Though I preferred to visit my dorm and change into my actual clothes before meeting with the headmaster, Katheryne only allowed me to borrow the infirmary's slippers before ushering me out of the treatment room. Apparently, this was a meeting that absolutely couldn't wait, and I felt nervousness begin to build within me. Reflecting on the beach attack wasn't a problem for me, but facing a large authority figure like the headmaster caused more concern. I'd heard of him in passing, but I didn't know what to expect from Celestia Academy's leader.

"As I stated before, the three of you are not permitted to join," Katheryne said to the men that followed us to the reception area. "Why don't you take a moment to relax now that your friend has woken up? From what I've heard, you've hardly gotten the proper sleep and meals ever since you heard of her condition."

Hearing that, I tripped slightly and turned to face them. "Is that true?"

"You were my only concern," Childe said firmly.

Both Kaeya and Diluc nodded along, and I held back from chastising them. If I hadn't been unconscious, I would have acted the same for Thoma. From now on, I'd have to make sure that none of us ended up in such bad shape, to begin with.

Qiqi's head perked up when I walked by. She lifted a small finger to point at the thick book sitting open on the reception desk, and I recognized it to be the patient record.

"Sign out, please."

Before I could pick up the pen lying between the pages, there was a quick movement from someone sitting to the side. My attention was completely stolen when he shouted my name, almost like a plea.

"Thank each and every one of the Archons that you're finally awake!" Huffman, with wide and tired eyes, stood in front of me. "I heard about what happened a few days ago. Is it true? You were attacked by rifthounds?"

I shifted my eyes to Katheryne for guidance, not sure how to respond. Surely, this wasn't the right time to feed into gossip.

"Oh no, have you lost your voice?" His face crumpled. "This is all my fault. You weren't at your full strength. Where is the…that gift for Amber? If I hadn't—"

Katheryne interrupted Huffman by stepping ahead, blocking me from view. With a calm, yet stern voice, she handled the situation as expected of the head secretary.

"Huffman, your concern for a fellow peer is understandable. However, I ask that you give Miss Lumine the space she needs to adjust. Any questions you may have can be saved for a later time."

Huffman's eyebrows had furrowed, and he worried his lip. Though he definitely wanted to say more, there were now many pairs of eyes on him. I had a suspicion that he wasn't willing to expose the full truth of his guilt to everyone. The short mention of Amber's gift—the necklace made of smaragdus jadeite—confirmed it. It was meant to weaken me, and Huffman believed that I was defeated by those rifthounds because of it.

Knowing this only brought on more questions. Why would he show this level of concern when he was on Signora's side? What prompted him to be this way?

Qiqi's voice piped in. "Sign out, please."

I did as she asked, and Huffman left the infirmary with his head hung low. At my back, I heard low murmurs and the occasional mention of Huffman's name. I looked back to see displeasure marking the faces of everyone but Katheryne—she was entirely neutral.

Kaeya caught me looking, and his frown quickly smoothed out with a small shake of his head. I understood his silent message—don't worry about it—and decided to do just that. As far as I knew, whatever plans they had in store for Huffman were justified until proven otherwise.

"This way, Miss Lumine," Katheryne said and opened the door. "The walk is short, but we have no time to waste."

Cold air from outside swooped into the room, and I wished for a second time that I could change into something suitable for winter. Reporting information on a very serious incident was a top priority, but I didn't want to catch a cold so soon after being discharged.

Just then, a weight dropped around my shoulders. I looked down to find that my winter coat kept me warm from the draft, and then I looked up to see Diluc retracting his hands.

"I had it thoroughly cleaned. Not a grain of sand left behind."

Or a drop of blood. It looked like new.

Katheryne gave a look of small disapproval, but she would have to deal with the delay. I quickly stepped towards Diluc and hugged him tightly before letting go. "Thank you, Diluc."

I snuck in two more hugs for Kaeya and Childe before slipping through the door with Katheryne. There was a slight sigh from her, but she didn't say anything as we made our way to the administration building.

There were noticeably more students walking around campus compared to before. Since I'd been asleep for three days, that meant classes began tomorrow. Most everyone must be back, then. Like Huffman, had they all heard about what happened on the beach? I kept an eye on those we passed, but people seemed to be minding their own business.

