[PUC Meeting Room – Primanoel Academy, Night]
The chandelier in the center of the room cast a bluish-white glow, stretching long shadows across the marble floor.
Silence filled the air — only the faint tick… tick… tick… of the wall clock dared to exist.
The large wooden door opened.
Aru stepped inside, her black helmet reflecting the cold light. Her breathing sounded heavy — as if she had been carrying a weight too long.
On the main seat, Kael sat with refined posture. His fingers tapped lightly on the black wooden table — rhythmic, composed, yet carrying pressure beneath the surface.
Aru approached and bowed her head slightly.
Aru:
"I've successfully retrieved the chip from Teacher Kaito."
She extended the small chip. The lamp's reflection glimmered softly on its surface.
Kael accepted the chip with one hand, his movements slow and measured — his signature diplomatic grace.
Kael (gentle, yet firm):
"Well done, Aru. I thought you wouldn't be able to reclaim it… not after those Combat Strategy Club soldiers lost it so embarrassingly."
He placed the chip on the table, tracing its edge with the tip of his nail.
Kael:
"Tomorrow morning, they will be punished in the courtyard. I'll see to it personally."
Aru averted her gaze, a flicker of unease crossing her expression.
The cold night air felt sharper, stiffening her shoulders.
Aru:
"Actually… soldiers working under Charles almost took the chip."
Kael's finger froze.
His eyes widened slightly — a rare, subtle shift of expression.
Kael:
"What? They nearly took this chip?"
He rose from his seat, his diplomatic coat swaying with a soft but tense rustle.
Kael:
"I will speak to Joseph about this matter."
Aru bowed deeper, her grip tightening around her shield; her silver gloves creased under the pressure.
Then, in a much softer voice—
Aru:
"I'm… tired of lying all the time.
Are we… no longer following justice?"
The room seemed to freeze.
Kael stood motionless.
Then he walked toward her — slow, elegant steps, each one increasing the pressure in the air.
He stopped right in front of her.
Kael (softly, gentle but piercing):
"Hey… please look at me."
Aru lifted her face slowly.
Embarrassment, confusion, and fear of the answer flickered in her eyes.
Kael stared into her with his sharp blue eyes — as if reading her heart directly.
Kael:
"Aru… supporting me does not mean you've lost your sense of justice.
We stand on the front lines of a conflict you cannot fully comprehend.
There is information I cannot tell you — not because I wish to deceive you… but because the burden I carry is far more complex than you know."
He placed a gentle yet morally heavy hand on her shoulder.
Kael:
"Sometimes… to uphold justice, we must make choices that look like lies.
But I always think of Primanoel's future — including yours."
Aru remained silent.
She lowered her head… then finally nodded, reluctantly accepting his words.
Aru:
"…Understood, Kael."
She exited the room.
The door closed quietly—
But just as it shut completely—
"Hey."
A flat, familiar voice stabbed into the air.
By the doorframe, leaning casually with his hands in his pockets, stood Guy.
His round hat tilted slightly, a white half-mask hiding his face, and his eyes on Aru — sharp, tired, and as if he had heard every single word.
Aru flinched.
Aru:
"Guy!? You… were you there—"
She couldn't finish the sentence.
Guy exhaled — a long, heavy sigh that seemed to drain his entire body.
Guy (cold, sarcastic):
"Are you really sure… he still follows justice?"
Aru straightened her helmet, trying to look firm.
Aru:
"Of course I believe him. Kael is known for his honesty and sense of justice.
He wouldn't mislead us."
Guy stared at her for a long, almost pitying moment — as if assessing whether she still had functional judgment left.
Then he gave a short laugh — not amused, but sharp and bitter.
Guy:
"That's because he's already manipulating you, Aru."
Aru clenched her fists.
Aru (angry, rejecting):
"Don't say things like that, Guy!
Kael isn't that kind of person. He's a real leader!
Don't accuse him without proof!"
Guy gave her a flat, unreadable look…
then tapped her shoulder once.
Guy:
"Fine. You won't accept the truth."
He walked past her, slow but purposeful.
Guy:
"I'll make sure you see the result of his 'justice.'
And when that day comes… you'll regret it."
He continued down the dark corridor toward Primanoel's courtyard.
Aru remained frozen in place, unmoving — her eyes empty.
The hallway lights flickered overhead.
The night wind rattled the windows.
And for the first time…
Aru began to doubt.
---
[Morning – Admiratul Hukm Tower, 12th Floor – Employee Café]
Morning sunlight spilled through the wide glass wall overlooking Akarius City.
