VOL. 1: CHAPTER 12 — "INTERROGATIONS, POLITICS, A HUMAN IN ACADEMY, AND AN ELF PRINCESS LOSING HER PATIENCE"

The Headmaster's office looked exactly how I expected:
Too many scrolls.
Too many books.
Too many glowing runes threatening to explode.

Also, too many elves staring at me like I was an unsheathed sword. The Headmaster himself, Master Virion, sat behind a carved whitewood desk. His silver braid draped over his shoulder like a polite snake.

He steepled his fingers.
“Kai Rajput,” he said, “you have caused… disruptions.”

“Technically,” I said, “the disruptions attacked me.”

Lythiriel elbowed me. “Don’t antagonize him!”

“I’m clarifying facts!” I stated.

“You’re antagonizing facts!” Lythiriel said.

“That’s not a thing.” I replied.

“KAI—!!” Lythiriel yelled.

Master Virion sighed. “You two remind me of troublesome children.”

“We’re not children,” I said.

“We are royalty,” Lythiriel said.

“We are different from children,” I clarified.

“We are NOT the same,” Lythiriel huffed.

Aerin piped up from beside me, “I’m a child!”

“Correct,” Lythiriel muttered. “A responsible one.”

“Unlike Kai,” Elorin added lowly.

“HEY—!!” I said, sounding offended.

Master Virion cleared his throat. “Enough.”
The room fell silent. “You will answer three questions,” he said sternly.
“Truthfully.”

Lythiriel stiffened.
Aerin held my cloak nervously.

Amara spoke calmly in my mind:
> 『Master. Caution. Headmaster’s next questions likely relate to your Authorities. Do not disclose.』

Yeah, I know.
I nodded once.

Master Virion began:---1. “Are you aware of what attacked the Academy today?”

“Yes.” I answered.

“Explain.” Virion said.

“Abyssal corruption. Parasite-type. Someone smuggled it in.” I explained.

Virion’s eyes sharpened. “Someone? You speak as if you know.”

I shrugged. “Just common sense. Monsters don’t walk politely into exam halls.”

Lythiriel pinched the bridge of her nose. “Your way with words is… corrosive.”

“Oh thank you.” I joked.

“That was not praise!” She retorted.

Master Virion leaned forward. “Kai Rajput. We found a forbidden seal beneath the orb you touched. Someone ensured the instability would target you.”

“Meaning,” I said, “someone here wants me dead.”

Aerin gasped and hugged my arm tighter. “Big brother… n-no…”

I patted his head. “It’s fine, kid. People want me dead everywhere.”

“THAT IS NOT FINE—!!” Lythiriel yelled.

---2. “How did you destroy the parasite?” Virion asked second question.

I answered honestly—enough .“With lightning.”

“Be specific.”

I sighed. “Fine. A technique Amara synthesized from my memories. I’m trying to perfect it.”

Master Virion blinked. “Synthesized… from your memories?”

Lythiriel’s eye twitched. “Kai, stop naming your spells after incomprehensible Earth things.”

“Princess, they are masterpieces.” I said.

“They are nonsense!” She replied.

“THUNDER SPIRAL CORE is not nonsense.” I yelled.

“It is EVERYTHING nonsense!!” She retorted.

Master Virion coughed loudly.
“My question,” he said, “is how you stabilized such volatile lightning.”

“Practice,” I said. “And a terrifying fear of losing my limbs.”

He stared. “…Your honesty is alarming.”

---3. “Kai Rajput… what exactly are you?”

Silence.
Thick.
Electric.

Aerin squeezed my arm.
Lythiriel’s breath caught.

Amara whispered:
> 『Do not reveal. Divert.』

I inhaled slowly.
Then exhaled.

And said the truth— “I’m human.”

A beat.
Virion’s stern face twitched. “…Human.”

“Yup.” I nodded.

Virion spoke. “With… abilities beyond elven understanding.”

“Yup.” I nodded again.

“Raw lightning manipulation.” Virion asked.

“Yup.” I nodded again.

“Void interaction.” Virion asked further.

“…I’m pleading the fifth.” I joked.

“There is no fifth.” Virion said.

“There is now.” I told him,

Lythiriel slammed her palm on the desk. “Kai—!!”

“Whaaaat—!!” I answered.

“You are making this worse!” She said.

“No, I’m making it fun.” I retorted.

Lythiriel spoke again, irritation laced on her voice. 
 “This is an interrogation, not a comedy stage!” 

“Could be both.” I replied.

“I WILL THROW YOU OUT THE WINDOW—!!” She yelled top of her lungs.

Master Virion massaged his temples.


