Chapter 795 - Understanding
The faint glow of my desk lamp illuminated the room as I leaned back in my chair, holding the sleek tablet displaying the latest report from [Horde]. The digital interface hummed softly, a subtle reminder of the effort it took to obtain this information. My gaze moved over the words, my fingers swiping occasionally to scroll through the concise but detailed summaries.
The first section immediately captured my attention.
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Emberheart Family vs Hawkins Family
The Emberheart Family and Hawkins Family had started clashing, and the Emberhearts had begun showing their fangs already.
However, the Hawkins Family isn't fighting alone—they didn't enter this conflict unprepared.
The Ventorien Family (Wind Pillar) has started supporting the Hawkins Family, bringing their influence into play.
Additionally, the Frostborne Family has shown signs of being on the Hawkins' side, at least from the surface.
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I frowned slightly, my fingers tapping lightly against the desk as I processed the information.
'Ventorien and Frostborne,' I thought, narrowing my eyes. 'That complicates things.'
The Hawkins weren't known for taking direct actions without strong backup, and the report confirmed what I'd suspected. Their move against the Emberhearts wasn't just about vengeance or a power grab—it was strategic, supported by allies with substantial resources and influence.
I tapped my fingers lightly against the desk, my eyes narrowing as I reread the report. The involvement of the Ventorien Family didn't surprise me. It fit perfectly with the events in the game—one of the key factors that made Irina's scenario so challenging.
In the game, the Hawkins and Ventorien Families had been working together behind the scenes for years, a covert alliance driven by shared ambition and mutual grudge against the Emberhearts. Their objective had been clear: weaken the Emberheart Family and carve out a piece of their influence for themselves. For the Hawkins, it was about expanding their power, but for the Ventoriens, it was personal.
'The Ventoriens' grudge against the Emberhearts is still well known,' I thought, my fingers stilling for a moment. That grudge stemmed from an event in the past, a bitter rivalry that had left deep scars.
But the Frostborne Family? That was another matter entirely.
I leaned back in my chair, letting out a slow breath as I considered the implications. Unlike the Ventoriens, the Frostborne Family had no history of overt hostility toward the Emberhearts. If anything, they had a reputation for neutrality, focusing inward rather than getting involved in external conflicts.
'And that's not just a facade,' I thought, my eyes narrowing further. Contrary to the perception of the outside world, the Frostborne Family wasn't as cohesive as it appeared. Beneath the surface, there were fractures—internal struggles that even their Matriarch couldn't fully control.
In fact, the Frostbornes' strongest power, the protectors who formed the cornerstone of their family's might, were no longer present. They had been absent for years, a secret kept well-hidden even from those closest to the family. Only two people in this academy likely knew about it: Seraphina and me.
And yet, this report suggested the Frostbornes were now siding with the Hawkins. That didn't make sense.
'Unless…' I thought, my mind piecing together possibilities. 'Unless this involvement isn't coming from the Frostborne Family as a whole. Unless this information is misleading—deliberately so.'
The faint glow of my desk lamp illuminated the room as I continued scrolling down the report.
Philips Family vs Hartley Family
I straightened in my chair, my fingers brushing lightly against my chin as I read the detailed summary.
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The conflict between the Philips and Hartley Families has begun to destabilize the already fragile balance in the Hunter Sector. The fight has had a significant impact on the economy, particularly on the allocation of gate rights. Several critical zones have become unstable as disputes over ownership and profit distribution intensify.
The Philips Family has demonstrated surprising resilience and aggression, consistently pushing the Hartley Family back. Sources suggest this newfound strength comes from an alliance with several smaller guilds, whose combined forces have tipped the scales in their favor.
Additionally, there are signs of Demon Contractors operating in the shadows. While none of the captured individuals have been directly linked to the Philips Family on the surface, circumstantial evidence strongly suggests their involvement. The Contractors' actions have been notably aligned with the Philips Family's objectives, leaving little doubt about where their loyalties lie.
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The faint glow of my desk lamp cast long shadows across the room as my eyes skimmed the report. When they landed on the line—
"newfound strength comes from an alliance with several smaller guilds, whose combined forces have tipped the scales in their favor"—
my fingers stilled, ceasing their rhythmic tapping on the desk.
For a moment, the room felt quieter, the soft hum of the tablet the only sound breaking the stillness. I leaned back slightly, my gaze lifting from the screen to the window. Beyond the glass, the dark sky stretched endlessly, stars scattered like distant embers flickering against the void.
'So, you're finally moving,' I thought, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
It wasn't a surprise that crossed my mind, but a quiet sense of validation. This—this exact moment—was what I had been waiting for. The Philips Family could never have pushed back the Hartleys on their own. It didn't align with their resources, their strategy, or their known capabilities. But now, with the involvement of smaller guilds and the unmistakable hand of Demon Contractors, the pieces began to fall into place.
'There's no way the Philips Family could manage this alone,' I thought, narrowing my eyes as my reflection faintly glimmered on the windowpane. The timing, the alliances, and the method of their newfound aggression—it all pointed to one thing. Or rather, one person.