The café was quiet: only the hum of the coffee machine, the clink of spoons, and the soft whisper of the AC.
Kaito sat in the corner — a position granting him a full view of the café, a habit from his days as a commander.
His suit was neat, but his face looked exhausted.
Before him sat a breakfast plate, a cup of black coffee, and a slightly crumpled white envelope — the letter Aru had given him yesterday.
Next to him, Miraka sat with her feet dangling off the too-tall chair.
Her yellow cat-print hoodie glowed faintly in the morning light.
She turned to him softly, her silver hair shifting gently.
Miraka (quiet, gentle):
"Dad… who is that letter from?"
Kaito looked at the envelope briefly before replying without expression.
Kaito:
"A matter about the mysterious chip. Something that should've been resolved if I went straight to Primanoel.
But the students there prefer shooting me over welcoming me."
He sighed.
His body stiffened instinctively — as if his whole being resisted the idea of going back to Primanoel.
Miraka blinked slowly — not understanding everything, but sensing his weariness.
Light footsteps echoed: tap tap tap.
Natasya entered the café, munching on a wafer snack — completely mismatched with her elegant office aura, but she always did that when stressed.
Natasya:
"Hello, Teacher… Miraka."
She bowed politely.
Kaito opened his mouth — but—
Miraka (soft, clear):
"Hello… Miss Natasya."
Natasya smiled warmly and sat beside her, placing her snack on the table.
Natasya:
"Teacher… guess what? Yesterday someone slipped me a love letter.
Sneaky, right? Totally old-fashioned. But I rejected it, obviously."
Kaito sipped his coffee with a flat face.
Kaito:
"I thought the 'throw a letter and run away' tactic died centuries ago. Good to know there are survivors of the Dark Ages."
Natasya rolled her eyes dramatically.
Natasya:
"Yeah, I know, right?
But speaking of letters—Teacher, can I ask something?"
Kaito (putting down his cup, wary):
"Go on. About what?"
Natasya leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to a dramatic whisper.
Natasya:
"…Teacher, do you like Mila?"
Kaito:
(chokes violently on his coffee)
"WHAT!? What did you just say!?"
Miraka stared at him innocently, confused at her father's Startled.
Natasya:
"Well, uhhh… since you and Mila are Miraka's parents now, I thought maybe you should show a little affection in front of Miraka so that—"
Kaito (cutting sharply):
"Absolutely not. I don't have any feelings for that white-haired girl."
Natasya blinked.
Miraka kept staring at her father, evaluating whether he was lying.
Natasya quickly changed topics.
Natasya:
"Oh right — Teacher. Starting tomorrow, Miraka can attend school at Glaxina, fifth grade.
It's the only academy with an elementary building."
Miraka turned instantly toward Kaito, her yellow eyes glowing faintly — still calm, but brighter.
Miraka:
"…Can I go to school, Dad?"
Kaito (straightening his tie, trying to stay composed):
"Of course. If anything happens, I'll pick you up myself…
with the Abseris Team, if I'm allowed."
Miraka smiled — small, but warm.
Natasya stood, adjusting her hijab.
Natasya:
"Well, I'll head to the Governor's office.
Have a good day, both of you."
Kaito & Miraka:
"Thank you."
Natasya waved lightly and left.
The room fell quiet again.
Kaito turned to the little girl.
Kaito:
"Miraka… do you want to visit your mother's home today?"
Miraka shook her head softly, twisting the end of her yellow hoodie.
Miraka:
"I want to stay with Dad.
I… want to see your work as a teacher."
Kaito froze for a moment, studying her innocent face — one unaware of the dangers lurking within Akarius' schools.
Eventually, he nodded.
Kaito:
"Alright.
But don't be surprised if your dad's job gets… crazy."
Miraka smiled again — soft, gentle.
TENG—!
Kaito's phone notification rang loudly.
He pulled out his old model phone and checked the message.
Sender:
Levi – Oxoford Student
Message:
"Flying Teacher.
Sorry to bother you, but please come to Oxoford.
A student hasn't slept for two days.
We're afraid he might get 'thrown' into Velstrance Institute."
Kaito frowned.
Kaito:
"…Hasn't slept for two days? Oxoford students?
Why do I have to deal with this kind of problem?"
Miraka leaned closer to look.
Miraka:
"Dad… shall we go?"
Kaito (exhaling as he stands):
"Yes. Let's finish breakfast quickly.
Looks like… we'll be solving a case today."
Miraka hopped off the tall chair — her feet barely touching the floor.
The two tidied up their plates and head toward the tower's elevator.
The elevator doors slid open…
And their story continued toward Oxoford.