The Student Council room was nothing like I had imagined.
When I wrote about this place in my novel, I described it as a simple office with a few desks and filing cabinets. But the reality before me was far more extravagant, almost oppressive.
The room was circular, with walls lined with dark mahogany panels. Red velvet curtains covered tall windows, blocking out most of the sunlight and creating an atmosphere that felt more like a vampire's lair than a student organization's office. In the center stood a massive oval table made of black marble, its surface so polished it reflected the chandelier hanging above like a dark mirror.
And there, sitting at the head of that table, was Carmilla Thorne.
Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of darkness. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, studying me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. She wore the academy's uniform, but somehow on her, it looked more like formal evening wear, elegant, refined, and dangerous.
"Please, have a seat" she gestured to the chair directly across from her.
I walked forward, each step echoing in the silent room. Mia, the secretary, closed the door behind me with a soft click that sounded far too final for my comfort.
[ ANALYZING UNIT 'CARMILLA THORNE'... ]
[ THREAT LEVEL: VERY HIGH ]
[ DETECTING ABNORMAL MANA SIGNATURE. POSSIBLE VAMPIRE OR DHAMPIR BLOODLINE. ]
[ ADVICE: EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. THIS UNIT POSSESSES TRUTH-DETECTION ABILITIES. ]
'Of course she does...' I thought bitterly as I sat down.
The chair was surprisingly comfortable, but I couldn't relax. Carmilla's gaze never left me, as if she were peeling away layers of my soul with her eyes alone.
"Would you like some tea?" she asked, her voice smooth as silk.
"No, thank you."
"Suit yourself." She poured herself a cup from an ornate silver teapot. The liquid that came out was dark red, too dark to be normal tea.
'Is that... blood?'
[ ANALYSIS SUGGESTS HIGH PROBABILITY OF BLOOD-INFUSED BEVERAGE. ]
[ CONFIRMING VAMPIRE HERITAGE. ]
I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression. If she noticed my discomfort, she didn't show it.
"I suppose you're wondering why I called you here." Carmilla said, taking a delicate sip from her cup.
"The thought did cross my mind."
"Direct. I appreciate that." She set down her cup and leaned forward slightly, her fingers interlacing on the table.
"Let me be equally direct, Cadet Edward. You've been causing quite a stir recently."
"I wasn't aware that surviving was considered 'causing a stir.'" A ghost of a smile touched her lips.
"Surviving? Is that what you call it? Defeating an instructor that even Class-S students struggle against? Being personally recruited into the Headmaster's Special Program? These are not the actions of someone merely 'surviving.'"
"I got lucky."
"Luck." She repeated the word as if tasting it.
"An interesting choice. Tell me, Edward, do you believe in luck?"
It was a trap. Every word she spoke was carefully chosen, designed to extract information.
"I believe that sometimes circumstances align in unexpected ways." I answered carefully.
Carmilla's eyes narrowed slightly. For a moment, I thought I saw her pupils flash with an unnatural light.
[ WARNING: UNIT IS USING TRUTH-DETECTION MAGIC! ]
[ INITIATING DEFENSIVE PROTOCOL... ]
[ CREATING EMOTIONAL BUFFER... ]
A cold sensation washed over me, dulling my emotional responses. It was the same feeling as when Vespera had examined my soul, Edith's 'Void Emotion' protocol kicking in to protect me.
"You're very guarded..." Carmilla observed.
"Most students your age are easy to read. Their emotions bleed through every word. But you..."
she tilted her head slightly
"...like a locked box."
"Is that a problem?"
"Not a problem. Just... curious." She stood up and walked around the table, her footsteps silent despite her heels clicking against the floor moments before.
"The Student Council's duty is to maintain order in the academy. Part of that involves investigating unusual occurrences."
She stopped behind my chair. I could feel her presence looming over me, but I didn't turn around.
