Decker bore Tristan upon his shoulder, supporting him as they made their way toward the exit of the Academy. As they walked, Tristan dragged his feet across the cobblestone and grass paths, exhaustion coursing throughout his body.
Decker swiftly discerned that Tristan bore no visible wounds, yet upon closer inspection he realized the boy's deficiency of Star energy.
"Have you been overusing your ability?" he asked, a trace of worry lacing his tone.
Tristan did not know whether to answer with honesty or deceit, for what reason would Decker Vermillion concern himself if he were overworking his own strength?
"Why do you care?" he responded, his voice curious yet edged with irritation.
Decker chuckled.
"I should have known you would be reluctant to speak with me. I was hardly the most welcoming soul when we first met."
"I cannot fully explain to you the reason for my change of heart—you will simply have to accept my word for now. I promise I shall reveal everything when the time is right." Decker continued.
For a fleeting moment there was silence. Tristan offered no reply to a single word of Decker's, his mind clouded with confusion at how this man could so abruptly undergo such a change of spirit. Yet what Tristan came to realize was that Decker's words carried sincerity, and for whatever reason he truly did care for Tristan's well-being.
"I've been training in secret… and if you would, do not tell Amelia or Garfield," Tristan said as he and Decker pressed onward toward the exit.
Decker smiled faintly and replied, "Do not fear—I will not. I am good at keeping secrets."
As they reached the gate, the teachers stood before the students, forming a barrier that separated them from the entrance. The teachers, as well as the students gathered behind, watched as Decker approached with Tristan slung upon his shoulder.
Garfield and Amelia, upon seeing their friend, rushed swiftly toward the pair.
"What happened?" Amelia asked, concern etched across her face.
Decker glanced at Tristan, then gave him a subtle wink.
"All shall be revealed in due time."
As Decker bore Tristan upon his shoulder, he turned slightly to the side and caught sight of his own son, who gazed upon him with disappointment written upon his features. Decker gently lowered Tristan, placing him to rest upon the cobblestone road outside the Academy. Drawing in a breath, he shifted his gaze toward the towering Academy building. Though the Headmaster had never disclosed the precise reason for the evacuation, Decker was slowly piecing together fragments of truth from the words he had overheard during Tristan and Eleanor's conversation.
The Headmaster soon approached the entrance of the Academy, her STAR uniform now deactivated, her weapon sealed once more within her Celestial Forge.
"I heard reports that some of our tamed beasts were beginning to lose control, so I was forced to take care of the matter myself," she declared.
A blatant falsehood to those who knew the true reason for the evacuation.
"Did you dispose of them, Headmaster?" a student asked.
The Headmaster nodded, and a roar of cheers erupted from the mass of students gathered before the gate.
"What else would you expect from the Headmaster?" another student proclaimed.
Decker strode closer to the Headmaster, his expression grave. "Might I request a word?"
The Headmaster agreed, but first allowed everyone to return as though nothing had transpired. Together, she and Decker began walking back toward the Academy.
Tristan quickly signaled for Garfield's attention. Garfield knelt, and Tristan whispered, "Decker Vermillion discovered the truth."
Garfield's eyes widened in shock, and he immediately turned his gaze toward the Headmaster as she departed with Decker. He then looked down at Tristan, swiftly lifting him, draping Tristan's arm over his shoulder. Amelia followed close behind as the three hurried after them.
As the Headmaster began her ascent of the confusing staircase, Garfield, Tristan, and Amelia closed the distance.
"Please stop. If you are going to discuss that matter, then we must be present," Garfield demanded.
Decker turned to them.
"You three should head to the meeting hall. You will be summoned when the time comes," he said, resuming his climb.
"No," Tristan interjected, halting Decker's steps.
"Excuse me?" Decker replied.
Though weary and battered, Tristan spoke with unwavering confidence, absent of fear.
"If you intend to speak with the Headmaster, then you intend to speak with us. We are entangled in this matter entirely, and we are the ones who have the knowledge."
Decker looked to the Headmaster, awaiting her judgment. She simply smiled, then nodded, granting the trio permission to accompany them. Without further word, Decker resumed his ascent, and together they climbed the labyrinthine staircase until at last they arrived within the Headmaster's office.
The door was locked, and the discussion was prepared to commence—but not before Garfield carefully set Tristan down upon the Headmaster's couch.
"Why would you permit these children to become embroiled in something so dangerous?!" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.
The Headmaster attempted to respond, but Tristan cut in before she could.
"She required allies she could trust, and most of the students in this Academy are far from virtuous, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Why? And for what purpose?" Decker pressed.
The Headmaster summoned her spear, striking it upon the floor to silence them. After taking a measured breath, she revealed everything to Decker—from the affliction plaguing the students, to the hidden laboratory, and finally, Bertal Wenkay.
Decker lowered himself into a chair, leaning slightly forward, interlacing his fingers beneath his nose.
"That is… much to take in. But what does Miss Eleanor have to do with all this?" he asked.
"Miss Eleanor?" the Headmaster echoed.
At that moment, Tristan realized he had not yet disclosed the educator's betrayal. He quickly recounted everything she had confessed, unveiling the possibility of a secret organization manipulating events from the shadows. Decker added her words to the account, immediately voicing what their motives might be.
"So… you suspect she may have been the one using Mimicry Fake to impersonate members of the Disciplinary Committee?" the Headmaster asked.
"I cannot say for certain. When I asked her, she would not give a direct answer."
The Headmaster sighed, disappointment clouding her face.
"We may have no choice but to cancel the Selection Game."
"I concur," Decker said firmly. "With the current turmoil, holding such an event would be reckless. We cannot risk further danger while these terrorists lurk."
"No…" Amelia interjected, her voice rising in defiance. "That is precisely what they want. Cancelling the Selection Game would be surrender—it would be weakness. And when have we ever been known to show weakness?"
"But Amelia, lives may be endangered," Garfield countered.
"Lives will be endangered regardless," Amelia shot back. "So why yield and grant them exactly what they desire?"
The room fell silent as Amelia's words lingered in the air. Whether truth or folly, only time would reveal.
"Then let us proceed with the Selection Game," Tristan declared.
"Brother?" Garfield asked, astonishment flickering across his face.
"What Amelia says is true. Even if we abandon the Selection Game, danger will remain. Thus, it is wiser to use the Game as a crucible—to grow stronger, and to stand against them."
The room fell into stillness as all eyes turned toward the Headmaster. She remained silent for a long while, lost in contemplation. Finally, after a heavy pause, she spoke at last.
"I have reached a decision."