In the hours following Dean Hargrove's "informal" visit to Adam's upgraded cell…
Inside the dean's spacious, formally decorated office—overlooking a section of the academy's vast training grounds—a closed meeting was being held at the highest level. Only a few individuals were present, but each carried significant weight and authority.
Professor Aurora Phoenix sat upright as always, her icy expression revealing none of her thoughts or emotions. Before her, on the holographic table, reports and analyses of the "Carnival of Stolen Faces" gate incident—especially the complete file of the student Adam Lister—glowed with conflicting and unsettling data.
Dean Hargrove sat at the head of the table, his features marked by a mixture of seriousness and fatigue.
Beside him sat a middle-aged man wearing the dark gray uniform of the Unified Earth Alliance envoys, with the insignia of the Gate Incident Special Investigations Division (PIS) pinned to his chest.
This was Inspector Graham—a man known for his strictness and meticulous attention to detail. He had been summoned from UTA headquarters to oversee the investigation into this unprecedented incident involving a training gate from the prestigious Vanguard Academy.
"So, Professor Phoenix," Inspector Graham began in a calm voice that nonetheless carried unmistakable authority,
"after your extensive interrogation of student Lister, what is your final assessment? Have you reached any definitive conclusions about what happened?"
Aurora Phoenix took a moment before answering, her ruby eyes fixed on Adam's image displayed on the screen.
"Student Lister," she said coldly, "is an enigma. Exceptionally evasive and sharply intelligent. His responses were carefully constructed to avoid revealing anything substantial, while maintaining a façade of confusion—or sarcasm."
She paused.
"Yet he continues to claim that he possesses no special skills or prior training, and that what occurred was merely a series of coincidences and desperate improvisations."
Another brief pause.
"However, there is a stark contradiction between his extremely low recorded statistics and his clear ability to analyze under pressure—and to influence an A-rank entity such as the 'Lord of Masks'… even if, as he sarcastically claims, he did so by 'talking it into surrender.'"
"The testimonies of his teammates, despite differing in their interpretation of his motives, all agree that he was the decisive factor in ending the threat."
"And your recommendation, Professor?" Inspector Graham asked, his electronic pen hovering over his tablet.
"My recommendation," Aurora replied without hesitation, "is to keep student Lister under strict, isolated surveillance in the current facility and conduct further in-depth evaluations."
"He must undergo a series of specialized tests designed to uncover any unregistered abilities."
Then she added firmly:
"We cannot allow him to return to a normal classroom environment until we fully understand the nature of the threat he may pose… or the value he may offer."
Dean Hargrove, who had been listening silently until now, finally spoke. His voice was calm—but carried undeniable weight, befitting an S-rank entity and the leader of the institution.
"Inspector Graham, Professor Phoenix, I understand your concerns—and I share them to a great extent. Student Lister is indeed a unique and troubling case. However… we must consider the bigger picture."
He leaned forward, his gaze shifting between them.
"Regardless of his strange behavior, the contradictions in the testimonies, or even his sarcasm, one fact cannot be denied: this student demonstrated an extraordinary ability to survive in a situation that should have resulted in his death—and the death of his entire team."
"More than that… he somehow managed to 'resolve' or 'terminate' an A-rank threat—something many experienced explorers would fail to do."
"His recorded stats do not reflect his true capabilities at all," the dean continued, his tone gaining strength.
"And that alone suggests he possesses immense latent talent—the kind we may desperately need in the face of the growing horrors."
"The academy's history is filled with students who appeared 'weak' or 'eccentric' at first, only to later reveal unique abilities that changed everything."
"But, Dean," Aurora interrupted coldly, "the academy's history is also filled with students who appeared talented… only to prove dangerous or unstable, becoming monsters that devastated humanity. We cannot take that risk."
"I am not suggesting we ignore the risks, Professor," the dean replied calmly but firmly.
"But I fear that keeping him isolated under constant pressure from tests and evaluations may backfire."
He elaborated:
"Isolating young talent—especially those who have gone through traumatic and confusing experiences—can break them psychologically… or push them toward rebellion, isolation, or even dangerous paths if they feel unjustly treated… or like nothing more than a lab rat."
