The aroma of coffee spread fragrantly through every corner of the room. An old man with long white hair sipped it with satisfaction.
His white robe moved along as his hand placed the coffee cup on the glass table.
The old man looked to the right.
"That's a delicious coffee, Anna."
Anna smiled.
A girl's voice came from the left.
"Why did you call us here, Headmaster?"
The headmaster turned to the left. There, two young people were sitting side by side, sunlight shining on the back of their hair.
"Of course, we're going to have a meeting. Regarding the semester being finished early."
The white-haired girl sighed, leaning her back against the sofa.
"That only applies to first and second years, right? We fourth and fifth years still have to attend, don't we?"
The headmaster clicked his tongue.
"Do you want a vacation? I can make you take a vacation forever, Kartika."
Kartika's eyes widened, her body instantly straightened.
The young man beside her and Anna chuckled softly.
Kartika nudged the pink-haired young man next to her.
"Aren't you tired, Arkan?"
Arkan shrugged and drank his coffee.
"What can we do? Especially after yesterday's incident. And the damage to the city, I think it's only natural."
Anna nodded.
Kartika sighed, massaging her forehead as she looked at the headmaster.
"Is it true that the Overmas family carried out that attack, sir?"
The headmaster stroked his chin.
"No one knows."
He leaned forward.
"But there's something you should at least know."
Kartika, Arkan, and Anna listened.
The headmaster looked at them.
"Demonic energy was detected from Ophi and Darla…"
Their eyes widened.
Arkan spoke first.
"How is that possible? Isn't demonic energy only able to affect people without mana?"
The headmaster leaned back.
"Yes… that's what we all know, right? But reality isn't like that."
He sighed.
"Teresa and I clearly sensed that demonic energy. And maybe others in different cities felt the same."
He brushed his hair back.
"That's why there will be a full investigation first. About what really happened—whether Overmas intentionally betrayed us and joined the demons, or if they were just a cover."
Kartika sighed.
"Then, about Lady Teresa…"
She looked at the headmaster, her tone slightly raised.
"Why didn't you tell us?! I really wanted to meet her!"
Arkan hit the back of Kartika's head.
Thud.
Kartika held her head but kept her gaze fixed on the headmaster.
The headmaster clicked his tongue.
"Haven't you met her before? When you were children."
Kartika rubbed her head.
"That's different… I want to see her consciously!"
Anna looked at Kartika.
"Lady Teresa wanted to live peacefully. She didn't want her identity to be known anymore."
Kartika looked at Anna.
"So you knew? Professor Anna?"
Anna shrugged.
Arkan sighed and asked the headmaster.
"Then what about that child?"
One of the headmaster's eyebrows rose.
"Yes… for Teresa's children, it would be best if they stay here for now. They can stay temporarily."
Arkan looked at him.
"That child named Aril… he even beat Julian."
Kartika sighed.
"Yes… his mother was killed. What else could he do? Especially when the ones responsible were likely subordinates of your classmate's family."
The headmaster massaged his hands.
His voice turned more serious.
"Actually, all of this started after that artifact appeared, right?"
Everyone looked at him. Anna spoke.
"Bone of Malakar?"
Arkan and Kartika swallowed hard.
The headmaster nodded slowly, stroking his chin.
"My intuition tells me so."
He looked at Anna.
"How are things in the southern region?"
Anna checked a small monitor she was holding.
"Based on reports from the beastmen, the dark side has been more active lately. It's likely true that the Bone of Malakar is the cause. They warned us to be more cautious and prepare."
Anna sighed.
"Yes… that was yesterday's news. And yet, we were already attacked yesterday."
The headmaster scratched his head.
"What about that troublesome kid?"
Anna searched something on her monitor and showed it to him.
A video of a grown man crying uncontrollably was displayed.
Anna explained.
"Mr. Tyler wanted to return immediately after hearing that Lady Teresa had fallen in that attack."
Veins bulged on the headmaster's forehead.
"That brat! How could he work like that and let those dark side bastards infiltrate here?"
Kartika swallowed and looked at Arkan, whispering.
"How can he call his own child that?"
Arkan shrugged.
Anna adjusted her glasses.
"From the north, he also wanted to do the same after hearing about Lady Teresa's death."
Kartika grew irritated.
"How could the headmaster's granddaughter try to abandon his duty?"
She clasped her hands together.
"Just say she doesn't like staying in the dwarf region!"
The headmaster sighed deeply and looked at the ceiling.
Anna was about to continue, but a knock interrupted her.
Knock knock knock.
Anna responded.
"Sorry… we're in a meeting. You can co—"
She was cut off by a girl's voice.
"It's me, Katarina…"
The headmaster cleared his throat.
"Yes… you may come in."
Katarina opened the door.
Creak.
Her dark red hair swayed slightly, her blue eyes scanning everyone in the room. A bandage decorated the right side of her forehead, her wound still aching.
