4th Stratum - Thunder Faction:
"G-Great Mage Zeo… y-you haven't by any chance tossed me into the Dungeon before, right?"
Zeo Thorzeus Reinbolt froze just as he began lowering himself onto the bed.
He was half-naked, wearing only boxer shorts.
Artificial moonlight bled in through his windows, glinting across his abs.
"Tch." The bronze-skinned Wand of Thunder clicked his tongue in mild annoyance as he lay back.
Hands folded behind his head and legs crossed, he stared up at the vaulted ceiling.
"Tossed you into the Dungeon?"
He repeated the phrase under his breath, unable to shake Will's words from earlier.
What kinda crap is that?
Thorzeus Fasce snorted and shut his eyes.
He needed rest if he was to make full use of tomorrow.
Who knew when the Fated Day would become today?
Every second mattered.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
The stink of despair hit me before I even saw the source.
Pathetic. Another academy brat broken by the Tower's whims.
Didn't need magic to sense the raw, useless grief clinging to the air like cheap perfume.
I crested the hill with my faction trailing behind like shadows.
The pitch-black sky soured my mood even further.
Below, sprawled like a kicked puppy at the base of Mercedes Caulis, was the cause: a scrawny kid, fists bloody and raw, hammering on doors thicker than his skull.
His voice was a broken record stuck on give her back.
Elfaria. Right. That Maser mess Gil babbled about on the march back.
Some kid was exposed by the mirror and then snatched.
Annoying Watchers. Weakerlings losing to weaklings. Typical Tower politics.
Bang.
"GIVE ELFIE BACK!"
The brat punched the door again.
I frowned and snarled.
"Oh, shut up already. What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Finally, the little shit turned.
He blinked a few times, only now noticing us.
For a second he seemed surprised by something.
"Who... are you...?" His voice scraped like sandpaper.
Before I answered, Gil stepped up.
"Who do you think you are, you rude brat?! This man is one of the Magia Vander!"
Typical. My voice drowned out by my adjutant's squawking.
"This is Zeo Thorzeus Reinbolt-sama! Haven't you heard of the name Thorzeus Fasce, you ignorant little scum?!"
"Thorzeus Fasce… the Wand of Thunder…"
The brat repeated, taking another look at me.
Something dark flickered in that glare. I nearly smiled.
Oh? The pup has fangs?
Gil, oblivious, nodded vehemently.
(Damn. Vehemently? Did I really just use that word? Fuckin' Workner!)
"That's right!! Zeo-sama just returned from a dungeon expedition! He's on his glorious triumphal march! Now get out of the way, disrespectful brat!!"
Before Gil could puff up and list my titles like a town cryer, I cut him off.
"Gil, shut up. You're more annoying than he is."
"Yes, Zeo-sama!!"
He snapped his jaw shut. Good.
Noise grated worse than the brat's whining.
I shoved a finger in my ear, strolling up the stairs.
The kid reeked of sweat, blood, and failure. His eyes burned with fury—all heat, no spark.
Worthless without strength.
"The Magia Vander... If it weren't for them, Elfie wouldn't..." he muttered, resentment thick as sludge.
Oh? Blaming us?
A dry chuckle escaped me. "Huh? The hell are you mumbling... Oh, right. Masers yapping about some brat not even ten getting the Vander title. I see. So you're—" I stalled on purpose, savoring the flare in his eyes. "—just some pathetic brat who got his girl taken, huh?"
"What?!" Finally, some light in his dead eyes.
Crackle.
Thunderstep. One breath I'm at the stairs' base; the next I'm breathing his air.
Shock widened his eyes. Good. Fear sharpens.
I grabbed his collar. No magic—just leverage. A flick of the wrist and he was airborne, tumbling down the stone steps like discarded trash.
My squad parted. He hit the bottom with a satisfying thud, gasping like a landed fish.
"Gil, you guys head back."
"Huh?! What are you saying, Zeo-sama?!"
I smirked. "You know, right? I like shitty brats like him more than those academy worms."
Gil muttered something about bad habits but obeyed.
The Tower gate groaned open, swallowing them before slamming shut.
Silence. Except for the brat's ragged breaths.
"So?" I crouched, air humming. "What do you want to do?"
His gaze locked on the dwarven blade at my hip—a trophy in a wand-obsessed world.
"Take her back? Get revenge? Beat the crap out of everyone you hate?"
Confusion warred with fury. Weak. Directionless.
His stare lingered on the sword.
"Oh, this?" I tapped it. "Took it from some stubborn dwarves. I wanted it. So I took it."
My eyes flicked to his ruined fists. A spark of anticipation.
"Wanna grab this and fight me to the death?" I drew the blade, scabbard and all. "Take me down, maybe you get your girl back."
"H-huh?!"
His flinch said enough.
Disappointing.
"Boring." I stood, losing interest.
"If you're a loser, then act like one. Claw your way up. Anyone who does that is worth watching... and strong."
"W-what are you saying...?"
"What, you don't get it? Then shut up and let me mess with you. I'm Magia Vander— I love watching weaklings squirm."
