"Dean X has been away for the past few days, handling some matters. For now, the two of us vice deans are in charge of the academy. Master Reilo, if there's anything you need, just let us know. If it's within our authority, we'll do everything we can to help."
Dija's words were courteous enough, but Reilo shook his head.
"I'm afraid the matters I've come to discuss are beyond the two of you. Hmm... Still, there may be one thing you can take care of for me first."
Frowning slightly under their watchful gazes, Reilo said, "Master An Liya of Alien Spirit Communication and I go back a ways. Whatever offense she may have caused your academy, I'll take her with me to apologize and compensate you for your losses. I ask that you release her."
"Her?"
Dija and Bosi exchanged a brief glance.
"I'm afraid we can't make that decision either," Bosi replied regretfully with a shake of his head.
Oh?
"Would you care to explain?" Reilo asked.
Bosi smiled bitterly. "She injured Vice Dean Susan in a fight with our academy, which enraged Dean X. Dean Susan may not be as powerful as Master Dija, but she's certainly no pushover. That shows how formidable Master An Liya is. Still, she was no match for X. After the dean captured her, she was locked up in the anti-magic seal as punishment."
There was probably more to it than that.
The thing that had unexpectedly erupted from that volcano must have involved some serious secrets.
As for the mysterious Dean X, Reilo had learned a few things through discreet channels, though their accuracy remained questionable. It was said that she was a reclusive grand scholar who had escaped from the Central Orora Empire amid the chaos of war.
Before