The evening sky above Asa Academy looked like a faded old painting. Gray clouds stretched heavily, softly brushed by the golden streaks of a reluctant setting sun. The air carried the distinct scent of this place—a blend of magical dust, ancient stone, and wild grass growing freely between the marble tiles of the courtyard.
Dex stepped out of the library, with Van following closely behind.
"Where are we going?" Van finally asked, his tone lighter than before, as if trying to steer clear of any conversation that might lead to uncomfortable topics. He chose not to bring up what had happened earlier—not the wind magic, not the red-haired girl, and especially not how Dex had nearly made those bullies pass out without even touching them. After all, everyone has something they want to keep secret, right?
Dex glanced back, shrugging casually. "I don't know. This academy is too vast, and there are too many places we haven't seen yet. So why not just walk?"
As Dex and Van wandered aimlessly, they noticed a horse-drawn carriage surrounded by ten students, each wearing the Asa Academy uniform with a striking red armband on their left sleeve embroidered with the emblem of three crossed swords.
Pulled by two jet-black horses with glowing silver eyes, the carriage was coated in dark metal—perhaps nithral, or worse, magisteel—with faintly glowing magical engravings along its sides. On the roof of the carriage, a slowly rotating magical circle remained active, creating a protective aura that reflected the light and cast a contrasting atmosphere in the evening glow.
"Hmmm, who are they?" Dex asked, puzzled.
"See the red armbands? I think that's the student council insignia."
"Student council?"
"Yeah, they're responsible for maintaining order within the academy grounds. The council is made up of the top 25 students of each year, so not only are there many of them, but they're also strong. It's impossible to cause trouble around them."
Van explained in great detail, leaving Dex wondering where he'd gotten all this information.
The student council members seemed to be guarding the carriage, making Dex wonder if it contained something important.
"What are they guarding?"
"Rumor has it, it's one of the mysterious weapons discovered by the headmaster."
"A mysterious weapon?"
"I don't know the details either. But they say it can't be identified and doesn't react to any spells. I've only heard whispers."
Could it be that strange weapon spinning around the academy yesterday?
Dex grew increasingly interested in the carriage's contents and decided to steal it.
*Well, wouldn't it be a waste if such a weapon was just displayed like that?*
Dex's right hand slipped into his pocket.
In a motion so swift no one noticed, he tossed something—a thin black card, feather-light and coated in wind magic. The card glided through the crowd like a shadow of a night bird and embedded itself into the side of the carriage.
A faint hint of malice radiated from Dex. Van, standing beside him, felt the shift—as if the air temperature had dropped several degrees. Dex's eyes seemed sharper, gleaming with a light that was anything but warm.
Van turned to him, frowning slightly.
*What kind of trouble is this guy thinking of?* Van watched Dex with a hint of caution.
***
On the other side of the carriage, ten first-year student council members walked casually. Though relaxed, their auras remained sharp, like sheathed blades.
A girl with gray hair walked lazily, her hands behind her head, her red armband slightly askew.
Her name was Clara Athoniel.
Rank 14 among first-year students.
"If this thing is really that important, why are we guarding it? Why not the teachers or instructors?"
"This is academy grounds. Who would be crazy enough to try and steal something here?"
A woman with long black hair and captivating ruby-red eyes spoke. She was Juliana Rasphold, Rank 1 among first-year students and rumored to be the next Sword Nine.
Sword Nine was the pinnacle of swordsmanship and the dream of many—a single slash capable of destroying a small town. Who wouldn't want that?
Clara let out a long sigh. "Yeah, yeah. But sometimes I think it'd be fun if someone crazy enough actually tried."
Asa Academy was known for its extremely tight security—even a fly would be caught if it caused any disturbance.
Juliana glanced sideways. "Haaa, stop complaining. There's no one that crazy in this world."
No sooner had she spoken than a card fluttered past her.
A small card, like a black crow feather, drifted slowly in front of Juliana's face, just centimeters from her eyes.
She immediately spun around.
But there was nothing.
The crowd was too dense. Too many faces. Too many possibilities. None of them showed any sign of being the culprit.
Juliana frowned.
"…"
Clara chuckled softly. "Seems like you'll have to take back what you just said."
Juliana ignored Clara's teasing. Her hand moved to the communication emblem on her wrist.
All student council members went on high alert, ready for combat, tensing the atmosphere around them. Many students, unaware of what was happening, grew fearful and slowly dispersed.
The protective enchantments on the carriage activated, but after remaining vigilant for some time, there were no signs of suspicion or attack.
"Wait, could it be…"
Juliana hurriedly opened the carriage door to ensure the contents were safe.
Inside, a box lay neatly arranged without a scratch, and the protective spells remained intact, proving the item inside was still secure.
Juliana closed the carriage door again and turned her gaze to the card embedded in its side.
She desperately wanted to retrieve it, but it was too risky—what if it was a trap? All she could do now was wait for the instructors and teachers to arrive.
After a short wait, a large-built man arrived quickly. It was the same man who had reprimanded Dex during the entrance exam—Rokan Torento, a master-level swordsman.
Juliana calmly reported the situation.
"Hmmm, are you sure nothing is missing?"
"Yes, sir. The box is still safe inside, and the protective magic hasn't been activated or damaged."
"Alright, was there anything else suspicious?"
"Yes. That person only threw a card over there." Juliana pointed to the card embedded in the carriage.
Amid the conversation, other student council members began arriving—both first and second years. Each of them directed people away from the scene and questioned anyone who looked suspicious.
Instructor Rokan carefully identified the card. After confirming nothing was suspicious, he cautiously attempted to retrieve it.
"Damn it, it's just an ordinary card. Probably the work of a mischievous student."
Flipping the card over, Instructor Rokan discovered strange writing.
*When the sun is swallowed by darkness, I will take what is yours.*
*—Thief Crowns*
"..."
Juliana, who read it as well, frowned slightly. Announcing a theft before carrying it out? It felt like a blatant insult.
Rokan clenched his fist, crumpling the card. For someone with as much pride as Rokan, an insult like this was like holding a sword to his neck.