patrolling more frequently than before, the remnants of the festival's destruction still evident.

"We need to reorganize the academy's security," he said. "That attack wasn't random. Someone orchestrated it."

Conference Hall – An Hour Later

The conference hall was a grand, circular chamber with a high ceiling, enchanted glass windows that darkened when a meeting was in session, and rows of seats arranged in a tiered formation. At the center, a long, crescent-shaped table stood, with the Headmistress seated at its peak.

Around the table, the academy's top instructors and officials were already gathering. The atmosphere was heavy, voices murmuring in concern. Some professors looked furious, others exhausted. The attack had affected everyone.

Elara sat in her seat, her fingers drumming against the polished wood of the table. When Austin entered, the room fell into silence.

He strode to the center, placing both hands on the table, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room.

"You all know why we're here," he began. The festival was attacked. A modified monster was released into the grounds, and several students were injured. This wasn't an accident."

Murmurs spread through the instructors, some nodding, others frowning.

Austin continued. "We failed. The fact that the cultists of Somara were able to infiltrate the festival means our security was inadequate."

A professor from the alchemy department, an older man with a graying beard, scoffed. "What are you suggesting? That we should've predicted an attack of this scale?"

Austin's gaze was sharp. "I'm suggesting that we should've been prepared. The cultists have been active for years, and yet they managed to slip past our defenses with a monster that was enhanced through forbidden means."

A younger professor, one of the battle instructors, leaned forward. "Do we have any leads?"

Elara finally spoke. "We're investigating. But the real issue now is what comes next."

Austin nodded. "We lock down the academy. No one leaves without clearance. We initiate a curfew, enforce stricter patrols, and increase our surveillance within the student body. We also need to consider that there might be an informant within our walls."

The room tensed at those words.

Elara's expression darkened. "You're suggesting we have a traitor?"

Austin met her gaze steadily. "I'm saying it's a possibility we can't ignore."

A heavy silence followed.

The room was filled with some of the most powerful mages and scholars of the academy, and yet, in that moment, they all seemed to understand the grim reality—they were at war with an enemy that was already inside their walls.

Elara finally stood, her golden eyes scanning the room. "Very well. We initiate the lockdown."

As the professors began filing out of the conference room, Headmistress Elara remained seated, her sharp emerald eyes fixed on Austin Ravenclaw. Just as he turned to leave, her voice rang through the nearly empty hall.

"Ravenclaw, please stay back."

Austin paused for a moment before turning to face her. He straightened his posture, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. "Yes, ma'am?"

The last of the professors closed the door behind them, leaving the two alone. The room, filled with the scent of parchment and candle wax, suddenly felt heavier.

Elara folded her hands on the polished wooden table, studying him. "Tell me exactly what happened between you and Princess Sonya."

Austin arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Her expression didn't waver. "You know exactly what I mean, Austin. I received reports that you were found in the tribal lands of the Angar Duchy with Princess Sonya, completely off-course from the Black Forest Festival. Not only that, but she was seen riding a wyvern. A wyvern! That's no ordinary feat, and I doubt she tamed it herself without some sort of guidance. So I ask again—what happened between you two? Why were you with her? And more importantly, what did she want with you?"

Austin exhaled and leaned against the chair, running a hand through his silver-streaked hair. "She wanted to kill me."

Elara's expression darkened. "…Excuse me?"

He shrugged. "I don't know why, but she tried. Several times."

The Headmistress narrowed her eyes. "And yet you're here, unharmed. Did you fight back?"

Austin smirked slightly. "Of course, I fought back. But she's alive, isn't she?"

Elara's fingers tapped against the table as she mulled over his words. "What exactly led to this situation? Start from the beginning."

Austin sighed. "Fine. She was reckless enough to tame a wyvern, which could have caused mass panic and injuries among the students. Naturally, I intercepted. We fought—"

"Fought," Elara repeated, her voice laced with doubt.

"—in the sky," Austin continued. "She was hellbent on trying to kill me, but she lacks the power or experience to do so. In the end, the wyvern was slain, and we both ended up in the river. We got separated from the rest and found ourselves in Angar territory. That's where we encountered some tribal folk and a shaman."

