The Next Day — Venessa Academy, Conference Room
The professors, committee members, imperial investigators, and the headmaster were all gathered in the grand conference room of Venessa Academy. Tension hung heavy in the air as they convened to address the recent arena incident.
The imperial family had dispatched two key figures to handle the investigation: Frank Al Eredo, the chief of the Imperial Security Division in Alofis and a swordmaster just one step away from becoming a grandmaster; and Christopher Bonny, the head of imperial intelligence and son of Marquis Bonny. Known as "The Sly Fox," Christopher lacked talent in magic or swordsmanship but had carved his place in politics through cunning intellect and ruthless strategy. Both men had been sent under the directive of Lorath, but their true objective was not justice—it was to seize control of the academy.
All professors were present, including Lucy, Orlando, Iris, Joseph, and others. The only one absent was Olivia. Professor Mark, still healing from injuries, had arrived in a wheelchair, his body wrapped in bandages and stitches.
"That damn walking volcano… Where the hell is she?" Mark muttered in frustration. "Of all times to go missing, why now?"
"Don't worry, Mark," Lucy said calmly. "She's responsible. If she's not here, then I trust she has something more urgent to handle."
"Responsible? All she knows is how to turn things into ash," he grumbled.
Just then, Christopher stood and broke the silence.
"Good day, Miss Elizabeth. I am Christopher Bonny, here by imperial order to investigate this unfortunate incident. I hope we can count on your full cooperation."
"Of course, Mister Christopher," Headmaster Elizabeth replied, her expression unreadable, her voice laced with diplomatic politeness. "We are all gathered for that purpose. I trust we can resolve this together."
Though composed, Elizabeth knew Christopher's reputation well. He might look like a harmless aristocrat, but beneath that facade was a man who had orchestrated countless malicious schemes. She couldn't afford to underestimate him.
Christopher continued, "so without further ado,let's handle the matter at hand, as you all know. This incident has brought great shame to the empire. Students nearly died. Many remain unconscious. Despite Venessa's reputation for elite-level security, you failed to protect your students. Naturally, the noble houses are demanding answers."
Mark and Orlando clenched their fists in silence, Seething . They understand Christopher's deliberate provocation, but hands were tied. Academy's lapse of security was undeniable
"The royal family has recieved the deluge of complaints from the noble families. Whose children were bedridden.The 200 first-year students and the top ten from both second and third years were caught in this disaster. The news has spread across the empire. At this rate our neighboring kingdoms and empire will take us as weak. Our neighboring kingdoms are watching, judging. This is no trivial matter. If we can't Even find the culprits"
He continued his discourage with the sly smirk.
"I also understand that Professors Lucy and Orlando investigated the location where the rune stones were sold, but came back empty-handed. The Queen is displeased. Therefore, under her authority, we will be placing Venessa's security under the control of the Imperial Security Division, led by Sir Frank."
Gasps filled the room.
"What do you mean by this, Sir Christopher?!" Mark snapped. "The academy operates independently under the royal charter issued by the late King five centuries ago! Even the current royal family has no right to infringe upon that!"
"Oh.sir mark don't misunderstand. We are not defying the imperial seal. And our queen know this better than anyone else. What we are saying that the venessa academy couldn't do her work as they should have done because of this 220 students lives were got cought in danger. And I don't need to remind you that most of them came from the five big clans and many high ranking noble family. If any of the had died in the incident. How were you planning to take responsibility. Our queen couldn't bear this as the future of empire would be ruined. In a moment. It has clearly shown the lack of security in the academy. That's why she ordered us to increase the security of the academy and she also said that she would sent some people from imperial court to work in the academy as executive for the well being of the empire and venessa academy. We are suspecting that someone from the inside trying to harm the academy ". Christopher said.
" You have crossed the line . You are suspecting us. We have never dreamt of harming our students and venessa academy. For the last 500 years the professors of venessa have devoted themselves for the well being of the empire. And you are saying we tried to harm our own students." Orlando said with full range.
"Please, Professor Orlando, calm down," Christopher said, mockingly. "Even loving parents have sold their children for power and gold. Loyalty means little when ambition gets in the way. Venessa's image is in tatters, and someone must be held accountable."
