Simon drifted in a state of absolute paralysis—a void with no dreams, no thoughts, nothing at all. It felt as though he were floating aimlessly down a vast, silent river.
After what felt like an eternity, he forced his heavy eyelids open. He had fully expected to wake up in the pitch-black horror of the forest, his last vivid memory, but instead, his gaze met a familiar ceiling. He was safe inside the Willowgate infirmary. Gentle golden sunlight streamed through the open window, carrying with it a soft, rhythmic breeze that danced into the quiet room.
Though he could still feel a dull ache radiating from his right chest, the agonizing, venomous burn of Dean's cursed dagger eroding his insides was entirely gone. Summoning what little strength he had, he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position.
He was completely alone in the infirmary. However, the bedside table was piled high with an assortment of snacks and a collection of tiny, handwritten notes. Simon reached out and picked up one of the notes to read.
Hurry up and wake up already. Don't go celebrating just because you missed the exam! You're going to have to retake it all by yourself. - Kai
Seeing those words, a soft, faint smile broke across Simon's face. True to form, Kai's playful teasing about exams brought an immense wave of warmth to his heart, cutting through the lingering shadows of his recent trauma.
Gazing out the window at the rustling green trees swaying in the gentle breeze, Simon let out a soft sigh. He knew that thanks to Madam Celavan's healing elixirs and the timely intervention of the Masters, the curse had finally been broken. Yet, as the physical pain faded, a different kind of scar—the memory of Dean remained quietly etched in his heart.
Just then, the wooden door creaked open, and someone stepped inside. It was Headmistress Gaedanvillao. Her usually stern and rigid expression softened the moment her eyes met Simon's awake and conscious state.
"You're finally awake," she said, making her way over to Simon's bedside. She glanced down at the heap of snacks piling up on the table and smiled faintly.
"Your friends care about you deeply, you know. They absolutely refused to leave your side. It took the booming authority of Master Marrick's voice just to get them to step out."
She lightly touched one of the snack packages as she spoke, then turned her attention back to Simon.
"How does your chest feel? Is it still painful?"
Simon shook his head gently. "Not anymore. It doesn't hurt much."
"That is a relief," she murmured, pulling up a nearby chair to sit beside him.
"It took quite an effort to purge that curse from your body. I cannot quite tell if you are simply incredibly fortunate, or if there is something more. The curse hadn't managed to consume you as deeply as it should have. One has to wonder..." she pused.
"..was Dean's magic lacking in strength, or is your own spirit inherently stronger?"
The Headmistress spoke with a calm, meditative gravity. Simon looked at her for a long moment before slowly lowering his head, his gaze dropping to his lap.
"Dean... how is he doing now?"
"Vexlay did not manage to commit the ultimate sin, but because his actions directly harmed the students of Willowgate, he has been officially expelled. He has been transferred to the Chosen Containment Organization. He will be alright there. Sending him to the Prison would be unbefitting... after all, he too is just a child who lost his way in the quicksand of hatred."
Simon bit his trembling lower leaf, the agonizing echo of Dean's words piercing through his mind once more. How much pain did Dean have to endure...? How many times did he have to stare at the phantom of his worst nightmares every single time he looked at Simon's face...?
Instead of harboring hatred for the senior who had just tried to kill him, Simon felt an overwhelming wave of pity for Dean. At the same time, a sickening wave of self-loathing washed over him, hating his father for his atrocities, and hating his own body for carrying that monstrous bloodline.
As fresh tears welled up in his eyes, Simon aggressively wiped them away with the back of his hand, refusing to let them fall.
"I'm... I'm scared, Headmistress. I'm terrified that I might become like him... I don't want to be a monster. Just like everyone said... I don't... I don't want to turn into my father," he choked out.
The Headmistress merely observed Simon with a cold, unblinking calmness. She did not offer empty coddling, nor did she have any intention to soothe him like a fragile toddler. Instead, she spoke with a grounded, unyielding sharpness.
"If you do not strive to become something, you will not become it, Simon. It is that simple. If you do not wish to end up like your father... then walk your own path. Prove to yourself and the world that you are your own person, not a mere extension of your father's sins. Weeping and crying about what you 'don't want to be' changes nothing. You must rely on your own strength to shape your own destiny."