Everyone's eyes widened.
Kartika quickly stood up, approached Katarina, and held her shoulders.
"What happened to you, Rina? Did someone attack you? Damn it, I'll beat them up!"
Kartika was about to leave but was stopped by Katarina.
"It's fine, senior. I just fell."
Kartika's shoulders slumped, disappointment on her face.
"Why are you calling me senior? Just call me like usual."
Katarina smiled faintly.
"That wouldn't be appropriate in the academy."
Arkan looked at Katarina.
"Are you really okay?"
Katarina nodded.
The headmaster looked at her and smiled.
"Is there something you want to talk about with your grandfather?"
Katarina looked at him seriously and nodded.
The headmaster clapped his hands.
"Alright, we'll continue this later this afternoon. I also have another meeting at noon."
Anna slowly stood, greeting Katarina before leaving the room.
Arkan followed.
Kartika narrowed her eyes at the headmaster.
"You only call Rina your granddaughter."
She wanted to protest but was dragged out by Arkan.
Katarina smiled faintly at that.
The headmaster stood and gestured for Katarina to sit.
"Would you like some coffee?"
Katarina shook her head.
"No, thank you."
The headmaster narrowed his eyes.
"Did you hit your head very hard? You're very different from usual."
Katarina chuckled.
"Maybe I've become more mature?"
The headmaster laughed.
"Max and Catherine might faint hearing that their little daughter has grown up."
He cleared his throat.
"So what do you want to talk about? Is this about Julian's family?"
Katarina looked at him seriously.
"More about what caused that incident."
The headmaster's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?"
Katarina took a breath.
"I heard from Maya. She sensed demonic energy from Ophi."
The headmaster played with his fingers.
'Maya? If that's Teresa, I'd believe it.'
He smiled.
"And?"
Katarina shrugged.
"Yes… they were indeed controlled by the dark side and someone else… maybe?"
The headmaster's eyes widened.
"Why do you say that?"
Katarina smiled.
"That's a secret…"
She lowered her gaze slightly, then looked at the thinking headmaster.
"But that's not the main reason I came here, grandfather…"
He looked at her.
"The subordinates of Julian's family may clearly appear controlled. That's easy to tell for those who fought them and are sensitive to demonic energy."
The headmaster nodded. Katarina continued.
"But it's different from the perspective of ordinary citizens, right?"
The headmaster swallowed.
"Do you mean they were framed?"
Katarina shrugged.
"There will be a trial soon, right?"
The headmaster rested his head on one hand.
"Did Max tell you?"
Katarina nodded and raised one finger.
"I can prove Julian's family is innocent."
The headmaster's eyes widened, his posture turning serious.
"What are you saying? You can pro—"
Before finishing, he understood.
"Can you create an antidote for that demonic energy?"
Katarina, with sunlight on her back, smiled.
"Yes… I know. I know someone who can make it."
She swallowed.
"And I've been taught by them."
The headmaster stood up and paced, then looked at her.
"How is that possible? It's been thousands of years, and many researchers have failed."
He massaged his forehead.
"Even generations of dwarf kings couldn't do it…"
Katarina sighed.
"But the person I know succeeded. And I've seen it with my own eyes."
The headmaster looked at her.
"Can you introduce that person?"
Katarina shook her head.
"No…."
He sighed and sat back down.
Katarina continued.
"I will prove it at the trial later. But I need your help to be the one who presents the medicine at the trial."
The headmaster brushed his hair back.
"Do you want to use your grandfather as a shield?"
Katarina giggled.
"Yes…."
He looked at her in confusion.
"Why don't you do it yourself? Your father and all humanity…"
He shook his head.
"...no, no. Even all races would praise your name. The dragon king and queen might even invite you to Dragon Heart."
Katarina sighed.
"But the risks are also great, right? Even if I'm the child of the strongest human, it doesn't mean I can't get hurt."
"Even the seven demon leaders might come to behead me."
Veins appeared on the headmaster's forehead.
"If they come, I'll behead them too."
Katarina chuckled softly and leaned back.
"Yes… the point is, it would be troublesome. Besides, the materials are very difficult to obtain. And with your great name, you can protect me."
The headmaster smiled.
"Of course! I will protect my
granddaughter!"
Katarina smiled.
"Alright… that's all I wanted to say for now. And I will make it at grandmother's mansion."
The headmaster's eyes widened.
"Then I'll visit Nathalie's house to see you, is that okay?"
Katarina nodded.
"Of course…"
She stood up, and the headmaster escorted her to the door.
As Katarina walked farther away, she suddenly stopped and turned around.
The headmaster looked at her.
"Something else?"
Katarina looked at him seriously.
"At the trial later… pay attention to the person who keeps mentioning the Bone of Malakar."
The headmaster's eyes widened, goosebumps rising.
Katarina slowly walked away, only the sound of her footsteps echoing in the corridor.
