At night, in the Headmaster's office.
Kayle and Ines came to meet Elizabeth. She was seated, having finished reading the book Kayle brought. She looked up at them, noticing they were still holding hands.
Kayle, anticipating her thought, spoke up. "I am flowing my mana into Ines's body to keep her warm," he explained simply.
Elizabeth nodded, accepting the explanation.
"Kayle, you always surprise me," Elizabeth said, her voice filled with awe. "Firstly, that ancient book about the forgotten Gods, and now this book that contains the history of the Bloodroot Pact era. I think the faculty members are going to be busy rearranging the library! I'd like to thank you, Kayle, for helping us."
"There is no need to thank me, Headmaster," Kayle replied, maintaining his humble posture. "I just did what I could to help you and Ines. Now, Headmaster, we know she has been cursed, and we need to find the culprit faster. Ines's tattoos have started turning black."
"Yes, Kayle," Elizabeth said, her expression hardening. "According to this book, whoever cursed Ines needs to siphon her mana, or they will die. It means the culprit is someone close to you—someone who can meet you without raising any suspicion."
"Apart from my family and friends, there is only my maid who meets me," Ines offered, clearly struggling to point fingers.
"It's hard to pinpoint anyone," Elizabeth sighed. "Everyone in the Fiera clan is exceptionally talented, and your friends also come from noble families. We can't accuse anyone without evidence when they have that much backing."
Kayle turned to Ines, his voice gentle but probing. "Ines, when did those curse marks start showing on your body, and when did your health start worsening?"
Ines thought for a moment. "Hmm, from last year, after the banquet at the imperial palace, right before my enrollment in the academy," Ines recalled.
"Ines, did you meet someone there who could have tried to physically touch you or make any kind of physical contact with you?" Kayle pressed.
"Ah, I met so many people there, but no one tried to physically touch me," Ines said, thinking hard. Then, suddenly, she remembered. "Oh, when I was taking a walk in the garden, I met Sir Bellatora there. He was right behind me, and we shook hands with each other. We shared greetings and had a normal conversation."
"And if I guessed correctly, Sir Bellatora is accompanying his father during your treatments, right?" Kayle asked, his expression unwavering.
"Yes, Senior," Ines confirmed, her face clouding with sudden realization and fear.
Just then, Elizabeth cut in, her voice now sharp with warning. "Kayle, do you know what you are suggesting? Bellatora is the grandson of Regalis, and his uncle is the King of the Patra Kingdom. If you make a groundless accusation without evidence, even I wouldn't be able to save you."
"Headmaster, then you also know that Mister Bellatora was not born with the innate talent like his grandfather and other family members," Kayle countered, meeting her serious gaze. "And this book states that the curse is used to steal someone's special ability and innate talent. Ines is born with the Mana Pool in her heart. The fact that Mister Bellatora is accompanying his father during Ines's treatment, despite him not being able to use the healing ability like his father, makes him the perfect culprit. Think about it, Headmaster."
The room fell into silence for a few tense moments.
Elizabeth sighed deeply, gathering her thoughts. "If it's true," she finally broke the silence, her voice grave, "`Then this matter is far more serious than we have thought. Bellatora is not someone anyone can point a finger at easily. We need to find a way to prevent him from taking Ines's mana pool and reveal his wrongdoing to everyone. It won't be easy."
"Headmaster, if you may allow me, I have a way to save Ines and reveal the true self of Bellatora," Kayle said, his eyes filled with absolute determination.
"Tell me," Elizabeth commanded.
Kayle then explained his detailed plan to both of them. Hearing his plan, both Elizabeth and Ines were shocked.
"Kayle, are you serious about this? One wrong move and you will die!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her voice laced with deep concern.
"No, Senior, I won't allow it! You can't do something so reckless like this! You could get hurt in the process!" Ines shouted, tears springing to her eyes.
"Headmaster, given the situation we're in, this is the only choice we have," Kayle insisted, his gaze firm.
