I sat inside the slowly moving carriage heading toward the northern hills.
The sky was a clear blue that morning. The wind carried the scent of lavender from the fields we passed. In the distance, towering spires rose into the air, reflecting the golden light of the morning sun. I could see the silhouette of a massive gate engraved with the symbol of a four-winged dragon — the emblem of **Saint Regulus Academy**.
> One of the most prestigious noble academies in the entire Aurelia Kingdom.
The carriage came to a stop. The wooden door opened. A young servant helped the old mage step out, then carefully retrieved my blanket.
"Come on, Leo," she said cheerfully. "We've finally arrived."
Of course, I didn't respond. But in my mind, I thought:
> If they only knew who I really was… they wouldn't be treating me this kindly.
First Encounter
After a brief registration process, I was taken to the school's front hall — a grand chamber with high ceilings and portraits of famous alumni hanging on the walls.
And there she was.
A girl with long, violet hair tied back in a single braid with a bright red ribbon. Her eyes shimmered with a vivid crimson hue, like crystals warmed by a small flame. Her smile was wide, but behind it lurked a sharp curiosity.
"Hello~!" she greeted brightly when she saw me. "You're the new student? Cute way to bring yourself to a high school like this…"
She crouched down until her face was level with mine, then smiled even wider.
"I'm Elyna Virelle! Class 2-A. And you are?"
I just stared at her.
But in my mind, I was already taking notes.
> She wasn't an ordinary student.
There was a faint magical aura around her — like the fading embers of a small explosion.
> A mage… and not just any mage.
She giggled softly. "You don't talk much, huh? Adorable~!"
I didn't like the way she looked at me.
It felt like she could sense something.
But for now, I chose silence.
---
A Boring First Day
The bell rang. Class began.
Our Ethics and Morality teacher gave a lecture on *"How to Be a Good Human."*
I almost laughed.
> If they only knew who I really was.
We practiced etiquette, proper table manners, and how to behave humbly.
I followed along, though it felt like retraining an ancient soul.
Midway through the lesson, Elyna suddenly whispered to me:
"You're not just a normal baby, are you?"
I didn't answer.
She smiled.
"I love explosions. But I can feel a strange aura around you. Like the remains of a big one… that's already gone out."
I stared at her.
And for the first time, I felt:
> Someone who might actually cause me trouble.
But maybe…
> Also someone who could become an ally.
---
Explosion in the Library
A few days passed without major incident.
But that night, a small explosion went off in the school library.
Not a big fire — but enough to cause chaos.
All students were gathered. An investigation began.
And of course, my first suspicion fell on Elyna.
But when I confronted her, she simply grinned.
"I didn't do anything this time!" she said, raising her hands. "But… I know who did."
I listened.
"There's someone here at this school," she whispered. "Someone with a special mission. They're not just a regular student. And apparently… they're looking for someone."
I stared at her.
And once again, I had that feeling:
> This isn't over yet.
This world still hasn't stopped hunting me.
And perhaps, this academy isn't as safe as I thought.