Chapter 381: The Principal’s Office, Again

Arthur had learned that there were several ways to ruin a perfectly pleasant afternoon.

One was discovering a dangerous Secret Realm.

Another was encountering an ancient mystery that threatened an entire region.

And the third was receiving a message from Principal Steven.

Unfortunately, he had experienced all three within the same week.

"Do you think he’ll be angry?" Arthur asked as they walked through the Academy’s administrative building.

Mithra glanced at him. "You caused a regional crisis, uncovered an artificial Mirror, encountered a mysterious organization, and returned with enough discoveries to occupy several research departments. What do you think?"

"I think those are all excellent reasons to congratulate us."

Melo laughed beside them. "I like that answer. We should use it when we arrive."

Vedas walked ahead with his arms folded. "I suggest neither of you speak unless necessary."

Arthur looked at him. "You’re making it sound like we’re going to court."

"Would you prefer that?"

"Not particularly."

Athena adjusted the documents she was carrying. Unlike Arthur, she had spent the journey back organizing the expedition’s findings into separate categories. Confirmed observations, unverified theories, recovered evidence, and matters requiring further investigation. She had even prepared a preliminary summary for the Academy.

"I believe the meeting will be more productive if we present the information in an organized manner," Athena said. "Principal Steven has already received Professor Roland’s preliminary report, but several details still need clarification."

"See? Athena understands us," Arthur said.

"That is not what I said."

Sun gave a dramatic sigh. "At least someone in this group understands the importance of presenting our achievements properly. We should begin with the most impressive discoveries."

Mithra smiled. "And which one would that be?"

"Obviously, the World Tree."

"Not the artificial Purple Mirror?"

"That is also impressive."

"What about the five Mirrors?"

Sun hesitated. "We have too many impressive discoveries."

Kong, sitting comfortably on Sun’s shoulder, looked disappointed. "What about the food we discovered?"

"That was not a discovery," Athy said. "It was a meal."

"It was a very important meal."

Arthur chuckled as they reached the familiar office door. Before he could knock, Vedas looked back at him.

"Remember. Let us explain what happened before you try to make it sound like a vacation."

Arthur raised both hands. "I make no promises."

The door opened.

Principal Steven stood behind his desk, surrounded by documents.

There were documents on the desk, documents stacked beside it, and even a few folders resting on a nearby chair. Professor Roland sat to one side, looking considerably less surprised to see them than Steven did.

The principal looked at Arthur.

Arthur looked at the documents.

Then he looked at Steven again.

"Principal, I didn’t know you were expecting so many guests."

Steven slowly lowered the paper in his hand. "Arthur, I specifically summoned you and the people involved in the expedition."

"Of course. I was just admiring the preparations."

"Sit down."

Arthur sat.

The others followed, while Vedas remained standing beside Arthur. Mithra took a seat near the window, and Athena placed her prepared documents on the table. Melo leaned forward with interest, apparently looking forward to the conversation.

Steven waited until everyone had settled before placing a report on his desk.

"Arthur, how would you describe the expedition?"

Arthur considered the question carefully. "Educational."

Steven stared at him.

"Dangerous," Arthur added.

"That’s closer."

"Successful?"

Steven closed his eyes for a moment. "You entered a Secret Realm as part of a first-year field expedition. During that expedition, you became involved in a crisis affecting the World Tree and the surrounding region. You encountered five ancient Mirrors, discovered an artificial Purple Mirror, uncovered evidence of deliberate Miasma contamination, and returned with information that several Academy departments will need months to examine."

Arthur nodded. "So, very successful?"

Mithra covered her mouth, but the smile still reached her eyes. Melo did not bother hiding her laughter.

Even Professor Roland looked as though he was struggling to maintain a serious expression.

Steven placed both hands on his desk. "I see that your sense of humor has survived."

"Thankfully."

"Unfortunately, my paperwork has not."

Arthur glanced at the stacks of documents again. "There really are a lot of them."

"Yes. There are. And do you know why?"

"Because we made many discoveries?"

"Because the Academy has to determine what happened, verify the evidence, evaluate the risks, and establish what should be done next. Your expedition did not simply uncover an interesting ruin. It affected an entire region."

