The mana-comm chimed once.
Leon was the first to notice it—not because it was loud, but because it carried a familiar resonance. Earth-tuned frequency, lightly altered to function within Aurelion's system grid. He paused mid-step near the balcony, eyes narrowing slightly.
"That's Lucas," he said.
Elena looked up from the table where she was reorganizing ingredients. "Already?"
Leon nodded and accepted the call. A translucent projection unfolded in the air between them, stabilizing into Lucas's image—slightly grainy, framed by a background of unfamiliar stone walls and glowing blue sigils.
"Leon!" Lucas said, relief clear in his voice. "Finally. This thing kept rerouting my signal. Aurelion's communication laws are insane."
"You're connected now," Leon replied calmly. "Where are you?"
"Exchange dormitory sector," Lucas said. "Temporary. They dumped a few of us transfers together. You wouldn't believe the looks we're getting." He laughed, then squinted. "Wait—are you… is that Elena?"
Elena stepped into view. "Hi, Lucas."
He blinked, visibly surprised. "You're together?"
Leon and Elena exchanged a brief glance—instinctive, practiced.
"We're in the same district," Leon said smoothly. "Assigned residence."
Lucas nodded slowly. "Huh. Guess that makes sense. System pairing logic and all."
Elena smiled politely. "How are you holding up?"
Lucas sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Honestly? Better than expected. Worse than hoped."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "That bad?"
"It's not the danger," Lucas said. "It's the people. Everyone here looks at you like you're a resource waiting to be claimed."
Elena's expression sharpened slightly. "That's Aurelion."
"Yeah," Lucas muttered. "I ran into someone interesting, though. An Indian guy—Adithya Maurya. Spear user. Or at least… he should be."
Leon stiffened for just a fraction of a second.
Elena noticed. Lucas didn't.
"He doesn't feel like a fighter," Lucas continued. "No aura. No pressure. But something about his stance—it's wrong. Like a blade kept in a sheath too long."
Leon nodded once. "Some people awaken late."
"Maybe," Lucas said. "Anyway, I wanted to warn you. Word's spreading."
Elena leaned forward slightly. "About what?"
"About Leon," Lucas said plainly. "The exchange hall transaction didn't go unnoticed. People are already asking questions. Who you are. Where your stones came from. Why the system treats you differently."
Leon's voice remained even. "That was expected."
"Yeah, well," Lucas exhaled, "just be careful. You're drawing attention faster than I thought."
Elena glanced at Leon again. This time, her look carried quiet certainty.
"We'll manage," she said.
Lucas smiled faintly. "You always sound like that. Calm. Like you already know how things end."
Leon didn't answer.
There was a brief pause—then Lucas grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "So. Living together already, huh?"
Elena's lips twitched.
Leon answered before she could. "It's practical."
"Of course it is," Lucas said, laughing. "Figures. Just don't forget—we're still supposed to meet once things stabilize. The three of us. Like old times."
Elena nodded. "I'd like that."
"Good," Lucas said. "Because this place? It feels like it's testing everyone. And I'd rather not face it alone."
Leon met his gaze through the projection. "You won't."
The signal flickered—mana interference rising.
"Alright," Lucas said. "I'll let you two get back to… whatever newly assigned residents do."
Elena smiled. Leon inclined his head.
The projection dissolved.
Silence settled into the room.
Elena was the first to speak. "He really doesn't know."
Leon shook his head. "And we're not telling him yet."
She studied him for a moment. "You're certain?"
"Yes," he said. " I just wanted to tease him. "
Elena nodded slowly. Then, softer, " Thats sounds geate "
Leon glanced at her. "We'll have our fun."
She smiled at that.
Outside, Aurelion's mana currents shifted again—quietly marking connections, ignorance, and truths yet unspoken.