Her voice was flat, severe, and absolutely final. After that, the Headmistress stood up, looking down at the quiet, contemplative Simon. She knew that despite his age, he understood the weight of her words completely.
"Get some rest then. You still have to retake your exams, so you will need your strength," she said before turning to leave.
But just as she neared the exit, the wooden door burst open with a loud BANG! It was Kai, throwing the door open with zero hesitation. He instantly froze in surprise upon coming face-to-face with the Headmistress, but the moment his eyes locked onto a conscious Simon sitting up in bed, all fear vanished. He blurted out a hasty greeting to the Headmistress.
"Good afternoon, ma'am!" —and bolted right past her, throwing his arms around Simon in a fierce hug.
Simon let out a sharp, winded gasp from the sudden impact on his chest.
Following closely behind, Jack muttered under his breath, "What a reckless idiot," before stopping to properly and respectfully bow to the Headmistress.
"Good afternoon, Headmistress."
She gave Jack a disciplined nod of acknowledgment. Ducking his head politely, Jack slipped past her side and walked over toward Simon's bed. Headmistress Gaedanvillao watched the three of them for a quiet, lingering moment—the unbreakable bond of these boys acting as a rare beacon of light in a dark world. Satisfied, she quietly stepped out of the ward, closing the door behind her and leaving the best friends to their long-awaited reunion.
Kai gripped Simon's shoulders tightly, eyes glistening with unshed tears as he interrogated him.
"Are you okay, mate? I seriously thought you were never going to wake up. I even ate some of your snacks out of pure stress. Anyway, I am so incredibly happy you're awake. Also, that stunt you pulled—going into the forest entirely by yourself? Zero out of ten."
Simon managed a faint, genuine smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry so much..."
Then, turning his gaze toward Jack, Simon asked softly, "Jack... are you doing okay?"
"More than okay. I already finished my exams," Jack replied, crossing his arms and putting on a stern front, though his eyes betrayed his immense relief.
"But seriously... when I first woke up and saw you unconscious in the bed right next to mine, my heart nearly leaped right out of my chest from sheer panic."
Scratching the back of his head sheepishly, Simon offered an apologetic smile.
"Is that so...? I'm really sorry, guys. I didn't mean to give you both such a scare..."
Simon looked closely at Jack, his chest tightening with lingering guilt.
"Thank you so much, Jack. And... I am truly, deeply sorry. It was because of me..that you ended up like that..."
Jack's brows furrowed tightly at the words 'because of me,' but as he noted the fragile sorrow in the his eyes, his expression softened completely. He gave Simon's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Aren't we friends? We are supposed to look out for one another. There is absolutely no need to apologize, Simon," he replied, his tone even and unconditional.
Looking at his unwavering friend, tears brimmed in Simon's eyes once more, though this time, they accompanied a small, deeply grateful smile. Observing the emotional gravity shifting again, Kai let out a theatrical sigh to break the tension and yanked a chair up right beside the bed.
"Alright, alright! Let's eat these snacks already," Kai announced cheerfully, tearing into the packages.
"Amy baked these cookies herself, and Finn even prepared some fresh fruit juice. Oh, look! Conner actually bought chocolate! Simon, you hit the jackpot. For a notorious penny-pincher like Conner to spend money buying you chocolate? That itself is a certified medical miracle!"
As he rambled, Kai expertly unwrapped the chocolate bar, snapped it right down the middle, and handed one half to Simon. He instantly stuffed the remaining half into his own mouth, chewing happily.
Jack crossed his arms, glaring at him. "Hey, that belongs to Simon."
"Well, Simon is sharing it with me. Right, Simon?" Kai mumbled through a mouthful of chocolate, looking at Simon with wide, innocent eyes.
Simon couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, nodding his head in agreement. Kai immediately shot Jack a triumphant smirk and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, 'See? Approved.'
Jack could only shake his head at Kai's antics. Pulling up a chair on the opposite side of the bed, directly facing Jack, he sat down. Surrounded by the warmth of the afternoon sun, the pile of snacks from their classmates, and the unyielding loyalty of his best friends, Simon finally felt the remaining shadows of the forest begin to melt away.
While nibbling on his piece of chocolate, Simon suddenly remembered something crucial, his eyes blinking in curiosity.
