Chapter 25: The Art of Strategy

Early in the morning, Klee and Angela knocked on the door of the residence where Y and his companions were staying. Faint noises drifted from within.

“Who’s there?” Diona’s voice called from behind the door.

“It’s Klee and Angela,” Klee replied.

The door swung open, revealing Diona with a bright, welcoming smile.

“Come in.”

Klee peeked inside, a flicker of worry crossing her face.

— There was some noise… did something happen?

Voices rose in the hall. Ash and Lauma were deep in a heated debate, while Anna and Lunaria sat quietly, observing with gentle smiles. Y, meanwhile, sat by the window, absorbed in a book, as if the commotion around him didn’t exist.

“Lauma! What are you doing here?” Angela exclaimed, eyes wide.

Anna gestured to the group with calm composure.

“Klee, Angela, come sit with us.”

Curiosity sparked in Klee’s gaze.

— What’s going on exactly?

Diona explained,

— Lauma joined us yesterday to relay information from Dansleif to Y.

“So… what’s the problem?” Klee asked.

Anna smiled lightly.

— A flashback to yesterday: Y entered the residence, accompanied by Diona and Lauma.

Lauma said calmly,

— Don’t mind me. Consider me the house cat.

Light danced around her hands, and in moments her body shrank until a soft coat of fur rested on Y’s shoulders. The little cat looked at Ash with unmistakable innocence and settled on his shoulder, prompting a faint twinge of jealousy across his face.

Lunaria chuckled softly.

— And now, each of them insists their transformation is better than the other’s.

Anna laughed quietly.

— Quite an entertaining debate for early morning.

Ash spoke, half-joking, half-serious,

— Words won’t settle this. Let’s vote: who’s better—me as a fox, or her as a cat?

— I agree, — Lauma said promptly.

Ash turned to Lunaria.

— And you?

Lunaria shrugged casually.

— Me first? Fine… I prefer Ash.

Everyone laughed at her nonchalant tone.

Ash then asked Diona,

— And you?

Diona lifted her tail proudly.

— I choose Lauma. She’s a cat like me.

Ash grinned.

— Makes sense. I probably shouldn’t have let you vote at all.

Lauma turned to Klee and Angela.

— And you two?

Klee said,

— Lauma.

Angela answered simultaneously,

— Ash.

Ash exhaled lightly, smiling.

— A tie. That leaves Anna’s vote.

Anna’s expression remained calm.

— I prefer Diona.

A proud smile spread across Diona’s face, but Ash and Lauma spoke in unison,

— That leaves Y.

All eyes turned to him. He remained still, absorbed in his book, as though nothing else existed.

Ash leaned closer and whispered,

— What do you think, Y? Foxes or cats?

Everyone leaned forward, waiting. The room seemed to hold its breath. Y’s lips curved—barely—but he returned to his pages without a word. Lauma let out a soft, knowing whisper.

— Dansleif once said, “Silence is wisdom in some situations”… now I understand.

Ash laughed.

— Then it’s officially a tie.

Klee tilted her head, curious.

— How many books has he read so far?

Diona answered,

— We stopped counting after twenty.

Angela’s eyes widened.

— More than twenty books in a month? And he trains every day… how does he do it?

Anna replied simply,

— He sleeps only three hours.

Everyone stared at Y in quiet disbelief.

Ash smiled wryly.

— I guess Anna is the only one who can convince him to rest sometimes.

Suddenly, Lauma’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

— Y, everything is ready. The portal has been prepared.

Y closed his book and rose quietly.

— That was faster than I expected, — he said softly.

Lauma pointed toward the portal.

— Step through carefully. You’ll face someone unpredictable.

Without hesitation, Y stepped forward. As his hand lifted, the portal shimmered and closed behind him.

Diona whispered, disappointed,

— I wanted to go.

Lauma’s tone was calm, almost sharp.

— It’s an extremely confidential matter.

Anna tilted her head, intrigued.

— Confidential?

Lauma explained,

— Y requested something from Dansleif, and only he can assist.

Anna nodded knowingly.

— Oh… the magical tools.

Lauma looked at her, surprised.

— You know about them?

Anna replied,

— Only what Y told us. He has a secret goal, but he refused to share it.

Angela asked softly,

— Why not?

Ash answered,

— He said, “Don’t ask me about it, because I don’t want to lie to you. Just be patient a little.”

Klee nodded.

— That explains a lot.

