After parting ways with the Vice Master, Noah decided to head toward the training grounds.
He knew that, unlike most students who spent their Sundays relaxing or enjoying the day off, the main characters of Ravenwood Academy trained rigorously.
They pushed their bodies and honed their magical abilities with a dedication that seemed almost inhuman.
As he approached the training grounds, the building loomed before him—a large, circular structure topped with a clear, glass dome that allowed the afternoon sun to pour in.
The sunlight illuminated the inside of the building, casting a soft glow over the students training below.
Inside, the scene was a flurry of activity. Students swung wooden swords at practice dummies with loud thuds, while others were focused on hitting distant targets with precise bursts of magic.
The air was filled with the sound of grunts, the crackling of mana being harnessed, and the rhythmic thwacks of wooden weapons striking their intended marks. It was a constant hum of effort and concentration.
Noah's eyes scanned the crowd.
He noticed that two of the usual faces—Xander and Rylan—were absent today. But standing out in the midst of all the chaos was Amy Bluerose.
She was not wielding a sword like the others but was engaged in intense physical exercises, her body moving with a strength and grace that Noah had come to expect from her.
Amy was dressed in a black, fitted shirt tucked into a pair of skinny trousers that hugged her figure. The tightness of the fabric emphasized her athletic physique, showing off her well-toned legs and the curve of her waist.
Her blue hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, allowing her face to remain free of distractions as she worked out.
Beads of sweat clung to her forehead and neck, glistening under the sunlight.
Even in the midst of her workout, she carried an air of elegance, her features sharp but undeniably beautiful. She was striking, her natural beauty enhanced by her strength and determination.
She caught sight of Noah standing in the distance, watching her. Without missing a beat, she grabbed a towel, wiped her face, and began walking toward him.
"Follow me," she said, her voice brisk but not unkind, hanging the towel over her shoulders.
Noah nodded and followed her across the training grounds, his eyes briefly glancing back at the students still hard at work.
Amy led him down a quieter corridor to a room with an old wooden door. She opened it, flipping on a dim light inside.
The room wasn't much to look at—a storage area for training equipment. Wooden racks held swords, spears, and other worn-out weapons, while shelves were cluttered with old scrolls and dusty, forgotten items.
"Regulating crime..." he muttered under his breath, still wrapping his head around the concept.
It was a bold strategy, but it made sense in a twisted sort of way. If you couldn't stop evil, at least control it.
Amy set the plant aside and looked at him seriously.
"Which brings me to why I'm here. We need people who can help keep this academy from falling apart. The student council has a... special team. You could call it a disciplinary committee, but we call it the Vanguard. Our job is to enforce the academy's rules, punish those involved in criminal activities, and keep the peace within Ravenwood."
She crossed her arms, watching Noah's reaction carefully. "I want you to join us."
Noah felt his breath catch in his throat. The Vanguard?
He hadn't expected this at all.
His mind raced as he considered the weight of what Amy was asking. Being part of the Vanguard meant stepping into a world he had been trying to avoid.
But at the same time, it was a chance to protect himself, to gain influence in a place where the shadows seemed to be growing longer by the day.
"Are you serious?" he asked, still trying to process everything.
Amy nodded, her expression unwavering.
"Very. I know you've had your share of trouble here at Ravenwood. But I also know that you're capable, and that's what we need right now. People who won't just stand by and let this place fall into ruin."
Noah hesitated, his mind racing.
He glanced around the room, at the old weapons and relics that lined the shelves. Could he really do this?
Amy's voice cut through his thoughts.
"What do you say? Will you join us?"
Noah took a deep breath, meeting her gaze.
"I'll... think about it," he said finally, his voice steady despite the storm of uncertainty inside him.
Amy smiled slightly, as if that was the answer she had expected.
"Good. Let me know when you've made your decision."