Warmth filled his lungs as Benneth crashed through the door of his old office. He exhaled with pride, an un-wipeable smirk on his face. He sauntered over to his oversized black-leather chair—far too big for his smaller frame—and sank into it with a sigh.

  He pulled a stack of paperwork toward him and fired up his computer. The holographic display flickered to life, presenting two empty boxes: and He lingered on the sight for a moment, then touched the iris scanner to sign in. Once the retinal scan confirmed, he leaned back and got to work.

  Nearly an hour passed into the morning of his first day as Director when his communicator lit up with a notification. He reached for it—but a knock at the door interrupted him.

  “Hm?” he grunted. “Yes. Come in.”

  A woman stepped inside, hugging a stack of textbooks against her chest. She adjusted her glasses, the soft gray of her professor’s robes marking her as faculty of Kormadyne.

  “Ah! Professor Leslie. Come in. Are those the books I ordered?”

  “Yes, Director,” she said shyly, moving up to the desk.

  Benneth waved a hand through the holographic display, dismissing the screen so she could set the books down with a soft

  “I made sure to grab everything— the and ”

  “That’s good,” Benneth replied with an approving nod. “Are you prepared?” he asked, resting a hand over his lips.

  “O-oh! Yes, sir! I most definitely am!” she said with a nervous chuckle.

  “Good. That’s good to hear. I’m sure you’ll do excellent. If you need anything, you know my office location and hours.” He chuckled softly.

  “Yes, sir! I most definitely will!” she replied, still nervous. She bowed politely and started toward the door—but slowed just before leaving.

  “Sir…?” she said quietly, still facing away.

  “Hm?” Benneth replied, one brow lifting.

  “A–are you… alright?”

  “Ho? Why wouldn’t I be?” Benneth snapped back, his shoulders tightening.

  “It’s just… your constant interactions with the Grand Army. It might, um… give the academy the wrong idea, and—”

  “What? Such insanity!” Benneth barked, sitting upright. “I’d never— in a million years—allow those Grand Army fools to interfere with the running of this fine academy! How… how

  you assume I’d ever do such a thing!”

  “N-no!” she whimpered, spinning around with both hands raised defensively. “I-it just

  like that! I’m not making accusations! You’re Director Rem Benneth—the man who stood up to a terrorist organization to defend a Kormadyne student! Y-you’re practically a hero to us faculty members! I just don’t want that image of yours to be ruined!”

  “Ha! Such a delicate perspective from a delicate individual over a man with a delicate presence,” Benneth declared with a proud puff of his chest. “Pay no mind! I assure you, my students always come first—before any of their political witching games, Leslie!”

  “Y-yes, sir! Absolutely!”

  “Hmph! Now go make yourself some tea—or whatever it is that soothes you—and prepare for your class. I want to hear from the students how wonderful their new Magical Elements professor is!”

  “Y-yes, sir! I will, sir! Please excuse me, sir!” she stammered, bowing once more before promptly exiting the office.

  Benneth waited a few moments after Leslie left—just to be sure she was gone—then sagged in his chair, exhaling like a man surviving Armageddon. He snatched up his communicator, cleared his throat, and instantly straightened.

  he said with a bright grin.

  #

  Rin sank back onto the bench with an exhale of relief. Chippy, to her left and pressed against the wall, rubbed her face on the tabletop. Eddie just stared at them like they’d lost their minds.

  “It’s just a table. It’s just a bench seat,” he said.

  “It’s not just any table or bench seat!” Chippy muttered without lifting her head. “It’s… it’s

  table!” She sniffled.

  Eddie groaned at the drama and then looked at Rin. She shrugged with a quiet giggle.

  “All right, all right. Anyway — just because it’s our first day doesn’t mean we can take it easy!” Eddie said, smiling, then slammed a stack of books onto the table. Both girls flinched. “We still have a mystery to solve. Remember?”

  “What?” Chippy squinted at the books. “Like, why is Eddie insistent on being the buzzkill at every possible moment?”

