---
**Ironwood Royal Magic Academy**
The morning sun had begun to rise, piercing into the Ironwood Magic Academy and casting its light. The academy's normal days had resumed. However, news of the tournament still spread as usual. Some students were still in awe of Princess Alisa's refusal of the artifact.
"Why would Princess Alisa refuse such a rare artifact?"
A boy with green hair started the conversation, and his companion seemed to be explaining.
"You know... she's a noble person. Our country... no, even Velgrith needs someone like her."
"You know how it is... our country's political situation isn't stable... It will get worse around December 25th."
"Hey! Keep your voice down. But you're right. That day..."
While the two Class B students, Darius and Leif, were whispering, Selvaria-sensei entered and began Class B's first morning lesson.
---
**After Class**
As Kuro was chatting with Rei...
"Rei, did you hear?"
The playful expression on Rei's face vanished, replaced by a calm demeanor.
"I know..." Rei lowered her voice. "About the 25th, right?"
"Yeah. That day is important for us, Rei."
Rei seemed to understand Kuro's unreadable thoughts and nodded slowly.
---
**At the Capital City Valerion, Ironwood Kingdom. Royal Castle Hall**
For some reason, many soldiers and knights were bustling about. They were gathering weapons, supplies, and medicines. The reason was King Arvedis's order.
Mages were also involved. Royal mages participated as well, especially those capable of healing magic.
Princess Alisa was also helping as a volunteer. Therefore, Princess Alisa did not come to the academy that day.
The general public did not seem to be aware of this situation. Only a few members of the royal family knew.
---
**Royal Magic Academy, Late Afternoon. In the Garden.**
The golden evening sun seemed, as usual, to be slowly setting in the west. On a long bench in the garden, Ryuto, Saria, and Alisa had gathered and were discussing something.
"So... if things continue like this, something will happen, won't it?"
The question was asked by Saria. Her voice was soft but carried a clear sense of curiosity.
"Definitely... Princess Alisa, don't you know something too?"
"No..." Princess Alisa shook her head. "Even His Majesty hasn't told me. Just as Ryuto-kun said... something is definitely going to happen..."
At that moment, they heard the voice of a boy—an ordinary, casual voice. That person was... Fayden Ignis. Princess Alisa's old friend...
"Oh... Princess Alisa and her friends... You all seem to have sensed the situation a bit."
Although classes were over and it was evening, they were all still in their academy uniforms. Fayden sat down among them with respect for Princess Alisa.
"So, can I join?" Fayden asked, looking at Princess Alisa and the others. Princess Alisa replied with a gentle smile, "Well... that's fine, Fayden-dono." Ryuto and Saria also nodded.
"From what I know, demons are likely to invade... You, Princess, and Ryuto... you are strong. If something happens, save as many people as you can without fighting unnecessarily."
Ryuto nodded again, and Saria said, "Alright... That makes sense," crossing her arms.
"That is our main priority, Fayden-dono," Princess Alisa said, as calmly as usual.
"You seem to know more than I expected... Good. Be careful, everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Fayden bid farewell to all three of them and returned to his dormitory.
Later, after discussing for a while, Alisa and the other two parted ways. They returned to their respective dormitories.
---
**Nighttime...**
In a dark, precisely unknown location within the academy, Lucien and Selvaria seemed to be looking at each other and discussing.
"It's time to seize our opportunity, Lucien."
"The 25th is the key day. On that day, the humans will be in hiding. That's our advantage."
Selvaria crossed her arms and looked coldly at Lucien.
"I see... We can deal with Ryuto on that day," Lucien replied with a cold smile.
Selvaria merely nodded, but her mind seemed to be on Kuro. Kuro's demeanor, his words, his way of thinking. Everything told Selvaria that Kuro was the mastermind behind the scenes.
"Kuro... have you figured us out?..."
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**