Steven picked up another document. "The Academy is responsible for its students and the people involved in its expeditions. If something goes wrong, we cannot simply accept that everyone returned safely and consider the matter finished."

His voice was firm, but there was no anger in it now. Arthur noticed that Steven’s eyes moved briefly over the group, checking each of them.

The principal continued, "I am relieved that you returned. I am also relieved that the World Tree was not destroyed and that the artificial corruption was dealt with. But I want you to understand something. Your survival is not the only measure of whether an expedition was handled properly."

Arthur’s expression became more serious. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"We made several decisions without having the complete picture. We had to act with the information available at the time, and some of the dangers only became clear after we had already entered the situation. But that doesn’t mean every decision was unavoidable. We should have recorded certain observations earlier, and we need to be more careful about separating what we know from what we suspect."

Athena nodded in agreement. "That is why I divided the records into confirmed findings and unresolved questions. Some of our early assumptions changed as we learned more about the Mirrors and the World Tree. The Academy should not treat those assumptions as established facts."

Steven looked toward her documents. "I have read the preliminary report. Your organization will be helpful. I would like the research department to review it with you."

"Of course," Athena replied. "I can also provide the observation records and the sequence of events."

"Good. That will save us time."

Arthur leaned slightly toward Athena. "You might have just saved us several hours."

"I prepared it because several hours would otherwise be wasted."

Melo laughed again.

Steven turned another page. "Now, about the Mirrors. The five original Mirrors were identified as Fire, Water, Earth, Darkness, and Light. The Purple Mirror was artificial, correct?"

"Yes," Arthur answered. "It was created by Endou. The evidence indicates that it was made using negative emotions from Beasts and used to inject Miasma into the World Tree."

"Indicates?" Steven repeated.

"We have strong evidence, but I don’t want to claim we understand every part of its creation. Athena has the records."

"That is the correct answer."

Professor Roland finally joined the discussion. "The distinction is important. The students discovered that the World Tree itself was not the source of the corruption. The artificial interference had to be separated from its natural circulation. Had they treated the entire system as contaminated, the consequences could have been considerably worse."

Steven nodded. "That is one of the most significant findings in the report. It also means the Academy must investigate the artificial Mirror separately."

Vedas spoke from beside Arthur. "The World Tree is recovering. The village has also begun rebuilding, but it will take time before everything returns to normal."

Steven’s expression softened. "And the people living there?"

"They are safe for now. Their village is still damaged, but they have begun repairing their homes and restoring their daily lives. Luna and her grandfather are recovering as well."

Mithra looked toward Vedas. "The village has a long way to go, but they are no longer facing the same danger."

"That is good to hear," Steven said. "Make sure those details are included in the final report. The people affected by the incident should not disappear behind the research findings."

Arthur nodded. He was glad Steven had brought it up. The World Tree and the Mirrors were important discoveries, but the village was also part of what they had fought to protect.

Steven turned to the next page. "And Ronin?"

The atmosphere shifted slightly.

"He’s alive," Arthur said. "We have evidence connecting him to the incident, but there are still questions about his involvement and the people behind the artificial Mirror."

"Then the investigation will continue. I will have the appropriate department review the evidence and coordinate the next steps. I do not want students attempting to pursue him independently."

Arthur opened his mouth.

Steven immediately raised a hand. "No."

"I haven’t said anything."

"You were about to."

Mithra gave Arthur an amused look. "He’s getting better at predicting you."

Vedas nodded. "It is a skill developed through repeated exposure."

"Thank you for your support," Arthur muttered.

Steven continued before the conversation could derail. "You will be asked to attend follow-up meetings when necessary. You are witnesses to the events, and your observations are valuable. However, the investigation is the Academy’s responsibility now."

Arthur nodded. "Understood."

"Good."

Steven leaned back, then looked at the entire group. "There is another matter. I want the contributions of everyone involved to be properly recorded. Arthur, you were central to the expedition’s discoveries, but you were not alone. Professor Roland and the other staff members played their roles, and your companions contributed in different ways."

