That's what I thought at first… but seeing her here at the academy, how did my kind friend—the one who used to fill the place with life—
Turn into a withdrawn girl who built walls between herself and everyone? It was then that I realized—I hadn't moved on from my feelings for her.
Perhaps I also realized how much of a fool I was for abandoning her in her weakest moment, when she needed me more than ever.
But this time… I won't repeat my mistake.
I will help her, no matter the cost.
With the power of the demonic core… and the blood of the wall.
But first, I need to put out the flames consuming my body.
Suddenly, a mechanical voice interrupted my thoughts:
[You are in a restricted area. State your reason for being here.]
I lifted my gaze toward the source of the voice, my eyes falling on the runes engraved on my right arm, now glowing a crimson red. The heat consuming my body made it impossible to think clearly, so I blurted out the first thing that came to mind:
"I'm here to visit my childhood friend… Anna Earth."
[Requesting approval from Rank 10, First Year, Anna Earth.]
[Approval granted. Rank 243, First Year, Zeon Earth, permitted entry.]
[You have been granted access to the Elite Tower.]
I watched in silence as the runes on my hand returned to their usual blue hue. I didn't waste time thinking—I simply stepped forward, where Anna awaited me.
---
Some distance away, Daron observed the scene. A creeping sense of danger settled in his chest as he watched Zeon step into the tower, his face devoid of expression.
"How do we get in?"
Solair's voice was unusually serious, weighed down by the same concern filling Daron. Seeing Zeon like this was not a good sign… not at all.
Daron sighed, trying to maintain his composure.
"We don't have to do anything. We'll inform the professors that we suspect Zeon has lost control—they'll handle the rest."
That was the logical choice, but Solair's instincts told him it would lead to disaster. He didn't know why, but something inside him warned that leaving Zeon alone would be a terrible mistake.
"We can't just leave him. The professors might arrive too late."
Daron felt a headache coming on, as if his body refused to deal with this situation.
"And what exactly do you expect us to do? Zeon just entered the Elite Tower, where the strongest students in the academy reside. If he's capable of threatening them, what do you think the weakest two students in the year can possibly do?"
But Solair ignored him. His burning golden eyes locked onto Daron's, like twin suns radiating unwavering determination.
"Daron, do you have a way to enter the Elite Tower?"
Daron tensed, avoiding eye contact.
"Why would you think I have a way in?"
Solair's expression didn't waver—he looked like a soldier ready for a suicide mission.
"Because I know you. If you didn't have a way, you would've used that as an excuse instead of focusing on how impossible the situation is to change."
Daron cursed internally. Solair was right, but he refused to give in so easily.
"Even if we got inside, what then? It won't change anything."
But Solair answered without hesitation, his voice carrying an unshakable certainty:
"It doesn't matter whether we succeed or not. What matters is that we try. Standing by and doing nothing changes nothing, but stepping in—even if it doesn't have much of an effect—at least creates a small chance for change."
Daron stared at Solair, then let out a long sigh, conceding. He could have said "no." He could have walked away from this madness. But doing so would mean losing his only friend in the academy. And those eyes—
They reminded him of an old friend.
"Fine, you win."
He lifted his head to face the tower's gate, then spoke in a firm voice:
"I am Daron Earth, Rank 1999, and with me is Solair, Rank 2000, First Year. We request an audience with Victor Stormflame, Rank 2."
[Awaiting Victor Stormflame's approval…]
[Approval granted.]
---
And regarding your absence, that makes complete sense! A broken phone is a solid reason. But it's great that you'll be getting a new one soon—it'll definitely make things easier.
As for the chapter length, if it feels right to you, then that's what matters. Sometimes, a short and impactful chapter is the best choice.