The crescent moon hung low in the sky, pale and thin, its light barely strong enough to pierce the drifting clouds above the academy.
Kira moved silently through the sleeping grounds.
His footsteps made no sound as he passed empty corridors, training fields, and abandoned walkways. The school felt different at night—less alive, more honest. Mana flows weren't masked by activity. Intent lingered longer.
That was why he hated this place after dark.
The statue of the former headmaster stood at the center of a small clearing, stone eyes gazing eternally toward a future he never lived to see. Time and moss had weathered its surface, cracks forming along its base like old scars.
Someone was already there.
A figure sat casually on the bench beside the statue, legs crossed, posture relaxed—too relaxed.
Kira slowed, then stepped into the moonlight.
"You're late, you know," Pearl's voice chimed smoothly, even before he was close enough for her to look up.
"You called me on short notice," Kira replied flatly. "How is that my fault?"
She hummed softly, amused. "Fair."
Pearl inhaled deeply, her gaze drifting up toward the statue before settling on him. The playful edge faded from her expression.
"I came to tell you to withdraw the challenge you threw at us," she said.
The air shifted.
"What if I don't?" Kira asked.
"I won't force you." A smile returned—sharp, calculating. "How about we trade intel instead?"
She tapped the empty space beside her.
After a brief pause, Kira sat.
The stone bench was cold.
"What's your game?" he asked.
Pearl tilted her head. "Why don't you trust me?"
He sighed. "Because you're Sovereignty."
Her smile widened. "Straightforward. I like that."
Kira studied her for a moment. "You were the one who helped Ventus approach me without Sylara noticing."
Pearl blinked—then laughed softly. "Oh? You noticed."
"What's in it for you?"
She leaned back, eyes glittering.
"Us getting married."
Silence.
"…You're joking," Kira said.
"I'm serious."
He turned fully toward her. "Trading information means no debt. So why add marriage into it?"
She shrugged. "When my intel outweighs yours, you can't expect normal terms."
She stood. "If you're not interested, I'll leave."
She took one step.
"Kira spoke."
"Wait."
Pearl turned back, already smiling.
"Let's hear what you have to say," he said.
"Does that mean you accept my condition?"
"First," he replied, "why me?"
She stepped closer—too close—and whispered near his ear.
"Because I found something interesting."
She paused.
"Your past."
She pulled away, smiling.
For just a second, Kira's eyes went cold.
The mana around them stirred.
"So," he said quietly, "you're blackmailing me."
"No," Pearl replied calmly. "I'm offering information."
She thought for a moment. "Actually… I have another condition."
"And that is?"
"Transfer me into your class."
Kira exhaled slowly. "You'll be branded a traitor for the rest of your school days."
"I'm fine with that."
He watched her carefully.
"…Fine," Kira said. "I accept."
Pearl returned to the bench.
"Then let's begin. The Sovereignties have learned to link their power and senses. Additionally, a time manipulator has awakened among us."
Kira's fingers tightened slightly.
"So even if we defeat them, time can be reversed," he murmured. "An endless loop."
"Exactly." She sighed, clearly relieved. "You analyze things fast. Makes my job easier."
She hesitated—then added, "One more thing. The reason your teacher never recorded your growth… the Sovereignties assigned someone to monitor it instead."
Kira scoffed lightly. "Rich wouldn't have done it even without interference."
Pearl smiled knowingly. "So—with all this—do you still think you can win?"
Kira stood.
"If you know my past," he said, "you shouldn't be asking that."
She rose as well. "I suppose not."
She extended her hand. "I look forward to our alliance."
After a brief pause, Kira shook it.
Pearl walked away, footsteps fading into the night.
Kira remained by the statue, eyes fixed on her retreating figure.
How did she find out about my past…?