The air in the room felt heavier as my thoughts sharpened. This wasn't a random escalation. This was deliberate. Methodical. A move orchestrated not by the Philips Family, but by the shadow I had been waiting for months. The one I had been quietly luring out of hiding.
'And now, you're finally starting to show yourself,' I thought, leaning forward slightly.
The report in my hands was more than a summary of shifting alliances and destabilized economies. It was a signal—a declaration that the gears of the world were beginning to turn, and with them, the intricate machinery I had spent so long preparing.
'Let's start working.'
Now, with the shadows finally stirring, the stage was set for the next act.
Outside, the dark sky loomed vast and silent, unaware of the storm about to unfold. Inside, the faint glow of the desk lamp flickered, casting light over the words that had set everything into motion. My fingers rested lightly on the tablet, poised and ready, as if waiting for the moment to strike.
And strike I would.
*******
Sylvie collapsed onto the training mat, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Sweat clung to her skin, her muscles aching from the relentless pace of the Headmaster's drills. The usual clarity and focus she found during these sessions had been absent today, replaced by a swirl of thoughts she couldn't seem to escape.
"Enough for today," Headmaster Jonathan Arcwright said, his voice calm but edged with its usual authority. He stood nearby, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "But you were not as focused as you normally are."
Sylvie winced slightly, sitting up and wiping the sweat from her brow. "I'm sorry, Headmaster," she said quickly, though she avoided meeting his eyes. She knew how perceptive he was and how easily he could see through her.
"Is something on your mind?" he asked, his tone firm but not unkind. It wasn't a casual question—it was a direct probe, meant to uncover whatever was holding her back.
Sylvie hesitated, her fingers clenching slightly against the mat. For a moment, she considered telling him the truth, laying out all the thoughts that had been plaguing her since her encounter in the infirmary. But the words stuck in her throat, and instead, she shook her head.
"It's nothing," she said, her voice steady but faintly strained. "I'm just… a little distracted today."
Jonathan's sharp blue eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze weighing her words. "You're lying," he said bluntly, his tone carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "But I won't force the truth from you. If you can't confront what's on your mind, you won't be able to move past it."
Sylvie's heart sank at his words, the truth of them striking a chord deep within her. She looked away, her thoughts swirling. 'It's not nothing,' she admitted inwardly, though she didn't dare say it aloud. 'I've been thinking about Maya. About Astron. About what I should do.'
The memory of Maya's unstable emotions, the clash of her two palettes, and the dangerous pulsing red that felt so wrong—it all haunted her. And then there was Astron, standing there with his cold, knowing gaze, as if he had already pieced together the puzzle she was still struggling to understand.
Sylvie clenched her fists, frustration and uncertainty bubbling up inside her. 'I want to talk to him. I need to. But what do I even say? And what if… what if I'm wrong?'
The Headmaster's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Sylvie," he said, his tone gentler now. "If you don't address what's clouding your mind, it will continue to hold you back. Whatever it is, face it—before it becomes something you can't control."
She nodded slowly, her chest tightening as she absorbed his words. "I understand, Headmaster," she said quietly, though she wasn't sure if she truly did. The weight of her thoughts felt heavier than ever, but she knew he was right. Ignoring them wouldn't make them go away.
As she stood, her legs trembling slightly from the exertion of their training, she resolved to do what she had been avoiding all day.
'I'll talk to him. No more excuses.'
That is why she sent the message.
Chapter 796 - Understanding (2)
The crisp evening air greeted Sylvie as she stepped out of the dormitory, her damp hair swaying slightly with each step. The weather had turned chilly as the day wound down, the faint breeze sending a shiver down her spine. She pulled her jacket closer, her thoughts steadying as she spotted Astron waiting by the courtyard.
As usual, Astron seemed completely unbothered by the cold, his calm posture and steady gaze making him look as though he had all the time in the world. His purple eyes flicked toward her as she approached, and he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
"Hey," Sylvie greeted, her voice light but tinged with a nervous edge.
Astron nodded again, his expression unreadable. "Sylvie."
She fought the urge to fidget under his gaze, the frustration of not being able to read him simmering quietly in the back of her mind. 'Why is it always so hard to tell what he's thinking?' she wondered, though she quickly pushed the thought aside. This wasn't the time to let her own nerves get the better of her.
"Mind if I walk with you?" she asked, gesturing toward the path that led through the courtyard.
Astron tilted his head slightly, then turned to start walking without a word. Sylvie took that as an agreement and fell into step beside him. The faint crunch of their footsteps on the gravel path filled the silence for a few moments before she spoke again.
"So… how was your day?" she asked, keeping her tone casual. "Anything interesting happen?"
Astron glanced at her briefly before returning his gaze to the path ahead. "Nothing out of the ordinary," he replied. "Classes, some training. The usual."
"Ah, right," Sylvie said, nodding. "That makes sense. I guess everyone's still trying to settle back into the semester. It always feels a bit chaotic at first, doesn't it?"
