A few months had passed since the incident during Familiar Taming practice. The explosion had been dismissed as two dragons clashing mid-air and accidentally setting the clouds ablaze.
James had grown used to life at Doddington. The novelty had faded—replaced by routine and lessons—but it still felt great to be outside the manor.
"What classes do we have today, James?" Johnny's voice was muffled through a mouthful of toast.
"Seals is first. Professor Vine said we'll be learning how to form second-grade seals."
James smirked. "Then Defensive Casting with Professor Henry."
"Ugh. Seals again? Don't we get a break?" Johnny groaned. "That's nasty."
As they left the hall, Professor Henry intercepted them. He stood beside a massive wooden box chained shut with silver bindings.
"Boys, if you could help me carry this to the dungeons."
The box was far too heavy. As they descended the steps, it began to rattle… then shake. Then it leapt high—like a ballerina.
"Bloody hell—what's in this thing?!" Johnny cried, almost dropping it.
"Today's lesson," Henry said with a sly grin.
"What is it?" James asked, eyes wide.
"That would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?"
They reached the bottom of the castle, where cold seeped through the stone walls.
"Place it there, in the center of the room."
They laid it carefully on the stone floor.
James glanced at the wall clock.
"Two minutes left until class starts—Professor Vine will kill us!"
The boys turned to leave, but Henry stepped forward again.
"You'll never make it in time going that way," he said cryptically.
He stomped the stone floor twice. One wall began to shift—cranking and groaning—then slid open to reveal a dark tunnel.
"Well? Unless you're scared of the dark…"
James and Johnny didn't need convincing. They bolted into the passage.
As they ran, faint lights flickered in the walls. At the end, a door. James opened it—
—they stepped into a broom closet. Right across the hall was the Seals classroom.
"We made it!" Johnny cried. They burst through the door.
But Professor Vine was already teaching.
"How nice of you to join us," she said coldly.
"We're only half a minute late!" Johnny protested, checking his pocket watch.
"You're half a minutes too late." Her stare could cut steel.
"Sit down."
The class that followed was torture. Vine assigned all the messiest questions to James and Johnny—clearly punishing them for the delay. They left exhausted.
As they exited, they spotted Lucas and his two hulking goons—Drowd and Drae—lurking near one of the old tapestry-covered walls.
There was a noise.
"Ouch! You're hurting me—"
James rushed forward and saw what was happening. Lucas had cornered a stubby, wide-eyed boy—a Half-Dwarf. His face was bruised, his hair yanked hard in Lucas's fist.
"What's an abomination like you doing here?" Lucas sneered.
A flash of light lit the corridor briefly. A choked whimper followed.
"What now, Lucas?" Johnny stepped forward, fists clenched.
"Stay out of this, Johnny," Lucas spat. "This doesn't concern you."
James didn't wait. He lunged to push Drowd aside—but Lucas had already drawn his Sig.
A Seal hit James like a punch to the chest. He crashed into the stone wall, winded but not broken.
Lucas strolled over, smirking.
"You know; my father says your family is powerful. Told me not to mess with you…" He crouched beside James. "But I don't see anything special. You're just another weakling hiding behind your family name."
James slowly stood up. Pain throbbed in his shoulder—but his Sigrod was out.
He aimed it straight at Lucas, heart pounding.
"Back off."
But just before he could cast—
"Sigrod use is strictly forbidden in the corridors, Mr. Arcturus."
It was Professor Vine. She stood behind James, arms crossed.
James felt a flicker of hope. She saw everything. Lucas was done for.
"Excellent," Lucas whispered smugly. "I wonder what punishment you'll get."
"Professor, we found them bullying him," James said, pointing to the boy.
"And when I tried to stop it, Lucas attacked me," he added firmly.
"Tell the professor," Johnny urged the boy, trying to get him to speak.
Professor Vine turned to the Half-Dwarf student.
"Is this true, Matha?"
There was a long pause. Then Matha finally shook his head.
"No, Professor. They weren't bullying me."
James stared in disbelief.
"What?!"
He felt the betrayal hit hard—after trying to help, the one person who could back him up denied everything.
Lucas smirked beside him.
"Yes, Professor. We found Matha on the floor. He'd simply tripped and was getting up. We were just helping him," Lucas said smoothly. "Then James suddenly took out his Sigrod and pointed it at us."
It was a lie—and everyone knew it.
"Ten points from you, Arcturus," Professor Vine said flatly.
James clenched his fists. He wanted to protest, to shout—but it was clear now. The professor wasn't on his side.
He exhaled sharply and dusted himself off.
"I apologize, Professor. It seems I was mistaken," he said stiffly, walking away.
As he passed Lucas, the boy bumped shoulders with him.
"I hear your family supported letting the commoners into school. How repulsive. I guess it's your fault that this little fool got hurt," Lucas sneered.
James didn't look back.
"Let's just get to the next class," Johnny said, trying to ease the tension. "I'm actually curious about what was in that box we carried earlier."