"Oh, by the way... how did you guys manage to track me down in that thick forest?"
Kai quickly swallowed the chocolate in his mouth and answered enthusiastically.
"Ah! It was all thanks to that magical map Mr. Ox gave you back on Kolavanti Island! The one named..."
"Travor." Simon filled in the blank, remembering the map's name instantly.
"Yep! That's the one! While you were missing, I was frantically searching through your things and found that map. To be completely honest, I never expected it to include the surrounding areas of Willowgate. But the moment I thought about where you could be, the map precisely pointed out your exact location in the deep woods with a glowing dot! That is how we managed to lead the Masters straight to you without getting lost. You seriously scored an incredible artifact during your travels!"
Kai spoke with an approving thumbs-up.
"Is that so... I see now," Simon murmured softly, a small, comforted smile gracing his face as he realized how his treasured map had ultimately saved his life through his friend's quick thinking.
And so, the days blurred past. Simon successfully retook his missed exams, passing them without any further trouble.
It was now the final assembly day of the academy. The grand Mother Hall was packed to the brim with students from all five Chambers. Before the arrival of the Masters, the hall had been a chaotic sea of voices; the students chattered excitedly, filled with the bittersweet realization that they would be heading home tomorrow. Their long, grueling academic year had officially drawn to a close.
The moment the Masters entered the hall, however, the rising noise instantly died down into a solemn silence. Headmistress Gaedanvillao swept her gaze across the vast ocean of students before her, her voice carrying a calm, resonant gravity.
"Today marks the final day of the school year for all of you. Some of you will return to see one another again next year, while others will be saying a final, permanent farewell to this great institution. Know this: Willowgate Academy will forever hold onto the memories of everyone who has ever walked through its doors, and everyone who now departs from them."
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
A thunderous wave of applause erupted inside the grand hall, shaking the very rafters before settling back into an eager silence. Headmistress Gaedanvillao smiled warmly and continued her announcement.
"And now, keeping with our academy's finest traditions, we shall present the awards to the two deserving Chambers: the winners of the Exigros Championship, and the recipients of the Best Chamber Award, which evaluates our students' discipline, conduct, and virtue."
The entire hall erupted into a fresh frenzy of cheers and whispers of anticipation.
Kai nudged Simon with his elbow, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he leaned in.
"It's definitely going to be our Chamber. Since we already snatched the Exigros trophy, all that's left is to bag the Best Chamber Award as well... hehe."
Simon smiled, his eyes lighting up with shared excitement. "Yeah... that would be amazing."
At that moment, Master Valandor and Master Velen stepped forward, carrying two magnificent, gleaming shields of honor, and took their places at the center of the hall. The Headmistress descended from the stage to personally present the awards.
"First, to accept the trophy on behalf of this year's Exigros Champions—Chamber Fyrnic! We proudly call upon Captain Vukasin Sokolov to step forward!!"
The announcer's booming voice barely finished echoing through the hall before the entire Fyrnic section erupted. Students leaped to their feet, shouting and cheering at the top of their lungs, their triumphant roars deafeningly loud.
Captain Vukasin proudly accepted the gleaming championship shield directly from the Headmistress's hands. Turning toward his loyal Fyrnic crowd, he hoisted the trophy high above his head, triggering an absolute roar of celebration that shook the entire hall.
The student announcer instructed Vukasin to step aside for a moment, preparing to read the final award of the evening off his cue card.
"And now, the moment everyone has been eagerly sweating over... it is time to announce the 'Best Chamber Award!' Alright, is everyone pumped?!"
"YES!!!" the crowd bellowed back.
"Okay, okay... then let's get right to it. The Best Chamber Award for this year goes to...."
The announcer dragged out the syllable on purpose, leaving the entire hall in a suffocating, suspenseful silence. Nobody dared to blink.
"Chamber Malthen!!!"
Explosive cheers erupted instantly from the Malthen section. Up on stage, however, Captain Vukasin's expression turned instantly dark and stormy. Malthen's captain, Edward Evering—his absolute arch-nemesis had just swiped the award right from under his nose.
Edward wore a sweet, triumphant smirk as he glided down the steps, smoothly accepting the Best Chamber shield from the Headmistress with a flawless smile.
