The rain tapped gently against the tall, arched windows of the academy library, a rhythmic sound that almost masked the tension hanging in the air. Airi sat at a long wooden table, stacks of old texts spread before her. She tried to focus on the neat lines of script, but her mind kept drifting back to the events of the past two days—the rogue vampire attack, the mysterious hints about her own latent charm, and the constant, almost comical arguments between her so-called "protectors."
"Move over, Lys," Celene's voice was sharp as she leaned across the table. "You're blocking Airi's line of sight to me."
"I'm not blocking anything," Lys replied without looking up from the notebook she was writing in. "Unlike you, I'm actually trying to help her study."
Tusiko, seated beside Airi, let out a quiet sigh, sipping from her steaming cup of tea. "If you both keep arguing, she'll never be able to focus. This is supposed to be an investigation meeting, not a… beauty pageant."
Celene's lips curled into a smirk. "Says the one who practically moved into her dorm room last night."
"I was making sure the rogue didn't come back," Tusiko replied evenly. "Some of us take her safety seriously."
Rena, perched on the edge of the table with her usual relaxed confidence, gave a little chuckle. "You're all acting like she's some fragile treasure. Airi can handle herself… probably. But since you're all so determined to guard her, why don't we just make it official? Draw up shifts or something."
Airi set down the book with a heavy sigh. "Could we not turn this into some kind of competition? I asked you here to help me piece together what the rogue vampire was looking for, not… whatever this is."
The four women exchanged glances, but none of them looked particularly apologetic.
Still, the investigation had to move forward. Tusiko unfurled a rough map of the academy grounds. "According to what we know, the rogue entered through the west gate—completely avoided the main patrol routes—and made their way toward the old archives."
Celene leaned in. "The archives? That's where they keep sealed magical records, isn't it? If the rogue was after information… it might be connected to the charm awakening."
Lys finally spoke, her tone quieter but carrying weight. "I've been researching the academy's founder. There's a legend about a sealed power—a charm that could bend even the strongest will. Most people think it's just a myth." She looked at Airi. "But the way the rogue targeted you… I'm starting to think it's not."
Rena tilted her head, interest flashing in her expression. "So you're saying someone out there believes Airi has this… legendary charm?"
"Not believes," Celene said firmly. "Knows."
The rain outside grew heavier, streaking the windows as thunder rumbled in the distance.
Airi felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "If that's true… then this isn't going to stop, is it? Whoever that rogue was, they're not the only one who'll come looking."
Tusiko placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll be ready."
The moment was almost sincere—until Celene, with a sly grin, added, "By 'we,' she means me."
Tusiko shot her a glare. "Dream on."
Lys sighed again, rubbing her temple. "Can we focus? We should check the archives ourselves before someone else does."
They agreed to split into pairs for speed, despite the obvious reluctance from certain parties. Celene immediately claimed Airi as her partner, only for Tusiko to counterclaim with a steely look. Rena, amused, volunteered to go with Lys to "keep her from getting lost in the books."
By the time the groups were settled, the library lights had dimmed slightly with the encroaching storm. Airi and Tusiko made their way toward the winding staircase that led to the sealed wing, while the others took the opposite hall. The air felt cooler the deeper they went, the scent of old parchment growing stronger.
They reached the tall iron gate of the archives, its lock gleaming faintly in the candlelight. Tusiko produced a small enchanted key from her sleeve. "Borrowed this from the librarian," she said with a faint smile.
As the gate creaked open, a faint whisper brushed Airi's ear—too quiet to be real, yet unmistakably there. You can't hide forever…
She froze, glancing around, but the hall was empty save for Tusiko.
"What is it?" Tusiko asked.
Airi shook her head slowly. "I… thought I heard something."
They stepped inside, the sound of the rain replaced by an eerie stillness. In the farthest corner of the archive, a single scroll sat on a pedestal, unmarked and unguarded. Its seal was unlike any Airi had ever seen—intricate, shimmering faintly, as if alive.
Tusiko's expression hardened. "This… this is no ordinary record."
Airi reached out, her fingers hovering just above the scroll—when the candlelight flickered violently, and the shadows on the walls seemed to twist into clawed shapes.
Whatever this charm awakening was, it wasn't just a legend anymore.