— INTERRUPTION: THE QUEEN ARRIVES —

A knock echoed.
A guard bowed.
“Her Majesty Queen Vaelindra requests entry.”

Lythiriel froze.
Virion instantly stood.
I swallowed.
Aerin hid behind me.

Queen Vaelindra entered like the moon stepping into a room — soft light, cold grace, terrifying authority.

Her eyes landed on me instantly.
Then on her daughter.
Then on the shattered runes still clinging to my arm.

“…So,” she murmured, “the Academy lasted less than an hour before breaking around you.”

I raised my hand weakly. “In my defense—”

“There is no defense,” she said calmly.“…Right.”

She walked forward.
Not towards Master Virion.
Toward me.

“Kai Rajput,” she said, “a direct assault occurred on Academy grounds. The Council is already blaming you.”

Lythiriel gasped. “What—?! That’s absurd!”

Vaelindra continued:
“Nobles claim your presence draws calamity.”
“That your mana destabilizes wards.”
“That you warp fate itself.”
“Some demand you to be confined.”

A cold, metallic tension spread in my gut.
Aerin grabbed my cloak tighter.

Lythiriel trembled. “Mother—stop this—”

Vaelindra raised a hand. “Hush. I am not finished.”

She stepped closer.
Now only a few feet away.

Her eyes searched mine. “…But Elder Mina says you are not the cause.”
“You are the catalyst.”

Lythiriel whispered, “Mother…?”

“Kai Rajput stands at the center of a storm,” Vaelindra said quietly.
“But he is not the one who summoned the storm.”

I blinked. “…I’m not?”

“No.” Her voice softened—just barely.
“There is something following you. Something ancient. Something watching.”

A cold chill threaded my spine. “So I’m being stalked.”

“Yes.” She answered.

“Abyssal entity?” I asked.

“Most likely.” She said.

I sighed. “Wonderful.”

“I agree.” She replied.

Aerin’s voice trembled. “Big brother… you won’t leave, right?”

I knelt, ruffled his hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”

He hugged me tightly.
Lythiriel bit her lip—relieved.

The Queen watched silently.
Then turned to Master Virion. “Prepare emergency wards. Double Academy guard rotations. And increase protective barriers around my daughter.”

Lythiriel stiffened. “…Mother—!”

Vaelindra ignored her. “And double the protection around Kai Rajput.”

Lythiriel choked. “WHAT—? Why HIM—?”

Vaelindra stared sharply. “Because if he dies, the world might end.”

Silence.
Even the books seemed to stop breathing.

Lythiriel covered her mouth.
Aerin hugged me tighter.
I rubbed his back gently.

“…No pressure,” I muttered softly.

A single corner of Vaelindra’s lip twitched.
“Rest assured,” she said, “the pressure is immense.”


— RIVAL NATION POV (ASTRYLLAN DOMINION) —

Deep within a tower far from Sylvarine’s capital, an elf in obsidian robes knelt before a glowing mirror of starlit darkness.

The image reflected:
Kai.
The Academy.
The Queen.
Lythiriel.
The parasite’s death.

The Astryllan spymaster whispered:
“Confirm. The anomaly is under the Princess’s protection.”

A cold voice replied from the mirror. “They grow close. Too close.”

The spymaster nodded. “Then the prophecy shifts. The anomaly must be taken—or destroyed.”

The mirror darkened.

The spymaster smiled .“Prepare the shadow envoys. We move soon.”


— BACK TO KAI’S POV —

After the political storm calmed slightly, Queen Vaelindra dismissed Virion and approached me alone.

“Kai Rajput,” she said.

“Yes?” I answered.

“You will train.” 

“…Okay?” 

“You will study.” 

“Eh.”

“You will attend every class.”

“Ugh.”

“And,” she added sharply, “you will follow my daughter’s instructions.”

I blinked.
Lythiriel choked. 

“M-Mother—!!” Lythiriel said in her embarrassment.

Vaelindra looked at her. “Lythiriel. You saw the Oracle’s vision. You know why this is necessary.”

“…I…” She swallowed. “I know.”

Vaelindra nodded. “Good.”
Then she turned to me. “My daughter’s life is tied to the future of this realm. And now, so is yours.”

I was shocked. “…Huh?”

“Protect her.” Vaelindra said. 

Lythiriel’s face went crimson. “M-MOTHER—!!”

Even Amara reacted:

> 『New directive detected: ensure Princess safety. High priority.』

“W-WAIT—Amara, don’t obey—!!” I whispered.

> 『Cannot deny royal safety directive.』

“…Amara, you traitor.”

> 『Accuracy improves survival.』

“STOP SAYING THAT—!!” I yelled.

Lythiriel hid her face in her hands. “Why… why is everything around you ridiculous…”

Then Queen left.
The silence stayed.

