Meanwhile, Evelyn navigated the bustling surroundings of Nova City. The air was charged with anticipation as students prepared for the challenges at Nova Academy. Her thoughts, however, lingered on her encounter with her father and the unusual inquiry about Lucas.


    ''Why is Father suddenly interested in Lucas?'' she pondered, her emotions hidden beneath a fa?ade ofposure. ''There''s more to this than meets the eye.''


    As Evelyn approached the academy gates, she steeled herself for the rigorous training and potential encounters with old acquaintances.


    With her countless young men and women began to make their way towards the Nova Academy gate.


    Most of them were first year like Evelyn who just got back from their vacation while some were second-year students in the crowd.


    The streets buzzed with chatter and excitement as people from all walks of life.


    It felt almost like a small festival, with strangers exchanging greetings and sharing stories of their vacations.


    Despite the festive atmosphere, security remained tight.


    Authorities knew that caution was necessary to maintain order and safety in a world where danger lurked around every corner.


    Guards patrolled the streets, ensuring that they not any incident happened.


    The campus was filled with eager faces, excited chatter, and the sound of footsteps hurrying to their sses.


    The grounds were alive with the sound of rustling leaves as the gentle breeze blew through the trees.


    The smell of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers wafted through the air, as the students made their way towards the various buildings.


    Students chatted along the way as they walked toward their ssrooms.


    In the distance, a group of students could be heardughing and joking around, clearly excited to see each other again after the long break.


    They hugged and high-fived each other, catching up on each other''s summers and making ns with each other.


    Some talk about how their Crew work is going and some department students talk about how is biology of demons works.


    These students are from [Demon Corps Departments]. They didn''t manage to get into the hero curse but they did get into Nova Acdamy [Demon Corps Department].


    Evelyn navigated through the lively scene, a solitary figure amidst the animated crowd. The festive atmosphere couldn''tpletely mask the weight on her shoulders, and her thoughts continued to circle back to the mysterious interest her father now had in Lucas.


    As she neared the entrance of Nova Academy, the students from the Demon Cops Department caught her attention. Their discussions about demon biology and experiences in the Crew work intrigued her. A subtle curiosity sparked within Evelyn, momentarily distracting her from the shadows of her past.


    The bustling energy of the academy courtyard pulled her into the flow of students heading towards their respective sses. Each step echoed with the determination to prove herself, not just as a member of the Nightshade n but as an individual with her aspirations.


    Entering the main building, she found herself in a corridor filled with students checking schedules and locating their ssrooms. The vibrant chatter echoed off the walls as friendships rekindled and alliances formed.


    Soon she stood in front of the familiar ssroom, it was her hero''s ssroom.


    Sliding the door, Evelyn enters the ssroom after two weeks.


    ***


    [First year, Hero ss  [1 Hero 1], Nova Acadmy]


    "Hey I trained like crazy in thesest two weeks this time I will be in the top 100 after midterms"


    "Has, like I ever believe that, you arezy as sloth after all."


    "Hey, I''m telling the truth."


    Groous of guys talk among each other about how their training went and what are their goals for the mid-term exam.


    Meanwhile group of girls animatedly discussed their favourite topics.


    The group of girls animatedly discussed their favourite topic – legendary heroes and their extraordinary feats. Excitement filled the air as they shared tales of valour, unique powers, and thetest hero gossip.


    "Heard Captain ze took down a [A] demon solost week!"


    "No way! That''s epic! Captain ze is my hero crush for sure."


    "And did you see thetest interview with Celestial Archer? Her bow skills are beyond amazing!"


    "I''ve been practising archery just because of her. Maybe I''ll get noticed by Nova Heroes too!"


    A group of girls continue chatting about their hero crushed which Evelynplignoresignore.


    Her eyes darted around the ssroom, She found that Adrian and Emma were sitting and one seat behind her was Isabe. On the first-row seat, were Kael and Noah and east behind them was Elera.


    Aric who usually sits with Adrian was seated at thest of a row of bench.


    -Tap, -Tap, -Tap!


    Coming to the middle-row bench Evelyn stood in front of her bench.


    "Hey Evelyn long time no see," Lyra said as she noticed Evelyn standing beside her.


    "Hello, Lyra," Evelyn said with a small smile, this was her first genuine smile in thest two weeks.


    The silver elf let a small smile as she said, "Come sit, ss is going to start any movement now."


    Evelyn nodded and sat beside Lyra. As sits she notices that her front seat which belongs to Lucas is empty. There was just Sunny, who was watching some videos on his phone.


    Evelyn tapped his shoulder. "Hey, Sunny. Where''s Lucas?" Evelyn inquired, her gaze fixed on the empty seat.


    Sunny looked up from his phone. "Oh, the elusive Lucas? I don''t know if I have been calling but he isn''t picking up his phone and not replying to my messages either."


    Concern shed in Evelyn''s eyes as she processed Sunny''s words. The mysterious absence of Lucas, coupled with hisck of response, heightened the sense of unease within her.


    "Did he mention anything about his whereabouts or why he''s not here?" Evelyn pressed, her voice edged with worry.


    Sunny scratched his head, a perplexed expression on his face. "Nope, Thest time we talked with each other was two weeks ago. Before our vacation started."


    Evelyn''s unease deepened. The pieces of the puzzle didn''t quite fit together, and the gap left by Lucas''s sudden departure left her with more questions than answers.


    At that moment the ssroom door slides open.


    nk!


    Entering the ssroom, Lillian made her way towards the podium.


    Instantly the whole room fell silent. The pressure that emanated from her body caused everyone to stop whatever they were doing.


    Arriving in front of the podium, Lillian staked a few papers on the table before clicking her tongue and dismissing them.


    Sighing, Lillian looked at the ssroom and spoke.


    "Alright, it''s time to get started ss."