"I reckon it's some mad, dangerous creature that'll eat you in one bite!" Johnny laughed.
James said nothing. He clenched his fist and he walked silently.
"The professor might be weird," said Annie, catching up with them, "but I doubt they'd let him bring something truly dangerous into the castle."
She had stayed behind in the last class and missed the commotion.
They made their way down to the dungeons. Professor Henry was already there, sitting on a stool in the center of the room, smiling widely.
"Gather around, everyone. Come closer—today's lesson is a treat."
The students cautiously formed a semi-circle around the large box. Henry took his Sig from his side pocket its was shaped like a ring blue like ice a design on vines were drawn on it.
"Reveal yourself." He mattered.
The box doubled in size. Suddenly, low growls and sharp scratching came from within. A few students stepped back nervously.
"Inside this box," Henry began, "is a magical creature known as the Kitsune—also called a fox guardian. They are native to ancient temples in Tokeja they are masters of illusion. As they mature, they gain incredible power. They can shapeshift, read minds, manipulate emotions—even control dreams."
The class fell silent.
"Today," he continued, "you will learn how to resist their illusions."
"But Professor," Annie asked hesitantly, "isn't that… kind of beyond us? We haven't even mastered Seals beyond level one."
"A fair question, Miss Dewald," Henry nodded. "A fully grown Kitsune would indeed be far too dangerous. But this one is still a baby—harmless, relatively speaking. Though it cannot kill you, it can hurt you with its illusions. Even full-grown mages fall for its tricks."
"There are three known ways to defeat a Kitsune," he continued. "But I'll teach you two. The first: trick it into getting drunk. The second: reflect its illusion magic back at it. The third… well that one… is well beyond you."
The class hung on his every word.
"You'll work in groups of three. Pick your teammates."
James, Johnny, and Annie grouped up immediately.
"Excellent. You're now Team Black. I'll call your team by color when it's your turn to face the Kitsune."
Henry waved his Sig again.
"Repeat after me: I am the mirror that reflects all lies—Replexium."
"Replexium," the class echoed.
"Good. Now imagine a massive mirror in your mind—one that reflects not just light, but thoughts and illusions."
The students practiced until Henry was satisfied.
"Now, the Yellow Team will go first."
They stepped back as the first group—Noord, Marlena, and Catherine—stood in the center of the dungeon.
"Remember," said Henry, "when the hourglass runs out and you haven't captured the Kitsune, you fail. And never look into its eyes, or the illusion will take hold."
He tilted the floating hourglass with a wave of his hand.
"Laxo."
The chains on the box clanked to the ground. The lid creaked open, and a glowing white head slowly emerged.
The Kitsune stepped out.
It was beautiful.
Its fur was snowy white, shimmering like moonlight. It had three bushy tails tipped with glowing blue, and eyes the same shade—icy, intelligent, and almost… inviting.
The test had begun.
Noord carefully carried a bowl filled with sake, his steps uncertain. Marlena and Catherine flanked him on either side.
"Noord, we're going to try and catch it. Once we do, pour the alcohol over it," Marlena instructed, trying to keep calm.
"Try not to hurt it… it's so cute," Catherine added softly, reaching toward the Kitsune.
She had barely closed the distance—just centimeters from the fox—when the Kitsune vanished in a blink.
"Ahh! Save me! I'm drowning—I can't swim!" Catherine screamed.
It wasn't real.
All three students thrashed as if lost at sea, eyes wide with panic. The Kitsune's illusion had taken hold effortlessly.
Meanwhile, the fox reappeared—perched smugly atop the overturned bowl, lapping up drops of spilled sake from Noord's robes.
"That's time," Professor Henry said coolly.
Another a flick of his Sigrod, the illusion shattered like glass. The students collapsed in a heap, gasping and dazed—especially Noord, who lay flat on the floor, blinking in confusion.
"Come on, I expected better," Henry chided, pacing in front of the class. "Marlena and Catherine, you failed to control its attention. And Noord—how many times did I say not to look it in the eyes?"
Laughter rippled through the students.
"Perhaps I forgot to mention," Henry continued, "the team that successfully captures the Kitsune will earn ten bonus points for the end-of-term exams."
That got their attention.
Each group stepped forward with renewed determination—and one after another, they failed. Illusions twisted minds like ribbons. Some thought they were flying. Others believed they were chased by monsters.
Even Lucas's group faltered.
Drowd and Drae became convinced they were at a grand banquet. They slouched on the floor, pretending to eat imaginary roast chicken and chocolate pie, while Lucas bolted across the room, shrieking about invisible hellhounds.
"Time's up," Henry announced. "Another failure."
Then came the turn of Team Black—James, Johnny, and Annie.
"Let's try amplifying the scent of the sake," James whispered.
Moments later, a sweet, floral aroma filled the room—enchanting and thick. The Kitsune twitched. Its ears perked.
"Yes… that's it," Henry muttered under his breath, clearly intrigued.
With a swish of Annie's Sigrod, the sake cup multiplied into floating illusions, gliding gracefully through the air to form a glimmering trail.