He turned to Inspector Graham.
"I believe the best way to observe and truly understand student Lister is to return him to a normal—or at least semi-normal—academic environment."
"There, under the natural pressures of academic life, training, and future missions, we will see how he reacts… how he develops… how he adapts. This will give us far more realistic data than observing him in a controlled detention environment."
"And you propose we let him walk free, Dean? After everything that happened?" Graham asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not completely free, of course," the dean replied quickly.
"I propose he returns to Class Alpha—but under strict, direct supervision. Someone with the experience, strength, and discipline to monitor him closely."
He turned toward Aurora Phoenix.
"I propose that you, Professor Phoenix, take direct responsibility for him—his warden, so to speak."
"Given your past as one of the most brilliant explorers, your ability to handle difficult cases, and your power as an S-rank, I believe you are the only one qualified for this task."
"Especially since you are already his instructor. He will not leave your sight for a moment, and you will be responsible for evaluating his progress and reporting any concerning behavior."
A brief, heavy silence filled the room.
Aurora Phoenix stared at the dean, her ruby eyes glinting with something unreadable. Was this a serious proposal? That she—Aurora Phoenix—would become a guardian to a strange, suspicious first-year student?
Inspector Graham seemed to consider the idea.
"…An interesting compromise, Dean," he said slowly.
"It allows continuous observation while giving the student a chance to adapt. But the risks remain."
"I take full responsibility for this decision, Inspector Graham," Dean Hargrove said firmly.
"If anything goes wrong, I will bear the consequences. But I believe this is the best path forward… to understand student Lister—and to nurture his potential rather than crush it."
After further cautious discussion and negotiation, Inspector Graham reluctantly agreed—on the condition that regular, detailed reports be sent directly to his office at the PIS regarding Adam Lister's behavior, development, and any anomalies.
After all… there remained the possibility that Adam had made a deal with the entity known as the Lord of Masks.
Aurora Phoenix, after a long silence, gave a slight nod. Her acceptance was cold and reserved.
"I will do it, Dean. I will act as student Lister's warden… and ensure he causes no trouble. Or at the very least… I will be the first to know if he tries."
And so, thanks to Dean Hargrove's decisive and unexpected intervention, the decision was made.
Adam Lister would be "released" from the secure facility… and returned to the hell of Class Alpha.
But this time—with an icy shadow following his every step.
Not long after the dean left my luxurious room, I heard familiar footsteps approaching again.
This time, I didn't need to guess who it was.
The firm rhythm… the coldness that seemed to seep through the door before it even opened… was enough.
The metal door slid open, and Professor Aurora Phoenix stood at the entrance like a perfectly sculpted ice statue, her silver hair reflecting the room's pale white light.
She wasn't alone this time. Two UTA soldiers stood beside her like personal guards.
"Lister," she said in her calm, cold voice.
"A decision has been made regarding your situation… You will come with me."
A decision?
I raised an eyebrow.
I stood up slowly, trying not to show any tension or curiosity—though I was dying to know what new disaster awaited me.
This time, I was taken to a small meeting room—not as harsh as the interrogation chamber, but far from comfortable.
Dean Hargrove sat at the head of the table, looking… oddly in a good mood.
"Sit down, Adam," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
I sat, while Professor Phoenix stood beside him, her hands clasped behind her back, her ruby eyes fixed on me.
"After extended deliberation and careful evaluation of your testimony, your teammates' statements, and the dangerous situation that arose from Training Gate 17," the dean began formally,
"the academy administration has determined that there is currently insufficient evidence to justify your continued detention—or to charge you with any serious violation."
Well, that's good news, I almost said out loud. So I'm not a war criminal after all. What a relief.
"But," the dean continued, his tone growing more serious,
"we cannot ignore the unusual nature of what occurred—or the significant uncertainties that remain… including the extent of your understanding of the dangers involved… or those you may face."
"Therefore—"
He turned to Professor Phoenix, who stepped forward.
"It has been decided that you will return to Class Alpha and your student residence… but under the direct and constant supervision of Professor Aurora Phoenix."
Supervision?
My eyes widened slightly as I looked at her.
