Sylvina awoke in a hospital room. A feeling of cold, the sharp smell of antiseptics, and the hardness of a strange bed beneath her.

  She didn't remember anything clearly, just a fleeting flash of losing control, a sensation of power erupting, and then complete darkness.

  A sharp, painful pulse began to pound against the walls of her skull from within, like a violent echo of a terrifying dream that had just faded. She tried to move, but her body was as heavy as if it were mired in a sludge of exhaustion.

  As her eyes wandered around the empty room, she sensed another person's presence. She turned her head, the vertebrae in her neck protesting the movement, to see Darius sitting in a chair beside her. He wasn't asleep; his gaze was wakeful and filled with a deep anxiety as he watched her closely.

  When their eyes met, a faint smile formed on his lips, but it was a smile that couldn't hide the exhaustion evident in his eyes.

  "Darius-sama..." she whispered, her voice coming out hoarse and dry, as if she hadn't used it in an age.

  A wave of relief washed over her at his presence, but this wave shattered against the rock of reality when her eyes fell on his face. There were fresh cuts and scratches, the marks of a fierce battle. Her heart began to pound violently in her chest. "What are these injuries?" she asked, a genuine concern creeping into her tone. "What happened to you?"

  "I'm fine," Darius said, moving closer and trying to form a more reassuring smile. "Don't pay any mind to these injuries."

  But Sylvina was not convinced. Her trembling hand reached out and gripped his arm, and she felt a cold panic seep into her veins. "Did I... did I kill someone?! Tell me the truth, please!" The ignorance of what she had done was worse than any truth she could face. A sense of guilt and fear began to wrap around her neck, suffocating her.

  Darius saw the genuine terror in her eyes. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder and said in a calm, firm voice—a voice that commanded serenity, "No, you didn't kill anyone. Everything is truly going to be all right."

  Sylvina stopped moving. She took a deep breath, holding it in her chest for a moment in a desperate attempt to tame the storm of emotions raging within her.

  Darius sighed softly, then a gentle smile appeared on his face. "There's something I must do. I'll go now, and I'll be back shortly. Stay here, and don't exhaust yourself by thinking. Okay?"

  She nodded silently, unable to speak. After he left the room, she lay back down on the bed. The emptiness of the room suddenly seemed larger and colder, and a desolate feeling of loneliness and turmoil crept over her.

  Those hazy moments before she lost consciousness wouldn't stop replaying. Sylvina knew exactly what this feeling meant. She closed her eyes and surrendered to a fitful sleep, filled with vivid, distorted nightmares of the destruction she had caused, of people screaming around her, as if she were reliving that horrific moment all over again.

  ***

  She jolted awake suddenly in the dead of night, her breath coming in panicked gasps, as if fleeing a living nightmare. The room was plunged in total darkness, and the air was so cold it almost stung her tense skin. Her heart was pounding violently, her eyes lost in the gloom, searching for anything to reassure her.

  "Sylvina-san, are you all right?"

  Sylvina turned sharply toward the voice. Darius was sitting beside the bed; he had never left her. His face was half-illuminated by the silver moonlight that slipped through the window.

  Sylvina took a slow, deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She said in a hesitant voice, as if trying to convince herself before convincing him, "Yes... I'm fine."

  She got up from the bed, feeling that invisible weight pressing down on both her body and soul. She wanted to get out, to escape this room that had become a prison. But Darius, with a look that held a mixture of calm and resolve, stood before her and blocked her way.

  "You must stay here and rest," he said in a quiet but firm tone. "Your condition doesn't permit you to leave right now."

  Sylvina stared at the cold floor, her eyes glistening with a deep sadness. "There's no need for this. I'll be expelled from the Academy for sure. Since I didn't kill anyone... I'll leave now. I know exactly what will happen to me if I stay here."

  Darius didn't move from his spot. In a reassuring tone, he said, "No one will speak to you about what happened. You won't face any questioning. Things are under control."

  Sylvina slowly raised her head, her features painting a picture of disbelief. "There's no need to lie..." she said with a bitter calm. "Even though I don't remember anything, I'm sure I caused immense destruction... It's happened before."

  Darius gave a slight nod, as if he didn't want to hide the truth from her any longer. "That's right. The Academy... is no longer there."