  “Ha—very funny. I’m gonna kill you one of these days,” Eddie deadpanned.

  Rin giggled, more nervously this time.

  “W-well… if I may, what was the mystery exactly?” she asked.

  “Are you serious, Rin? You too?” Eddie sighed, already exasperated. “It’s about — that skeleton thing Chippy drags around all the time!”

  “Ooohhhhhhhh!” Both girls sang in unison.

  Eddie rolled his eyes.

  “As far as I’ve gotten, I keep bouncing between summoning and necromancy,” Eddie said, rubbing his temples. “But they always end up contradicting each other—circles within circles.”

  “Riiiin!” Chippy groaned, tugging at Rin’s sleeve. “It’s not even ten in the morning and Eddie’s already using big words.”

  Rin chuckled nervously at her before leaning closer to Eddie. “Well… have you figured out what actually causes him to come out?”

  “Not really. My best guess? It works like a ”

  “Magical domains?” Rin asked.

  “Yeah—conditional magic fields that grant buffs or debuff based on how you set them up. In short, Ra probably needs a very specific condition to appear.”

  Rin’s brain buzzed, but she tried to follow. “S-so… magical domains need special conditions to emerge?”

  “What? No!” Eddie blinked, catching her confusion. “Ra needs a condition. Domains are completely different things!”

  “Oh! Right. I knew that.”

  “Uh-huh.” Eddie smirked. “Anyway, once we figure out what triggers him, we can use him to—”

  “Wait a minute!” Chippy cut in. “He’s still ? I thought he—”

  Eddie shrugged. “Dunno. Both necromancy and summoning say those beings can be destroyed but not permanently eliminated. So, yeah, I’m guessing he can come back.”

  “Oh… that’s a relief.” Chippy smiled faintly at the memory of Ra.

  “Well, we’ve seen him twice now. Is there anything similar about those times?” Rin asked.

  Eddie froze, then grinned. “Rin—you’re right!”

  Rin smiled, finally feeling like she was helping.

  “He appeared once in that alley, right before those men attacked us… and again as soon as—” Eddie stopped. He caught Rin’s expression—the smile gone.

  “Oh yeah!” Chippy jumped in. “Right when that dorky clown guy decided to fight back! Dorky clown guy… Rin’s pretend dad? Girl, you need better taste in dads. He nearly us all!”

  “Chip-py,” Eddie hissed through clenched teeth.

  “What?” she asked innocently, then noticed Rin’s face. “Oh… my bad.”

  Rin exhaled slowly into her palms and sniffled.

  Chippy immediately slung an arm around her shoulders. “Heeey, relax! It’ll be okay! You’ve got Vix now, right? You’re a Nepton! Elite family, elite girl—just like me!”

  “He’s not really my father,” Rin said quietly.

  “Oh… well, my brother’s like a dad to me! Maybe he can take you under wing?”

  “I don’t want a dad.”

  “Oh… well, maybe what you need is a—”

  “Children! Attention in the courtyard!” House Master Vannesa’s voice rang through the hall. She flicked her wand; the door opened as trails of sparkling purple glitter spiraled outward, guiding the residents.

  Rin rubbed her eyes and followed, Chippy at her back and Eddie at her side.

  The rain had finally stopped, but the clouds still clung to the morning sky—soft, gray, and heavy with the promise of more. The courtyard glistened from the earlier downpour, the puddles catching the faint reflections of the floating academy’s crystal spires above.

  Students from every House gathered in the open square, robes swishing, shoes splashing lightly on the wet stone. Streams of violet glitter still danced faintly along the paths, fading as they reached the gathering crowd.

  Rin stood among them, her eyes flicking up to the towers that pierced the low clouds. The air smelled clean, like metal and rainwater. Chippy was fussing with her hair while Eddie stood tall.

  “Man, what do you think this is about?” Chippy mumbled.

