The Pursuit Of Catalyst: A Dive Into Another Verse

The grand hall of the Imperial Asphalia Academy glimmered with golden chandeliers and glowing crystal lanterns. Long tables were filled with students, professors, and distinguished guests, but at the front—elevated slightly above the rest—stood a stage adorned with velvet banners in the academy's colors: deep indigo and silver.

The Honor Ceremony began with an official announcement. Professors stepped forward, reading the names of top scorers from each year.

"For the First Year—achieving a perfect score of 300—Mr. Sylves Ellesmere."

Thunderous applause broke out as Sylves walked gracefully to the stage, his violet-blue earring catching the light, and his calm presence commanding respect.

"For the Second Year—Miss Loretta Winstel, scoring 285 points."

Cheers followed.

"For the Third Year—Mr. Callen Drosen, with a score of 273."

"For the Fourth Year—Mr. Sifa Ports, with a score of 298."

"For the Fifth Year—Mr. Dan Loqas, with a score of 290."

And then

"For the Sixth Year—Miss Lyana Merose, with a perfect 300 points!"

The sixth-year students erupted in applause, standing to cheer for their peer.

Once all the top scorers were assembled on stage, Headmaster Gardinant Blackwood stepped forward. He looked stately in his embroidered formal robe, the silver sigil of Asphalia gleaming over his chest.

He raised a hand for silence, and the hall quieted immediately.

"Tonight, we celebrate excellence," the Headmaster began, his voice powerful and steady. "These individuals have not only shown skill, discipline, and intellect—but the promise to carry the name of the Imperial Asphalia Academy forward with honor."

His gaze swept across the crowd, then settled on the sixth-year students.

"To our graduates—you step out from our halls not as mere students, but as pioneers of your own futures. Your time here has forged you. But the world outside will test you. Stand tall, and never forget: you carry with you the legacy of this great institution."

He then extended his hand toward Miss Lyana Merose. "And now, a few words from the top scorer of this graduating class."

Lyana stepped forward gracefully and bowed.

"Thank you, Headmaster," she said. "And thank you to every professor, every mentor, and every student who's walked beside us. These six years were not always easy—but they were meaningful. We laughed, we stumbled, we grew. As we step into the next phase of our lives, I hope we remember not just the spells and theory—but the bonds we formed. That, above all, will shape who we become."

She bowed once more, and the hall erupted in applause.

The honor ceremony closed with the academy's anthem echoing through the crystal walls, sealing the memory of the night for everyone in attendance.

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It was late evening. The lights in the grand banquet hall had dimmed, and soft music now echoed faintly in the corridors. The feast had ended. The decorations, the laughter, and the applause—all had quieted, leaving behind a gentle stillness.

Sylves, Elza, Ashia, Serena, and Elas walked together down the long corridor that led back to the dormitory wing. Their steps echoed softly, their footsteps the only sound apart from the flutter of banners on the walls. The mood had shifted—joy still lingered, but so did the weight of parting.

Sylves walked a little ahead, then stopped just before the main hallway's end. He turned to face everyone.

"…It's time," he said, voice calm yet heavy. "Time for me to leave."

The air felt still. Serena's smile faded slightly. Elas gave a slow nod, already expecting those words.

Ashia's fingers clutched the hem of her dress gently. She didn't speak, her gaze fixed on Sylves as though trying to etch his face into memory.

Sylves continued, "I'll come again when I can. But as you all know, the training with Hawk Frost won't allow much flexibility. From now on, it'll be more intense."

Elza stood with arms crossed but didn't interrupt him. She looked at him carefully, quietly gauging every word and pause.

Sylves turned to Ashia.

"Ashia," he said softly. "I'll send letters when I can. Don't forget what I promised."

Ashia finally nodded. "Yes… Master."

He then looked at Serena and Elas. "You two will continue to grow here. Take care of each other. And keep an eye on Ashia for me."

Serena gave a light smile, but her voice was more serious than usual. "Only if you promise to return stronger."

Elas placed a hand on Sylves's shoulder. "We'll hold the fort here. You just come back alive, alright?"

Elza stepped forward, her voice soft. "We will meet at least once a month. Make sure you don't slack off while we're gone."

Sylves turned, taking one last look at the academy corridor that had been their shared path for the past few months. The memories of exams, battles, laughter, lectures, even late-night talks—they all seemed to echo quietly off the stone walls.