  Sylvina's eyes widened as she absorbed the true scale of the destruction she had caused. It wasn't just a loss of control; it was a catastrophe that had changed everything.

  "But," Darius said in a reassuring tone, "no charges will be brought against you. While you were unconscious, a thorough investigation was conducted, and the Demon King himself, King Neutras, intervened to resolve matters."

  "Even if nothing happens to me now..." Sylvina said in a faint voice, almost a whisper, "things will only get worse later."

  Darius looked at her deeply, reading in her eyes those mixed feelings of anxiety and despair. Then he said, "The Curse of the Dark Blood... that's what worries you, isn't it?"

  Sylvina froze for a moment, staring at the floor, as her heart began to race again. She slowly lifted her head and said in a worried voice, "Who told you about that?"

  "No one," Darius answered calmly, his features holding an unexpected frankness. Then, suddenly, the color of his eyes changed to a glowing emerald green. He added, "When I heard that all of your magical abilities were at the level 1, I felt curious about you, especially since this Academy doesn't just admit anyone. So, I used a spell on you called 'Soul Reading.' This spell allows me, for a few moments, to peer into the depths of the target's soul. I see important glimpses of their past, understand their true desires, and discover what they aspire to or plan to do in the future."

  Darius took a breath and continued his explanation as if revealing a dangerous secret. "This spell requires an enormous amount of energy, as it obliges me to open deep mental and spiritual channels. Once I do, this green glow appears in my eyes, which is evidence of the spiritual power resonating between me and the person I'm focusing on. This ability also allows me to uncover any secrets or plans you might be hiding from me, often without the person even feeling that someone is reading their mind. But, since I've already used it now, you must be feeling a vague sense of tension or awe; this spiritual contact leaves a short-term trace on your consciousness."

  Sylvina's eyes widened in shock as she processed his words. For a moment, she didn't know how she should feel. It wasn't just that he had discovered her secret, but that he had known it for a long time... and yet, he had never once shown fear or concern about her.

  She watched him in silence, replaying every moment she had spent with him. He didn't avoid her, he didn't doubt her, he didn't look at her like a monster. Instead, he had always treated her like a normal person, as if she didn't carry this curse at all.

  Sylvina's hand trembled slightly, and she felt her mind trying to comprehend what was happening. This wasn't just the revelation of a truth she had been hiding... but the realization that there was someone who knew everything about her, and yet, had not changed.

  She looked up at him, wanting to understand, to know how he had managed to handle it so simply. "But... why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you tell me you knew?"

  "I didn't want to tell you directly, so you wouldn't be afraid of the idea that I knew your secret," Darius replied. He added, "I asked my brother to bring me a rare book about curses from the castle. I wanted to find a way to break this curse, or at least to limit its effects. So I kept it a secret until I could find a way to break the curse for you."

  Silence reigned for a few moments after his confession. She looked at him with troubled eyes, unable to form any suitable words. Her thoughts were racing in her head, between relief that he knew her secret and hadn't pushed her away, and fear of what this meant for the future.

  She took a step back and said in a quiet tone, looking at the floor to hide the tears that were beginning to well up in her eyes, "Darius-sama... you don't understand." Her voice began to tremble, and her expression shifted between frustration and tension. "Basically... I never wanted to enter the Academy. I was forced to, and now... I might not be able to control myself. I... I feel like I'm going to completely lose my mind."

  Darius felt the weight of her words. He placed his hand gently on Sylvina's shoulder, looking into her deep eyes, and said in a quiet voice that carried a sincere strength, "If you lose your mind, I will be by your side to bring you back. If you erupt again, I will be here to stop you again. Time after time, I will remain by your side."

  Sylvina raised her head, her eyes wide with surprise. "Stop me... again?"

  "Yes," Darius replied with a warm smile, watching her reaction. "When you lost control before, I was the one who stopped you. I stopped you with the spell you helped me master."

  Sylvina fell silent, stunned by what she had heard. After a moment of silence, she slowly raised her head, and her eyes met Darius's. Her tears were on the verge of falling, but a small smile formed on her lips as she tried to lighten the mood.