Everyone was silent. No one could deny Christopher's intent, yet they had no proof to counter him.
"Miss Elizabeth," Christopher said, his tone growing colder, "it's time for you to decide. We are only thinking of the academy's well-being."
Elizabeth, the Ice Sage, said nothing. She just simply smiled.
Suddenly, the conference room doors flew open with a loud BANG!
A man flew into the room, crashing to the floor in a bruised, bloody heap. Everyone turned in shock. At the doorway stood a woman with a wide grin on her face.
It was Olivia.
"Who said we couldn't find the culprits?" she said. "Hnn, I've been listening from outside, jeez your crap and your words really ticked me off. How dare you frame us—the professors of Venessa Academy!"
"What is the meaning of this, Miss Olivia?! Who is this man and how dare you threw him at me?!" Christopher demanded.
"Oh, that pretty face of yours just got paler. Didn't you say we couldn't find the culprits? Here he is—one of the perpetrators behind the incident you've been so desperate to solve."
"Do you think I would believe it anything you say. Who is this man and how he is behind the incident." Christopher said
"Just as I said he is the one behind the incident. He is from the black poison clan. The doroka clan. And here is the proof of that. " Olivia said and pulled out the doroka clan token from her pocket.
She shown that token to everyone in the room. Everyone got shocked as they saw the twin black snakes rapped against each other. It was the token symbol of the doroka clan.
Christopher and Frank stared in disbelief. It was real. The Doroka clan's crest.
"Now. Why are you not saying anything. Cat caught your tongue. Mister Christopher Bonny. " She said in teasing way.
Christopher holding back himself. Said
"How did you find him. Where did you find him. Why would he remain in the capital. Tell me". Christopher asked
Pfff. The intelligence department head asking me how did I find him. If you had any brain there you would have used it. I got the intel from the someone I know in the black market. He and his accomplices were running away from the capital through the eastern forest and caught them in the forest. And brought him here." Olivia said
After hearing Olivia he realised that the only one organization can provide her with the information. Night birds.
"He and his accomplices. Then where are the other man's" Christopher said
" Ohh....well.. you see when I found them they first attacked me and we engaged in— a battle. But as I am a sixth circle mage I subdued them very easily and that man run away. So caught him again. And during torture.....oh I mean interrogation two of them were heavily wounded so died and I brought him here. Simple" Olivia said with a big smile on her face.
The room went dead silent. Olivia had clearly said "torture" before correcting herself, but no one dared comment.
"And Why target the students?" Christopher pressed.
"They were after this," she said, pulling out a small box.
Inside was a black-marbled necklace.
"Looks ordinary," Christopher noted.
"Maybe, but he claimed it was the target. We'll analyze it."
Elizabeth stood up. "Now that the real culprits have been found, I don't see why imperial investigators need to remain. You must return to report to Her Majesty."
Christopher had been completely outmaneuvered. But he refused to leave empty-handed. Because queen will not let him go.
"Very well, Miss Olivia. The Queen will be pleased by your diligence. But let's not ignore the academy's security failure. Someone must still take responsibility."
"Already handled," Olivia said coolly. "Those responsible for lax security and didn't do their job properly and let the students brought unathourized items have been dealt with. They're tied at the main gate. As for improving security—don't worry, we'll handle it. Can't trust just anyone, right?"
Her fiery gaze met his.
"Then I will take this man and the token to report to Her Highness," Christopher said.
"Oh, no need. We wouldn't want to burden you. We'll deliver them ourselves, to the imperial court, Mister Christopher" Elizabeth replied with a calm, authoritative tone.
Defeated, Christopher and Frank had no choice but to retreat.
---
Inside the conference room, the professors swarmed Olivia with questions.
"Olivia, how did you find them?"
"Why didn't you tell us?!"
"Yeah tell us. We want to know".
"Okay, one at a time!" she laughed. "I got intel from Night Birds. Their people noticed Sint Merchant Company employees in the underground market selling illegal items to students. They were preparing to leave the city that night, so I acted."
"Night Birds, huh?" Orlando mused. "I always knew they had ears everywhere, but this proves it."
"Thank the heavens you found them," Mark added. "We would've been doomed."
"Headmaster, I saw you smiling. you knew she was listening, didn't you?" Lucy asked.