  Before Eddie could reply, footsteps echoed throughout the court yard as they rose up from the stage in front of them. From the mist stepped House Master Vannesa, tall and elegant in her black dress trimmed with faint silver runes that shimmered as she moved. Her presence alone hushed the courtyard. She climbed the steps to the raised podium, her wand tapping once against the crystal railing—amplifying her voice across the floating campus.

  “Good morning, my dear students.” Her tone was smooth but carried enough authority to still the restless whispers. “I trust your journey back to Kormadyne has been… adequately dry?” A few nervous laughs rippled through the crowd. Vannesa smiled faintly.

  “Welcome back to our great Academy—anchored this year above the ever-vibrant city of Chicago. As you can see, the view has changed… but the expectations have not.”

  Her gaze swept the rows of students like a calm tide. “Your studies remain as rigorous as ever. However, to mark this new chapter in Kormadyne’s history, the faculty and Board have approved a new annual tradition—one that will test not only your magical aptitude, but your teamwork, creativity, and adaptability.”

  She paused, letting the wind play with the edges of her dark hair. The murmurs began again—curious, excited, cautious.

  “Allow me,” Vannesa continued, “to introduce this year’s grand event… the

  The moment the words left her lips, the courtyard erupted in murmurs. Excitement. Confusion. Panic.

  Vannesa waited. She simply folded her hands, patient as rain. When the chatter finally died, she smiled.

  “I see your enthusiasm remains intact,” she said lightly. “Allow me to clarify before you all combust with speculation.”

  She flicked her wand. A grand magical purple smoke display shimmered above the courtyard—an array of moving lights forming loops, turns, and luminous trails across the cloudy sky. The outline of a racecourse glowed in violet and gold.

  “This year, Kormadyne will host a new inter-House tradition—a series of nine official races spanning the entire academic calendar. Each race will challenge two representatives from every House, selected from each age group ”

  The projection rippled, displaying students grouped by colored House emblems, each paired beside sleek, glowing vehicles of varying shapes.

  “The second-years, known as

  and each rank above them—up to our graduating —will participate. The rules are simple. You race. You survive. You ”

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Nervous laughter followed, but Vannesa’s tone carried an unmistakable gleam of amusement.

  “These events will take place on winding, unpredictable courses—each crafted to test your reflexes, teamwork, and decision-making. The first course, our opening Grand Prix, is a gentle introduction by Kormadyne standards.” She gestured again, and the projection she had casted and zoomed in on the course: bridges twisting over waterfalls of light, sharp turns winding through midair rings.

  “You will pilot specialized EMVs—your These range from hoverbikes and boards to prototype designs developed by our top engineering students. Each track will consist of three laps.”

  She paused, her gaze sharp enough to pierce the back row.

  “And before any of you consider cheating—no, you may not use personal magic. The only spells permitted are conditional power-ups scattered across the course. You may use them to hinder your opponents, protect yourselves, or gain an edge. The rest will depend on your skill and nerve.”

  Murmurs rose again—some thrilled, others terrified.

  “Remember,” she added, voice carrying over the rain-damp wind, “the Grand Prix are not about destruction or glory. They are about control. Restraint. Discipline.”

  A faint smile crossed her lips. “But, of course… a little style never hurts.” Hinting at her competitive edge.

  The projected purple display dissolved into a shimmer of sparks that floated gently down upon the crowd.

  “Your first race will take place four weeks from today. Each House Master will begin selecting their candidates immediately. Dismissed!”

  The courtyard broke into chaos—cheers, chatter, and the low hum of excitement.

  Rin looked to Eddie and Chippy, wide-eyed.

  Chippy was practically vibrating. “Did she say ”

  Eddie slouched over. “We’re doomed.”

  “What? No, we’re I know a ton about hoverbike Gears,” Chippy said, smirking as she rubbed her hands together. “I’m signing up to be a racer.”

  “What?!” Eddie shot upright, eyes wide. Rin blinked at Chippy, equally confused.

  “Chippy, do you have

  idea what you’re talking about? Signing up for this… thing is totally insane! Y-you need reflexes that could keep up with your brother’s! Some of the most elite Enforcers at How the heck would you ever be able to do that?!”

