Leaving the others behind, Liam made his way toward the administration wing, where he expected the Headmaster, his assistant, Mystica, and Sir Kaelen to pass through before eventually going their separate ways.

'Hopefully I catch her before she disappears for the evening,' Liam thought as he moved through the quiet corridor. 'I need to confirm something before the assessment begins.'

"Nyxie," he called evenly.

In the next instant, the small Nyxarion appeared on his shoulder in a faint puff of shadows.

"Lead the way," Liam said calmly. "Move through the shadows and alert me once you locate Mystica."

Nyxie let out a soft chirp before slipping off his shoulder, dissolving into the shadows along the wall. She moved silently ahead while Liam followed at a steady pace.

It hadn't even been a full minute before a mental signal reached him.

Liam's senses shifted as he linked with Nyxie.

His irises turned a faint blue as his vision aligned with hers.

Through Nyxie's eyes, he spotted Mystica just as she stepped out of the Headmaster's office alongside Sir Kaelen.

They appeared to be in conversation—though it was clear Kaelen had little interest in entertaining it.

"Looks like she's heading my way," Liam muttered quietly, observing their path. "Good work, Nyxie."

With that, he dismissed her, the Nyxarion slipping back into his shadow.

Moments later, from the corridor ahead, Mystica and Sir Kaelen turned the corner and came into view.

"C'mon, Kaelen," Mystica teased as she walked beside him, her tone light and playful. "Don't tell me you're still sulking over that time I refused to help you."

"I already told you," Kaelen replied flatly, not even glancing at her. "I have no interest in discussing it—or in speaking with you about it. So, if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to."

Before Mystica could respond, Kaelen had already veered off, walking down a different corridor without another word.

Mystica watched him leave, a knowing smile forming on her lips.

So Galen still has him avoiding me, she thought, letting out a soft, amused chuckle.

She turned to head the opposite direction—

Only to find Liam leaning casually against a pillar a short distance away.

"Seems you've been waiting," she said as she approached him. "Miss me that much you couldn't help yourself, hm?" she added teasingly.

Liam pushed himself off the pillar as she drew closer and fell into step beside her.

"I wouldn't say I've missed you," he replied calmly. "But I do have something I want to ask."

"That hurts, you know," Mystica said in her usual tone, placing a hand lightly against her chest in mock offense. "To think you only come to me when it benefits you. And here I was, actually missing you."

She let her voice trail off slightly, her expression turning deliberately thoughtful.

"Though… now that I think about it…" she added, tapping her chin lightly. "I can't even remember the last time we spoke properly."

Liam gave her a brief side glance, meeting her gaze just as she returned it with that same mischievous smile.

"Anyway," Mystica continued at last, waving the thought off. "What is it you wanted to ask?"

She tilted her head slightly, her tone softening just enough.

"Go on," she said. "I'm listening, darling."

"It's regarding the assessment," Liam said calmly.

Mystica raised an eyebrow slightly as she looked at him.

"Just so you know," she began casually, "as much as I wouldn't mind letting you in on a few things, I'd prefer not to. It keeps things fair for everyone, you know."

"I know," Liam replied. "I just need you to confirm something for me. That's all."

"Really, sweetie? That's still the same thing," Mystica said with mock disappointment. "But fine… what is it you want to confirm?"

"About the zones each student will be deployed to," Liam said. "It's not actually random like Ms. Greydon claimed, is it?"

Mystica studied him from the corner of her eye as they continued walking, a faint smirk forming on her lips.

"Looks like that brain of yours has already caught on to the Headmaster's intentions, hm?" she said sweetly.

"Well, you just confirmed it for me with that," Liam replied evenly.

"I know," Mystica said with a soft hum. "I figured you'd catch on sooner or later. Thion has had his eyes on you since before the war, after all."

"Yeah, I'm aware," Liam said simply.

"So~ now that you know," Mystica continued, her tone shifting with curiosity, "how do you plan to approach this assessment? Are you going to play into Thion's hands and entertain him… or keep being stubborn and leave him guessing?"

Liam remained silent for a moment before answering.

"Neither," he said calmly. "I'll treat it for what it is. An assessment."

"Oh?~ I see," Mystica murmured, clearly catching on to his intent. "So now you're the one leaving me guessing too, hm?" she teased.

Liam gave a slight shrug as they continued walking.

"By the way… where is Galen?" he asked after a brief pause.

At that, Mystica's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Wow," she said playfully, "look at you being concerned about your uncle's whereabouts. That's adorable. You two really are cute when you try to check up on each other by asking me."

Liam let out a quiet sigh, already regretting bringing it up.

"Well, don't worry," Mystica continued. "Our dear Gally is off doing what only he can do. So there's no need to worry—he's fine."

She paused slightly.

"Hopefully."

Liam's brow lifted faintly.

"What do you mean?" he asked calmly.

"Galen isn't exactly here in Amthar right now," Mystica said. "He hasn't been around since the last time you saw him in Crescent during your hearing."

Liam frowned slightly, his curiosity deepening.

"If he hasn't s been in Amthar this whole time… then where is he?" he asked evenly.

Mystica paused, adopting a thoughtful expression before answering.

"For now, let's just say he's making sure our only problem remains the demons," she said in her usual tone. "Going into details is a conversation for another day."

Liam stayed silent as he processed her words, then looked away slightly.

"Alright… if you say so."

"See? That's why you're my little shadow, darling," Mystica said sweetly. "You're so understanding."

Liam neither responded nor reacted.

Mystica, completely unbothered, let out a soft hum.

"Anyway, I should get going," she said. "I have a meeting with Her Majesty, and I'd rather not be late. I won't hear the end of it."

A portal formed ahead of them, its edges shimmering faintly.

Liam came to a stop as Mystica approached it.

As she reached the threshold, she glanced back at him over her shoulder, lifting a hand in a small wave.

"Bye, darling. See you around."

"My regards to Her Majesty," Liam said calmly, watching her. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Will do," Mystica's voice echoed faintly as she stepped through the portal.

Moments later, it collapsed inward and vanished.

Liam remained standing there for a second, staring at the empty space where it had been. One thought lingered in his mind.

'Making sure our only problem is the demons…'

He turned it over briefly before letting out a quiet scoff and continuing forward.