CHAPTER 215: CHAPTER 215: SHADOWS AND SECRETS

Once everyone was aboard, Daemar had handed each student a small iron key—each engraved with a number. Noel’s had the number 9.

He now wandered through the narrow wooden corridors of the ship’s lower deck, passing door after door. The scent of salt, old varnish, and faint traces of mana filled the air. The hallway wasn’t wide—barely enough for two people to pass without brushing shoulders—and the creaking of the ship added to the quiet atmosphere.

He stopped at the last door on the right.

’Room 9. End of the hall. Fitting.’

Noel slid the key into the lock and turned it with a soft click. The door opened to reveal a modest room, no larger than a storage closet, but it was functional.

A single bed sat against the wall with clean linen sheets. A small desk with a wooden chair stood near the round window, offering a view of the vast, shimmering ocean. Below the bed was a built-in wardrobe, barely large enough for folded clothes. No bathroom in sight.

’Not very spacious, but it’ll do. Got a desk, a bed, and a view. No private bathroom though... I guess I got too used to noble life.’

He dropped his pouch onto the bed and tapped his shadow lightly with the tip of his boot.

"You can come out now, Noir."

A ripple formed at his feet, and Noir emerged from the darkness—her small form jumping up onto the bed. She circled once, then sat neatly, staring at him with her usual silent intensity.

"You like it?" he asked. "This is where we’ll be staying for the next ten days."

Noir tilted her head but didn’t move.

Noel opened his dimensional pouch and began unpacking, setting folded clothes into the narrow wardrobe beneath the bed. There wasn’t much—just enough to last the trip.

He gave the room one last look and exhaled slowly.

"Alright, Noir. I think it’s time we explore this ship. You coming with me?"

"Woof."

He smirked. "Thought so. Stay in your small form."

Just as Noel was about to step out, the door opened on its own—gently, but deliberately. Standing there was Daemar, his violet eyes calm as always, his long silver hair draped over one shoulder.

"Good thing you hadn’t left yet," the professor said, voice smooth and low. "I’d like to speak with you, in private."

Noel blinked once, then nodded.

’Daemar wants to talk? Has something happened I haven’t heard about?’

"Of course. Lead the way."

Daemar turned without another word, and Noel followed him through the narrow hallway. They ascended a short wooden staircase that creaked under their steps, moving to the upper deck where the instructors’ cabins were located.

As soon as they stepped onto the new floor, the difference was obvious. The hallway here was wider, the lighting brighter, and the scent of old wood was masked by something faintly floral—incense, perhaps. A soft magical hum ran along the walls.

Daemar stopped before a large door and opened it without hesitation.

"Come in."

Noel stepped inside and blinked at the size of the room. It was nearly three times the size of his own. A wide bed with fine bedding sat against one wall, a polished desk at the other, and even a private washroom was visible through a half-open sliding door.

’Looks like the professors claimed the luxuries for themselves,’ Noel thought dryly.

He didn’t say anything aloud, just waited patiently as Daemar walked to the center table and gestured to a seat.

"Sit."

Noel obeyed.

"What did you want to talk about, professor?"

"A letter arrived. From Nicolas."

Noel straightened slightly. His eyes sharpened with interest.

’Oh? This might actually be important. Did he finally find something after all this time?’

Daemar reached into a drawer, pulled out a folded envelope, and slid it across the table toward him.

"Here. Read it for yourself."

Noel took the envelope, broke the seal, and unfolded the letter carefully. The paper was thick, the handwriting sharp and deliberate—unmistakably Nicolas von Aldros.

His eyes scanned the lines quickly.

After months of dead ends, we’ve finally uncovered something of value.

For now, Velmora appears to be unrelated. The data suggests Kaelith acted alone, we don’t know if he had some backing or not.

He was responsible for both incidents at the academy.

As for the situation in the Holy Capital, there is still no definitive information.

Given that both Daemar and I will be present during the upcoming tournament, I am temporarily halting the investigation.

We will reassess once the event concludes.

—Nicolas

Noel let out a breath, folding the paper again.

"So the director will be at the tournament... and it looks like they finally found something."

Daemar nodded. "Correct. I assume the old man didn’t want to miss the chance to see his top students in action."

Noel gave a half-smile. "Can’t blame him."

He leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Was that all you called me for, professor? Or is there something else?"

Daemar’s eyes sharpened slightly. He stood from his seat and walked over to the window before speaking.

"There is one more thing."

Daemar turned back from the window, his voice calm but deliberate.

"During the tournament, I want you to hold nothing back."

Noel raised an eyebrow. "That’s it?"

"That’s it," Daemar confirmed. Then, with a faint smirk, he added, "Oh, and... next time, let us know when you’re traveling with a familiar."

Noel blinked. "...You sensed her too?"

"Of course. Nicolas mentioned it the last time you visited him," Daemar said as he walked back toward the table. "To us old men, things like that are difficult to miss. So—what is it exactly?"

Noel gave a subtle nod. "Come out, Noir."

From beneath his chair, the shadow rippled. Noir emerged in her small form and stepped into the light, her dark fur nearly blending into the shadows of the room. She looked up at Daemar silently, head tilted.

The professor’s eyes narrowed with intrigue.

"A shadow wolf... Interesting. You’re lucky. They don’t usually approach people, let alone bond with them."

He studied her a moment longer, then folded his arms.

"Just make sure she behaves. Familiars aren’t forbidden on academy grounds, but they are... watched."

"Understood," Noel said, standing from his chair. "Thanks for the warning—and the letter."

Daemar gave a slight nod. "We’ll be arriving in a few days. Use the time wisely."

Noel walked toward the door, Noir slipping back into his shadow without a sound.

As the door closed behind him, Daemar remained standing, his gaze on the wood for a few seconds longer.

’I hope the boy wins,’ he thought.

’We didn’t tell them about the rewards... We wanted it to be a surprise.’