AN: Hi everyone, I'm back for this week's updates.
Sorry about last week, I never thought I would skip two days of uploads.
I took a bit more time to write as I was busy in RL, and I have the nerve to buy Jedi: Survivor after I saw it was on sale in PS store
I got into it a bit way too much that I forgot to write then my duties in RL came crushing...
Last week was a bit hell but somehow I manage it...
Ahem!
Anyways here is the today's chapter!
Enjoy reading~
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Non-Administrated World #97, Star Rail Universe…
Inside the study of Peverell Manor in Meldiana Sanctuary, Noah sat at the head of the table with Hayate and Sirin beside him.
Around them were their allies, friends, and family.
The Astral Express crew. The Potters. The Greengrasses. Director Ragnok. Account Managers Gornak and Rulvek. Headmaster Crowley. Village Chief Bronwen. The chiefs of the four newly reactivated sanctuaries.
Everyone had gathered to report on the state of the sanctuaries, the movements of the Ministry of Magic, Voldemort and the Death Eaters, the number of evacuated families, and the political pressure now tightening around them.
Noah's expression remained straight. It was calm enough that everyone could practically tell he was already suffering.
March 7th, seated farther down the table, watched him with pity as he held a quill in one hand and stared at the mountain of parchment before him.
"Is it just me," she whispered to Caelus, "or does he look like someone about to declare war on documents?"
"Nah, he already lost that war before it could even happen." Caelus leaned back slightly.
Dan Heng, who was reviewing a report beside them, spoke without looking up. "The enemy continues to return."
"Official documents really are immortal." March shivered.
At the head of the table, Noah's cheeks twitched. He wanted to retort badly, but Sirin gently placed a hand over his arm.
"Noah, focus."
Noah sighed and straightened.
"Right. Sanctuary report first."
Director Ragnok rose from his seat, his sharp eyes sweeping across the room.
"At present, Meldiana Sanctuary is stable. Its wards are fully awake and have accepted Lord Peverell's authority. The internal residential quarters are functional, though some sections remain sealed until further inspection."
Chief Bronwen nodded. "We have enough food stores for the current families, but if more arrive at this pace, we will need to expand the outer farms and activate the secondary kitchens."
"How many families are currently housed in Meldiana?" Himeko asked.
Bronwen checked the parchment in front of her.
"Thirty-two families. Twenty were moved in during the first wave. Twelve more arrived over the last two days."
Noah's expression hardened slightly.
"Twelve more…"
"One Light-side family," Bronwen continued. "Three Gray-side families. The rest are Muggle-born or mixed households who were attacked or threatened by Death Eater activity."
Everyone in the room grimaced. The number itself was not huge, but it was an undeniable reminder that the Death Eaters' activities were still going strong.
Hayate glanced at Noah, she saw the way his hand slowly closed over the edge of the table.
Director Ragnok continued. "The four newly reactivated sanctuaries are also functional. Not at Meldiana's level, but enough to receive evacuees. Their chiefs will report."
The first village chief, an elderly witch with silver hair and a voice like dry leaves, rose from her seat.
"Eirwen Sanctuary has received eight families. The wards have remained stable since reactivation. Food stores are at moderate levels, but enough for everyone. However, we need healers and at least two ward specialists."
"I will seek out healers for the village and gather potion ingredients to support them," Damien said.
"For the ward specialists, it will be difficult to find someone capable and trustworthy at a time like this," Fleamont said. "But I will see what we can do."
"We can dispatch some students from the Academy to help while House Potter searches for permanent specialists," Headmaster Crowley added.
"Thank you very much," the Eirwen Sanctuary village head said, nodding gratefully.
Next to stand was a broad-shouldered wizard from the next sanctuary.
"Caer Glas has received six families. Mostly Muggle-born. The children are frightened, but physically unharmed. We need books, tutors, and someone who can explain the situation without scaring them worse."
March's expression softened immediately.