His anger finally snapped. "It's because of people like you...! You act high and mighty... you're strong, but reckless and selfish! That's why they took Elfie!!"
Better. Worthless—but better.
"Hah! Bark louder then! If you're that pissed, swing at me!" I spread my arms, inviting it.
"Rrraaaaaaaah!"
He roared, punching with everything left in his body.
Thud. Solid.
I grinned. Then doubled over.
Shit. That actually hurts.
"Uuuaaaagh! Aaaagh! My abs!!" Maybe I exaggerated—just a bit. Let the brat taste power's absurdity. Stoke the fire of desire and make him want it.
I straightened, wiping imaginary spit. "You ain't even a dwarf, but you've got some stupid power on you... I was just screwing around a bit, but…ok, this is a lot more fun!"
Time for the lesson.
"Listen up, shitty brat. I'm gonna teach you the absolute rule of this world."
My voice cut like lightning. "You think we took your girl? You're wrong. It's because you're too damn weak!!"
"?!"
"It's always the weak who get robbed—women, treasure, dignity, lives. That's the world's law!!"
He hesitated. I shoved him over the edge.
"If you don't want to lose anything, howl like a beast. Throw weakness away. Claw your way up. Take back what's yours!!"
"I tried! I tried my best! I fought! I studied! But I couldn't use magic! I was incompetent! I wasn't like them!!" Tears. Excuses. Stench of surrender.
"That's a lie." His breath hitched. I leaned in. "You're still alive, aren't you?"
"Your resolve to die… it ain't enough."
"Those who truly fought are dead."
Enough talk.
"Raugnar Velt!"
CRACK-KABOOM!
A pillar of lightning ripped the earth open behind him.
Five-meter chasm. Screaming earth. Dungeon beasts wailing in the distance.
He flew back, terror-struck.
Good. Let it burn into him.
I grabbed him by the collar again and hauled him toward the edge, face blank.
"That's why you need to die once."
Held him over the void.
"Die—and be reborn."
I let go.
His scream spiraled into the abyss.
I grabbed the dwarven sword.
"Here's a parting gift. Take it."
I tossed it in after him.
And then lightning arced behind me—Thorzeus Fasce's seal—plugging the hole shut.
High Mages would come scrambling soon to see what the commotion was about, but they'd be helpless to do anything.
Let no one interfere on a weakling's journey to the top.
I turned my back.
"I'll forget your face in three seconds. Crawl back up. Prove me wrong. Take your girl back."
Dismissive words—but the challenge pulsed in the charged air.
Walking toward the Tower, I glanced at the oppressive sky sealing us in.
A grin split across my face.
"To tear down that damn sky, we'll need as many strong fighters as we can get."
The kid… empty now, but I knew the type. Potential without drive.
For little shits like that, you've gotta be extreme. They don't understand until death starts staring 'em down.
So let him crawl back to the surface. Or rot at the bottom. The world only cared about the result.
If he survived…
If he succeeded…
Maybe then he'd be worth remembering.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Zeo's eyes snapped open.
Huff.
He exhaled softly, tilting his head to the side.
Artificial moonlight continued to pour into his chambers.
His blank expression slowly twisted into a stretching smirk.
Joy. Ecstasy. Glee.
And so much more all in one.
He licked his lips in anticipation.
"Oh? He's that little shit?"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
11th of Carnsmoon:
Will, face blank and confused, walked down the Thunder Faction hall toward the women's dorms.
He still couldn't process what he'd just heard.
Mumbling it on repeat didn't help.
"Huh? Mrs. Silva is an Ascendant?"
How? She'd only joined the Tower two days ago.
How do you become an Ascendant that fast?
"...And Julius is the Water Faction adjutant? H-how does that even work?"
Can a bottom-tier High Mage even be an adjutant?
These figments of news were the talk of the tower.
Once again, Will's common sense was shattered.
He shook himself back to focus and stopped in front of one of many identical doors lining the hall.
Black wood, white trim.
W-7 stamped in crown molding, silver plate beneath: L. Owenzaus.
He was here with purpose. No time to waste.
Rap. Rap. Rap.
He knocked and cleared his throat.
"L-Lihanna? You in there?"
Silence.
Will chewed his lip.
He felt it was inappropriate to use his Ki; after all, this concerned a lady's privacy, so he simply parted his mouth again.
"P-practice starts in half an hour, you know? Are you up yet?"
He raised his voice.
Officially, Thunder drills began at 8 sharp—but everyone knew to show up by 7 for stretches and prep.
Veterans might slack, but rookies never dared.
Yet Lihanna, normally one of the first on the fields, was nowhere to be found by 7:30.
Asking around, Will learned she hadn't been seen in the changeroom either.
Worried, he came to check on his friend himself.
We are friends, right?
He sweatdropped, uncertain.
He was "officially" with Colette and Wignall, and even if Sion and Julius would never admit it, he was sure they were buds too.
But with Lihanna… he wasn't as confident.
Even if Sion and Julius were once his tormentors, he felt closer to them than her.
