While Lady Maya struggled to uncover the identity of the masked assassin, elsewhere, Shaun sat in quiet turmoil.
Instructor Lily's Mathamancy lecture had ended, yet his mind was far from numbers or formulas. Questions spun restlessly in his thoughts — Who was that woman? Why did she attack them? And what did that strange mark mean?
But more than that, one thing haunted him most: why had Lady Maya dismissed him the moment he'd been close to learning the truth? She and the others were hiding something — of that, he was certain.
Across the classroom, Natasha, Sabastian, and Shaumin exchanged worried glances. Shaun hadn't said a word since lunch, his gaze distant, his posture heavy. Finally, Natasha broke the silence.
"Shaun, at least tell us now," she said softly, stepping closer. "Where were you during lunch break? When we came back, you were gone. We've been searching all over the academy!"
Shaumin crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "And we heard you, Noa, and Princess Nina were summoned by Lady Maya. What happened? Was it serious?"
Natasha frowned deeper. "Don't tell me that wretched princess or her fiancé caused you trouble again. Please, Shaun — just tell us."
"Hey, hey, calm down," Sabastian said, raising a hand. "You're throwing too many questions at once. Let him breathe."
He turned to Shaun. "Take your time. Start from the beginning. What really happened during the break — and inside Lady Maya's chamber?"
Shaun let out a slow sigh, gathering his thoughts.
"Alright… I'll tell you everything," he said at last. "When I was waiting for you guys in the academy courtyard, I saw Princess Nina sitting there alone. I thought she was waiting for someone, but then—"
He was cut off mid-sentence when the classroom door slid open with a creak. A girl stepped in — her presence calm, yet commanding. After sweeping her gaze over the room, she said clearly,
"Shaun Thunderhawk, Nina Heavenstar, and Noa Kazami — please step outside. I need a word with the three of you. In private."
Shaun blinked, startled by the familiar face.
Wait… isn't she one of the Disciplinary Knights I saw in Lady Maya's chamber? And during that argument with Vince?
"What's she doing here?" he muttered.
Pushing his chair back, Shaun rose and followed her toward the doorway. Noa and Nina exchanged uncertain looks before standing as well. After a brief, tense exchange of whispers, the three of them left the room with the knight.
Back at their desks, Natasha, Sabastian, and Shaumin could only watch as the door closed behind them — a faint echo lingering in the hall. None of them said a word, but one thought burned in all their minds:
Something is happening again… and this time, it feels serious.
**********
While Shaun's friends remained in the classroom, whispering theories about what was happening, on the other side of the corridor, an empty study room had been quietly prepared.
There, sitting across a small wooden table, were Shaun, Noa, Princess Nina, and the female knight from the Disciplinary Knights. Before anyone could speak, Shaun broke the silence.
"Wait—aren't you the same knight who healed me and my friends after that fight with Vince? And you were there in Lady Maya's chamber today, right?"
The girl gave a calm nod, a faint, composed smile touching her lips.
"Yes, that's correct. My name is Kiara Elliebrock, knight of the Disciplinary Knights and a Scholar Batch senior." Her tone was polite but sharp. "And since I am your senior, a little respect wouldn't hurt."
Realizing his bluntness, Shaun rubbed the back of his neck and bowed slightly. "Ah, I'm sorry, Senior Kiara."
Noa spoke next, her curiosity outweighing her shyness. "Senior Kiara, may I ask… why did you call us here so suddenly? Is something wrong?"
Kiara's smile lingered, but her eyes carried quiet seriousness.
"Yes, Noa. I apologize for the sudden call, but this matter is important. I've come to deliver a message from Lady Grandmaster Maya Flamefox and President Akshay Himaira. It concerns today's… incident."
The air in the room grew still as Kiara carefully relayed every word Maya had ordered — the cover story, the secrecy, the warning.
When she finished, Shaun nodded firmly. "Understood, Senior Kiara. We'll follow your orders and keep the truth hidden. You have our word."
Nina and Noa exchanged glances and nodded as well.
