The towering gates of the academy stood before them once again.
After days of travel, battles, and mysteries beneath the mountain…
Team 18 had finally returned.
The grand structure of the Supreme Arcanum Academy rose into the sky, just as majestic as ever.
Students moved through the courtyards.
Voices filled the air.
Life continued as if nothing had changed.
But for them…
Everything felt different.
---
Return of Team 18
Kael walked through the academy gates slowly.
"…Feels like we've been gone forever."
Lyrielle walked beside him, her silver hair swaying gently.
"…A lot happened."
Aurelia stretched her arms lazily.
"I missed this place."
Lucien stepped forward calmly.
"We should report to the administration."
Seraphina said nothing.
She walked quietly behind them.
Her expression unreadable.
---
The Announcement
As they entered the central courtyard—
A loud bell echoed across the entire academy.
Students began to gather.
Teachers appeared on the upper balconies.
Then—
The voice of the Headmaster echoed through the air.
"Students of Supreme Arcanum Academy…"
"Due to recent events and upcoming evaluations…"
"A one-week holiday is hereby announced."
The courtyard exploded into excitement.
Students cheered.
Some immediately began making plans.
Others rushed toward the dormitories.
Kael blinked.
"…A holiday?"
Aurelia grinned.
"Perfect timing."
Lyrielle smiled softly.
"Looks like we all get a break."
Lucien nodded slightly.
"…Use it wisely."
---
Plans Begin
As the crowd slowly dispersed, the group gathered under a large tree in the courtyard.
Aurelia spoke first.
"Well then."
"I'm heading back to the Solaris Kingdom."
She looked at Kael and Lyrielle with a playful smile.
"You two should come."
Lyrielle raised an eyebrow.
"Why would we go there?"
Aurelia smirked.
"Because it's the most beautiful kingdom."
Kael scratched his head.
"Sounds expensive."
Aurelia laughed.
"I'm literally a princess."
"You won't pay for anything."
Kael blinked.
"…That's convincing."
Lyrielle crossed her arms.
"Or…"
She turned toward Kael.
"You could come to the Elven Kingdom."
Her voice softened slightly.
"It's peaceful."
"And… beautiful."
Kael looked at her.
For a moment…
He didn't answer.
Aurelia immediately reacted.
"Hey!"
"No stealing him!"
Lyrielle glared.
"I'm not stealing anyone."
Kael raised his hands.
"Why am I being fought over like an object?"
Aurelia and Lyrielle both spoke at the same time—
"Because you are."
Kael sighed.
"…Great."
---
Kael's Decision
After a moment, Kael looked up at the academy buildings.
"…I think I'll stay."
The others paused.
Lyrielle blinked.
"Stay?"
Kael nodded.
"…Yeah."
"I want some quiet time."
"And maybe train a bit."
Aurelia tilted her head.
"You're not coming?"
Kael smiled slightly.
"Maybe next time."
Lyrielle looked at him quietly.
"…Are you sure?"
Kael nodded.
"…Yeah."
But deep inside—
Even he didn't fully understand why.
Something about the academy…
Felt different now.
---
Seraphina's Silence
Through all of this—
Seraphina hadn't spoken a single word.
She stood slightly apart from the group.
Her gaze fixed on something in her hand.
A glowing message scroll.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
Kael noticed.
"…Seraphina?"
No response.
Lyrielle stepped closer.
"What is it?"
Seraphina slowly looked up.
Her usually calm expression…
Was shaken.
"…This message…"
Her voice was quieter than usual.
"…It's from my family."
Aurelia frowned.
"That's normal, right?"
Seraphina shook her head slowly.
"…No."
She held the scroll tighter.
"…They never send direct messages like this."
Lucien's expression changed slightly.
"…What does it say?"
Seraphina hesitated.
Then finally spoke.
"…I've been summoned."
The air around them seemed to freeze.
---
The Shock
Kael frowned.
"Summoned?"
Seraphina nodded.
"…Immediately."
Lyrielle's voice lowered.
"That doesn't sound like a normal visit."
Aurelia crossed her arms.
"…Something's wrong."
Seraphina's eyes dimmed slightly.
"…Yes."
For the first time—
There was uncertainty in her voice.
---
Lucien Arrives
Before anyone could speak further—
Footsteps approached from behind.
Lucien walked toward them.
But something was different.
His expression was serious.
More serious than usual.
"…I was looking for you."
Everyone turned.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"What now?"
Lucien stopped in front of them.
His voice lowered.
"…I received a message."
Aurelia groaned.
"Not you too."
Lucien ignored her.
"This came directly from the academy's higher council."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…What does it say?"
Lucien looked at each of them.
One by one.
Then spoke.
"…All high-ranking students are being monitored."
Silence.
Kael frowned.
"…What?"
Lucien continued.
"…There are suspicions…"
He paused for a moment.
Then finished—
"…that a traitor exists inside the academy."
---
The Shift
No one spoke.
The noise of the courtyard suddenly felt distant.
Unreal.
Lyrielle's voice dropped to a whisper.
"…A traitor?"
Aurelia's playful expression disappeared completely.
"You're serious?"
Lucien nodded.
"…Completely."
Seraphina tightened her grip on the scroll.
"…So it begins."
Kael looked toward the academy building.
That strange feeling returned again.
Stronger than before.
"…Yeah."
"…Something's definitely starting."
---
The Final Moment
The wind moved softly through the courtyard.
Students continued laughing in the distance.
Unaware.
Unaware that something was changing.
Unaware that danger was already inside the academy walls.
And as Team 18 stood together—
For the first time since they met…
They weren't just a team on a mission.
They were now part of something much bigger.
Something far more dangerous.
---