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled. "That's why I stayed composed. And now we know the Queen's true intentions. Olivia, you saved the academy. If there's anything we can offer, let us know."
"Anything? Then… can I have Kayle and Silvia as my assistants?" Olivia said brightly.
Lucy and Orlando turned toward her with glares.
"You know professors are only allowed one assistant!" Lucy protested.
"Okay, Exception granted," Elizabeth said. "But only if the students agree."
Lucy and Orlando sighed.
"Thank you, Headmaster. I'll speak to them," Olivia said.
"Now that everything is resolved, let us begin restoring the academy," Elizabeth announced.
Everyone returned to their duties, the storm having passed—for now.
_ _ _
A week later
Morning light streamed through the windows of Aeon's personal dormitory. In the quiet of the living room, Aeon sat on the couch, calmly reading the daily newspaper.
The headline read:
[Doroka Clan Executed for Treason – Ties to Venessa Academy Incident Confirmed]
(The Doroka Clan, a vassal of the Xopicca Clan, has been found responsible for the recent attack on Venessa Academy. The Imperial Court has issued a death sentence for the Doroka Clan's head. Their entire fortune, estate, contracts, and noble status have been confiscated. Three generations of their family are sentenced to labor in the iron mines.
The Xopicca Clan released an official statement, claiming no involvement and stating that Doroka acted independently.
Separately, the Sint Merchant Group has claimed ignorance regarding the infiltration of Doroka members into their ranks. They have announced a full internal investigation into the backgrounds of all employees.
The Imperial Family has ordered all noble houses and the Five Great Clans to re-investigate their vassals to maintain national stability.)
Aeon folded the paper slowly and spoke to himself.
"Just as I thought. Lorath had no choice but to make a decision. Olivia handled everything well. The academy is safe, one clan has been wiped out, and now the others are scrambling to cover their tracks. For now, everything is under control."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar object: a black diamond necklace.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Aeon had replaced the original necklace with a convincing replica and left it at the scene for Olivia to discover. No one else knew of the true significance of these necklaces. Even the powerful 8th Circle mage, Elizabeth, had failed to detect their uniqueness. To most, they appeared as ordinary jewels.
But they weren't. They were keys—seven in total—each holding a hidden power.
Currently, Aeon possessed two. The red one thrived on blood. The black one—on poison. Tracking their traits was almost impossible. To the world, they were nothing more than beautiful gemstones.
He placed the black diamond under a ray of morning sunlight. A radiant violet glow pulsed from its core, entrancing and mysterious. Making its wearer mesmerized. Attracting them towards itself .
"No wonder noblewomen desired it so much," Aeon murmured. "This necklace once ignited a civil war two centuries ago. And then... it suddenly vanished. Not a single record left behind. No one knows about it. "
He slipped it back into his pocket.
"Five more to go. I'll find them all. But for now, the academy reopens today. With the reconstruction complete and all students recovered, it's time to return to class."
---
Outside the dormitory, Aeon joined James and Silvia. The three made their way toward the academy.
"You look good after resting for ten days," James commented. "Your eyes... they're a little red though. It's faint, but different from your usual black."
"Yeah, I feel great," Silvia said, stretching with a grin. "A full recharge! I even advanced to Second Circle. I can really feel the mana flowing more freely now. And about the eye color—Professor Olivia said it's because of my fire affinity. She said as I grow stronger, they'll get deeper in color. Like hers."
Then she turned to Kayle.
"Oh! By the way, Professor Olivia said she wanted to speak to us. I think Something about the incident. We should head to her office first."
"Got it," Kayle replied. "Let's visit her as soon as we arrive."
---
At Venessa Academy.
James departed for the knight division while Kayle and Silvia made their way to Olivia's office.
Inside, Olivia greeted them with her usual energetic smile.
"Oh, hey kiddos! You finally made it. Come in!"
"Good morning, ma'am," Kayle and Silvia said in unison.
"Morning! Here, take these."
She handed them each a sheet of parchment.
"Assistant application forms," she said, beaming. "As you know, every top ten student gets the chance to become a professor's assistant. I want you both to become mine. Sounds amazing, right?"
Silvia blinked. "But professor... academy rules say one assistant per professor. How can we both work under you?"