"I can help with the children," she said. "Pictures, stories, simple explanations. Nothing too heavy."
"That would be helpful." Himeko smiled gently.
Another chief, younger than the others but visibly tired, adjusted his glasses.
"Rhydwyn Sanctuary has received nine families. Two arrived injured from an ambush near a Floo route. They are stable now, thanks to Lady Shamal and the TSAB healers."
Nanoha-chan, seated beside Fate-chan, looked down at her hands with a tight expression.
"They attacked families while they were escaping…" Hayate-chan nodded, her voice small.
"Cowards." Vita crossed her arms
"No. Predators." Signum's eyes narrowed.
The final chief, a stern woman with dark braids, placed her report down.
"Llynfawr Sanctuary is secure, but empty for now. We are ready to receive more families if needed."
"That's great,'' Noah nodded. "Keep it as a reserve point. If Meldiana gets too full, we move the next wave there."
Dan Heng marked the note down.
"What about the routes?" Welt then looked toward Ragnok.
Ragnok's expression became colder.
"Gringotts has opened three safe transfer corridors. One passes through goblin-managed land. Another uses the old Peverell tunnels. The last is a disguised Portkey route."
"And the risk?" Sirin asked.
"Rising," Ragnok answered. "The Death Eaters have noticed that families are disappearing before they can reach them. They have begun watching known relatives, school contacts, and old Floo networks."
James Potter's hand curled into a fist on the table.
"They're hunting people before they can run."
Pandora's eyes lowered, but her voice stayed steady. "They are trying to make examples."
Charlus' face darkened.
"And failing to understand that every example they make gives us ten more reasons to move faster."
Damien Greengrass smiled faintly, though his eyes were cold. "The Gray families are watching closely. Some still fear moving openly, but the attacks against Muggle-born households are changing the mood."
Elizabeth Greengrass added, "They are beginning to understand that neutrality will not protect them forever."
Noah looked at Damien. "How many are willing to cooperate?"
"Openly?" Damien asked. "Not many yet."
Noah's expression did not change.
Damien's smile sharpened.
"But in the shadows? Enough."
"I like that answer." Caelus grinned.
Fleamont Potter leaned forward. "The Light-side families are easier to rally, but they are also louder. Some want a public declaration."
Noah immediately looked pained. "Please don't tell me they want me to stand on a stage."
Charlus coughed, and Dorea covered her smile.
Euphemia suddenly became very interested in her tea.
"…Why did everyone react like that?" Noah slowly narrowed his eyes.
"No one said anything about the stage." Charlus cleared his throat.
"....That means something close to a stage."
"Oh my, he's learning. Granny March is proud!" March dramatically wiped away imaginary tears.
"Granny!" Noah looked at her.
March gave him a thumbs-up.
"There is a matter we need to discuss." Charlus let out a tired sigh.
Noah leaned back slightly and silently eyed the window.
Hayate immediately placed a hand on his arm.
"No windows," she said softly.
Noah flinched.
"No portals either." Sirin placed her hand over his other arm.
Noah looked between them.
"…I feel betrayed."
"You are being protected from yourself," Sirin said.
"That sounds like betrayal with better grammar."
"Noah." Himeko smiled from across the table.
He looked at her. Himeko's smile was gentle as ever, but her eyes said very clearly that escaping this time would not work.
Noah surrendered with the air of a man walking toward the gallows.
"…Fine. What is it?"
Charlus took out three sealed letters and placed them on the table.
Noah stared at them, then closed his eyes.
"I knew it. Sealed letters!"
"His sense of danger was correct." Hayate nodded sagely.
"Unfortunately, you still have to listen." Sirin looked amused.
Charlus pushed the first letter forward.
"The Delacour family in France has invited us to a social gathering."
"Us?" Noah opened one eye.
"You," Charlus corrected. "And representatives of our alliance."
Noah closed his eyes again.
"He's retreating internally." March whispered to Caelus.