  "Rest now. I'll stay here tonight to make sure you're all right," Darius said quietly, which made Sylvina feel a mixture of relief and hesitation. Her feelings swayed between the desire to be strong and the comfort of his presence, but she could only nod in agreement.

  ***

  Sylvina awoke from a peaceful sleep for the first time in days. She felt a lightness pervading her body, as if the burdens that had weighed her down had begun to fade. The sun was rising slowly, its warm light seeping through the curtains and casting a touch of hope upon the room.

  Darius was sitting near the window, contemplating the outside in silence, his eyes holding a pensive look. When he noticed she was awake, he approached her with a warm smile and said, "Hello, Sylvina-san. How are you feeling now?"

  Sylvina smiled faintly, her cheeks slightly flushed, and answered in a soft voice, "Much better. I feel like I can breathe again."

  "I'm glad to hear that, Sylvina," Darius said, his eyes shining with relief. "That's all I was hoping for."

  As Sylvina was preparing to say something else, a soft knock was heard on the room's door. The sound was gentle, but it sent a wave of tension through the room. Everything stopped for a moment, and silence filled the air. Sylvina felt an anxiety creep into her heart, as if she could hear her own heartbeat quicken in the sudden silence.

  An old, tall man entered, wearing a black robe that flowed behind him like a dark shadow, adorned with red patterns that glowed softly like smoldering flames. The patterns seemed to breathe faintly, lending an air of majesty and mystery. His eyes shone with a crimson light, like windows to a distant time, reflecting an ancient power and a deep knowledge that had not weakened with age. His presence filled the space, and Sylvina quickly felt a powerful aura surrounding him, an aura that made her chest tighten as if the air were being sucked out of the room.

  Sylvina was sitting on the bed, feeling a weight in her chest with every step this stranger took. She was overcome with conflicting feelings of anxiety and fear, and could only sit still, her eyes following his every move, as if evaluating each step for fear of the unknown. She knew the person standing before her was no ordinary man, but she didn't know exactly who he was.

  Darius, who was standing near the window, his eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the man. He took a step back, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. His voice was choked with genuine surprise when he said, "Demon King Neutras..." Sylvina noticed how his features changed, as if a part of his confidence had vanished.

  Neutras moved calmly toward Sylvina and Darius, his steps marked by confidence and composure, and with each step, the atmosphere grew heavier. Darius, still surprised by this unexpected visit, tried to regain his composure, while Sylvina, sitting on the bed, felt a slight tremor run through her body. She couldn't help but feel awe at this powerful presence. She became even more flustered when her eyes met Neutras's for a moment, as if she were facing an abyss of secrets.

  Neutras noticed the tension and anxiety surrounding Sylvina. He smiled slightly, but politely, trying to reassure her. "There is no need to worry. I am only here to check on your condition." His tone was calm, but the power that lay behind his words made her realize that this was more than just a casual visit.

  Sylvina couldn't hide her surprise and confusion. The Demon King, Neutras, was standing before her, checking on her well-being. The situation was unexpected and bewildering. She tried to pull herself together, but it felt as if every word she wanted to say vanished from her mind the moment she was about to speak it.

  Neutras noticed her distress and sat down calmly in a chair near the bed, which made the atmosphere seem less tense. He sat in a way that made the chair look like a throne. He looked at her deeply and said in a steady, confident voice, "There is no need to be afraid. I came to check on your condition myself."

  Darius, still standing by the window, watched the scene in silence, but questions echoed in his mind. After a moment of contemplation, he asked in a voice that carried a mix of respect and curiosity, "Your Majesty, King Neutras, why did you come yourself? And why did you come alone, without an escort?"

  Neutras looked at Darius intently, as if evaluating his question before answering. After a short moment, he replied in a calm, steady voice, "Sometimes, the most important matters require a personal presence. I did not wish for my presence to complicate things, nor to draw attention with an entourage. I came alone because I prefer simplicity at times, and because I wanted to ascertain Sylvina's condition for myself. Also..."

  He then looked at Sylvina and asked her, "There is something I want to ask you. How exactly did you enroll in the Academy?"

  Sylvina was surprised by Neutras's question and didn't know what to answer.

