The night passed quietly.
After returning from the haunted dungeon, the five students separated and returned to their respective dormitories.
The excitement of their expedition gradually faded.
Yet Kel remained unusually quiet.
Inside his private dormitory, the silver-haired young man sat upon the edge of his bed.
His usual relaxed expression had disappeared.
Moonlight entered through the partially opened curtains, illuminating the wooden furniture and neatly arranged belongings. His weapon rested against the wall, while his academy uniform lay folded upon a nearby chair.
He stared at nothing in particular.
His thoughts wandered through memories, possibilities, and events yet to come.
The dungeon expedition had been successful.
Everyone had gained valuable experience.
Nobody had suffered serious injuries.
By all accounts, it had been a pleasant outing.
Yet something occupied his mind.
Perhaps it was the approaching events.
Perhaps it was the people whose fates he already knew.
Or perhaps he was simply tired.
Within the depths of Scarder Lake, a familiar presence stirred.
"Kel?"
Seiren's voice reached him through their spiritual connection.
The Guardian of Scarder Lake sounded unusually gentle.
"What happened? You've been awfully silent since returning. Usually, you have something to say, even if it's only to complain about my interruptions."
Kel lowered his gaze.
I'm just thinking about a few things. Nothing much.
"Nothing much?"
A faint ripple passed through Seiren's consciousness.
"You have that expression again. The one you wear whenever you're thinking about something far beyond the immediate situation. You don't have to explain everything, you know, but don't pretend your mind is empty when I can practically feel you contemplating several centuries of trouble."
Kel smiled faintly.
You're imagining things.
"Perhaps. But I have known you long enough to recognize when you're avoiding a conversation."
He didn't answer.
Seiren eventually let the matter rest.
"Very well. Get some sleep. Even someone like you needs to rest occasionally."
Kel leaned backward.
The mattress accepted his weight.
His silver hair spread across the pillow as he closed his eyes.
Within moments, his breathing became steady.
The room descended into silence.
The Morning Mist
The following morning—
Kel awakened before sunrise.
His eyes opened slowly.
For a few moments, he remained motionless, listening to the quiet atmosphere surrounding him.
There was no sound of students talking in the corridors.
No footsteps rushing toward classrooms.
No distant bells announcing the beginning of another academy day.
Only silence.
He turned his head toward the window.
A pale grey mist covered the outside world.
The sky remained dark, although a faint trace of light had begun appearing along the distant horizon.
Kel sat up.
He glanced toward the clock.
It was still early.
Very early.
He stretched his arms before standing.
Perhaps a walk wouldn't be a bad idea.
He had no particular destination in mind.
He simply wanted to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the academy awakened.
After washing and preparing himself, Kel opened his wardrobe.
His usual academy uniform wasn't particularly suitable for an early morning walk.
Instead, he selected several pieces of clothing from his collection.
First came his leather shoes.
They had been crafted from the hide of a crocodile-like monster he had hunted on Treasure Island.
The dark leather possessed a naturally rough texture, although its surface had been carefully polished. Fine scales remained visible around the sides, giving the footwear a distinctive appearance.
They were durable, comfortable, and resistant to moisture.
Next came his trousers.
The material was made from a special wool obtained from the Frostbound Coast, a territory belonging to him.
The fabric was remarkably soft despite its excellent insulation properties.
Its dark colour complemented the leather footwear.
For his upper garment, Kel selected a locally purchased piece of clothing.
It was a simple, well-fitted garment made from a lightweight fabric, with subtle embroidery around the collar and cuffs.
Finally, he reached for a thick coat.
The early morning winds on the island could become rather cold, especially before sunrise.
The coat was long enough to cover most of his upper body, with a high collar and a dark inner lining.
After putting everything on, Kel examined his appearance briefly.
Nothing particularly extravagant.
Nothing that attracted unnecessary attention.
Perfect.
He opened the door and stepped into the corridor.
The Sleeping Academy
The interior corridor was considerably more impressive than its peaceful atmosphere suggested.
It extended in two directions, connecting different sections of the residential building.
Massive pillars supported the structure.
Each pillar had been carefully sculpted, its surface decorated with intricate patterns resembling ancient vines, mythical creatures, and intertwined magical symbols.
Above them, the ceiling displayed enormous paintings.
Scenes from forgotten histories covered the painted surface.
Some depicted ancient warriors standing before enormous gates.
Others portrayed winged creatures descending from cloudy heavens.
One particularly elaborate painting showed a group of robed figures surrounding a gigantic circular formation.
Their hands were raised toward the sky.
A golden light descended upon them.
Kel briefly glanced upward.
Interesting craftsmanship.
At every intersection, large candles burned within elaborate metal holders.
Their flames were considerably brighter and larger than ordinary candles.
Magical properties allowed them to illuminate the corridors without producing smoke.
The warm light contrasted with the cold mist visible through the distant windows.
Kel walked slowly.
His footsteps echoed faintly.
There was nobody around.
The other rooms remained silent.
Apparently, most students preferred sleeping until the last possible moment.