"No, Senior, I won't allow it! I don't want you to put your life in danger because of me! We can find another way!" Ines pleaded.
"Ines, I told you that I would save you, so let me do what I can," Kayle said, gently squeezing her hand. "And I'm not as weak as you think."
"Okay," Elizabeth conceded, knowing they were out of time and options. "I'll help you. However, if I find that you are in danger, I will step in immediately."
"Yes, Ma'am," Kayle replied, a triumphant light in his eyes.
– – –
At midnight, within the faculty dormitories of Venessa Academy, Itzayana sat on her bed. She had adjusted to her new life, though she was under the constant, subtle surveillance of academy officials. She'd grown adept at avoiding them, but tonight, her thoughts were intensely focused on one person.
"It's been three days since I came here, and I've adjusted myself here, just as that man said," she thought. "I joined this academy because of him. I need his help to get my revenge. I can't fight all of them without his aid. That man... he was so formidable. He easily killed all those Fifth and Sixth Circle Mages with that strange weapon of his, and I know he could have killed us without it. His aura was so intimidating that I, a Sixth Circle Mage, couldn't move a step. He is a formidable man with so much knowledge and fierce power. And the fact that he knew about me, my past, and, more importantly, that Robert was the leader of the Black Mage organization—information only very few know—he's not someone to be taken lightly."
She stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the dark campus. "Who could he be? He has access to information that only the highest ranks should possess."
A sudden memory struck her, and her expression changed. "Wait. He could be him. The only ones who know that information are the highest-ranking members... theDread Apostles."
Her mind raced. "I knew one of the seven Dread Apostles had been exiled. My master, Robert, had tasked the other six with eliminating him. The Apostles were the pinnacle of the hierarchy, second only to Robert himself. I heard they killed him... but what if they didn't? What if they failed and lied to Robert to save their own lives? Yes, that's possible. Given Robert's temperament, he would have killed them all for their failure. And this man... he was able to leave a trace of a curse on my head, just enough to fool the academy's healers. He must be a Dread Apostle. They are the high priests of dark magic and forbidden rituals. I need to talk to him."
"Why are you smiling at the window like that?"
The voice was cool and familiar. Itzayana whirled around.
Aeon, in his cowboy disguise, was floating just outside her window.
"AAHH!" she screamed, stumbling backward.
"What? Did you see a ghost or a grim reaper.?" Aeon's voice asked again, this time from inside the room.
She spun back around. He was now sitting casually in her desk chair, one leg crossed over the other. She looked back at the empty window, then at the chair.
"The window is ten feet away," she thought, her heart pounding. "He was outside, and in less than a second, he was inside... and I didn't even sense him move. I knew it. He must be a Dread Apostle. Only they could surpass the senses of a sixth-circle mage."
With newfound certainty, she dropped to one knee and bowed her head low.
Aeon raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by the sudden, subservient gesture. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
"I pay my respect to one of the Dread Apostles," Itzayana said, her voice full of conviction, her head still bowed. "I am sorry for not recognizing you earlier, my lord."
The room fell utterly silent.
"Ah..." Aeon said, completely nonplussed.
Itzayana looked up, confused by his confused reaction.
"Ahem. What are you talking about? Who is a Dread Apostle?" Aeon asked.
"You, my lord," she insisted.
"Ah, is she thinking that I'm one of the Dread Apostles?" Aeon thought, amused.
"Why do you think that I'm a Dread Apostle?" he asked, genuine interest in his tone.
"Because only a Dread Apostle knows every secret in the black mage organization—about Robert's true identity and my past," she explained with confidence. "And in the ranks, only one Dread Apostle was exiled and eliminated. So it must be you, my lord."
"If I was eliminated, then how can I be standing before your eyes?" Aeon asked, playing along.
"An Apostle possesses the power equal to a Seventh Circle Mage and a Swordmaster, so it must be you, my lord," she deduced. "You knew about Robert's schemes and his position as head of the organization, and there was only one person eliminated in your ranks. You must have survived and come to get your revenge, and by telling me the truth, you wanted to use me in your plan. You wanted to use me because I am the only apprentice of Robert, didn't you?" Itzayana summarized in a single, rushed breath.
