The sun hung low, casting long shadows over the cracked stone path that cut through the School of Shadows' courtyard. A chill autumn breeze stirred the brittle leaves near the statues of old detectives, sending them tumbling like whispering ghosts, memories etched in stone and wind.
Two figures walked side by side—one lazy, one disciplined—beneath the golden light.
Rukawa Hiroshi moved with the silence of a monk, hands calmly folded behind his back, each step measured and precise. His gaze stayed forward, unblinking. He could have been a shadow himself.
Beside him, Javi Garcia kicked at a pebble with every other step, shoulders hunched deep into his hoodie, sighing louder with each breath—as if the weight of the week clung to him like fog.
"Why do you think she summoned us?" Rukawa asked, voice flat but edged with quiet curiosity.
Javi rolled his eyes and let out a groan.
"To be honest? I expect nothing good. The Rookie Exam's closing in—maybe she wants to torture us before the test. Classic Gwen."
Rukawa turned his head slightly. His eyes were unreadable, but the look was clear—a silent reprimand.
"That's your conclusion?" he said. "She's still the student president. That doesn't mean she wants us to suffer."
Javi huffed.
"Ugh, have you forgotten? She's probably the grumpiest perfectionist in the whole school. I still don't get why people voted for her."
Rukawa didn't break stride.
"Because they recognized strength. Everyone has good and bad sides."
Then he paused just long enough for it to mean something.
"And I suspect you speak this way because she's your rival."
Javi opened his mouth to fire back—but stopped. His brows knit together, a flash of something more honest crossing his face. After a beat, he exhaled through his nose and crossed his arms with a grumble.
"Okay, fine. So what? You're saying Gwen's got a nice side?"
Rukawa nodded without hesitation.
"Everyone does. It's just that most people don't try to see it."
Javi tilted his head toward him, squinting.
"And you've seen Gwen's nice side?"
"On our first day," Rukawa replied, voice even. "I remember she helped bring me food."
Javi narrowed his eyes.
"Yeah… but that was really Diana being thoughtful. Gwen just helped her prepare the food. After that? I haven't seen an ounce of kindness from her since."
Rukawa gave a small shrug.
"Maybe so. But even if that's true, it still shows some part of her kindness. Even small actions matter."
Javi sighed, longer this time. He remembered that moment too. And yeah—it had meant something. But saying that out loud? That felt like giving up ground. And Javi had never been good at surrendering.
"Alright, fair enough," he muttered. "But one decent act doesn't erase a lifetime of being Gwen."
Rukawa gave a simple nod.
"I'm not saying it does. But it's a start. And maybe if you stop seeing her as your sworn enemy, you'll start noticing more of that good side."
Javi groaned and ran a hand through his hair.
"Okay, okay, I get it. But come on—we've been doing great reviewing on our own. What if she's just gonna derail that?"
"You're jumping to conclusions," Rukawa replied. "We still don't know why we're being summoned."
Javi didn't respond right away. The wind picked up again, scattering another wave of crisp leaves across the path. He watched them swirl, restless and aimless—just like his thoughts.
Then he muttered under his breath,
"Fine. I'll withhold judgment… until we at least figure out what the hell she wants."
Rukawa nodded once. Calm. Resolute.
"Good."
--
They were only a few steps away from the Girls' Dormitory when Javi suddenly slowed down, the usual spring in his step replaced by something stiffer, uneasy.
He glanced sideways, then mumbled, "Hey, Rukawa... do we have to do this?"
Rukawa barely turned his head. "Probably. We can't exactly ignore Gwen's summons, can we?"
Javi sighed, long and theatrical. "Can't you just go without me?"
"She asked for both of us."
"Yeah, I know..." Javi muttered, his voice dropping. He stared ahead but didn't really look at anything. "It's just— I haven't been around girls in a while."
Rukawa gave him a side-eye, confused. "You mean... you're uncomfortable around them?"
Javi nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah. It's not even about Gwen. It's just... girls in general. Being around them feels like stepping into an alien world or something."
Rukawa tilted his head, calm as ever. "You're shy."
Javi scowled. "I'm not shy! I'm just cautious, okay? Girls are—unpredictable. One second they're nice, next thing you know, they're giving you looks that could kill."
Rukawa blinked. "I can't help you if you won't be direct."
Javi hesitated, then finally muttered, "Okay. Fine. Being around girls reminds me of my ex."
That made Rukawa pause.
Javi's voice turned quieter—still casual, but with something heavier beneath the surface.
"A girl, with perfect red hair... a genius. Kind. First love. The queen bee of my life. But yeah... shit happens. I left her without even saying goodbye."
"I see," Rukawa said. He didn't pry. He never did.
Javi forced a chuckle, trying to defuse the weight in his chest.
"And Gwen? I don't get the same effect. Maybe because I don't even see her as a girl."
Rukawa tilted his head again, curiosity sparking in his usually stoic eyes. "But she has the same genitals."
Javi froze.
"WHAT THE HELL, MAN?!" he whisper-yelled, looking around in pure panic.
"You can't just say stuff like that in the open!"
"Why not?" Rukawa asked genuinely. "Did I say something incorrect?"
"It's not about correct! It's about... social rules! Privacy! Decency!"
Javi ran both hands down his face.