"This means, Lister," Aurora said sharply,
"that you will be under my direct oversight at all times. Your schedule, training, missions—everything will require my approval."
"I will be aware of every step you take… and every word you speak."
"And any attempt to step out of line—or display any 'suspicious,' 'reckless,' or 'incomprehensible' behavior again, as you did in the 'Carnival of Stolen Faces' gate…"
Her gaze sharpened.
"I will personally return you to a place far worse than this—and the experience will not be pleasant."
"Is that clear?"
I looked at her, trying to appear serious—and grateful.
"Perfectly clear, Professor Phoenix. I appreciate… your personal concern for my safety and development."
I saw the corner of her lips twitch—just slightly.
"Do not assume for a moment that the suspicions surrounding you have disappeared, Lister," she added coldly.
"You remain an enigma—and potentially a threat. My task is to ensure you cause no further disasters… or at least to contain them when you do."
Such inspiring confidence in my ability to cause chaos, I thought. At least she's realistic.
"Now," Dean Hargrove said, ending the meeting,
"you may gather your belongings. Professor Phoenix will escort you back and explain any additional arrangements."
And just like that… after what felt like an eternity of interrogation, confinement, and suspicion…
I finally stepped outside the "secure facility," feeling the wind hit my face for the first time in days.
Freedom.
A strange, fragile kind of freedom—like a bird released from a cage… but still wearing an invisible collar.
I walked silently behind Professor Phoenix through the academy halls, feeling every gaze turn toward me.
Students stopped talking as we passed, staring with curiosity and shock, then whispering the moment we were gone.
Rumors about what happened in the "Carnival of Stolen Faces" gate must have spread like wildfire—twisted, exaggerated… turned into legend.
Adam Lister—the gambler who challenged the Lord of Masks and won.
Adam Lister—the psychopath who sacrificed his teammates.
Adam Lister—the mysterious genius hiding unimaginable power.
Yeah… I could already imagine the headlines.
We eventually reached the Class Alpha residence building.
Inside the elegant lobby, a few students froze mid-conversation when they saw me walking behind Professor Phoenix.
Ethan Riddle raised an eyebrow.
Drake Mallory looked unreadable.
Serena Valerian watched sharply, analyzing everything.
Even Leo von Falkenhayn seemed… interested.
Maya and Rex, however, were nowhere in sight—which was probably for the best.
"Your suite remains as you left it, Lister," Professor Phoenix said as we stopped at my door.
"Do not expect special treatment. You will follow your normal schedule, participate in all training and missions."
She added:
"The only difference is that you will report everything directly to me—and I will be… available if you require guidance."
The way she said guidance made it sound more like Arctic military training.
I nodded. "Understood, Professor. Thank you for your… generosity."
She gave me one last icy look—then turned and left without another word.
I stood there for a moment… then—
Bam!
I entered my suite and shut the door behind me.
Everything was exactly as I left it—clean, organized, disgustingly luxurious.
I threw myself onto the couch and sighed deeply.
Great, I thought, staring at the decorated ceiling.
From detained prisoner to monitored pet with an unforgiving babysitter… all in a few days. What an upgrade.
A faint smile crossed my face.
Things had just become far more complicated than I imagined.
I looked at my reflection in the dark panoramic window.
"Well, Adam…" I muttered.
"You survived a carnival… interrogations… and now you've got an ice warden."
"Life at Vanguard Academy is never going to be boring."
"The only question is…"
"Will you engineer your way out of this mess… or make your catastrophic legend even worse?"
"RING—!!"
My Cardinal device vibrated on my wrist.
A new message.
[Notice to all Class Alpha students]
[Subject: Schedule Adjustment & Special Briefing Session]
[Time: Tomorrow, 09:00 AM]
[Location: Main Training Field #1]
[Attendance: Mandatory]
[Details of the upcoming "Special Test" will be announced.]
[Note: Prepare for intensive training.]
"A special test…?"
I exhaled.
"Of course."
"Why not? It's not like my life wasn't complicated enough already."
I closed the message and leaned back.
"Well then… you cursed world…"
"Looks like you still have more surprises for me."
"I'm ready…"
"…or at least, I'll pretend I am."