"And you, Edward, are a walking collection of unusual occurrences. Three weeks ago, you were a arrogant nobody who challenged a Class-S student and was humiliated. Then, seemingly overnight, you became withdrawn, studious, and somehow gained combat abilities that defy logic."
"People can change."
"Not that drastically. Not that quickly."
Her hand appeared on my shoulder, and I felt an unnatural chill seep through my uniform.
"Unless, of course, they're not the same person anymore."
My heart should have been racing, but Edith's protocol kept it steady.
"Are you accusing me of something, President?"
"I'm merely stating observations." She removed her hand and walked back to her seat. "But let me ask you this, if you were me, wouldn't you find it suspicious?"
I turned to face her fully.
"With all due respect, President, what does the Student Council want from me? If you suspect I'm some kind of threat, why not just report me to the Headmaster?"
"Oh, I already did."
The admission hung in the air like a blade.
"And?" I asked, keeping my voice level.
"And she told me to leave you alone." Carmilla smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"In fact, she specifically ordered me not to interfere with you or the other Special Program members. Which, naturally, made me even more curious."
[ DETECTION: UNIT'S HOSTILITY LEVEL DECREASING. ]
[ ANALYSIS: SHE IS TESTING YOUR REACTIONS, NOT PLANNING IMMEDIATE HARM. ]
I relaxed slightly, though not enough to lower my guard completely.
"So this meeting is...?"
"A warning and an offer." Carmilla leaned back in her chair.
"The warning first. The academy is not as safe as it appears. There are forces moving in the shadows, forces that even the Headmaster cannot fully control. Your sudden... transformation has attracted attention from parties you would be wise to avoid."
"What kind of parties?"
"That's not information I can freely share. Let's just say that people who can detect souls and anomalies are not limited to students like Morrigan."
So she knew about my encounter with Morrigan. Of course she did.
"And the offer?" I asked.
"The Student Council can provide protection. Resources. Information." She gestured around the room. "We have eyes and ears throughout the academy. We know things that even the instructors don't. If you were to... cooperate with us, we could ensure your safety during the upcoming expedition."
[ ANALYZING OFFER... ]
[ PROBABILITY OF HIDDEN AGENDA: 87.3% ]
[ ADVICE: DO NOT ACCEPT WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING FULL TERMS. ]
"What would this cooperation entail?"
"Nothing too demanding. Simply report to us about the Special Program's activities. What Vespera is planning, what the other members are capable of, what you discover in the Grey Shadow Forest." She smiled sweetly. "Think of it as... insurance."
"You want me to spy on the Headmaster's program."
"Such an ugly word. I prefer 'information sharing.'"
I stood up slowly.
"I appreciate the offer, President, but I'll have to decline."
Carmilla's expression didn't change, but something in her eyes hardened.
"That's disappointing. I was hoping you'd be more reasonable."
"I'm being perfectly reasonable. You're asking me to betray the trust of the Headmaster who gave me a chance when everyone else dismissed me. That's not something I'm willing to do."
"Loyalty. How noble."
She stood as well, and suddenly the temperature in the room seemed to drop.
"But loyalty to the wrong people can get you killed, Edward. Especially when you don't understand what you're truly involved in."
"Then enlighten me."
"I can't. Not unless you agree to work with us." She walked to the door and opened it.
"You're free to go. But remember this conversation. When things go wrong, and they will, the Student Council's door remains open. For now."
I walked toward the exit, but stopped at the doorway.
"President, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Why do you really care about the Special Program? You said it yourself, the Headmaster ordered you not to interfere. So why risk her displeasure?"
For the first time since I entered the room, Carmilla's mask slipped. Just for a moment, I saw something raw in her expression, fear.
"Because I know what happened to the last Special Program" she said quietly.
"Five years ago, Vespera selected four students for a similar expedition. Only one came back. And that survivor... let's just say they were never the same."
She closed the door before I could respond.
_______________________________________________________________________
I stood in the corridor, my mind racing.
