The next day.
Ian opened his eyes and looked at Vilo beside him.
Red strands of hair lay across her body, lending her a gentle beauty rather than her usual fierceness.
As if sensing his gaze, Vilo opened her eyes and nestled deeper into his arms.
They lingered in each other's warmth a little longer.
Only then did the two slowly get out of bed.
The moment they stepped outside...
"Come to my room!"
Ian looked at the message in his Communication Crystal, then at Vilo beside him. A sense of foreboding immediately rose within him!
Was her father about to give me trouble?
But surely not?
Filled with unease, Ian knocked and entered Horton's room. Horton was seated to one side, while a wizard bound in coils of vines lay nearby.
Ian's pupils widened.
"Teacher, what is this?"
He swallowed slightly as he asked.
"I should be asking you that. Have you offended anyone lately?" Horton raised his head and looked at Ian.
"Me? Offended someone?" Ian remained puzzled.
"Why else would this assassin have sneaked into our school in the middle of the night?" Horton countered.
"Someone sent an assassin to kill me last night!"
Ian was stunned.
Although he had been at the Academy for over a year, he had spent his days training and rarely interacted with outsiders. How could he have offended anyone?
Wait, there was someone.
Ian immediately thought of Harold, the wizard who had tried to buy him off with magic stones and was also his direct rival!
"I think I know who it was!"
Ian spoke.
"Good!"
Horton nodded.
The worst thing in a situation like this was not even knowing who the enemy was. At least they had a lead now.
"What do you plan to do, then?"
Horton continued, curious