———————

On the other side of the portal lay a secret chamber deep within the university.

Y stood at the center of a spacious hall. Glass tubes and magical wires intertwined like a delicate web. Threads of light coursed through them like glowing veins, filling the room with a faint hum, as if the chamber itself were alive. The scent of scorched metal mingled with the musty aroma of ancient parchment, a curious blend of the modern and the archaic.

In the middle, an elven man with sharp features and long golden hair reclined on a luxurious couch, draped in an elegant robe. He crossed his legs effortlessly, his posture more suited to a palace than a laboratory.

A faint smile curved his lips as he spoke.

— I am Auren. So, you are the one who wishes to create this?

Y’s voice was calm, measured.

— That’s correct.

A flicker of surprise crossed Auren’s face.

— I rarely see Dansleif submit requests in person. Usually, he sends that cat… which means you are someone important.

He leaned forward, tone sharpening.

— I have three questions before I decide: What does magic mean to you? Why do you want to create this artifact? And finally, what is your goal?

A gleam flashed in his eyes.

— I can read minds, so do not attempt to deceive me.

Y’s gaze swept the room, cataloging every detail. Then, with composure, he replied.

— I don’t possess magic. But I have a remarkable team—a family. Soon, I may enter the Abyss, and I wish to provide each of them with weapons and artifacts suited to their strengths. That is my goal.

A satisfied smile appeared on Auren’s face.

— One answer for three questions… concise and direct. Impressive. Wait here.

He vanished briefly. Moments later, he returned carrying a small, ornate box.

— Here is your artifact.

Y examined it carefully, muttering under his breath.

— Seems you’ve crafted this before.

Auren chuckled softly.

— Indeed. But whether I give it to you or ignore you depended entirely on your answer. I choose whom I help; I am bound to no one.

Y whispered quietly, eyes reflecting the faint glow of the room.

— That makes sense… the smarter one is, the farther people stay away. Intelligence carries a price, and sometimes silence speaks truer than words.

For a moment, the room absorbed his quiet contemplation.

Auren read his thoughts faintly and smiled.

— You may leave now.

A portal shimmered behind Y. He turned briefly.

— I’ll visit you later.

From the couch, Auren replied.

— No need.

The portal vanished.

Dansleif folded his hands, eyes fixed on Auren.

— What do you make of him?

Auren leaned back slightly, a faint smile on his lips.

— I read his thoughts before and after the question.

He paused, as if weighing each word.

— Before… a long silence. Almost as if his mind wandered elsewhere.

Dansleif nodded, listening carefully.

— And after?

Auren’s gaze sharpened.

— His answer flowed effortlessly, straight from the depths of his consciousness. No hesitation, no distortion. Analyzing it is harder than any experiment I’ve conducted.

A silence fell between them, filled only by the faint hum of the chamber.

Dansleif broke it gently.

— Silence, when pure, has no shape. The mind interprets through action, not emptiness.

He extended his hand, producing an envelope.

— This is for you.

Auren’s eyes widened as he recognized the handwriting.

— From Lady Freya?

He opened it carefully and read aloud:

“Dear Auren,

How are you? I hope you are well.

Much has changed since a certain person appeared, and you will meet them very soon.

Please support them without conditions, just as you have supported us before without expecting anything in return.

— Freya”

Auren’s expression faltered, realization dawning.

— Don’t tell me… it’s Y himself?

Dansleif inclined his head.

— That’s right.

Auren frowned, frustration mingling with surprise.

— And why haven’t I seen this letter sooner? Had it reached me, I would have assisted him long ago.

Dansleif’s smile was enigmatic.

— He wanted it that way. He preferred you decide for yourself.

Auren’s eyes darkened.

— And if I refuse?

— Then the letter would have been destroyed.

They shared a brief, silent glance. The weight of choice hung in the air.

Auren whispered, almost to himself.

— I still don’t understand… does he want help, or is he concealing something?

Dansleif’s lips curved faintly.

— That is his way. He wants you to choose freely. If you refuse, he will find another path to his goal.

Auren glanced at the scattered papers, comprehension dawning too late. The one who stepped through the portal sought not power… but something far different.

In that moment, a deep longing stirred within him—a yearning for the roots of his tribe, for a place he had not returned to in many years.

——————

In the next moment, the portal shimmered open again in the center of the room, and Y stepped through, carrying a small box.

Lauma’s eyes widened in surprise.

— You’re back so quickly!

Y placed the box gently on the table.

