The next day, the Academy was buzzing with whispers about two newcomers — one a student, the other a teacher, both from Ostasia.
When Lauran walked into her chemistry class, she expected to see the usual old teacher. But instead, a young man in his twenties stepped in, his presence commanding silence as soon as he entered.
Without saying a word, he picked up the chalk and wrote his name on the blackboard in three languages:
Inova — the common tongue,
Euratisian,
Ostasian.
Kautaro Sato.
Lauran froze in her seat. That name. Not just Earth-like… but identical to her brother's name from her past life.
Her pulse quickened. But after a moment, she shook it off. Just a coincidence. Has to be. She forced her eyes back to the lecture.
During lunch on the rooftop, the group gathered as usual, eating and catching up.
The topic of the new teacher came up quickly. Everyone agreed there was something… off about him.
"An Earth name? Really? At least try to blend in," Kaya muttered, picking at his food.
Henry arrived a few moments later, accompanied by a boy with a mischievous smile and bright eyes.
"This is Lee Xiao," Henry introduced.
Xiao bowed in the traditional Ostasian way, playing the part of an innocent newcomer. Lauran, who had already met him, bit her lip to keep from laughing and instead slurped up another bite of her favorite spicy ramen.
While the others chattered, the Ostasian trio — Lauran, Henry, and Xiao — exchanged knowing glances. Subtle, but clear. A silent message: Library. Tonight.
After lunch, the group turned to their now-daily tradition — training Arron.
The others had started calling it Bolt's remedial magic class.
Lauran knelt opposite Arron, showing him a more advanced version of the mana shooting spell. He managed to get it — barely — though his aim left scorch marks on the wall.
Kaya jumped in next, teaching him elevation and how to use harmless objects around him as potential attacks.
Luke showed him how to draw mana from the environment and channel it into healing.
Henry demonstrated how to shape mana into weapons and wield them.
Then Xiao, with a little smirk, stepped forward.
"Let me show you how to walk in the air," he said lightly.
Arron immediately panicked and clung to Henry.
"Xi," Henry sighed, catching him, "he's not ready for that yet. Maybe something simpler?"
Xiao only laughed.
Then the announcement blared from the speakers above:
"ALL FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS, PLEASE ASSEMBLE IN THE CENTRAL TOWER AFTER LUNCH."
Kaya and Luke exchanged a look and smiled knowingly.
"Good luck, everyone," Kaya said, ruffling Lauran's hair.
Luke added, patting Arron and Xiao on the head, "Don't embarrass us."
After cleaning up their lunch, the first-years made their way to the central tower — a massive castle-like structure rising from the heart of the Academy, its tall spire gleaming in the sunlight.
Whatever awaited them inside, Lauran could feel the weight of it already.
A Few Minutes Earlier — Director's Office
The air in the director's office was thick — heavy, tense, and faintly suffocating.
David sat slouched forward in his armchair, elbows planted on his knees, his head buried in his hands. On the low coffee table between them sat two untouched teacups, one on each end.
Across from him, calm and a little sheepish, sat a young man in his early twenties — Elizha, without his disguise.
David muttered under his breath, switching between Euratisian and German curses, most of them aimed at Gary.
"…Verdammt noch mal… that bastard… can't even let me have peace for one semester…"
Meanwhile, Elizha sat awkwardly, his posture like a guilty child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Hehe… so… Uncle Dave… I'm hired, right?" His voice was quiet, almost hopeful, with the unmistakable tone of someone who knew they were causing trouble and was trying to downplay it.
His expression could only be described in emoji: 😬😅😓
David suddenly sat upright, pinning him with a look that could burn holes through stone.
"I thought — I hoped — that I was finally done cleaning up after Gary's shenanigans. But no. His daughter wasn't enough. Now his son has to show up and cause even more chaos?"
He let out a long-suffering sigh, stalked to his desk, and pressed the intercom button.
"ALL FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS, PLEASE ASSEMBLE IN THE CENTRAL TOWER AFTER LUNCH."
The message blared throughout the Academy. David switched the mic off with a sharp click and returned to face Elizha.
Pointing a finger at him, he barked:
"Listen here. I owe your father, so I'm letting you in — but don't push it. Keep that disguise on at all times. Don't make a scene. Don't mess this up."
Then his gaze softened slightly, and he added, almost wistfully:
"…And one more thing. My third nephew is here — Arron. He's… not himself yet. Memory loss. But I'll bring him back around. One way or another."
David's lips twitched faintly into a smile.
"I will hear him call me Uncle Wolfie again."