Astron gave a faint hum of agreement, his posture relaxed but his expression as composed as ever. Sylvie found herself blabbering a little more, the weight of the earlier tension pushing her into a stream of casual chatter.
"And Professor Eleanor's classes, huh?" she continued with a small laugh. "She doesn't waste any time, does she? Two blocks right at the start of the semester—I thought half the class was going to fall over by the end of it. How did you manage?"
"By paying attention," Astron said simply.
Sylvie let out a soft laugh, brushing her hair back as she glanced at him. "Well, you make it sound so easy," she said lightly.
"Why?"
Sylvie let out a small sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she found herself falling into the rhythm of their walk. The casual conversation felt like a balm to the tension that had been building inside her all day. But as they walked, a thought bubbled to the surface, and before she could stop herself, she began speaking.
"You know," she started, her voice softer now, "it's been harder for me to focus lately. On my tasks, my studies, even in class. It feels like my attention just keeps slipping away."
Astron glanced at her, his purple eyes calm but inquisitive. "Do you use social media a lot?" he asked, his tone matter-of-fact.
Sylvie blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, I mean… when I'm on breaks from studying," she admitted. "Not a ton, though."
"Do you watch short content often?" Astron continued, his gaze steady as he turned his head slightly toward her. "Videos that condense everything into a minute or less?"
Sylvie tilted her head, thinking for a moment before shaking it. "No, not much. I usually watch longer videos if I watch anything at all."
Astron studied her for a second, his expression thoughtful. "If that's the case," he said slowly, "then your attention span isn't being disrupted by external factors. It's not because of messed-up brain timers or an addiction to quick dopamine hits."
Sylvie blinked, a small, confused laugh escaping her lips. "Messed-up brain timers?" she echoed. "What are you even talking about?"
"Short-form content trains your brain to expect constant stimulation," Astron explained, his tone calm and deliberate. "It can make it harder for people to focus on things that require sustained attention. But if that doesn't apply to you…"
He paused, his sharp gaze meeting hers with a precision that made her heart skip a beat. "That means there's something in the classroom that's taking your attention."
Sylvie felt her breath hitch at his words, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. His statement felt so matter-of-fact, so accurate, that for a moment, she wasn't sure how to respond.
'It is you.'
The thought rose unbidden, sharp and insistent, but she bit her tongue before it could escape. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she forced herself to look away, focusing instead on the gravel path beneath her feet.
"Maybe," she said finally, her voice light but strained as she tried to deflect. "Or maybe I'm just tired. You know how it is at the start of the semester—everything feels overwhelming at once."
Astron hummed in acknowledgment, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he looked ahead again. Sylvie could feel her pulse quickening as they walked, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't voice.
'It's not just the classroom,' she thought, her chest tightening. 'It's whenever you're there.'
But saying these words out loud….
It was easier said than done.
Hence she changed the topic.
"I know a place we can go. It's new, and I think you might like it."
Astron raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with faint curiosity. "Where?"
"It's called The Nexus," Sylvie replied, gesturing down a different path. "It's this massive building the academy just opened. They set it up for cadets to study, relax, or hang out. It's got everything—study blocks, lounges, even a café. And the best part? It's affordable, so you don't have to worry about spending too much."
Astron gave a faint hum of acknowledgment, his expression neutral but seemingly agreeable. "Lead the way," he said simply.
Sylvie smiled, quickening her pace as they made their way toward The Nexus. The building was impossible to miss—a sleek, modern structure with glass-paneled walls and soft, glowing lights that illuminated its surroundings. The faint hum of machinery blended seamlessly with the quiet chatter of students entering and leaving.
Inside, The Nexus was just as impressive. The ground floor was wide and open, divided into various sections. Rows of study blocks lined one side, separated by glass panels for privacy, while a spacious lounge area with comfortable seating occupied the other. Robots moved efficiently through the space, preparing and serving drinks, tidying up tables, and even delivering meals. Everything was automated, creating an atmosphere that was both futuristic and strangely calming.
Sylvie led Astron to one of the quieter corners, a small section near a row of study blocks. The lighting here was softer, the noise from the main lounge muted enough to make conversation comfortable. A robot approached them as they sat down, its sleek metallic frame gliding smoothly across the floor.
"Welcome," it said in a pleasant, artificial voice. "May I take your order?"
Sylvie glanced at Astron, her eyebrows raised. "Want anything?"
"Just a black tea," Astron replied without hesitation.
Sylvie nodded, then turned back to the robot. "I'll have the same, and a slice of the honey cake, please."
The robot whirred softly, confirming their order before gliding away. Astron leaned back slightly in his seat, his sharp gaze flicking around the space as he took in their surroundings.
"This place is newly opened?" Astron asked, his sharp purple eyes scanning the quiet surroundings. His tone was calm, but Sylvie could hear the faint curiosity in his voice.
Sylvie nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she leaned back slightly in her seat. "Yeah, it's new," she replied. "I actually just discovered it yesterday. Since it's a new facility, the academy didn't really have time to advertise it properly. They sent out a mail about it, but I guess not many people noticed—or cared enough to check it out."
