Professor Thorne stood at the estate’s main gate, his expression as dark as water, and his gray-white eyebrows were locked tightly together.
It was nearly time for the midday banquet, but it wasn’t until now that he suddenly realized nearly ten of his students’ presences were missing.
The students gradually gathered under the summons of the guards and attendants, whispering to one another in confusion.
“What’s going on?” Julia raised her head in dissatisfaction. “It’s not time to gather yet. Why were we all called here?”
“Exactly!” The companion beside her immediately nodded in agreement.
“By the way, where is Leo?” one student asked, looking around. He turned toward the solitary Hermann and Conrad in surprise. “He’s actually not with you?”
The pair of followers—one fat and one thin—shook their heads blankly.
Starting with Leo’s disappearance, the students present quickly realized that even more people were missing, immediately plunging the group into a new round of discussion.
“Quiet!” Professor Thorne barked, his expression solemn. The noise of the crowd finally died down. “Everyone, look around you right now and see who is missing. Report their names to me!”
After several chaotic minutes, a complete list was compiled:
Emily von Zephyr, Leo von Falkenberg, Vilaniel Adrian, Carlos von Mendoza, Miles von Schneider, Oliwen Hilson, and three commoner students including Lina — nine people in total.
Professor Thorne’s heart sank to the bottom.
Nine students had vanished into thin air in the vicinity of Mirror Lake Manor, less than half a day’s journey from the Eternal City, on the day after the Winter Veil festival, and right under the nose of a High-order Mage.
This list included a member of the royal family, several important noble scions, and academic talents the Academy highly valued.
This was no accident; it could only be intentional.
There had never been such a heinous kidnapping incident in previous years, yet it happened this year. His career as a senior professor was likely over.
“All students return to the estate’s main hall immediately! You are not to leave without permission! Guards, strengthen the security at all entrances and exits!”
Professor Thorne’s voice was like ice, carrying an unquestionable authority.
He turned and strode toward a room inside the estate reserved for Academy professors. From his robes, he took out a communication crystal engraved with complex runes.
The students behind him also realized the gravity of the situation. None dared to say another word as they obediently followed the guards and servants into the main hall.
Professor Thorne injected Mana into the crystal, activating the communication node. A moment later, Dean Duncan’s aged but powerful voice came through.
“Good afternoon, Professor Thorne. Is something the matter?”
“Good afternoon, Dean. The situation at Mirror Lake Manor is urgent.”
Professor Thorne spoke very quickly, though he articulated every word clearly.
“Nine third-year students went missing during free time, including Vilaniel Adrian and Emily von Zephyr. The time of disappearance is estimated to be within one hour. Preliminary judgment suggests it is a premeditated kidnapping.”
The communication channel fell into a brief silence.
“I understand, Professor Thorne. Please confirm the safety of the remaining students and activate the protective arrays within the estate. As the Dean, I authorize you to use all non-lethal means to prevent anyone from leaving or entering,” Duncan’s voice remained steady. “I will contact the Imperial Palace and the Inquisition immediately.”
“Understood.” Professor Thorne took a deep breath of the cold air.
The light of the communication crystal dimmed, and several cracks appeared on its surface as the Mana vanished. It was clearly ruined.
It was a one-time use item, as the Empire’s current magical technology was limited.
***
While Professor Thorne headed toward the estate’s protective array control room, back at the Royal Academy of Magic, Dean Duncan had just put down his communication crystal. He looked at the secretary waiting before the Dean’s desk.
“Activate Phase One of the Emergency Regulations. Place the Academy under martial law. Audit all personnel and material transport entering or leaving the Academy within the last one month. Be quick.”
The secretary’s face turned pale. He bowed and hurried away.
Once the door closed, Dean Duncan picked up a second communication crystal from the table. The surface of this one was engraved with a miniature Gryphon in addition to intricate runes.
This was the line directly connected to the Imperial Palace and the Office of the Regent.
A moment later, a majestic but weary voice spoke, “Dean Duncan, what is it?”
“Your Highness,” Duncan’s voice was as steady as ever. “A large-scale student disappearance has occurred at Mirror Lake Manor during the Academy’s Winter Veil excursion. There are nine missing students, including scions from the von Zephyr and von Falkenberg families, as well as a member of the royal family. Preliminary judgment suggests an organized kidnapping. I have ordered the scene to be locked down and the defenses activated.”
A suffocating silence followed on the other end of the line. Even across a communication link, Dean Duncan could sense the sudden surge of cold rage.
“A member of the royal family is among them?” The Regent’s voice grew much colder, and his weariness seemed to vanish instantly.
“Yes. Vilaniel Adrian.”
“In the heart of the Empire, the day after Winter Veil…” The Regent’s voice lowered before turning sharp. “You and the Commander of the Imperial Guard will be jointly responsible for this matter. I will order the Night Owl Unit and the Sixth Royal Mage Squadron to head to Mirror Lake Manor immediately to be at your disposal. As for the Inquisition, I will notify Malvorn. Remember —”
The Regent paused for a moment and said decisively, “The primary task is to ensure the safety of the students, especially the girl from the Adrian family. If necessary, you may take any means required. The Empire does not accept any form of provocation or blackmail. I want them alive, and I want to know who is so bold.”
“I obey your command, Your Highness.”
Dean Duncan nodded slightly. The Regent’s reaction was as he expected—tough, fast, and clear-headed—but it also placed immense pressure on the Academy.
There was no room for failure.
“Contact me as soon as there is progress.”
With those final words, the communication was cut.
Dean Duncan did not hesitate. He activated a third crystal. This time, the recipient was the Cathedral of Holy Light.
“Father Malvorn, I hope I am not disturbing your prayers.” After a simple greeting, Duncan briefly described the urgency of the situation.
“To commit such a base act in a place bathed in Holy Light… Dean, I suspect this may be related to those worms crawling in the shadows.” Father Malvorn’s voice was devoid of joy or sorrow. “The Inquisition will dispatch a team of Silent Purifiers to assist. They are very skilled at tracking traces of evil… May the Holy Light protect those lost lambs.”
“Thank you for your help, Father,” Dean Duncan responded politely.
The Church’s power was a double-edged sword, but their professional ability to purify evil was indeed irreplaceable.
Only after completing these tasks did Duncan lean back into his large armchair, his knuckles tapping lightly on the desk.
Mirror Lake Manor, kidnapped students, multiple noble houses involved… This did not seem like a common kidnapping for ransom. It felt more like a carefully planned provocation, or perhaps there was some other deeper purpose.
Vilaniel Adrian… That quiet girl who was almost forgotten was actually among them. ‘Is it a coincidence, or is there something special about her that the mastermind behind the scenes discovered?’
He recalled the evaluation report Professor Hiram had submitted not long ago. A faint worry rose in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it.
The priority now was to save the students.
Besides the Imperial Guard and the Inquisition, the Third Prince’s Shield of the Firmament guard was also stationed in the city. Should he look for… No, it would be better not to.
The Regent’s attitude toward the Eastern March was not very friendly. It was best not to let the Third Prince get involved in such a sensitive incident.
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