Like Katheryne had said, the walk was short. We were in the administration building and walking up the steps without a moment's rest—not that I needed one. Despite the three flights of marble stairs, I felt healthy enough to sprint up three more. If only I could donate some of this recovery to Thoma.

Once we'd reached the top floor, Katheryne didn't move past the stairway.

"This is as far as I go," she said. "You can find his office at the end of the hall."

I looked down said hall. The ceilings were high and the floor was wide. Compared to the other floors, there were fewer rooms and more plants in tall vases to fill the space. At the very end of the hall stood a solitary door, a dark wood with bold engravings that I could see even from this distance.

"You're not coming with?" I clasped my hands together, more nervous than anything.

Katheryne's disappearance had made me suspicious before, and her sudden reappearance only heightened that. She had secrets tied to the school, and I wasn't sure if I could fully trust her. Still, she was a familiar face. Though I hadn't done anything wrong to end up here, I felt like I needed support.

She shook her head with a small smile and gestured down the hall.

We shared one last look before I sighed and turned away. As I approached the headmaster's office, the mystery of Katheryne's character was quickly chased away by the unknown of what waited for me on the other side of that door. Swallowing all of my hesitation, I raised a fist and knocked three times.

"You may enter."

Even through the wood, I could tell his voice was deep.

I found my confidence at the last second and entered standing tall. Straight down the middle of the room was the headmaster sitting at his desk. There were other details that I briefly caught in my peripheral vision—a small lounge area with books on the left and a set of double doors made of glass that led to a balcony on the right—but my full attention landed on him.

His light blond hair contrasted with the expensive-looking black suit tailored to perfection. Even more interesting than his piercing blue eyes was the mask that covered the right side of his face. The headmaster watched me back, his head tilting slightly before beckoning me forward with a hand.

"Welcome to my office. You must be Lumine."

I nodded. "And you are Headmaster…?"

"Dainsleif," he finished, his voice silky smooth. "It's been a short handful of decades since I've taken the title, so I'm still getting used to it."

A handful of decades? I would have guessed him to be at most thirty years old.

"Feel free to discard your coat by the loveseat. Better yet, why don't I move over there myself? Having you stand in place during our entire conversation would no doubt be uncomfortable for you."

That was considerate of him. I didn't expect the headmaster of a highly acclaimed academy would allow for something so informal. Though I was closer to the seating arrangement, Headmaster Dainsleif made it to the reading nook at the same time as me. I shelled off the coat and draped it over an armchair, choosing to sit across from the loveseat that he occupied.

It was only after settling in that I realized he brought a folder with him. Headmaster Dainsleif placed it on the glass coffee table that separated us and read through the first document.

"Now, then. I'm supposed to be asking you questions regarding the events that transpired three days ago. I understand that you've only just awoken and may even be disorientated after the fact. Are you able to continue with this, Lumine?"

"I feel fine—great, even," I said assuredly. "And I remember everything."

"Good. We can get right into it. The first question regards the weapons that you and your classmate, Thoma, had in your possession. Where did you obtain them?"

"They were given to us not long before we went to the beach. A blacksmith that I'd helped out once before forged them as a gift."

"Are you aware that a student's personal weapon must be registered?"

I hadn't even considered that, though it made sense.

"No, I didn't know. Is there going to be a problem? I don't even know where those weapons are right now."

He didn't look upset. "You don't need to worry. This is your first year here, after all. Seeing that you'd only just received them, I can't fault you for registering neither the sword nor the bow. You'll be able to find them in the armory when you please. Just ask Katheryne about the registry process."

"I will," I said with relief. "Thank you for understanding."

"Next question. Why do you think the rifthounds attacked?"

I didn't have an immediate answer to that—mostly because I hadn't anticipated that my opinion would be evaluated. Didn't he only need to know how it happened, not what my guesses were on it? Of course, I knew why the rifthounds attacked, but I couldn't exactly reveal that truth. Instead, I settled on a generic response.

"Just like the monster raid a few months back, the rifthounds attacked because the Abyss Order found a weak point in the island's defense. They took the opportunity to wreak havoc."

"Is that your answer?" He looked off to the side in thought. "Hm, I see. Can you tell me why you survived the attack?"

"Excuse me?" I couldn't hold back my shock.

Both the question and the deadpan manner in which he asked it were unexpected. How would someone normally answer this? From an outsider's perspective, one would assume I survived based on perseverance and strength. Once again, this was a question I could not be completely truthful about. I survived because Enjou needed me alive.

