As they made their way to the administrative chambers, Yulia maintained her composed demeanor while Freya walked silently beside them, occasionally glancing at Catherine.
Catherine, although cuffed, seemed unbothered by the situation. Her gaze wandered over the academy's grand architecture, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "Your academy is impressive, though its energy flow feels peculiar," she remarked.
Yulia glanced at her. "Peculiar in what way?" New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
Catherine smiled faintly. "Your world's laws are less refined. The mana here is... loose. It's not bad, just different. My world's energy was more compact and controlled, which made us stronger but also more limited in creativity."
Yulia's curiosity was piqued, but she chose not to press further. "We'll discuss that once your situation is resolved," she replied, keeping her focus on the matter at hand.
Asher, walking ahead, couldn't help but wonder about Catherine's adaptability. Despite her imprisonment and apparent vulnerability in this new world, she carried herself with dignity and confidence.
Finally, they arrived at the administrative office, a grand hall lined with glowing inscriptions and bookshelves that seemed to hum with latent energy. Inside, a panel of instructors and officials waited, their expressions varying from curious to stern.
"Asher," Yulia began, addressing him in front of the panel, "you are aware that bringing Dungeon inhabitants into the academy without clearance violates our protocols, correct?"
"No, I didn't know that" Asher said as others asked "but do you know she was an Dungeon inhabitant?"
Asher nodded. "I didn't know she was a Dungeon inhabitant until I met her. By then, I couldn't leave her there—she was imprisoned unjustly."
One of the officials, an older man with a sharp gaze, interjected. "How do we know she's not dangerous? Dungeon inhabitants often carry latent curses or untraceable energy signatures."
"She's not dangerous," Asher replied firmly. "I used my Blood Memory skill to verify her story. She's the remnant of a past era, imprisoned for reasons beyond her control."
Catherine stepped forward slightly, her cuffs glowing faintly in the light. "If it eases your concerns, I can willingly submit to your examinations," she said calmly.
The panel members exchanged glances before Yulia spoke. "Very well. Catherine, you'll be placed under observation for a probationary period. If your presence proves to be a risk, we'll take further action. Asher, you'll be held accountable for her actions during this time."
Freya frowned. "That's hardly fair. How is it his responsibility?"
Yulia turned to her. "He brought her here. He should've consulted the academy first. Responsibility comes with actions, Miss Freya."
Asher sighed but nodded. "I'll take responsibility."
"Good." Yulia turned back to the panel. "Prepare a suitable ward for her to stay in while she undergoes evaluation."
Catherine gave a small smile. "Your hospitality is appreciated," she said, her tone neutral but polite.
As the meeting concluded, Asher and Freya left the chamber with Catherine. Freya glanced at him, a mix of concern and curiosity on her face.
"You're taking on a lot of trouble for someone you just met," she said softly.
Asher shrugged. "She's not a threat. I trust what I saw in her memories. Besides," he added, his voice lowering, "there's more to her than we realize. Her knowledge and power could be invaluable—not just to me, but to the academy as well."
Freya nodded slowly, though her eyes lingered on Catherine. "Just don't forget who you can trust."
"I won't," Asher replied, though his thoughts were already racing ahead. 'The Directors may be powerful but even they won't dare to punish me for this', he thought as he continued to another room with Yulia.
Back in the Directors' meeting room, the atmosphere was tense. The five directors, each responsible for overseeing a specific branch of the academy, were deep in discussion.
At the far-left seat sat an older woman, her stern expression betraying her concern. She was Lady Myra, the Director of Security, responsible for ensuring the safety of the academy and its students. "We can't allow her to roam freely. We don't even know what her intentions might be," she said firmly.
At the center chair, a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze leaned forward. Reynold, the Director of Dungeon Affairs, managed all dungeons and secret realms available to students. "I can guarantee that she didn't come from any dungeon under my jurisdiction," he stated, his tone tinged with curiosity. "But the question remains—what kind of dungeon did Asher Magnus explore to bring someone like her back?"