[ EMOTIONAL BUFFER DEACTIVATING... ]
[ WARNING: STRESS LEVELS RISING RAPIDLY. ]
The moment Edith's protocol ended, everything hit me at once. My hands started shaking. Cold sweat dripped down my back. I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath.
'Edith... did I write about a previous Special Program?'
[ SEARCHING YOUR MANUSCRIPT DATA... ]
[ RESULT: NO MENTION FOUND. ]
[ THIS INFORMATION APPEARS TO BE UNIQUE TO THIS REALITY. ]
So the world really was evolving beyond what I had created. And apparently, I was walking into something that had already claimed three lives.
'What's my survival rate now?'
[ RECALCULATING BASED ON NEW INFORMATION... ]
[ SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 18.2% ]
Great. It just kept getting worse.
As I walked back toward the dormitory, my mind kept replaying Carmilla's words. Four students. Only one survivor. What had they faced in that forest? What made Vespera think this time would be any different?
[ HOST, INCOMING MESSAGE. ]
"What?"
A small piece of paper materialized in my hand, glowing with magical residue. I unfolded it carefully.
"Special Program Team Meeting. Tonight. 8 PM. Training Ground Seven. Do not be late. From Vespera"
I checked my pocket watch. It was already 7:30 PM.
"Of course it is..."
I started walking faster, then broke into a jog. Training Ground Seven was on the opposite side of the campus from where I currently was.
[ SUGGESTING OPTIMAL ROUTE... ]
[ FOLLOW MY GUIDANCE TO ARRIVE ON TIME. ]
A blue arrow appeared in my vision, pointing the way. I followed it through winding corridors and across open courtyards, drawing curious stares from other students who saw me running like a madman.
At 7:58 PM, I arrived at Training Ground Seven, completely out of breath.
The training ground was unlike any other I'd seen. It was surrounded by a high stone wall covered in glowing runes. Inside, the ground was marked with various magical circles and combat zones. And in the center stood four figures.
Vespera, in her child-like form, arms crossed and looking impatient.
The white-haired young man with bandaged eyes, standing perfectly still.
Morrigan with her creepy doll Lisette, who seemed to wave at me.
And the large man covered in scars, who was doing push-ups despite the meeting about to start.
"You're late" Vespera said flatly.
I checked my watch. "It's only 7:59."
"I said 8 PM sharp. That means you should have been here at 7:55." She sighed dramatically. "But I suppose we can overlook it this time. Now that everyone is here, let's begin the introductions."
She snapped her fingers, and suddenly the runes on the walls flared to life, creating a barrier that sealed us inside.
[ WARNING: ESCAPE ROUTE BLOCKED! ]
[ HIGH-LEVEL BARRIER DETECTED! ]
"Don't worry..." Vespera said with a smile that showed too many teeth.
"The barrier is just to ensure our privacy. Now then, let's get to know each other, shall we? After all..." Her golden eyes gleamed with predatory amusement.
"You'll be relying on each other to survive what's coming."
The white-haired young man spoke for the first time, his voice surprisingly gentle.
"My name is Kieran. I look forward to working with you all."
He bowed slightly, and as he did, the bandages around his eyes shifted, revealing just a glimpse of what lay beneath, eyes that glowed with an ethereal silver light.
Morrigan giggled.
"I'm Morrigan, and this is Lisette! We already met Edward, but it's nice to formally introduce ourselves~"
The large man stopped his push-ups and stood up, towering over everyone at nearly seven feet tall.
"Garrick."
All eyes turned to me.
I swallowed hard.
"Edward. Class-D. I... look forward to working with you all."
"Wonderful!" Vespera clapped her hands together.
"Now that we're all acquainted, let's discuss the real purpose of this expedition."
She waved her hand, and an illusory map appeared in the air, showing the Grey Shadow Forest in intricate detail.
"Your official objective is to gather rare herbs from the forest's outer region. A simple task for first-year students." Her smile widened.
"Your actual objective is much more interesting."