She was more like a polite coworker.
Too professional to be sure if they were friends at all.
Still, if he didn't try to bridge the gap between them, he'd never put his doubts to rest.
Efforts aside—there was no response.
Just as Will raised his hand to knock again, scrambling erupted behind the door.
Bang.
He winced.
Crack!
He blinked.
Thud!
He cringed.
Thump.
"Gah!"
Kiki purred sympathetically on his shoulder. Mreow?
Footsteps neared. The knob twisted.
Creak.
As the door opened, Will forced a weak laugh.
"Slept in and hit your head, huh—?"
He froze mid-sentence.
Lihanna looked like hell.
"Mreow!" Kiki agreed.
Dark bags sagged beneath her eyes—no sleep.
Her hair was down, messy, unlike her neat braids.
Skin pale. Nightgown still on.
Miss Perfect… actually late.
Sniff.
Her nose twitched before a shaky smile pulled across her face.
"S-sorry, Will… thanks for waking me… hah hah hah."
The lifeless laugh and hoarse voice made him raise both hands, worried.
"A-are you sick? I can tell Mr. Guilford—"
"NO!"
She yelled so suddenly Will and Kiki flinched.
She stiffened, bowing fast. "S-sorry…"
Her jaw clenched. She straightened with another uneasy smile.
"I-I'll be out soon. Don't worry. You should go before Sir Guilford makes you run extra laps… don't get punished over me."
Will paused, unreadable—then stepped past her into the room.
"W-Will?!"
Fwap.
He pointed firmly at her bed, expression stern.
"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on. This isn't like you."
Kiki raised a paw in agreement. Mreow!
Lihanna stared—then finally sighed, shoulders dropping as she moved toward the bed.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Now Will said that, but inwardly he was squirming.
This was the first time he'd ever been inside a woman's room.
Elfaria didn't count—fellow orphans shared everything, baths included.
Rosti wasn't any different knowing who he truly was.
But Lihanna wasn't family, and she was still in her nightgown.
Will's heart thudded.
Does this make me a pervert? Did I just force myself into a woman's quarters?
If this got out, he'd never explain his way out of it.
People might look at him the same way they looked at the Earth Faction's unofficial chief.
He stared anywhere but at her, especially with her bare legs showing from the knee down.
He'd seen more skin during yesterday's training… but given the different scenario somehow this felt naughty, and messed with his teenage mind.
Scanning the room, he realized it wasn't much different from his own.
Single bed in the corner.
Table on a rug in the middle where he sat.
Desk and chest in the far corner.
Aside from more feminine furniture, everything else was the same.
Hmm. Maybe Lihanna isn't into those girly things.
Rumor said women's rooms were packed with stuff. Lihanna seemed the exception.
Either the rumor was a lie—or, Will narrowed his eyes remembering her fallen noble house.
Between that and her love of snacks, she likely didn't have spare coins for frills.
Her voice pulled his eyes back to her.
"I'm sorry, Will… for making you come check on me."
He forced himself to meet her gaze, barely noticing Kiki curling in her lap.
He raised both hands placatingly.
"N-no need to apologize! Just tell me what's wrong… and go back to normal, please!"
Ashamed, Lihanna clutched her nightdress and stared at the floorboards.
"I can't imagine how disappointed my grandmother would be if she saw me like this…"
Will's expression softened as his heart eased.
"Your grandmother… is she important to you?"
"Ah…" Lihanna flushed faintly, then smiled.
"Yes. The most important." Her head lifted. "She's the only one in my family who ever believed in me."
Will's eyes widened behind his glasses.
"What do you mean… believed?"
Raising a finger to her eyelid, she pulled the skin gently down.
"See how my eyes are blue? In House Owenzaus, that's a mark of inferiority."
"Inferiority?"
She nodded, laughing wistfully.
"The blood of the knight Dua flows in our family. We're supposed to inherit her thunder-like eyes. And everyone did… everyone except me. As you can guess, that haunted me since childhood."
She leaned back, as if telling an old legend.
"As I've mentioned… members of our House live short lives. My gallant sister was no exception. She died ten years ago protecting her comrades."
Will stiffened. Her sister? Dead?
He couldn't even imagine losing Elfaria, Claire, or the rest.
And—ten years again?! Was it the Great War? Or coincidence?
He kept silent as Lihanna's eyes pinked at the edges.
"I wasn't close with her. By the time I understood anything, she was already in the Tower. The only memory I truly recall without a photo… is her remains being sealed in a casket before they buried her."
Will clenched his jaw. She continued.
"I was sad. She was my sister. Even if our time was short, blood isn't easily severed."
"But what hurt worse was my parents—normally unbreakable—weeping."
She wiped her eyes. Her voice trembled.
"I remember my mother sobbing, She's gone, she's gone... I tried to comfort them. I said not to worry about the Owennors family or anyone—that I'd fill in my sister's place."
Will blinked. The Owennors…? He kept the question to himself.
"But?"
Lihanna exhaled bitterness.
"But they didn't care. My father shut me down. Lihanna, enough. That won't be necessary. Then they walked away."
