“We need to act fast,” Renata said, breaking the silence. “They already know. Once they get this evidence, we're all in danger.”

Liora stared at the computer screen. The evidence they had—surveillance records of the Student Council monitoring almost every student at the academy—was a weapon that could destroy the entire Blackridge system. But it could also become a deadly boomerang if it fell into the wrong hands.

“If we take this to the public now, we won’t just face Celestine. We’ll also face the entire power of the Student Council,” Liora recalled her earlier conversation with Nolan, who had indirectly warned her that the Student Council might have already planned their next move.

Jules turned, his face serious. “I can help hack into the main server and send the data to the media. But you all know the risks. If the Student Council gets access to it before we send it out, we could lose more than just the evidence. We could lose ourselves.”

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening. Nolan stood in the doorway, looking uneasy.

“Liora, Renata, Jules,” Nolan said firmly. “I... I know you’ve found something big. But I just want to say, someone is watching us. And it’s not just Celestine.”

Renata stood up, ready to speak, but Nolan continued. “There are people outside of the Student Council who want to take advantage of you. Don’t think you’re safe just because you have the evidence.”

Liora stepped forward, her eyes never leaving Nolan. “Who do you mean?”

“It’s not something I can explain right now.” Nolan pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Liora. “Keep this. It’s the key to getting out of this game alive.”

After giving the message, Nolan turned and left without offering any further explanation.

Liora opened the paper. It had one address and a precise time written on it.

“Meet me there if you want to survive.”

“What... does this mean?” Renata asked. “Do you think it’s a trap?”

Liora frowned, processing all the information. “I don’t know. But we don’t have many choices.”

That night, they snuck out of the academy, heading toward the address listed. The streets were empty, with only the sound of the wind in the air. Time ticked on, and the tension grew thicker.

At an old building on the outskirts of the city, they finally arrived at the location. Inside the empty building, someone was waiting.

“Liora, Renata, Jules.”

The person turned. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

And when Liora saw them, her heart stopped.

“You... Severin?”