— This is one of the things I’ve been looking for.

Diona stepped closer, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

— Can I see what’s inside?

Y nodded simply.

— Yes, go ahead.

Ash leaned in, his interest growing.

— And I want to see too.

Everyone gathered around as Diona slowly opened the box. Their breaths caught simultaneously at the sight: a finely crafted necklace, adorned with sparkling jewels shaped like a small fox.

Ash whispered in awe.

— It’s beautiful…

Anna smiled quietly.

— Truly exquisite work.

Klee added, admiration clear in her voice.

— The craftsmanship is incredible… whoever made this must be a genius.

Lauma tilted her head, curious.

— And what will you do with it, Y?

Y approached her, holding the necklace carefully. His expression was steady, sincere—no flattery, just quiet honesty. He bent slightly, placing it around Ash’s neck.

— This is for you… a gift from me.

After a brief pause, Ash asked softly.

— And what about L?

Y replied calmly.

— I have a gift for her as well.

Ash’s hands lingered on the necklace for a moment before she smiled brightly.

— Thank you… I’ll treasure it always.

Y lifted his gaze to the others.

— Each of you will receive something special too… just not yet. Be patient.

Diona chuckled softly.

— So more surprises are coming.

Lunaria looked at Ash, her smile almost buoyant, as if she might float from joy.

Anna exhaled in relief.

— The trip to the university was truly worth it.

Ash lingered before the mirror, gazing at her reflection. The soft glow of the necklace on her chest seemed to speak in a silent language only she could understand.

Diona placed a hand on her hip, curious.

— If it’s just me, Anna, Klee, and Lauma who haven’t received a tool yet… I wonder what mine will be.

Lauma frowned slightly.

— Why include me with you?

Diona looked at her in mild confusion.

— What do you mean? You’re with us too, aren’t you, Y?

Y nodded.

— Yes. Everyone will receive something suited to them.

Diona turned to Lauma.

— By the way, what is your magic?

Lunaria added teasingly.

— Isn’t it the portals?

Lauma shook her head.

— No. The portals are a technique I learned from Dansleif. My true magic is defensive; I can deflect any attack or magical technique.

Klee chimed in, matter-of-fact.

— Magic is something you’re born with—it doesn’t change. Techniques are learned. Anyone can acquire them.

Lunaria nodded.

— So the portals are just a technique, like the one you learned.

Lauma tilted her head with a hint of playful challenge.

— But against someone without magic… I’d lose easily. I bet you’re all laughing at me now.

Y muttered quietly, sitting on the floor.

— Magic that deflects magical attacks…

Lauma tilted her head in confusion.

— What’s wrong with him?

Diona’s voice dropped low.

— Quiet. He’s thinking.

Lauma whispered softly.

— About what?

Silence filled the room, broken only by their breaths, as if waiting for Y to reveal his next move.

Then, without warning, he stood.

— I’ll take a walk… I have a slightly crazy idea.

Anna said calmly.

— Be careful, and don’t get carried away.

Y left the room, and the atmosphere seemed to shift, as if a subtle balance had been altered. No one realized that this “slightly crazy idea” would ignite the spark for a plan that could change everything.

Lunaria smiled lightly.

— Every time I see him like this, I know he’s about to surprise me.

Lauma frowned.

— I don’t understand anything.

Ash, more serious, said quietly.

— You said we’d laugh, but in reality… you’re not that different from us. I have the same struggles.

Lunaria added softly.

— Even I didn’t know how to use my magic before I met him.

Angela admitted quietly.

— I can barely control my magic even now.

Diona nodded.

— I didn’t even realize my magic for years.

All eyes turned toward Klee.

Klee, flustered, stammered.

— What? I don’t have a problem!

Everyone exchanged glances. Klee sighed, speaking honestly.

— Fine… my magic runs out quickly.

Anna smiled gently.

— There’s no one truly special among us.

Diona teased lightly.

— What about Y? He must be special… since he has no magic.

Ash laughed softly.

— You’re not entirely wrong.

Lunaria asked curiously.

— Isn’t it a flaw to have no magic?

Anna spoke gently.

— As you see, Lauma, we don’t care about flaws or their absence. In truth, no one is without them.

Lauma looked at the group, visibly moved.

— You really are a good team.

———————

In the main courtyard, Y walked with his thoughts pulled inward—an audacious idea spinning and growing with every step. The stone paths whispered beneath his feet; the air smelled faintly of autumn and old ink. At that moment Auren appeared, a bag slung over his shoulder.