"Respectable defense mechanism." Caelus whispered back.
"The Delacours are an old and respected French magical family. They have ties within the French magical community, and more importantly, they are not under our Ministry's thumb." Charlus continued before Noah could object.
"That alone makes them sound pleasant," Sirin said.
Damien nodded. "Continental support matters. Britain is not isolated, no matter how loudly the Ministry pretends otherwise."
Fleamont added, "Several families from France and nearby magical communities will attend. Some are watching the current situation closely. They want to know if the Peverell return is real."
Noah slowly opened his eyes.
"And by 'know,' you mean they want to look at me."
"Yes," Charlus said.
Noah stared at him, and Charlus stared back.
Noah looked at Hayate, who returned a sweet smile.
"No windows," she repeated.
Noah turned to Sirin.
"Absolutely no portals," she said, shaking her head.
He looked at Himeko.
"No train impacts either," Himeko added serenely.
"My options are becoming very limited." Noah slumped slightly.
"That is often how responsibility works." Welt smiled.
"I dislike this lesson."
"There is another reason this gathering matters." Charlus pushed the second letter forward.
"It has another seal." Noah eyed the letter with suspicion.
"Yes." Charlus opened the letter and pushed it toward Noah.
"Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel sent word. They wish to meet you there."
Noah's expression sharpened, the earlier complaints politely stepping aside.
"The Flamels," he repeated, then looked at Charlus. "The same Flamels who are famous alchemists. Immortal, or close enough to it. The creators of the Philosopher's Stone?"
"The Philosopher's Stone…" Hayate's eyes narrowed with interest.
"An artifact tied to life extension and transmutation?" Welt tilted his head, expression became thoughtful.
"Among other things," Ragnok said. "Goblin records treat Flamel with unusual respect."
Noah noted that immediately.
"Unusual respect from goblins means he either paid his debts perfectly or scared someone important."
"Both, perhaps." Ragnok's grin showed sharp teeth.
Dan Heng looked toward the sealed letter. "Why would they want to meet Noah specifically?"
Charlus' face became confused.
"That is the question."
"The Flamels have remained neutral for years. They do not move for gossip." Damien leaned back in his chair.
Elizabeth nodded. "If they reached out now, then either they know something about the Peverell inheritance, or they know something about the threat moving behind this war."
"…Dodomo." Sirin's expression cooled.
"It's Dormammu…" everyone corrected her at the same time.
Noah sighed and stared at the letter. He tried to reach through the Force for guidance, but it remained silent.
Then he asked Charlus without moving his eyes from the letter. "What exactly did they say?"
Charlus unfolded a copied note and read aloud.
"They request a private conversation with the current Head of House Peverell regarding matters future, leyline disruption, and the unnatural thinning of the world's boundary."
Everyone perked up at that. What the Flamels wrote was far too specific.
"That sounds… way too important." Caelus slowly raised his hand.
March swallowed. "Unnatural thinning… that's bad, right?"
"Very, very bad," Dan Heng said.
Noah did not say anything. Instead, he turned toward Sirin.
"Sii."
Sirin closed her eyes and nodded. "I'm on it."
A faint indigo light wrapped around her, and her Quantum Astral Emblem pulsed with quantum energy. Everyone in the room fell silent, not wanting to disturb her, and waited for Sirin to finish.
After a few moments, her brows slowly furrowed.
"…This is weird," she said at last, opening her eyes. "I can't see or sense any problems with the dimensional walls."
"That's good, right?" March blinked.
"Not necessarily," Sirin replied, her voice turning more serious. "It means one of two things. Either the thinning has not reached anywhere I can detect from here…"
Her eyes moved to the Flamel letter.
"Or someone already repaired the damage before I could sense it."
Noah's eyes narrowed slightly. "Someone fast enough to fix a dimensional tear before you noticed?"
Sirin crossed her arms, her expression caught between annoyance and reluctant respect.
