The night stretched on endlessly. Sai woke up several times, grabbing for his communicator, but the screen showed the same thing each time: "Subscriber unavailable."
By morning, his eyes stung from lack of sleep, and a cold, viscous lump of anxiety sat heavy inside him.
Nox sat quietly by the head of the bed, not making a sound. He could feel it too: something was wrong.
When the first light filtered through the curtains, Sai couldn't take it anymore. He got out of bed abruptly, zipped up his jacket, and exhaled decisively.
"I have to go to him myself."
Nox rose to follow, shaking his head. His wings trembled slightly—the anxiety had spread even to him.
---
The academy corridors were still half-empty. Students were just gathering for morning classes. Sai walked quickly, avoiding anyone familiar—he didn't want to explain anything.
He was heading to the office of the Academy Head.
That's where you went if you needed to arrange a long leave. And that's where those who intended to leave the academy grounds for important personal reasons went.
He raised his hand and knocked.
"Come in," a calm, heavy voice sounded.
Sai opened the door.
The Head's office—or, as everyone called him behind his back, the Academy Boss—smelled of old paper, coffee, and weapon oil.
The man sat behind a wide desk of dark wood, studying some report.
He looked up.
"Has something happened?"
Sai swallowed.
"I... need a pass. For four days."
"Reason?" asked the Academy Head, instantly becoming less relaxed.
"My grandfather," Sai forced the words out. "He's not answering. It's been a full day. It's... not like him. He always answers. Always."
Silence fell in the office for a second.
The Head set the papers aside and took a deep breath, studying Sai.
"You look like you haven't slept."
"Yes."
"Do you think something happened to him?"
Sai couldn't answer immediately. He just nodded.
The Academy Boss rubbed his chin, then stood up.
"Alright. I'll give you four days."
Sai felt the tension ease, if only a little.
But the Head wasn't finished.
"However..." He took a step forward, his gaze becoming heavy. "You are training for a combat specialization. This means that when you leave the academy grounds, you are responsible for yourself and for anyone who might be around you. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"If you need help—report it immediately. Don't try to be a hero."
Sai nodded again.
"I'll sign the papers," said the Academy Head. "And... I hope your grandfather just fell asleep, forgot to charge his device, or went to the mountains for herbs. Old men are capable of that."
He handed Sai a stamped document.
"You may go."
"Thank you," Sai said quietly and bowed.
When he left, his legs were trembling from a mix of relief and worry.
---
Next was Lars.
He found him in the gym—he was lifting a barbell as if the weight meant nothing. Seeing Sai, Lars put the weight down and wiped his forehead with a towel.
"You look like you've been eating dragons all night. What happened?"
Sai took a breath.
"I'm leaving. For four days."
Lars froze.
"What? Why?"
"Grandad isn't answering."
Lars frowned. Seriousness was rarely seen on his face, but it was fully present now.
"A full day?" he clarified.
"Yes."
"And you're sure he didn't just leave his phone somewhere?"
Sai shook his head.
"He always answers. He couldn't just disappear like that. And... I feel that something's wrong."
Lars put the towel away and paced around.
"Alright," he said finally. "I won't stop you. If my grandad went missing, I'd go too. It's normal."
He put a hand on Sai's shoulder.
"But if you get into trouble—call. I might be dumb sometimes, but I can help."
Sai smiled, though weakly.
"Thanks."
Lars grinned.
"Just don't die, okay? I don't want to find myself a new friend. It takes too long."
Sai exhaled.
"I promise."
"And one more thing," Lars raised a finger. "Are you going to tell your sword-maniac that you'll be gone? She'll wring your neck if you just disappear."
Sai blinked.
"Right... Aella..."
"Exactly," Lars snorted. "She almost kills you every training session as it is. If you leave without a word, it'll be even worse when you get back."
Sai realized Lars was right and headed to the training arena.
---
He found Aella quickly—she was giving instructions to two senior students. When she noticed Sai, her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You look... terrible."
"I didn't sleep."
"That's obvious."
She came closer.
"Did something happen?"
"I have to leave," he said. "For four days."
She didn't interrupt. She waited.
"My grandfather isn't answering."
A second of silence.
Then Aella said quietly:
"I see."
Her gaze grew sharper—not cold, but attentive.
"Are you going alone?"
"Yes."
"Do you want me to—"
"No," Sai shook his head. "It's... family. I have to handle it myself."
Aella looked at him thoughtfully. Then she said:
"Alright. Then listen carefully."
She stepped close.
"If you sense danger—leave. Don't engage in a fight if you're not one hundred percent sure. This isn't training. No one will protect you outside the academy."
Sai nodded.
"And one more thing," she added. "If anything goes wrong—call me. I'm not joking. Call immediately."
Sai exhaled.
"I promise."
Aella gave a slight nod.
"Go."
---
When he stepped out of the academy building, the sun was already high.
Nox walked beside him, and a tremor of anxiety ran through every one of his shadows.
Sai looked at the gates.