Adelind examined her system interface as a new quest notification appeared from the principal. Her eyes widened as she read the details:
*System Quest:*
[Quest: Find the Culprit of Destruction Around the Academy or Find Solid Evidence]
[Quest Rank: S-rank]
[Reward: 10,000 Academy Points]
[Penalty: None]
The massive point reward left Adelind in awe—10,000 points was extraordinary even for an S-rank quest. With that amount, she could purchase almost anything from the system shop: rare artifacts, powerful potions, skill books, and more.
Despite the impressive reward, Adelind felt no joy. She had lost far more than any quest could ever restore. Looking up at Principal Valerius with a serious expression, she spoke with quiet determination.
"Thank you for everything. I won't disappoint you." She bowed slightly and remained standing.
Valerius studied Adelind's resolute face and replied gently, "I'm deeply sorry again. I failed to prevent this level of destruction, and many people died because of my inadequacy. The least I can do now is protect my remaining students and ensure their well-being. Please don't overexert yourself. Stay safe. You may go."
Adelind met the principal's gaze and nodded with firm confidence before leaving the office.
Once the door closed, Tanmya turned to Valerius. "Who's next? How many students are left?"
"Only two remain—Uria and Aeren Drevin." Valerius's voice carried the weight of his burden. As principal, his duty was to protect every student, to provide them with security and trust in the academy. Now that trust lay shattered, and he had no excuse to offer.
"Another noble," Tanmya observed with curiosity.
Valerius glanced at Aeren's file and couldn't help but think how incredibly unlucky one person could be. First the accident in Vardent, then the destruction in Callie City, and now this. He pushed the thought aside as the door opened again.
When Uria entered, she bore the same haunting signs as Adelind—red-rimmed eyes, a solemn expression, and dried tears. Valerius felt his guilt deepen, but he maintained his composure.
"Student Uria, please sit here," he said with gentle politeness.
Uria glanced at both the principal and Tanmya before dropping her gaze to the floor, unable to meet their eyes.
Concerned by her demeanor, Valerius asked softly,
"Student Uria, are you alright?"
She managed only a small nod in response.
"Here, drink some water," Tanmya offered, extending a half-filled glass.
Uria accepted the water gratefully, drinking deeply before taking a steadying breath. "Puhhh."
"How are you feeling now?" Valerius inquired again. This time she looked directly at him, her eyes burning with barely contained emotion. "You can ask me anything that's on your mind, Student Uria."
Valerius could see the frustration and blame simmering beneath her controlled exterior.
"Why didn't you protect the people in your own academy?" Uria's voice was barely above a whisper, but her words cut deep. The look in her eyes suggested she wanted to do far worse than simply question him.
"I'm sorry, Student Uria. I have no excuse," Valerius replied, meeting her accusing gaze without flinching.
Uria stared at him for a long moment before standing abruptly. As she moved toward the door, Tanmya called out, "Where are you going? If you cooperate with us, we'll be able to find the culprit much sooner."
Uria paused briefly at the threshold, then continued walking without uttering another word, leaving the office in heavy silence.
"Let her go," Valerius said quietly.
"But we might have learned something important," Tanmya protested urgently.
"Forget it. Let's call the next person." Valerius waited a few moments before the door opened again.
Both Valerius and Tanmya were taken aback when Aeren entered. Unlike everyone else they had interviewed—who showed clear signs of sadness, tears, depression, or frustration—Aeren's face was completely devoid of emotion, as if he felt nothing at all.
Neither interviewer spoke immediately, uncertain how to proceed.
Seeing them hesitate at the door, Aeren waited patiently until Valerius finally broke the silence.
"Please sit, Aeren," the principal said with careful politeness.
Aeren took the offered chair and regarded them both calmly.
"How are you doing, Aeren?" Valerius asked, attempting a gentle smile.
"I'm fine. Thank you for asking," Aeren replied in the same emotionless tone, his politeness seeming almost mechanical.
"We meet again, Aeren." Valerius observed.
"Hmm, yeah."
"I want to apologize for your loss,"
Aeren acknowledged the sentiment with a simple nod.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Valerius began the formal questioning.
"Let's begin. Where were you when this incident occurred around your café?"
"I was on the moon," Aeren stated matter-of-factly.
Both Valerius and Tanmya stared at him with growing irritation. First, he showed no emotional response to the tragedy, and now he was blatantly lying to their faces. Valerius, who had been prepared to offer genuine condolences and compensation to the victims, felt his patience evaporating. He glanced at Tanmya, signaling him to continue.
"What exactly were you doing on the moon?" Tanmya asked, while Valerius looked increasingly incredulous, unsure how to respond to such obvious fabrication.
"Playing with monsters," Aeren replied in the same flat tone.
Valerius struggled to maintain his composure, his mind reeling with anger while forcing a smile to remain on his face.
"Thank you, Aeren. We have all the answers we need. You may go."
If the destruction hadn't been his own failure, Valerius would have expelled the boy immediately for such disrespectful behavior.
Aeren regarded them both briefly, then stood and left without another word.
Once they were alone, Valerius turned to Tanmya with barely controlled frustration. "Why did you ask such ridiculous questions?"
"Because he was telling the truth," Tanmya replied, his eyes wide with surprise.
"What do you mean he was telling the truth?" Valerius asked with newfound interest.
"I have a skill that detects lies and can manipulate others' lies," Tanmya explained seriously. "I didn't detect a single lie from Aeren. It's as if my power doesn't work on him at all, or he's actually telling the truth."
Tanmya's expression showed his own bewilderment at this unexpected development.
"Perhaps Aeren has some artifact or skill that blocks detection abilities," Valerius said, "I wasn't able to sense his mana either."
Valerius did not think much and shook his head.