Chapter 130
Chapter 131 Unexpected Security Lockdown
Teenagers clad in uniforms of varying hues stood brimming with youthful fire. Under the watchful gaze of their families, they wore bright grins and sharp, determined eyes, pouring forth raw, burning effort across the competition grounds.
Wren claimed trophies for both the solo and team divisions, just as everyone expected.
Upon the awards platform, his vivid red hair stood out boldly. The light in his eyes held every observer captive.
Beside him, Jessa applauded wildly, unmasked pride glowing across her face.
Once the ceremony was wrapped up, the headmaster stepped onto the platform to speak. He opened with standard closing remarks and forward–looking statements before moving to the critical announcement.
He explained that to comply with the government protocols, every guest and family member would need to line up and pass through individual security scans before exiting the grounds.
Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd.
Hundreds had turned out to watch the student showcase. Processing every single attendee one by one would take hours.
The headmaster ignored the complaints rising on either side and pressed on with his instructions.
“The academy will open all four main gates–north, south, east, and west–to speed up
west–to speed up the process and minimize delays. Thank you all for your attendance and cooperation p>
Agents from the White Citadel had finished their inquiries. No registered Guides had left their facilities. That meant another Guide had awakened.
This newly emerged Guide had not submitted herself to the White Citadel. Instead, she roamed freely out in public as if nothing were amiss.
Agencies across the sector began speculating over hidden motives. Many suspected rebel forces were orchestrating the whole thing as a distraction, a smoke screen to divert attention.
But their top priority remained tracking down this unknown Guide.
Lyra glanced toward Jessa, her gaze wordlessly asking which gate they should head for.
Now that the showcase had ended, Jessa’s excitement faded into calm.
She dragged her gaze away from the speaking platform, clearly unprepared for such stringent security protocols.
Casually, she patted the back of Lyra’s hand.
“No rush for us p>
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Finished
Right thetr, Wren found them after his team had dismissed.
“Wren, find us somewhere we can sit,” Jessa said. “We’ll wait until the crowds thin out before heading to the
gates p>
She turned back to Lyra. “Standing in those endless lines will wear you out. Let’s rest somewhere first p>
Lyra nodded. It sounded sensible.
“The academy runs several decent dining halls,” Wren offered. “I can take you there p>
Jessa arched an eyebrow. “And if the food’s terrible p>
“If it’s that bad, I’ll cut off a chunk of my own flesh to make it up to you,” Wren shot back.
Jessa pulled a face of disgust. “As if I’d want that. Besides, with that thick skin of yours, who knows what we’d be cutting into p>
“How am I thick–skinned? Don’t pull the older–sister card to make baseless accusations!” Wren protested.
“I’m your sister, so I get to do exactly that. What are you gonna do about it?” Jessa retorted, chin tilted up.
Lyra stifled quiet laughter beside them.
The brother and sister were bickering again.
Jessa and Wren rarely got the chance to meet. Whenever they crossed paths, playful arguments always came hand in hand with quiet concern for one another’s lives.
Lyra lingered close, listening to their exchange while toying with her Star Brain. Every so often, she sent a brief message to Hadrien.
“How much leave do you have this time?” Wren asked his sister.
“You know how things stand for me,” Jessa replied. She shifted focus. “What about you p>
“Same routine. Long–stretches of lockdown. The facility only opens for special occasions.
“Today’s the busiest day of all p>
“I’ve visited before,” Jessa said. “Security was never this much of a hassle back then p>
“Maybe it’s your lucky day, since you showed up,” Wren joked.
Jessa feigned amazement. “Wow. I’m truly honored.
“Core Prime certainly doesn’t cut corners. All these restrictions must leave everyone on edge p>
“I’ve long since gotten used to it,” Wren answered.
“Wonder how long those search teams will stick around p>
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They fail to locate their target, they‘!! likely shift their ferus elsewhere,” Wren said.
“Right. Your friend’s still the usual spot?” Jessa asked.
“Yeah,” Wren confirmed.
Finished
Lyra paid no mind to the unspoken meaning woven into their conversation, fully absorbed in a small game on her Star Brain.
Jessa leaned over to peek at the screen.
“You’re really throwing yourself into such a boring little game p>
Lyra smiled at her.
“There are other recreation zones on campus,” Wren explained. “But most are closed today for the showcase preparations. Otherwise, I would’ve taken you to check them out p>
Curious about what he meant, Lyra lifted her head and realized dusk was fast settling over the sky.
She tapped Jessa gently and gestured upward toward the darkening sky.
Jessa glanced up.
“It’s getting late.” She stood. “The crowds at the gates should start thinning soon p>
“I’ll head over to scout the line first,” Wren said. “No sense trekking all the way there for nothing p>
Jessa nodded. “Sounds good p>
Once Wren left, Jessa nudged Lyra with her shoulder.
“Are you hungry? We could grab something to eat before we leave p>
Lyra shook her head with a smile.
The siblings had already ordered piles of food earlier, determined to make sure she ate enough. Her stomach still hadn’t settled from the meal.
“Jessa, let’s skip wandering around afterward. Harlan and the others warned we need to be back in our quarters once night falls p>
Jessa shot her an amused look. “You take their advice seriously p>
Lyra typed another message, “They mean well. I don’t want to run into another psychic monster like last time p>
At that, Jessa went still.
Then she quickly recovered her easy grin.
“Fair enough. We’ll head straight back once we’re outside the gates p>
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Her gaze dnfted to the delicate red fish brooch pinned to!yra’s tunic.
Finnbed
Tve noticed you keep all your gifts carefully stored away. I didn’t expect you’d wear one out in public p>
Lyra lowered her head, ready to explain the trinket’s function.
Before she could speak, a message pinged from Wren.
Jessa pushed herself to her feet. “Let’s go p>
The interruption made Lyra set aside her explanation. She nodded and rose to follow.
When they reached the main campus gates, the thick throng of Sentinels who’d been stationed there was
gone.
Perhaps they had finished screening all guests. Or they had received new orders to move their search operations elsewhere.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.