"Now," Lady Maya said, her voice returning to a measured calm, "let's leave the topic of the Shadow Force behind… and focus on the threat before us."
Her gaze swept across the room, steady but grave.
"Even if the Dark Guild isn't as powerful as the Shadow Force," she continued, "they're still dangerous — cunning and ruthless. And if Shaun's information is correct… if that masked assassin truly belongs to them, then not only Princess Nina's life, but the lives of every disciple in this academy are at risk."
The weight of her words sank deep. No one dared speak for a moment — until Sakura broke the silence.
"But how?" she asked sharply. "How did that assassin bypass the academy's security? And more importantly, how did she even enter the Mist Forest? Where were the guards all this time?"
Edward nodded grimly. "Yes… about that. When I received a Wind Messenger from Noa— her Aero Avis Sparrow —I rushed to the scene with my guards. What I found there was shocking. The forest gate was wide open — completely unguarded. I sent men to find the stationed guards and…"
He clenched his fists, "…they were found frozen solid, encased in ice not far from the gate. It must have been her doing."
A chill spread through the chamber at his words.
"But there's something else that troubles me," Edward continued. "When we chased her… she vanished — as if she'd melted into forest itself. It wasn't just evasion. It felt like she already knew the layout of the place — every path, every shadow."
Master Kunochi finally opened his eyes. His voice was quiet but cutting, "As if she knew that place well. Not just the Mist Forest… but the entire academy."
His gaze darkened, "As if she were one of us."
A stunned silence followed. Even the faint hum of the lanterns felt oppressive now. Kurumi broke the silence first, her voice composed but tense.
"If that's true, then we can't take any chances. We should inform everyone — teachers, disciples, staff. If there's an assassin hiding among us, every life here is in danger. We must relocate the disciples to safety before it's too late."
But before she could finish, Lady Maya's voice cut through — firm, unyielding, "No. We can't do that."
Everyone turned to her in shock. Even Kurumi, who was rarely fazed, looked startled.
"But why, Lady Grandmaster? You said it yourself — lives are at stake! Why wouldn't we act to protect them?"
Her question echoed the fear that rippled quietly through the others. As President of the Disciplinary Knights, Akshay's duty was safety above all — and even he looked uncertain. Lady Maya's expression softened, but her tone carried the authority of someone who had led armies.
"Do not misunderstand me, Kurumi. I care for their safety more than anyone. But if we spread panic, the academy will descend into chaos. The assassin will know we're onto her — and she'll vanish again. We'll lose our only chance to find her."
Her gaze sharpened, "We will protect the academy — but quietly."
Slowly, realization dawned on the others. Maya's reasoning was brutal but sound.
"Then what are your orders, Lady Maya?" Akshay asked, straightening.
Maya rose from her seat. Her crimson-lined cloak flowed behind her like flame as she turned toward the assembled instructors and knights.
"First, we alter the narrative," she said.
"Spread the word that Princess Nina was attacked by a molester who somehow trespassed in the Forest. Guards have caught that molester and handed him over to the Imperial Guards. The assassin must believe her true identity and motives remain hidden. Confusion will make her careless — and when she slips, we'll strike."
Her eyes locked onto Akshay's.
"Meanwhile, Disciplinary Knights will watch over Princess Nina in secret. Ensure her safety at all costs. If that assassin truly came for her once, she may come again."
She paused, her voice deepening with command.
"Until we find the masked woman and learn her motive, no one must know of this attack's true nature. Is that clear?"
Every Disciplinary Knight present stood at once, saluting in perfect unison, "Yes, Lady Maya!"
As Disciplinary Knights filed out, the chamber's torches flickered — their flames bending toward Lady Maya, as if even the fire itself awaited her next command.
*********
After the Disciplinary Knights departed, only the teachers and Master Kunochi remained in the Grandmaster's chamber. The tension that had gripped the air finally began to ease. Sakura turned to the elder teacher.
"By the way, Master Kunochi — you were here even before we arrived. Did you have any other business with Lady Grandmaster?"
Master Kunochi's wrinkled eyes curved into a faint smile.
"Yes, Sakura. In fact, I came to report my class progress before I take my leave tomorrow for my hometown."
"You're taking leave?" she blinked. "Why now, of all times?"
Lady Maya answered before he could, "Oh, right — I nearly forgot amidst all this chaos. You requested a few days off to visit your grandson, didn't you?"
Edward leaned back, eyebrows rising, "Your grandson? I haven't seen him in years! The last time was during his wedding — he was barely sixteen then. How is he these days?"
Master Kunochi chuckled softly. "He's doing well, Edward. The reason I'm visiting is because my grandchildren are expecting a child. They wanted me there for the blessing."
"Really? That's wonderful news!" Edward said.
"Congratulations, Master Kunochi!" Sakura beamed. "That means you'll soon become a great-grandfather, won't you?"
Master Kunochi simply nodded, his calm smile deepening, "It seems even old roots can still grow new branches," he said quietly.
"Well then, once you return, we'll celebrate properly!" Sakura declared, clapping her hands.
Maya smiled faintly. "Of course, Sakura. But before we get carried away — there's still work to do." Her tone shifted back to business.
"I've scheduled a meeting this evening to discuss today's incident in full. I'm sorry, Master Kunochi, but your presence will be necessary before your departure."
Master Kunochi inclined his head, "I will attend, Lady Maya. I leave at dawn, so there is still time."
With that settled, the teachers offered one last round of congratulations before filing out to resume their classes. The heavy doors closed softly, leaving Lady Maya alone once more.
For a moment she remained still — eyes half-lidded, thoughts distant. Then she raised her hand, and a faint shimmer of azure light materialized in her palm. A crystal sphere hovered above it, glowing like a captured star.
Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Lady Taka… I require information on one particular disciple within the next half hour."
The crystal pulsed faintly, as if acknowledging the command.
"…And bring me the final results of the entrance test."
As the glow faded, Maya leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant — somewhere far beyond the chamber walls. The faint reflection of the crystal still glimmered in her eyes. Whatever she was thinking about… it wasn't over.
**********