The headmaster stood still like a statue, watching her leave.
He went back inside and closed the door.
Creak.
He leaned against it.
A faint smile formed on his face.
"She's very different from before. Was her head injury really that serious?"
He sighed.
"Bone of Malakar… that artifact really is troublesome."
—
In the corridor, Katarina walked freely. Her steps were light, as if some burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
She sighed, looking at the sky where the sun stood at its peak.
"The first step is done…"
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
She continued walking toward the cafeteria.
As she arrived, she saw many students chatting and eating, as well as younger children playing with them.
As Katarina approached, a black-haired girl with golden eyes walked up to her first.
The girl smiled.
"Rina… I'm going home first, okay?"
Katarina raised an eyebrow.
"Why the rush, Mira?"
Mira smiled widely, spreading her arms and laughing.
"The academy is dismissed early! Isn't that great? I also miss my mom and dad."
Katarina sighed.
"Don't you want to come with me? To my grandmother's mansion?"
Mira shook her head.
"Not this time, but maybe I'll follow later. I just really want to see my mom first."
Katarina nodded and took out a brooch from her smart bracelet, handing it to Mira.
Mira's eyes widened.
"What is this?"
Katarina smiled.
"It's nothing much. Just… if something strange happens, you can channel a little mana into it, and something will help you."
Mira looked confused.
"Something strange? What kind of strange?"
Katarina shrugged.
"I don't know. I gave it to the others too, even Aril's younger siblings."
Mira nodded.
"Alright, thank you."
Katarina smiled and hugged Mira.
Mira's eyes widened.
"You're not like usual, Rina."
Katarina just hugged her tighter.
Mira returned the hug.
After a while, Katarina let go and looked at her.
"Don't forget to visit us after you meet your mom."
Mira nodded and slowly left.
Katarina watched her go.
She sighed.
Then she walked toward the others.
Reva raised her hand.
"Princess! Princess! Why do we have to go with this crazy fraud?" she said while pointing at Alex.
Katarina shrugged and sat with the others.
"Because his house is along the way."
Reva clicked her tongue.
Alex chuckled and looked at Katarina.
"As long as I can enjoy executive class train rides for free, I'll follow you anywhere, Your Highness."
Everyone laughed. Katarina sighed and looked at the others.
"Arthur, Eve, Ken. Will you follow later?"
Eve sighed.
"I don't know, Rina…"
Arthur shook his head.
"I don't want to join your crazy adventure."
Alex clicked his tongue.
"This cleanliness freak really can't be helped."
Arthur's eyebrow twitched as he almost stood up to hit Alex, but Ken held him back.
"You bastard, I'll punch you!"
Alex stuck out his tongue.
"Says the guy who got crushed by a giant statue."
Arthur became even more furious.
Katarina just sighed and looked elsewhere.
There, Aril was talking with his younger siblings.
"Are you okay, Aril?"
Aril turned.
"I'm fine, Princess."
Katarina tapped the table with her finger.
"If you need anything, you can tell me."
Aril nodded shortly.
"Thank you, Princess. The headmaster and professors have also helped a lot."
Katarina nodded.
Arthur finally calmed down and looked at Katarina.
"If you want to find the materials you need, I think Billa and Jiro can help."
Katarina raised an eyebrow.
Arthur tried to explain.
Katarina nodded in understanding.
"Can you contact them?"
Arthur nodded.
"Of course…"
Katarina brushed her hair back.
Alex looked at Ken, winked, and subtly pointed at Katarina.
"Hey buddy, you should follow soon. You know this could be your chance."
Reva looked at Alex strangely and hit his head.
Alex, in pain, started fighting with Reva.
Katarina massaged her forehead watching them.
"Stop it, you two. And get ready, we're leaving now."
Alex stopped, but he was still pulling Reva's hair, and Reva was still pulling his.
"Why the rush?"
Katarina brushed her hair back.
"Aren't you going to meet your family first?"
Alex smiled awkwardly.
"Yeah… I should meet my family first."
Reva clicked her tongue.
"Just say you're an unfilial child. That's why you forgot your family!"
Alex's eyebrow twitched.
"What did you say?!"
He pulled Reva's hair harder. Reva did the same.
Katarina sighed and stood up, saying goodbye to everyone before walking away.
Eve, seeing her leave, sighed and looked at Alex and Reva.
"Hey, she's already gone."
Alex and Reva paused. Reva shouted and ran after her.
"Princess, wait for me!"
Alex fixed his hair and approached Aril, patting his shoulder.
"I'm leaving first, buddy."
Aril nodded.
"Yeah…"
Alex looked at Ken.
"Hurry up and come. So your relationship can get closer."
Then he looked at Arthur and Eve.
"See you later… cleanliness freak and pink-haired girl."
Arthur and Eve exploded in anger.
Alex left while chuckling.
He walked away, following Katarina and Reva.
He would return home, to begin another journey.