Lythiriel finally spoke—quietly. “…Kai.”

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Don’t… disregard what she said.” She said.

I blinked. “Huh?”

She glared.
Eyes pinked with embarrassment.
Voice soft.
Weak.

“…Protecting each other isn’t wrong.”

My heart paused.
Just a little.

“…Yeah.” I smiled. “I know.”

She froze. “W-Why are you smiling like that—!!”

“No reason.” I smiled again.

“STOP!!” She yelled.

Aerin tugged her sleeve. “Princess, you’re red.”

“AREN—!! I AM NOT—!!” She yelled again.

Elorin stood politely somewhere nearby whispering:
“…You are absolutely red.”

Lythiriel shrieked. “I WILL FIRE YOU—!!” 

“GOOD!” She said.

We stared at each other.
Aerin giggled.

New students filed in. Most avoided me. Some didn’t. The first to approach was a girl with sky-blue hair tied into a long braid and sharp, intelligent eyes.

She stood before me, bowed slightly, then said:
“I am Seris Vaelwyn, second-year spirit arts prodigy. Are you really the human anomaly?

”“Probably,” I said.

She squinted. “You look… unimpressive.”

“Thanks. I try.” I replied.

Lythiriel choked.

Seris brightened. “I like him.”

Lythiriel deflated. “…Of course you do.”

Another student swaggered up — tall, broad-shouldered, carrying a halberd like a macho peacock.

“I’m Kaelar Aereth, top of the weapon division,” he announced. “My challenge to you is already written.”

“Uh huh,” I said. “And?”

“And I WILL defeat you.” He said.

“Neat.” I nodded.

He frowned. “Is that all you say?”

I smirked. “When people say dumb stuff, yes.”

Seris snorted.

Lythiriel pinched my arm. “KAI! You need to be polite!”

“No, he doesn’t,” Seris said. “It’s refreshing.”

Kaelar sputtered.

Aerin leaned over and whispered, “Big brother, he’s silly.”

“He’s dangerously silly,” I corrected.

Aerin nodded solemnly.


— Orientation began. Then immediately became a disaster—

Master Virion stepped up to the podium.
“Welcome, new students of the Academy—”

BOOM.

A mana glyph exploded above the stage.
Sparks rained down like glittering threads of death.Students screamed.
Lythiriel pulled Aerin behind her instantly.

“THIS—AGAIN?!” she yelled.

I sighed. “Amara?”

> 『Source: minor sabotage glyph. Not lethal. Likely meant to start panic.』

“Fix it.”

> 『Counteracting.』

A faint electric pulse shot from my fingertips toward the glyph.
It fizzled like a popped bubble.

Master Virion didn’t even flinch.

“…As I was saying.” i said.

Students stared at me.
Seris clapped
.Kaelar growled.
Aerin hugged my sleeve proudly.
Lythiriel rubbed her temples like she was physically aging.


— ACADEMY TRAINING FIELD —

After orientation, Lythiriel marched me, Aerin, and Elorin to the Lunar Training Grounds.

“Kai,” she said sternly, “we are conducting your first official training session.”

“Are you my teacher?” I asked.

“Yes.” She nodded.

My grin slowly grew.

She glared. “STOP SMILING LIKE THAT—!!”

“Princess, I look forward to learning.” I nodded.

“NO YOU DON’T—!!” She shouted.

i smirked. “You don’t know that.”

“I DO—!!” She yelled.

Aerin tugged her cloak. “Princess, I’ll train too!”

Her expression softened immediately. “Yes, Aerin. You’ll join the beginner circle. Elorin will help.”

“And Kai?” he asked.

Lythiriel sighed. “Kai is… special.”

I smirked.

She glared. “NOT in a good way—!! Just… different!”

“…Princess,” I asked, “are you saying I’m gifted?”

“I AM SAYING YOU’RE A MENACE—!!” She yelled.

Aerin giggled.


— TRAINING BEGINS —

Lythiriel unsheathed her sword — a slender whitewood blade wrapped in green runes.

“First,” she said, “combat stance.”

I imitated her pose immediately.

She stared at me. “…That was too fast.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“NO—!! I meant—!! You don’t even know this stance!!” She said.

“I watched your feet.” I replied.

“You— YOU CANNOT JUST COPY FOOTWORK LIKE—” She yelled.

She moved her stance.
I copied.
She flipped her sword.
I copied.
She tried a complex pivot-step-turn-spin-moonlight-arc-movement.
I copied perfectly.

She froze. “…are you certain you’re human?”

I nodded. “Princess, if I were an elf, you’d faint.” 

“I— STOP TALKING—!!” She shouted.