Astron gave a small hum of acknowledgment, his gaze flicking briefly to a nearby robot gliding past with a tray of drinks. "Quiet," he remarked. "Empty. I can see why you chose it."
Sylvie smiled faintly, taking a sip of her tea. "That's exactly why I came here," she admitted. "After what happened in the cafeteria, I figured it'd be nice to find a place where I wouldn't be… interrupted."
Astron's gaze returned to her, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Interrupted?"
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, her mind flashing back to the crowd in the cafeteria—the questions, the stares, the overwhelming tension of being looked at by that Snack-loving scary senior.
She set her cup down, her fingers brushing lightly against the table as she tried to find the right words.
"Yes, interrupted."
"Is it related to the topic that you want to talk about?"
Sylvie took a deep breath, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her teacup. Her nerves simmered just beneath the surface, but she pushed them down, focusing on the steady, composed presence across from her.
"Yes," she admitted, meeting Astron's gaze. "It's related to what I want to talk about."
Astron's expression didn't shift, but she could feel the weight of his attention settle fully on her. The silence stretched for a moment, his calm gaze urging her to continue.
"What happened to Senior Maya?"
She finally dropped the bomb that she was looking for.
Chapter 797 - Understanding (3)
"What happened to Senior Maya?"
Astron's sharp purple eyes locked onto Sylvie's the moment she spoke, his expression calm but his gaze piercing in a way that made her breath hitch. The silence that followed her question was heavy, weighted with the unspoken tension between them.
"What happened to her?" Astron repeated, his voice measured. He tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze unyielding. "What do you mean by that?"
Sylvie straightened in her seat, gripping her teacup tightly to steady herself. She knew Astron well enough to recognize that he was being deliberately evasive. He was hiding something—he always did when he felt the need to shield others from the truth. But not this time. This time, she wasn't going to let him deflect.
She took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup as she tried to gather her thoughts. "Astron," she said, her voice firm but not accusatory. "There's something inside her. Something that isn't normal. I can feel it."
Astron's gaze didn't waver, but she caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps, or recognition. "What do you mean, feel it?" he asked evenly.
Sylvie hesitated, the words catching in her throat. She had never openly discussed her [Authority] with him, but she had a feeling he already knew more than she had let on. And now, there was no point in hiding it.
Sylvie swallowed hard, her grip on the teacup tightening as she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I can feel it," she said simply, her voice steady but edged with an undercurrent of tension.
Astron's sharp purple eyes bored into hers, unyielding, as if searching for something beneath her words. The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating, until he finally nodded, the faintest tilt of his head.
"With your changes…" he murmured, his tone calm but tinged with an almost imperceptible weight. "It is understandable that you can feel something like that."
Sylvie's chest tightened. She had expected him to question her further, to probe for more details, but his words carried a quiet certainty that caught her off guard. He knew—maybe not the full extent, but enough to understand what had happened to her.
Enough to believe her.
Astron leaned back slightly, his gaze still locked onto hers, unrelenting in its intensity. But Sylvie had no intention of backing down or changing the subject. Not now.
She set the cup down gently on the table, her fingers brushing the rim as she took a deep breath. "There's something inside her," she began, her voice lower now, as if the weight of her words demanded restraint. "Even though it's not something I've encountered before, I can understand it to some extent."
Astron remained silent, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he listened. He didn't interrupt, didn't push her to elaborate, but she could sense the tension in the air between them.
Sylvie's hands clenched into fists on the table as she leaned forward slightly. Her voice grew firmer, more resolute, as she described what she felt. "It's… bloody. Thirsty. Hungry. And inhuman."
She paused, her breath catching as she forced herself to say the words that had been clawing at her mind since she first sensed it. "Demonic energy."
The words hung in the air like a stormcloud, heavy and foreboding. For a moment, Astron's expression didn't change, but the subtle shift in his posture—a faint straightening of his back, the way his hands relaxed slightly on the table—spoke volumes.
"Demonic energy," he repeated, his voice quiet but sharp, like the edge of a blade. His gaze flickered briefly, as though piecing something together in his mind. "You're certain?"
Sylvie's voice didn't waver, even as her chest tightened. "Yes. And you know about it as well, don't you?" she asked, her tone sharper now, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability.
There's no way he doesn't. Not with his perception. He sees through everything, even the things others don't want to reveal.
Astron's gaze remained steady, his sharp purple eyes unwavering as he leaned back in his chair. His expression, as always, was calm—too calm. Then, after a long moment, he nodded.
"I knew," he admitted, his voice low, carrying the weight of a truth he had no intention of hiding.
Sylvie felt her breath hitch, her hands tightening into fists on the table. The confirmation wasn't unexpected, yet it still sent a shiver down her spine. Of course, he knew. He always knows. But if he knew… why didn't he do anything?
"Then… why?" she began, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to steady it. "Why didn't you—"
Astron's hand lifted, a subtle but firm gesture that stopped her mid-sentence. His calm gaze softened slightly, but there was no room for argument in his tone as he spoke. "Because," he said, "I don't make it a habit to speak about other people's lives unless it's absolutely necessary."