"Why did you survive?" he asked again.

"Because I fought back with all I had with Thoma at my side," I said. "And it helped that the Celestia Academy Task Force arrived just in time."

"So, that's your answer. I see."

His cryptic response made me nervous. The very nature of his question was offputting, and his quick reception of my simple—though obvious—answers felt odd. This was the headmaster I was speaking to. He was someone who knew far more than I could imagine, and something about his presence made me feel like he already knew the answers. That couldn't be true, though. If Headmaster Dainsleif really knew why everything had happened, why was he being so indirect?

There was another reason why his question rubbed me the wrong way.

"It wasn't just me who survived. Thoma is alive, too."

"For now, but who can say that fact will remain the same tomorrow?"

I was consistently appalled by the words that came from his mouth. The flippant response and negative prediction felt like a splash of cold water. Did he really care so little, or was it that I cared too much? My relationship with Thoma obviously affected my desire to save him, but even if I didn't know him, I wouldn't have responded so apathetically.

"Shouldn't you be more concerned for the life of one of your students?" I paused to think of the situation from the headmaster's perspective. "Won't it look bad for the Academy if he dies in your care?"

"We can save your questions for after I am done with mine," he said before moving on. "Is Celestia Academy a good fit for you? Or rather, do you believe you are a good fit for Celestia Academy?

What was he going on about now? The complete change in direction momentarily made me forget his audacity for placing so little attention on Thoma's life. Instead, I worried about the implications behind these new questions. Headmaster Dainsleif's straightforwardness gave away none of his intentions, so I replied with what I could.

"I've learned many things at Celestia Academy thanks to my professors, instructors, and peers. I don't think any other institution can provide me with the same experience. As for your second question, my grades prove that I can keep up with the material."

He took a moment to sort through the file again, and it struck me that it was my file. The documents in there must have all of my information. I itched to snatch it away and read everything inside.

"Celestia Academy is for those with extraordinary talent, background, promise, and much more. Anyone can agree that our students are far from normal. Lumine, your first semester here has been a far cry from what a typical student here would deem normal."

I winced internally at that. More than he knew, I hadn't been familiar with normal in a long time.

"First, you were one of the few stray students unattended for in the safety zone when the monster raid began, and witnesses have claimed that you actively fought against mobs despite your short tenure. Second, there was the mysterious collapse of the wall in your dorm room—a case that has been unsolved to this day. Third, you had an altercation with Rosalyne Lohefalter while the Sakoku Order was in place—one that led to her expulsion not long after. And fourth, in your Physical Combat II final, the final enemy you faced did not belong on the roster, let alone within the vicinity of the property."

He placed the document back in the file, and I maintained my composure. While all of those events were abnormal, none of them were a reason for blame to be placed on me.

"Headmaster Dainsleif—"

"Just Dain will do."

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

"As I've mentioned before, I'm still getting used to the title. Besides, it's quite a mouthful. I would prefer that our conversation runs as smoothly as possible."

"Okay, Dain." He was right about it being easier to say. I pushed past the change in formality and said, "I didn't come here for an evaluation. I'm sorry, but as you know, I've just woken up after being out for three days. Classes begin tomorrow, and I need to prepare. On top of that, I'm worried about Thoma, though you clearly don't relate to that. To be honest, I don't see how your current line of questioning is a good use of either of our time."

He leaned back into the loveseat, not at all bothered by my words. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"You believe me heartless. I can assure you that I am doing everything within my power to maintain Thoma's life. It just so happens that there are variables to consider, many of which are out of my control."

"Like what?"

"I'll give you the overview since I'm satisfied with how you responded, for now. Our star infirmary apprentice has departed for Mondstadt in search of a miracle cure. There is a rumor of a certain holy water, and since she is a candidate for the deaconess position, Barbara has placed her faith in that rumor."

Thinking back, I had overhead Kaeya mentioning something of that nature.

Dain closed my file, and the action brought some relief. I oddly felt more comfortable discussing the uncertainties of Thoma's life rather than my standing with the Academy.

"However, what is sacred and divine is an opinion just as what is filth and cursed is also one's belief. Regardless of both, there is one fact to be certain of—tests of reality. The variables I speak of are as such: Does this holy water even exist? Will it be powerful enough? Can Barbara bring it back in time?"

"Have you considered anything besides holy water?"

He raised a brow. "Do you have any suggestions?"