Y turned.

— Auren, when did you arrive at the university?

Auren shrugged, as if revealing nothing.

— My lab is here, tucked away. Forget that. Tell me about your plan.

A pleased, half-surprised smile crossed Y’s face.

— Are you reading minds? Is that your gift?

Auren’s answer was cool, amused.

— You seem unsurprised.

Y’s curiosity sharpened.

— Is that the only way you’d know my plan?

— Yes. My magic lets me read thoughts, — Auren said simply.

Y nodded.

— Then let’s go to Dansleif. I’ll explain everything there.

— — —

They gathered in Dansleif’s chamber. The three of them sat; words were measured, each syllable chosen.

Auren opened.

— If a war is imminent, one aimed at Dansleif and backed by a cult of sorcerers, it fits patterns we’ve faced before. The university has had to intervene against similar plots.

Dansleif folded his hands.

— I want your opinions about the exam. Continue or cancel?

Y’s answer came at once.

— Cancel it. For everyone’s safety.

Auren’s brow tightened.

— The logic is sound, but consider the university’s reputation. Cancelling an exam over an undefined cult threat will harm what we’ve built. The exam is a pillar for sorcerers.

Dansleif’s voice deepened.

— This exam shapes generations. To cancel it is to unravel years of work.

Y leaned forward.

— If you want a practical solution…

Auren raised a hand.

— First, analyze: what do they want? Second, how will they achieve it?

Dansleif replied.

— Their target is the university at large—and me specifically. Their method begins with removing the protective barrier, then striking.

Auren pressed.

— How will they break the barrier?

Y answered plainly.

— There’s a traitor among us.

Auren’s eyes narrowed.

— That would be the surest route. Do you know who it is?

Dansleif shook his head.

— I have hints. Likely one of the instructors— not a deliberate betrayer, but someone compromised by a subtle spell or deception.

Auren nodded.

— Then you know what must be done.

Dansleif asked about timing.

— When will they strike?

Auren glanced at Y.

— It seems Y has his own idea of timing.

Y explained.

— We can accelerate the attack’s course just enough.

Dansleif raised an eyebrow.

— You mean use their plan against them?

Y:

— Yes. Gather the students in a single location; give the traitor the room and opportunity they crave. When they attempt to break the barrier, they’ll reveal themselves.

Y added, clear and steady.

— If the exact moment is unpredictable, better to create a controlled moment. Concentrate everyone, allow the traitor freedom of movement, and the attack—when it comes—will expose them.

Dansleif weighed the risk.

— My presence might deter them. I could pretend to leave.

Auren cautioned.

— After the barrier is down, they may move people—hostages, or even Dansleif.

Y nodded.

— That’s the likely next step: move Dansleif or a group of students.

Dansleif asked bluntly.

— Moving a group is easier than moving me. What’s your contingency?

Y smiled, composed.

— I have two plans; both reach the same end. First: if they try to relocate Dansleif, we perform a quick swap of locations. Second plan… differs little in outcome.

Dansleif approved.

— That could work. The attackers are not fools—if we move any of us to a place that seals magic, fighting there would be fatal to those dependent on sorcery—except Y.

Auren observed.

— A sorcerer stripped of magic is like a child. Y’s presence in such a place will blindside them.

Auren pressed for detail.

— And the second?

Y’s smile stayed steady.

— It is… this plan.

Auren laughed, half in disbelief.

— I’ve never heard such a devious plan.

Dansleif warned softly.

— Keep in mind: the place you’ll move to could be dangerous for you.

Y’s tone turned serious.

— That’s part of it. My team leans on me—especially Diona. I won’t be the visible pivot of this war. I’ll force a disappearance that makes them stand on their own—and might save them when I’m gone.

Auren’s eyes widened.

— Wait. So you’ll sabotage their timetable, infiltrate the base, and present yourself as endangered to push your team forward?

Y:

— Perfect summary—ten out of ten.

Auren muttered, impressed.

— Boldest thing I’ve ever heard.

Dansleif’s question was practical again.

— Why choose this method?

Y looked at them both.

— Because soon I will enter the Abyss. I must ensure they can stand without me.

Auren’s voice held surprise.

— The Abyss. That’s a surprise. Emerging will take time—this choice is heavy, but calculated.

They sat in the silence that followed—three figures aware that the coming war would be fought not only against enemies, but against time itself.