  “Oh, pft! Please!” Chippy waved him off. “I’ve been playing with Gears since I was six! My brothers bought me this cute little buggy drifter, and they’d take me to the ”

  “ You practiced on one of the hardest tracks in the ” Eddie nearly shrieked.

  “Mhmm!” Chippy hummed, completely casual.

  “I think that’s awesome, Chippy! You should totally enter the race!” Rin said with a smile.

  “See? Now a supportive friend.”

  “Rin! Don’t encourage her!” Eddie groaned.

  “Hey, guys. Have this.”

  A tall boy approached from behind Eddie, smiling politely as he handed each of them a medium-thick handbook before moving on to distribute the rest.

  Eddie looked down at his copy. “Oh… it’s the rules, regulations, and explanations for the Grand Prix.”

  Chippy immediately dropped hers into Eddie’s hands. “Oh wow! That’s totally up your alley!”

  Eddie’s eyes twitched with silent annoyance. Rin kept hers to herself, quietly amused.

  #

  Later that day, the trio reunited at their usual table.

  Eddie flipped through the pages while Chippy munched on chocolate-covered wafer sticks, occasionally sharing one with Rin, who was also reading the handbook.

  “This is crazy,” Rin said, nibbling thoughtfully. “Two racers from every grade year, competing against all the other Houses grades at the same time? That’s… a lot of racers.”

  “That’s fifty-six, Rin,” Eddie said flatly.

  “Right. Fifty-six!” she echoed, pretending she’d known that.

  “When do I get to bring my Gear?” Chippy asked, admiring her nails.

  “Well, once you enter and get accepted as the Freshman representative for South House,” Eddie explained, “you’ll get garage privileges at the Colosseum.”

  “They a garage there? I thought that place was strictly for dueling!” Chippy asked.

  “Well, this is the first year they’ve hosted the Grand Prix. Maybe they just converted the space.”

  Chippy shrugged. “I just hope they let me tune it myself.”

  “Huh. You really

  know your way around Gears,” Eddie admitted.

  “” Chippy smirked.

  Rin looked up from her book. “Eddie? What’s a… ” she said, stumbling through the pronunciation.

  “ Oh—you mean That’s a city in South Korea.”

  “What’s a South Korea?” Rin asked innocently.

  “Oh, er—it’s an Asian country. Remind me to teach you about the globe one day.”

  “Yup. Definitely need that,” Rin said, flipping another page. “So… we’re racing all the way from here to Seoul? How far even that?”

  “Uhh… remember how long it took to get from France to New York?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah—longer than that.”

  “What?!” Rin squeaked softly, eyes wide.

  “Well, halfway through the year, we’ll be anchoring in Seoul. Since each of the nine races happens while the academy’s moving, it all adds up.”

  “So coooool.” Chippy giggled maniacally. “Heheheheh.”

  “Oh, check this out,” Eddie said, flipping a page. “We already know that hoverboards, hoverbikes, and buggies are allowed on the track—but there are

  this year: EX-Airships, Wheels, EX-Yachts, and Skates.”

  Rin perked up, stood, and rounded the table to peer over his shoulder. She leaned close, carefully flipping a few pages herself so he wouldn’t lose his place.

  “Whoa… how do you even ride those things?” she asked, eyes wide at the holographic illustrations.

  Eddie shrugged. “No idea. Guess we’ll find out once we get into the garage. Someone’s bound to be testing them—we can ask around.”

  “Cool…” Rin mumbled, far more fascinated than she expected to be.

  “Well,” Eddie said with a smirk, “that’s Chippy even gets accepted.”

  Chippy froze mid-bite and nearly choked. “What? What do you mean I get accepted?! Of course I’m getting accepted! Why wouldn’t I get accepted?!” Her face flushed bright red.

  “Well,” Eddie began, entirely too calm, “if there are more than two applicants per grade year, they hold trials to see who’s the best fit. It’s kind of a big deal—they’ll be racing all year, after all.”

