The sun brilliantly rose as the morning light reflected through the lenses of the window. Rio wearily opened his eyes, staring above the ceiling on his room. Last day tired him out — not in the bad way kind, but the good way kind.

[Eh, you're finally awake.] Faust said, his body hovering around Rio.

"... Did you not sleep?" Rio asked, his body wearily rising from the bed.

[That's a dumb question,] Faust frowned, his head shaking. [I'm a spirit. I don't sleep, I just remain awake all the time. The only moment I sleep would either be when I'm heavily injured or...dead.]

"...I shouldn't had asked," Rio sighed, his head shaking. He stood up from the bed. He shifted his gaze to the walls — staring at the hanging ornament clock... It was still early.

He still has time before the meeting starts. He also didn't have any classes for today because of the sudden meeting.

"I'l go take a shower and make some coffee..." Rio muttered, walking away from his room. Before he left, he took his laptop with him.

—

Half an hour later, Rio came out of his room — well dressed and newly bathed. No wonder Volund Academy had one of the most voted favorite dorm services. The water felt clean and nice, neither cold nor hot, just enough for a refreshing bath.

He approached the table, grabbing the heated coffee on top. Rio sipped the coffee, feeling refreshed and at ease. He put the laptop on the table, turning it on.

[What are you doing?] Faust asked, his brows raised in interest. [What's this device? What does it do?]

"It's called a laptop," Rio answered, his hand sipping the coffee. The coffee was good; he wondered what company produced it. Even back from earth he had never tasted any coffee as delicious. He continued. "I assume you never heard of a computer, so I'll give you a rough summary; think of it as a device... where people can store knowledge, connect to a greater network, interact and do some other things."

[That seems mystical.] Faust commented, watching Rio turned on the laptop.

"For you, it might be. But for this world's standards, it's one of the oldest technological creations." Rio said, his hand dropping the cup of coffee as he put his palm on the keyboard.

Beep—!

The laptop turned on, reflecting the logo brand attached on it — soon after, the logo disappeared, replaced by a normal background. Rio waited for several seconds before putting on his password.

Rio pressed a software, searching for the latest new updated news. He scrolled down the webpage... His brows furrowed in confusion. It was all about the cataclysmic event in the Harrowing Lands.

He couldn't see any other news besides it. Then again, an entire sector of the world was destroyed. It would probably take a month at most on the media for the news to saturate.

[Oh, right...I forgot to discuss that with you...] Faust frowned, his eyes turning serious.

"What is it?" Rio asked, sipping coffee in his cup. He shifted his gaze to the tanned muscular man, tilting his head as stared in confusion.

[Well, it's about...your body...] Faust answered. [There's something wrong with it... From your expression, I guess you know what I'm talking about...?]

Rio's expression twisted into a frown, sighing as he shook his head. It would eventually be brought up at some point. There was no point in simply ignoring its existence. He muttered, "Right, demonization. You feel it?"

[Not feel — more like, see it,] Faust replied, his body sitting beside Rio. [I'm a spirit. I'm more connected to energy and intangible things than tangible things. Whenever I go to your body, I can see... not clearly, only faintly. I see corrupted magical energy, but it seemed to be disguised by magical energy. How did you do that?]

"The thing is, I was not the one that did that, so I don't know myself." Rio answered. "How long do you think the disguise would last?"

[From the cover...it would have atleast a month or so until the corrupted energy takes control of your magical energy again,] Faust replied, his brows raising in interest. [But, I'm more surprised you aren't feeling any of the side effects like — psychotic mind, aching body and greedy instinct...]

"...Now that you mentioned it, you're right." Rio said, his face transforming into a frown. How so? The corrupted energy was clearly still inside him. Did that bastard John Smith do something to it? It was possible... but he didn't know.

...Yet again, another matter concerning to him that he didn't know. Rio sighed, tired of thinking about complicated things. He would handle those kinds of questions later. He added in.

"We'l continue this at a later date Faust, for now, it's time for my meeting."

Faust nodded, abruptly entering inside his body. Rio sipped the cup of coffee in his hand, staring at the ceiling in his dorm. If he was correct, then... that woman would be in the meeting and if she was, it meant it's officially the start of the new arc.