"Yeah, that's what I like about you, Itzayana," Aeon thought, impressed. "You deduced the fact of me being an outsider and combined the pieces to get an answer. It's true that no one other than a Dread Apostle would know about Robert's true identity. You are certainly amazing."
"Wow, you are certainly sharp, Itzayana, but I'm sorry to burst your bubble," Aeon said, his voice neutral. " But I am not a Dread Apostle as you think I am."
Itzayana looked up, confused. "How..... can that be?" she asked.
"I know you are confused, but this is the truth. I am not what you think. The Apostle you're talking about has already been killed by the others," Aeon revealed. "And you forgot one important thing."
Itzayana focused intently on what he was about to say.
"I'm much...much younger to be an Apostle," he said, pulling down his scarf just enough to reveal his chin and neck, emphasizing his youth.
The room fell silent again.
Then after a few seconds.
"HOW WOULD I KNOW THAT WHEN YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FACE COVERED?!" Itzayana shouted in sudden frustration, her voice a mix of frustration and pure embarrassment.realizing the obvious truth had been hidden by his disguise.
"Well, that's true," Aeon conceded. "Now, can you get up? You're making the floor look bad. "
Itzayana's face turned bright red from the embarrassment of realizing her grand deduction was based on a lie and that she had bowed to a young man.
She quickly got up from the floor and stood directly before Aeon.
"So, have you adjusted to your life in the academy?" Aeon asked, his voice returning to its normal, calm tone.
"Yeah, more or less," Itzayana replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're here, which must mean you took care of all those surveillance officers outside, didn't you?"
"No," Aeon scoffed, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I just put them in a good sleep. They were so tired from surveilling you that they slept in an instant."
"You came to meet me, which means you need my help, don't you?" Itzayana asked, a challenging look in her eyes.
"You are correct," Aeon confirmed, his voice becoming serious. "I want you to help the girl named Ines. Tomorrow morning, the Headmaster will call for you, so just do what they tell you to do."
"Hmph," Itzayana huffed, annoyed. "Came to meet me after three days, and the first thing you do is give an order."
Aeon got up from the chair and moved to stand right next to Itzayana. "Itzayana, we're not buddies," he said, his voice dropping to an intimidating level. "We have a mutual partnership, nothing more. You will help me in my mission, and I'll help you get your revenge. That's our deal. Don't forget it, okay."
Itzayana looked back into Aeon's eyes, her own resolve shining fiercely. "I know that better than you, Mister. You also don't forget that you'll have to help me get my revenge from Robert and Benjamin."
They stared at each other for a tense moment, an understanding of ruthless commitment passing between them.
"I'll see you around," Aeon said, his voice cold. "Until then, take care of the task." And with that, he vanished into the shadows.
THUD!
Itzayana collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. Sweat beaded and rolled down her face as she struggled to breathe, clutching her chest.
"That guy... he is a total monster," she thought, trembling. "He just stared at me with those eyes, and I felt suffocated! But he won't think of me as a petty girl again. I need to become powerful, like him, so I can take my revenge without relying on anyone."
_ _ _
January 2, 1625 of the creation calendar.
The next morning, inside the Headmaster's office.
Itzayana Meeve was summoned early, just as Aeon had predicted. She sat calmly before the desk, facing Elizabeth, whose expression was sharp and serious.
"Itzayana Meeve. I hope that you are making yourself comfortable in the academy," Elizabeth inquired, a hint of steel in her polite tone.
"Well, yes," Itzayana replied, her voice equally sharp. "This place is so much more comfortable now that I don't have to worry about leaving my room with all those unnecessary bodyguards you put to 'keep me safe.'" She emphasized the last phrase, clearly referring to the surveillance.