Moments later, the two rival captains stood shoulder-to-shoulder on stage, holding their respective trophies as they received a massive round of applause from the entire student body.
As they finally descended the stage to head back to their seats, Edward leaned in slightly, his voice a low, teasing murmur as he brushed past Vukasin.
"Next year... I'm taking both of those trophies for myself."
"In your dreams," Vukasin shot back through clenched teeth, his tone sharp as steel. Edward merely chuckled, breaking away toward his own Chamber.
Watching the dramatic interaction from afar, Kai nudged Simon, whispering mischievously, "A-oh, Simon. Friction detected between the two captains. High-voltage friction!"
"Yeah, yeah... I saw it too," Simon giggled quietly. Surrounded by the warmth of the hall and the playful banter of his friends, the lingering horrors of the forest and the phantom ache in his chest finally faded into the background.
The Headmistress's profound parting words struck a resonant chord deep within Simon's heart. After encouraging the three remaining Chambers to strive harder next year, she scanned the sea of faces with an unyielding yet maternal gravity.
"Therefore, I leave you all with this final truth: no matter how bleak or monstrous the shadows of the past may try to shroud you, they can only consume you if you choose to accept them. Carve your own path, and be your own person. For the children I will see again next term, I wish you a joyful summer holiday. And for those who have completed their journey here and must depart... may you walk your chosen paths in life with strength and grace."
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
The moment her speech concluded, a thunderous, rhythmic roar of applause exploded across the grand hall, far louder than any cheer before it.
Beside Simon, Kai suddenly leaped to his feet. Clapping his hands with wild, untamed energy, he hollered at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing off the high ceilings.
"WOOOOO!!! Yayy!!"
Jack's face flushed bright red with sheer embarrassment at his friend's antics. Tugging frantically at the hem of Kai's robes, Jack hissed through clenched teeth, "Hey, Kai! Sit down! Have you no shame at all? Everyone is staring at us!"
But Simon only laughed—a pure, unburdened sound that filled his chest as he watched the familiar bickering of his best friends. The scar on the right side of his chest tightened slightly, but the Headmistress's words remained safely etched into his soul.
'Carve your own path, and be your own person.'
Yes... he might carry the blood of Blackburn, but he was not his father. He would never become a monster. Not when he had friends like Jack and Kai, who would willingly risk their lives to stand by his side. Looking ahead with bright, luminous eyes full of hope for the future, Simon officially brought his eventful first academic year to a triumphant close.
The morning of their departure was alive with the rustling of packing, the snapping of trunks, and the bittersweet chatter of students preparing to say goodbye.
While Simon was neatly organizing his belongings into his bag, his fingers brushed against a familiar fountain pen. He paused, lifting it into the light. It was the very pen he had borrowed from Henry back when he desperately needed to write. Looking at it, Simon couldn't help but wonder to himself, 'I wonder if Henry kept that wooden swan I carved for him as a Christmas gift...'
"Simon, you're definitely going to write to me, right?" Kai called out, grunting as he threw his weight onto his overstuffed suitcase to force it shut.
Simon snapped out of his thoughts and nodded warmly. Around the room, the other boys were chiming in, promising to exchange letters and keep in touch throughout the long summer break.
Just then, a sharp knock rattled the wooden door. Knock, knock, knock.
Jack, who was closest to the entrance, pulled it open to find Lucas standing in the hallway. Lucas casually peered over Jack's shoulder, scanning the chaotic room until his eyes landed on Simon.
"Simon, you've got mail," Lucas announced, holding up a sealed envelope neatly tucked between his long fingers.
Curious, Simon walked over and took the letter, looking up at Lucas with a puzzled expression. "Who is it from?"
"No idea. There's no return address," Lucas replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Well, I'm heading out." With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared down the corridor.
Leaving Simon standing there, the mysterious envelope heavy in his hand, as Kai, Toad, and Finn immediately abandoned their packing to crowd around him, burning with curiosity to see what was inside.
Simon carefully unfolded the letter and began to read.