  "In the past few days, I have conducted thorough investigations and left no one out," Neutras said. "I learned that you enrolled in the Academy without even taking the admission tests. So tell me, do you have any connection to the Academy Director, Malforos?" His voice was calm, as if this were not just a simple question, but an inquiry into a mysterious background that required explanation.

  Sylvina felt a deep sadness as she listened to Neutras. The words he spoke were heavy on her heart, as if confirming her worst fears. She looked down at the floor with resigned eyes, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

  "When I was in my city..." Sylvina said in a voice that was barely audible. "I lost control of myself and lost consciousness. When I woke up... I found myself in a room. The Academy Director, Malforos, entered and told me what I had done. I had destroyed my city and killed everyone in it. I was in shock and didn't know what to do. Malforos said my abilities would be useful and that I should enroll in the Academy to learn to control my powers. He gave me hope that I could atone for my actions."

  Then she took a deep breath, as if trying to pull herself together before continuing, "At the Academy... I didn't want to... I didn't want to lose control, but I couldn't stop myself."

  Neutras remained silent for a few moments, carefully contemplating her words. Then he approached her slowly and drew her into his chest as if he were her grandfather. His embrace was unexpectedly warm, like a warmth that passed through the layers of cold that had accumulated around her heart. Her tears began to flow slowly; she couldn't resist breaking down in that moment.

  "The burden you carry is not of your own making," Neutras whispered in a quiet but emotional voice.

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  He held her for a few seconds, as if time had stopped for a moment. Silence dominated the room, but his presence brought a sense of peace and reassurance. Then he slowly released her from his arms and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. He looked at her with his deep eyes, which held kindness and wisdom, and then said in a voice that carried much calm and resolve, "Tomorrow, there will be a trial, and you must attend."

  Then he rose, turned slowly, and walked toward the door of the room. As he walked away with quiet steps, Sylvina felt questions accumulating in her mind. The trial he had mentioned represented an unknown specter to her, carrying with it consequences she could not foresee. She wanted to speak, to ask him about the nature of this trial and what would happen, but she couldn't find the right words.

  Neutras left the room quietly, leaving Sylvina and Darius in a state of silence tinged with anticipation. Darius, still standing by the window, looked on with thoughtful eyes. A look of confusion was apparent on his face, and he couldn't stop thinking about the words she had said.

  The day ended with anxiety and anticipation. With the dawn of the next day, Sylvina woke up early, though she had barely slept. Her mind was heavy with thoughts, but the silence that filled the place gave her a moment of stillness.

  **Before the Court**

  The gate of the grand courtroom was massive, made of a gleaming black metal, interspersed with ancient, glowing patterns of dark red that gave it an air of majesty and awe. The gate was adorned with mysterious symbols representing power, while enormous pillars stood on either side like silent sentinels, carved with demonic symbols that reflected the grandeur and danger of the place.

  They crossed the vast hall in silence, where steady torches burned on the high walls, casting a dim light on the polished floor. The floor was of black marble, veined with silver threads that formed designs like a complex web. The walls were so high they gave a sense of greatness, decorated with the flags of the demon kings and nobles who attended the trial.

  At the end of the hall was a large chamber with high seats surrounding it on all sides. These seats were reserved for the nobles, and in the middle of the chamber was a raised platform where Neutras, the Demon King, sat. His aura pulsed with power and majesty, and his cold eyes watched everyone in the hall with a silence tinged with a deep awareness of all that was happening. He sat on a throne of black stone, carved with symbols reflecting his wisdom and indisputable authority.

  In the center of the hall, Malforos, the Academy Director, stood bound by chains glowing with energy, in a state of visible tension. His eyes followed every movement with palpable anxiety, as if searching for a non-existent escape.

  Sylvina entered the hall with Darius, and they felt all eyes focus on them. The atmosphere was charged with tension and respect, as if the entire hall were holding its breath. One of the guards motioned for them to go to their designated place, and they began to move slowly amidst the gazes of the attendees.

  Neutras, who had been watching everyone in deep silence, slowly stood up. Silence fell over the hall, as if time had stopped, waiting for his words. He raised his hand majestically and announced in a deep, steady voice that carried power and authority in every word, "Today, we begin the trial of Malforos, on charges of high treason and attempting to destabilize the balance."

