Morning light streamed through the tower's stained glass, casting shattered shadows across the floor that swayed like dancing flames. I sat at the long table beside Cheno, still holding her hand tightly; her palm was cold. Ling stood by the window, his gaze sweeping across the classroom like a sharp blade. Today was the first class, and the teacher's course description consisted of just one word—"escape."
"Escape?" I murmured, feeling the weight of the word in the air, like an invisible trap.
Cheno's voice trembled. "I... I don't want to... I... I'm afraid..."
Her voice was as thin as paper, yet I could sense a subtle power hidden beneath it, as if an unfathomable abyss lurked beneath her trembling form.
Ling's gaze turned to me, his deep voice carrying an irresistible pressure. "Remain calm. Don't let fear control you."
My heart quivered slightly. The aura he exuded was not just cold and indifferent—it radiated a strange, protective security. Even now, I could sense the flicker of his intent to shield us, though a hidden secret seemed to lie beneath it.
Suddenly, the classroom lights flickered, and the air hummed more intensely. Seconds later, the floor shook; desks and chairs vanished, and the classroom itself seemed swallowed by a distorted space, transforming into a vast maze. The walls shifted slowly, emitting a low hum, breathing as if alive.
"W-What...?" Cheno screamed, her entire body trembling like a trapped deer. Her hand, still clasped in mine, shook violently.
"Calm down!" Ling shouted. A long silver blade materialized in his hand, slicing the air with a sharp light. "Follow us! Don't fall behind!"
Black runes appeared on the maze walls, warning that every misstep carried a price. Ahead, a massive figure gradually emerged—the Time Demon.
Its body was made of gears and black mist, its eyes like two ticking clocks. A deep voice echoed through the air: "Time... will devour you."
Cheno gripped my hand tightly, trembling so hard that she could barely lift her head. I could feel North stirring faintly within her, manipulating her emotions like a ghost, though on the surface, she remained the timid girl I knew.
"What... should we do?" I asked, my voice shaking.
Ling's eyes scanned the maze, sharp and calculating. "Choose three options: trade, persuade, or escape."
"Trade?" I frowned. "Trade what?"
"Anything you possess can be exchanged for temporary passage," Ling said coldly.
"Persuade?" Cheno's voice quivered even more. "Can we persuade it?"
"Maybe... or maybe it will consume you." I swallowed, my heart pounding.
The demon's gears clanked like the rhythm of hell, approaching us. Fear surged, yet alongside it was a strange allure—as if some dark force were testing our limits. At that moment, Ling appeared like a ghost. His blade flashed, slicing through the demon's black mist.
"Bang!" Gears shattered, the black mist dissipating like vapor. The maze crumbled, space reformed, and we were back in the classroom.
The teacher clapped slowly, a sly smile on his face. "Good. You stayed calm and defeated the Time Demon. A grade." He glanced at Cheno and me. "The rest, B-. Keep up the good work."
Cheno exhaled deeply, still gripping my hand. Her expression suddenly turned cold, as sharp as a blade. In that instant, I could clearly feel North stirring within her, hinting at something dangerous.
Ling sheathed his long blade, his eyes cold and voice low: "Remember, every step you take is more than just an escape."
After class, the principal appeared at the podium. She descended gracefully, her voice gentle yet oppressive. "The next class is titled 'Power and Price.' You will face a choice, but remember: every power comes with an equal price."
With a soft snap of her fingers, three portals of light appeared in the air:
1. Power from Memory—Lose your most precious memories
2. Power from Time—Shorten your lifespan
3. Power from Bonds—Sacrifice those closest to you
Cheno clutched my hand tightly, her voice trembling. "I... I don't want to..."
Yet the corners of her mouth curled slightly, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes, revealing another side of her—North was stirring.
Without hesitation, Ling walked toward the Time portal and said in a low voice, "Shortening your lifespan is nothing. At least you survive today."
A flicker of admiration flashed in the principal's eyes. "Very good."
My heart raced. The choice felt like a weight pressing on my chest. Cheno leaned closer, whispering, "Which one will you choose?"
For the first time, I realized that this was more than an academy—it was a test of fate, of hidden dual personalities, and of the complex, dangerous web connecting Ling, the principal, and Cheno.
Deep down, I knew this was only the beginning.