"You're gonna get me arrested one day."
Rukawa shrugged. "I only said the obvious. Gwen is still a girl, regardless of how you choose to view her."
Javi shot him a glare. "You sound like Graves."
"Is that bad?"
"Yes!"
They stopped at the foot of the dormitory steps. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Wind brushed past the trees. The door in front of them remained still—ominous, like a challenge they hadn't agreed to.
Then Rukawa offered, almost casually,
"Don't let others affect you. Focus on your goal."
Javi blinked. "That's it? That's your advice? Sounds like something off a cereal box."
Rukawa nodded. "Simple advice is often the most effective. Overthinking wastes time."
Javi huffed a laugh despite himself.
"You and your robot brain." He exhaled sharply, then started up the steps.
"Alright, alright. Let's get this over with before I lose my nerve."
MEANWHILE...
MEANWHILE...
Room 115 sat in silence—but not the kind that brought calm.
It was the tense, buzzing silence that felt alive, like the quiet before a storm.
Gwen Watson sat on the edge of her bed, perfectly still, her arms folded over her pristine uniform. Her eyes were closed—not in meditation, but restraint. She wasn't resting. She was containing herself.
Every line of her posture was sharp. Regal.
Untouchable.
Across the room, Richard, Simon, and Diana clustered together in hushed voices, like soldiers before a battle. They weren't being quiet just for Gwen's sake—something about her presence commanded it.
One wrong word and she'd ice them out. Completely.
Diana leaned toward Richard, barely a whisper escaping her lips.
"So... did you tell Javi about Gwen's plan?"
Richard's hand slid to the back of his neck.
He didn't meet her eyes.
"Didn't get the chance. He and Rukawa are knee-deep in test prep."
Simon exhaled sharply, clicking his tongue.
"Fantastic. So getting Javi to be mentored by Gwen—just Gwen? That's off the table."
"I know," Richard murmured. "I tried. But he's locked in. Focused."
Diana cast a glance at Gwen. Still unmoving. Still silent.
She hesitated.
"That's understandable. But… will she understand?"
The look Simon and Richard shared answered her before any words did.
Doubt. Concern. Fear.
After a long pause, Richard broke the silence.
"There's only one option left. I offer to mentor Javi with her. If I'm there, maybe we can keep things from blowing up."
Diana considered it. Slowly, she nodded.
"That's reasonable."
"But here's the question," Simon whispered, leaning in.
"How do we even pitch that to her?"
Diana pressed her lips together, glancing at Gwen again.
Her voice dropped into a mutter.
"That version of Gwen? She's untouchable."
Simon smirked, undeterred.
"By us, maybe. But not you."
Diana turned to him, startled.
"Me? What are you talking about?"
Richard offered a small, hopeful smile.
"You're her best friend. Her roommate. You understand her better than anyone."
There was a pause.
Diana blinked, unsure, the gears turning in her mind.
Me?
She'd seen Gwen like this before—tight-lipped, armored, ready to lash out at anyone who touched the wrong nerve. But still…
Simon nudged her with a grin.
"You've handled Gwen when she was moodier than this. You've got this."
He motioned toward the door.
"And we're running out of time. Those two will be here any minute."
Diana drew in a breath.
The doubt didn't vanish—but their belief in her steadied something in her chest.
She squared her shoulders. Her voice was quiet—but firm.
"Alright. I'll try."
---
Across the Room...
Richard and Simon stepped aside, giving Diana the space she needed.
The walk across the dorm room wasn't far, but each step echoed against the wooden floor like a ticking clock—loud, deliberate, final.
She stopped a few feet from Gwen and cleared her throat, just enough to signal her presence.
"Gwen…?"
Gwen's eyes opened slowly, precise and sharp like a blade slipping from its sheath.
"Yes, Diana?"
Her voice was calm, but unreadable.
"Can I talk to you?"
A subtle tilt of Gwen's head.
"You're already doing that."
Still, she shifted—uncrossing one leg. A small motion, but to Diana, it felt like the unlocking of a door.
A good sign.
Diana pressed forward, carefully choosing each word.
"It's about Javi. And... your plan. Our plan."
Something in Gwen's eyes shifted. They didn't soften, but they sharpened.
She didn't speak, but leaned in slightly.
The air changed.
"Go on."
Diana inhaled slowly. She wasn't afraid of Gwen, not exactly—but the wrong approach could end this conversation in one word.
"I know you wanted to mentor him personally. But... Richard and I, we think it might be better if you both mentored him. Together."
She paused.
"Javi can be... unpredictable. Two heads might be better than one."
Gwen didn't blink.
"I thought the plan was settled. Didn't Richard talk to him?"
"No," Diana said, quiet but honest. "Javi's been focused on studying. He hasn't had the chance."
Silence.
A long one.
Then, with no warning—
"Kay."
Diana blinked.
"Wait… You agree?"
Gwen nodded once.
"Ahuh."
Just like that.
No debate. No sharp rebuttal. No icy stare or breakdown of strategy.
Just a simple yes.
Diana stared, trying to recalibrate.
"Really?"
Gwen's voice carried its usual chill—but there was a faint, sly curl to her lips.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have someone assist. Javi and Rukawa need all the help they can get... especially if I'm to keep him from setting something on fire."
