– Well, I completely understand that expression of yours! I felt the exact same way when Ev told me about it.
– I thought it could've been just paranoia on his part, but… thinking about it now, I'm not so sure anymore. Maybe he's right.
Freya shared her thoughts. Their doubts were understandable. The youngest staff member there had worked at the academy for seventy-six years. Others had been there far longer, like Elizabeth, who had been teaching for two hundred and fifty-four years. Imagining someone infiltrating the academy and staying hidden for so long was hard to believe.
Even if the average lifespan of that world was extremely high, with powerful beings living millennia, a century was still a considerable amount of time, not something to be dismissed lightly.
But everything so far had been just theories—
Theories that proved to be wrong.
Instructor Kalistro had been at the academy for almost a hundred years, and now, look at him: the bastard was the enemy hiding right beneath their noses all along.
Ravina, still deep in thought, finally spoke:
– Indeed. When you said that a moment ago, I thought Eylam was overthinking. But… thinking logically and objectively… it's very possible.
She finished her reasoning and looked at her friend.
– So tell me, Freya. If there really are infiltrators among the staff… what do we do?
Freya sighed, gazing at the timid stars in the now-darkening sky.
– Well… honestly, I don't know yet. But let's deal with that after we get rid of those two insects hiding out there.
– You're right. Let's go.
The two vanished, leaving only faint traces of spatial magic scattered around.
Back inside the hall, Evo began the second phase of his plan. A phase that no one knew about. Not even the members of the order. To execute it, he had needed help from someone outside his circle. He didn't want to involve that person at all, but he had been forced to—he couldn't do this part alone, and without it, the entire plan would collapse.
And now, that person was standing right beside him.
Evo leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, watching the orchestra from afar. The person next to him looked at him, visibly curious.
– Why did you ask me to do this? – a female voice interrupted his focus.
He was clearly uncomfortable being near her.
– That's none of your business, Princess Blanch. We made an agreement. I owe you a favor, nothing more. I don't recall saying I had to explain my reasons.
– You're so rude!
– And you're nosy! – he shot back, a vein throbbing on his temple.
He deserved a medal just for keeping his composure near someone he had pushed away on the very first day of school. Since he had been the one to distance himself, he didn't ask for help as a "favor", but as an exchange. He wasn't shameless enough to ask otherwise.
Their relationship was far from good. Evo avoided her as much as possible.
Then, in his usual dry tone, he asked what he needed:
– Anyway. Have they arrived?
– Yes, they did ! . But honestly, I don't get why you want elite imperial soldiers!?
– My parents kept pestering me with questions because of it, you know!?
– Well, as for the reason, you'll know soon enough. And as for your parents' complaints… – he shrugged – that's not my problem.
She bit her lip in irritation at his cold, cutting answers. Evo didn't even bother staying; he simply walked off.
Farther away, where no one could hear, he contacted Luneth, who was outside awaiting orders.
– Luneth, go with Kaelith and Silentia to the academy entrance. You'll see some imperial guards waiting there. When you arrive, tell them you're trusted by the headmistress and were sent there by the princess.
– Wait for me there. I'll bring that bastard soon. And hide your presence until I arrive with him.
The response came quickly:
– Hm? Why are the princess and imperial guards involved? I thought we'd handle everything ourselves.
– No, Luneth. Just us won't be enough. I asked for the princess's help. I'll take Kalistro there, and the guards will restrain and capture him… – he paused for a second – or kill him on the spot.
Luneth followed his reasoning. It really was a solid plan with high chances of success. The group he had asked for contained only five members—
But all five were elite. One grandmaster and four masters.
Kalistro was a grandmaster too. But alone, against an equal and four supports?
The outcome was almost guaranteed.
– I see. It's a good decision. But what about Umbra?
Silence.
And this time, it stayed.
Luneth immediately understood what that silence meant. She couldn't do much, so she simply offered what little comfort she could:
– Be careful, Veyrath.
– I will.
The transmission ended.