She pointed to the center of the map, where a dark spot pulsed with ominous energy.
"In the heart of the forest lies an ancient ruin. Inside that ruin is an artifact I need retrieved. You all will need locate the artifact, and bring it back to me."
"What kind of artifact?" Kieran asked calmly.
"A sealed item. Very old. Very dangerous." Vespera's expression turned serious.
"It's called the Heart of Void. And if I don't retrieve it soon, someone else will. Someone who would use it to bring disaster to this kingdom."
[ SEARCHING DATABASE FOR 'HEART OF VOID'... ]
[ ERROR: NO DATA FOUND. ]
I'd never written about any such artifact like that.
"What happens if we fail?" Garrick asked bluntly.
"Then the Grey Shadow Forest will be the least of your worries." Vespera said simply.
"But I have faith in you all. That's why I chose you specifically."
"Chose us?" I couldn't help but ask.
"What criteria did you use?"
Vespera looked at each of us in turn.
"Kieran possesses eyes that can see through illusions and detect hidden dangers. Morrigan can communicate with the dead and sense spiritual anomalies. Garrick has the raw strength and resilience needed for heavy combat."
She turned to me last.
"And you, Edward, have something none of them possess, you have a guide."
"A guide?"
"Don't play dumb. I can sense it. Something within you. Something that helps you, advises you, perhaps even controls you at times." Her eyes bore into mine. "I don't know what it is, but I know it makes you valuable for this mission."
[ HOST, SHE IS AWARE OF MY EXISTENCE! ]
[ HOWEVER, SHE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND MY TRUE NATURE. ]
"Now then" Vespera continued.
"you have one week to prepare. Use it wisely. Train together, learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, learn to trust each other. Because once you enter that forest..."
The map dissolved, leaving only the dark spot where the ruin was located.
"You'll have no one else to rely on."
With another snap of her fingers, the barrier vanished.
"Dismissed. Oh, and Edward?"
I turned back.
"Try not to die during the preparation. I'd hate to waste a perfectly good investment."
She disappeared in a flash of golden light, leaving the four of us standing in awkward silence.
Garrick was the first to leave, not bothering with goodbyes.
Morrigan skipped toward me, Lisette's glassy eyes staring at my soul.
"This is going to be so much fun~ Right, Lisette?"
The doll's head nodded on its own.
"See you for training tomorrow, Edward~" Morrigan waved and skipped away into the darkness.
That left just Kieran and me.
"Edward..." he said softly.
"Yes?"
"May I ask you something personal?"
"...Sure."
"Are you afraid?"
I thought about lying, but something in his gentle tone made me answer honestly.
"I am."
He smiled sadly. "Good. Fear keeps us alive. Those who aren't afraid are the first to die."
He started to walk away, then paused.
"One more thing. Whatever you're hiding, it doesn't matter to me. As long as you watch my back in there, I'll watch yours."
"Why would you trust me?"
"Because..." he said
"we're all monsters here, Edward. Every single one of us. The only difference is whether we use our monstrosity to survive... or to destroy."
He walked into the night, leaving me alone in the training ground.
I stood there for a long time, staring up at the moon.
'Edith?'
[ YES, HOST? ]
'Can we really survive this?'
For once, she didn't respond immediately. When she finally did, her message was shorter than usual.
[ I DON'T KNOW. ]
[ BUT I WILL DO EVERYTHING TO ENSURE YOU WILL ]
'Thank you, Edith.'
[ YOU'RE WELCOME, HOST. ]
I walked back to my dormitory, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. One week to prepare for a mission that had killed three people before. One week to learn to work with three other "monsters." One week to figure out how to survive what was essentially a death sentence.
As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't help but think about Carmilla's words.
"When things go wrong, and they will, the Student Council's door remains open."
Maybe I should have taken her offer after all.
But it was too late now.
In seven days, I would enter the Grey Shadow Forest.
And I had no idea if I would ever come back out.