Dan stood before the massive wooden doors of the Headmaster's office, his heart hammering against his ribs.
The summons had come at dawn—a messenger appearing at his dormitory door with a sealed letter bearing the Academy's official crest. Tae had watched with wide, worried eyes as Dan read it, neither of them knowing whether this meant punishment or something else entirely.
Now, as morning light filtered through the corridor's high windows, Dan raised his hand to knock.
Before his knuckles could touch wood, a voice called from within.
"Enter, Dan of the Woodhelm family."
The doors swung open on their own, revealing an office that seemed impossibly large for the building's exterior. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient texts and crystalline artifacts that pulsed with faint light. Essence Cores glowed in strategic positions, their power filling the air with a tangible pressure.
Behind a massive desk sat Headmaster Yuna, her sharp eyes fixed on him. Her Moonwolf lay beside her, its silver fur gleaming, amber eyes tracking Dan's every movement.
"Sit," the Headmaster commanded, gesturing to a chair that materialized from thin air.
Dan sat carefully, his spore cloud hovering nervously beside him.
Headmaster Yuna studied him in silence for a long moment. Then she pulled out a crystal tablet, its surface glowing with complex runic patterns.
"Do you know what this is?" she asked.
"A... measurement device?" Dan guessed.
"More specifically, a Resonance Analyzer. The same type used during your Maturation Ceremony." She set it on the desk between them. "During yesterday's combat match with Kael Stonefist, this device recorded something unusual."
Dan's stomach tightened. "Ma'am?"
"Your spore's energy signature fluctuated. Twice." Headmaster Yuna's eyes narrowed. "Once when it absorbed the fire attacks, and again when you used Spore Dispersal. Both times, the readings spiked beyond what an Iron-rank, level one beast should be capable of."
"I don't understand—"
"Neither do I." The Headmaster leaned forward. "Which is why you're here. Tell me, Dan—how did you learn those techniques? Spore absorption and dispersal aren't natural abilities for a Mycelium Spore."
Dan hesitated. Revealing Riu's help could get her in trouble. But lying to the Headmaster seemed even more dangerous.
"I... found a cultivation manual," he said carefully. "It detailed techniques for fungal-type beasts."
"Where?"
"Someone gave it to me. They thought it might help."
"Who?"
Dan met her gaze. "I'd rather not say, ma'am. They were just trying to help."
Headmaster Yuna studied him for another long moment, then surprisingly, she smiled—though it didn't reach her eyes.
"Loyal to your benefactor. Admirable." She pulled the tablet back. "I won't press. But understand this, Dan—you've attracted attention. Not just from your classmates, but from the Academy administration."
"Is that... bad?"
"That depends entirely on what you do next." The Headmaster stood, walking to one of the artifact-filled shelves. "The Academy's purpose isn't just to train summoners. It's to identify potential. Students with unique talents. Unusual abilities. Those who might one day serve Haewon in ways beyond standard military or administrative positions."
She retrieved a small wooden box, setting it on the desk.
"Your victory yesterday was impressive. A 1.3 defeating a 4.2 shouldn't be possible through conventional means. Yet you managed it through tactical thinking, environmental manipulation, and willingness to break expected combat patterns."
Dan wasn't sure if that was praise or criticism.
"Inside this box," Headmaster Yuna continued, "is a Minor Essence Crystal. It contains concentrated magical energy—enough to accelerate a beast's growth significantly. Normally, these are reserved for Elite Resonance students and above."
Dan's eyes widened. "You're giving this to me?"
"Not giving. Investing." Her tone hardened. "The Academy invests resources in students who show promise. In return, we expect results. You will train harder than your peers. You will continue developing unconventional techniques. And you will prove that our investment wasn't wasted."
She pushed the box toward him.
"If you accept this, you accept those expectations. If you fail to meet them, there will be consequences. Do you understand?"
Dan looked at the box, then at his spore cloud. This was a chance—a real chance to grow stronger, to bridge the gap between his pathetic 1.3 Resonance and the Elite students around him.
But it also meant pressure. Scrutiny. No room for failure.
He thought of his father's words: A beast doesn't make the man. The man makes the beast.
"I understand," Dan said firmly. "I accept."
Headmaster Yuna nodded. "Good. The crystal should be used during meditation. Your spore will absorb its energy gradually. Don't try to rush the process, or you'll damage your bond."
She returned to her seat. "One more thing. Your next combat match is in three days—part of the weekly ranking system. You'll face another opponent, likely someone stronger than Kael now that your capabilities are known. Use this time wisely."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You're dismissed."
Dan stood, clutching the wooden box carefully. He was almost to the door when the Headmaster's voice stopped him.
"Dan."
He turned back.
Headmaster Yuna's expression had softened—just slightly. "Your father was Torin of the Northern Guard, yes?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I knew him. Briefly. During the Serpent Clan incursions fifteen years ago." Her eyes grew distant. "He was stubborn. Reckless. Refused to retreat even when his summon fell and his leg was shattered. Held the line until reinforcements arrived."
She focused back on Dan. "You have his eyes. And apparently, his stubbornness. Don't let it get you killed."
Dan swallowed hard. "I won't."
"See that you don't."