Elizabeth smiled, acknowledging Itzayana's perceptiveness. "That is what we expect from a Sixth Circle Mage who has been taught by the Black Mage organization; you are sharp. But we are obliged to do it, as we cannot let you do anything that might cause trouble for you or for us. We are responsible for your actions."
"I don't mind it, though," Itzayana conceded. "So, why did you want to meet me in the early morning?"
"It is regarding a matter that needs your help," Elizabeth said, leaning forward, her voice dropping to a serious, confidential level. "But before I tell you about it, you must keep in mind that not a single soul must hear about this."
"If it's you who is saying this, then it's something that can certainly put us in danger," Itzayana observed keenly. She continued, her tone softening slightly, "I don't need much convincing. You saved me and are still responsible for me, so this much I can do for you. Yes, I am ready to help you, and I promise to keep whatever you are going to say strictly to myself."
"Good," Elizabeth said, her eyes piercing. "But keep in mind that what we are going to do will endanger your life as well."
"I am ready, Miss Elizabeth," Itzayana replied confidently, meeting her gaze without flinching.
Elizabeth then explained everything: the ancient curse, Kayle's plan, and the high-stakes gamble they were about to take.
After the explanation, Itzayana was visibly shocked, her expression tense with disbelief. With concern laced through her voice, she questioned Elizabeth. "Are you sure you want to do something so dangerous? The risk of losing a life is immense. I might not be able to save them. And would they even allow you to do something like this? I know you want to save that girl Ines's life, but would that boy Kayle approve of something that will put his life in danger? And you shouldn't forget about the Fiera Clan. If we make a mistake, they would never let you be. Also, I don't want to make a powerful clan like the Fiera Clan my enemy."
"You don't need to worry about it," Elizabeth reassured her firmly. "I will take full responsibility in case something goes wrong. And Kayle is the one who proposed this idea."
"Okay," Itzayana said, her posture stiffening with professionalism. "If that's the case, I'll do it. But I'll be very blunt with you: I can't guarantee their safety or the success of this operation. I will need to examine Ines's condition first."
"Understood," Elizabeth said. "I'll talk to Ines and the Fiera Clan to get permission immediately."
With that, Itzayana took her leave.
Elizabeth stood from her chair, her face thoughtful. She moved to the shelf and pulled out the ancient book Kayle had given her last night. She opened the pages, her eyes scanning the text.
"This book contains so much history that we have forgotten," she murmured to herself, a touch of self-reproach in her voice. "We proudly boast that we have the second biggest library in the Empire, yet here we were asking for help when we had the solution in our own yard. Brahm, the greatest scholar in history who authored the Imperial Law—we contain most of his life's work in our library and even named it after him. It's shameful for us to say it proudly when we haven't even read anything of his work."
She continued, a flicker of renewed purpose in her eyes. "My professors and I need to learn this for ourselves if we want to save our precious, talented students from evil people like Bellatora. Kayle, that kid... we owe him so much. If it weren't for his help, we would have lost the last hope to save Ines and would never have discovered that Bellatora was the culprit who cursed her."
She looked down at the book. "I think I might be able to find answers to my own questions in here as well."
Knock Knock.
A knock came from the door. Elizabeth put the book on the table and sat down, resuming her Headmaster persona.
"Come in," she said.
The door opened, and Kayle entered the office. "Good morning, Headmaster," Kayle said respectfully.
"Good morning, Kayle. You came just in time," Elizabeth said. "I just finished talking to Itzayana."
"What did she say?" Kayle asked, his expression expectant.
"She agreed, but she warned that she can't guarantee your safety," Elizabeth said, her voice weighted with genuine concern. "So, Kayle, I ask you again: Do you really want to do this?"
"This is the only way for us to save Ines," Kayle replied confidently, his jaw firm. "And aren't we going to the library to find a way to reduce the chance of our failure?"
"You never cease to amaze me," Elizabeth said, a small, proud smile touching her lips.
"Should we head out now, Ma'am?" Kayle asked.
"Yes, let's go," Elizabeth agreed.
Both of them then left the office.