The new semester dawned in lion’s golden light, and the auditorium was packed. Mark Velocida stood on stage in his crisp student-council uniform, voice steady:

“Thank you, class of 4th‑year seniors. Your courage and leadership have shaped this academy. We promise to uphold your legacy.”

The applause rippled and he descended, heart quietly resolute.

Later, under the oak canopy on the grounds, Mark summoned Allen. He spoke low, words weighted with calculated calm:

“Allen… I know everything about your past. The things you’re hiding.”

Allen’s eyes widened—anger and disbelief flickered. He gripped Mark’s shoulder. Yet when Mark followed, “I’ll keep your secret… if you work for me,” Allen’s resolve crumpled. With a grudging nod, he agreed.

The next morning, in the quiet student-council office, Mark pressed play on a hidden recorder. A chilling voice crackled through speakers:

“I WILL KILL MARK. I HATE HIM SO MUCH.”

Mark's expression darkened as he whispered to himself, I know who the spy is.

Soon after, he found Risa waiting amid the stacks of the academy library. Their conversation was hushed but urgent:

“You came here to protect me… from what, exactly?”

Risa hesitated before opening up. Eyes shimmering, she spoke of the I.R.I.S program—how she, Light, Garth, Max, and Mark had been part of a brutal experimental program to amplify core powers. The experiments claimed countless victims, including Mark’s lost sister. He’d been the prodigy, then lost his memory. Now, Light and Risa stayed close not out of guilt, but loyalty, hoping he could find peace.

Walking through the still courtyard, Mark passed Grace in quiet confession. She murmured apologies for using him to spy on Allen. Mark paused, placing a hand gently at her shoulder.

“It’s okay,” he said, voice steady. “I’m just… busy.”

Grace nodded, tears brimming.

That evening, Ariel greeted him in the dorm hallway with her usual warmth:

“Good evening, Mark.”

He replied quietly. She studied his face, sensing something deeper, then let a small knowing smile bloom.

“So… you finally found out.”