Sylvie's lips parted, her rebuttal on the tip of her tongue, but she hesitated. His words carried a weight she couldn't ignore, a quiet finality that stilled the storm brewing in her mind.
"But now," Astron continued, his gaze sharpening, "since you've come to learn about this, it's better to give some context."
Sylvie's chest tightened further, her heart pounding as she braced herself for what was to come. She had wanted answers—needed them—but now that they were within reach, a part of her couldn't ignore the dread creeping in.
He's going to tell me, indeed….He knew.
Astron's voice pulled her from her thoughts, steady and measured as he began. "Maya wasn't always like this," he said, his words deliberate. "You've seen her control, her composure. That was how she was usually before….But now, that's no longer something natural—it's something she has to fight for."
Astron's voice was calm but deliberate as he continued, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Remember the time when we went on that trip with our club? To the Western Uxbridge?"
Sylvie blinked, her chest tightening as his words stirred memories she'd tried to bury. The Western Uxbridge trip—she could still feel the chill of that place, the way the air seemed to weigh heavier there, as if the land itself carried the echoes of something sinister.
Her hands trembled slightly, her nails pressing into her palms as the memories resurfaced, vivid and unrelenting.
The chains had been cold against her wrists, the dim light of the cave casting eerie shadows across the stone walls. She remembered the voices of the demonic contractors, their tones cruel and mocking as they discussed what to do with her. And she remembered Astron, bloody and battered, fighting tooth and nail to get to her despite the overwhelming odds.
He almost died that day. He didn't hesitate, didn't think twice about the risk. He just… came for me.
But the memories didn't stop there. Sylvie's breathing grew shallower as her mind replayed what came next—what she had seen when they escaped.
The murder.
It wasn't just the act itself—it was the raw, unbridled hatred in the killer's eyes, the way their emotions had burned so intensely they nearly overwhelmed her [Authority]. Hatred, insanity, desperation—all mixed together in a storm that made her feel like she was suffocating. She could still hear the sickening crunch, the wet thud of flesh and bone, as the life was snuffed out before her eyes.
And then, Maya's absence.
Sylvie's eyes widened, her breath hitching as the pieces clicked together. "Senior Maya… she went missing," she whispered, the realization dawning on her like a sudden, chilling gust of wind.
Astron's sharp gaze softened slightly, his expression unreadable but not unkind. "You remember that, don't you?"
"I do….At that time, you came to look for my [Enchantment]. At that time, even
Sylvie's chest tightened as the memories continued to resurface, jagged and raw. She pressed her trembling hands against the table, grounding herself as her voice grew steadier.
'I remember… back then, my [Authority] was still new to me,' she thought, her mind tinged with a mix of reflection and regret. 'I didn't even know how far it could go or what I could really do with it. It felt like… like I was holding something fragile but dangerous, and I didn't know if I could control it.'
Her gaze flickered to Astron, his sharp purple eyes watching her intently, though he said nothing. His silence was grounding in its own way, a steady anchor amid her swirling thoughts.
"At that time," Sylvie continued, "you came to find me. You said you needed my enchantment—for something important."
She paused, her fingers brushing absently against the rim of her teacup as she remembered the weight of that moment. "When you asked for my blessing, it was the first time I felt… useful. Like I wasn't just a liability. But at the same time, I couldn't shake the fear." Her voice softened, almost a whisper now.
'I was afraid you were pushing yourself too far. That you wouldn't come back.'
Astron's expression didn't change, but there was a faint flicker of recognition in his gaze, as though he, too, remembered the events she was describing.
"But now…" Sylvie's voice trailed off, her thoughts racing as the pieces began to fall into place. The memories, the emotions, the lingering unease—it all started to make sense. Her eyes widened as realization struck, her breath catching in her throat.
"Something captured Senior Maya at that time, didn't it? And you went to save her."
Chapter 798 - Understanding (4)
"Something captured Senior Maya at that time, didn't it? And you went to save her."
Astron's gaze didn't waver, but his silence spoke volumes. It was an answer in itself, one that confirmed her suspicions.
Sylvie leaned forward slightly, her voice growing firmer as she pressed on. "But why didn't you inform the authorities? Surely… surely the city wouldn't just let a genius senior like Maya disappear without doing something. They would've searched for her. They would've—"
Astron raised a hand, a quiet yet commanding gesture that silenced her mid-sentence. His gaze softened slightly, but his voice carried a weight that silenced any further protests. "Do you think they would've believed me?" he asked, his tone calm but edged with something deeper—something almost bitter. "A first-year student claiming that a senior had been taken by something. Without evidence?"
Sylvie leaned back, her fingers curling around the edge of her teacup as her thoughts churned. To be honest, I'm not that well-versed in how authorities and formalities work. It wasn't something she had ever needed to understand deeply. But even so, Astron's explanation sounded plausible. The way things worked in the academy—and even the city—made it easy to imagine his concerns being dismissed outright.