  Sylvina turned toward the bound Malforos, and her heart began to beat forcefully. She closed her eyes for a few seconds as if preparing herself for what was to be said.

  Neutras continued in a calm tone, "Generations ago, an ambitious demon appeared who sought forbidden power. He made a pact with a merciless darkness, and a grim curse fell upon his blood and his descendants... a curse called the Dark Blood."

  Sylvina felt a cold shiver run through her body, as if the mention of this curse had awakened something deep within her. The attendees exchanged glances as Neutras continued, "There is a girl in my kingdom who is a descendant of that demon. Her city was annihilated by this man, but he was not content with that. He made her believe she was responsible... and used her to carry out his plans."

  When Sylvina heard those words, she felt as if the entire world had stopped. Her breath became heavy, and she began to feel a coldness seeping into her veins. Her eyes were fixed on Malforos.

  Neutras continued, his voice growing sharper, "Malforos was not satisfied with that. He made her believe she was responsible for the destruction of her city. He deceived her and made her a tool for his plan. He gave her the Bracelet of Curses. That bracelet allowed him to activate the girl's curse at any moment. He wanted her to lose control, to create chaos that would destroy the Academy. This would lead to a catastrophe resulting in the deaths of many students, including heirs and families from various kingdoms. This would lead to mutual accusations between the kingdoms, which would ignite a war between them."

  Tears began to gather in Sylvina's eyes, but they were not just tears of fear or pain; they were a mixture of bitter relief and deep sorrow.

  Neutras raised his voice again, pointing to everyone in the hall, "Malforos, with this wicked plan, was plotting to ignite the fuse of an endless war. A war aimed at destroying everything we have built together, to burn the kingdoms with fires that will never be extinguished."

  Neutras looked around slowly, staring into the faces of the demon kings and nobles who attended the trial. They could see the clear anger in his eyes, yet there was a touch of regret, as if a part of him wished things had not come to this.

  Neutras stood in the middle of the hall as tension mounted in its chambers. The attendees waited with bated breath for the judgment that would be issued by the Demon King. Everyone was aware that what had happened was not just an ordinary betrayal; it was a real threat to the very existence of the demon kingdoms.

  Neutras's voice cut through the majestic silence, calm but imbued with an irresistible authority. "Malforos, you have shattered the trust I placed in you and betrayed the Academy that entrusted you with the future of its generations."

  Before the echo of his words could fade, a dry, cracked laugh erupted from Malforos's mouth, a mixture of sarcasm and despair that gradually rose to mock the entire scene. It was a bitter laugh, like the echo of a tormented soul that knows the end is near but still scorns the peace they all champion.

  When his laughter subsided, Malforos slowly raised his head, his disdainful gaze sweeping over the faces of those present. "This peace of yours... is nothing but nonsense!" he said in a sharp voice. "We fought wars for decades, hundreds of thousands of lives were shed, and suddenly... you shake hands and pretend to forget? This false peace did not spring from your hearts, but from your cowardice and your fear of Neutras's power."

  Not a hair on Neutras's head stirred. He responded with a calm that cut deep, delivering a personal blow. "Your daughter... would not have wanted this."

  At these words, Malforos froze. His face turned into a mask of frenzied rage, as if his daughter's name was the ember that ignited the volcano of his soul. His voice exploded in a thunderous cry that shook the walls of the hall.

  "Don't you dare! You have NO RIGHT to speak of her! My daughter, Sylivina... she had nothing to do with any war! She was only TEN YEARS OLD! Her and thousands of other children... and you SIMPLY forgot about them!

  YOU are the one who betrayed us! We fought together for our kingdom, and we were so close to a true victory! We could have crushed EVERY SINGLE ENEMY who refused peace... But you chose to forget. You forgot our children... and you forgot what TRUE VICTORY MEANT!"

  A moment of heavy silence fell, in which the hall held its breath before this explosive pain. Malforos collected himself and added in a calmer tone, yet one dripping with bitter certainty,

  "You are blind, Neutras. You have the power to erase everything, but believe me, once you are dead, chaos will reign. This peace is not real; it's just fear of you. You have to kill all our enemies so that everything we have built is not destroyed."