Elara frowned. "The shaman… what did he say?"

Austin hesitated, recalling the old man's cryptic words.

Be careful, Ravenclaw, because soon the shadows of someone close to you will betray you. And someone dear to you will die in the process.

He could still hear those words echoing in his mind, but he wasn't about to reveal that. Not yet.

"He gave his usual doomsday prophecies," Austin said vaguely. "Something about chaos approaching and a great disaster. The usual warnings."

Elara studied him closely but chose not to press further—for now. "And what about Sonya? What changed? She didn't try to kill you after that?"

Austin smirked. "She realized she needed me to get out of there alive."

Elara leaned back in her chair, sighing. "This is a mess, Austin. You know how delicate the political balance is. If it ever got out that a member of the royal family attempted to assassinate a high-ranking noble and professor of this academy…" She shook her head. "There would be chaos."

Austin's gaze sharpened. "I have no intention of bringing it up. But that doesn't mean I won't be watching my back."

Elara was silent for a moment before nodding. "Good. Because I have a feeling this isn't over."

Austin exhaled. "It never is."

Elara tapped her fingers against the desk once more. "Go. Get some rest. I'll handle things here."

Austin gave a mock salute before turning towards the door. But before he could leave, Elara's voice stopped him once more.

"Austin."

He looked over his shoulder.

"Whatever Sonya's reasons were, be careful. She's dangerous, but more than that… she's desperate. And desperate people do unpredictable things."

Austin smirked. "Noted."

Austin stepped out of the headmistress's office, his mind already running through the implications of what had just been discussed. Sonya's actions, the shaman's prophecy, the cultists stirring chaos—everything was leading towards something much bigger than just an assassination attempt on him.

The hallways of the academy were quieter than usual. The festival had left the students exhausted, and the recent attacks had forced many into an uneasy silence. As he walked through the grand corridors lined with banners of the academy's founding heroes, he noticed that the atmosphere was tense. Rumors must have already started spreading.

As he made his way towards his quarters, he sensed a presence behind him. Without turning, he sighed.

"Are you trying to sneak up on me, Sonya?"

A soft scoff followed as the princess stepped forward from the shadows, arms crossed. She had changed into fresh academy robes, but her golden hair was still slightly damp from their earlier journey.

"You're too damn perceptive," she muttered.

Austin smirked. "That, or you're terrible at sneaking."

Sonya rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she leaned against the nearby pillar, studying him with an unreadable expression.

"What did Elara want?" she finally asked.

Austin shrugged. "To know why you tried to kill me."

Her jaw tightened. "And what did you tell her?"

"The truth," he said simply.

Sonya stiffened, but Austin continued before she could react. "That you were reckless, attacked me, and nearly got both of us killed. That you realized you needed me alive to survive, and so we called a truce. That's all."

Sonya exhaled in relief. "Good. I wouldn't want… unnecessary misunderstandings."

Austin raised an eyebrow at that but didn't push further. Instead, he studied her. "What do you want, Sonya?"

She looked away. "What do you mean?"

"You tried to kill me. But now, you're standing here like nothing happened."

Sonya's fingers clenched into fists. "It's not that simple."

"Then make it simple."

She bit her lip, hesitating before finally sighing. "I thought I wanted you dead. But after everything… I don't know anymore."

Austin chuckled. "That's not very reassuring."

Sonya glared at him. "You're annoying, you know that?"

"It's a skill."

She shook her head before turning serious. "Something is happening, Ravenclaw. And I don't think we're on opposite sides of it."

Austin leaned in slightly. "What do you mean?"

Sonya hesitated, as if debating whether or not to say more. But before she could answer, a loud boom echoed through the academy grounds, shaking the very walls.

Austin's expression darkened. "What now?"

A frantic knock came at the door before it was thrown open. A young academy guard stood there, panting.

"Professor Ravenclaw! Princess Sonya! There's been an attack—inside the academy!"

Austin and Sonya exchanged a sharp glance before moving in unison, their previous conversation forgotten.

Something was happening.

And neither of them could ignore it any longer.

Austin's boots pounded against the marble floor as he rushed through the grand halls of the academy. The echoes of his footsteps mixed with distant screams and the frantic shouts of guards and students. Sonya followed closely behind, though she was slightly slower, still processing what was happening.

