"In shadows, we shape the light."
Perspective: Elira Virelle – The Crown's Right Hand
The library tower was silent at midnight.
Elira stood atop its balcony, wind brushing her silver hair as she stared down at the sleeping Academy grounds. The Crown Crest on her neck pulsed once.
"All clear. No astral surveillance," she whispered into the telepathic link.
"Acknowledged."
Kieran's voice came through, smooth and reassuring. She smiled faintly.
Around her, thin lines of mana hovered—Mana Thread Sight active. She could see the flow of ambient magic and disturbances. And there was something satisfying about knowing no one could see her working behind the scenes, keeping the entire campus under subtle watch.
Behind her, a shimmer of mana signaled the arrival of Sylvie.
"Sector Five secured. Dropped listening pearls in the main staff building," Sylvie said, stretching. "Also… Professor Telan snores really loud."
Elira snorted softly.
"Of course you noted that."
"I like patterns," Sylvie replied innocently.
Perspective: Rhea Ashclaw – The Fist of the Crown
Deep in the underground practice field behind the old smithy, Rhea was teaching three new orphans they'd rescued earlier that week.
The three were nervous, awkward girls—a sickly beastkin mouse girl, a runaway noble daughter with latent lightning magic, and a mute dwarf.
"Alright, first rule of Crown training: you bleed, cry, and scream here—not out there."
Rhea cracked her knuckles, tail flicking.
"Second rule: anyone gives you crap, break their jaw. Then come tell me."
The mute dwarf raised her hand.
"Yes?"
The girl pointed to Rhea's stew pot bubbling in the corner.
"That? Oh, that's beef stew. You pass today, you get a bowl. You fail…"She grinned."You watch me eat it."
Perspective: Talia Gearwright – The Workshop Queen
Smoke, grease, and enchantment runes lit the underground forge.
Talia was halfway inside a miniature golem suit, muttering to herself as she adjusted a gear-nozzle firing mana bolts.
"No, no, the runic inverter goes after the capacitor, you brainless clump of iron—ah!"
A small explosion of soot hit her face.
Yui watched from the shadows.
"Didn't you say this was going to fly last time?"
"It did! Straight into a wall. Progress!"
Nearby, Mira was carefully painting runes on a shield while sipping tea.
"Talia… would you like me to shield you from yourself?" she asked softly.
"Rude! …Maybe."
Perspective: Yui Nocthollow – Silent Blade of the Crown
Later that night, Yui moved like a shadow through the noble quarters.
Her target: A corrupt merchant's son smuggling dangerous beast cores through the school's underground market.
She didn't need to kill him. Just leave a message.
She appeared beside his bed, her cloak of shadows wrapping her in silence.
She whispered one sentence into his dream.
"The Crown watches."
When he awoke the next day, screaming and covered in cold sweat, there was no trace of her.
Perspective: Luma Peony – Light in the Dark
Back at the hidden base, Luma was arranging tea and snacks for new recruits.
"It's important that people feel welcomed," she told Kai, who was sharpening her claws.
"They need to be strong."
"They also need hugs."
"...Fine. Hug punch?"
"...Progress!" Luma beamed.
Final Thoughts
From the whispers of stolen secrets to the quiet rescue of forgotten souls, the Hidden Crown had begun its slow rise—one step at a time, never seen, but always present.
And at the center of it, a silent faith held them all together.
Their Supreme.
Kieran.
"We'll crown the forgotten," Elira whispered, watching the stars."One by one, until the world kneels."