Nora’s face turned serious as she spoke.
Those who believed they had trapped her in Karea Academy’s underground prison were gravely mistaken.
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In truth, Nora had chosen to remain in the academy because of a critical discovery she had made.
If she truly wanted to leave, she could have done so at any time. She possessed a semi-artifact gifted to her by Daniel.
Although the artifact’s primary function was simulation, over the years, Nora had discovered that it had additional abilities Daniel had never explicitly mentioned.
She knew she could rely on it to escape if necessary.
But leaving wasn’t an option—not yet. Nora had uncovered something within Karea Academy, something she needed to investigate further.
“So, what did you discover, Nora?” Nina asked, her curiosity piqued.
“It’s something extraordinary,” Nora began. “Or rather, a power that doesn’t seem to belong to our world. It’s an incredibly terrifying force.”
She paused, then added, “I suspect that if this power were unleashed, it would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.” freēwēbnovel.com
“And that so-called battle? I believe it’s directly tied to this force,” Nora explained.
Her vague descriptions left Nina bewildered. Nora’s words seemed to explain everything and nothing all at once.
Nina decided it was best to leave the analysis to the headmaster back at Crossbridge Academy.
Seeing Nina’s confusion, Nora elaborated. “This power resides somewhere in the back mountain of the academy. I first sensed it by chance. I’ve already asked a friend to investigate, so I should have more information soon.”
The friend Nora referred to was Eileen, the only person she trusted within Karea Academy.
The so-called impenetrable dungeon wasn’t an obstacle for Nora.
Her imprisonment was merely a cover, a means to avoid drawing attention to her true purpose.
Using her abilities, she had maintained contact with Eileen, ensuring the investigation continued.
“I see… Maybe I should just tell the headmaster directly. He might already know something about this,” Nina suggested.
Nora nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
“By the way, Nora, are you coming back with me?” Nina asked.
“No. I can’t leave just yet. If I were to leave now, it might alert them. Instead, tell the headmaster what I’ve discovered, and take my friend with you to the academy,” Nora said after some thought.
She knew she needed to stay behind to stabilize the situation and keep her captors unaware of her findings.
For now, the academy leaders were too preoccupied with trying to coerce her into fighting for them to suspect her deeper motives.
Nina agreed and nodded. Nora then conjured a holographic image of Eileen. “This is my friend. Take her and leave the academy as soon as possible.”
Initially, Nora had planned for Eileen to continue the investigation.
However, now that Nina was involved, she realized it would be safer to have Eileen leave with her.
With Daniel’s support, they could uncover the truth without risking Eileen’s safety.
If Eileen stayed in Karea Academy, Nora feared she might be used as leverage—or worse, face life-threatening danger.
Better to have her out of harm’s way at Crossbridge Academy, where the headmaster’s presence ensured her safety.
With their plan finalized, Nina disappeared, leaving Nora alone in the cell. Her expression remained calm as she sat in silence, waiting for the next stage of her plan to unfold.
Meanwhile, in the academy’s back mountain, Eileen was following Nora’s earlier instructions, searching the area under the guise of completing an official academy assignment.
This cover allowed her to investigate without arousing suspicion.
Eileen wasn’t sure if she was being watched, so she acted with extreme caution.
Until she reached the precise location Nora had described, she avoided any behavior that might seem out of place.
To anyone observing, she appeared to be a student diligently carrying out a standard task.
However, luck wasn’t on her side. Despite her careful efforts, she hadn’t yet found what she was looking for.
But with each attempt, she ventured closer to the area Nora had pinpointed.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Startled, Eileen spun around, only to see a girl standing there with a cheerful smile.
“You are…?” Eileen asked, confused.
“It’s you!” the girl exclaimed, as though confirming something.
Before Eileen could react, the girl grabbed her hand. In the next instant, the surroundings blurred, and the scenery changed.
Eileen found herself high above the ground. Clouds rushed past as she realized she was moving at great speed.
Looking down, she saw a massive white snow eagle carrying her through the sky.
“What’s happening?” Eileen muttered, glancing at the girl beside her—the one who had brought her here.
Had she been exposed? Was this a trap?
Nora had warned her that the back mountain was likely under surveillance, and she had taken great care not to reveal anything. What had gone wrong?
“Who are you?” Eileen asked cautiously.
“I’m Nina,” the girl replied directly. “Nora asked me to take you out of Karea Academy.”
Eileen’s confusion began to clear, but new questions arose.
Before she could voice them, Nina continued, “Nora has her reasons for staying behind. She’s worried that remaining at the academy might put you in danger, so she sent me to bring you to a safe place. As for her, you don’t need to worry—she’s perfectly fine. We’re heading to Riverside City. It’s safe there.”
“Riverside City…” Eileen repeated. She remembered the place vividly. It was where she had first met Nora, boarding the same carriage to Karea Academy.
But the thought of returning to Riverside City made her uneasy. “The situation surrounding Nora is incredibly dangerous.
If I go to Riverside City, I might bring trouble with me. Maybe it’s better if you let me go somewhere else instead,” Eileen said, her face filled with concern.
Though Nina was reluctant to repeat herself, she reassured Eileen. “Don’t worry. Riverside City is completely safe. As long as the headmaster is there, no harm will come to anyone.”
At Crossbridge Academy, Daniel sat by the lakeside, leaning against the Tree of Origin. Beside him lay a fishing rod, its line cast into the water.
The fish in the lake were far from ordinary. Known for their ferocity, they were capable of driving Rikki, the battle bear, into retreat.
But in Daniel’s presence, the fish acted no differently than common fish, circling the rod without daring to bite.
Footsteps approached from behind. Daniel didn’t need to look to know who it was—Rose.
Her steps were hesitant, lacking the confidence and cold demeanor of the famed “Daughter of Death.” Each step seemed a struggle, as though she had to summon all her courage to take it.
“Father,” Rose called softly, knowing Daniel had already noticed her.
“Come, sit with me,” he said gently.