The Pursuit Of Catalyst: A Dive Into Another Verse

The arena grew quiet as the last battle concluded and the last of the magic beasts were restrained and dismissed by summoned handlers. A warm golden light fell across the field from the high-arched ceiling, and students, weary yet brimming with energy, gathered in anticipation.

At the center of the arena, Headmaster Gardinant Blackwood stepped forward, his long gray coat gently brushing the ground. His presence, regal and composed, immediately drew all eyes. Behind him stood Professor Alya Stephan and Professor William Whites, both equally proud.

With his hands folded behind his back and a subtle smile on his face, the headmaster began.

"Students of Asphalia Academy," he said, his voice calm yet powerful, echoing across the stone arena, "what you demonstrated today is not merely magic. It was resolve. It was effort. It was unity."

The students listened intently, some standing taller, others still catching their breath.

"These practical trials are not intended to determine who is the strongest. They are meant to reveal how you grow—and how far you're willing to go for your comrades, your principles, and your future."

He turned slightly, eyes scanning the crowd, as if addressing each student individually.

"In these eleven months, I've watched you arrive as untested youths. Some of you held great pride. Others held great fear. But what I see today… are young mages ready to carry the burden of this realm."

There were a few whispers and shuffles, but no one looked away.

"You faced real danger. Some of you fell, others stood again. Some fought alone, others protected their team. And that—that is the heart of what we teach here."

He paused, letting the words settle in the silence.

"Your scores will be posted tomorrow. But remember: numbers are not the only measure of worth. The real examination lies in how you carry yourself—after triumph and defeat alike."

A few students exchanged glances, some more reflective now.

"To those who struggled today, I say: don't falter. Struggle is the fire that tempers steel. And to those who excelled—remain humble. Today you won, but tomorrow's trials may test something else entirely."

Then he smiled more broadly.

"And to the exceptional few who displayed extraordinary ability… we're watching with great expectations. The future of Asphalia—and perhaps much more—may one day rest in your hands."

A respectful silence followed, touched by awe and inspiration.

"In two days, we will host the formal ceremony for progression to the next year. Until then—rest well, reflect deeply, and hold your heads high. You have made this academy proud."

With that, he bowed slightly—an uncommon gesture from the headmaster.

"Dismissed."

The arena filled with the sound of soft applause, followed by growing chatter and cheers. Students began to leave in groups, carrying their pride, relief, and new memories as they walked off the battleground—not just as learners, but as budding mages of Asphalia.

Evening – Outside Dormitory 104

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky. The exams were over, the students were relaxed, and laughter hung in the air like music.

Sylves adjusted his robes and turned to his friends, a calm smile on his face.

"It's time for us to leave," he said. "We'll come by one last time tomorrow... but—" he paused and turned toward Ashia, "Ashia. I'll have a surprise for you. So stay ready."

Elas and Serena looked at each other, intrigued.

Sylves added with a smirk, "You two as well, Elas and Serena."

Before anyone could react, Elza leapt onto Sylves's back like a playful cat, throwing her arms around his neck.

"He's worked hard for that surprise," she declared triumphantly, "You better await it eagerly—you won't be disappointed one bit!"

Sylves blinked, then immediately grabbed her legs to stop her from slipping. "Oi—what do you think you're doing?"

"You're strong enough! Carry me!" Elza snickered.

"You literally just jumped on me like a sack of potatoes," he said, already walking forward with her on his back.

Ashia and the others giggled.

But then—

"Okay, okay, fun's over—let me down!" Elza suddenly shouted, cheeks flushing.

"Nope." Sylves kept walking.

"LET ME DOWN, YOU IDIOT! THIS IS EMBARRASSING!" she thrashed her legs like a toddler denied a toy.

"I warned you," Sylves said with a grin, ignoring the kicks to his side. "This is what you get for trying to mount me like a wild beast."

"WILD BEAST?! YOU—" Elza couldn't even complete the sentence as her voice cracked with frustration. "Let me down or I'll scream!"

"You're already screaming."

By now, other students had turned their heads, watching the scene unfold with amused whispers.

Serena folded her arms, smiling. "They've gotten... very close, haven't they?"

