The night air in Luca's room was still, broken only by the faint shimmer of the communication crystal projecting a pale-blue holographic figure before him. The Vice Dean's presence, even as an illusion, carried a weight that pressed against the dimly lit walls. Luca stood stiffly, his posture betraying both respect and unease.
"It was just to inform you that we have controlled the situation here regarding the contamination of the water," the Vice Dean said, his voice calm yet firm. "But we didn't find any cultists in the area."
Luca nodded, the motion awkward, a flicker of confusion stirring in his chest. Why report this to me then? There's no reason… unless… His thoughts trailed as the Vice Dean's gaze seemed to pierce through him.
"As for the traitor," the Vice Dean continued, his tone turning sharper, "make sure you don't tell it to anyone else. Unless we have solid evidence, we don't have the power to accuse anyone. Remember—Arcadia is but a neutral institution."