Evo exhaled slowly and looked at the clock again. Only three minutes left. Enough to bring Kalistro there, return, and tie up all the loose ends.
– Well… it's all or nothing. May luck and fate be with me.
He walked toward the instructor, who was still searching for Freya and Ravina.
Evo couldn't let him find them.
Under no circumstances.
– Instructor Kalistro! I need your help! It's urgent! – Evo ran up to him, grabbing his shirt.
Kalistro, focused on his search, was pulled out of his thoughts. The forced expression he made upon seeing Evo gripping him made it obvious how much he hated it.
– S-student Evo Eylam! What happened? – he said, forcing politeness while irritation leaked through.
Evo noticed it—and smiled maliciously on the inside.
Hahaha… that's right, you bastard. You're lucky I'm still weak. If not… I'd kill you myself.
– Instructor, there are criminals causing chaos at the academy gates! Even some janitors and cooks seem involved! They're threatening the guards—please, you need to hurry!
He put on the biggest performance possible, ensuring every instructor nearby heard him. All were visibly alarmed.
– Someone must go quickly or someone will get hurt! – Elizabeth cried, covering her mouth.
Her reaction made the entire scene far more convincing.
Kalistro looked from Evo to the group. On the inside, he wanted to refuse and slaughter Evo then and there. But he couldn't—not with everyone watching. Years of infiltration would be ruined.
He had no choice but to accept.
Damn it! Why did this brat have to show up NOW? Right when those two disappear… shit!
He thought fast:
If it's just a few troublemakers, I can finish it quickly and get back to looking for them. The Andarilhos and the lesser members will attack soon. I must stay near.
His decision was quick:
– Alright, young man. Lead the way.
Evo followed with a hidden, cruel smile.
Hahaha… idiot. I can't wait to see your face when you realize everything was a trap.
Farther inside, Velra, Sevran and Umbra "enjoyed" the event—
"enjoyed", as in, on-duty and pretending.
Umbra, behind his mask, was irritated.
– Damn it. Why did that prideful bastard choose to handle a mission today of all days!? Today, when this whole place is going to explode…
– Hm? What is it, Umbra? Are you alright? – Sevran asked, seeing him shift uncomfortably.
He was watching him closely. Veyrath's warning about a possible betrayal from Talier echoed in his mind.
"Don't let him leave the hall. Don't lose sight of him."
Umbra replied with a ready excuse:
– It's nothing. Just… really warm today.
– Hmm… true. It is hot – Sevran narrowed his eyes.
They resumed observing the dance floor. Soon, they saw two figures rushing out—Evo and Kalistro.
Umbra spoke again, subtly:
– Hm? Why are those two running like that?
Sevran replied casually, trying to delay him:
– Probably some unforeseen issue. Nothing serious.
– I see. The one next to Kalistro is the heir of the Eylam Family, right?
Sevran and Velra stiffened internally.
He doesn't know Veyrath's real identity.
Sevran confirmed:
– Yes. He's the eldest son of the Eylam matriarch. I've heard he's quite skilled.
Umbra shrugged and lost interest.
Outside, Evo and Kalistro reached the gates. Evo struggled to keep himself from attacking him outright. He knew he would lose—and he would ruin everything.
But the anger burned. The memory of that night replayed again and again.
His failures. His helplessness.
Standing before the man responsible made every emotion flare violently.
But he held on.
Two precious lives depended on him.
He could not fail.
They landed before the massive gate.
Kalistro scanned the area.
– Student Evo, are you sure you didn't make a mistake? I don't sense anyone. Are you certain?
Evo's voice came out colder than frost:
– No. I didn't make a mistake.
Kalistro turned to him—
And saw Evo's eyes narrowed, sharp and merciless.
– The criminal… is standing right in front of me.
Kalistro narrowed his eyes.
The air grew heavy. Hostile. Suffocating.
All of it coming from Evo.
– What are you saying, student Evo Eylam?
Evo repeated, without hesitation:
– Exactly what you heard…
The enemy is right in front of me.
...….
– You despicable traitor!