The academy corridors were silent under the cold night sky.
Princess Elena walked quickly through the dim hallway.
her steps sharp.
her expression burning with anger.
Her fists tightened.
Today… no matter what happens.
she thought to herself, I will make Kairo stop all of this.
Her eyes narrowed as she moved forward with determination.
Then—
The scene shifted.
Inside the Kelric family manor.
the atmosphere was completely different.
Ketlos's mother paced nervously across the room.
Her face was pale with worry.
I have to go to the academy…
I need to see him.
she muttered anxiously.
She was about to leave when suddenly a calm voice stopped her.
Mom.
Sofia stepped forward.
She was Ketlos's eldest sister—tall, composed, and far more rational than the rest of the family.
Her calm presence alone could stabilize the chaotic room.
It's already night.
Sofia said softly.
We'll go tomorrow morning.
But their mother still looked worried.
What if something happens to him…?
Sofia sighed lightly.
Mom.
I'm worried too .
she admitted.
I also want to go see him right now.
She paused.
then continued calmly.
But if we go now.
we'll just disturb him.
He's probably resting.
After a long moment of hesitation.
their mother finally nodded slightly.
…Alright.
Elsewhere in the Kelric family…
The head of the Kelric family sat in his private chamber.
Kairo's grandfather.
His sharp eyes reflected the authority of someone who had ruled for decades.
Suddenly the door opened.
The butler rushed in.
trembling slightly.
Y–Your Highness…
The family head slowly looked up.
What happened?
The butler swallowed nervously.
Young Master Ketlos… has been severely injured.
He was attacked by… the Evil Cultivator.
For a brief moment.
the room went silent.
Then—
BANG!
The family head slammed his fist into the table.
The solid wooden table shattered instantly under the force.
His anger filled the room like a storm.
The butler quickly continued.
That Evil Cultivator always targets Young Master Ketlos…
but we still don't know why.
The old man slowly leaned back into his chair.
His expression turned cold.
…Then who could it be?
The butler lowered his head.
We contacted the academy leader.
He said no outsider has entered the academy.
It's almost impossible.
If someone did enter.
the teachers would have noticed immediately.
The butler hesitated before finishing his sentence.
…Which means the Evil Cultivator must be someone inside the academy.
The room fell quiet again.
But we still don't know who it is the butler added.
The family head's eyes narrowed.
…Do you suspect anyone?
Not yet.
the butler replied carefully.
But sooner or later…
we will find out.
Back at the academy…
Elena was still walking through the corridor.
Her expression had only grown colder.
Kairo… be ready.
she muttered under her breath.
Soon she arrived in front of a door.
KNOCK. KNOCK.
From inside.
Kairo's calm voice responded.
Who is it?
Then she speaks
It's me Elena.
There was a short pause.
…Wait a moment.
The sound of footsteps approached.
Then— Click.
The door opened.
And the very moment it did—
Elena's sword flashed.
She attacked at terrifying speed without even blinking.
To Be Continued.