The sound of clashing steel slowly faded as Kael lay down on the grass. His body was exhausted and drenched in sweat, and his eyes were fixed on the wide blue sky.

  "You fought well," a familiar voice said from a few meters away.

  Kael looked up and saw Zaros wiping his forehead with a cloth and holding a cup of water in his other hand. He handed the cup to Kael.

  "Thanks," Kael said, taking the cup and drinking deeply.

  "You've definitely improved since last time," Zaros said, dropping down beside him. "You even managed to evade one of my best moves, and you almost caught me with that counter of yours." He chuckled and his gaze wandered to the other students who were still training under the instructors' supervision.

  Then he turned back to Kael and smirked. "I guess someone's found a good teacher."

  "Yeah," Kael muttered, his eyes distant and almost serene. "You could say that."

  Zaros noticed the shift in his friend’s tone and sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought her up. Astra taught you that move, didn't she?"

  Kael chuckled quietly as a specific memory surfaced in his mind. “Not directly,” he admitted. "But I watched her use it once back in the labyrinth. You should’ve seen it. She took down three opponents with that single strike. It was the most beautiful and lethal movement I’ve ever seen.”

  Zaros turned his head to look at Kael. "You miss her, don't you?"

  “To be honest, I don’t know,” Kael admitted. "At first, I couldn't stand her. Her arrogance really got on my nerves, but now—" He sighed, his voice cracking slightly. "There's a void inside me since she disappeared. It's one I can't explain. I know it sounds contradictory. I didn’t like her, but I trusted her with my life.”

  Zaros stayed quiet for a moment, letting Kael’s words hang in the air, before speaking softly. "Then we'll find her. Once we do, you two can finally settle whatever's between you. Deal?”

  Kael smirked and bumped fists with Zaros. "Deal."

  "Nice," Zaros laughed, lightening the heavy atmosphere a bit. "So, what are your plans for today? I was thinking we could check out the new café that just opened.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "I heard the hottest girls hang out there." He winked.

  Kael gave him a flat look. "Really? Are we going there just to look at girls? I’ll pass.”

  “Come on, man. I need you,” Zaros pleaded dramatically, pointing at Kael. "With your majestic appearance and shining white hair, you'll be my ticket to glory!"

  Kael raised an eyebrow. “My ticket to what?”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Zaros grinned shamelessly. "To victory, obviously. You’ll draw their attention, and I’ll do the talking. A perfect plan.”

  "Okay, enough," Kael interrupted, clearly embarrassed. "But just this once!"

  "Great," Zaros grinned. "Then see you later. I can pick you up. The café is near your dorm anyway.”

  “No, you don’t have to,” Kael replied. "I'll meet you there."

  If I go that way, I'll have time to check out the shop Lia mentioned outside the academy, and Zaros won't suspect a thing, Kael thought, already planning his trip to the outer district.

  “All right, then. We’ll meet after the last class,” Zaros said. “By the way, when is Lia coming back with the food for your falcon?”

  “She said she’ll return around lunchtime and bring it straight to my room to feed him.”

  "Oh," Zaros teased with a mischievous smirk. "Is it that serious already? Did you even give her your room key?”

  "Just shut up." Kael laughed and punched Zaros lightly on the shoulder.

  They went their separate ways shortly after. As soon as Zaros disappeared around the corner, Kael turned toward the academy’s main gates instead of heading back to his dormitory.

  All right. I’ve got about two hours until the café meeting. Let's make it quick. I'll just observe for now, he thought, quickening his pace.

  The walk to the gates took about ten minutes. The large, silver gates loomed ahead, gleaming brightly in the midday sun. But something else caught his attention. The number of guards.

  There were so many. Do they expect an attack? He wondered, frowning as he approached.

  He greeted the first few guards politely, trying to appear casual. Just as he was about to step through the gate, however, a knight of the Order moved into his path. His polished armor reflected the sunlight.

  "Student," the knight said in a low, authoritative tone. "State your purpose for leaving the academy."

  Kael's brows furrowed slightly, but he kept his tone calm and measured. "I just need to go outside to buy a few materials for my lessons."

  The knight remained silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on Kael. Then he spoke in a calm but firm tone. “I’m sorry, but students are not permitted to leave the academy grounds. Orders from the Vice Headmaster. The professor’s death must be investigated first. Only once it’s confirmed that the academy and the surrounding areas are secure will the restrictions be lifted.”

  “What?” Kael gasped. “And how long will that take?”

  “No statement,” the knight replied dryly.

  Kael frowned, frustration creeping into his voice. “Then how am I supposed to get the materials I need for my lessons?”

  "The academy provides everything students require," the knight said, his tone clipped and indifferent. "You can request the necessary materials at the administrative office."

  Kael clenched his jaw. But why was Lia allowed to leave?

  "Are there any exceptions to this rule?" he asked, forcing his voice to remain calm despite the irritation beneath the surface.

  "Only students of noble birth are permitted to leave," the knight replied without hesitation.

  “And why is that?” Kael asked, barely holding back his temper.

  "Because they possess the means to protect themselves," the knight said, his tone growing increasingly bored. "Their families provide personal guards for their safety."

  Kael’s lips tightened into a thin line. "Thank you for your...helpfulness," he said sarcastically. Then he turned around and walked back the way he came.

  They’re allowed to go outside just because they can defend themselves? Bullshit. Lia told us yesterday that she always goes out alone to buy things with no guards or escorts. She’s no fighter and couldn’t defend herself even if she wanted to. So, that means it isn't dangerous for us students.

  No, there’s another reason. I think I know who might have the answers.

  Kael clenched his fists and quickened his steps as he made his way back toward the academy. His thoughts were already circling around a single plan: One person.

  He just hoped this person would be at the café later.