"No need to worry! I've been granted a special exception. I can have two assistants. And besides, it comes with perks. You'll get extra points in final evaluations, access to top-tier research, and your names will become known not just in Alofis, but across the empire. Maybe even beyond. So? Interested?"
Kayle and Silvia exchanged glances.
Aeon thought quietly to himself:
"This is good for Silvia. In the original story, she was Olivia's assistant and eventually reached the Sixth Circle under her guidance. Her affinity with fire strengthened. As for me... I can wield every element, even composed ones like light and darkness. I was thinking of working with Professor Orlando. But staying close to Olivia could be useful. She may act carefree, but she reached the Sixth Circle by age 30—a rare feat. And became one of the youngest sixth circle mage."
"Kayle, what do you think? It'd be nice to work under the same professor together," Silvia said, hopeful.
"Professor," Kayle replied, "Can we think about it?"
"Oh, of course! But give me your answer before the end of classes today, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am."
As they left Olivia's office, Silvia looked at Kayle.
"Why didn't you accept? She's one of the most talented professors in the entire empire. It'd be amazing for us."
Kayle turned toward her, calm and composed.
"Silvia, decisions like this shape our future. It's better to think them through than to rush and regret them."
Silvia paused. Then smiled.
"You're right. I got carried away. I was just happy thinking I could stay close to you."
"Well," Kayle said, "let's go. Our first class is about to start."
And the two headed off together, back into the heart of the academy.
As they entered the classroom, the atmosphere had completely transformed.
Everyone had fully recovered and was in good spirits. The classroom buzzed with warmth and laughter—it felt just like it did in the early days. Weeks spent together in the infirmary had brought the students closer, forming strong friendships that now blossomed in the open light of normalcy.
Well, almost everyone.
Silvia still hadn't forgiven Sara. She kept her distance from her, and Sara respected that boundary. Whenever Sara's eyes accidentally met Kayle's, she would shyly avert her gaze and look elsewhere. Even so, there was no tension—just unspoken space between them. And despite that, the Star Class once again thrived with laughter, chatter, and youthful energy.
Aeon sat silently, watching it all with a soft smile tugging at his lips. Seeing them like this—alive, joyful, carefree—made him genuinely happy.
And just like that… he drifted into his thoughts again.
---
"Everything went according to plan. One threat is eliminated. The academy is safe, and everyone's smiling again. This is good… very good." Aeon thought.
"Now, about Olivia's offer."
He glanced over at Silvia, who was laughing along with her classmates.
"For Silvia, it's a perfect opportunity. Olivia has a fire affinity, just like her. If she follows her, Silvia will grow stronger—perhaps even reach the sixth circle one day, like she did in the original story. But for me…"
Aeon's expression didn't change, but a depth flickered in his eyes.
"But I'm different. I don't need an affinity to wield any element. I've already walked paths most of these people can't even imagine."
His mind wandered to memories of countless lives—fifty worlds, each with its own laws of magic and energy.
"I've studied divine spells in celestial temples, beast chants whispered by ancient tribes, rune languages carved into stone pillars, glyphic arrays written in starlight, and the alchemic seals hidden in forgotten grimoires. And in one world—named 'Star X'—I encountered something entirely different."
He remembered the sterile labs and sleek technologies of that world. There, he had first heard the terms atoms and molecules.
"Mana is the essence of all creation, like air or oxygen. In Some worlds mana is as vital as Oxygen, people can't live without it.—it's their life source. Most Mages perceive mana through cores,circles,stars and mana heart. Channeling it through their bodies to cast magic spells. I've experienced those mana storage and channeling technique in my travels. That is how I fordged my own "
He gently rested his hand over his chest.
"And then, I created my own path—my own theory."
---
Aeon's Mana Atom Theory.
His unique method bypassed the traditional need for internal circles or cores altogether. Instead, he saw mana at a molecular level, like atoms and bonds. Through years of relentless experimentation, he'd developed a revolutionary technique to manipulate mana's fundamental structure directly, without casting methods, circles, or even incantations.