The Kitsune jumped after one—only for the cup to vanish as its paw passed through it. It looked around, puzzled.
They were using its own tactics against it.
Everything seemed perfect—until Johnny, caught in the fox's glowing gaze, froze. His expression went slack. He had looked directly into its eyes.
"No, no, no…" he murmured, trying to cast the reflective Seal. "Replexium! Replexium!"
Nothing happened.
He was caught.
Annie acted quickly, shouting, "Ela levare!"
The box levitated into the air, ready to drop on the Kitsune—but the creature flickered, and suddenly the box dropped onto Johnny.
Another illusion.
Annie screamed as the world around her twisted—vines crawling across her vision, walls breathing. She was ensnared too.
Now it was just James.
The classroom was silent, accept for the Kitsune's low growl. The creature circled the room, its tails flickering like fire.
Then James did something unexpected.
He whispered a Seal—not taught in class. A basic illusion, but powerful in the right hands. With a deep breath, he cast it not on the Kitsune, but on his friends—projecting fake versions of real life that helped them break through the illusion.
The Kitsune turned, confused by its own magic seemingly turning against it. It hesitated.
James didn't.
He lunged with the real box—and slammed it down.
The Kitsune let out a piercing yelp. The box quivered, rocked—nearly toppled over—
But James held firm, planting both hands on top and locking it in place.
The room was still.
Then a slow clap echoed through the dungeon.
"Well done, Mr. Arcturus," Henry said, eyes gleaming with rare approval. "Very clever indeed."
The box trembled violently.
James strained, arms trembling, to keep it down. But the Kitsune was strong—too strong. Its illusions had been defeated, but its physical strength now threatened to break free.
Annie rushed to his side. "Pull Johnny!" she cried.
She grabbed Johnny by the collar and yanked him toward the box. Together, the three clambered on top, using their combined weight to hold it shut.
The box jolted again—harder this time. The Kitsune inside thrashed furiously. The hourglass was nearly empty, the final grains slipping toward the base.
"Hold it!" James grunted.
And just as the last grain of sand dropped—
The box bucked with a final heave, toppling sideways. The trio tumbled off with a thud as it hit the ground.
"Looks like… we have a draw," said Professor Henry calmly.
He raised his hands again, waving them like a conductor.
A blue light glided across the room and struck the box. Instantly, the vibrations stopped. Frost bloomed across the wood as the Kitsune inside froze solid. Henry flicked his wrist again. The creature floated weightlessly, gently returned to its container.
"Реплексиум," he murmured.
The lid sealed with a snap, and the silver chains whipped into place, binding it once more.
"Class dismissed," Henry announced, turning to the students. "Congratulations to Team Black. The only group with a semi-decent plan. Your only flaw was trying to physically restrain the Kitsune—but your tactics, improvisation, and Seal usage were impressive."
He nodded toward Annie.
"Miss Dewald, your use of the levare Seal was particularly clever."
The class clapped enthusiastically. Even some students who had failed joined in respect.
"Today's Friday," Henry added. "That was the final class of the day. I suggest you enjoy the rest of it—and try to avoid trouble."
The children filed out of the dungeon in groups, chattering and laughing.
"That fox was mental," Johnny said, rubbing his shoulder. "As soon as I looked in its eyes—I swear, I thought I was flying. Like… actually flying."
"You looked ridiculous," Annie said with a grin. "You were just standing there, flapping your arms like a deranged pigeon."
They all laughed—except James, who walked quietly behind them.
"Hey," Johnny turned to him. "You've been quiet. You alright?"
James blinked. "Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Just… thinking."
"About the Kitsune?"
James shook his head. "No. About the passage."
Annie and Johnny glanced at him.
"You know, the one Henry showed us this morning," James continued. "No one's ever mentioned it. We've been here for months—and it opens into the broom closet. You'd think someone would've noticed."
Annie frowned. "You think the professor's hiding something?"
"I don't know. But that tunnel—it looked like there were other branches. Like a network of passages."
"A secret network," Johnny whispered dramatically. "Spooky."
"Seriously," James said.
Annie looked uneasy. "Well, I heard this place used to belong to a king—centuries ago. So, hidden passages make sense. But James… if you're thinking of sneaking around…"
"I am," James grinned mischievously. "Tonight."
Annie crossed her arms. "We're not allowed out of our dorms at night. If the Headmistress finds out, you'll get detention—or worse."
"Not if no one tells her," James said, looking at her with a teasing smile. "You won't tell her, will you?"
Annie looked between them, unimpressed. "James, I'm not coming. You two do what you want, but count me out. This is serious—and reckless."
"All right then," Johnny said, pretending to shrug it off. "We won't go. Promise."
James smirked but said nothing.
The rest of the day passed lazily the sun dipped beyond the mountain peaks and night wrapped its fingers around the castle walls, a new kind of tension filled the air—not danger, but secrets yet to be uncovered.
And far below the castle, beyond the old tunnel and its forgotten branches—something stirred.