Mother, breaking.
Father, disgusted.
Her throat thickened but she kept speaking.
"No one believed in me. I was alone in that massive house. No one to open my heart to. No one to open theirs to me."
Then slowly—she smiled. Gentle. Real.
"No one… except my grandmother."
She chuckled at Will.
"She came to my room, scooped me in her lap, told me not to worry, said I'd make a fantastic knight, and read me a book."
"A tale of Lady Roiche… a knight with eyes just like mine."
Will's eyes widened, cheeks going pink as he brightened with excitement.
"Roiche… as in Roiche the Knight?That Roiche?!"
Lihanna blinked, startled.
"You've heard of it? That's surprising—it's not a well-known book."
Will grinned, arms spread in explanation.
"Elfie's loved books since we were kids. She used to read me tons of stories—Adventures of Denma and loads of others."
He beamed.
"If you two met, I'm sure you'd get along great!"
Lihanna chuckled.
"Well, I'm honored to share anything with the Icemaiden… I read loads of knight stories growing up."
She leaned back slightly.
"But Roiche's tale stayed with me the most. She was weak, but used wit and sense to protect others—including the princess. That story was one of my greatest childhood treasures…"
A hollow laugh escaped her lips.
"And I guess that's why it hurts all the more."
Will and Kiki stared, confused as the tone shifted.
Mreow?
"What do you mean?"
Lihanna bit her lip, gaze dropping, voice low.
"My grandmother saved me by giving me a tale and portrait of a knight I could aspire to be, yet…"
"Yet?"
"Yet ten years later, I can't see any similarities between me and Roiche besides looks."
Her slender hands clenched.
"Originally I was fine with that. Roiche was a fairy tale—my hero, my idol. Stories are stories, right? Exaggerated legends. So it didn't matter if I wasn't like her…"
Will swallowed. "So? What changed?"
Lihanna looked away. "Anna-senpai."
Will blinked. "Huh? Ms. Theralde?"
She nodded.
"Yeah. Her. I may look like Roiche—but Anna-senpai acts like her. Small like me, yet strong. Can spar with a Vander. Quick, smart, brave... she gets results. She's everything Roiche is and more. Everything I want to be… but I'm not."
Lihanna's fist pressed to her chest.
"I used to have an excuse. Roiche was just a legend. But Anna proves she's real through her own existence—so now I have no justification for falling short."
The light faded from her eyes.
"...I'm nothing but a disappointment. Worse—I'm scum who secretly resents and envies the woman who's only ever been kind to me. Who looks out for me. Who gives me advice."
Her head drooped.
"I'm terrible."
Will blinked, understanding dawning.
Yesterday's sigh. That far-off gaze.
Lihanna was wrestling her own demons.
Everyone carried insecurities. Regrets.
Dark and underlying thoughts.
She was no different.
Maybe it's wrong of me… but now I finally understand Miss Perfect.
Now—she feels like a friend.
Will slowly stood, drawing her attention.
He ran a troubled hand through his hair.
"I don't think you should beat yourself up, Lihanna. You're doing great. Ms. Theralde is one of the eldest in our faction. It's only natural you're behind her—"
"But you're not."
Will flinched at the interruption.
Lihanna winced. "S-sorry. See? This is what I mean. I'm terrible… but it's hard." She clenched her fists.
"You're a Vander's sparring partner too. The gap between us isn't even funny. Lady Elfaria became a Vander six years ago, and right now I doubt I could even match her ten-year-old self."
Her eyes reddened again.
"It's so hard to keep your head high when you're surrounded by incredible people. People your age who've invented twelve spells when you haven't made one. People who make Miss Perfect sound like mockery. People who outshine you at every turn."
She trembled. "It's hard to act unbothered around such geniuses. People who rob you of every excuse… it's hard."
Will almost laughed.
Genius? Me? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard.
"I get it," he said gently. "I used to soothe myself with excuses too—telling myself failing was okay because I had no magic in a world of magic."
She blinked. "Used to?"
He nodded bitterly. "Yeah. Until I met him. Another No-Talent… who in my very eyes shone as bright as any Great Mage. Then I realized I couldn't justify being incompetent anymore."
Her eyes widened. "Mr. Finn… or your master?"
"My master."
He cleared his throat. "The point is… no matter how exceptional you think you are, someone will always make you question yourself. Using them as a benchmark all the time—it's suicide."
He clenched his fist. "You with Ms. Theralde. Me with Shishō. I'm sure even Elfie feels it now with Great Mage Yuno. And I'll bet they've all met people who left them speechless too."
Lihanna swallowed.
Will stepped closer, placing a hand on hers.
She twitched—but didn't pull away.
"The question isn't what they'd do in our position. It's what we're going to do. We all know the real goal of this training is to break us."
His smile grew. "So? Do we run down the track toward more pain with our heads high… or give them the satisfaction of seeing us run away from it all?"
He straightened and offered his hand.
