Qwarian turned toward the others.
"There isn't much more I can say. Normally, I would simply repeat the same warning." He paused. "But this time—" His smile faded slightly. "—would you believe me if I said Dante fought Jurian and Aishwani simultaneously, noticed my attempt to observe his subordinates, and chased me away — all at the same time?"
....
Silence.
Bullshar stared at him.
"That—" He slowly lowered his snack. "—is actually worth taking seriously."
His expression became noticeably more cautious. 'Even I can't easily detect when this creep is nearby. And Dante noticed him while fighting two Mythical Beings?'
Bullshar's eyes narrowed. 'That means Dante requires far more attention than the others.'
Zephir's sharp canines became visible beneath his calm expression.
"That is impressive."
Shade immediately shook her head.
"It isn't merely impressive. It's concerning."
Everyone looked toward her. She crossed one leg over the other.
"This is the second time Dante has detected Qwarian. And this time—" Her crimson eyes narrowed. "—Qwarian described the situation as being chased away."
Qwarian laughed awkwardly.
"I considered saying that I simply chose to leave." He scratched his cheek. "But that wouldn't accurately describe what happened."
'They won't understand the gravity otherwise.'
Shade leaned farther back.
"Individually, each of those accomplishments would be extraordinary. Detecting Qwarian during an ordinary situation is already incredibly difficult. Nearly impossible for most people."
She raised a finger.
"Fighting Jurian is another matter entirely. Jurian defeated Qwarian twice."
Her second finger rose.
"And Aishwani remains an unknown variable. We know very little about her. But we know she is powerful."
A third finger.
"And Dante fought both of them while simultaneously noticing Qwarian's actions—" Her expression became serious. "—that is not normal."
Sapphire silently sighed. 'I knew that man was trouble.'
Qwarian smiled.
"I cannot accurately describe the battle. Not without explaining every ability Dante used." He paused. "But I will say this — I would be lying if I claimed I could defeat Jurian and Aishwani together."
His expression remained calm.
"That would be certain death."
The room became quiet. Then Qwarian looked toward Zephir and Bullshar.
"Could I fight both of you at the same time?"
"Yes."
Bullshar frowned. Qwarian immediately raised a hand.
"I said fight. Not win. Even I'm not arrogant enough to claim victory would be guaranteed."
Bullshar relaxed slightly. Qwarian continued.
"I chose both of you because I believe you possess the potential to reach the fourth year. Perhaps even graduate. That is how highly I regard your abilities."
Sapphire's expression slowly darkened.
"And Jurian and Aishwani are stronger than that?"
Qwarian nodded. 'She understands quickly.'
"Yes."
Bullshar leaned forward.
"So — if Dante, Jurian, and Aishwani have already formed a faction—"
Qwarian gave a quiet laugh.
"We may have a very serious problem."
The room fell silent. Qwarian's expression remained relaxed. His tone remained calm. Yet everyone present understood his character.
Qwarian rarely displayed fear. He rarely appeared troubled. His expressions revealed almost nothing. But his words — he never spoke carelessly.
He never dismissed danger. And he never exaggerated the strength of another person without reason.
If Qwarian believed Dante, Jurian, and Aishwani together represented a serious problem, then they had no choice but to accept it.
The balance within the academy may already have begun shifting.
And they were only two weeks into their first year.