Aerin shouted, “Princess Lythiriel, you’re red again!”

“AREN—!!” She yelled again.

Elorin whispered, “He’s… frighteningly adaptable.”

Lythiriel took a deep breath. “Alright. We will test your lightning technique. Use the beginner version.”

“Beginner?” I asked.

“Yes. DO NOT blow up my training field—!” She said.

“Princess… have faith.” I said.

“I DO NOT—!!” She answered.

“Wow.” I muttered.

“BE SILENT.” She yelled again.


— PERFECTING THUNDER SPIRAL CORE —

I cupped my hand.
Lightning gathered—gentle for once.

Rotating.
Compressing.
Stabilizing.

Lythiriel watched, mouth slightly open. “…You stabilized it. Already?”

I nodded. “Yep.”

“The last time you used it, you nearly vaporized half a forest…” She said.

“I learned!” I replied.

“YOU SHOULD NOT LEARN THIS FAST—!!” She yelled.

Amara chimed in:
> 『Master has improved rotational control by 37%. Mana leakage reduced. Structural stability increased.』

“See?” I said proudly.

Lythiriel massaged her temples again.
“Amara,” she said slowly, “can you please tell him to STOP using half-lethal techniques?!”

> 『Negative.』

Lythiriel’s eye twitched. “…I hate that Authority.”

“I love her,” I grinned.

> 『I accept this.』

Lythiriel groaned into her hands.


— COMEDIC DISASTER (OF COURSE) —

“Alright,” she said weakly. “Release the technique.Gently.”

“I am the gentlest man alive.” I said.

“You are the opposite—!!” She replied.

I aimed at the training target.

Aerin clapped enthusiastically. “DO IT, BIG BROTHER!!!”

Lythiriel panicked. “AERIN— don’t encourage him—!!”

I inhaled.
And released it.

"THUNDER SPIRAL CORE — SOFT RELEASE" I called.

The lightning sphere pulsed like a heartbeat—POOM.

The target exploded into confetti.
Totally harmless.
Perfectly controlled.

Silence.
Then—

Lythiriel’s jaw dropped. “…That was… beautiful.”

“Elves can compliment too,” I teased.

She glared. “It does not count when you gloat—!!”

Aerin leapt at me and hugged my waist. “BIG BROTHER IS THE BEST—!!”

“Damn right.” Lythiriel muttered, “...He will be the death of me.”


— ABYSSAL AGENT POV (FROM THE SHADOWS) —

A masked figure perched in the branches above, watching through a crystal lens.

“The anomaly trains well,” the agent whispered.
“The Princess grows attached. The Queen grows cautious. The Academy grows unstable.”

The crystal in his hand shimmered.

The Abyssal Duke’s voice hissed:
“Prepare the next step.”

The agent bowed. “It will be done.”


— BACK TO KAI —

Training ended with Lythiriel collapsing dramatically onto the grass.

“I am exhausted,” she declared.

“You only corrected my stance.” I said.

“You are exhausting.” She retorted,

I nodded. “I accept that.” 

She threw a stick at me.
It bounced off my forehead.

Aerin gave her a betrayed look. “Princess!”

“He deserved it,” she said flatly.

Aerin considered this. “…Okay.”

Traitor.

Elorin cleared his throat. “Princess… Kai… the Headmaster has summoned you both again.”

Lythiriel groaned. “AGAIN?! Why?!”

“Probably because something else went wrong,” I said.

“Stop being right!” She said,

“Never.” I smlied.


— NIGHTFALL AT THE ACADEMY —

We walked toward the Headmaster’s tower. Aerin walked between us, holding both our hands like we were parents he adopted

.Lythiriel’s cheeks turned pink. “I-I’m only holding his hand because he asked—”

I smirked, “Sure.”

“STOP THAT—!!” She yelled.

Aerin squeezed both our hands. “Big brother… Princess… we’re a team.”

The words hit me harder than they should have

.Lythiriel looked away quickly. “…Yes. A team.”

Her voice was soft.
Fragile.Different.

I squeezed Aerin’s hand back. “Yeah… a team.”

Amara whispered:
> 『Master’s emotional resonance increasing. Adjusting support protocol.』

“Amara, don’t analyze my feelings.”

> 『They are inefficient.』

“RUDE—”

> 『Accurate.』

“…Traitor.”

Lythiriel stared. “Are you fighting with Amara again?!”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“What did she say? She asked.

I sighed. ”“She called my emotions inefficient.”

Lythiriel blinked. Then—

She laughed quietly.
A small, soft, rare sound.

She nodded. “…She’s not wrong.” 

“Princess!!” I said softly.

She smiled—just a little.

We reached the tower.

Something waited inside.
Something political.
Something dangerous.