Kiara's expression softened with relief. "Good. I trust you'll handle this responsibly." With that, she stood, bowed slightly, and exited the room, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
The three of them remained silent for a moment before returning to class. As soon as Shaun took his seat, Natasha leaned forward, eyes wide.
"Hey, Shaun! What was that about? That girl was from the Disciplinary Knights, right? What did she want with you three?"
Shaun forced a small laugh, scratching his cheek. "Ah, nothing serious. She just wanted to make sure we weren't skipping class or anything. Heh… you know how strict they are."
Natasha blinked, unconvinced. Sabastian, however, watched him carefully — his expression calm but probing.
Shaumin frowned. "Fine, but at least tell us where you were during lunch break! And why did Lady Maya summon you all?"
Shaun hesitated, then sighed. "Well… there was an intruder. A molester somehow sneaked into the academy. He tried to trick and attack Princess Nina. Noa and I fought him off and saved her. We then handed him over to the academy guards and they handed him over to the Silver Heaven Imperial Guards."
The others gasped, believing his story instantly — except one.
Sabastian placed a steady hand on Shaun's shoulder, his voice low and kind.
"No problem, Shaun. We'll believe what you say… for now. But when you're ready to tell the truth, we'll be here to listen."
Shaun froze. His heart tightened under the weight of his friend's understanding. He looked down, ashamed.
"I'm sorry, Sabastian," he said softly. "I promise — I'll tell you everything once we're home this evening."
Sabastian smiled faintly and gave a reassuring nod. The rest of the group exchanged puzzled looks, unaware of the silent promise that had just passed between them.
Moments later, the classroom door slid open, and Master Kunochi entered with his usual calm stride.
"Settle down, everyone," he said, adjusting his spectacles. "Today's lecture will cover the topography and mana flow of the Silver Heaven Region."
As the disciples opened their books, the earlier tension seemed to fade into routine — but deep down, Shaun knew this peace was only temporary.
**********
As the last lecture of the day ended, the once lively corridors of Silver Heaven Academy slowly emptied. Laughter faded into echoes, and the vast marble halls fell silent — like the calm before a storm.
In her chamber, Lady Maya sat by the window, the setting sun casting her face in shades of crimson and gold. Across from her sat Edward, Sakura, Saraswati, and Master Kunochi, all waiting as the air around them grew heavy with unspoken tension.
"I thank you all for coming on such short notice," Maya began, her voice calm but grave.
"I summoned you here to discuss an urgent matter. An unfortunate incident occurred today — a masked female assassin attempted a lethal attack on Princess Nina Heavenstar within the Mist Forest. Thankfully, the princess survived unharmed, thanks to two brave disciples — Shaun Thunderhawk and Noa Kazami. But…"
She paused, eyes narrowing, "…the assassin escaped, even from our most skilled guards."
The room darkened as the last of the sunlight disappeared beyond the window.
"From preliminary investigation," Maya continued, "our eyewitnesses confirm the assassin was a Snow Magus, and likely a member of the Dark Guild, the infamous criminal organization. We still lack solid proof of her identity or motive — which is why I've gathered you all. We must decide our next move carefully."
Edward leaned forward, his tone firm but puzzled.
"Lady Maya, this incident is indeed serious. But I don't understand — how could an intruder enter the academy without being detected? Our defences are layered with barrier seals and mana alarms. It should be impossible."
Saraswati spoke next, her hands folded in concern.
"Yet she managed to do it, Edward. Perhaps we've grown complacent. We should re-examine our barrier wards and guard rotations immediately. The safety of our disciples must come first."
Before Maya could reply, Sakura spoke up — her expression thoughtful, her voice edged with unease, "But… what if the assassin didn't come from outside?"
Everyone turned to her.
"What are you suggesting, Sakura?" Maya asked, eyes narrowing slightly. "Please elaborate."
Sakura met her gaze, "I mean — what if the assassin isn't an outsider at all? What if she's someone from within the academy itself? She could be anyone — a teacher, a staff member, a guard… or even a disciple."
**********