In the University of Torminas
At Cibus Hall.
The Cibus Hall hummed with low voices and the soft clatter of utensils, its long stone tables filled with students and arcanists alike. Tall windows let in muted light, casting pale streaks across the hall, while banners of the academy hung high above like silent witnesses.
Kira sat across from Elvin, a half-finished plate in front of him. He pushed the food around more than he ate, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
"Elvin," he muttered, "does it always feel this… loud?"
Elvin glanced up, raising a brow. "It's quieter than usual."
Kira shook his head slightly. "No… not that."
Around him, faint whispers seemed to drift—unheard by others but pressing against his mind like distant echoes. Indistinct voices, slipping in and out of his awareness.
…too late……not over…
He clenched his jaw, trying to ignore them.
Elvin watched him for a moment, then spoke calmly. "You're still recovering. Don't overthink every sensation."
It was not a recovery was some kind of that. It was a feeling a person can feel when he was overwhelmed with something so deep.
And before Kira could respond, the large doors of the hall swung open.
The noise didn't stop—but it shifted.
Heads turned. Conversations dipped.
Lisa entered.
Her presence cut through the hall like a blade. Clad in her arcanist attire, her steps were sharp, purposeful—and her expression… clearly pissed. There was no mistaking it.
Lisa a lady who is cold like Riya for Kira but was also caring lady.
Kira noticed immediately.
"Lisa!" he called out, raising a hand.
She stopped mid-step, her gaze locking onto him. For a moment, the irritation in her eyes didn't fade—but then she walked over, her pace still brisk.
When she reached the table, she crossed her arms. "You're awake."
Kira gave a small, tired smile. "Yeah… barely."
Her sharp expression softened just slightly as she looked him over. "How's your condition?"
"Still alive," he said lightly. "So I guess that's something."
Lisa didn't smile. "That's not what I asked."
Kira exhaled, leaning back a little. "I'm fine. Just… a bit off."
Her eyes narrowed, studying him more closely. "Are you alright?"
The question lingered longer than expected.
Kira hesitated—but then nodded. "Yeah. I will be."
"Hey what happened to those five children's", Kira asked hesitating.
In here Kira was referring to those children's who he and Riya met in the village and due to them they were able to know the direction where the lady in red was gone.
"Whose Kids...", Lisa was surprised at first and her expression made Kira more anxious, whether the kids were safe or not, but his anxiousness was removed when Lis remembers about the Kids which she met, when she was going towards the village or to be specific a towards Riya and Kira.
Those kids were running as they were told by Riya to go and due to them, she was able to trace the location of both Kira and Riya who were fighting Lady in red and made it just in time to save Kira from getting his eyes pierced.
And due to those kids, the guards who were supposed to follow lady in red get capture and some of them got killed.
And the letter which is send to the elders discussing about the next plan of them by a guard who was hiding somewhere acting like a spy was killed in previous chapter.
Though the meeting those children killed some of the guards but they got a upper hand as the information was leaked by a spy or guard hiding somewhere.
'Those kids, They are safe and secure at the orphanage in the Lapa village which is settled once again."
Hearing those words relived Kira. " That nice."
She held his gaze for a second more, as if trying to read past his answer. Then, with a quiet breath, she shifted.
"Where's Draves?"
Kira blinked. " I saw her in our room but now he is vanish..."
Lisa clicked her tongue softly, clearly annoyed at the lack of information. Then her attention snapped toward Elvin.
"And you," she said sharply, "where's Oryn? You're his student, aren't you?"
Elvin remained unfazed, setting his utensil down before answering. "Training grounds. He left earlier."
Lisa sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Of course he did…"
For a moment, she stood there, clearly debating something—then turned away abruptly.
"I'll find them myself."
Without another word, she started walking off, her presence once again parting the air as she moved through the hall.
Kira watched her go, then let out a quiet breath.
The whispers returned.
…it's beginning…
He lowered his gaze to his plate, his appetite completely gone.
--------
At dorms.
Kira and Elvin were both going to their room after their lunch but as they reached their room's door they were both shocked to see a figure sitting on their bed.
"Hey, what happened, why your face looks sad looking at me.", A beautiful yet a soft voice came echoing through the room.
It was~
"Riya, what are you doing in our room.", Kira spoke up.