Still, the weight of his words lingered, a quiet unease settling in her chest. She looked at him again, her voice hesitant but firm. "But then… what captured her?"
Astron's gaze flickered, a faint but unmistakable shadow crossing his sharp purple eyes. "That," he said quietly, "is one of the main reasons why I didn't inform the authorities."
Sylvie frowned, her curiosity piqued but tempered by a growing sense of dread. "Why?" she asked, leaning forward slightly. "What was it?"
Astron hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but laced with a subtle intensity. "Because it was… outrageous," he said. "Something they wouldn't have believed, no matter how much evidence I provided."
Sylvie's breath hitched, her pulse quickening as she watched him carefully. His words carried a weight she couldn't ignore, and her unease deepened with every passing second. "What did you find?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost a whisper.
Astron's sharp gaze bore into hers as he continued. "While I was investigating her disappearance, I traced her movements—followed the traces of mana and the remnants of what was left behind. And… long story short, I came to a conclusion."
Sylvie's chest tightened, her mind racing as she waited for him to elaborate.
"It wasn't demonic contractors who captured her," Astron said finally, his tone steady but edged with something colder. "It was an ancient vampire. One that had been in slumber for centuries… and had been awakened."
Sylvie's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "An ancient vampire?" she echoed, her voice tinged with both disbelief and fear.
"Yes," Astron said simply, his gaze unwavering. "One of the old ones—far stronger, far more dangerous than anything you'd encounter in the modern world. They're relics of another age, creatures that shouldn't even exist anymore. And yet, one of them was there. Awake. And Maya was taken by it."
Sylvie's mind reeled at his words, the weight of his revelation pressing down on her like a stone. An ancient vampire… The very idea felt unreal, like something out of a nightmare. But the seriousness in Astron's tone, the sharp edge in his gaze, left no room for doubt.
"How did you… how did you even find her?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to steady it.
Astron's expression didn't waver. "It wasn't easy," he admitted. "The traces were faint, almost nonexistent. But I followed them. Every step, every clue, until I found her."
Sylvie stared at him, a mix of awe and unease swirling in her chest. He really does always go too far, she thought, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the table. "And you fought it?" she asked, the words escaping before she could stop them. "The vampire?"
Astron nodded, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Yes," he said, his tone measured but edged with something darker. "I fought it. But it wasn't the kind of fight you're imagining."
Sylvie leaned forward slightly, her heart pounding as she listened intently.
"I found the vampire in the middle of a ritual," Astron explained, his voice calm but deliberate. "It had just woken up from its slumber and was in a severely weakened state. That was the only reason I had a chance."
He paused, his fingers brushing lightly against the table, as though tracing the memory in his mind. "I ambushed it. It wasn't easy—nothing about fighting something that old and powerful ever is—but I managed to kill it before it could regain its full strength."
Sylvie's breath hitched, her mind racing as she tried to process his words. "You… you killed it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The idea of Astron going up against something as ancient and dangerous as a vampire felt surreal, yet the weight in his tone made it impossible to doubt him.
"I did," Astron said simply, his gaze steady. But then his expression darkened, and his tone grew heavier. "But that wasn't the end of it. The situation became… complicated."
Sylvie's chest tightened, her hands trembling slightly as she braced herself for what he was about to say.
"The vampire was in the middle of a ritual," Astron continued. "It was turning Maya—changing her into one of its kind. When I killed it, the transformation was interrupted… halfway."
Sylvie's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "Halfway?" she echoed, the word hanging in the air like a shadow.
Astron nodded, his expression grim. "Yes. Somehow, Maya ended up… different. Not fully human anymore, but not a complete vampire either. A strange, in-between state. That's the energy you've been sensing from her. It's what's left of the vampire's curse."
Sylvie felt her thoughts spiral, a storm of disbelief and confusion swirling in her mind. A vampire. Astron fighting it. Maya being turned into… something. It all felt like a nightmare, something too bizarre and unreal to be true. And yet, as she looked at Astron, the calm certainty in his gaze left no room for doubt.
She shook her head slightly, her voice trembling as she tried to find the words. "I… I don't even know what to say. A vampire? Maya being turned into… that? It's just…" She trailed off, her chest tightening painfully.
"Unbelievable?"
"Yes."
"Well, not much I can say about that."
Unbelievable.
At least she would have thought if it was coming from another person.
But knowing him, he wouldn't lie over something like this.
Hence she swallowed hard, her hands clenching against the table as she forced herself to steady her breathing. He wouldn't lie. Not about this. If he says it's true, then it's true.
Sylvie looked into Astron's eyes, searching for any flicker of uncertainty, but his gaze remained steady, unwavering. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to ask the question that had been gnawing at her. "Then… the state she was in, in front of the infirmary that time…"
Astron nodded, his voice calm but carrying the weight of what he was about to say. "Yes, she was fighting it."
Sylvie's chest tightened as the memory of that moment resurfaced—the strain in Maya's expression, the flicker of something inhuman in her aura. "But…" she hesitated, her voice trembling slightly, "why didn't I do anything?"