  Neutras replied with unshakable confidence, as if his words were being carved in stone. "What you see, Malforos, are merely shadows of the past, an illusion you have woven to justify your betrayal. We have not forgotten our wars, but we have learned from them. We learned that true strength lies not in starting fires, but in building what fire cannot destroy."

  He lowered his voice slightly, but its impact doubled. "You are a prisoner of your past, while we have chosen to move beyond it. And for that, our peace is not as fragile as you think; it is the choice of true strength. Your attempt has only made us more certain that we are on the right path. As for you, you have chosen the path of darkness, and you will pay the price for it."

  Then, in an atmosphere charged with anticipation, Neutras raised his right hand. His lips began to murmur words from an ancient, mysterious language. The air in the hall began to ripple, and those present felt an invisible power rise and materialize, as if the very foundations of the place were responding to their master's call.

  "Annihilation," he said in a deep, majestic voice, as if its echo traversed time and space.

  In that moment, a flare of dark energy shot from Neutras's hand, striking Malforos directly in the chest. There was no scream, only a complete silence as he watched his body slowly fade away, as if his very existence were being erased from reality. His soul began to disintegrate, the light in his eyes gradually extinguished, until nothing remained of him but hazy remnants that dissolved into the air.

  It was over in seconds, as if Malforos had never existed. Silence fell over the hall, but this time it was different; it was a silence filled with awe and respect for the power of Neutras, who had ended Malforos's life with that absolute spell.

  The trial ended and the hall fell silent. Neutras remained standing in his place after the treacherous Malforos, who had tried to destroy everything, vanished. There were no sounds, only the majestic calm that followed that end, as the hall caught its breath after this thunderous moment. The attendees began to leave the hall quietly, each carrying in their heart mixed feelings of awe and respect. No one spoke; there was no need for words. Neutras's power was clear to all, and its effect was still palpable in the air. Their steps on the marble floor created faint echoes throughout the hall, while a majestic silence hung over the place.

  After the last person had left the hall, Neutras remained in his place for a few moments, sensing the stillness that surrounded him. There was something in this moment that reflected the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. He felt the burden of the past journey lighten slightly as the stillness filled the space.

  From a dark corner of the hall, Sylvina approached Neutras, who was still standing in the middle, with hesitant steps. When she reached him, she bowed respectfully and said in a voice full of gratitude, "Your Majesty, King Neutras... thank you so much. The pain that has long haunted me... is now over."

  Neutras raised his head slightly and smiled gently. "There is no need for thanks." Then he asked her, "By the way, after all that has happened, and now that the truth has come out, are you thinking of staying at the Academy?"

  Sylvina was surprised by his question, and a look of astonishment and confusion appeared on her face. How could she stay in a place where Malforos had brought her to be exploited? A place she had erased from existence. She felt confusion course through her heart, her feelings torn between the desire to escape and the fear of staying.

  In a shaky voice, Sylvina replied, "How can I stay there after all that has happened? Also... I have no real talent."

  Neutras smiled gently, as if he completely understood her conflicting feelings. "I understand your concern. But I did not ask this question without reason. I heard that you have experience with spiritual powers, and that you helped Prince Darius master an absolute spell. He could not have done it without you."

  "But I couldn't use those powers myself..." Sylvina said hesitantly. "I just studied and understood them theoretically."

  Neutras nodded in agreement and replied, "And that is what makes your talent unique. Not everyone needs physical strength or practical ability to be influential. Your ability to understand and analyze can be a power of no less importance. Do not underestimate your knowledge; it is what enabled Darius to succeed."

  Hesitation was clear on Sylvina's face for a moment, then she said in a quiet voice full of confusion, "But... what about my curse? I'm afraid I'll hurt others again."

  Neutras smiled gently and said, "Don't worry. If it happens again, there will be someone to stand by your side."

  Sylvina hesitated for a moment, lowering her eyes before raising her head again, as if she had found a glimmer of hope in the darkness. "I think you're right... I'll stay at the Academy. I feel there's a reason I want to stay."

  Neutras nodded in satisfaction. "A wise decision. The doors will always remain open for you."

  With a slight bow, Sylvina expressed her gratitude, then turned and walked with steady steps toward the courthouse gate. The air inside the hall was suffocating, but as soon as she crossed the threshold, she felt the cool evening air on her face, as if it were washing away the weight of the past moments.

