The Pursuit Of Catalyst: A Dive Into Another Verse

The next morning, Sylves stirred awake just as Elza sleepily climbed closer to him, clinging gently to the warmth that had saved her the night before. He opened his eyes, offered her a faint smile, and slowly sat up.

As he drew back the curtains, his gaze fell upon the view outside the window. The cobblestone paths leading to the central grounds were lined with large, ornate carriages drawn by sturdy horses. The academy's usual tranquility had shifted into a quiet buzz of activity. But what struck Sylves was not the carriages themselves—but the people accompanying them.

They weren't nobles or officials. They were commoners, merchants, and craftsmen—faces smiling and spirits high, as if preparing for a festive gathering rather than responding to the shadow that loomed the previous night.

He furrowed his brow. "Strange. This doesn't seem related to the attack…"

Just then, a knock came at the door. Sylves opened it to find Ashia standing outside, neatly dressed and cheerful despite the heavy events of the night before.

"Good morning, Master," she greeted with a polite bow. Her gaze shifted to Elza. "And good morning to you, Miss Glens. Are you feeling better today?"

Elza gave a small nod, her voice soft but clearer than before. "I am, thank you."

Ashia then turned to Sylves and said, "Master, your bath is ready. Shall we?"

Sylves nodded, and the two of them stepped into the bathroom. As always, Ashia carried out her duties with quiet grace, helping Sylves wash his back and assisting him with care and efficiency.

When they returned to the room, Sylves began dressing, and Ashia turned to Elza. "Miss Glens," she asked gently, "Would you like to join me for a bath?"

Elza blinked in surprise, taken aback. Her cheeks reddened. "I-I... Are you really okay bathing with him like that? I mean… how do you do those things for him without… without being embarrassed?"

Ashia tilted her head slightly, then smiled—serene and genuine. "Because it's not something to be embarrassed about. It's a part of my duty—and more than that, it's a part of my bond with him."

Elza remained flustered, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she followed Ashia into the bath.

In the bath—

Ashia poured warm water gently over her shoulders, then began to speak.

"You asked me how I do these things without feeling embarrassed…" she said, her tone soft over the sound of trickling water. "It's because I deeply respect Master Sylves. Everything he asks of me, I carry out as a duty… but he's never treated me as just a maid. I'm more than that to him. He trusts me—more than any other staff in the Duke's castle."

Elza listened quietly, the tension in her shoulders easing.

Ashia continued, rinsing the soap from her hands. "And also… he's never once pulled any inappropriate moves on me. Not even in private. That's the kind of person he is. Someone who protects… and cherishes."

Elza's eyes softened. In that moment, something within her shifted—a sense of trust beginning to blossom, and perhaps even admiration.

Back in the bedroom, Sylves stood ready, straightening the cuffs of his academy uniform as he waited for the two girls to finish. The morning air carried the scent of something new—not just in the winds outside, but in the quiet bonds growing inside Room 104.

As the two girls stepped back into the room, freshly bathed and dressed in their formal academy uniforms, a gentle stillness hung in the air. Elza's silver hair shimmered faintly in the morning light, and Ashia's quiet poise brought a sense of balance to the lingering tension from the night before.

Sylves looked up from adjusting the collar of his cloak. "Let's get moving," he said, fastening the last button. "Something special is happening today… I can feel it."

They stepped out of Room 104 together and, soon after, met Serena near the corridor. She greeted them with a warm smile and a worried glance at Elza, who gave a small nod in return. A little further down the path, Prince Elas joined them as well, and together, the five made their way toward the academy's central grounds.

The sight that greeted them was unlike any ordinary morning.

The central northern grounds had transformed. White tents and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze. Merchant carriages stood parked at the edges of the field, their owners unloading goods and crates, setting up stalls, and arranging entertainment stages. Laughter and voices echoed across the stone-paved paths as upper-year students mingled with visiting craftsmen and performers.

"This doesn't look like a normal school day," Sylves remarked.

"It feels like… a celebration," said Ashia, eyes wide with curiosity.

"It is," Serena added. "There must be something going on."