"Hello, Simon. It's me, Dean. I know it is shameless of me to write to you after causing you so much pain, but there is something I must tell you. I am truly, deeply sorry. For everything. For deceiving you, for lying to you, and for hurting your friends—I apologize for it all. I will rightfully bear the punishment for my actions, and I want to say that you will never become a man like him. You are not your father, Simon. I believe in you. That is all. I only hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday. Take care of yourself. If our paths ever cross again in the future... I will apologize to you properly." - Dean
Simon stared at the paper until he reached the very last word. Beside him, Kai and Jack finished reading along over his shoulder, their eyes instantly shifting to Simon to see his reaction.
Yet, Simon merely gazed down at the neatly written script, his face surprisingly calm before a soft, genuine smile broke across his lips. He carefully folded the letter back up, walked over to his bag, and went right back to packing his clothes. His friends watched him in silent understanding for a brief moment before quietly returning to their own luggage.
Simon tucked the letter away safely in his pocket. Then, he looked out the open window into the bright morning sky.
For the first time, a profound sense of relief washed over him. It wasn't just because Dean had apologized, but because the tone of the letter gave him hope that Dean was doing alright wherever he was, and because those final words had finally shattered his own self-doubt.
"You take care too, Dean..." Simon murmured softly under his breath.
All the students streamed out of the academy gate, hauling their personal luggage. Just like their very first day, they marched in an orderly line behind the guidance of Miss Lora. Simon walked at a comfortable pace, flanked closely by Jack and Kai.
In the midst of the crowd, Simon caught sight of Henry. He thought about walking over to say a quick goodbye, but seeing Logan glued to Henry's side, he decided against it, keeping his distance with a small, knowing smile.
Meanwhile, Logan abruptly cut off his conversation with Oscar, turning his full attention toward Henry.
"Henry, you're going to write to me over the summer, right?"
"Even if I don't write, you'll just end up showing up at my house anyway," Henry replied, his tone smooth and entirely indifferent. "Is a letter really necessary?"
"Of course it is! Visiting is visiting, but exchanging letters is a completely different thing. You better write to me."
"I'll think about it. Just make sure you don't overwhelm me with two letters a day."
"Well, if you don't write to me first, then I'll have no choice but to spam you," Logan huffed defiantly.
"Do whatever you want," Henry murmured. He knew better than anyone that once Logan made up his mind, there was absolutely no arguing with him.
Just then, a burst of lively laughter echoed from a short distance behind them. Henry glanced back to find Simon laughing lighthearted as he chatted away with Kai and Jack. Henry stared for a quiet moment, causing Logan to follow his gaze. Logan's brows immediately knitted together in irritation.
"Pfft, he only got famous because he survived a tiny assassination attempt. He's a nobody," Logan muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes.
Henry remained quiet for a beat. Pulling his gaze away from Simon, he looked straight ahead and delivered a flat, crushing truth.
"That 'nobody' beat you in a duel."
The remark hit Logan like a physical blow to the chest, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"T-That was pure luck, okay?! Seriously, he just got lucky!" Logan sputtered, his face flushing with embarrassment as he scrambled to catch up with Henry's steady stride, venting his frustration all the way down the path.
While Kai, Simon, and Jack were walking along the path, Kai suddenly leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, by the way... do you remember that anonymous pumpkin costume you received back during Halloween? Who do you think gave it to you?"
"I have no idea," Simon replied, shaking his head in confusion.
"It was actually the Headmistress herself!"
Simon completely froze, his jaw dropping in sheer disbelief. "No way... That's impossible."
"It's true!" Kai insisted, waving his hands dramatically. "While you were still unconscious in the infirmary, Master Valandor was waiting with us and let the secret slip! Though I've gotta say, her taste in costumes is pretty terrible. A giant pumpkin? Seriously?"
Simon listened, a soft warmth blossoming within his chest. The mystery that had puzzled him all year was finally solved. He realized that despite his dark lineage, Headmistress Gaedanvillao had quietly looked out for him from the shadows, ensuring he wouldn't feel left out. He thanked her silently from the bottom of his heart.
They made their way down to the wooden door, where a fleet of magical carriages stood waiting.
"Going to miss this place, aren't you?" Jack asked quietly, adjusting the strap of his trunk.
"A bit," Simon smiled, looking back one last time at the towering, majestic spires of Willowgate Academy. Then, he looked at Jack and Kai, his heart full of a strange, bright courage.
"But I'm not really going home. Not when I'll be coming back here again."
End of Year 1