The knock came just after sunset.
Cael had just finished a slow round of stretching, muscles still warm from evening training, when the sound reached him. Three deliberate taps against the wooden door—measured, patient.
He didn't bother pretending to be surprised.
"You can come in," Cael called.
The door opened, and Cynthia Goodsky stepped inside, her presence alone enough to make the modest dorm room feel smaller. Her sharp eyes swept over the space—neatly arranged, almost barren, save for essentials.
She nodded once.
"As expected," she said.
Cael smiled faintly. "Minimalism builds character."
"I'm here because of your character," Cynthia replied. "Or rather, because of what it does to others."
She didn't waste time.
"I'm assembling this year's Disciplinary Committee," she continued. "I want you to join."
Cael blinked once.
Then laughed softly.
"…That's a bold choice."
"You're a former noble, a high-ranking adventurer, and strong enough to restrain students who think their bloodline puts them above consequences," Cynthia said calmly. "You also lack political allegiance."
Cael leaned back against the desk. "Pros?"
"Authority. Access. The ability to intervene directly."
"And cons?"
"You're irreverent. You enjoy chaos. And you don't respect hierarchy."
Cael grinned. "I respect competence."
A brief silence followed.
Finally, he pushed off the desk. "Alright. I'll do it."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "That easily?"
"I want front-row seats," Cael replied. "And I dislike bullies."
She studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Be at the committee hall after evening classes. You'll be formally introduced."
The Disciplinary Committee hall was deliberately isolated from the rest of the academy.
Thick stone walls reinforced with mana runes muted sound, and the air itself felt heavier—as if the room demanded seriousness from anyone who entered.
Cael stepped inside, hands in his pockets, eyes sweeping the room.
A long table occupied the center.
At its head sat Curtis Glayder.
The crown prince of Sapin rose as Cael entered, his presence refined and commanding without being oppressive. His mana was clean, powerful, and unmistakably royal.
To Curtis's right stood Feyrith Igrit, arms crossed, sharp eyes openly scrutinizing Cael. Feyrith's mana felt aggressive, honed for confrontation rather than ceremony.
Across from him sat Theodore Sehz-Clar, posture relaxed but eyes calculating, fingers steepled lightly as he observed Cael with analytical interest.
Beside Theodore was Claire Bladeheart, calm and composed, her presence quiet but steady. Her mana was balanced, supportive rather than forceful, yet no less disciplined.
Cael's smile widened slightly.
"…That's a solid lineup," he muttered.
Curtis gestured toward an empty seat. "Cael Ardyn. Welcome. You'll be joining us as a special appointment under Headmistress Goodsky's authority."
Cael offered a casual bow. "Former noble. Current inconvenience."
Feyrith snorted.
Theodore raised an eyebrow. Claire smiled politely.
"Kathlyn Glayder"the sister if the crown prince calm as ever with her stoic face.
Introductions followed—formal, efficient. Each member spoke briefly, outlining their role. Cael listened without interrupting, committing each name firmly to memory.
When it was his turn, Cael shrugged. "I'm here to make sure students don't confuse strength with entitlement."
Curtis nodded. "That will suffice."
Before the meeting could proceed further, the door opened again.
Everyone turned.
A boy stepped inside.
Brown hair. Calm eyes. Controlled posture.
Arthur Leywin.
Cael's grin was immediate.
Arthur paused as he took in the room—Curtis, Feyrith, Theodore, Claire—then his gaze landed on Cael.
Recognition flickered.
Cynthia Goodsky entered behind him. "Arthur Leywin will also be joining the Disciplinary Committee."
Arthur blinked. "I—excuse me?"
"A special appointment," Cynthia said. "Based on merit."
Curtis studied Arthur for a moment, then nodded. "Understood. Take a seat."
Arthur complied, choosing the empty chair opposite Cael.
The two regarded each other quietly.
Cael leaned back, hands laced behind his head, utterly relaxed.
"So," he thought,
"hero meets demon."
The meeting resumed—jurisdiction, authority, boundaries—but Cael's attention drifted toward Arthur. The way his mana remained perfectly sealed. The way he listened more than he spoke.
Battle-honed.
Real.
As the session concluded, Cael stood and stretched.
"Looks like we'll be working together," he said casually, extending a hand. "Cael."
Arthur hesitated, then shook it. "Arthur."
Their grips were brief—but firm.
Something unspoken passed between them.
Curtis watched carefully.
Theodore smiled faintly.
Claire observed in silence.
Feyrith looked amused.
The Disciplinary Committee of Xyrus Academy was complete.
And Cael had a feeling—
This balance wouldn't last long.