She pointed ahead where a cluster of senior students stood in formation. The Student Council had gathered near the central pavilion, their gold-trimmed badges gleaming in the sun. At the center stood a tall boy with refined posture, navy-blue hair, and sharp spectacles—an unmistakable aura of authority surrounding him.

"That's the President," Serena whispered.

As the group approached, the President turned to greet them.

"Good morning," he said, offering a courteous nod first to Prince Elas, then to the others. "You must be from the First-Year Dormitory—Mr. Sylves Ellesmere, Miss Ashia, Lady Serena Lawrance, and Prince Elas of the Crown."

"I am Leontius Virell, Student Council President."

There was a moment of quiet respect exchanged before Leontius's tone shifted, growing more serious.

"I was there last night," he said, voice calm but heavy. "When the chaos broke out and the professors engaged the Catalyst of Despair, we—the Student Council—were called to keep the crowds away. I helped form the barrier around Miss Glens… when she fell."

Sylves lowered his head in silence. Elza's fingers tightened around her sleeves, but she remained composed.

Leontius glanced toward her gently. "It was an honor to serve beside her, even in her final moment."

Ashia offered a small bow. "Thank you… for helping protect her dignity."

The President nodded, then gestured around the grounds. "Now, to today's event. This is the Welcoming Festival—a long-standing tradition of the Imperial Asphalia Academy. It's held about a month after first-years arrive. The next two nights and today are set aside for celebration, camaraderie, and introducing you all to the full breadth of academy life."

"The stalls you see are run by traveling merchants and upper-year students. Games, magical exhibitions, alchemy showcases—everything from sweets to scrolls. It culminates tomorrow night with a grand performance and a formal duel demonstration by the top students."

Excitement slowly spread among the group. Even Elza, still quiet and somber, lifted her eyes to observe the vibrant surroundings with a trace of wonder.

"I didn't know the academy hosted anything like this," Sylves murmured.

"Few first-years do," Leontius replied with a smile. "It's meant to be a surprise… a reminder that this place is not only about tests and battles, but also joy and friendship."

Elza turned to Sylves, her voice low. "My sister would have loved this."

Sylves looked down at her gently. "Then we'll enjoy it for her… together."

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, the five of them stepped into the festival grounds—where colors bloomed, laughter rang, and the threads of fate continued to weave their story.

The Festival Begins — A New Directive

The much-anticipated festival was set to begin at sunset—two nights and one day of celebration awaited. But just as Sylves and his companions prepared to head back toward the dormitory, the Student Council President, Leontius Virell, called out to them.

"Mr. Ellesmere," he said, striding forward with composed urgency. "I nearly forgot—Headmaster Gardinant has requested your presence at the Staff Headquarters immediately. You are to bring Lady Sarah's sister along as well."

Sylves nodded, his expression calm. "Understood."

Turning to his friends, he offered a reassuring look. "I'll go meet the Headmaster and return on my own. Don't worry or come looking for me—it may take some time."

Then, with confidence and no hesitation, he gently took Elza's hand and started walking.

Elza's heart skipped. Her cheeks flushed with pink. His gesture had no hesitation, no second thought—and no trace of impure intent. It was bold, yet filled with a strange gentleness. She tightened her grip slightly, warmth flooding her chest. This feeling… it was something she couldn't name, but it made her feel safe—shielded by a presence she had come to trust deeply.

Staff Headquarters – Council Room

The doors to the Council Room opened with a soft creak as Sylves and Elza stepped inside. Within sat Headmaster Gardinant Blackwood, flanked by Professors Alya Stephan, Magreth, William Whites, and others. The atmosphere was solemn but charged with quiet importance.

"Please, have a seat," the Headmaster said, gesturing to the pair.

Sylves calmly sat down, and Elza quickly dragged her chair beside his. She hesitated for only a moment before looping her left arm around his and resting her right hand in his palm. Sylves, sensing her nervousness, gently squeezed back. Her trembling slowed.

Headmaster Gardinant leaned forward, his deep voice carrying the weight of regret. "First… I must apologize to you, Miss Glens. We failed to protect your sister. That is a truth I carry with shame."

Elza's lips trembled, and she whispered something only Sylves could hear.