  At the entrance, her eyes met Darius's. He was standing there, silent, as if waiting for her. For a moment, she hesitated, but as she approached him, the tension in her chest eased.

  "Are you all right?" he asked in a quiet voice that carried the weight of all that had happened.

  She nodded slowly, unable to find the words. "Yes... I think so."

  He looked at her for a moment, reading the exhaustion and confusion in her features, before saying, "Since the Academy was destroyed, it will take a long time to rebuild it. The students have been given a break until then, so..." He paused for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully, then a small, warm smile appeared on his face. "You'll have plenty of time to rest more. I'll be around if you need anything."

  Those simple words were all she needed. It wasn't an offer of help; it was a promise of presence. Sylvina returned his smile with a sincere one of her own, and felt a thread of warmth seep into her heart.

  A comfortable silence fell between them for a few moments, a silence that said much more than words could. But this calm was interrupted by the approach of a royal guard with steady steps. He bowed respectfully before Darius and then said, "Prince Darius, Lady Sylvina. By order of His Majesty King Neutras, special suites have been prepared in the Royal Palace for all students affected by the Academy, and they will be available to them throughout the break."

  Darius looked at Sylvina with a satisfied smile and said, "It seems everything has been taken care of. Now, you can truly rest."

  ***

  When the break ended and they returned to the Academy, things had clearly changed. The students no longer looked at Sylvina in the same way. They were afraid of her, and some wanted her expelled. The power she had displayed in the recent incident made everyone reconsider her.

  Nevertheless, her life was much the same as before: she took her classes, and went to meet Darius and spend time with him.

  But the quiet days did not last long. Things spiraled out of control when King Zakai was killed by Mirai, and Darius's name was dragged into an accusation of attempting to steal an artifact. There was no time for argument or defense; the verdict was Mirai's exile, and despite his certainty of her innocence, Darius could do nothing... only watch as she was forced to leave.

  It didn't take long for the news to spread through the Academy. The students began to look at him with open hostility. Whispers followed him in the corridors, and provocations became a daily occurrence. Through it all, Darius remained silent. He endured the hostile gazes and ignored every taunt, not out of weakness, but out of a heavy sense of responsibility. He knew that as a prince, any reaction—even a justified one—could be twisted and magnified, potentially causing a diplomatic catastrophe that would harm his family and his kingdom. He was walking on a tightrope, and silence was his only safe path.

  His only respite from this suffocating atmosphere was the time he spent with Sylvina. Her quiet company was a sanctuary that eased the tension in his shoulders and soothed the constant irritation. Those moments of peace he found with her were what gave him the strength to endure the rest of the day.

  But the problems didn't end there.

  On a quiet day, while they were together outside the Academy, the attack happened. It came quickly, unexpectedly. There was no time to think. Darius moved instinctively, dodging the blow and pushing Sylvina out of its path. He raised his head quickly, his eyes meeting the attacker's. It was Iris. At first, he thought she was targeting him. It wasn't out of the question after everything that had happened. But... something wasn't right. Her gaze, her movements, her focus... it wasn't directed at him. It was directed at Sylvina.

  In that moment, he realized the truth. This wasn't just a random encounter. It wasn't just random revenge. Iris was targeting Sylvina.

  A cold feeling washed over him. There was no more room for error. He raised his hand and unleashed his special spell, Soul Reading.

  Suddenly, information flooded his mind. He saw the whole truth. He knew that Mirai's healing ability had been stolen, and he knew that Iris would not stop until she had Sylvina.

  He clenched his fist tightly, and a powerful rage swept through him. For a moment, he thought about killing her, about ending it here and now. But he realized that a direct confrontation would not be so easy... Iris was on a different level.

  He had only one option left. After repelling the attack, Darius made his decisive choice. He declared war on Iris, and he and Sylvina disappeared from sight, leaving the Academy and the kingdom behind, ready to face greater threats and new secrets waiting to be revealed.

  (End of Chapter)

  (Bonus Scene)

  Location:

  **The Royal Castle of the Kingdom of Arximore - The Healing Wing, within a securely sealed room**

  Nanaki was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His features were pale and pained, but his eyes held a glint of suppressed fury. His left arm was completely covered in thick, magical bandages, and a faint, dark aura seemed to hover around it.

