"Hey… so, what do you think this Professor Nayus wants from us?"
Drekaron tossed a pebble forward with every step.
Maro, more focused on his engraved ring than the question, shrugged.
"Probably just wants to see if we'd skip class, like usual."
Arian frowned.
"Forget it… I just hope he doesn't treat me like that scar-faced guy did!"
At the thought of Abraham, his brows furrowed automatically.
The three of them had left the dormitory and met in the central courtyard beside the blue fountain, its water shooting high into the air. From there, they started toward the northern tower of the teachers' residence. The sunlight reflecting off the stone pavement illuminated their path.
With every step, the scent of climbing jasmines grew stronger, and the tower, framed by branches and leaves, appeared more imposing. A man stood at the entrance, holding a simple staff. If you weren't careful, you wouldn't notice the power within it, nor the mana swirling around it.
"Well, well… welcome."
Professor Nayus stepped toward the three youths, his dim eyes scanning each of them. He then gestured for them to follow him and said,
"I see you three aren't just physically stronger than most of your generation, but unlike the fools these days, you've actually trained."
Arian, Maro, and Drekaron exchanged glances, unsure how to respond to this new teacher. Nayus continued, his voice clear and resonant:
"No need to worry too much… I know you might think I have eyes in the back of my head, but no, I don't. This generation just doesn't reach that level. Do you know why? Because they have no tension; peace weakens everyone."
The three students nearly had their eyes pop out. If they had to choose the scarier figure between him and Abraham, Arian's vote would definitely be Nayus.
"Uh… Professor, can I ask where we're going?"
Drekaron's tone carried the weight of a dragon.
"Where are we going? …We're heading to my room. I don't stay in this tower. My room is inside the forest."
"The forest!! How?"
Drekaron's shaky yet powerful voice reminded them of their first day entering the school.
Arian let out a quiet chuckle, which caused Maro to laugh as well, surprising Nayus.
Though Nayus didn't turn his face, if they could see it in the shadows, they would have known he was smiling.
"So you two figured it out. Well done."
Drekaron turned to his friends, raising an eyebrow:
"Figured out what?"
"I wasn't sure at first, but from what Professor Nayus said, I realized the forest isn't alive just because of nature—it's the power of the school director, Professor William."
A wide grin spread across Arian's pale face, pride glinting in his eyes.
Maro placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to ease his excitement, but couldn't hide his own laughter—especially seeing Drekaron's childlike scowl.
For the rest of the journey, no one spoke, letting the silence guide them. They enjoyed the scent of oak wood, while the hooting of owls and chirping of crickets created a natural symphony throughout the forest.
Finally, they arrived at a cabin. Warm yellow light spilled from the windows, illuminating the surroundings.
"We've arrived. Go on inside."
Nayus lifted his staff and gestured toward the door.
They all stepped in, but Arian hesitated for a moment, eyes wide yet not really seeing. His breath caught in his small chest.
"Why aren't you coming… hey, Arian!"
Maro and Drekaron called out, snapping him back from his daze.
"Sorry… old memories just flooded my mind for a moment."
Arian wiped away a tear with his finger and stepped into the cabin.
Inside, the cabin was warm and soft, radiating a calm that settled everyone's spirit. Aside from a bed and a couch facing the fireplace, and a small kitchen, there was nothing else.
"Sit down. Why are you still standing?"
"Professor… can you tell us what we're going to do?" Maro asked, glancing at his friends before turning his questioning gaze toward Nayus.
"You three caused trouble from day one. In just a week, two of you ended up in the infirmary. You're the strongest among the first-years, but weaker than the second-years."
He picked up a kettle and poured some red tea for each of them. Then he continued,
"Like little magnets, you constantly attract trouble. I want you to keep doing exactly that."
Arian's eyes wandered around the room as he asked in a calm voice,
"Could you clarify, Professor?"
He took a sip of tea and continued:
"Nothing complicated. I just want you to cause trouble… Don't get me wrong—I don't want bullying. I want you to challenge everyone to become stronger."
"So… you want to create internal conflict among students, right?"
Maro's eyes trembled as he stared at Nayus' composed face.
"Tension that leads to progress? Yes. Each of you must govern your own party, to become the leader of all first-years in your faction."
Drekaron finished his tea, then after a pause said,
"That's nothing. The kids in my faction are obsessed with maintaining balance and peace. Doesn't really match my style."
Arian, after a short pause, asked,
"Alright, we'll do it. But… what do you gain from it?"
He clasped his hands and leaned slightly toward Nayus.
"Nothing. I just can't stand this stupid peace. Later, once you finish your first year, you'll understand the truths of this school."
The fireplace flared with Nayus' words, reflecting the desire to uncover truth in the eyes of all three students.