"So let's do our thing. Rise like gallant knights from a storybook—amid a graveyard of wands. Hard work speaks for itself—and it never lies. I may have kept to myself for six long years, but like everyone else in our cohort who chased your shadow, I know you've got what it takes, Lihanna."
She froze. Will grinned.
"And if you don't mind me saying… I really like your blue eyes. They sparkle like jewels."
She went still, cheeks heating.
"Heh," she whispered to herself. "My first love said the same thing."
A foolish and clumsy little pumpkinhead who lived in his own world.
She rose with Kiki cradled in one arm and shook his hand.
Squ-eeze.
"Fine. Then let that be our promise—to try our hardest."
Will's smile stretched. "Definitely!"
A beat passed. Lihanna blushed again, scratching her cheek.
"W-we only have a few minutes before practice and no time to head to the showers, so… I-I'll change here."
Will went scarlet, panicking as he snatched up Kiki and fled the room.
"I-I got it! I'll wait outside! T-take your time!"
Lihanna nodded awkwardly. "R-right."
In his rush, Will forgot to mention something else: that perhaps Lihanna had misunderstood her parents just a bit.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
20 Minutes Later:
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Once again, Will and Lihanna jogged side by side a few meters behind the Big Three.
But unlike yesterday, someone else was ahead of them.
Komari.
She'd shown up early to spar with Zeo—but the Wand of Thunder brushed her off, saying he was in a good mood and would "play with her and Will together" after laps.
That unnerved Komari.
Zeo being in a good mood usually meant more violence.
Still, she joined the faction for laps before Guilford could bark at her.
Naturally, she led.
Sweat trickled down Lihanna's cheek. Her eyes narrowed.
Lightning crackled under her feet—Bzt!—and she surged forward.
"Lihanna?!" Will yelped as she blasted past them—then past the Big Three—closing in on Komari.
"Huh… what's she doing?" Olganeau blinked.
Milia shrugged. "Maybe she's pushing herself."
Nanaru whispered between them. "Admirable… but chasing Anna is foolish."
"Hmm?" Komari glanced over her shoulder as Lihanna drew alongside her.
She grinned. "How's my cute little kouhai?"
Haah. Haah.
Lihanna panted, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Without breaking stride she whispered, "A-Anna-senpai…"
Komari hummed. "Yeah?"
Lihanna clenched her fist. "Sorry."
No context. Just that.
Anyone else would be confused.
Anyone but Komari.
Her expression softened. "You really are one adorable junior."
Lihanna flushed, nearly tripping.
Komari laughed. "No harm done Kiddo. I once chased someone too."
"Sir Guilford?"
Komari scoffed. "Please. That loser?"
"HEY!" Guilford barked, overhearing.
He flashed a middle finger. "That's another hundred, Theralde!"
Komari sighed, looking back at Lihanna. "See what I mean?"
Lihanna giggled softly, then swallowed.
"S-senpai?"
"Yes, Kouhai?"
"If… if you still have time—could you give me more tips? Like you offered before?"
Komari blinked, then smiled wistfully.
"Sure. But I am Thunder Faction. I can get just as rough as Guil or Zeo-bro."
Lihanna's eyes hardened. "T-that's fine! Be as rough as you want!"
Komari grinned. "Alright—first lesson, keep up!"
Bzt!
White lightning flared beneath Komari's feet as she shot forward.
Lihanna knew chasing her was a mistake.
She'd probably collapse—or puke.
But emboldened, no longer caring what others thought, she followed—yellow lightning sparking in her wake.
For once, Guilford's face showed approval.
Will laughed and picked up his pace as well.
Lihanna collapsed at lap sixty, her stamina spent.
She didn't care.
None of the stares, jabs, or provocations from Guilford, the Big Three, or the other veterans reached her.
From now on—her only benchmark…
Was her own progress.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
14th of Carnsmoon:
Will, Lihanna, and even Kiki stood stiffly at attention in a large office.
From behind a mountain of paperwork, Olganeau pointed a pen at them.
"All right, newbies. Supply run."
Lounging lazily on a couch, Milia called over her shoulder, "Grab me some tapioca."
Back still to them, Nanaru muttered, "Candy… get me candy…"
Will and Lihanna straightened. "We're on it!"
Kiki saluted. Mreow!
A moment later, they exited the office and strolled down the hallway, Kiki draped across Will's shoulders.
He chuckled sheepishly.
"S-so… errand duty now. You think that means they like us?"
Lihanna cringed.
"Who knows… but I'm ashamed how relieved I feel for a break from training."
They stepped onto a floating platform that slowly descended toward Colorless Garden.
Silence lingered.
Will snuck a glance at her profile, then cleared his throat.
"Um… Lihanna?"
She turned curiously. "Yes?"
He gestured at her neck.
"That necklace you always wear… I've never seen one like it. What is it?"
"Oh."
Lihanna tugged the chain from behind her gloria, revealing a pendant with a small blade-shaped ornament.
Her expression softened.
"This is to me what your goggles are to you—something from the person I treasure most."
Will blinked. "Your grandmother."
She nodded.
"It's called the Misericorde of the Covenant. An amulet meant to keep a knight safe… or at peace."
