The elven esper academy Elavien was a wonder of technology and nature .
Large silver spires , glowing flowers and strange plants at every corner gave it an air of calm and steady growth .
Leo was currently in an expensive looking self driving carriage making his way towards the academy while marveling at the beauty that was Elavein .
To be fair sky crest was beautiful in its own right but Elavein was different.
As the carriage made its way forward Leo couldn't help but remember the past few days while murmuring to himself .
The cave where he met the peak primordial beast was raided by the elves but nothing was found except the lingering corrupted energy and a few lab apparatus.
" It seems someone is trying to experiment with that energy .... Probably that masked dude "
After that all the other sites he had to search all lead to dead ends .
The last place he had investigate was Elavein his current destination.
" l hope to at least find a new clue "
By sunset he arrived at the massive gray gates .
Leo was genuinely impressed.
Elavein looked better from up close .
Massive silver gates stood beneath towering trees whose branches stretched into the clouds themselves. Rivers of glowing energy flowed through the city like veins of light.
Elegant towers rose naturally from the landscape rather than replacing it.
Everything felt ancient.
Perfect.
Controlled.
"Welcome to Elavein."
A voice echoed smoothly across the entrance platform.
Waiting near the gates stood a group of elves dressed in white-and-gold military attire.
These were different from the guards of prince Aelion who wore silver armor
At their center—
A tall silver-haired young man in regal clothes stepped forward calmly, a small smile plastered on his handsome face.
"The 5th Prince," Leo whispered carefully.
The elf's golden eyes scanned Leo from head to toe not in a condescending way like the council members but not with respect like the crown prince Aelion .
The 5th Prince's gaze was more calculating yet at the same time curious .
"I am Prince Sol Vinter, 5th prince of the Elvaris Empire " the elf said calmly.
"You have conducted yourself respectfully while within our territory and for that you have my respect... even if your a human "
His tone was polite.
Yet somehow still sounded rehearsed .
Leo grimised internally.
'…I already don't like this guy.'
"You have been granted temporary access to the Elven Academy due to the unusual nature of your investigation." Sol continued .
Still smiling softly . Yet his eyes sharpened slightly at his next words .
"I expect discretion.
' Translation, don't push your boundaries."
Leo said internally .
Leo listened calmly his expression betraying nothing of his inner thoughts .
At that moment he felt it .
Somewhere in the distance, powerful figures locked unto him , their gazes piercing his soul.
something was watching him.
Not actually something but someone .
Multiple prescenes to be exact .
***********************
Later that evening, after formal introductions with the teachers and political formalities that bored Leo nearly to death—
Leo wandered away from the academy halls alone.
Though he wasn't exactly alone he could sence shadows watching his every movement.
The Elven Academy was massive.
Floating pathways connected sections of the structure through shimmering bridges of mana. Gardens glowed softly beneath moonlight.
Everything felt unreal.
"…You lost human ? "
Leo stopped.
An elven girl sat atop a marble railing nearby, legs crossed casually despite the dangerous height.
Long golden hair moved gently behind her.
She wore a blue fitted gown with golden fittings showing off her perfect curves .
Her bright blue eyes studied him openly.
Curiously.
Leo blinked once.
"…Maybe."
The girl smiled faintly.
"That's a very human answer."
She hopped down effortlessly.
"Evangeline Vinter," she said with a slight bow.
"Fourth Princess of Elvaris
Leo gave her a small bow then stared for a moment.
' …There are way too royalty here..... all with different hair color.. Lord Vinter must be really active'
Evangeline chuckled softly .
A real laugh.
Not the controlled elegance the others carried.
" Your right you know , my dad is really active" .
Another round of chuckles this time Leo joined in realizing she saw through his thoughts .
"You don't fit in here," Evangeline said suddenly.
Leo raised an eyebrow.
"You say that to all your guests?"
"No." She tilted her head slightly. "Only the strange ones."
Silence.
"To be fair," she added, "you're not the strangest thing I've seen recently."
That got Leo's attention.
"You've noticed it too? I taught you would avoid it like your brothers " he said quietly.
For the first time her playful expression faded.
"The distortions," she said softly.
"The missing students."
"The beasts changing."
A pause.
"…And the feeling that something is wrong with the world itself."
Leo stared at her carefully now.
"You feel it too, don't you?"
Before Leo could answer—
A cold voice interrupted.
"You speak too freely, dear Evangeline."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Standing at the far end of the bridge—
A tall elf in dark royal attire watched them silently.
Sharp golden eyes.
Cold composure.
Dangerous presence.
The 5th prince had arrived .
Evangeline's expression tightened slightly.
"…Prince Sol."
Prince Sol stepped forward calmly.
Every movement felt deliberate.
Controlled.
But unlike before at the gate
Sol carried something heavier.
Something darker beneath the surface.
His gaze settled on Leo.
And stayed there.
Too long.
For a split second—
Leo felt space around him tighten unnaturally.
Like something was probing him.
Then Sol smiled faintly.
"Interesting."
Leo didn't look away.
"You stare too much."
A faint pressure spread through the bridge instantly.
Evangeline looked between them carefully.
Because neither of them had moved.
Yet somehow—
It already felt like a fight had started.
Sol's smile widened slightly.
"Tell me, human…"
"What where you discussing with my naive sister ?"
His voice dropped to an icey tone as the words left his mouth .
Silence.
Even Leo froze for half a second.
Then for the briefest instant
space behind him distorted.
Tiny.
Almost invisible.
But Sol saw it and so did Evangeline.
And his expression changed.
Not fear.
Irritation.
His aura flared higher but calmed immediately.
" I'm sorry to say prince Sol but it has to do with my investigation and I can't discuss it"
" Hmm is there a reason for your mistrust human "
" No .. I just don't like you "
" The feelings mutual human "
" OK let's all just calm down " Evangeline grabs Leo's arm and walks away while glaring at Sol . " He's mine Sol back off "
Sol now left alone smiles calmly
" Be seeing you Leo "