"If the Flamels detected traces of it before I did, then either their alchemical instruments are far more advanced than expected… or their knowledge of this world's boundaries is extremely meticulous."
"Considering Nicolas Flamel created the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary alchemical artifact tied to the Elixir of Life, that possibility should not be dismissed." Welt narrowed his eyes.
Ragnok's sharp eyes glinted. "Goblin nation do not treat Flamel lightly."
Sirin looked back at the letter, more thoughtful now.
"…Interesting," she murmured. "For humans of this world to notice something before the Herrscher of Void…"
"You sound impressed." Hayate smiled faintly.
"I said interesting." Sirin looked away.
Noah's lips twitched despite the tension.
"Either way, this meeting may be necessary." Himeko looked at him.
Noah nodded.
"Yeah," he said, eyes still on the Flamel seal. "If they can detect something even Sii missed, then we need to hear what they know."
Then Noah sighed and ruffled his already messy hair.
"A social party," he said slowly, "that is actually a diplomatic gathering, an alliance test, a continental political probe, and a private meeting with two immortal alchemists about soul anchors and dimensional damage."
Charlus hesitated. "…Yes."
Noah turned to Himeko.
"You told me it was a short overseas visit with possible alchemical guidance and cake."
Himeko's smile didn't move. "Should I have added tea as well?"
Noah rubbed his forehead.
Hayate leaned closer. "Noah-kun."
He looked at her.
"We should go."
Noah did not answer immediately.
"You already know why." Sirin watched him with understanding.
He did. That was why he didn't refuse right away.
The Peverell name had awakened too many forces.
They needed more reliable allies for the sanctuaries to operate. The evacuees needed routes. Dormammu was no longer waiting and hiding. So if the Flamels had information about the boundary, ignoring them would be foolish.
Even if the meeting was wrapped in ribbons, tea, and smiling nobles.
Noah exhaled.
"…Fine."
Charlus blinked. "Fine?"
Noah looked at him with exhausted dignity.
"I will attend the France gathering."
Everyone seemed to release a collective breath.
Then Noah lifted one finger.
"But."
Everyone froze.
"I am not giving speeches."
Charlus opened his mouth.
"No speeches," Noah repeated, his voice firmer this time.
Fleamont looked away, and Damien hid his smile in his cup.
Noah pointed at him. "No arranged introductions that secretly become speeches."
"…How suspicious of you." Damien lifted both hands.
"I didn't hear any denial."
Noah looked at Charlus next. "No stages."
Charlus sighed. "Yes, no stages."
"No surprise announcements."
"Reasonable." Dorea smiled.
"No one introduces me with more than two titles."
Himeko's eyes twinkled. "Only two?"
Noah gave her a wounded look. "Miss Himeko."
She chuckled softly.
"Can I pick the titles?" Hayate raised her hand slightly.
"Hachan…"
"I want to join as well." Sirin smiled.
"Sii… why?"
"Can we vote on the titles we use?" March leaned forward.
"Granny March, please spare me already!"
"Democracy has been defeated." Caelus snapped his fingers.
Noah placed both hands on the table, trying to recover some dignity.
"I will go because the Flamels may know something important, and because the sanctuaries need continental support." His voice softened, but his eyes stayed clear. "But I am going as Noah."
Charlus' expression softened, and for a moment, the old Potter did not answer.
"As you wish, Noah." He nodded.
Noah blinked. He hadn't expected Charlus to agree that easily.
Charlus smiled faintly. "That was not so difficult."
Noah stared at him.
Dorea looked proud of her husband, and Euphemia hid her smile behind her hand.
March raised her camera and took a picture. "Awww…"
"…Thank you." Noah looked away quickly.
Charlus gave a small nod, but because he was still Charlus Potter, he added, "Of course, the Delacours may still insist on proper etiquette."
Noah's soul returned to suffering.
"Ah… of course, there it is."
Hayate patted his arm, and Sirin smiled. Himeko took another sip of coffee, looking far too pleased.