Melo straightened slightly. "Does that mean our names will be included?"

"Yes."

Sun lifted his chin proudly. "As they should be."

"Your contributions will be documented accurately," Steven replied. "That includes the work of those who assisted with research, protection, observation, and the recovery efforts."

Athena looked satisfied. "That is important. Several observations were made by different members of the group. Recording who discovered what will help the research teams follow up."

Mithra nodded. "And it will make sure the people who helped aren’t overlooked."

Arthur smiled. "I’m glad. Everyone worked hard."

Vedas glanced at him. "You should include that in your report rather than simply writing that the expedition was educational."

Arthur turned toward him. "I was planning to write successful."

"That is also insufficient."

Professor Roland finally laughed. "I see the journey has not changed either of you."

Steven rubbed his forehead. "I am beginning to understand why the preliminary report was so difficult to write."

The meeting continued for another stretch of time. Steven assigned the group several tasks: finalizing their individual accounts, submitting recovered records for examination, and attending follow-up discussions with the relevant departments. Athena would assist with organizing the research material, while Professor Roland would coordinate the staff debriefing.

Eden, who was still recovering, would not be required to attend or demonstrate her abilities. Steven specifically instructed them to let her rest until she was ready to resume normal activities.

Arthur appreciated that.

Once the assignments were settled, Steven gathered the documents into a single stack.

"That concludes the debriefing. You will return to your regular Academy duties, and you will not enter another Secret Realm without authorization."

"Understood," Arthur replied.

Steven studied him for a moment. "You understand what I just said?"

"Of course."

"Good. Then I expect a quiet week."

Arthur nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

Melo glanced at him.

Arthur glanced at the window.

Steven immediately pointed at him. "Don’t even think about it."

"I wasn’t thinking about anything!"

"That is precisely what concerns me."

The others began laughing. Even Vedas allowed himself a small smile.

Steven stood, signaling that the meeting was over. "You are dismissed. And Arthur?"

Arthur paused at the door. "Yes, Principal?"

"Try to make your next report about something ordinary. A training session, perhaps. A classroom assignment. Anything that does not involve ancient structures, regional disasters, or mysterious artifacts."

Arthur considered the request. "I’ll do my best."

"That is not particularly reassuring."

The group finally left the office.

The moment the door closed behind them, Melo stretched her arms. "That wasn’t so bad."

"Speak for yourself," Arthur said. "I think I aged several years."

Mithra smiled. "You mostly spent the meeting trying to convince Steven that the expedition was a success."

"Because it was!"

"It was," Vedas agreed. "But that does not make his concerns unreasonable."

Arthur sighed. "I know. Still, I would prefer a reward after all that work."

"Perhaps you should try completing an ordinary assignment first," Athena suggested.

Kong looked up from Sun’s shoulder. "Do ordinary assignments give food?"

"Sometimes," Athy replied.

"Then I support ordinary assignments."

They continued down the corridor, finally free from the principal’s office. Arthur was already thinking about returning to his usual schedule. There were training sessions to attend, records to review, and plenty of things he wanted to investigate once the Academy’s restrictions were lifted.

Then they noticed the crowd.

Several first-year students had gathered around the large announcement board near the main hall. Some were reading a newly posted notice, while others were discussing it excitedly.

Sun immediately raised his head. "What is happening over there?"

"An announcement, judging by the crowd," Mithra replied.

Arthur approached with the others. He could hear fragments of conversation before they even reached the board.

"Is this really happening?"

"Every first year?"

"Even our Beasts can participate?"

"Did you see the prizes?"

Arthur’s interest immediately grew.

He stepped closer and read the announcement.

At the very top, written in large letters, was a familiar phrase.

ONE ABOVE ALL.

Arthur’s eyes brightened.

Melo leaned over his shoulder. "Well, that’s interesting."

Sun’s expression turned serious, as though he had just received a personal invitation to battle.

Vedas read the notice carefully. "It appears the Academy has prepared something for the first years."

Arthur smiled.

After surviving an expedition, a regional crisis, and Principal Steven’s office, he was finally looking at something that sounded like fun.

"Now this," Arthur said, "is an announcement worth reading."