The academy was not a place where such attacks were common. The powerful magical wards, the presence of elite instructors, and the political weight of the students who studied here made it one of the safest places in the empire. But now, chaos had breached its walls.

Austin turned to the guard who had delivered the message. "Tell me exactly what attacked the Black Forest."

The guard's face was pale as he struggled to catch his breath. "Sir, it's… It's the same creature. The modified monster that the cultists of Somara released into the Black Forest. But it—"

"It what?" Austin demanded.

"It evolved."

Austin cursed under his breath. This wasn't just bad—it was catastrophic.

Sonya's face darkened. "Where is it?"

"The central courtyard," the guard stammered. "It broke through the academy's inner gates."

Austin turned to Sonya. "Go back to your dorm."

"What?!" Sonya's expression twisted into a mix of anger and disbelief. "You seriously think I'm going to sit this one out?"

Austin's gaze hardened as he stepped forward, his voice firm and unwavering.

"Mr. Naitin, take her back," he commanded, nodding toward Sonya.

The guard, a seasoned knight, immediately straightened and gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Professor."

Sonya's eyes widened in fury. "Wait—what?! You can't be serious!"

Austin didn't waver. "I am. You're going back. This isn't about whether you can fight, Princess. This is about the fact that you don't know what we're dealing with. If you stay, you're just another life I have to protect."

Her teeth clenched. "I don't need your protection—"

"Enough," he cut her off, his tone carrying finality. Then, softer, he added, "Please, Princess."

For a moment, Sonya froze. There was something in his voice—something different from the usual arrogance. A quiet concern. A warning.

But she didn't want to back down.

Austin turned to the guard again. "Take her back. If she resists—carry her."

Mr. Naitin gave a crisp salute. "Yes, sir."

Sonya glared at them both, but before she could argue further, Austin had already turned his back, walking straight toward the courtyard where the monster waited.

And then, with a growl of frustration, she was pulled away.

Austin moved swiftly through the dimly lit corridors of the academy, his long coat billowing behind him, the tension in the air thickened. The scent of burnt wood and iron filled his nostrils as he reached the inner grounds, where chaos had already begun to unfold.

Guards stood at attention, their faces grim. Some students, unaware of the full extent of the danger, still lingered outside their dormitories, peering out through windows or standing frozen in place.

Austin's voice rang out like a thunderclap. "Guards! Take the students inside! No one steps out unless I order it!"

One of the senior guards hesitated. "Professor Ravenclaw, with all due respect—"

"Call in the arms division. Everyone," Austin interrupted sharply. "Now!"

The urgency in his voice left no room for argument. The guard saluted before dashing off, shouting commands as the courtyard was quickly emptied of civilians.

Then, the ground trembled.

A deep, guttural growl echoed through the academy walls, sending an unnatural chill through the air. The scent of blood—fresh, pungent—assaulted his senses as his gaze snapped to the large gate leading to the outer gardens.

From the darkness, a figure emerged.

It was monstrous.

The creature stood at nearly three meters tall, its body twisted and grotesque, a mass of sinew and darkened veins pulsating beneath its leathery skin. It had elongated limbs, tipped with razor-sharp claws, and a head that seemed vaguely human—but warped. Its mouth stretched unnaturally wide, filled with jagged, overlapping fangs that dripped with black ichor.

Austin's brow furrowed. What the hell…?

His initial instinct was to fight, but something held him back. This wasn't a typical beast—it was something created. Modified.

This… this could be valuable to study.

His mind raced with calculations. If he could capture it, if he could take it to the alchemists, they could analyze its structure, its composition—find out who or what had made it.

But the creature didn't give him time to think.

With an ear-splitting shriek, it lunged at him.

Austin barely had time to react. He twisted his body, dodging the first swipe, but the sheer force of the attack sent a shockwave through the stone courtyard, shattering tiles beneath his feet. He conjured a barrier in an instant, but the monster was fast—too fast.

It spun mid-air, its elongated claws slamming into his barrier, cracking it like fragile glass.

Austin gritted his teeth. "So you're not just brute force… you've got magic resistance too?"