Diana let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She'd come in ready for a mental chess match.
Instead, she'd been handed checkmate.
"Okay... that was—easier than expected."
But then something flickered behind Gwen's eyes.
A soft shadow passed across her face. She turned away, folding her arms again.
And in a quieter voice—more to herself than anyone—she added:
"That thought's been lingering too long in my head... What am I even doing?"
Her arms tightened slightly.
"I don't even have a plan. 'Cross the bridge when I get there,' huh? Sometimes even I can't understand myself."
She gave a small laugh—but not out loud.
Inside. Silent. Bitter.
Diana's footsteps were light, but the tension between Simon and Richard was heavier than the air she walked through. She came to a halt before them, her expression unreadable—stunned, almost dreamlike.
Richard immediately straightened, his instincts sharpened.
"Well?" he asked, his voice low but expectant. "What did she say?"
Diana blinked slowly, as if reality was still catching up to her.
"She… she agreed. Just like that."
Simon, mid-fidget, froze.
"Just like that?" he echoed.
"No dramatic speech? No threat of exile? No 'my-way-or-detention' monologue?"
Diana shook her head in disbelief.
"Nothing. She just nodded."
The two boys exchanged a glance—silent, sharp, like detectives confronting a twist the evidence couldn't explain.
"She didn't even sigh dramatically?" Richard asked, doubtful.
"Not even a dramatic pause?" Simon added, narrowing his eyes.
A breath of laughter slipped out of Diana, soft and disoriented.
"She said 'kay.' That's it. One syllable. I thought maybe I hallucinated it."
Simon leaned forward slightly, squinting as if trying to detect fever.
"Did she hit her head while we weren't looking?"
Before anyone could answer, a voice cut through the room with blade-like precision.
"I can hear you guys, you know."
The trio turned at once—guilty kids caught whispering in a church pew.
Gwen stood like a soldier carved from iron, arms crossed over her chest, her brow raised, and that familiar, razor-edged judgment glinting in her eyes.
Simon snapped to attention with a sheepish grin.
"Ah-ha! Right. We were just... uh... impressed."
Gwen's stare narrowed.
"Impressed? By what?"
Simon, ever the performer under pressure, gestured awkwardly toward Diana.
Diana, refusing the role of scapegoat, raised a single brow and passed the blame back without a word.
Richard sighed and stepped forward like a man walking into enemy fire.
"We were just... surprised you agreed so quickly. That's all. Nothing bad."
Gwen tilted her head, her voice suddenly cooler, quieter.
"Why? Did you expect me to throw a tantrum?"
Simon's hands flew up in surrender.
"No! Of course not! It's just… you're usually—how do I say this nicely—intensely decisive."
Her eyes narrowed into sharp slits.
"Intensely decisive?"
Richard leapt into the conversational pit to rescue him.
"He means you're passionate. Unshakable. Tactical."
Gwen's expression didn't soften.
"You all mean stubborn."
Simon let out a nervous chuckle.
"Not just that. Also... terrifying. In a very charming way."
A flicker passed across Gwen's face. A twitch of the eye.
"So now I'm charmingly terrifying. What's next? Emotionally unstable?"
Simon scratched the back of his neck, choosing his next words like they were live wires.
"Okay, maybe that wasn't the best phrase. What I meant was..." He trailed off. "Intimidating?"
Gwen snapped her fingers once, decisive.
"Of course I'm intimidating. I'm the class president."
Simon sighed, looked at her with as much sincerity as he could muster.
"Yeah. You're right. You're the president. You have to be."
Diana giggled softly, unable to hide it.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
Gwen's smirk returned. It was the kind of smile that meant she'd been ten steps ahead the entire time.
"Oops. They're here."
Simon bumped Diana lightly with his elbow.
"Ready?"
She nodded with quiet resolve.
"Yes."
Simon leaned in, voice low and teasing.
"Of course you are. Your stoic prince charming is on the other side of that door."
Diana rolled her eyes, whispering through gritted teeth.
"Shut up."
Simon grinned.
"Time to be a teacher."
Gwen exhaled dramatically, her tone laced with theatrical menace.
"Good luck, everyone. Make them suffer."
Diana shot her a side glance.
"That's such an antagonist thing to say."
Richard chuckled.
"Terrifying, yes. But I'm pretty sure our rookies can handle themselves."
Gwen's smirk deepened.
"Then open the door, Doyle. It's time for the party."
Simon raised a fist with mock grandeur.
"Operation Mentor is about to begin!"
(On the other side of the door…)
Javi leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the door like it might bite him.
"You know what?" he muttered to Rukawa. "I think Gwen's gonna open that door holding torture equipment. You know, like in those cannibal movies?"
Rukawa didn't even flinch. He just rolled his eyes. "Being judgmental is not good for being a detective."
Javi smirked, nudging his friend's arm. "Aw, come on, Rukawa. I'm just trying to lighten the mood before we're flayed alive."
Rukawa's voice dropped into something more serious. "Remember my advice from earlier."
Javi sighed and straightened, the weight of the upcoming conversation pressing down on his shoulders. "Yeah, yeah. Focus on the goal. Don't let others affect me. Got it."
Then—click.
The door cracked open with dramatic timing, and Richard Doyle's head popped through.
"Sup!" he greeted cheerfully.
