It had been two months since Vivian had suddenly vanished from the dungeon during the midterm exam.
But he wasn't the only one who disappeared that day, two other students, Asmit and Subha, had also gone missing.
However, their disappearance didn't stir nearly as much commotion as Vivian's.
The empire was in an uproar.
The heir of one of its most prestigious ducal families had vanished without a trace, and to make matters worse, the professor overseeing the examination had disappeared on the very same day.
Unease spread among the citizens like wildfire. If someone of Vivian's status could vanish so easily within the academy's walls, they whispered, then what about our children? What about those who depend entirely on the empire for safety and guidance?
Though the empire faced immense pressure, it was the Akron Academy that bore the heaviest burden.
The incident had shaken its foundation and tainted its once-unquestionable reputation.