He couldn't blame them.
Academy life could be exhausting.
Eventually, he reached the staircase and descended.
The main entrance appeared ahead.
He pushed open the heavy wooden doors.
A gentle gust of cold air greeted him.
Kel stepped outside.
And the sight before him was peaceful.
Remarkably peaceful.
The surrounding buildings stood beneath the morning mist.
Their windows were dark.
Their balconies empty.
The academy district appeared almost abandoned.
The roads were clean, constructed from carefully arranged stone tiles.
Along both sides grew patches of wild grass and small plants.
Moisture had gathered upon their leaves.
Occasionally, droplets fell onto the ground as the breeze passed through them.
The trees stood motionless beneath the fog.
Their upper branches disappeared into the grey atmosphere.
The entire place felt detached from ordinary time.
As though he had stepped into an ancient painting.
Kel adjusted his thick coat and began walking.
The cold wind brushed against his cheeks.
His breath appeared faintly in the chilly air.
He placed both hands inside his coat pockets.
There was something strangely comforting about walking through a place before anyone else had awakened.
No conversations.
No expectations.
No responsibilities.
Only the quiet rhythm of his footsteps.
Far beneath Scarder Lake, Seiren's consciousness stirred.
"You're awake rather early."
I couldn't sleep any longer.
"And naturally, instead of enjoying your bed, you decided to wander around in the cold."
Kel smiled.
It's peaceful.
Seiren paused.
Then her voice softened.
"I suppose it is."
The Fountain in the Mist
After walking for several minutes, Kel reached the central park.
It was one of the larger recreational areas within the academy's residential district.
The park was surrounded by carefully maintained pathways, old trees, and ornamental gardens.
At its centre stood a pond.
Its surface was almost completely still.
A thin layer of mist hovered above the water, creating the illusion that the pond extended into the surrounding fog.
At the centre stood a magnificent statue.
It depicted a woman carrying two large water jars.
Her posture was graceful.
One jar rested against her waist, supported by her left arm, while the other was held slightly above her shoulder.
Water flowed continuously from the openings of both jars, falling into the pond below.
The sculptor had paid extraordinary attention to detail.
The woman's robes appeared to move gently despite being made of stone.
Individual folds had been carved into the fabric.
Her long hair was tied behind her head, with several strands falling naturally around her face.
Her expression was peaceful.
Almost melancholic.
As though she were remembering something from a distant past.
Kel approached the pond.
He stopped beside the stone railing.
The water reflected the statue imperfectly.
Small ripples distorted its image whenever another stream of water fell from the jars.
The surrounding fog made the entire scene appear dreamlike.
Kel watched quietly.
There was something fascinating about ancient statues.
Most people saw them as decorations.
But behind every statue existed a history.
Someone had commissioned it.
Someone had designed it.
Someone had carved it.
And someone, centuries ago, had decided that this particular image deserved to survive the passage of time.
He wondered whether the woman depicted in the statue had ever existed.
Perhaps she had been an ordinary citizen.
Perhaps a priestess.
Perhaps someone important enough to be remembered by an entire civilization.
Or perhaps the statue represented nothing more than an old legend.
Kel looked toward the inscription engraved upon its pedestal.
The morning mist made the writing difficult to distinguish.
He didn't bother approaching closer.
There was no need.
For now, he simply wanted to enjoy the scenery.
The cold wind passed through the park.
His thick coat fluttered slightly.
A few leaves drifted across the pathway before settling near the pond.
The candles inside the distant residential buildings were beginning to extinguish as the sky gradually brightened.
Somewhere beyond the park, a bird finally began singing.
Then another answered.
The first signs of morning life.
Kel lowered his gaze toward the water.
It's been a while since I've enjoyed something this ordinary.
For someone who had experienced countless battles, travelled through dangerous territories, and witnessed events capable of shaking entire kingdoms, such a simple moment possessed an unusual value.
No enemies.
No responsibilities.
No ancient mysteries demanding immediate attention.
Just a quiet morning.
Seiren eventually spoke again.
"Kel, are you still there?"
Obviously.
"You haven't said anything for quite some time. I was beginning to wonder whether you had fallen asleep while standing."
I'm enjoying the scenery.
A short silence followed.
Then—
"You know, you could have told me that instead of leaving me wondering what troublesome idea was occupying your mind."
Kel chuckled.
You worry too much.
"And you cause too much trouble."
The exchange ended with Seiren's familiar laughter.
Kel remained beside the pond.
The fog slowly began thinning.
Beyond the trees, the first rays of sunlight emerged, touching the upper portions of the academy towers.
Golden light gradually replaced the grey veil covering the park.
The statue of the woman carrying water jars appeared clearer.
The pond reflected the changing sky.
And the ancient academy, which had seemed almost abandoned only moments earlier, was slowly returning to life.
Kel took one final look at the peaceful surroundings.
Then he turned away from the pond.
There was still time before classes began.
Perhaps he would walk a little farther.
After all, peaceful mornings like this were rare.
And Kel had no intention of wasting one.