To protect those with no one else watching over them—or at least let them go without regrets.
Will leaned in, intrigued. "Peace… safety… how?"
Lihanna blushed faintly but didn't step back.
"A-all Owenzaus heirs wear one. We constantly channel magic into it so we can fulfill our vows as knights of honor when the time comes."
Will's eyes widened in realization.
So that's why she runs out of magic faster than most… her mana pool isn't mediocre she's just burning it constantly like a Vander maintaining a barrier.
Unaware of his thoughts, Lihanna smiled.
"Just so you know—I planned to use it back when you collapsed after slaying the Grand Duke… before Masterias Noah and your guardian saved us from that horde."
Will stared. "Seriously? Wow… sorry."
She giggled. "What are you apologizing for, dummy?"
Seeing her so relaxed with him, Will paused.
A strange twitch stirred in his chest. It was a familiar current.
Shame hit him hard.
He didn't like that feeling.
So he buried it.
Punched it back down, hopefully never to see the light of day again.
What a shallow person I am…
He sighed inwardly.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
First Stratum — Half-an-hour Later:
Will and Lihanna walked through the Colorless Garden, each balancing a heavy paper bag full of treats, snacks, and groceries their seniors had ordered.
Sniff. Sniff.
Perched on Will's shoulder, Kiki tilted her head, nose twitching as she checked the haul for acceptable offerings.
Will chuckled, then glanced at Lihanna—the bags clearly awkward in her arms.
He considered putting everything into his spatial ring, but hesitated. Were perishables even safe in there? He wasn't brave enough to test it.
His thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Right… we all have to spy on our factions. But what about information on the Light Faction… and the Upper Institute…?
He was about to bring it up when his ki prickled. A familiar presence loomed.
Uh-oh.
Speak of the devil.
Kreutz Harlon—flanked by deputy Charles—turned the corner and spotted them.
"You?!" Kreutz barked. "We meet again, Will Serfort!"
He clenched his fist, burning with fury—then suddenly stopped himself.
"Ah… no. Let's start over."
He stepped forward with a friendly smile that was anything but.
"I apologize for my uncouth behavior before. Will, you wield Wis with such elegance! A shame to keep such power limited to yourself, no? So how about this—come to my lab, okay?"
Will shivered as Kreutz lightly pinched his chin. "W-what?"
Charles blinked. Lihanna stared unamused.
Kreutz's grin turned manic.
"I just received the most exquisite tea leaves from the East. Let me brew you a warm, sleepy cup."
"Sleepy?!"
Kreutz hummed. "The way I make it… yes. Don't worry—you can lie down comfortably on my table. While you rest, I'll open you up and make everything better…"
Will sweatdropped. "Paramount, you're not very subtle."
Charles seized the chance to grab his boss. "Let's go before you incriminate yourself further!"
"Hush, Charles! Sacrifices must be made in the name of progress!" Kreutz snapped, trying to wrestle free.
"P-please stay away from me!" Will backed up.
"Mreow!"
Kiki hissed, ready to pounce—only for Lihanna to step between them.
"Back off, you lunatic."
Will blinked. Lihanna?
She leveled Kreutz with a cold glare.
"Touch him again—or even think about it—and I'll personally make sure Great Mage Zeo, Lady Silva, and Lord Masterias hear of it."
"Ngh!" Kreutz froze, sweating bullets.
No one touched what Zeo claimed without consequence.
And now that Noelle had revealed herself as Will's guardian… even Masterias had decreed Will was off-limits.
Abducting him would be suicide.
Charles groaned. "Now you've done it…"
Kreutz trembled. Another black mark could ruin him.
He jabbed a shaking finger toward Lihanna. "I-insolent girl! Have you no self-respect as a High Mage?!"
Lihanna's stare didn't waver.
"My pride was broken a long time ago. I don't need it to protect Will."
Thump.
Will felt that same unpleasant flutter in his chest—followed, inevitably, by self-loathing.
Charles dragged Kreutz away. "Time to run, Paramount—now!"
"Dammit!" Kreutz howled as he was hauled off.
Will watched Kreutz and Charles retreat, sweatdropping comically.
He glanced at Lihanna—still glaring daggers at their backs.
He opened his mouth to say something—
"AUGH! YOU DAMN SLOTH, CAN YOU GET ANY MORE PATHETIC?!"
Both Will and Lihanna twitched in unison.
Down the street, Julius stood facepalming, while Argenta trembled beside a spilled grocery bag.
"E-eek! I'm sorry!"
Julius sighed and crouched, helping her gather the contents.
"There's a baby in our base, you know. We can't feed him this. We have to go back and buy more."
Argenta's eyes brimmed again. "I'm sorry…"
"Gah…" Julius groaned.
Passersby hovered awkwardly, unsure if they should help.
Some were tempted by the potential brownie points they could score with the Water Faction.
Unfortunately, before anyone could, Will stepped forward and dropped to a knee, refilling the bag.
Julius paused. Argenta sniffled unsurprised.
"T-thank you, Will."