"Why did I do nothing?" Astron asked, his tone calm yet pointed, echoing her thoughts.
"Yes," Sylvie replied, her confusion clear. "That was really dangerous."
"You're right," Astron said, his gaze sharpening. "And that is precisely why I didn't do nothing."
Sylvie blinked, her breath catching as she stared at him. "What?" she whispered, unable to understand his reasoning.
Astron sighed softly, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips—not one of amusement, but of understanding. "Emotions," he said, his voice quieter now, almost reflective. "They're hard to understand. But at the same time… sometimes they're really simple."
As he spoke, he raised his hand, conjuring a small chain of mana that shimmered faintly in the air. The links pulsed with a gentle glow, their movement fluid yet deliberate. Sylvie watched, mesmerized, as he pulled on the chain lightly, making it tighten and flex with a quiet hum of power.
"Senior Maya has her own life," Astron said, his tone steady. "And I may not always be there. If she wants to live her life by herself, she needs to learn how to control this on her own."
He paused, his sharp gaze meeting Sylvie's as he continued. "To a hungry person, delivering a fish is a form of goodwill. But—"
Sylvie's voice cut in, completing his thought, her tone thoughtful and almost reverent. "But teaching them how to fish is giving them a way to sustain themselves."
Astron nodded, the faintest glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Exactly. If I stepped in every time she struggled, she'd never learn to handle it. She'd always rely on someone else to pull her out of the fire. And that's not the kind of life she wants—or deserves."
Sylvie's hands relaxed slightly, her fingers brushing the edge of the table as she absorbed his words. He's right… but it's still so hard to accept. Watching someone fight something so terrible and not stepping in—it feels impossible.
"But what if she…" Sylvie trailed off, her voice trembling. "What if she loses control? What if something happens to her because you didn't step in?"
"Then that's a risk she has to face," he said quietly. "And it's a risk I'll face with her, if it comes to that. But she has to take the first step. She has to want to fight this—not for me, or for anyone else, but for herself."
Sylvie felt her breath hitch, her chest tightening as his words settled over her. They carried a weight she couldn't ignore, a truth that resonated deeply even though it scared her. He really believes in her.
And that something somehow irritated her more than anything else.
'Would he believe in me in the same manner?'
That question…..
Once again it happened.
Chapter 799 - Understanding (5)
Sylvie's gaze lingered on the faint shimmer of mana in Astron's hand as her thoughts spiraled. His calm, unwavering conviction in Maya's ability to handle herself was admirable. Logical, even. But the more she thought about it, the more it unsettled her.
Would he believe in me the same way?
The question arose unbidden, sharp and cutting, and no matter how much she tried to ignore it, it refused to fade. Her chest tightened as she turned the thought over, her fingers brushing the edge of the table in a restless rhythm. If I were in Maya's position, fighting something like this… would he trust me to face it alone?
The answer she found within herself wasn't comforting.
No. He wouldn't.
She clenched her hands into fists, the thought leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Astron was calculating, always weighing risks and outcomes. He trusted Maya because he had seen her fight, seen her strength. But what about her? Would he trust her the same way? Or would he consider her too fragile, too inexperienced, to handle such a burden?
Her jaw tightened as her irritation grew. Why does it bother me so much? she wondered, but she already knew the answer. It wasn't just about trust—it was about something deeper, something she couldn't put into words.
She thought back to the lengths Astron had gone for Maya, the risks he had taken to save her. He had faced an ancient vampire, fought something no one else could have, and yet, when it came to leaving Maya to her own devices, he had stepped back. It was unexpected—out of character for someone as practical and methodical as Astron. Why would he go so far only to stop there?
Her thoughts shifted again, and her chest tightened as a possibility surfaced. Is it because of how he feels about her?
Sylvie's fingers dug into her palms as her mind replayed what she had sensed from Maya before—the raw, unfiltered emotions that had radiated from her in the infirmary. Maya's feelings for Astron had been crystal clear: love, deep and fierce, tinged with jealousy and desperation. Sylvie hadn't needed to use her [Authority] to see it—it was written in every word, every glance Maya had directed at him.
Are his feelings reciprocal? The question sent a strange pang through her chest, sharp and unsettling. She couldn't see Astron's emotions—never could, for reasons she didn't understand—but the thought of him sharing those feelings with Maya….
It was not pleasant.
Is it really like that? she wondered, her thoughts racing. Is that why he believes in her so much? Why he's willing to let her fight this on her own?
Sylvie's chest tightened, her thoughts tangling in a web of emotions she couldn't quite untangle. She drew in a slow, shaky breath, forcing herself to steady her voice as she spoke. "At that time… my enchantment. Did it… did it really help?"
Her words came out quieter than she intended, tinged with an uncertainty she hated showing. She had to know. Had what she done back then mattered? Or had it been nothing more than a fleeting gesture?
Astron's gaze flickered to her, his sharp purple eyes softening just slightly. He nodded, his tone calm and steady. "If not for that enchantment, I wouldn't have been able to do it."