Javi blinked.
"Richard? What the—why are you here?"
Richard laughed. "I knew that would be your reaction."
Rukawa raised a brow. "Looks like we're not the only ones being summoned."
Richard wagged a finger. "Wrong. Tsk, tsk, tsk. We summoned you."
Rukawa tilted his head slightly. "We?"
The door swung open wider, revealing the full welcoming committee.
Standing at the center—of course—was Gwen Watson, arms crossed like a gatekeeper to the underworld, her sharp eyes already registering a hundred disappointments.
Beside her, Diana Marville, beaming like spring sunlight.
"Good afternoon!! How are you doing, guys?"
And lounging at the edge of the frame was Simon Curtis, offering a mock salute like they were cadets reporting for war.
"Yo, rooks and rookies—welcome to the big leagues!"
Javi's jaw dropped slightly.
"The whole gang's here?"
Richard grinned. "Ahuh. Now come on in. We'll explain everything once you're inside."
But Rukawa didn't move. Instead, he turned to Javi, his voice solemn.
"Before we enter... we must pay respect to them."
Javi raised a brow. "Pay respect? To them?"
Richard exchanged a confused glance with Simon, who leaned in and whispered to Gwen:
"We're not dead yet... are we?"
Gwen's eyes flicked toward him. "If you want to die, go first."
Meanwhile, Diana tilted her head, watching Rukawa expectantly, clearly familiar with the formality.
Rukawa stepped forward, lowered his head, and offered a respectful bow.
"Pardon our intrusions."
Javi, still slightly bewildered, followed his lead with a quick bow.
"Pardon our intrusions."
There was a pause. Then Richard and Simon spoke at the same time, their eyes widening in realization.
"Ohhh, that..."
Diana giggled behind her hand.
"Knew it."
Gwen didn't hide her smirk. She let it sit there, satisfied.
"At least someone knows how to enter a room properly."
Her eyes slid toward Javi.
"Unlike someone I know."
Javi groaned.
"Here we go again."
But even he couldn't deny—this felt oddly like home.
Richard waved them in.
"Now that respect has been paid... come in, come in."
And with that, the rookies stepped inside—into whatever mystery, lesson, or chaos awaited them next.
As Javi stepped into Room 115, he came to a full stop.
He had expected a space defined by surgical precision—walls lined with organized files, not a single pillow out of place, maybe even a faint scent of disinfectant. After all, this was Gwen Watson's room. The no-nonsense class president. The queen of scowls and sharp comebacks.
But instead, what greeted him was a warm, almost serene atmosphere.
Soft sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, painting the room in a golden glow. A neat but cozy rug rested on polished wooden floors. One bed had pristine navy sheets tucked military-tight—Gwen's, no doubt—while the other, softer with a pastel blanket and a vase of flowers beside it, screamed Diana. The room was a blend—order met comfort, discipline wrapped in kindness. It was... surprisingly perfect.
Javi let out a low whistle, arms crossing as he took it all in.
He hadn't expected to see this side of Gwen Watson.
"What's the matter, geek?" Gwen asked, her voice dry and mildly irritated.
Javi grinned, unfazed. "Just surprised you even know how to relax, Watson."
Her eyebrow arched. "You mean how comfortable it is?"
He pushed off the wall with an easy shrug. "Yeah, I thought your room would be a lot more..." He gestured broadly. "Sterile and structured. You know, like your personality."
She narrowed her eyes. "Are you insulting me?"
He raised both hands in mock innocence. "Hey, hey. Chill, it's just an observation. Not an insult—more like... predictable." He smirked. "But I gotta admit... it's kinda nice seeing a different side of you."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "I'm still human, you know."
Javi shrugged, his smirk softening. "Guess it is."
Then, privately—
Well, that removed my nervousness, but still... Gwen's really a girl beneath all that grumpiness—no no no, don't go there, Garcia. Perish the thought.
"Still, I'm impressed you appreciate my room," Gwen added.
He blinked and shook the thought from his head, regaining composure. "Hey, like you, I'm also a person who knows how to appreciate things."
She gave him a skeptical look and scoffed. "Didn't know you had the capacity to appreciate anything other than sarcasm."
"And I didn't know you had the capacity to stay in a cozy room without melting from grumpiness."
"Are you copying me now?" she shot back quickly.
Javi smirked. "Can't handle your own medicine, Watson?"
"I can handle anything you dish out, Garcia."
"So confident. Typical."
Across the room, Diana had quietly stepped toward Rukawa, who stood calmly near the door. "Uhh... here, you can sit on my bed. Make yourself at home."
Rukawa dipped his head. "Thank you."
He moved with his usual quiet grace, sitting at the bed's edge—back straight, presence calm. It didn't matter where he was. Rukawa carried composure like second skin.
Richard, standing nearby, observed with a small smirk and leaned toward Simon.
"Seems like Rukawa's already making himself comfortable," he murmured.
Simon, distracted by the Gwen-Javi exchange, gave a short laugh. "And those two... it's nice to see them talking without wanting to kill each other."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "Are they... getting along?"
Simon shrugged. "Could be anything. Maybe they're actually realizing they have something in common besides bickering."
Richard looked over at Gwen again. "Is it just me, or does she seem like she's in a good mood today?"
