The Pursuit Of Catalyst: A Dive Into Another Verse

As the five made their way back to the dormitory after the final burst of fireworks, laughter and light conversation drifted between them. The festival had lifted a great weight from their hearts—at least for now.

Ashia, walking just a step behind Sylves, glanced toward Prince Elas with respectful curiosity. "Not to be rude, Your Highness…" she began softly, "but may I ask—what room number have you been assigned?"

Elas smiled warmly, his demeanor relaxed as ever. "Ashia, haven't I told you already? We're practically family at this point. No need to be so stiff."

Ashia blinked, a little flustered, and gave a small bow nonetheless. "Of course… my apologies."

"It's Room 101," Elas added with a slight nod. "Just around the corner from you all."

Sylves glanced over his shoulder and spoke up. "I've always wondered… why are the rooms numbered 1 through 100 left unassigned? The entire ground floor seems empty."

Elas gave a knowing smirk. "That's because those rooms are on the ground level. If a magic beast were ever to infiltrate the Academy walls—however unlikely—the lower floor would be the easiest target."

Ashia's eyes widened at the thought.

Elas continued, "Most first-years aren't strong enough to protect themselves from a serious threat, especially at night. So, as a safety measure, they keep the youngest students on the first floor above ground level—Rooms 101 to 200. Defensive enchantments and physical barriers are stronger up there."

Serena nodded thoughtfully. "They've really put quite a bit of thought into this, haven't they?"

"They have to," Sylves said quietly, hands folded behind his back. "This place isn't just a school—it's a sanctuary for the future of the realm."

The group walked on, a little more aware of the Academy's invisible shields and hidden vulnerabilities. Above them, the last traces of stardust flickered out, swallowed by the peaceful dark of night.

As the five made their way back toward the dormitory, Sylves slowed his pace and spoke, "I have something to talk about."

Since they were close to Prince Elas's room, the young prince offered with a grin, "Let's continue inside. It's more comfortable there."

The moment they entered Room 101, it was obvious—Elas's room was far more luxurious than even Sylves's. Instead of the standard flame-lit lanterns that flickered gently in the night, magical orbs hovered in the air, casting a steady soft glow. The furnishings were elegant, the carpet thick and embroidered with golden threads that bore the crest of the Asphalian royal family.

As they settled into the plush chairs around a polished table, Sylves took a breath and began, "Starting tomorrow, I'll be attending separate lessons under a special instructor... Mr. Hawk Frost. The Headmaster said that it's because of the aura Elza and I possess—our Void Magic makes us visible to the Catalysts of Despair. It's how they track us down."

Elas and Serena exchanged a glance, visibly surprised. But Elas's expression soon shifted—his brows furrowed slightly as if recalling a memory.

"Hawk Frost..." he murmured, then looked toward Sylves. "That man... he once drove away a Catalyst of Despair all on his own. He refused to join the Royal Elite Forces even after the King himself extended the offer. He's a man who walks his own path. Honestly..." he smirked faintly, "he might've taken an interest when he heard from the Headmaster that someone so young possessed Void Magic."

There was a silence, brief but thoughtful, before the conversation gently moved on to other matters—small talk, a few teasing remarks about the upcoming training, and Serena teasing Elza for hiding behind Sylves earlier. Eventually, the group parted ways—Serena heading into Room 105 after bidding goodnight, while Sylves, Ashia, and Elza stepped into their own shared Room 104.

Once inside, they each changed into their nightwear. Sylves lay down first, and Ashia took her usual place to his right. Elza, though hesitant, allowed Ashia to help her into bed and curled up on Sylves's left side, drawing her knees to her chest as though trying to protect herself from a world still too overwhelming.

Sylves reached over and turned off the lantern, plunging the room into a warm silence. He felt the soft rustle of Elza's breathing settle into rhythm beside him, and not long after, her presence grew still.

"Master," Ashia whispered into the darkness, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of night. "Is it possible for me to join you in your special classes? I am your maid... I wish to serve you wherever you go—"

Sylves turned his head slightly, interrupting her gently, "No, Ashia. You need to continue your own studies... and more importantly, you'll be safer here."

There was a pause. He could feel the tension in her body even without touching her—Ashia was holding something in.

Then came a softer, more fragile voice, "Master... may I take your hand? Just for a moment, please."

Wordlessly, Sylves reached out and found her hand. "Go ahead," he said, offering her a small squeeze. "You have it tonight."

The room fell quiet again. Elza, curled up in sleep. Ashia, holding onto the warmth of his hand. And Sylves, his mind slowly drifting, knowing that the morning would bring a new chapter—one of secret lessons, darker truths, and stronger bonds.