Sylvie's breath caught, a faint warmth blooming in her chest at his words. He meant it—she could tell from the quiet certainty in his tone. Her enchantment had helped. She had helped. The realization filled her with a quiet pride, a small spark of happiness amidst the storm of emotions swirling within her.
But just as quickly as the warmth appeared, it was accompanied by a sharp pang, a thought rising unbidden in the back of her mind. If he hadn't been able to save her back then… would he be here with me now?
The thought twisted uncomfortably in her chest, dark and unbidden. It was selfish—she knew that—but the moment it appeared, it clung to her, refusing to let go. If he had failed, if Maya hadn't been saved… would he have turned to me instead? Would I have been the one he leaned on?
Sylvie's fingers dug into the edge of the table, her knuckles whitening as she tried to push the thought away. Stop it, she scolded herself. That's not fair. That's not right. But no matter how much she told herself that, the thought lingered, a quiet, insidious whisper that refused to be silenced.
Her gaze dropped to her lap, her voice trembling as she spoke again, trying to steer her thoughts away from the dark corners of her mind. "I'm glad… I'm glad it helped."
"It did," he said simply. "You gave me what I needed to succeed."
Sylvie forced a faint smile, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them in her lap. She wanted to hold on to his words, to let them ground her, but the pang of guilt and doubt gnawed at the edges of her happiness. Why am I even thinking about this?
How could he hold everything together so effortlessly, while she felt like she was unraveling with every word, every thought?
"I'll… keep helping, if you need me," Sylvie said softly, her voice steadier than she felt. "Whatever it takes."
"Hmm?"
Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked toward her, narrowing slightly. He leaned back, his calm demeanor unwavering, but there was a faint tilt of his head as he spoke. "Whatever it takes?" he echoed, his voice carrying a subtle note of curiosity.
Sylvie's chest tightened, her breath hitching at his response. She hadn't expected him to press her on it, What am I even saying? she thought, her fingers clenching into fists in her lap. For a fleeting moment, she wanted to voice the thought clawing at her chest. I also want to be someone you worry about. Someone you trust, someone you lean on.
Instead, she forced herself to speak, redirecting her resolve. "Now that I know Senior Maya's situation," she said, her voice steadier than she felt, "I'll try my best to help her as much as I can."
Astron's gaze lingered on her, unreadable as always, before he replied simply, "You don't need to."
Sylvie's heart sank at his words, but she didn't falter. She straightened her posture, meeting his gaze with a quiet determination. "No," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "With this before my eyes, I will not overlook it. I can't."
First, she thought, her fingers brushing the table as her resolve solidified, my powers are here for a reason. I've always believed that. If I can use them to help someone, then I will. That's what I've always thought, and that won't change now.
Astron's nod was subtle, but his sharp purple eyes lingered on Sylvie for a moment longer, their intensity making her breath hitch again. His gaze wasn't unreadable this time—there was something there, something faint yet deliberate, though she couldn't quite place it.
"If it is you," he said quietly, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible softness, "this is how it should be."
Sylvie blinked, caught off guard by his words. Her chest tightened, a mixture of surprise and confusion swirling within her. "What?" she asked, her voice more a reflex than a conscious decision.
"Nothing," Astron replied, his tone calm and even, as though he hadn't said anything at all.
Sylvie stared at him, uncertain whether to press him for an explanation. But something about his demeanor, the way he seemed perfectly at ease, stopped her. Nothing, huh? she thought, her fingers brushing absently against the edge of the table.
And yet, despite his dismissal, she couldn't shake the faint warmth blooming in her chest. She didn't fully understand his words, but somehow, she felt as though she'd been complimented—acknowledged, in a way that left her flustered and unsure of how to respond.
They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the café filling the space between them. The conversation had run its course, and though there was still so much she wanted to ask, Sylvie knew better than to push further now.
*******
The café door swung shut behind them as Astron and Sylvie stepped into the cool embrace of the evening. The air was crisp, tinged with the faint scent of the nearby gardens, and the soft glow of streetlights cast long shadows along the cobblestone path. They walked in silence for a while, their footsteps the only sound in the otherwise quiet street.
Sylvie glanced at Astron from the corner of her eye, her thoughts swirling. The earlier conversation lingered in her mind, but something else had been eating at her since the team assignments were announced.
Finally, she broke the silence. "The teams…" she began hesitantly, her voice soft against the night. "Which team are you going to join?"
Astron didn't respond immediately. He continued walking, his sharp purple eyes fixed on the path ahead. After a moment, he spoke, his tone calm and measured. "Which team do you think I will join?"
Sylvie blinked at the question, caught slightly off guard. She tilted her head, considering his words carefully. "Julia's?" she ventured after a pause. "She did make her offer pretty publicly. And she seemed… determined."
No."
Sylvie's steps faltered slightly, her surprise evident. "No? Then… Irina's?"
"Yes." His answer was simple, but the conviction in his voice was clear.
Sylvie stayed silent for a moment, the breeze rustling softly around them. She bit her lip, her curiosity and confusion getting the better of her. "Why?" she asked finally, her voice quieter this time.
"Why? I wonder that too."