CHAPTER 18: FACULTY MEETING

I sat there for a while, fingers still clenched around the monocle.

Puppet magic. Mana sealing. And now forced silence?

It wasn’t just excessive—it was overkill.

Whoever was controlling Cassandra wasn’t just making sure she followed orders. They were shutting her down completely, layer by layer, as if afraid she might slip up and reveal something.

Which meant she had something to reveal.

I exhaled, putting the monocle back into my pocket. Thinking too hard about this wouldn’t help. If I wanted answers, I had to approach this carefully.

For now, I had to act normal.

With that in mind, I got up, stretched, and grabbed my coat. Noctis Ardentis Academy wasn’t the kind of place where staying late alone was a good idea—especially when you were someone like me.

As I stepped out into the hall, the cold evening air greeted me. Most of the students had already cleared out, save for a few lingering in the corridors.

I didn’t pay them much attention.

"Professor Drelmont." I heard a voice calling out my name, when I looked back I saw a man wearing dark greyish clothes.

He was an older man, his face lined with the kind of exhaustion that came from dealing with students for too many years. His uniform marked him as faculty, but I didn’t recognize him immediately.

"Yes?" I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

"The headmaster has called for a faculty meeting. Effective immediately."

I raised an eyebrow. "Effective immediately? That’s sudden."

He shrugged. "I don’t make the rules. I just deliver the message."

I glanced around the hallway. Most students had already left for the evening, but a few lingered near the stairwells, chatting quietly. Whatever this was about, it wasn’t common knowledge yet.

That meant it wasn’t good.

I sighed. "Alright. Lead the way."

The man gave a curt nod before turning on his heel, I followed.

We walked in silence, the dimly lit halls stretching ahead like a maze. The faculty wing wasn’t far, but the atmosphere felt heavier with each step.

A sudden meeting at this hour? It reeked of trouble.

When we reached the meeting hall, the doors were already open. Inside, a long table sat at the center, surrounded by professors, most of whom looked just as confused as I felt. Some whispered among themselves, while others sat with arms crossed, waiting.

Professor Alexander Gale muttered something onto Victor’s ears while looking at me. Then a grin formed on both of their face.

I ignored them, stepping further into the room. Picking a seat at the far end of the table, I leaned back, feigning disinterest.

The air in the hall was thick with tension. Even the more composed faculty members looked uneasy. Whatever this meeting was about, it wasn’t just a routine announcement.

Before anyone could start their usual bickering, Headmaster Augustus Evercrest strode in.

The murmurs died instantly.

Evercrest’s presence had that effect—cold, commanding, and absolute. His silver hair was tied back neatly, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room like a blade.

"It is that time of the year, to conduct the yearly outdoor survival camp for first year students."

A pause followed his words.

Some of the professors relaxed slightly, as if expecting something worse. Others remained rigid, sensing there was more to this than just a routine announcement.

The first years survival camp, It was supposed to be a test of endurance, teamwork, and resourcefulness—a way to weed out the weak and push the strong even further. But I knew better.

In Sword of Radiance, the survival camp wasn’t just a regular event. It was the first domino in a long line of disasters.

Some students would get injured. Some would break mentally. A few... wouldn’t make it back at all. And many players quit because of this damned survival camp.

"This year," the headmaster continued, "the location will be different. We will be moving beyond the academy’s usual training grounds and into the lower regions of the Black Stone mountain."

The room fell into a momentary silence. Then, just as expected, the protests began.

"Headmaster, isn’t that excessive?"

"The Black Stone mountain? Those lower regions aren’t stable—"

"Surely we should reconsider—"

Evercrest raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "I understand your concerns. However, this decision has already been finalized." His voice was unwavering. "The academy must push its students beyond their limits. We cannot afford to coddle them."

Coddle them? That was rich coming from him.

Black Stone Mountain wasn’t just any rough terrain. It was known for its unpredictable weather and dangerous Creatures.

I tapped a finger against the table, keeping my expression neutral.

"Additionally," Evercrest continued, "I expect all faculty members to contribute. Some of you will be overseeing the training directly, while others will remain on standby in case of emergencies."

I felt eyes flicker toward me.

Ah. Of course.

I already knew what was coming.

"Professor Drelmont," Evercrest said, confirming my suspicions, "you will be leading your class c students."

I barely stopped myself from sighing. "Understood."

There was no point in arguing—Even if I argue nothing would change.

Victor leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. "A survival camp, huh? I wonder how many of your students will make it back in one piece."

Alexander chuckled. "Class C, wasn’t it? The ones that require ’special guidance’?"

I didn’t react. They were baiting me, as usual.

Instead, I folded my arms. "What about the other classes?"

Evercrest’s gaze didn’t waver. "Each class will have its own designated instructor. However, the conditions will be the same for all."

So, this wasn’t just about me. Every instructor would be responsible for their students. That didn’t make things any better, though—especially since Class C had some... difficult personalities.

Evercrest straightened. "The camp begins in three days. You are all dismissed."

The meeting broke apart quickly, with professors standing and muttering amongst themselves. Some looked relieved, others wary.

I stood as well, but before I could leave, a voice stopped me.

"Professor Drelmont."

I turned and saw Roderick and Gregor standing near the exit, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

Roderick crossed his arms. "You’re taking this awfully well."

I shrugged. "No point in complaining. It won’t change anything."

Gregor let out a low chuckle. "Smart. But you do realize this camp is going to be a nightmare, right?"

Oh, I was very aware.

Before I could answer, Roderick leaned in slightly. "Lucian, listen... The Black Stone Mountain isn’t just rough terrain. There are things there that don’t show up on academy reports."

I narrowed my eyes. "You’re saying Headmaster is hiding something?"

Gregor’s usual smirk faded. "We’re saying be careful."

That wasn’t reassuring.

Roderick patted my shoulder before walking past me. "Three days. Get your students ready."

Gregor followed, and I was left standing there, watching them go.

Three days.

Three days to prepare Class C for something that could get them killed.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

This survival camp... It was going to be a pain in the ass.