Isabella: I said HALL! You idiots not ball its a party which is held every year for the first year students. So see you guys at the party bye.
The Preparation:
The Academy's Great Hall had been transformed into a ballroom for the Night of Stars. Everyone was dressed in formal wear and masks.
Allen: (Adjusting a bow tie that looked like it was choking him) "Alex, I've been wearing this suit for twenty minutes and I've already counted fourteen ways it restricts my ability to reach for a chicken wing. This is a tactical disaster."
Alex: (Looking surprisingly sharp in a dark suit, though his shirt was half-untucked) "Just think of it as training, Allen. If you can eat a three-course meal in a tuxedo without popping a button, you've mastered true control."
The Entrance:
The room went silent as Serina and Evelyn entered.
Serina wore a gown of midnight silk that seemed to absorb the light around her. Evelyn was in a dress of shimmering gold and white that looked like it was woven from sunlight.
The "Goddess" rumors were instantly confirmed. A line of boys formed immediately, each holding a dance card and praying for a single minute of their time.
The Intruder:
Before any student could approach, Isabella (the Council Envoy) glided through the crowd. She wore a backless red dress that screamed "Danger." She walked straight past the S-Rank seniors and stopped in front of Alex.
Isabella: "Hm… Alex. You look far too handsome to be standing by the punch bowl. Surely a 'storm' like you knows how to waltz?"
She reached out, her fingers tracing the lapel of his jacket.
Evelyn: (Watching from five feet away, her glass of sparkling cider literally beginning to boil in her hand) That woman... she's doing it on purpose! She's practically leaning on him!
Alex: (Completely oblivious) "A waltz? Is that the one where you just spin until you get dizzy? I usually prefer the 'Horizontal Slumber,' but if there's food at the end of the dance floor, I might consider it."
Isabella: (Giggling, her voice honey-sweet) "There's a private banquet for Council guests upstairs. Why don't you come with me? We can discuss... 'anomalies'."
The Jealousy Peak:
Evelyn couldn't take it anymore. She didn't think; she just moved. She marched over and inserted herself between Alex and Isabella.
Evelyn: "Actually! Alex promised me this dance! Didn't you, Alex? You said you needed to... practice your coordination for History class!"
Alex: "I did? I thought I said I needed to find the mini-quiches."
Evelyn: (Grabbing his arm with a grip that would have crushed a normal human's bone) "YES. You did. Come. On."
She dragged him onto the dance floor. Isabella watched them go, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't just flirting; she was testing him. She noticed that the moment Evelyn touched Alex, the "Void" mana around him softened.
Allen's Solo Mission:
While the drama was unfolding, Allen was standing at the buffet table. He was currently being "challenged" by the Captain of the Kendo Team, who was trying to impress Serina by acting tough.
Kendo Captain: "Hey, kid. That's the last plate of smoked salmon. I think the 'Goddess' Serina would appreciate it if I brought it to her."
Allen: (Slowly turning his head, a single piece of sushi in his mouth) "Serina is allergic to salmon. And I am allergic to people who touch my plate."
Kendo Captain: "Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it, Donut-Boy?"
Allen didn't even put his plate down. He just leaned forward and let out a tiny, concentrated "Sigh" of pure Light Mana. The force of the air hitting the Captain was like a physical wall. The guy was blown backward across the room, sliding over the waxed floor and landing head-first in a decorative fountain.
Allen: (Turning back to the salmon) "Weak. He didn't even protect his center of gravity."
Serina: (Walking over, looking bored) "Nice shot, Allen. You missed the punch bowl, though. That would have been more cinematic."
The Dance:
On the floor, Alex and Evelyn were moving... awkwardly. Alex was stepping on her toes every three seconds.
Alex: "See? I told you I'm bad at this. My feet don't like being told where to go."
Evelyn: (Softly, looking at his chest instead of his face) "It's fine. Just... stay here. Don't go upstairs with that Isabella woman."
Alex: "Why? Does she have a bad reputation? Is she a secret demon? I mean, her mana is definitely weird, but—"
Evelyn: (Looking up at him, her eyes bright) "No, you idiot! Just... don't go. Because... because it's a school event! And we're a team! Roommates stay together!"
Alex: (Grinning his classic, dense grin) "Wow, Evelyn. You're really dedicated to the 'Roommate Code.' I respect that. Fine, no upstairs banquet. But you owe me a box of donuts tomorrow for missing those quiches."
Evelyn: (Smiling despite herself) "Deal."
The Ending Cliffhanger:
As they danced, the lights in the hall suddenly flickered and turned a deep, ominous crimson.
A voice roared from the entrance—not a "fake" God this time, but something much more primal. A massive, seven-foot-tall demon with horns made of obsidian stepped through the doors, holding the head of a school security guard.
Demon: "WHICH ONE OF YOU IS THE ONE WHO DEFEATED THE APPRENTICES?! WHICH ONE OF YOU IS THE VOID?!"
The Room: (Panic ensues)
Alex: (Sighing, looking at his suit) "Seriously? During the slow song? Allen, hold my jacket. If I get blood on this, the dry cleaning bill is going to be astronomical."
Allen: "Only if you bring me a piece of that demon's horn. I heard they make great skewers for grilling meat."
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