Chapter Summary:
After a mysterious explosion in the school library, Leo (Kaiser) begins investigating with Elyna. They uncover strange magical traces and secret records about the *"Reincarnation Project."*
But their investigation is interrupted by a mysterious student—who turns out to be an agent of the Hero's Order—trying to stop them.
Leo must use his intelligence to uncover the truth without revealing his true identity.
I sat before a pile of old books, a small candle flickering on the worn wooden table.
The library was silent that night. Only the soft sound of wind slipping through the high window filled the air.
Elyna stood beside me, flipping through the pages of a research journal.
"I can't believe this…" she muttered. "They actually conducted these experiments…"
I stared at the page she pointed to.
The title read: **"Preliminary Study on Soul Reincarnation in Controlled Magical Environments"**
> This was far too familiar.
I immediately knew this wasn't just some academic paper. The content discussed how souls could survive death and reincarnate—even retaining their memories.
> Just like me.
Elyna gently closed the book. Her eyes were serious.
"This isn't ordinary research," she whispered. "There's additional data… about 'test subjects' who succeeded."
I remained silent.
Then, suddenly…
**SWISH.**
A small arrow embedded itself into the back of the chair I was sitting on.
I turned instantly.
From the dark corner of the library, a silhouette emerged. A girl with short brown hair and cold, calculating eyes.
Her uniform was neat. But her hands held a miniature bow—an unusual weapon for a noble academy student.
"You've been digging too deep," she said flatly. "It would be better if you returned the book."
Elyna gave a small smile.
"Oh~ So you're one of *them*, huh?"
The girl didn't answer. She only tightened her grip on the bow.
I studied her.
And in my mind, I thought:
> She's not just another student.
She was an **agent of the Hero's Order**.
And judging by her presence here, she knew more than she let on.
---
Confrontation Beneath the Bookshelves
Elyna took a cautious step back, keeping herself between me and the girl.
"If you want this book," she said, "you'll have to go through me first."
The brown-haired girl gave a quiet scoff.
"You don't understand what you're digging into. This project isn't meant for just anyone to know."
I stared at her.
Then, I began forming a plan.
I couldn't freely use magic due to my baby body. But I still had my mind.
So I lightly patted Elyna's arm.
She looked down at me, confused.
"What?" she whispered.
I pointed toward the bookshelf behind them.
Elyna frowned. Then her eyes widened.
> Oh.
She got it.
With a quick motion, Elyna tossed glowing powder from her pocket into the air. Red smoke burst out instantly.
The girl reflexively blinked.
And in that split second, Elyna jumped sideways, stepped onto the edge of the table, and kicked the large bookshelf behind her.
Books rained down in chaos.
The girl quickly dodged to avoid being crushed.
And that's when I saw my chance.
I reached into the small pouch hidden under my blanket.
Inside: a tiny vial of aura-disguising powder I had secretly taken from the alchemy lab earlier that day.
With swift precision, I hurled the vial onto the floor between us.
**POOF!**
Black smoke spread. A fake dark magical aura radiated outward—strong enough to unsettle young mages like them.
And sure enough…
The girl stepped back, eyes alert.
"Dark magic?!"
Elyna grinned widely.
"Not really~ Just some dramatic smoke effects."
I stared at her.
> Sometimes, I forget how insane this girl really is.
---
Evidence That Changes Everything
After the situation calmed and the mysterious girl fled (with a promise to return), Elyna and I retreated to the small reading room in the corner of the library.
We sat face to face.
"So…" she said softly. "You're not just a clever baby, huh?"
I stayed silent.
She smiled.
"I won't ask everything now. But I do know one thing…"
She flipped to another page in the journal.
"There are people in this school looking for something. Or someone."
She looked straight at me.
"And it looks like… you're the one they're after."
I met her gaze.
Then, with a calm and serious expression, I gave the smallest nod.
> Yes.
I am the target.
And perhaps, this academy is where all the answers will begin to unfold.