  The lock on the door clicked open suddenly, and Mirai entered, closing it quietly behind her.

  Nanaki jolted upright, his eyes widening in a mixture of shock and rage. "You?! How in the hell did you get in here? This place is restricted! Get out, now!"

  Mirai ignored him completely, her curious eyes scanning the room. "Calm down. The guards at the door were weaker than I expected. I heard you were afflicted with a rare and interesting curse, so I came to see."

  Nanaki gritted his teeth, a cold sweat breaking out from the pain. "This isn't something 'interesting,' you fool! It's the Cursed Black Flame! I'm locked in here because the curse affects anyone who gets too close! The pain is unbearable, and healing could take over a year! Now, get out!"

  Instead of fear, Mirai's eyes lit up with excitement. "Affects those who get close?! That's fascinating!" she said, examining her own hands and the magical power emanating from them. "Hmm, I don't feel anything strange. Maybe curses don't work on me."

  Then, she confidently sat on the edge of the bed. "Anyway, since I'm already here... What happened at the academy? I heard it was completely wiped out."

  Nanaki replied nonchalantly, having resigned himself to her presence. "It was a total disaster. Everything was destroyed." He then glanced at his bandaged arm with disgust.

  Mirai asked with genuine curiosity, "What exactly happened? Who attacked?"

  "Just a monster," Nanaki answered, turning his face away.

  "I wish I'd been there," Mirai said enthusiastically. "I might have had some fun fighting." She then changed the subject abruptly. "Anyway, what about Darius? I heard he became my bad version at the academy."

  Nanaki retorted with bitter sarcasm, the look of anger returning to his eyes. "His news is as ridiculous as you are. The difference is... he found his dream girl."

  He then glanced at his arm in frustration, feeling a pang of pain, and muttered sharply, "I can't believe I sacrificed my arm for him."

  Mirai froze, her eyes widening in genuine astonishment. "What?! That magic-obsessed freak found a girl? Is she strong? Is she stronger than him? I want to fight her!"

  Nanaki put his good hand on his face in despair. "My god, is that all you care about?" Then he said, with clear boredom and contempt, "No, she's a weak girl. Her name is Sylvina, and all her magical abilities are at the level 1."

  Sylvina. That was the name he knew her by, the name that had stuck in his memory as a symbol of the disaster that had befallen him. The girl who had caused all this pain and isolation—he hadn't bothered to learn anything else about her after being locked away in here.

  "level 1?'" Mirai repeated, but her tone wasn't one of disappointment, but a mixture of disbelief and ridicule. "Are you kidding? What does he see in her? Is she a charity project?"

  Then she said, shaking her head in boredom, "Hmm. Boring. If she's that weak, there's no point in fighting her."

  She suddenly leaned in towards Nanaki's bandaged arm, her eyes shining with a childlike curiosity. "But back to your arm... how bad is this burn, really?"

  Before Nanaki could say anything, Mirai gave the bandage a firm poke with her finger.

  "Aaaaaaah!"

  A sharp scream erupted from Nanaki. In a swift, instinctive motion, he delivered a powerful punch with his good hand directly to Mirai's face, sending her flying off the bed and onto the floor.

  Silence reigned for a moment, broken only by Nanaki's ragged breaths of pain and fury.

  "Don't touch it, you idiot!" Nanaki yelled.

  Mirai rose slowly from the floor, wiping the corner of her mouth with her hand. She looked at Nanaki's face, contorted with real pain and anger. Then, instead of getting angry, a low, excited laugh escaped her lips.

  With a wide, amused grin on her face, she said, "This is great! Finally... that infuriating, sarcastic smile is gone from your face. It's much more fun seeing you like this."

  Nanaki stared at her in shock and disbelief, as if seeing her true face for the first time. This wasn't just a battle-obsessed woman; she was a demon who enjoyed seeing his mask shatter.

  "Stay away from me."

  Mirai stood up and dusted off her clothes as if nothing had happened. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're very sensitive. Anyway, I'll be back later to check on you." She turned to leave, then closed the door behind her, leaving Nanaki staring into the void.

  (Bonus Scene End)