He smiled awkwardly. "No problem, Ms. Hivernelle."
Mreow! Kiki dabbed at Argenta's cheeks with a furry paw.
Lihanna tilted her head. "What are you two doing out here?"
Julius snorted as he stood. "What's it look like? Supply run. Same as you."
Will smirked. "And here I thought you'd be too high and mighty—as an adjutant. Turns out you're a gopher like the rest of us."
Julius snatched the bag back before Argenta could. "I should be. The Chief told her to go alone, but she refused. I had no choice but to accompany her."
Argenta bowed, pouting. "Th-Théo could've gone…"
Julius scoffed. "Mr. Coqus preps the kitchen, does all the chores, and cooks every meal. Unlike you, he actually does things. How shameless can you be?"
Argenta flinched, wand clenched tight.
Both Will and Julius shivered.
Julius cleared his throat nervously.
"A-and anyway, Mr. Asta and Mrs. Silva barely get time together with their son. Let's give them peace."
His legs trembled. "You'll have to pull your weight now—you're in a faction. If it's uncomfortable, I'll come with you. But not alone. I have work too. It's unfair."
He swallowed. "That said… I'm sorry for yelling. That was out of line."
Argenta blinked… then loosened her grip and nodded. "S-sorry. I'll do better from now on."
Both boys exhaled in relief.
Lihanna watched them, baffled by whatever danger the two clearly felt so relieved to have avoided.
She shook her head and turned to Argenta.
"Ms. Hivernelle, right? I'm Lihanna."
Argenta hesitated, then took her hand and stood.
"O-oh—you're in Anna's faction, right? She told me about you…"
Lihanna blinked. "You know Anna-senpai?"
Argenta nodded. "Y-yeah… she's one of my closest friends."
Lihanna's eyes sparkled. "She is?"
Julius froze, disbelieving this timid girl had friends.
Will looked equally surprised—leaning in to listen—only to pause when Julius suddenly stared over his shoulder with a serious look.
Will followed his gaze… then stopped.
The two boys shared a silent glance.
"…."
Will's face instantly brightened.
"Oh—Julius! I wanted to thank you!"
Julius raised a brow. "Thank me? For what?"
"For everything! I only succeeded in the Bloom thanks to you."
He then smiled at Argenta. "And you too! Your advice and lessons helped a lot!"
Argenta blinked, cheeks pink as she bowed slightly.
"O-oh… it wasn't much…"
Will chuckled. "Meant a lot to me. Shame I couldn't join Elfie, but Thunder Faction is actually fun!"
Lihanna nodded happily.
Argenta perked up—then muttered slyly, "I-if you want to thank me… you could do my chores—"
She stopped cold as Julius shot her a murderous glare.
"F-forget I said anything."
Julius sighed and patted Will's shoulder.
"If you're really thankful—show up to dinner sometimes and talk me up. Your master doesn't seem to like me much."
Will laughed. "Alright. Deal."
Julius grinned. "Bring Lihanna too. She should taste real five-star cuisine."
Drool slipped down Lihanna's chin. "I-is it that good?"
Will and Julius smirked.
"'Good' doesn't begin to cover it."
The pairs split up—Julius and Argenta toward the Fields of Solitude, Will and Lihanna back toward the elevator.
Lihanna glanced back, eyes shining.
"T-tell Mr. Coqus to set two extra seats—we'll be back after dropping these off!"
Will chuckled at her shameless excitement.
Julius just waved lazily over his shoulder without turning back.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Tower Internal Exit:
"L-Lady Elfaria, where are you going?!"
Elfaria stood on the ascending departure platform.
A large bag hung over her shoulder.
She glanced back at her adjutant, brow raised.
"The Dungeon. Didn't I tell you?"
Sarissa tensed.
"Y-yes… but by yourself?"
Elfaria nodded calmly. "Yes."
"Why?!"
Elfaria chewed her lip before murmuring, "I'm heading to the deeper floors."
Sarissa froze.
Her head slowly dipped. "Oh."
Elfaria looked away awkwardly.
There was a reason she'd only ever gone down to Floor 37.
And it wasn't laziness.
It was weakness.
More specifically—the weakness of her faction.
Floors 40 and below were known as death floors.
Even Vander usually descended with elite support teams.
But Ice Faction… had no such strength.
Sarissa, her number two, wasn't even an Ascendant.
Taking them down to Floor 38 or beyond would be suicide.
They weren't support—they were deadweight.
Openly saying so would destroy them.
So Elfaria simply pretended she was too lazy to challenge deeper floors.
Sarissa played along with the lie.
But now… Elfaria couldn't afford stagnation.
Not anymore.
She had to grow, even if that meant risking death alone.
Sarissa clenched her fist, forcing a crooked smile.
"D-do you have to do it in the dungeon?"
Elfaria managed an equally warped smile. "Do you know another way?"
"No… no I don't."
Elfaria gave a quiet nod and turned toward the platform's center.
"Please look after the faction while I'm gone. I-I won't be long. Promise."
Sarissa bowed. "Y-yes, Lady Elfaria."