I'd only just learned what corrosion was. After eavesdropping on Professor Kreideprinz's conversation with Barbara, I already had low hopes for a guaranteed cure. Then again, Thoma couldn't be the only person in the world to have been affected this badly.

"How have others weak to corrosion survived in the past?" I asked.

"They didn't."

Oh.

"You seem to already be familiar with what corrosion is." Dain watched me. "Most who are aware of corrosion know it as a toxin produced by rifthounds, nothing more. What they don't realize is that corrosion—as contradictory as it sounds—is a pure substance. Unfortunately, I do not mean pure by Barbara's standards. Corrosion is a substance of pure darkness."

I knew as much. Enjou had told me this already.

"The Abyss' unruly presence is no stranger to me. Powers on Teyvat have been battling against the Abyss Order for millennia. From this, I'm sure you can understand why it is near impossible to counteract this corrosion."

Dain talked as though he'd already given up on finding a real solution. I couldn't let his attitude dissuade me. I had to remain positive. Focused.

"You're determined," he sighed. "Tell me, what does someone like you hope to do against the Abyss Order? You're only a student."

"Who said anything about challenging the Abyss Order? I only want to stop the corrosion."

Ideally without turning to the last resort and essentially forfeiting my own life.

"The abyssal runes on your wrist say otherwise."

My spine stiffened at his statement, and I instinctively lifted a hand to cover the mark. There was no use in doing so at this point. Though Enjou's mark was invisible to normal eyes, I'd forgotten that just about everyone here could use elemental sight.

"Did you think I would not notice? Elemental sight should always be your initial instinct when venturing to unfamiliar places or meeting new people. Remember that, Lumine."

"You noticed from the beginning?" I fought off the panic that threatened to creep into my voice. "Why didn't you say something right away?"

"I had hoped you would give me some insight on your own, so it makes me curious why you chose to keep it a secret." Dain's face remained passive. "Could it be that instead of going against the Abyss Order, you're working with them?"

"Absolutely not."

"Regardless of your motives, this is not something I can ignore. As headmaster, I have a duty to ensure your safety to the best of my ability."

Remaining calm was becoming more difficult by the second. This wasn't what I expected in our meeting at all. Was the reason behind Dain's odd questions because of this marking? Had he already made up his mind about me from the beginning? I'd been worried about being sent off on account of my powers before, but this was far worse. What was the fate of a person caught dealing with the Abyss Order?

"I can explain."

"Do not force it. First, allow me." Dain paused before continuing, either to find the right words or to torment me with suspense. "This was inevitable."

"What?"

"Due to certain events, the world has become quite dangerous for you, Lumine. I had hoped that by accepting your application to Celestia Academy, having you on campus would keep you safe. Had the Abyss Order gotten to you in Liyue, you would have been completely defenseless. Unfortunately, though the eye of the storm is calm, that does not discount the surrounding chaos."

For the first time in our conversation, Dain revealed a real emotion. Regret.

"What events?" I asked with bated breath.

I was so close to confirming everything. Our theories about the Tournament, the Champion, and my brother—Dain had to have the answers.

"Lumine, I fear you have become a target by association. You are not the first to be lured by the Abyss Order, though I suspect you were already aware of this."

"Are you talking about the Champion?" I blurted.

"Yes, I am."

If we were right about the Champion and the Abyss, then could we be right about him being Aether?

"I was forced to make a difficult decision last year, one that ultimately saved the Champion's life. However, time has caught up with us, and we cannot stall any longer. Especially now that you have become involved, backup is necessary."

"What kind of backup?"

"Someone who understands your situation far better than I. Like him, I'm sure the Abyss Order has locked you in an oath—one that prohibits you from revealing your secrets. When he returns, I hope you are able to connect well. Finding a solution will hopefully be smooth sailing from there, though I am wary of placing all of our eggs in one basket."

Locked in an oath? Holding back information was hardly what Enjou and I decided. In fact, I was free to tell Dain everything I knew here and now, but that would mean telling him of my powers. Except, the only reason why I kept that a secret was because I feared being sent away like the Champion.

The situation had changed.

The Champion was coming back.

I gasped softly at the full realization. Aether and I would finally be reunited.

"I think it's time you met my son."

Or…maybe not.

thank u to my kind guest reviewers! i wish i could reply to u all individually, but just know i am falling to my knees bc of u