The monster didn't respond, of course. It only lunged again.

Austin countered with a burst of flame, but the fire barely scorched its flesh. Damn. Adaptation? Or is it just naturally resistant?

For the first time in a long while, he felt himself struggling. This thing… It's more than just a beast.

He needed to restrain it, not kill it. But at this rate… it might kill me first.

The academy courtyard was silent—until the first stone shattered.

Then came the roars.

Then came the students.

The air was thick with tension, a heavy stillness before chaos erupted. Windows flung open, dormitory doors slammed as students rushed out, drawn by the deafening sound of battle. Some stood frozen in shock; others whispered in hushed, terrified voices.

In the middle of it all—stood Austin Ravenclaw.

The golden glow of his eyes reflected in the darkness, locked onto the monstrous creature before him.

It was unlike any beast the academy had ever seen. A fusion of flesh and corrupted magic, its body pulsated with dark energy, glowing veins twisting like roots beneath its thick hide. Its eyes, burning with unnatural hunger, fixed on Austin with a predator's gaze.

And then—it lunged.

A blur of claws and muscle, its speed defied logic. A lesser mage would have been torn apart instantly.

But Austin was already moving.

With a single step, he evaded the beast's strike, the wind from its claws whipping against his face. He twisted his body, extending a hand— BOOM!—a concussive blast of force magic erupted from his palm, striking the monster square in the chest and sending it skidding backward.

"Tch."

It was strong. Too strong.

Something wasn't right.

Austin's fingers curled. The runes on his gloves flickered as he adjusted his stance. This thing—it wasn't just a random beast.

It had been altered.

Corrupted.

His mind raced. The timing was too perfect. The cultists' attack, the third prince missing, and now this?

His lips pressed into a thin line.

Was this all connected?

The monster didn't give him time to think.

It lunged again.

This time, it was faster.

A blur of motion—Austin barely ducked as the creature's claws slashed through the air above him, cutting deep into the stone pillars lining the courtyard.

CRACK.

A chunk of rubble collapsed, sending dust and debris into the air. Students watching from the balconies gasped, some screaming as the battle unfolded before them.

Too many witnesses.

He could hear them—dozens of voices murmuring in shock, fear, awe.

"Look at him—he's fighting it alone!"

"Professor Ravenclaw—how is he that fast?"

"No... this isn't normal."

Austin ignored them.

His focus was razor-sharp.

The monster howled, muscles bulging as it shifted tactics.

Instead of attacking directly, it feinted—pretending to go for his throat before twisting its body at the last second, its massive tail sweeping toward him.

Smart.

But not smart enough.

Austin leaped, flipping over the strike, his coat billowing behind him as he landed in a crouch. His hand slammed against the ground—

"Gravity Shift."

A pulse of magic spread outward.

Instantly, the beast staggered, its body forced down by an invisible weight. It struggled, limbs shaking as the force of gravity increased tenfold.

Austin didn't waste the opportunity.

He dashed forward, golden energy crackling around his fingertips.

"Severance."

A single arc of light.

A single cut.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—

A sickening sound.

The monster's body froze, its glowing veins flickering out like dying embers.

And then, it split apart.

A clean cut.

The bisected corpse hit the ground with a heavy thud, blood pooling beneath it, steaming against the cold night air. The fight was over.

Yet, the tension in the air remained.

Austin exhaled, rolling his shoulders. His fingers still tingled from the sheer force of the spell. Slowly, his golden eyes flickered toward the students.

They had all seen it.

For many, this was their first time witnessing true power.

For others, it was confirmation—Austin Ravenclaw wasn't just a professor. He wasn't just a noble.

He was a monster in human skin.

Above them all, standing on her balcony, Sonya gripped the railing tightly.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

She had fought him before. She had seen his strength. But this—this was different.

This wasn't training.

This was war.

Austin dusted off his coat, his expression unreadable.

"Get back to your dorms," he commanded.

The students scrambled, fear and awe written on their faces.

But as Sonya stepped back from the balcony, her fingers still gripping the rail, she couldn't shake a single thought.

If he wanted to…

If he had truly wanted to…

He could have killed me just as easily.