"That's… really impressive."

Clara exclaimed, stunned as she read the report provided by Esther.

They were seated on the couches placed in a circular manner, with a low central table in between, where four files were opened.

It was the report Esther had created after hearing about the three-line incantation from Leon that day.

As Leon flipped the pages, he could not help but feel amazed. He had to admit that approaching Esther was the greatest choice he had made.

She not only used word for word what Leon had said that day, but she even managed to add the missing terms that Leon did not explain.

'I only gave her a hint…' Leon thought, controlling his excitement, 'and she managed to work out this much…'

Leon looked at her for a second. She was simply seated there, arms folded, watching every reaction.

In the original storyline, it took her years to even come up with this idea. But now, because Leon altered the course of the story and gave Esther hints that day, he had brought a revolutionary discovery forward this early.

Leon's eyes flickered to the other three.

Clara and Henry, seated next to each other, were discussing something, while the third, Noah Stellahold, a local baron's son with short chestnut hair, was reading the text carefully.

'Noah Stellahold…' Leon tapped the side of his armrest. 'I never heard of him.'

Though, Leon barely even remembered Henry as well.

Just as Leon thought of closing the report, Professor Esther's words came out.

"What do you all think?"

It was a simple question, yet it made the other three think twice.

She continued,

"Think carefully. If this theory is proven correct, and we do end up creating a three-line incantation, then all of your names would go down in history."

This would be a big step toward understanding how spells work and what their limitations are.

In the near future, this would push humans to dig even deeper into what lies beyond the three-line incantation.

Though Leon believed that only Esther could achieve it, he was just here to witness exactly how she would do it.

And once he understood, he would be able to craft his own incantations.

Noah replied, glancing at Esther.

"I have to admit, Professor, I would have never thought of incantations as a sign of asking for permission."

Henry agreed.

"Indeed, at first it didn't make sense to me how an incantation could be both a command and a request."

Clara joined in, nodding her head.

"Honestly, it makes sense now. And I can see why this report hasn't been made public yet."

Leon smirked at her words.

No matter how ridiculous it sounded, to make the three-line incantation work, they needed specific trigger words and syllables that could attract affinities to respond.

And people would laugh at it if there wasn't any proof to back it up.

And that was where Esther came in.

The report she had compiled contained not only the initial plan but also several possible theories that might be related to it.

Esther even made a few connections to Weapon EnD.

When casting spells or buffs on a weapon, the magic formula had to be embedded through basic buffs and mana circuits to perfectly replicate the effect.

So, she built a link showing how the same principle could be applied here.

Leon didn't know if this would work, but this technique surely would be their first step.

Esther smiled faintly before speaking.

"This will get even more interesting once we create even a single working incantation. I'm glad you all liked the report. It wouldn't have been possible without Leon's theory."

At her words, everyone's gaze naturally turned toward him.

Leon's eye twitched slightly.

Noah spoke first.

"Mhm, I have to agree. You're definitely not what the rumors made you out to be."

Leon waved his hand lightly.

"It was just an idea. If anyone deserves thanks, it's Professor Esther. She was the one who refined it."

"No way," Noah said, smiling. "You both are impressive. But for a first-year to pull something like this off? That's what makes it interesting."

Leon sighed quietly. He was already tired of the sudden wave of praise aimed in his direction.

He did not feel guilty about using Esther's research. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more it felt justified.

'I was the one who came up with the concept. Of course, that makes me the indirect creator,' Leon thought, almost amused.

"Hm…" Esther leaned back against the couch, her expression turned thoughtful. "We'll be working on this project until the end of autumn. As for Leon, he's just a temporary member. Once the headmaster's schedule clears, he will be returning under his supervision."

After a bit of casual discussion, Leon finally asked what had been bothering him for a while.

"Professor, who's sponsoring the Luntara Circle?"

The question drew the attention of everyone present.

Clearly, this building was not something Esther could afford on her own. Even if she could, Leon doubted she would spend this much just for a student club.

Esther blinked at him.

"Hm? So you noticed already?" She smiled slightly. "Well, our sponsor comes from a big shot. You've probably heard of her."