Simon scratched his head, considering. "Now that you mention it, yeah. She's not even glaring at us. That's gotta be a sign."
He added, "Remember earlier? She just agreed to the plan."
Richard nodded slowly, still surprised. "And without any arguing or dramatic monologue. She's... being reasonable."
They both stared at her in disbelief, then exchanged a look that said it all.
Had hell frozen over?
Simon muttered, "Is... is this a good thing? This feels weird."
THEN
Diana was the one who broke the surface of their thoughts.
"It's not weird," she said with quiet certainty, catching the edge of their murmuring conversation. "It's just Gwen being comfortable."
Richard raised a brow. He didn't disagree exactly, just… didn't understand.
"But she always seems so stern and strict," he said. "It's hard to imagine her being comfortable."
Simon was more blunt. "Yeah, it's like seeing a lion being all cuddly." He shuddered theatrically. "Totally messes with your instincts."
Diana chuckled softly, her eyes kind.
"This is our room. Of course she has a place to let her guard down. The Gwen we know? She's still there. But even lions need to rest."
The boys nodded slowly. Understanding didn't come instantly—but it was there, building.
"I see…" Richard said under his breath.
Simon crossed his arms, glancing at Gwen, who sat quietly for now. "So that's how it is."
Richard gave a short laugh. "We've seen her be nice before... a couple of times. I guess Diana's got a point."
But like all rare moments of softness, it didn't last long.
"Okay… that's enough chatting." Gwen's voice returned sharp, slicing through their calm like a dagger through silk. She stood up, her posture straight and commanding. "Everyone, gather up."
Richard smirked and pushed himself off the wall. "It's about time."
Simon nudged him, excitement glittering in his eyes. "This is it."
Javi exhaled as he rose, eyes trailing Gwen's every move. He muttered under his breath, a dry smile tugging at his lips.
"She's back."
From the far end, Rukawa stepped forward to stand beside him. Diana moved to rejoin Simon and Richard, folding her arms as the group aligned into a loose formation.
Gwen's eyes swept across them. Her tone shifted—cool, crisp, full of purpose.
"I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully..." Her gaze fixed on one target. "Especially you."
Javi raised a brow. "I'm all ears, Ms. President."
Her stare didn't flinch. "Good. Because this is serious."
The playful glint in Javi's eye dimmed. He straightened his spine, nodding once.
"Alright… you have my attention."
Gwen began pacing in measured steps, her fingers flicking slightly as she gathered her words.
"We summoned you here for one solid reason—to help you review for the upcoming exam."
Javi blinked. Of all the possibilities he imagined, that wasn't on his list. He glanced at Rukawa, but his friend remained still, eyes locked on Gwen.
"I assume you both received the 'spoiler alert' we sent?" Gwen continued.
Rukawa gave a quiet nod. "Of course. Mr. Doyle and Mr. Curtis explained it to us last week."
"Good." Gwen gave a tight nod. "And I take it you've both finished reading the Book of Deductions?"
Both boys answered with wordless nods.
"Perfect." Gwen's voice sharpened. "Now that you have your weapon, it's time we hone it. The Rookie Test will challenge more than your mind—it will test your spirit."
She stopped pacing. Her eyes swept over the group with the weight of a commander.
"And if you're thinking you can outsmart it with flashcards and last-minute cramming…" she scoffed. "You're wrong. You've got no choice but to accept our help."
Javi tilted his head, skeptical. "And what kind of help would that be?"
Richard stepped forward, voice steady and clear. "Gwen assigned roles. She and I will assist you, Javi."
Javi blinked once. Then again.
"Wait—you and Gwen are going to help me? Like, personally?"
Even Rukawa raised an eyebrow, mildly intrigued by the announcement.
"Yep," Richard confirmed. No hesitation.
Rukawa took a breath. "Then I suppose that leaves me with—"
"Bingo." Simon stepped forward, all teeth. "Me and Diana will be your tutors."
Diana smiled softly. "I hope we won't disturb your peace."
Rukawa gave a resigned sigh but nodded.
"If it's for my improvement… then do as you must."
Simon turned to Diana, and they shared a victorious high five.
Gwen smirked at the energy around her, then shifted her gaze to Javi.
"What about you, Garcia? Any complaints?"
Javi crossed his arms and gave a long sigh. "Well… even if I had some, would you listen?"
"Good," Gwen said, already turning. "At least you know."
Javi laughed under his breath. "Yeah. I'm not exactly holding my breath for that one."
Gwen gave a short clap of her hands.
"Alright then. Everyone— to the vault."
Rukawa's stoic expression wavered—just for a second—at the mention of the word "vault."
He exchanged a brief glance with Javi, whose brow arched with a mix of curiosity and unease.
"The vault?" Javi echoed, his tone casual, but there was a flicker of caution beneath it.
Richard gave him a small pat on the shoulder and smirked.
"You'll find out soon enough... when we get there."
Rukawa crossed his arms, eyes narrowing slightly.
"So it's a mystery, huh?"
Simon jumped in, his grin wide.
"Mystery and surprises rolled into one."
Rukawa muttered, almost to himself,
"I hate surprises."
Diana's voice came soft, reassuring, like a balm.
"Then let's change the word... to impressed."
She smiled, eyes warm as they met his.
Javi raised both hands in mock surrender.