Ashia's smile stayed, but there was a faint sting behind it. Something tightened in her chest—not quite jealousy, but not exactly warmth either.

She wasn't sure if she was happy to see how strong their bond had grown... or sad that Sylves might be walking farther from her side.

The sound of Elza's shouting echoed down the path.

"SYLVES ELLESMERE, PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT OR I'LL VOID YOUR PILLOWS!"

"Can you even void pillows?"

"I'LL LEARN!"

The group broke into laughter once again, watching the ridiculous piggyback parade vanish around the corner.

Night – Room 104

The moonlight filtered softly through the window, casting a pale glow across the quiet dorm room. Ashia lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her eyes were wide open, unblinking. The sounds of the academy had long faded into silence, but her mind was far too noisy to rest.

She turned onto her side, clutching the corner of her blanket close to her chest. The warmth of dinner, the laughter from earlier, the sight of her master walking away with Miss Elza clinging to his back—it all played in her head on a loop.

"I shouldn't feel like this," she whispered into the dark. "I really shouldn't..."

But no matter how hard she tried to push it down, something inside her longed.

She missed him. Craved him.

His voice.

His calm gaze.

His scent.

His presence, which always made her feel safe.

Her chest tightened.

"What if... I was the one walking beside him?"

"What if he held me like that?"

She clutched her pillow tighter.

Then another thought crept in—sharp, quiet, unforgiving.

"Does Master love her...? Miss Elza...?"

Her breath caught. She squeezed her eyes shut.

"No. No, I mustn't think that. That's not my place."

She sat up for a moment, gripping the edge of her blanket.

"I'm just... his maid," she said, voice barely a breath. "My only duty is to support him. In everything he chooses to do. Even if... even if that means loving someone else."

Her shoulders trembled slightly as she lay back down. One tear slid from the corner of her eye, tracing a slow line down her cheek before soaking into the pillow.

And then—slowly, quietly—Ashia drifted into sleep.

Alone, but loyal.

Heavy-hearted, but still holding on.

Next Morning – Outside the Academy Arena

Prince Elas and Serena stood waiting near the gate, glancing around in every direction. The crowd of students was gradually growing, but one face was missing.

Sylves and Elza arrived, their usual composed aura in place. Sylves scanned the gathering quickly before asking, "Where is Ashia?"

Serena looked mildly surprised. "I knocked on her door this morning… but there was no reply. I assumed she left early. She's always eager to see you."

Prince Elas nodded. "Yeah, we thought she must've already met you on the way."

Sylves's brows furrowed slightly, and his tone shifted—slightly unstable. "We haven't met her…"

There was a pause.

"I have a spare key," he said, more to himself than to them. "I'll go check on her. Wait here."

Without another word, Sylves turned and began walking swiftly toward the dormitory, each step heavier than the last. The others exchanged concerned glances but stayed back.

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Room 104 – First Years Dormitory

Sylves unlocked the door and stepped in. The room was dim, still cloaked in morning shadow. The curtains remained shut, muffling the sunlight. A figure lay curled on the bed—unmoving.

He slowly closed the door behind him and moved forward, concern rising in his throat.

"Ashia?"

At the sound of his voice, the girl stirred slightly. Then her eyes opened wide in sudden realization.

"Master?! I—I'm so sorry. I think I overslept… I'll get ready at once—"

But Sylves didn't let her finish.

He sat beside her, pulling her into a tight hug, his breath shaky.

"Why are you so down…" he whispered, voice trembling. "I thought something happened to you... Don't go making everyone worried like that…"

Ashia felt her master's vulnerability, and for the first time—it was her turn to comfort him.

She hugged him back gently. "I'm sorry, Master… I didn't mean to worry you."

She helped him take off his shoes, then his robe, moving with delicate care. As he rested his head in her lap, she ran her fingers softly through his hair.

"I promise I won't do it again," she said, smiling.

They stayed like that for a while—silent, breathing in the closeness.

Then Sylves broke the stillness with a quiet chuckle. "You kind of ruined the surprise, you know…"

Ashia blinked. "Surprise? Yeah you did say something about a surprise yesterday."