...Thinking of the new upcoming arc, Rio lowered his head, feeling distaste at the upcoming events.

—

Inside a spacious room, several figures sat at their respective seats, each having a strong aura radiating from their body. The figures were separated on each side.

On the left, a cluster of Combat Teachers had gathered around, their hands crossed at their chest as they patiently waited. On their chest, a shining fist marked crest was attached.

On the right, the Arcane Teachers occupied the most of the seats — most of their appearances were alike that of a noble, wearing luxurious and extravagant clothes along with a shining gold crest on their chest.

On the upper side, six intimidating figures stood tall — their eyes closed as they waited patiently along with the others. The huge difference among them with others was the diamond crest on their chest, showcasing their status as a Head Deputy.

"Alright, it seems everyone is here," Director Guinevere said as he walked into the front. "Good morning, everybody. Arcane Teachers, Combat Teachers, along with the Head Deputies. I appreciate for having the time to attend this meeting."

"There's no need for formalities, Director." One of the Head Deputies spoke. "No one would dare disrespect you here, rather we are thankful to you for arranging this meeting."

Guinevere nodded, a small smile forming on his face. He shifted his eyes to the door — looking at the two figured waiting from outside. "Both of you, you can come in now and introduce yourself."

Click—!

The door opened as two figures entered. The leading figure was a beautiful woman with mature features, her hair icy white as it cascaded on her back. She wore a maroon coat while a white t-shirt covered her body. Her eyes, covered by a thin black sunglasses, lowered as she peeked at the figures surrounding them.

Behind her, a brown haired man followed. The man had dark, purplish eyes — mystically alluring, as if the starry sky was contained within his pupils. He followed behind, his back relaxed as he stared at the surrounding people.historical

"Hm, hm, not bad for the girl..." One of the Combat Teachers muttered, feeling the emanating strength from the woman. "Who is she again?"

The woman nodded, her back straightening as she stared at the surrounding figures.

"Aloha! My name is Maria, Maria Skye — one of the executive chiefs of the guild Forgotten Winter," Maria greeted, her hands removing the glasses on her eyes. She put her hand on the waist, staring at the surrounding figures. "I've heard from Hulba that I'm a Combat Teacher, is that correct?"

"Forgotten Winter...Skye..." One of the Combat Teachers pondered. Suddenly, their eyes widened as they asked. "Are you perhaps the daughter of the guild leader, Neo Sky?"

"...I am," Maria answered, her face turning into a frown. "But that's not what I introduced myself, right?"

The Combat Teacher averted their eyes, feeling embarrassed.

"Ehem," Guinevere coughed, the smile on his face never leaving. "As you heard, this is Maria Skye, an experienced Miracle Invoker on her own right. She would be teaching along with the Combat Teachers until next year."

"Hm, hm, I did hear some of her achievements and exploits in the past..." One of the Combat Teachers replied. "She reached Rank C in the age of 21 and ascended to Rank B in 25, thereby being one of the most talented people ever recorded in the world."

"Oh? Was she that Winter Princess girl or something?" Another Combat Teacher asked, interested.

Maria seemed to be immune to her fame, cooly ignoring the discussions as she focused her eyes on the front, staring at Director Guinevere. "Is my introduction enough, Director Guinevere?"

"It's alright, no need for more." Guinevere answered, his hand waving in dismissal. "Alright, for the next recruit."

Maria stepped aside as she walked to the left area, gathering together with the Combat Teacher as all of them watched the brown haired man in anticipation.

Rio glanced at the figures surrounding him, feeling nothing of their watchful stares. He shifted his eyes to Director Guinevere, introducing himself. "I'm Rio Salem, the recruit. I'm a Rank B Sorcerer. That's all."

Directors Guinevere sighed, feeling an ominous sensation erupt within him.

Suddenly, everyone in the room frowned, staring at Rio in confusion. Who was this person? Not even a single one of them had heard of Rio Salem. It seemed but a completely new Rank B ascendant.

In that moment, the silent Arcane Teachers bursted in activity. One of the Arcane Teachers abruptly stood up, their mouth coughing as they looked at Director Guinevere.

"Pardon me Director, but is this a joke...?"