"Wait, wait, wait—do we really need to go to that vault you're talking about? I mean, can't we just study here? This room's perfect!"
He spun in place, gesturing around.
"It's cozy! It's got a good vibe!"
A voice cut through the room, crisp and unforgiving.
"Excuse me?"
Gwen stepped forward, arms folded, her eyes sharp enough to slice through steel.
"If you think I'll let you turn my room into your training grounds, you are grudgingly mistaken."
Javi groaned audibly, his frustration bubbling up.
"Why not?! Your room's so comfy! It's like—study paradise! Comfy chairs, great lighting... even smells nice!"
Gwen's glare intensified, her voice ice.
"Absolutely not. My room is off-limits. End of discussion."
Javi opened his mouth, trying to fire back, but no words came.
Instead, he slumped, defeated.
"Ugh... fine. I'm just saying..."
He pouted like a sulking child.
Laughter rippled through the group as the tension dissolved, and together, they filed out of the room—leaving behind only faint echoes of their chatter.
---
But far across the hallway, where the shadows hung heavy like curtains, someone was watching.
A girl stood alone, her posture composed, her uniform immaculate. Hair sleek, eyes sharp—yet her presence blended so seamlessly into the dark that she was almost invisible. She didn't belong to this moment, yet she observed it all.
She tilted her head slightly and murmured to herself,
"Gwen is on the move..."
Her eyes shifted, focusing intently on someone from the group—but who, exactly, remained unclear.
A quiet smile brushed her lips.
"You'll be a nice teacher..."
And then—she vanished.
Into the silence.
Into the dark.
Gwen led the way, her stride sharper than usual—determined, almost commanding. There was a fire in her step now, and for once, no one questioned it.
They moved through the faculty wing, the silence growing heavier with each footfall until they came to a halt outside Mr. Graves' office.
Javi furrowed his brow, glancing around.
"Wait—this is where the vault is?"
Gwen turned, eyes steady.
"No. But we need permission to access it."
Javi exchanged a look with Rukawa, a silent question passing between them. Permission? They'd assumed the vault was just another training room—strange, maybe high-tech, but nothing that required clearance.
Before either could speak, Gwen sliced the air with her voice.
"Wait here. Don't move."
Without waiting for a reply, she pushed open the office door—then slammed it shut behind her with a thunderous bang.
Javi flinched.
"What the—does she have to slam the door down like that?!"
Simon quipped, deadpan.
"Maybe she's mad at the hinges too."
Rukawa crossed his arms, exhaling deeply.
"Even logic can't explain a woman's behavior."
Simon nodded solemnly.
"Girls... the queens of mood swings."
Richard chuckled, adding his own grain of salt.
"And they always think they're right. No matter what."
The three boys sighed in synchronized defeat, as if they'd all been through the same silent battle a hundred times.
Then came a polite cough behind them.
"Ahem. Guys?"
They froze like statues.
Diana stood a few feet away, arms crossed gently, a smile dancing on her lips. But there was something in her gaze—soft amusement mixed with just enough danger to turn their blood cold.
The boys looked at one another in panic.
Every expression read the same thing: We're dead.
"Sorry," they muttered in unison, voices low and sheepish—even Rukawa, whose pride usually came with a lock and key.
He muttered, eyes drifting away.
"This is… embarrassing."
Javi gave an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah… sorry 'bout that. Really."
Simon looked at the floor.
"We didn't mean it like that…"
Richard scratched behind his ear.
"We just got… carried away."
Diana shook her head, holding back a laugh.
"I'm not mad. Just… amused. A little disappointed, maybe."
Javi let out a dramatic sigh of relief.
"Whew. That could've gone way worse."
Rukawa nodded, still visibly annoyed with himself.
"Doesn't mean we won't be more careful next time."
"Definitely," Javi echoed quickly.
Simon grinned.
"We'll keep our remarks more… diplomatic."
Richard gave a half-smile.
"Yeah. No more talking about girls' mood swings behind their backs."
The door creaked open, and Gwen stepped out briskly, holding up a small roll of parchment in one hand and a set of keys in the other.
"Got the keys. And permission," she announced, giving the group a curt nod. Her eyes narrowed slightly as they fell on the boys, who were suddenly far too quiet for her liking. "What the hell is the problem now?"
The boys stiffened.
Javi coughed into his fist, eyes darting anywhere but Gwen's face.
"Uh—nothing. We were just… talking."
Simon followed with an unconvincing smile.
"Yeah. Just small talk. Totally harmless."
Richard added, backing them up like a true teammate.
"Just… guy stuff. Nothing important."
Gwen arched a brow, unimpressed, but didn't press further. She rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Whatever. I don't care. Let's go."
She turned on her heel and led the way down the corridor without waiting for a response.
Behind her, Javi mouthed silently to Simon.
"We live another day."
Simon gave a thumbs up. Richard smirked. Rukawa simply exhaled.
Diana shook her head, walking past them with a smile that said, "Nice save, boys."
With parchment in hand and keys in her grip, Gwen walked ahead—fierce and focused, unaware that a quiet shadow had been watching from the far end of the hallway.
The group had been walking through the faculty wing for what felt like hours, though it had only been closer to one. Still, with every turn down dimly lit corridors and every staircase that led to another identical hallway, Javi's patience was quickly wearing thin.
