Chapter 17: Gathering of Giants

The golden morning sun poured over Star Academy, casting long shadows through the shimmering dome that protected the institution. But the calm sky was a false mask; tensions simmered beneath the surface. Following the Dungeon Break incident and the shocking demonic corruption within the academy, a crucial meeting was convened.

Inside the towering structure known as the Arcane Spire, Headmaster Arcan Ludien stood facing a roundtable surrounded by the mightiest figures of the current age. His stern eyes scanned the room as magical sigils on the walls sealed the space to prevent any outside interference.

Seated first was Lee Fujin, Yujin's father and guild leader of the Assault Guild, known across continents for his mastery in gun-based combat and tactical warfare. Clad in a reinforced black coat with holstered energy pistols at his sides, he nodded with a mix of pride and worry.

Beside him sat Kain's father, Grandmaster Altherion Vagor, the Sword Saint and leader of the Sword Guild. His silver-white hair fell behind him like a mane, and his sword rested beside the chair—a weapon rumored to be forged in the ancient realms. His aura was sharp and silent.

Across the table, a powerful martial aura exuded from Taro Blaze's uncle, Goh Ren, the muscular and intense master of the Inferno Arts Guild. Tattoos of fire dragons danced over his arms, moving with every breath he took.

Next to him sat Sylvia Estelle's elder brother, Lysander Estelle, the current head of the Blossom Guild and one of the most powerful mages of the modern age. With long lilac hair tied back and a staff at his side blooming with mana-infused petals, he listened intently.

And finally, cloaked in stealthy garments was Mira Kisaragi's mother, Lady Reina Kisaragi, the guild master of the Poison Guild. As an assassin, her presence was silent yet deeply felt. She sat straight, calculating everyone with violet eyes that missed no detail.

Arcan Ludien raised a hand, signaling the meeting's start. "The dungeon break incident has confirmed the fears we have long ignored. A portal to the Crack of Realms is forming again, and the academy's defenses were breached from within. We need answers."

Discussions followed, rapid and intense. Lee Fujin suggested immediate reinforcement of all regional barriers. Altherion Vagor proposed training special task units to act as first responders. Goh Ren demanded to storm the Crack of Realms directly. Lysander Estelle recommended information-gathering before any assault. Reina Kisaragi brought up the alarming idea that more demon infiltrators might still be hiding inside the academy.

After hours of discussion, the plan was finalized. A powerful strike squad of elite guild members would be dispatched to investigate the Crack of Realms and seal it if necessary. Meanwhile, a separate squad composed of top-ranked cadets would search the academy and its outskirts for any disguised demons.

Once the meeting adjourned, each guild master met privately with their child.

Lee Fujin placed a firm hand on Yujin's shoulder. "You're not the same boy you were a year ago. You're stronger now. But be careful. These demons are cunning."

Altherion Vagor didn't say much to Kain. Just a nod. That alone was enough for his son to know that his father trusted him.

Reina Kisaragi met Mira silently in the garden. "You've inherited my blood. Use it wisely. Trust no one, not even your shadow."

Lysander gave Sylvia a data crystal. "This might help you locate magical disruptions. And… don't forget to keep that Yujin boy in check."

Taro was pulled into a half-headlock by Goh Ren. "Investigating demons, huh? Just don't punch your way through walls before confirming suspects."

With the weight of their family expectations and the importance of their mission heavy on their shoulders, the cadets regrouped.

Their investigation began that evening. With permission from the headmaster, the group accessed restricted teacher profiles, surveillance logs, and historical data. Hours turned into days as they poured over inconsistencies—a teacher who never appeared in past records, another whose mana readings fluctuated unnaturally. It was Mira who first pointed out a possible lead: a shadowy figure near the potion lab who seemed to avoid all detection spells.

"Let's dig deeper into this," said Yujin, his eyes narrowing. "This might be our first real clue."

The cadet squad had begun their hunt. The academy may look peaceful again, but the shadows whispered otherwise.

To be continued in Chapter 13.2...