He perceived mana as a system of tiny particles—Mana Particles (MPs)—that behaved exactly like atoms. Each type of spell—fire, water, wind, and so on—was composed of different combinations of these "mana atoms," much like how chemical elements combine to form molecules. For instance, Fire Mana could be seen as a specific combination of Mana Hydrogen (Ma) and Mana Oxygen (Om)
Fire mana = Ma + Om
(Mana Hydrogen + Mana Oxygen)
Like molecules, these particles can form different kinds of bonds:
Fusion bonds (like covalent bonds in chemistry)
Polarized bonds (similar to ionic bonds)
His ability lies in breaking and reforming these bonds in real-time, allowing him to:
*Spell Disruption: Break the mana bonds within enemy spells, unraveling them from the inside out.
*Instant Casting: Assemble complex spells automatically in microseconds, bypassing the need for lengthy incantations or gestures.
*Spell Transmutation: Alter one spell into another, or even neutralize them, by changing their sub-mana structure (e.g., turning a bolt of lightning into harmless plasma, or fire into billowing smoke).
Traditional mages drew intricate magic circles to shape and stabilize their spells—acting much like chemical reactors. But Aeon's heart contained no such circles. His heart itself is a Mana Core Reactor, simulating atomic reactions internally.
> "That's why no one can sense how powerful I truly am. I create fake circles just to blend in. My real strength is hidden in the foundation of mana itself."
His eyes glimmered for a moment as he smiled faintly.
"This… this is the fruit of my labor. The result of years of exploration, experimentation, and failure across worlds."
"If Professor Orlando ever found out about this, I wonder what face he'd make. Probably destroy all his research in frustration and beg to become my disciple instead." he chuckled silently to himself.
As he drifted through his prideful thoughts, a faint smile curled on Kayle's lips. Then, with a deep breath, he stood and quietly left the classroom.
Elsewhere, with some time still left before the lecture, Silvia, Rose, Jack, Rames, Mariya, Latty, Shawn, and Jin sat together, forming a lively group at the back of the room. Laughter and casual chatter filled the air, the light-hearted energy a stark contrast to the heaviness they'd endured just days ago.
Suddenly, Latty nudged Silvia with a playful grin.
"Jeez, Silvia, is he always this quiet? You are like one—women orchestra, but your friend barely says a word. I've never seen him talk to anyone except you and your brother. He just sits there, lost in his books or staring into space like he's brooding over the fate of the world. Doesn't he realize how popular he is? Even I want to be his girlfriend, but he acts like girls don't even exist."
"I second that," Rose added with a smirk.
"Me too," Mariya chimed in, giggling.
Silvia rolled her eyes and gave them a teasing smile.
"Yeah… he's always been like this lately. Back in our village, he used to be cheerful—loud, lively, active guy—talkative, funny. even, But after the incident… after everything that happened there, he's changed. He's still trying to adjust to this new life."
"What incident?" Jack asked, his tone shifting from playful to concerned. "You've never really told us much about your past."
Silvia's expression turned solemn. She hesitated, then nodded.
"It's a painful memory. I don't talk about it often, but… if you really want to know, I'll tell you."
And so, she told them. About the witch-hunt in her village. The fear. The betrayal. The night flames danced across rooftops and blood stained the soil. How James and Kayle had stood against an entire village to protect her and the others. About the people and the lives forever changed.
As her voice trailed off, the once-boisterous group fell silent. Jaws slackened. Hands covered mouths. Their eyes widened in disbelief. The vibrant, cheerful Silvia they knew had survived a horror none of them could have imagined.
Even Sara, who had been quietly working by herself, stopped. She turned to Silvia, her expression unreadable—softened by a realization she had never considered.
"Silvia… I had no idea," Jack said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that pain back up."
"Yeah, Silvia…" Latty added, her usual teasing tone gone. "We've been treating you like everything's fine. I'm ashamed I didn't try to understand more."
Rames nodded. "I… I shouldn't have pushed you either. I'm sorry too."
Silvia smiled gently, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Please, don't apologize. It wasn't your fault. I've moved on. Because of that past, I got the chance to meet Commander Jackson… to join the academy… and to meet all of you. That's why I'm grateful. I have real friends now."
Her words lifted the heaviness in the air, and slowly, smiles began to return to their faces.
"Yeah, no more sad talk!" Mariya declared. "From now on, it's all about the present—and the future."
