The following day arrived with a strange quietness. After the chaos from the night before, the morning sun felt like it was trying too hard to pretend nothing had happened. Yet the unease hadn't quite faded.
The bell rang across the academy, signaling all students to head to the main courtyard where Professor Gertrude stood with a stern expression. The students gathered quickly, whispers bouncing between them about the mysterious event in the maze.
Professor Darenn and Professor Irving flanked her sides, their faces unreadable.
"Students," Gertrude began, her voice calm but authoritative, "I will be brief. What happened last night is a serious matter. The Midnight Games, as some of you know, have always been a subtle tradition, something students uncover with curiosity. But even then, there were rules. Professors were always tasked to introduce themselves as hosts, and their identity was never hidden."
