Natalie groaned softly as she walked through the academy garden with Laila supporting her weight.

She was still in the middle of recovery, but the medic had firmly suggested that she move her body a little every day—to help recirculate her blood and speed up the healing process. Staying completely still would only slow things down.

Her injuries were no joke. A deep gash ran across her back, her left shoulder had suffered a fracture, and several smaller wounds covered her body—remnants of the moment when the carriage exploded and sent her flying through the forest like a discarded doll.

The pink-haired girl released a slow sigh as she glanced sideways. "Do you want me to bring a crutch for you?" Laila asked gently. Seeing Natalie struggle with every step made her chest feel heavy.

Natalie shook her head. "No… it's okay. I can manage." She clenched her teeth and, using Laila's support, took another step forward—only to feel a strange warmth suddenly spread through her body.

Her eyes blinked in surprise as she lifted her hand. "Laila… am I imagining things, or am I actually glowing?"

Laila hummed, noticing the faint strands of aether wrapping around Natalie's body. Her gaze shifted behind them, and she muttered, "It's no miracle. Look."

Natalie slowly turned around.

Emma was walking toward them.

A natural smile bloomed on Natalie's face as she took a step forward and hugged her without hesitation. "When did you return?"

Emma hugged her back, her healing spell still active, accelerating Natalie's recovery. "Just a few hours ago. Sorry—I didn't come to see you earlier."

She had heard everything from Dorothy—her roommate—after waking up from a short nap. And what she'd heard had left her shaken.

A corrupted human had suddenly attacked the carriage. Gizel and the vice-headmaster were incapacitated almost instantly. The others were injured. Natalie had nearly died.

Emma still remembered the chill that ran down her spine when Dorothy described the state in which they arrived at the academy..

Natalie stepped back and waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. For us, this kind of thing isn't new anymore."

"Getting ambushed?" Laila cut in. "No. I don't believe that's normal."

Emma sighed. "Did they figure out who it was?"

Laila shook her head slightly. "Natalie's been resting most of the time so she might not know but from what we were told—when Kevin killed the corrupted human, the body disintegrated."

Emma's eyes widened. "Kevin… killed a corrupted being? The same one who knocked out Gizel and the vice-headmaster?"

Laila nodded. "Yeah. One shot too." She paused before adding, "But don't tell anyone. Kevin said he lost consciousness and doesn't remember what happened."

Emma frowned, unable to connect the dots. She couldn't think of a reasonable explanation for how Kevin could do something like that. Pushing that thought aside, she murmured, "A corrupted human disintegrating after death… that means he wasn't a regular Devil follower."

Natalie nodded slowly. "You're right. I was barely conscious, but even then… his presence felt wrong. Like a monster wearing human skin."

Emma chewed her lower lip. So close to the Great Hall, and yet no one had sensed him?

Strange.

"Anyway," Natalie said, breaking the silence, "I'm doing much better now. Especially with your healing."

Emma smiled faintly. "Did you have dinner yet? Let's eat together."

Natalie shrugged. "Sure. Let's go."

Laila clicked her tongue. "Hey. Just because you found your best friend doesn't mean you can ignore me."

Natalie chuckled. "Of course not. I can't ignore my crutch."

…..

William exhaled slowly as he stared at the ceiling.

He was lying on his bed inside the dormitory, having just woken up from a long nap. Constant traveling had finally caught up to him, leaving his body heavier than usual.

The day after tomorrow was his Dungeon Trial.

There was a high chance Emma's father would arrive at the academy to witness the trial in person. William had seen Dungeon Trials before, and from all his observations, one thing about that place never changed.

Uncertainty.

Anything could happen inside a dungeon. You could lose your way, your sense of direction, even your resolve. Many withdrew not because of monsters, but because of helplessness.

The Dungeon Trial wasn't just a test against external threats—it was designed to force challengers to confront their own limits.

Even seasoned warriors had been seen giving up early. Thankfully, most of them had teammates—people who reminded them why they had stepped into that death hole in the first place.

William wouldn't have that luxury.

And truthfully, he didn't want it.

All his life, he had walked alone. On one of the biggest stages of his life, he would do the same.

"Oh. You're awake."

William turned his head toward the voice and found a familiar pink-haired figure standing near the door.

The Prince of the Empire.

And his roommate.

"Yeah," William replied. "Need something?"

Loid smiled warmly. "No. I was just wondering if you were going to the Great Hall for dinner."

William tilted his head and glanced out the window. It was already night.

He remembered Emma mentioning she'd visit Natalie and the others. Since they hadn't made any dinner plans—and he had told her he might sleep through the evening—he figured it was best to let her enjoy her time.

"Nah," William said. "Were you going to ask me to bring you something?"

Loid waved his hands hurriedly. "No! I actually brought food for you." He held up small boxes. "Red bean buns and a green salad. You looked exhausted, so I thought…"

His voice trailed off.

William sat up and tilted his head. "You're not interested in me or something, right?"

Loid froze. "No! Please don't misunderstand! I like girls!"

William shrugged. "Just checking. Hand it over."

Loid took several deep breaths, his face still red, before passing him the boxes.

William took a bun and bit into it, stuffing his mouth with sweet bread. Too sweet.

Loid hesitated before asking, "I heard you're taking the Dungeon Trial."

William glanced at him. "Word already spread?"

Loid smiled awkwardly. "Just a guess. You've been in the headlines lately, and the trials are about to begin. I thought you might be aiming for your first stars."

William nodded. "You're not wrong—"

*Knock.*

The sound interrupted him.

William stood and walked to the door. Opening it, he found a staff member waiting outside.

"The Headmaster has summoned you," the man said.

William's gaze sharpened.

Just as he expected…this old man was surely going to become an obstacle.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please let me know in the comments.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.