  Chippy stared at him blankly, eyes wide. She blinked once.

  “I gotta go.”

  Without another word, she abandoned her snacks and bolted for the door.

  “Chippy? Wait up! Where are you going?” Rin called after her, but she didn’t answer. In an instant, she was gone.

  Rin and Eddie exchanged worried glances before abandoning their table and rushing after her.

  Outside, they spotted Chippy already mid-conversation with House Master Vannesa. The woman’s tall, elegant figure stood composed as always, while Chippy grinned ear to ear, bouncing slightly on her heels.

  By the time Vannesa dismissed her back into the South House lobby, Rin and Eddie had caught up.

  “What just happened?” Rin asked breathlessly.

  “Hehe~ guess who just secured a spot as one of the for South House?” Chippy sang, hands on her hips.

  Rin and Eddie blinked. “Seriously? Just like that?” they said in unison.

  “Mhmm! Just like that! The ol’ always works!”

  “Pretty sure you just made that up,” Eddie muttered, scratching the back of his head.

  “That’s amazing, Chippy!” Rin said, her eyes bright. “I was sure you’d have to go through a trial. I’m so glad you’re one of the racers!”

  “Mhmm! Oh—wait, right. Forgot to mention.” She clasped her hands behind her back innocently. “Do want to come race with me?”

  Rin and Eddie looked at each other again.

  “What? No way! I totally can’t! I’ve never even one! And Rin was practically born yesterday, in case you’ve forgotten.”

  “Hey! I’m knowledgeable enough to understand that was mean!” Rin pouted, puffing her cheeks.

  “Sorry! But my point still stands,” Eddie said quickly. “Wait… why are you asking?”

  “Oh, right,” Chippy said, as if she’d remembered mid-thought. “It’s because no one else has applied yet. I was the ”

  “” Eddie shouted loud enough for half the lobby to turn their heads. Then, lowering his voice, he muttered, “What do you mean you were the first one? Has seriously bothered to apply? If no one does… we won’t even be allowed to enter the race!”

  “Yeahhhh… need someone else…” Chippy echoed with a lazy nod.

  “Dang it!” Eddie groaned.

  “…I could learn?” Rin said softly, raising her hand.

  “Really?! You’ll come practice on mine?!” Chippy gasped, clasping Rin’s hands tightly as her eyes practically sparkled.

  “S-sure! If you can do it, that means you can teach me, right? You rode in that Pancake thing? I kinda want pancakes now…” Rin admitted, her voice fading shyly at the end.

  “Yes! Absolutely! I will teach you!!!” Chippy squealed before releasing Rin’s hands. She pulled out her communicator and eagerly scrolled through her gallery. “Look! This is Pretty cool, right?”

  Rin took the communicator, eyes wide in admiration. “Whoa… it’s so pretty…”

  The image showed a sleek pink hoverbike lined with green lights and yellow stripes, the metallic paint shimmering under sunlight.

  “This baby can do two hundred ninety-three kilometers per hour! Pretty sick, right? I’ve pushed it to the max on the Pancake Sprint with my brother!”

  “T-two hundred ninety-three kilometers per hour? Holy heck, that’s so fast! And you that speed up?!” Eddie blurted, whipping his head toward her.

  “Mhmm! You kinda have to maintain that speed the whole time. Hesitate for even a second and you can kiss gold goodbye!”

  “…That makes sense,” Eddie admitted, his pride a little wounded. “Alright. Since you’re confirmed as a racer, I’ll be your coach!”

  “Coach? Why would I need a coach? You just said you don’t know how to ride one of these things.”

  Eddie facepalmed. “No, Chippy. Even racers need coaches! You and your partner will be on the track, but someone has to manage the pit crew and call strategy through the headsets. I can be your eyes from the garage.”

  “Ohhh. That makes sense.” Chippy nodded sagely, finding the rest of her treats at their table and popping one back into her mouth.

  “If I apply as a racer, you’ll be my coach too, right, Eddie?” Rin asked with a hopeful smile.

