In Professor Jacob's office, the atmosphere was unusually relaxed for a late afternoon meeting.
The small room was cluttered with books, scrolls, and odd magical artifacts strewn across the shelves.
But it had a cozy air to it.
Professor Jacob leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his long blonde hair falling lazily over his shoulders.
To his left sat Professor Sharon, her arms resting on a thick book, and to his right, Professor Dahlia Crestwood—a woman known for her sharp wit and an uncanny ability to make any conversation lighthearted.
"This year's first-years," Dahlia said, brushing a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear, "what a talented bunch.
A few standouts, sure, but most of them..."
She leaned forward and dramatically whispered, "are slackers. Complete leeches."
Jacob smirked, glancing at Sharon.
"That bad, huh?"
"Oh, please," Sharon said, chuckling.
"Not all of them. Some are just using their wits to survive. Isn't that a form of talent?"
Dahlia laughed, waving her hand dismissively.
"Using their wits to copy the work of others! Honestly, I half expect to see some of them asking the class pets to do their assignments."
Sharon rolled her eyes, smiling.
"Well, if they're that smart, maybe we should give them more credit."
Dahlia made a face and then cracked a grin.
"I suppose. But you know what they say, 'If you can't do, cheat!'"
Jacob couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.
"Good to know the standards are high as always, Dahlia."
"Oh, don't act like you don't agree," Dahlia teased, giving him a playful nudge.
"Some of these students will probably sleep through half the year and still manage to pass.
It's an art, really."
The three professors shared a moment of laughter, the weight of their academic responsibilities momentarily forgotten in their light-hearted banter.
Dahlia leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head.
"So," she said, still smiling, "what's the deal with that Noah kid?
Heard he was almost expelled but somehow got to stay.
What happened after the interrogation?"
Sharon's expression tightened.
"The Vice Master reviewed his case. After some consideration, they decided he wasn't expelled."
Dahlia's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Wait, what? They let him stay? After everything?"
"Maybe," Jacob replied, leaning forward slightly.
"Or maybe he'll just be the change we need."
The room fell silent for a moment as both Sharon and Dahlia considered his words.
Dahlia, always one to lighten the mood, finally broke the tension with a light laugh.
"Well, if Noah really is that much of a genius, maybe I'll give him some slack," she said, shaking her head.
"But only if he doesn't turn out to be the second coming of a Demon King."
Sharon sighed, rolling her eyes but couldn't help but smile.
Jacob, as usual, remained quiet, his thoughts already miles ahead.
"Genius or not," Dahlia said as she stood up, "I'll be watching him closely.
This year might just be more interesting than I thought."
And with that, the professors moved on to other matters, though the lingering curiosity about Noah hung in the air, adding a spark of intrigue to the academy's halls.
***
In Noah's room at Ironwood Hall, the air was filled with a quiet warmth.
Ariana sat behind a desk, her eyes wandering across the simplicity of the space.
Unlike the grand, sprawling rooms of Silvercrest Hall, which were unnecessarily large and often felt cold and impersonal, this room had a coziness to it.
The small desk, the neatly stacked books, the absence of lavish decorations—it all made her feel surprisingly at ease.
It was simple but inviting, much like Noah himself.
She shifted her gaze to the books spread out in front of her.
After hours of tutoring, she finally understood the concepts she had struggled with in Professor Sharon's course.
A sense of satisfaction washed over her as she glanced over her notes.
It was all clear now, thanks to Noah.
Her eyes then fell on the box of half-eaten cupcakes sitting on the desk.
She smiled, remembering how Noah had insisted on visiting the small sweets shop earlier.
Without thinking, she reached for one of the cupcakes and took a small bite, savoring the soft cake and the sweet blue icing.
It was ridiculously good.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Ariana froze mid-bite.
Maya stood in the doorway, her eyes wide and her breath catching.
She clutched her bag tightly, her books and disorganized papers spilling out of it.
Her heart sank as her gaze locked onto Ariana, who was sitting there, blue icing smeared at the corner of her lips, looking like she belonged in Noah's room.
Maya's eyes shifted to Noah, who was fast asleep at the desk, his head resting on a pile of notes.
The academy's black blazer was draped over him like a blanket, a small gesture that left an ache in her chest.
Maya didn't say a word.
She just stood there, frozen, as an unspoken tension filled the room.