The morning sun had not yet risen. A faint blue hue bathed the room as the magic clock on the wall softly chimed five times—its light pulse marking the early hour. Sylves stirred first, his eyes opening gently to the calm silence of dawn. As he moved slightly, he felt a familiar warmth in his hand—Ashia was still holding it, her fingers curled around his as if afraid to let go.

Carefully, Sylves slipped his hand free from her grasp, doing his best not to wake her. He sat up, casting a glance toward the slumbering forms beside him. Ashia, still in peaceful sleep. Elza, curled tight in her usual place, her expression softer than usual.

Quietly, Sylves rose and prepared his bath. The water steamed gently in the wooden tub, laced with fragrant herbs provided by the academy's staff. After taking his bath and dressing himself in his neatly pressed academy uniform, he returned to the room.

He knelt beside the bed and gently shook Ashia's shoulder. "Ashia... wake up."

Her eyes fluttered open, and the moment she recognized him, she jolted upright. "M-Master!" she gasped. "I'm so sorry... I didn't wake up before you... I was supposed to—"

Sylves placed a calm hand on her head, gently patting her with a faint smile. "It's alright. The bath is ready for you. You must have been tired from yesterday. It's okay to rest once in a while."

Ashia blinked in surprise, his kindness brushing away the guilt that had flared inside her.

"I need to leave early," he continued, rising to his feet. "Wake up Elza and help her get ready too."

Ashia bowed slightly, already swinging her legs off the bed. "Yes, Master."

As Sylves adjusted the cuffs of his uniform and picked up his cloak, he cast one last look back at the two girls—his maid and his responsibility—and silently stepped out the door, into the early chill of morning.

By the time Sylves had taken a brief walk through the quiet corridors—letting the morning chill clear his mind—he returned to his room to find the girls ready. Ashia had dressed both herself and Elza neatly, the soft gleam of pride in her eyes as she stood upright before her master.

Sylves gave her a reassuring look and spoke gently, yet firmly, "We'll be back by sunset. Take your lessons seriously, Ashia. And don't let anyone's whispers distract you. I want to hear what you've learned today when I return."

Ashia bowed deeply, placing a hand over her chest in acknowledgement. "Yes, Master. Please take care."

With that, Sylves turned once more toward the door, Elza trailing beside him. But before they could exit the room entirely, Elza quietly slipped her hand around Sylves's arm—her fingers gripping tightly. Sylves didn't stop her. Instead, he cast a glance at her pale expression and offered a calm nod.

The two made their way through the early morning silence of the Academy. The cobblestone pathways were damp with dew, glistening in the faint silver light of the moon. Shadows lingered long, stretched by flickering lanterns that had not yet dimmed for the day.

Eventually, they arrived at the front of the Staff Headquarters.

There, in the shade of the grand archway, stood two figures.

Headmaster Gardinant, arms behind his back, face stern even in the half-dark.

And beside him—the figure who exuded a silent yet overwhelming presence—Hawk Frost.

Cloaked entirely in black: black coat, black gloves, black hair, and black eyes that seemed to see right through flesh and bone. There was something ancient in his gaze. Something cold.

As Sylves and Elza approached, they bowed in unison. The headmaster gave them a sharp nod and said, "You both will be under Mr. Hawk's direct guidance from today. Best of luck."

With that, he turned and entered the Headquarters, leaving the two young void-wielders standing before one of the kingdom's most enigmatic and powerful mages.

There was a long silence.

Then Hawk Frost tilted his head slightly. His deep, gravel-like voice broke the stillness.

"Shall we go?"

The question was simple, but it made Elza jump. She instinctively gripped Sylves's arm even tighter, trembling ever so slightly.

Sylves didn't reply with words. A single bead of sweat trailed down his temple as he gave a small nod.

Without another word, Hawk raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.

The air cracked like ice fracturing. A violet rift tore open in the space before them—swirling with warped runes and ancient energy. A portal.

Sylves's eyes widened.

He had heard that Hawk Frost possessed mastery over void, spatial, fire, and water magic—but he had not imagined a spatial portal stable enough for organic passage. It was dangerous, borderline forbidden in most cases. Spatial magic could warp, damage, or even destroy living matter if handled incorrectly. Inorganic transport was far more common.

Yet here it was. Smooth. Controlled. Unnaturally calm.

Sylves swallowed hard, and with a slow breath, stepped forward.

He and Elza followed Hawk Frost into the swirling void.

And behind them, the portal sealed shut with a low hum—swallowing the last remnants of moonlight.

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