"Okay… seriously? Is it just me, or is this building a thousand times bigger on the inside?" he muttered, glancing up at the towering ceilings and branching corridors.
Rukawa's eyes narrowed as he scanned the surroundings.
"It's like whoever designed this place wanted to make sure you got lost on the way to class."
Javi groaned, dragging his feet a little.
"Well, mission accomplished. I'm getting dizzy just walking in circles..."
They rounded one last corner—at least, they hoped it was the last—only to stop in front of... a plain, stone wall.
"You've gotta be kidding me," Javi deadpanned. "This is your big secret vault? A wall?"
Gwen rolled her eyes without turning around.
"Of course not, dummy. We're not there yet."
Rukawa folded his arms, unimpressed.
"So the suspense is just beginning."
Diana chuckled, her voice light and mysterious.
"Just wait and see…"
Without another word, Gwen stepped toward the wall and hovered her hand above a particular brick near shoulder height. For a second, nothing happened. Then—
Click.
A sharp mechanical sound echoed through the corridor. The wall began to shift. Gears clicked and ancient hinges groaned, revealing a sleek metal door where stone had been just moments ago.
Javi's jaw practically hit the floor.
"Okay... that was insanely cool."
Rukawa's eyes narrowed, intrigued.
"A hidden door. Is this finally the vault?"
Simon clapped his hands, triumphant.
"See? Didn't I tell you you'd be surprised?"
Richard nodded with a faint smirk.
"And believe it or not, this still isn't the good part."
Diana giggled, her tone teasing.
"Don't worry… this place won't bite. Probably."
Gwen didn't bother responding. She pulled the key from her pocket, inserted it into the lock, and twisted. With a soft click, the door unlatched.
She glanced back at the group and simply said, "Let's go."
And with that, she stepped into the darkness beyond the vault door.
Inside stretched a long, metallic hallway—narrow, cold, and sleek, like something torn straight from a spy film. The walls gleamed faintly, brushed steel from floor to ceiling, untouched by age or dust, as if preserved in time.
As they stepped inside, a light above them flickered to life.
Then another.
And another.
Each footstep ahead triggered more lights—casting a ripple of illumination down the corridor, a moving glow that followed them like a silent observer. It felt alive. Watching. Anticipating. Judging.
Javi gave a low whistle.
"Okay… now this is cool."
Simon glanced at him with a crooked grin.
"If you're wondering how the lights work—it's motion sensors. You're familiar with those, right?"
Javi nodded, still glancing around in awe.
"Yeah, I know what motion sensors are... but this? This isn't what I expected."
Simon chuckled.
"I get it. I felt the same when I first came here three months ago."
Javi smirked, running a hand across the smooth steel wall.
"Feels more like a psych ward than a training vault, though."
Gwen, walking just ahead, glanced over her shoulder, smirking.
"You're not wrong. This place can make you crazy."
Javi smirked back.
"Oh yeah? I'm looking forward to it."
Then Rukawa's voice, quiet but pointed, cut through the air.
"I have questions. Does the government know about this place?"
Richard answered without hesitation.
"Yes. In fact, they're the ones who built it. The school too."
Javi blinked.
"W-wait, really? Then why would the government allow a facility like this?"
Diana sighed, folding her arms.
"That's the European government for you."
Rukawa murmured under his breath.
"That means... we're their soldiers."
A heavy silence followed.
Javi exhaled.
"Looks like they're preparing for something big..."
But Gwen's voice cut through the weight of it—soft, steady, and unusually warm.
"Then we need to be strong. We're here for a reason, and that makes us lucky. But I won't be anyone's weapon. As detectives, we have to choose our own path."
Javi turned to her, smiling.
"Now you're talking like a president."
Gwen rolled her eyes, but the faint smile on her lips lingered longer than usual.
"Shush, you."
Behind them, Diana, Simon, and Richard exchanged subtle glances. A silent conversation passed between them—wordless but clear.
Diana leaned in, whispering,
"Did she just..."
Richard continued, eyes still on Gwen,
"Smile?"
Simon raised an eyebrow.
"That was definitely not a smirk."
They said nothing more, quietly tucking the moment away.
Then Rukawa came to a halt. His gaze drifted over the corridor.
"This place… it feels oddly familiar."
A shiver traced down his spine.
And just like that, the group moved forward once more.
The lights continued to bloom ahead of them, one after another, leading them deeper into the unknown.
-After awhile..
Gwen came to a halt before an enormous steel door embedded in the wall like something out of a Cold War nightmare. The others slowed beside her, eyes rising to take in its sheer size.
"We're here," she said, her voice steady.
Javi let out a low whistle, stepping closer but not too close. The metal was matte black, reinforced with crisscrossed bolts, and lined with warning stripes. It practically radiated don't touch me.
"This ain't a vault," he muttered, wide-eyed. "It's a freaking bank safe on steroids."
He glanced at Gwen, then at Richard. "And we're supposed to train inside this thing?"
Richard smirked. "Yes. And I assure you… you're about to unlock whatever's hiding inside you. Whether you're ready or not."
Rukawa tilted his head slightly, curious. "A hidden potential, huh? Tempting."
Javi exhaled, rolled his shoulders, and cracked his knuckles. "Whatever it takes to become a full-time student. Let's do this."