Vroom!
Light surged—the platform descneded—and Elfaria vanished.
Leaving Sarissa standing there, humiliated and helpless.
All the major factions had someone:
Elleaf had Lefiya and Filvis.
Incidia had Leopold and Logwell.
Thorzeus had Guilford, Annalie, and now Will.
Solphis had Arvin, Sylor, Terzo.
Even minor factions were stacked to some extent.
Masterias had Patri.
Teneberias had Edward Serfence… and judging by performance, Morgen Faust was far from simple.
But Ice Faction, like Earth Faction, stood empty.
Sarissa, for all her competence, meant little next to those names.
Just as Albis Vina only survived because of Elfaria… and Grantina only because of Hagen.
Even that pervert got two promising recruits this year.
Ice got none.
They even lost Julius and Argenta.
Sarissa clenched her trembling hands.
She wished Elfaria could be like Zeo—and forcefully conscripted Argenta all those years ago.
But she also knew… if Elfaria did something like that, she wouldn't be Elfaria.
Elfaria understood too well what it felt like to be forced to join something you hated.
To do something you didn't want.
To be somewhere you didn't wish.
So their leader never forced anyone—only extended a gentle invitation.
And because of that, they lost Argenta too.
Someone who could've stood beside Elfaria right now.
But because Ice Faction was weak… their former Vander had to descend into the death floors alone.
Sarissa slumped forward, shoulders sagging as she turned away and walked slowly back toward Colorless Garden.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Regarden Academy – Dungeon Entrance:
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Elfaria walked down the checkered hallway toward the grand twin doors of the Dungeon's first floor.
She sighed.
She had told Sarissa the truth.
But there was another reason she didn't want to bring anyone along.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Earlier – Base of the Single Witches:
"Magic that controls the mind and actions?"
Ceridwen echoed, interest flickering in her eyes as she poured Elfaria a cup of tea.
Elfaria didn't reach for it. She kept her gaze fixed, nodding.
"Yes. Something like… hypnosis magic."
Ceridwen's eyes glimmered. "Several spells could do that. Why ask?"
She rested her chin on her hands, smiling playfully.
"You aren't planning to put little Will in a trance and drag him back to your bedroom, are you?"
Elfaria flushed faintly but shook her head. Her expression grew grave.
"What I'm trying to say is… what if the traitors we were warned about aren't even aware they're traitors? What if anyone could be under a spell—without knowing it?"
Not only had the 401st cohort been told to investigate their factions, but tower veterans were ordered to investigate the newbies in return.
Elfaria was among them.
Ceridwen's smile faded. Her tone sharpened.
"That's… very possible. I'll look into it."
Then she narrowed her eyes. "Anything specific that made you think of this?"
Elfaria swallowed internally.
Outwardly—she kept a straight face.
"No. I'm just really smart."
Ceridwen chuckled. "Yes. You are."
Elfaria exhaled quietly and looked around.
"Where's Creirwy?"
"Off doing her own investigations." Ceridwen waved a hand. "I'll pass your idea along."
"Thanks, Ceri."
Elfaria turned toward the secret exit—
"And Elfaria?"
She glanced over her shoulder. "Yes?"
Ceridwen's gaze softened, unusually tender.
"Be careful, alright?"
"…" Elfaria said nothing as she stepped through the glowing brick wall.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Present:
Elfaria's eyes focused again. She exhaled slowly.
She understood Ceridwen's meaning.
If Gohtia was behind everything… and their goal was to tear open the false sky, then she was a prime target.
Yuno hadn't participated in the Terminalia ceremony yet, which meant the Great Barrier was still connected to her life.
If something happened to Elfaria now—holes could form.
Having already been stripped of most Vander privileges as well as the protection that came with the title… she was easier to snatch than the others.
And given her humiliating defeat, Gohtia would likely deem her vulnerable.
She shivered. The memory of her body refusing to obey her yesterday still lingered.
Elfaria clenched her fist.
Distancing myself is what's safest for Sarissa… for my faction… for the Tower.
Strangely enough—entering the death floors would also act as a shield.
Even Gohtia wouldn't dare chase her that deep.
They couldn't guarantee survival themselves.
Broom.
Elfaria pushed open the heavy twin doors.
She stepped into the Dungeon for the first time in a long while—as her true self.
She inhaled…the cold, metallic scent of the stone.
It was time to evolve.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Water Faction Base:
Laughter and chatter drifted from the dining room—faction members and two guests enjoying dinner.
Meanwhile, Noelle sat quietly on a sofa in her bedroom.
Leviathan stretched across her lap, the Sea God's spine rising and falling beneath her gentle hand.
Hovering at eye level before her was the water spirit herself—impish as ever.
Noelle's voice was soft. "Have you thought about it yet? What I mentioned before?"
Undine's motherly smile faded as her gaze drifted somewhere far away.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Author's Notes:
[1] Zeo's backflash is from the prequel LN, rewritten from his POV
[2] If you'd like to chat, discuss the story, or hang out, feel free to join the Discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar