The Pursuit Of Catalyst: A Dive Into Another Verse

A knock echoed at the door.

Both of them jumped slightly and looked at the door.

Sylves stood. "Let's see who's here…"

Sylves opened the curtains first, letting the morning light flood into the room. Then, he moved to the door and turned the knob.

Outside stood Elza, arms crossed and eyes blazing. Behind her were Serena and Elas, both looking equally concerned.

As soon as Elza spotted Ashia inside, safe and sound, she exploded, "Why didn't you inform us that you met Ashia?! It's been an entire hour since you left us—are you dumb!?"

Serena gently tugged at Elza's sleeve from behind, attempting to calm her down. "Well, it's okay now that he's found her… Just be calm. Calm… hehe…" She smiled awkwardly.

Elas nodded with folded arms, "Still, it wouldn't have killed you to let us know. We were really worried."

Elza, now slightly cooled down, looked back at Sylves—and her expression softened. She noticed his red and slightly puffy eyes. Stepping forward, she reached out and cupped his cheeks with concern.

Her voice dropped to a whisper, "What happened? Were you… crying? Sylves… what happened?"

Serena and Elas exchanged a worried glance.

Elas asked gently, "Is everything alright?"

Sylves gave a faint smile. "Everything's fine. We just had a little chat… I'm sorry for making everyone worry."

Everyone sighed in relief.

Then Ashia stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Everyone… I'm truly sorry for causing such a problem."

Serena smiled kindly. "It's fine as long as you're okay, Ashia."

The group entered the room. Some sat on the chairs, others on the bed, the atmosphere now calmer.

After settling in, Elas spoke first. "Oh, by the way—the overall results are out. Looks like no one failed this year."

Serena nodded. "I noted down everyone's score. First—"

Elza immediately cut in with a proud grin, "I've memorized the scores! I got 100 in the written exam, Sylves got 100, Ashia got 96, Serena and Elas got 93 each. That's it!"

Serena sighed, crossing her arms. "That's incomplete. I'll dictate the overall results."

She cleared her throat.

"I got a total of 250 and placed 8th in the year. Ashia got 266 and ranked 5th. Elas—surprisingly—scored 278 and placed 3rd."

Elas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean surprisingly?"

Serena smirked but continued. "Elza got a total of 294 and placed 2nd."

Elza grinned and threw a finger in the air. "And the top scorer is my dear Sylves! With a perfect score of 300!"

A round of soft applause filled the room. Sylves gave a small nod of gratitude, looking both humbled and amused.

Ashia, seated beside him, smiled warmly and said softly, "I knew… Master would be first…"

The atmosphere in the room brightened, filled with laughter, relief, and pride.

As the laughter settled down, Sylves glanced around the room at the familiar faces—his companions who had been with him through everything. His gaze lingered on Serena and Elas for a moment before he stood up.

"There's something I've been meaning to tell you both," he said, his tone a little more serious now.

Elas raised an eyebrow. "Is it about the 'surprise' you mentioned yesterday?"

Serena leaned forward slightly, curious. "You said Ashia wasn't the only one, right?"

Ashia looked up at her Master, already knowing what was coming. A small, eager smile tugged at her lips.

Sylves nodded. "Yes. I've spoken to the Headmaster and received his approval. From now on, once every month, you both—Serena and Elas—can accompany Ashia to visit Mr. Hawk's place."

There was a stunned silence.

Then—

"Wait, really?!" Elas shot up from his seat. "You're serious?!"

Sylves chuckled. "Completely."

Serena blinked twice in surprise, then her lips curled into a bright smile. "That's amazing! We'll actually be able to see where you're training?"

"Well," Sylves raised a finger, "you won't be allowed to witness our combat sessions—but you'll get to stay the day and catch up."

Ashia added softly, "I'll make everyone's favorite food when we go…"

Elas laughed. "Now that's what I call motivation."

Serena clasped her hands together. "Sylves… Thank you. This means a lot."

Elza, from her spot on the bed, smirked. "He worked hard for this. You better appreciate it."

"We do," Ashia said immediately, looking at Sylves. "Thank you, Master."

Sylves smiled. "You've all been important to me. I just wanted a way for us to keep meeting even while Elza and I train away from the academy."

The room warmed again—this time not just from the heat of celebration, but the comfort of strong bonds and heartfelt promises.

Inside Dorm Room 104 – Graduation Ceremony Preparation

Sylves stretched his arms and looked toward the others. "It's time for the graduation party... I guess the feast prepared by the academy is ready. Let's get ready and head over."

At his words, Ashia's eyes lit up. A thought sparked in her mind as she suddenly clapped her hands together softly. "Master… actually, ten months ago, your mother sent some beautiful partywear and casuals. I kept them safely. I'll show them to you after your bath."

Elas and Serena had already left to prepare, brimming with excitement.

Elza twirled toward Sylves, beaming. "Let's go take a bath quickly, Sylves! I cannot wait to get to that party."

Sylves glanced toward Ashia, who stood frozen and flushed pink.

Understanding her hesitation, Sylves smiled softly. "Ah, right… Since training began, Elza's been… um… taking baths with me."

Ashia fumbled with her fingers. "I-I'll just wash your back, Master…"

Elza leaned in, her face unusually close to Ashia's. "Come on, it's not like I bite! I've missed taking a bath with a friend. Unless… you hate me?"

Ashia blinked, startled. "No! Miss Elza, I would never—! I mean, I don't hate you at all. I'll join."

Elza smirked at Sylves, throwing him a smug look.

Sylves narrowed his eyes. "What's with that 'Ha! You can't even convince a girl, I'm clearly superior' face?"

Ashia giggled. "Thank you for having me... both of you."

---

Bathroom – Dorm Room 104

Though far smaller than the grand bathhouse at Hawk's estate, the bathroom was cozy and elegant. Warm steam curled into the air as hot water filled the marble tub.

Ashia helped Sylves remove his robe with practiced ease—like always—and he stepped into the water. Elza jumped in right after, splashing a bit.

Ashia paused at the edge of the tub, hesitant. But before she could retreat, Elza reached over and tugged her in.

"Ah!" Ashia squealed as she tumbled in, making a large splash.

When she surfaced, hair plastered to her face, she glared playfully at Elza. "You didn't have to pull me in so suddenly…"

It was the first time Sylves saw Ashia in a total vulnerable form. He leaned against the edge of the tub, watching the two of them bicker with amusement. "The joys of being dragged into chaos." Then he gave a smug look to Elza.

Elza floated over and looked at Sylves. "Don't give me that look."

"What look could you be talking about?" he asked innocently.

"Your face has an 'Ashia's more cute than you' look," she said with narrowed eyes.

Sylves grinned. "You're imagining things. It's just a fact that someone here has muscles like a gorilla."

"What did you say, huh?!" Elza shrieked. She lunged at him, starting a new wave of splashes.

Ashia couldn't hold back her laughter anymore. "You two are impossible…"

But deep down, she felt something she couldn't explain. Warmth. Belonging. Peace.

---

After some time in the warm water, the three of them eventually stepped out, steam still rising around them. Sylves handed Ashia and Elza fresh towels as he wrapped one around himself. They dried off quietly, the previous laughter echoing in the back of their minds like a pleasant memory.

Ashia carefully retrieved the parcel of clothes she'd kept safe for nearly a year. She opened it gently, unfolding the dress her mother had sent—lavender silk with soft white lace around the sleeves and neckline. "Master," she said softly, "this is what I wore on the day the letter came… But today, I want to wear it again with a smile."

Sylves smiled. "It suits the day."

Ashia helped him into a formal black-and-silver coat that matched his hair and fastened a crystal brooch at his collar—another gift from his mother, kept safe by Ashia all this time. Then, as he stood before the mirror adjusting his cuffs, he suddenly paused.

His eyes drifted to the table.

Sitting near the edge was his belt pouch, slightly open from when he had dropped it earlier. He walked over, unfastened the flap, and pulled out a small, velvet-lined box tucked carefully inside. With a soft exhale, he opened it.

Inside lay the earring—a crystal pearl of violet-blue, with a thin silver chain dangling from its base, ending in a faint crescent-shaped charm. It swayed lightly with every movement, glinting subtly in the warm light.

Elza's eyes lit up.

"I was wondering when you'd finally wear it," she said, her voice both teasing and warm with pride.

Sylves simply nodded and stepped in front of the mirror. In one smooth motion, he clipped the earring to his right ear. It clicked softly into place.

Ashia's breath caught.

"Master…"

The way the violet-blue pearl caught the light, paired with his silver-blonde hair and sharp features, made him look princely—no, more like a character out of a legend. The chain dangled just beneath his jawline, delicate and elegant, but it gave him a new kind of presence.

Elza folded her arms smugly. "Now that looks complete."

Ashia found herself frozen for a moment, then smiled gently. "It's beautiful…"

Elza turned to her next. Ashia handed over a rich emerald gown—simple, yet graceful, with lightly shimmering sleeves. "You can wear this, Miss Elza."

Elza eyed it, then tried it on. "Woah," she muttered, checking herself in the mirror. "This doesn't look half bad. Are you sure I can wear this?"

Ashia's smile widened. "Of course. It looks good on you."

The three of them stood side by side before the mirror—Sylves in the center, dignified and composed, the pearl earring glimmering faintly as its chain swayed softly. Ashia stood on his left in her lavender dress, her expression both shy and glowing. Elza was on his right, vibrant and bold in green, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

Sylves stepped over and opened it. Waiting outside were Elas and Serena—both clearly stunned.

Elas was dressed sharply in a navy jacket, his dark brown hair tied back neatly, and Serena wore a beautiful white-and-sky-blue dress, her reddish-gold hair curled slightly at the ends.

"Wow…" Serena murmured.

"Are we… underdressed?" Elas quipped, fixing his collar.

Sylves chuckled. "Let's go."

And so, the five of them stepped into the corridor, walking side by side. Shoes clicked softly against the polished floor. Robes rustled. Dresses shimmered. And all eyes turned.

Whispers followed them.

"Is that… Prince Elas?"

"That's Maid Ashia!"

"That's rude, she ranked 5th in the year. You are just 52!"

"They all came in the top ten, right?"

"Mr. Ellesmere's got a piercing... It suits him."

Even the senior students, leaning casually along the upper balconies, watched with interest and muted cheers. Professors along the halls nodded with quiet admiration. Guards straightened their posture slightly.

At that moment, it wasn't just the earring or the fine clothes. It was the presence they carried.

They were the pride of the academy…

And tonight, they would shine brighter than anyone else at the grand graduation feast.

The grand hall of the Academy had been transformed.

Golden lanterns floated gently across the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over polished tables set with glistening cutlery and vibrant vegetarian dishes. Delicate aromas filled the air—fragrant spiced grains, caramelized vegetables, creamy cheese rolls, and flower-infused drinks chilled in frosted crystal pitchers.

As Sylves, Ashia, Elza, Serena, and Prince Elas entered together, the atmosphere subtly shifted. Heads turned. Conversations paused.

Sylves walked with quiet grace at the center, his black-and-silver coat catching the soft light, the crystal pearl earring swaying slightly on his right ear. Ashia walked at his left in her lavender dress, radiating gentle charm. On his right, Elza in rich emerald green gave off her usual confident spark. Serena followed with calm composure, while Prince Elas—his golden hair catching every flicker of candlelight—walked with the aura of royalty, relaxed and easy.

They didn't say anything flashy. They didn't need to.

They took their seats at the center of the student section—close enough to the staff table for the professors to glance at them with quiet approval. Headmaster Gardinant gave a subtle nod. Professor Giselle smiled faintly. Even Hawk Frost, ever so still in his seat near the edge, glanced in their direction.

A burst of ambient magic sent glimmering specks swirling into the air like fireflies. Soft music from enchanted instruments began to play—harps, flutes, and crystal chimes resonating gently across the hall.

Plates floated in with precision. Roasted lotus roots, honey-glazed nuts, colorful vegetable ribbons, seasoned mushrooms with cheese layers, and soft herb-stuffed buns filled the table.

"They really went all out," Serena murmured as she reached for a fruit-stuffed pastry.

Ashia leaned in and whispered, "Master… the earring looks even more radiant under this light. It suits you perfectly."

Sylves smiled. "I think it finally feels like it belongs."

Elza glanced at him sideways. "Told you it'd grow on you."

Laughter broke out as the food and conversation flowed freely. Students clinked glasses, exchanged stories about their final exams, and even started placing bets on who would be top of the year next time.

Professor Klint passed by with her arms crossed. "Mr. Ellesmere, Miss Glens, Miss Ashia. Well done. But don't get comfortable. The next semester starts sooner than you think."

"Yes, Professor," Sylves said with a nod, to which Elza added with a grin, "We wouldn't dare slack off."

Ashia and Serena giggled softly while Prince Elas lifted his cup. "To finishing the first stretch."

The others joined in, quietly raising their glasses as well.

Desserts came next—soft sponge rolls, vanilla-dusted apple slices, frosted cherry cups, and refreshing mint-citrus sorbets. The music shifted to a gentle waltz, and the space at the center of the hall cleared for students to dance, laugh, and enjoy the evening.

It wasn't the end of their time at the academy.

Not even close.

It was just the closing of one chapter—the completion of the first sixth of their journey. A moment to pause, to smile, and to feel proud.

Because there was still so much more to come.

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