Sylves reached up and held her hand. "Yeah. I wanted to tell you in front of everyone… but, well, here we are."

Ashia leaned forward, eyes curious. "What is it, Master?"

"I spoke to the Headmaster. Starting next month, you, Serena, and Prince Elas will be allowed to visit Mr. Hawk's cottage once every month."

Ashia's mouth opened in disbelief. "Really?!"

She bounced slightly, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Careful," Sylves winced. "Don't jump—my neck's still there, you know."

Ashia laughed softly. "Sorry, Master. But... we'll get to see you every month?" Her eyes sparkled.

Sylves nodded, smiling. "You deserve it."

Ashia bent over, hugging him tightly once more. "Thank you, Master… Thank you."

Their laughter and talks drifted through the quiet room, light and warm as morning sun.

After some gentle chatter and laughter, a silence settled over the room again. Sylves looked at Ashia, her posture relaxed but her gaze distant.

Then softly, he asked, "Ashia… Why are you so down today?"

Ashia blinked and quickly turned her face away. "What are you talking about, Master? I'm pretty sure I'm the same as every day."

Sylves didn't budge. "Don't lie to me… Your lips say something else, but your eyes speak what you hide."

Her smile faltered.

"Master… It's something I can't speak of," she murmured, her voice fragile. Her lips trembled, and she avoided meeting his gaze.

Sylves sat up and gently held her face between his palms, guiding her eyes back to his. "There's nothing you can't share with me… Speak."

Their eyes locked—and the tension broke.

Tears spilled from Ashia's eyes as her restraint shattered. Sylves's own eyes glistened, barely holding back his emotion.

"What's wrong, Ashia…?" he whispered, voice aching.

She placed her hand on her chest, sobbing softly. "It hurts… in here… I don't know why but whenever you leave me, I feel down. My heart burns when I see Miss Elza get close to you… I know it's wrong to feel that way, but—" her voice cracked, "I wish I was in her place…"

Sylves blinked. "Ashia…"

And then, with one last push, she said it—her entire body trembling.

"I don't know when it happened… but I started having… feelings for you…"

She burst into full-blown tears, covering her face. "Forgive me, Master… Forgive me…"

Sylves stared at her for a moment… then burst into a light chuckle through his tears, pulling her into his arms tightly.

"What… hehe… That's all? You don't need to feel bad about it…"

Ashia looked up, startled. Sylves smiled down at her.

"You've turned into a girl from a romance manga… haha."

Ashia blinked. "Eh?"

Sylves grinned, wiping his tears. "You really think I'd be angry or disgusted? Honestly, it makes me happy that you feel that way. Ashia…"

Ashia gazed at him, stunned.

"I can't give you any answer right now… but I promise, I'll come up with something that won't hurt you. So please… wait. Until we both grow more together, I promise I'll give you a good answer."

Ashia's face brightened through the tear tracks, and she embraced him tightly. "I'll wait—with pleasure, Master."

They sat like that for a moment, the bond between them deepening with quiet strength.

Then they pulled back, wiping their faces, collecting themselves.

And just like that, the mood shifted.

Ashia blinked and asked with genuine curiosity, "By the way, Master… if I may ask… what's a manga?"

Sylves froze.

"Eh?"

Inside his mind: Crap! I said something unnecessary. Think, Sylves! THINK!

He began sweating lightly. "Ah… yes, manga… It's… umm… a magic item."

Ashia tilted her head. "A magic item?"

"Yes," Sylves nodded rapidly. "It stores… life energy. For… nerds."

Ashia's brows furrowed more. "Nerds?"

Sylves gulped internally. Oh no. What now?

He laughed nervously. "Nerds are magical creatures that live on manga… and anime."

"A manga and what?"

"Anime! It's… another kind of magical scroll. It moves… and makes sound."

Ashia nodded slowly, trying her best to understand. "I see… sounds interesting."

Sylves regained his composure with a proud nod. "It'll take time to learn this stuff. I'll teach you someday, I promise."

Ashia smiled. "I'll be looking forward to it, Master."

And right on cue, a knock echoed at the door.

Both of them jumped slightly and looked at the door.

Sylves stood. "Let's see who's here…"

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