Ragnok tapped the table, bringing the meeting back into order.
"Before Lord Peverell is dressed up and shipped to France, there remains one more report."
Noah looked at him suspiciously. "…Why did you say it like that?"
Ragnok ignored him and pulled out another folder.
"Our scouts found something near one of the paths going to the sanctuary."
The mood changed instantly, and the teasing vanished.
Charlus sat straighter. Fleamont's eyes sharpened. Damien's smile disappeared. Even March lowered her camera.
Ragnok opened the folder.
"The road was not on Ministry maps, but it was listed in older Peverell evacuation records as a gateway to magical nations."
Noah's expression hardened.
"What did they find?"
Ragnok slid a sketch onto the table.
Huge blocks of stone pillars forming like an elliptical formation that suspiciously looked like one of the famous landmarks in Britain.
Hayate's eyes narrowed. "This looks like… the Stonehenge?"
Sirin raised her eyebrow. "... A gateway to what?"
Noah looked at the sketch, then at the sanctuary routes.
A Gateway to Magical Nations
Far too close to Meldiana.
His earlier exhaustion disappeared.
"Seal the current routes. Move all scheduled evacuations away from that path. If we need to, double the escorts on every family transfer."
"Done." Charlus nodded immediately.
"Uncle Dan Heng, Uncle Yang, can both of you review the Peverell records for any mention of that road?"
"Understood," Dan Heng said.
"I will compare the older maps with the current one we are using." Welt adjusted his glasses.
"Sii, I want spatial monitoring in that section."
"Already thinking the same thing." Sirin smiled thinly
"Hachan. Rein."
Hayate and Reinforce met his eyes.
"Please coordinate with the TSAB team and see if this is really a gateway, we need to know what is that and how it will affect the sanctuary's protections"
"Leave it to me."
"I will do my best!"
Nanoha-chan immediately straightened in her seat. "We'll help too!"
Fate-chan nodded. "If there are traces of magic left behind, Bardiche and I can scan the area from above."
Hayate-chan raised her hand. "And I can compare the spell structure with Belkan formulas. If it's a portal, there should be a pattern."
Reinforce Zwei of this world floated beside her shoulder and saluted with tiny determination. "Leave support analysis to us!"
Noah looked at the younger Aces for a moment before his expression softened.
"Thank you. But stay with the TSAB team and don't move alone. If this is connected to whatever ancient things the old Peverell did, then it won't be a normal investigation."
"Understood." Nanoha-chan nodded seriously.
"We won't be careless." Fate-chan's eyes sharpened.
"We'll be careful, Noah-san." Hayate-chan smiled faintly.
March swallowed. "And us?"
Noah looked toward her and Caelus.
His expression softened just enough.
"You two stay on standby. If families need to evacuate fast, work with the Wolkenritter and help get them out."
"Finally, something I understand." Caelus grinned.
"We've got it." March nodded, determination replacing her earlier cheer.
"If evacuation begins, we will secure the path." Signum sat straight, her posture already shifting into that of a knight awaiting orders.
"Anyone who tries to touch the families gets smashed." Vita grinned and gave a fierce nod.
Shamal's voice was gentler, but no less firm. "I'll prepare healing support and emergency transfer circles."
Zafira crossed his arms. "I will guard the rear. No one will be left behind."
Hayate smiled at them with trust. "Then we'll split the work. TSAB checks the site. The Wolkenritter protects the routes."
Noah nodded. "That's a good plan."
After a moment, Noah looked around and placed his hand on the table.
"I will still attend the Delacour gathering," he said. "But while I'm away, I'm leaving this place to all of you."
Everyone felt the trust and weight of his words.
"Protect the sanctuaries. Keep the evacuation routes safe. Watch that road. And if anything changes, don't wait for me. Act."
Everyone in the room nodded.
Noah let out a small smile. "Let's all do our best. And may the Force be with all of you."
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