The cafeteria erupted in whispers.
The Aetherian brothers exchanged looks.
Thane stood up. "Let's go."
Julius followed, tagging along.
Max and Emily trailed behind.
As they reached the east wing, students were buzzing. "What happened?"
A teacher blocked the door. "No students allowed."
Julius eyes narrowed. "We're investigating."
The teacher hesitated, then stepped aside.
Inside, security guards surrounded a shattered display case.
Shards of glass glittered on the floor.
Julius whistled. "Someone got messy."
A guard muttered, "Vandalism. And... a note."
Thane picked up a torn piece of paper.
Scrawled in red: "THEY WAREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE HERE."
Thane's eyes scanned the area.
Kryros examined the broken glass. "Looks deliberate."
Kael frowned. "But what was the target?"
Julius peered over Thane's shoulder. "The note's cryptic."
Max whispered, "You think it's connected to... _it_?"
Thane tucked the note into his pocket. "Let's find out."
The group slipped out, avoiding security.
In the hallway, Emily's eyes widened. "Guys, if this is what I think... we're in trouble."
Thane's jaw clenched. "Time to dig deeper."
Max's voice dropped to a whisper. "I got the feed... "
The group huddled around Max's phone.
Thane's jaw clenched. "Play it."
The grainy footage showed... Alex and an unknown figure smashing the display case.
The unknown figure handed Alex a note.
Julius: "Who's the other guy?"
Kael: "Looks like... Elysium staff?"
Emily gasped. "This is huge. We need to expose them."
Thane pocketed the data chip. "Not yet. We need proof."
The group nodded, minds racing.
Suddenly, the classroom door swung open.
Security guards stepped in. "You're coming with us."
The guards approached, eyes narrowed.
Thane reacted fast – he snatched Max's phone and slipped it to Emily. "Hide it."
The group stood, feigning innocence.
Guards: "You were seen near the east wing. Explain."
Julius shrugged. "Just, uh, looking for a quiet spot."
The guards exchanged skeptical looks. "Come with us."
As they were led out, Emily slipped the phone to Kryros.
Kryros palmed it, unnoticed.
Outside, the group was dismissed with warnings.
Thane: "Meet at the old clock tower. Midnight."