Without a word, Gwen reached into her coat and pulled out an aged parchment—crisp at the edges like it had been through fire. She held it up to a tiny lens embedded in the wall beside the vault.
There was a brief hum of scanning. Then—
"WELCOME TO VAULT SEVENTEEN," a synthetic voice echoed, clear and jarring in the silence.
Javi jumped back, heart skipping. "¡Dios mío! Did that thing just talk?!"
Richard chuckled. "Should've warned you. Vault 17 has its own AI system. State-of-the-art… and a little too chatty."
The AI's voice changed, becoming oddly familiar. Female. Warm. Almost... playful.
"What brings you here, dear Watson?" it asked, directing its tone to Gwen.
Gwen didn't flinch. "We're here to access the vault, Maria."
There was a pause—a thinking pause. Then the AI replied:
"What is the password to the vault?"
Javi raised an eyebrow, deadpan. "We're really doing riddles with a robot now?"
Gwen lifted the parchment and read aloud, "The deeper the secret… the quieter the room."
Silence. A soft click. A hum.
Maria replied, her voice almost pleased.
"Password accepted. Access granted."
With a deep, metallic groan, the vault door began to shift. The sound wasn't just loud—it was felt, vibrating through the floor and up their spines. It swung open slowly, revealing a chamber beyond.
The interior was bathed in dim, sterile light. Cold steel walls stretched outward into a vast circular dome lined with glass-enclosed chambers. Doors. So many doors. It looked more like a containment facility than a classroom.
"ENJOY YOUR STAY," Maria chimed sweetly.
Javi blinked. "Enjoy our stay? What is this—a hotel for emotionally scarred detectives?"
Richard smirked. "At least the AI has a sense of humor."
The moment they stepped in, the heavy vault door sealed shut behind them with a final, thunderous clunk.
Inside, it was colder. Still.
A tension hung in the air, sharp and silent like a needle pressed to skin. Shadows clung to the corners of the dome. Each glass room seemed to hum faintly—waiting.
Vault 17.
A training facility.
An interrogation chamber.
A place designed to strip away everything you think you know about yourself.
They had just entered a place that sees you.
And if you're not careful… it might change you forever.
As they stepped farther into the belly of Vault 17, the air grew colder—thicker.
The rookies' footsteps slowed. Their eyes darted, trying to absorb the endless doors, the glowing panels, the sheer silence of it all. It was like standing in the heart of a machine that had long stopped pretending it was made for humans.
Javi swallowed hard.
"Oh my—"
Rukawa's voice came steady, but a flicker of a smirk touched his lips.
"Now I understand why this place could drive someone insane."
Gwen raised an eyebrow, arms crossed as she watched them.
"Ooh… they're impressed."
Simon let out a short chuckle.
"Can't blame them."
Richard, more introspective, murmured almost to himself.
"Time flies so fast…"
Simon turned to him with a grin.
"Yeah. Can't believe we're the mentors now."
Diana's warm voice followed.
"Good luck, rookies!"
Javi straightened, forcing a smirk to cover his awe.
"Yeah… we're definitely gonna need it."
Rukawa gave a small nod.
"May we not kill ourselves out there."
The other boys winced in unison.
"Dude!"
Javi raised an eyebrow.
"That's some really dark humor."
Simon, unimpressed, nodded.
"If that's your version of a joke… I hate it."
Richard groaned and rubbed his temple.
"Don't jinx us. Please."
Gwen stepped forward, her voice cutting through the nervous chatter.
"That's enough. No one's dying. Each room's built the same, but what you face inside? That's up to you. Pick whichever calls to you."
Javi let out a breath and looked toward the nearest door.
"I'll take the one closest to the exit."
Rukawa's gaze swept toward the center of the vault.
"I'll take the one right in the middle."
Gwen nodded, then watched as Rukawa approached Javi.
The quiet boy paused just in front of him, his voice low.
"Good luck."
Javi returned the stare, a spark of friendly challenge lighting his eyes.
"You too."
Richard clapped a hand on Javi's shoulder and glanced at Rukawa.
"See you when I see you."
Simon and Diana offered warm, hopeful smiles.
Gwen joined Javi and Richard, casting a sardonic glance at the others.
"Wish you all the worst."
Simon rolled his eyes.
"You could at least try to cheer us up, yeah?"
Diana laughed lightly.
"Don't argue with Javi too much."
Gwen smirked.
"No promises."
Then her expression sharpened as she turned to Rukawa.
"I'm expecting a lot from you."
Rukawa lifted an eyebrow, tone firm but respectful.
"And I aim to exceed your expectations."
A beat passed in silence.
Then they parted.
Mentors and students.
One side watching with quiet pride…
The other walking toward the unknown.
As the chapter closes, one thing becomes unmistakably clear—
The School of Shadows is no ordinary detective academy.
Now, the rookies stand before the doors of their personal training chambers—rooms designed not just to train, but to transform. Each space a mystery in itself. Each challenge tailored to push their minds to the edge.
What kind of trials lie within?
How will this experience prepare them for the brutal Rookie Test looming ahead?
And most importantly…
What dormant abilities will rise when the pressure is at its peak?
The doors creak shut behind them.
Silence.
The real journey begins now.