Leon frowned. "Her?"

Esther gave a small nod. "It's A. R. Magitech."

"…?"

Leon froze. His expression shifted subtly as a realization struck him.

R. — Ayaka Rudward.

A Viscount from Liora and the 7th Seat of the Twilight Order. Codename: Sumire.

'This isn't a coincidence,' Leon thought quietly, his gaze lowering. 'Did she always have an interest in this field?''

"AR Magitech?" he said slowly. "Ayaka Rudward."

"Hey, don't say her name so casually," Esther said, smiling.

"So it really is her," Leon murmured.

"Yes," Esther replied. "She's one of our major backers. She provides resources, data access, and occasionally equipment when we need it. Without her support, this place wouldn't even exist."

Leon stayed silent for a moment.

"Do you know her personally?" he asked.

Esther nodded.

"We've met a few times. She's a difficult woman to deal with, but she values progress. Her company handles most of the technological advancements around the Magitech Division. Why did you ask?"

Leon shook his head. "No reason. I was Just curious."

Esther studied him briefly, but she didn't press further.

"Anyway, you'll probably meet her soon. She sometimes visits Eclipse as a guest lecturer, and when there's something worth seeing. So, if this project goes well, you might want to be prepared."

"I'll keep that in mind," Leon said quietly.

After a few more exchanges, the discussion slowly came to an end.

The others began closing their files, and one by one, they left the room.

Leon stood up, straightening his coat. "Then I'll take my leave as well. Thank you for the report, Professor."

"Get some rest," Esther said.

Leon nodded. "Understood."

He walked out of the club building, and the cold air brushed against his face once again.

"Haah… I'm sleepy," he muttered, rubbing his neck.

The moonlight followed him as he stepped onto the road.

It was already past ten, and he still had classes tomorrow.

As Leon walked a bit further, he stopped near a water fountain beside the path.

He leaned forward slightly, resting both hands on the cold stone edge, and looked down.

His reflection stared back.

His eyes were dull, his face looked tired, and the faint dark circles under his eyes made it worse.

"…seriously?"

He really needed sleep.

Leon kept staring at it for a few seconds before muttering,

"Haah… well, at least, everything is moving as it should have… I suppose."

He lowered his gaze, as his attention shifted to his hand.

The spirit ring rested on his finger. Even though the spirit inside was still incomplete, he could feel a slow tug on his mana, almost like a heartbeat drawing power from him.

"Eat well," he murmured, stroking the ring.

Leon stayed still for a while longer, listening to the calm flow of the fountain, then finally pushed himself away.

He wandered through the quiet street for a few more minutes, thinking about his next move, the project, and the strange coincidences that kept building up.

After about half an hour, he decided to head back to his dorm.

When he reached the door, everything was quiet.

The corridor lights were dim, and there were no sounds from inside.

He unlocked the door and stepped in.

The room was dark, the lamps were out, and only a faint glow from the moon slipped through the curtains.

Leon sighed and lit the lamp on his desk.

Warm light filled the room.

'Myra must have returned to his own room,' he thought.

It was late, and she was probably resting already.

He walked toward his closet and pulled out a pair of pajamas.

Removing his coat, he started unbuttoning his shirt and tossed it on the chair before putting on a plain one.

He stood facing the wall, the shadow of his body stretching before him.

He could still see clearly until he removed his glasses and placed them on the table.

The world turned blurry again.

"…"

Leon bit his lip lightly.

"I'll be blind soon if I keep doing this."

"Blind?"

A voice came from behind him.

Leon froze.

His fingers stopped midair as he slowly turned his head.

At the window, leaning casually with one hand resting on the sill, stood Eula. Her long hair was down, falling over her shoulders, as the moonlight touched the side of her face.

"You?" Leon said quietly, his tone flat but cautious.

Eula's lips curved slightly.

"Why so surprised? Weren't you the one who wanted to meet me?"

"…"

He finally exhaled softly, eyes still on her. "You Twilight Order sure know how to make an entrance."

"Thanks." She said, moving to a couch before taking a seat. "So, what is it?"

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