The air inside the Headmaster’s office was still, heavy with a silence that bore weight rather than peace.

  Sunlight filtered through tall arched windows, catching the gleam of crystal orbs and ancient tomes. Behind a wide crescent-shaped desk stood Headmaster Maeron Eloween Thalore, draped in silver-trimmed robes. Her violet eyes, sharp yet gentle, studied Kagami with quiet thoughtfulness.

  “You’ve done well,” she began, her voice soft but resolute. “You stood against the Shattered Veil’s elite, protected your team, and returned alive. But there are... whispers.”

  Kagami stood silently, his gaze lowered.

  “Your eyes,” she continued. “Your movement. Your silence. The illusion you cast without incantation—those aren’t things anyone has seen in our nds before. And now... people wonder what you truly are.”

  Kagami’s hand clenched at his side. He said nothing.

  “But I saw your restraint,” Maeron added, standing now. “And your heart. You never lost control—not even when others might have.”

  Kagami finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “Headmaster… I want to request a short leave. Three days. No missions. No training. Just... time to be away.”

  Maeron regarded him for a moment, then gave a gentle nod. “Take your time, Kagami. But remember—power seen in silence often speaks louder than power dispyed in war. Be careful how much of yourself you reveal.”

  “…Yes, Headmaster.”

  ---

  As he stepped out of the office into the marble hall, a familiar presence washed over him.

  Standing just ahead were Mikay and Zack, waiting with warm, worried expressions. Mikay broke into a grin and ran to him, cloak fring as she pulled him into a gentle side hug.

  “There you are,” she beamed. “We heard what happened.”

  Zack crossed his arms with a serious look. “I heard if Elias hadn’t stepped in, that wolfman might’ve finished you off.”

  Kagami looked down and nodded.

  Mikay stepped forward again, this time holding a cloth-wrapped basket. “Well, we came all the way here to cheer up our boy. I even made your favorite thing—ramen! You taught me well. Even Zack didn’t ruin it this time.”

  “I helped with the egg,” Zack said, smirking.

  Kagami blinked, his shoulders rexing as a small, tired smile curved at his lips.

  “…Thanks, Mikay.”

  Then he looked up at Zack. “Let’s go home. I miss my bed. I just want to rest… with you guys.”

  The couple exchanged a warm gnce. Zack slung an arm around Kagami’s shoulder.

  “Then let’s go,” he said. “Home’s waiting.”

  Together, they walked away from the academy’s looming spires and into the comfort of something rarer than magic.

  Family.

  ---