"She says… it wasn't your fault," Sylves relayed, his voice steady. "Please don't apologize, Headmaster."

Gardinant gave a grave nod, then continued. "The reason you both have been summoned is to ensure not only your safety—but also the safety of the Academy. Your presence, Mr. Ellesmere… your elemental aura may attract further attention from the Catalysts of Despair. We believe the same applies to Miss Glens. Therefore, you will undergo advanced training, under enhanced security. And for that, a special instructor has been assigned to the both of you."

Sylves's brow furrowed slightly. Elza blinked in surprise and instinctively clung to him tighter.

Just then, the large chamber doors creaked again.

A tall man entered—his figure cutting a sharp silhouette against the light. His hair was black as obsidian, his eyes a deeper void still. His robe, long and elegant, shimmered faintly with midnight tones. Even his boots made no sound as he stepped forward. Power emanated from him like gravity.

Headmaster Gardinant rose. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Hawk Frost. He is the strongest Void Magic user in the Asphalia Kingdom. He also possesses high mastery over Spatial, Fire, and Water magic."

The dark-clad man gave Sylves a firm nod. His gaze locked with the boy's, and for a moment, it felt like the room itself held its breath.

"Miss Elza Glens," the Headmaster called.

Elza jolted upright slightly.

Sylves placed a comforting hand on her head, gently patting her like one would a frightened fawn.

"You, like your sister, show rare promise in Void Magic," the Headmaster explained. "And currently… only Sylves Ellesmere among all enrolled students shares that affinity. For the sake of safety and progress, the two of you will now train together under Mr. Frost's guidance."

Elza's eyes widened. She looked at Sylves. His expression was calm… steady… dependable.

She nodded.

"Yes, Headmaster," Sylves answered for them both.

And in that room—under the eyes of the kingdom's mightiest mentors—the foundation was laid for something more than just protection. A partnership was being forged. One of magic. One of responsibility.

And perhaps… one of fate.

Evening — The Festival Begins

As the sun dipped behind the tall marble towers of the Imperial Asphalia Academy, warm amber light bathed the Central Grounds. Rows of enchanted lanterns lit up one by one, casting a gentle glow over the winding stalls and pavilions. Students, professors, and staff filled the area with laughter, excitement, and chatter. Bright silk banners fluttered overhead, and the scent of spices, herbs, and roasted vegetables wafted through the air — all dishes strictly vegetarian, as per academy tradition.

Sylves and Elza reunited with Ashia, Serena, and Prince Elas near the entrance, where strings of floating crystals shimmered with soft hues. Elza stayed close to Sylves, her hand occasionally brushing his sleeve, still finding comfort in his presence after the heavy events of the past days.

Ashia glanced around with bright eyes. "It's more cheerful than I expected... I almost forgot what happened last night."

Serena smiled faintly. "That's probably the point of the festival. To help us forget, even for a little while."

Prince Elas nodded. "And to celebrate. First-years made it through their first month at the Academy — not just surviving, but showing promise."

As they moved further into the grounds, they passed stalls of hand-carved trinkets, magical puzzle games, and illusion shows. One booth displayed rare enchanted plants that bloomed in rhythm with music. Another let students cast harmless spark-spells into the sky to draw images. Even the professors mingled among the crowd, keeping a watchful but relaxed eye.

The group finally reached the heart of the celebration — long dining tables laid out under a canopy of glowing ivy. Ashia fetched a plate of butter-roasted mushrooms, seasoned vegetable skewers, and steaming herbed dumplings for Sylves, while Serena tried a slice of golden pumpkin tart.

Elza took her seat beside Sylves and whispered, "Is it always like this?"

Sylves smiled at her. "No. It's only this warm when we all decide to be."

She smiled back softly. "Then I'm glad you saved me."

Just as they were settling in, a few upper-year students burst into laughter nearby, launching a sparkling magical firework into the sky that spelled out: "Welcome, First Years!"

Ashia clapped gently. "It's beautiful."

Sylves looked around at the lights, his friends, the crowd. For a moment — just a brief one — the world felt whole.

He thought of Sarah.

And then he looked at Elza, who quietly reached for his hand beneath the table.

He let her.

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