NORTH CALUM
VEILBREAKERS NEST
The Veilbreakers reached their hideout and carefully laid Grovan on a bed. After a short while, he regained consciousness. His body still felt stiff from the lingering pain, and a tingling sensation ran through his flesh, almost like a mild electric shock.
“Are you all right?” Cresson asked, looking at him with worry. “You seem fine, but do you feel any pain?”
    Grovan sat up and glanced at his friends, their faces filled with concern. He chuckled. “I’m all right. Although the mad scientist injected me with the purple syrup, she actually took good care of me.”
Rinporter, arms crossed, interjected skeptically, “Are you really taking her side now?”
He shrugged. “Well, I didn’t disclose that I’m human. I didn’t want to jeopardize our cover. So, she continued to believe I was a conjurer until the very end.”
“I see. Your loyalty is commendable,” Cresson stated. “Anyway, regardless of whether you feel strange or not, I’m going to run some tests on you just to ensure everything is fine.” He reached for his medical briefcase, retrieved a syringe, and collected a sample of his blood.
Keiro cleared his throat, capturing everyone’s focus. “All right, if everything checks out, we can now delve into what Grovan uncovered during his time at the Arcane Laboratories.”
Grovan proceeded to share all the information he had gathered, starting from the name of the mysterious purple syrup, its intended purpose, and the surprising revelation that the Arcane Laboratories was designated as Arcane Laboratories 01. This suggested the possibility of the existence of multiple laboratories operating within Ranace.
“Now that we’ve learned that the lab in Eldam is not the only one, we must locate the others. However, before we delve into that topic, let’s hear from Cresson about what he discovered through Dr. Johnson’s memories,” Keiro suggested.
Cresson possessed the unique ability to access the most recent three days of someone’s memories with a simple touch lasting three seconds. To ensure his ability remained undetected, he strategically activated it synchronized with his blink, preventing his eyes from glowing and giving away his powers.
Consequently, his handshake with Dr. Johnson was intentional, allowing him to access her memories. Clearing his throat, he disclosed, “I have made a significant discovery. The President is indeed an Arcanian. He has only six months left before his current appearance expires. His next target is Bernard’s brother, Vice President Robert Dale. He wants to maintain control over Ranace.”
Suddenly, Keiro’s phone buzzed, interrupting the conversation. He answered the call. “Yes, Headmaster?”
“Come to the academy immediately. Bring Grovan with you.”
Keiro’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why? What’s the matter?” There was no response from the other end. “Hello? Headmaster?”
“Did he hang up on you?” Grovan asked, attempting to stand up but faltered and plopped back down onto the bed.
“Are you okay?” Cresson and Rinporter exclaimed in unison.
He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Guess I’m still a bit weak.”
Keiro let out a sigh as he returned his phone to his waist holster. He turned to Grovan. “The Headmaster wants to see us. But don’t worry, I’ll inform him that you’re not feeling well. I’ll head over there first; he seems to be in a foul mood.”
“Don’t tell me he found out about what we’re up to?”
Keiro shook his head reassuringly. “I highly doubt that.”
___________
RANAHEIM
SUPREME VALOURE ACADEMY
Keiro requested Rinporter to transport him directly outside the headmaster’s office. He lightly knocked on the door and entered when he heard Kolzon’s voice inviting him inside.
Kolzon paused his reading, looking up at Keiro with a question. “Where’s Grovan?”
“I’m afraid he’s not feeling well.”
Leaning back in his chair, Kolzon spoke casually, “Stay in Ranaheim for now. The President contacted me, expressing concern about the increasing incidents involving evil conjurers. You’re well aware that you hold a special place as the President’s favorite among the Shadow Heroes. I need you to assist the Valoures and focus your efforts here. Don’t worry about the other cities; we have other Shadow Heroes to handle them.”
Keiro nodded without hesitation. “Understood, Headmaster. . . . Uh, if you’d like, I can pass along your message to Grovan.”
He acknowledged Keiro’s offer with a nod and reached for another book on his table. “Please inform him that he needs to complete the ring by next week.”