Just two days before she was set to leave for the Runebound, Ruby crossed paths with Elizabeth. The latter had come to the main house for some security-related matters.

Ruby and Elizabeth shared a close bond. Whenever the young girl visited the main estate, they'd often go out hunting—if Ruby had time to spare. And Elizabeth never missed a chance to show interest in Ruby's work. So yes, their relationship was warm and strong.

Naturally, when Ruby saw her niece collapse on the ground, surrounded by students, her heart skipped a beat.

"What happened?" she asked, pulling the girl into her arms and then turning her gaze to Adrian.

Ariana stood nearby, frowning. For Adrian to become violent was not normal—this wasn't just rare.

This was the first time he had ever raised his hand against a student.

"She nearly killed Sylvie," Adrian said calmly, arms crossed. "And destroyed my workshop—just to get back at me."

"He's lying!" Elizabeth shouted, eyes wide in disbelief. "I wasn't even there when it happened! He's just angry because I don't care about his boring lectures!"

Ruby narrowed her eyes. She knew Adrian. He wasn't the type to lose his temper over something so petty.

But at the same time, she couldn't just accuse Elizabeth of lying—not without proof.

That's why she spoke firmly, "Let me look into it. If I use Echo Trace, I can see what really happened."

Elizabeth's face went pale. She knew exactly what that ability could reveal.

Her voice trembled as she asked, "Y-You don't trust me?"

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Ruby sighed, brushing a hand over Elizabeth's hair.

"I do trust you, Eli. But if we want to fight against something unfair… we need to have proof, right?"

Elizabeth bit her lip hard.

"Why would you need proof against this dickhea—"

"Eli~" Ruby cut in softly.

Her tone was light, almost teasing, but the chill in her voice made Elizabeth flinch.

Ruby was smiling.

But her eyes were cold as ice.

"Before you curse someone," she said gently, "Let me investigate. Fair enough?"

Elizabeth swallowed hard and said nothing more.

She knew pressing this further would only hurt her.

With a quiet breath, Ruby stood up and walked toward Adrian.

Their eyes met—and in that moment, Ruby could tell.

This wasn't the time to question him. Not yet.

So instead, she reached into her coat and drew her armament.

With a single crack of her whip, the entire backyard fell under a dome of shadow.

Gasps spread through the students as the scene changed before their eyes.

And then, clear as day, they saw it—just as Adrian had.

Sylvie walked into the workshop. A few minutes later, Elizabeth followed her.

She unleashed her armament and launched a relentless series of strikes—without hesitation.

The students who had been on Elizabeth's side now turned quiet.

Some stared. Others looked away, their pity replaced by unease.

Elizabeth lowered her gaze and said nothing.

Ruby's expression darkened as she faced her.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Elizabeth stayed quiet.

There was no excuse. No defense.

And the one person who might have stood by her—was now standing against her.

Ruby stepped closer, her voice sharp and cold.

"Do you realize what your actions suggest? It looks like you were trying to kill the Princess."

"No!" Elizabeth cried, shaking her head quickly. "Please! You have to believe me—I didn't know she was in there!"

Ruby didn't respond right away.

Her eyes, once full of warmth, were now distant.

"Even if I believe that," she said at last, "It doesn't change the facts. You seriously hurt the Princess—and destroyed someone else's entire property in the process."

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked down.

Ruby heaved a sigh, before turning towards Ariana, "Please proceed with the punishment you deem right."

Ariana nodded and she was about to turn towards Rylie, when she and many others spotted Adrian walking away.

The students gave him the way as he advanced towards the male dormitories.

Ariana felt restless in her heart, but first, she decided to handle the situation here.

"Everyone, back to your class. And Instructor Rylie, bring Elizabeth to the counselor's office."

The instructor nodded and the students slowly started to disperse.

Elana was still rooted at her spot, staring at the male dormitories with a look of unease.

The Professor seemed...frustrated. Was it because of what he lost or was it Sylvie?

"Ariana..I...I am sorry for what happened." Ruby stepped closer to the silver head as she apologized.

The Headmistress shook her head, "It's okay, it's not your fault. Children at this age always take impulsive actions."

In a quieter tone, she added, "But I didn't think Adrian would be this harsh."

Ruby nodded, "Yes ..this is the first time I have seen him this angry. He looked extremely displeased even when he left."

Ariana hummed, crossing her arms as she looked at the workshop.

Was there something important he was building? Or was it something else? She won't know until she talks to him.

"How about you go and wait in my office? I will go and have a talk with him."

Ruby nodded, "Okay."

Ariana hurried toward the back of the dormitory, taking the same hidden path she always used when sneaking into his room.

She reached the door and knocked once.

From inside, a low voice answered, "Come in."

She opened the door and stepped in.

Adrian was lying on the bed, his forearm draped over his eyes, motionless.

Quietly closing the door behind her, Ariana walked over and asked softly,

"Are you okay?"

Adrian gave a slight shake of his head.

"Nope... something's wrong with me."

Ariana frowned, her concern growing.

"What happened?"

He sat up slowly, rubbing his face, then looked at her.

"I'm not myself. I almost lost control back there."

She let out a quiet sigh.

"It happens sometimes. You don't have to beat yourself up over it."

She assumed he was still feeling guilty for hitting the student.

But then he reached into the drawer and pulled out a single bullet.

"No, Ariana... you don't get it."

He held the bullet between his fingers and showed it to her.

"This... this is what I was about to fire before you walked in."

Ariana carefully took it from him, her fingers brushing his.

She turned it over in her hand, puzzled.

"What exactly does this do?" she asked hesitantly.

Adrian's voice dropped lower.

"It creates a black hole. Everything within range... gets pulled in and erased."

Her eyes widened in shock.

"What...?!"

Adrian nodded slowly.

"Now do you see? If you had come even a few seconds later... I could've killed dozens of students along with Elizabeth."

The room fell silent.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.