He then stepped ahead, Elza walking beside him.

The three left behind watched as the silhouettes of Sylves and Elza disappeared into the night, through the archway that led toward the academy gates.

Ashia whispered, more to herself than anyone else, "…Master."

And with that, the day came to an end. Not with a bang, but with a soft farewell carried by the gentle winds of change.

Academy Gates — Late Evening

The moon cast a pale glow over the stone path as Sylves and Elza reached the academy's outer gates. The graduation feast had ended, and the last echoes of music and chatter had faded behind them. Beyond the gate lay the quiet wilderness—and somewhere in it, Hawk Frost.

Sylves adjusted his collar and looked up at the night sky. "He should be here soon," he said.

Elza folded her arms. "This part feels dramatic. Midnight rendezvous with the most shady mage in the continent."

Then a voice drifted from behind them—soft and melodic, yet with a confidence that cut through the stillness like a quiet bell.

"You're waiting for Mr. Hawk, aren't you?"

Both Sylves and Elza turned around swiftly.

A girl stood there under the pale lantern-light. Her long, brown hair cascaded over a robe of pale blue and white. Her gaze was calm, her posture straight. And though she had a soft smile, her eyes held quiet storms.

She bowed gently. "My name is Lyana Merose. Sixth-year graduate... We took part in the Honor Ceremony just a few moments ago, Mr. Ellesmere."

Elza blinked, her expression shifting to wary curiosity, she said politely, "What business do you have with Hawk Frost, Miss Merose?"

Lyana didn't flinch. "I would like to speak with him. Just briefly."

Sylves narrowed his eyes. "You know him?"

Before she could answer, a deep, familiar voice interrupted from the shadows behind them.

"…Long time no see, Lyana."

Hawk Frost walked out of the darkness, hands in pockets, coat billowing faintly in the breeze. His Void aura was faint but ever-present—like gravity itself shifted when he moved.

"Long time no see, Lyana."

Lyana nodded, her expression gentle but firm. "It's time, Mr. Hawk."

Hawk gave a single nod. "Yes, it is."

Sylves and Elza exchanged quick glances, both wearing the same confused frown. Sylves stepped forward slightly, the moonlight catching the glint of his crystal earring. "Master… if I may ask—how do you two know each other? And… it's time for what?"

Lyana smiled faintly. "Mr. Hawk, it's bad manners to leave your own students in the dark," she said teasingly, then looked at Sylves. "Very well, I'll explain."

She tucked a lock of her brown hair behind her ear and continued, her voice calm and composed.

"Just like you two… I'm also a student of Mr. Hawk. But unlike you, I was taught in secret—only until my fourth year. After that, I continued on my own."

Elza's brow arched. "Wait, what? But… you don't have Void affinity, do you?"

"No," Lyana replied, shaking her head. "I don't. I never had any affinity for Void magic. I'm the only student he ever taught without it."

That made Elza blink in surprise. "Then why would he…?"

Hawk crossed his arms, letting out a quiet sigh. "She's my sister's daughter," he said flatly. "Her mother… kept pestering me to teach her. Very persistent."

Sylves blinked. "So you were… unwillingly dragged into it, huh?"

Lyana shrugged with a soft chuckle. "It goes both ways. I wasn't too eager either. I just wanted to be an artist… to paint, draw, create. But my parents insisted—forced me into this path."

Hawk's voice turned lower, more serious. "Unfortunately… when she entered her second year, her parents passed away. They were caught in a large-scale incident—one involving a Catalyst of Despair."

The air grew tense.

"I've taken care of her ever since," Hawk said, then looked at Lyana briefly. "And now… I plan to bring her to the cottage. She'll stay there for a while, somewhere safe. Until she decides what to do next."

Elza blinked. "Wait… that means we'll be living together?"

Lyana gave a small nod, her expression softening. "It seems so."

There was a brief pause. Then Sylves spoke again, voice gentle. "I'm sorry about your parents…"

Lyana met his eyes and offered a calm, practiced smile. "It's alright. It's been years now. I've learned to live with it."

Elza crossed her arms. "So… the legendary Hawk Frost has a niece. Didn't see that one coming."

Hawk sighed. "Tch. Don't make it sound more dramatic than it is."

Despite the night's solemn undertone, a strange sense of calm settled over them. The journey ahead was uncertain—but at least now, they would walk it together.

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