"Silvia," Jack stood up, puffing out his chest, "Don't worry! I'll protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you again!"
The group stared at him in awkward silence.
"...Seriously?" Rames muttered. "You look like a wannabe bodyguard in a school play or a toddler playing knight"
"What did you say?!" Jack growled, and the two launched into another round of bickering just as Professor Lucy entered the classroom.
---
Later, during lunch...
Silvia and Kayle made their way to Professor Olivia's office, but she wasn't there. So they headed toward the cafeteria.
There, among the clamor of midday chatter, Professor Olivia sat with Professors Lucy and Orlando and other. As Silvia and Kayle approached, Olivia waved at them with her usual vibrant grin.
"Ma'am, we'd like to talk about what you mentioned this morning," Silvia said.
Olivia stood, brushing crumbs from her coat, and led them aside. Lucy and Orlando, curious, followed behind.
"So," Olivia joyed, crossing her arms. "Ah..My favourite duo! Come on. Tell me —what's your answer?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Silvia said with a proud nod. "I'll be your assistant."
"Excellent! I knew you'd make the right call!" Olivia said, her voice practically glowing.
"And you, Kayle?" she turned, eyes expectant.
Kayle paused, then said carefully, "Ma'am, I'm honored by your offer. But there's something I need to tell you first. I don't just have fire affinity but have more than one elemental affinity."
Orlando's ears perked. His body stiffened slightly—his academic instincts flaring to life like a dog spotting treasure.
Olivia tilted her head. "That's fine. Fire's what I specialize in, but affinity doesn't limit potential. You've got talent, and I need people who can get things done. All I care about is result"
Kayle nodded. "I do have an affinity for fire… but I also have wind."
Professor Lucy's eyes widened in surprise. A spark lit up behind them.
"Fire and wind? That's a rare, powerful combination," Olivia mused. "But… you said 'more'?"
Kayle took a step back, his face calm but voice confident.
"Yes, Ma'am. I also have lightning."
Gasps rippled around the group. Even Olivia blinked in disbelief. Lucy clasped her hand over her chest. Orlando's jaw was practically on the floor.
Then, Kayle raised his hand and conjured three orbs—flames, wind, and crackling electricity—each spinning effortlessly in perfect harmony above his palm.
The professors stared, stunned.
Mages could cast all elemental spells with enough study. But maintaining multiple elemental spheres without dispersion? That was only possible for those with natural affinity—and extreme control. And three affinities? That hadn't been recorded in Atheliya for over a century.
Lucy and Orlando couldn't hold themselves and rushed towards kayle.
"I… I can't believe it…" Orlando breathed. "Kayle… be my assistant! Together we'll rewrite history. I'll dedicate my entire career to researching your magic!"
"What?! He has wind too! Kayle, come to me!" Lucy countered. "With my guidance, your potential will shine across the empire. I'll grant you any resource—any privilege, I even ask the academy to give a personal lab!"
"Both of you—shut up!" Olivia snapped, her voice cracking like thunder. "I saw him first, and I'm not giving him up just because he's a prodigy. So shut the f*** up!"
But Kayle held up his hand again.
"I'm not finished yet."
He lifted his arm—and summoned a fourth sphere.
Water.
The moment the shimmering orb of water joined the other three, silence fell.
Then, all at once, Kayle launched the elemental spheres skyward. The cafeteria's skylight dimmed as mana surged upward. The spheres merged into a vibrant, swirling burst of energy, erupting into a stunning spectacle above the academy—fire, wind, lightning, and water dancing in harmony before dissolving into a rain of light.
The professors stood frozen, eyes wide, mouths agape.
Every student also stunned seeing the rare phenomena.
Not one. Not two. But four elemental affinities.
Not in six hundred years had Atheliya witnessed such a mage.
Olivia, Lucy, and Orlando were speechless. Even Silvia, her hands trembling from the awe, stared at Kayle as though seeing him for the first time.
And in the middle of it all, Aeon stood calm—composed—watching their shocked expressions.
Everything was going exactly as he planned.
"Now the attention is on me," Aeon thought with a quiet smirk. "And Silvia… she'll be safe from the eyes that might try to use her.
Let the world look at me. I've played this game in fifty worlds. I know exactly how it ends."