  Eddie sighed but nodded. “Mhmm.”

  “Alright. My mind’s made up. Be right back!” Rin announced—and dashed out of the lobby before either of them could stop her.

  “Where is she—wait. No way. She’s not applying is she?!” Eddie said, panic creeping into his voice.

  Chippy only shrugged.

  A short while later, Rin skipped back into the lobby, practically glowing. “Guess what? I’m your partner, Chippy!”

  “AWESOME!!!” Chippy squealed, grabbing Rin into a hug.

  “That’s a

  idea!” Eddie cried. “You don’t know the about riding one of these things, Rin!”

  “I’ll learn!” Rin declared.

  “What the heck! Not that fast! Seriously—what’s gotten into you?!” Eddie exclaimed. “Old Rin would’ve ”

  “Hey! Maybe she doesn’t

  old Rin!” Chippy shot back, stepping in front of Rin. “Maybe the

  Rin is this brave! Got a problem with that, bub?!” She jabbed a finger into Eddie’s chest.

  “Hey! Chippy! Knock that off!” Eddie snapped, swatting her hand away.

  The back-and-forth made Rin smile—and then laugh. A genuine, warm laugh she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  “I really missed you guys…” she said softly between giggles.

  Eddie and Chippy paused, exchanged a look, then joined her laughter.

  “Yeah,” Eddie said with a grin. “So glad we’re back.”

  #

  A knock echoed through Benneth’s office door. It was late; the window behind him was pitch-black, and he sat hunched over his desk in a sorry, disheveled state.

  “C–come in!” he wheezed.

  The door creaked open to reveal a man with white hair, dressed entirely in black—black dress shirt, black gloves, the works.

  “Director,” the man greeted softly, a gentle smile on his face.

  “Ah! Oh—it's just you, boy. Come take a seat,” Benneth said, jumping slightly before relaxing when he recognized the visitor.

  “Actually… is it alright if I stand?”

  “No. No, it’s not. Just take a damn seat.”

  The man laughed quietly but remained standing, hands folded neatly behind his back. “Glad to see you too?”

  “Bah! You shouldn’t even be here, boy. There are spreading.”

  “Rumors?” the man asked mildly. “I’m not here on Grand Army business. I’m merely Rin’s guardian—meeting with the Director over certain concerns.”

  “I wish it were that simple,” Benneth muttered. He rubbed his temples. “Did you hear anything about Vandergrift stepping up for Cannus’s role?”

  Vix’s brow lifted. “Uh… yes. That’s actually why I came to talk to you. Did the Captain fill you in?”

  “Yes, he did. That bastard wants to host a among the students—and Jay actually approved!”

  “Yeah, I heard. That’s… insanity.”

  “I spent all day trying to veto it.”

  “By the look on your face,” The man said, squinting, “I assume that didn’t work?”

  “ Vix. I tried to at least delay it.”

  “That didn’t work either, huh?”

  “No. The Grand Prix is a go.” Benneth sighed, defeated. “But there’s still hope. Seems like the Captain is also running for the same spot.”

  Vix blinked. “D–did I hear that right? Alphonse Vandergrift Yaxon Staffire are both stepping up to replace Cannus as Director?”

  “That’s why I look the way I do…” Benneth grumbled, slamming a stack of papers onto his desk.

  Vix stepped closer, picking them up and scanning through the pages.

  “I’ll admit,” he said after a moment, “Yaxon’s involvement surprises me.”

  “Right? Especially since—no disrespect to him—he practically called off the entirety of last year! Doesn’t exactly help his case.”

  Vix let out a nervous chuckle. “You’re right there. I’ve got no idea what he’s trying to do here.”

  “Well… since you’re probably the only one who can reach him, you find out what he intends to do—and exactly what we can do to assist him!” Benneth barked, pacing behind his desk.

  Vix crossed his arms. “Actually… I’m not sure even the Grand Majestry could get through to him right now.”

