It seemed that the air in the grand hall still shimmered with leftover excitement from the earlier days. Just yesterday, the chosen ones of Year Five had addressed the younger years — a grand affair that had swept up the entire academy in its wake. Today, however, was different. Today was meant to be the crowning moment for the youngest — the first years — to hear the speech about familiars that would shape their future.
But of all the eager faces that should have been there, one was conspicuously absent.
Aether Ryens.
Luke stood at the front of the hall, his bearing impeccable, cloak settling perfectly against his shoulders. Even so, something restless burned behind his golden eyes. Outwardly calm, he surveyed the rows of students, each head turning expectantly for what he might say next.
It was only when he spoke again, voice deceptively gentle, that a ripple of tension seemed to pass through the crowd.
"Tell me," he said, his words flowing soft and clear, "does anyone among you know where Aether Ryens is at this moment?"
For a heartbeat, confusion darted across countless faces. Murmurs rose — startled whispers — before someone finally shifted. It was Morgan, who slowly got to his feet among the first years.
Morgan swallowed hard. "Uhmm… President," he said, his voice catching on the title, "I think… the announcement about today's speech never reached Aether. He's been… well, in the Mechanical Lab almost nonstop. I don't think he's even come out since yesterday."
The surprise was instant. Students leaned toward each other, eyes wide. Aether hadn't known about this at all?
A breathy "Thank the gods," slipped from Shanny's lips — so soft only she could hear it. Relief poured through her limbs. If Aether didn't come, then perhaps nothing dangerous would happen today after all. Perhaps the worst — whatever the worst might have been — could be avoided.
But her hope was short-lived.
Luke tilted his head slightly. His golden eyes half-closed, and a smile — so calm it was chilling — curved across his lips. When he spoke, his voice was gentle enough to make every student shiver.
"Everyone… please be quiet for a moment."
A hush fell like a physical force. Even breaths seemed to stall in the throats of the gathered crowd. Someone in the front actually squealed under their breath, clutching their heart.
"Oh my gods… I want to die. Did you hear his voice just now?"
"I know… it's too perfect…"
It was the kind of moment that should have been capped by Aether's unexpected entrance — the dramatic foil to Luke's regal composure. But, of course, Aether was nowhere nearby.
Luke's smile lingered, unfazed. His gaze drifted lazily to Morgan.
"Morgan, was it? Could you do me a favor and go fetch him right now? Tell him I'd very much like to see him join us."
Gasps fluttered across the hall.
The president personally wants to see Aether? Olivia's thoughts spun in circles.
Meanwhile, in the back, Lucas's eyes narrowed, a dark glint sparking. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest, jaw working.
"Tch," he muttered under his breath, so low only those nearest could catch it. His fingers dug into his arms. Just because he called you doesn't mean anything. I'm still here. I'll become stronger than all of you — even him. Just wait.
Shanny caught that bitter hiss. Her heart seized with fresh dread.
Not good… not good at all.
She'd thought if Aether didn't come, things might simply drift by. But Luke — once he decided on something — would never let it drop. That was the most terrifying part about him. The unshakable certainty, the way he carried out every plan to flawless execution.
She pressed her palm over her mouth, whispering to herself, "This might end up dragging on into something bigger… I can't even stop it because I don't know exactly what he's planning."
Morgan, for his part, looked stricken, but he nodded obediently. "Y-yes, President. Right away."
Luke's smile softened. "Thank you. Take one of my chosen ones with you."
A tall youth stepped out from the line of Year Five chosen ones. His very presence exuded quiet power, enough to make some first years gulp. Together with Morgan, he turned on his heel, heading out through the towering doors toward the Mechanical Lab.
Meanwhile: in the Mechanical Lab
Inside that cluttered haven of gears and glinting brass, Aether Ryens was blissfully unaware of the storm swirling outside.
"Hmm, that should do it…" he murmured, tightening a tiny screw on the side of a delicately etched metal sphere. He lifted it carefully, eyes bright. "Perfect. Even the mana conduits are flowing without resistance. Now I just need Claire to test it for me."
He set the sphere down and rolled his shoulders. Around him, every bench was piled high with parts, schematics, and odd little constructs that occasionally gave a tiny, cheerful whirr. Here in this labyrinth of his own making, the world beyond these walls barely existed.
But that world was coming to fetch him.
The lab door creaked open. Morgan's voice carried inside before his head did. "Ahh — there you are, Aether! I can't believe you're still in here."
Aether blinked, startled. He'd felt someone powerful approach — his instincts always twitched at mana signatures stronger than his own — so he'd quickly pushed the more experimental devices into a covered crate. Still, he hadn't expected Morgan… and certainly not the imposing chosen one standing just behind him.
"Morgan? And… who's your tall friend?" Aether laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Who is that guy? Why bring muscle? Did Morgan get himself into some kind of duel challenge and drag me into it? Or maybe…
Aether's eyes narrowed just a fraction. Or maybe I've done something this time without realizing it.
Back in the hall: Luke's speech
While they headed for the lab, Luke decided he wouldn't let the students' excitement fade. He cleared his throat lightly and smiled down at the rows of eager faces.
"Well then… while we wait for them to bring Aether here, I'll continue. It would be a waste to let your anticipation sit untended."
Shanny almost groaned aloud. Even now… calm, polite, completely unreadable. What's your angle, Luke?
Luke raised a hand slightly, and like puppets on strings, every eye lifted to him.
"Each of you will soon be permitted to bring your familiars onto academy grounds. I saw your joy earlier — and you're right to be thrilled. But remember, mana beasts are not tools. They are living beings. Treat them as you would a dear friend or family. The bond you nurture will become the bedrock of your strength. If they treasure you in return… they might even lay down their lives to protect yours."
A hush spread. Even the rowdiest students seemed to sober.
Back to Aether
Morgan quickly relayed the situation — about the speech, about Luke's interest, about the summons that apparently couldn't be refused.
"So… yeah," Morgan finished awkwardly, scratching his cheek. "That's why we need you to come with us now."
Aether raised his eyebrows. "The president himself wants to see me? Because of those mechanisms?" His gaze slid to the chosen one behind Morgan, who simply nodded once, face unreadable.
For half a breath, Aether almost looked like he'd refuse out of sheer stubborn contrariness. Then he sighed and gave a crooked smile.
"Alright, alright. Can't make the big shots wait, can we? Let's go."
As they walked…
Meanwhile in the hall, Luke's speech was drawing to its next climax. His gaze swept across the entire hall, lingering just a touch longer on Shanny — whose stiff posture betrayed her mounting anxiety.
"And now," he said, "I'd like to show you something more personal. I will introduce you to my own familiar. Each of my fellow chosen ones will also do so shortly."
A buzz of excitement erupted.
"Ohhh, the president's familiar! This is going to be amazing—"
"Yeah, I heard it's something incredible…"
Luke raised his arm with elegant precision. From the shadows behind the dais, a shape emerged — sleek, golden-maned, muscles rippling beneath its regal hide. A lion, eyes like molten amber, padded forward and settled by Luke's side.
Gasps filled the hall.
"This is my partner. A lion of remarkable mana lineage."
And at the doorway…
Just as he was about to continue — to boast perhaps of the lion's unique mana attributes — the grand doors of the hall swung inward.