Moon City, Nightingale Kingdom.

Modeled after the ancient lands of Feypore, the city served as the home of the four major races of the Southern Federation. Its people lived here in joy and harmony.

Renowned as the Jewel of the South, the city earned its title not merely because it stood as the beautiful capital of the Nightingale Kingdom, the de facto leader of the Southern Federation, but also because it was home to the most prestigious magic academy in all the lands south of the Murky Mountains.

The Clover Academy was the largest center of arcane learning in the Southern Federation. It trained Magi from all four races, offering studies in spellcraft, herbalism, and even artificing.

Its graduates often became leaders, court Magi, and influential figures across the Federation, making the academy both a place of knowledge and political importance.

And the Headmistress of this esteemed institution, Helene Godfrey, was perhaps the most influential figure in the Southern Federation, second only to the King of the Nightingale Kingdom.

On this day, the Headmistress stood at the grand entrance of the main hall in the Clover Academy campus, a warm and gentle smile on her face. At her sides were the professors of the Academy, each one a Mana Liquefaction Magus.

And in front of them stood the newest batch of students, having just passed their entrance examination. These children, all fifteen years of age, wore expressions of excitement, their eyes brimming with eagerness to uncover the mysteries of arcana.

Helene stepped forward, her hands gently clasped behind her back. At once, the lively chatter in the square settled down. All the children looked at the Headmistress with anticipation and unbridled joy.

The Headmistress scanned the faces of all these bright children, her gaze lingering on a few of them who had managed to catch her eye. A few moments later, she finally began:

"Welcome, children, to the great Clover Academy. Today marks the beginning of a journey that will shape not only your lives but also the future of the Federation. Each of you has proven your talent, but talent alone isn't enough…"

She paused as she observed the children, who now wore solemn expressions. A fierce light blazed in their eyes, as though they were ready to prove their worth at once.

Helene displayed a faint smile, then continued in a gentle, motherly voice:

"Here, you will learn discipline, courage, and the weight of responsibility that comes with wielding magic. Remember this, children… magic is not power for its own sake. It is a duty to your people, to your companions, and to the generations who will follow.

"Carry that duty well, and you will do honor to this great institution, to the Southern Federation, and to yourselves. Now, step forward with pride. For today, you are no longer children… you are apprentices of the Clover Academy!"

The children erupted in cheers. The professors, too, couldn't help but applaud. Every year, the Academy welcomed new students, and every year, it was a surreal feeling for them.

Helene stayed with the children some more, then conversed with the faculty members. This time of the year was always busy for them. After all, there was a lot they needed to do to accommodate these children who had come here from all corners of the Federation.

About an hour later, she finally freed herself from the tiresome duties and made her way to the topmost floors of the faculty hall, releasing a weary sigh.

"I'm getting too old for this," she murmured.

After opening the door to her office, she went straight to the wide mahogany table and sank into her seat. From the drawer, she retrieved a pack of tobacco and a pipe. She expertly crushed the tobacco leaves, packed them in the pipe, and finally, she lit the bowl.

She drew in a long and steady inhale, her expression softening as the familiar taste of tobacco spread in her mouth. A few moments later, she exhaled a thick plume of smoke with a satisfied expression.

The smoke lingered in the air, curling upwards towards the ceiling. Yet, strangely enough, it did not dissipate. It remained suspended in the air.

It felt different somehow…

Helene, too, noticed this oddness. Glancing at the smoke lingering beneath the ceiling, she couldn't help but frown.

And right at that moment, a cold voice sounded in her office.

"Hello, old friend."

Helene's pupil shrank. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt her blood run cold. She was a powerful Mana Vortex Magus, arguably the strongest Magus in the Southern Federation, and yet… she was unable to sense this presence inside her own office!

The elderly headmistress slowly turned towards the corner of the room, where a high-back leather sofa sat shrouded in darkness.

Upon it sat a familiar old gnome.

Helene's eyes gradually widened in utter shock. "Berger?!"

The gnome deeply looked at the woman, then offered a faint smile. "How have you been, Helene?"

It took a while for the Headmistress to gather her senses. Moments later, she adjusted comfortably in her chair, her face alight with surprise and joy.

"Where have you been all this time?" She asked. "No, more importantly, when did you return? You could have at least let me know."

Berger remained silent for a moment, then softly sighed. "I arrived only a few hours ago. I didn't wish to disturb you, seeing how you were busy with the induction ceremony."

Helene waved her hand dismissively, "Ah, this is nothing. I could have postponed the ceremony to welcome you back to the city."

There were many questions she wanted to ask. She was very curious about where he had been for all these years. For the better part of a decade, the gnome had simply vanished without telling anyone anything. And now that he had suddenly returned, it was a cause for celebration.

But more than that… there was something else she wanted to speak to him about. Her expression gradually turned grim as she looked at the gnome. Then, she asked in a low voice:

"I don't know where you've been all this while, but... have you heard the news from the Empire?"

Berger intently looked at her, then slowly nodded. "I have."

Helene couldn't help but sigh dejectedly, "Ah, who would have thought… that Adam, of all people, would turn out to be a traitor, and now a fugitive, I might add. And now this news of the Cult of Bones? Oh, goodness arcana, I hardly know where to begin."

Berger leaned forward, his eyes slowly narrowing. His voice turned cold and dreadful.

"How about you begin," he muttered, "by telling me…"

He paused, his following words sounding like thunder in Helene Godfrey's ears.

"...When you joined the Cult of Bones?"

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