To Reynold's left sat a beautiful blonde-haired woman, significantly younger than the others. She was the Head of the Healing Department, her tone measured but concerned. "From her power, it's clear that she's at the peak of the Awakener ranks," she noted. "However, we can't rule out the possibility that she's using an artifact or concealing her true abilities."
An older man on Reynold's right, Leon, the Director of Magical Sciences, adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "Exactly. Until we can confirm whether her power is genuine or an effect of some advanced artifact, we can't take any risks," he said.
At the far-right seat, a man with graying hair and a calm demeanor finally spoke. This was Arnold, the Head of the Artifact Department. "Leon is right. Only after thorough examination can we allow her any freedom. Until then, she must remain under strict observation," he said.
Reynold frowned slightly. "But will the Magnus boy comply? He seems quite protective of her," he said, glancing around the room.
Arnold nodded thoughtfully. "True. The Magnuses have always been stubborn. They'll likely demand access to her knowledge if they see any potential value," he said.
The directors fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. It was clear that this situation was unprecedented and fraught with potential risks—and opportunities.
The room was heavy with tension as the directors pondered their next steps. Finally, Lady Myra broke the silence.
"We must tread carefully. Asher Magnus may be a student, but his background and capabilities are far from ordinary. The Magnuses are not a family to be trifled with. However, the safety of the academy comes first."
Reynold leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Agreed, but we can't overlook the potential here. If this woman truly is at the peak of the Awakener ranks—or beyond—her knowledge could be invaluable. We need to evaluate her, but we also can't push too hard. If Asher feels cornered, he'll resist, and we can't afford unnecessary conflict."
The blonde woman, Head of Healing, nodded thoughtfully. "I suggest a diplomatic approach. She seems cooperative for now, so let's maintain that. We can create scenarios where her abilities can be observed without making her feel like a prisoner. If she's genuinely as powerful as she seems, antagonizing her could backfire."
Leon adjusted his glasses again, his analytical mind working quickly. "We also need to understand how she interacts with this world's laws. Her comments about adapting to our world suggest she's from a place with different rules of magic and energy. That could mean she's temporarily weakened, or it could mean she's hiding her full capabilities."
Arnold tapped a finger on the table, his voice calm but firm. "I agree with Leon. Her artifact—or whatever ability she's using—might be tied to this adaptation process. If that's the case, we need to determine if she's gaining strength as she integrates into our world. The last thing we need is an uncontrolled power surge."
Reynold turned his attention back to Myra. "Lady Myra, you'll have to keep an eye on her movements, but subtlety is key. We don't want Asher or his companions feeling like they're under siege."
Myra nodded, her expression unyielding. "Understood. I'll assign a small, discreet team to monitor her. If she poses any danger, we'll act swiftly."
"And Asher?" Arnold asked, his gaze sweeping the room.
"Let him be for now," Reynold replied. "But we'll need to engage him in a way that keeps him cooperative. Perhaps offer him opportunities to advance his studies or explore higher-tier dungeons."
The blonde woman smiled slightly. "Clever. Appeal to his ambition while keeping him within arm's reach. It might just work."
The room fell silent once more as the directors exchanged glances. It was clear that the situation was delicate, but they were determined to maintain control.
"Very well," Myra concluded. "Let's proceed with caution. If this woman and Asher Magnus truly represent a new element in the academy, we'll need to handle them wisely."
With that, the meeting was adjourned, and the directors each departed to put their respective plans into motion.
Asher, seated calmly, looked at Yulia as she crossed one leg over the other, her piercing gaze fixed on him.
"You know, from now on, you'll be under a lot of scrutiny," Yulia began. "You might think bringing a single Dungeon inhabitant here is no big deal, but coming from the Magnus family, you must know how serious it is. There are beings from other worlds constantly trying to invade ours."
Her words struck a chord, and Asher frowned, realization dawning on him. This... I hadn't thought of that, he mused internally. He started reflecting on his actions, questioning his decision to bring Catherine into this world so hastily.