  “Dammit! What the hell?! How’s he gonna run a campaign to become Director if he’s not even gonna show up!” Benneth slammed his palm on the table.

  “I’m sorry for the stress, Rem. Really, I am. I’ll look into it myself and get to the bottom of it—hopefully clear things up for you.”

  Benneth sighed, shoulders relaxing slightly. “Good. That’s all I ask.” Then, his tone softened. “Anyway, how have things been with Rin?”

  Vix’s composure cracked instantly. He exhaled and ran a hand through his white hair. “Not… the best of times.”

  “Huh? You realize you’re the one to blame for that, right?”

  “What am I supposed to do? It’s been… awkward. We barely talk. Sometimes she doesn’t even eat. I’m not sure if I should worry or just—let her be.”

  Benneth’s eyes narrowed. “Please don’t tell me you’re actually letting her starve.”

  “That’s an overstatement!” Vix snapped defensively. “I never let her starve! She eats… when she wants to…?” His voice trailed off uncertainly. “There’s always food in the fridge!”

  Benneth facepalmed hard. “That’s not how you take care of a child, you idiot.”

  “Well forgive me!” Vix shot back, frustration rising. “I’ve never raised a child before! I’m too busy or ”

  “Watch your volume, boy!” Benneth barked, tapping his cane.

  Vix hissed through his teeth, shutting his eyes. “Right, right… She’s been a handful. I just—don’t know if I’m cut out for this.”

  Benneth studied him for a long moment. The proud soldier now stood slouched, rubbing his arms like they ached. The man who once commanded armies looked utterly lost.

  He stepped forward and placed a hand on Vix’s shoulder. “You know what your problem is?”

  Vix looked over at him, hesitant but attentive.

  “You still treat her like a mission,” Benneth said firmly. “Despite giving her a part of your soul—and taking hers—you still see her as an A problem to solve. You’re still trying to her instead of

  her.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “But it is.” Benneth’s voice softened, almost paternal. “Listen, Vix. Life and nature go hand in hand. The world keeps spinning long before you’re born—and long after you’re gone. You know that better than most. But those with gifts like yours—people who have the ability to pay the cost of sacrifice—must learn when to To plant your feet in the dirt and say, ‘No. This isn’t what I want. I reject the way the world spins.’ And then—turn around. Walk it.”

  He smirked faintly. “That’s what makes someone truly human. Staffire understands that. That’s why he’s hated so much.”

  “I’m on his side,” Vix said quietly. “I’ve abandoned my duties for him.”

  “That’s true—on paper. But

  haven’t changed. You’re still following rules. You just replaced one chain with another.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “No,” Benneth said, tapping his cane again. “It’s called being alive, boy. Learn to something. Not because it’s your task. Not because it’s right. But because want it.”

  Vix scoffed. “That sounds insane. Totally bullshit. Against every code of humanity I’ve ever lived by.”

  “What? How?!” Benneth threw up his hands.

  “Well, for starters,” Vix began with cold irritation, “I’ve sacrificed enough already, haven’t I? Every waking hour of my life for the last seven years has been dedicated to saving and protecting this damned world!”

  “O-okay, sure, fine, whatever. Want a cookie?!” Benneth snapped. “That’s not my fucking point, you moron!”

  “Whatever.” Vix brushed his hand through his hair again and turned toward the door.

  “Boy, you’re making a mistake! You to listen to me!” Benneth warned.

  “I will, I will,” Vix said lazily, waving his hand. “Look, Rem—I’m not disregarding you, alright? I appreciate your concern. I really do. But now’s not the best time.”

  Benneth exhaled through his nose, cane tapping once against the floor.

  “I’ll reach out,” Vix continued, calmer now. “Try to understand what Yaxon’s planning with this… stunt. I’ll report back when I know more.”

  Benneth nodded. “Alright. And, Vix—take care of Rin. She needs you, you know?”

  Vix paused at the door, hand on the handle—but didn’t turn around. “Yes, Director.” His tone was cold, distant. Then he walked out, leaving the office quiet once more.