The bell rang sharply through the academy grounds, and every student, whether inside classrooms, training grounds, or libraries, was ordered to gather in the Great School Hall.
The vast chamber, adorned with towering stone pillars and shimmering chandeliers, filled quickly. Whispers and murmurs buzzed through the crowd like an electric current. Students from every grade assembled, shoulders stiff, their nerves already frayed from exam anxiety.
Even the teachers appeared a little more alert than usual.
And then — silence.
A senior instructor stepped forward to the dais at the front of the hall and cleared his throat.
"Listen carefully, everyone."
The hall fell quiet, a thousand pairs of eyes turning to him.
"Today marks an important day for our academy. The person who once led this institution with honor, who took a long retreat beyond the borders of the kingdom for personal reasons, has returned."
A collective murmur rippled through the room.
"Yes, the Principal of the Royal Academy of South Ryehem has come back."
The hall erupted into hushed excitement and confusion.
"Wait—the principal's back? I thought he left the kingdom to live in seclusion for years!"
"He was gone for only a few months, idiot."
"Why come back now… right after the exam? Is it connected to that?"
Even the senior students exchanged nervous glances.
And in the middle of it all, Kazuki stood, arms crossed, his face calm as ever.
He already had a guess.
There were no coincidences in this world — not around him.
The side doors of the hall swung open, and a figure stepped in.
An elderly man with a tall, dignified frame, draped in flowing azure robes embroidered with golden runes. His long white hair cascaded down his back, and a sharp, calculating gaze peered from beneath aged brows.
His presence alone was enough to command the entire hall's attention.
The moment he entered, a subtle pressure settled over the room.
Not one born of intimidation… but of absolute authority.
The instructors bowed.The students stiffened.
The principal stepped onto the stage and spoke in a deep, steady voice.
"I am Principal Raizen… and it seems I have returned at a rather interesting time."
His words hung in the air like a promise.
Kazuki's sharp gaze met the principal's for a fleeting moment — and for the briefest instant, Raizen's expression faltered, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his ancient eyes.
Then it was gone.
Kazuki smirked inwardly.
'Another one who felt it.'