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The seemingly endless corridor was lined with numerous paintings of varying themes and techniques, created by the Academy's various art and cultural societies.

However, it was said that some of these paintings were not paintings at all but doors disguised by extraordinarily intricate commands. Additionally, either for safety reasons or sheer mischief, countless engravings of varying danger levels lay hidden in barely noticeable corners, waiting to ensnare an unlucky or overly curious victim.

I had already checked the area several times and found nothing unusual, so perhaps it was just another unverifiable Academy rumor.

Before I saw him, I already felt the familiar waveform.

Sometimes, in the stillness of the night, I would imagine this moment and even rehearse responses to surreal scenarios in my mind, like a planar demon suddenly appearing.

But even though our encounter was as ordinary as two strangers meeting by chance on the street, I still found myself at a complete loss for how to react.

"Hey," I forced out a sound from my throat, trying to break the silence as we stood there staring at each other. "This scene feels… familiar."

At first, I didn't quite understand what was happening, but the reassuring warmth transmitted to me reminded why I could never forget that unique scent. So, I simply responded to the fervent embrace, lightly resting my chin on the top of his head and nuzzling him gently.

“You've grown taller," Aether said, his damp nose and the warm breath from his words tickling my neck.

“Yeah, I finally surpassed 170," I chuckled, pressing the tip of my nose lightly against his ear.

It felt wonderful.

I thought we could stay like this, holding each other until the end of time. But that wasn't very practical, so I relaxed my body, allowing Aether to step back slightly and meet my gaze.

“After I found out you were still alive, I decided that if we ever met again, I'd give you a proper hug," Aether said, his yellow eyes seeming to glimmer as he spoke.

“Oh…" My ears were burning, likely on fire by now, so I let the flames spread unchecked. “That's… a very logical decision."

“What are you even saying!" Aether burst out laughing, making me instinctively lower my gaze. “You really should've warned me about the wormhole situation." He tilted his head, looking up. “Or maybe the part where the Council drags you out of bed in the middle of the night, and assessment is literally waking into nightmare."

“I didn't want to ruin the surprise." It seemed Master Takahashi had indeed added some extra effects to the avoidance circle.

“This is such a fascinating place. I thought living in the Library of Alexandria for so many years had made it hard for me to feel 'awed,' but clearly, I just hadn't seen enough." Aether glanced around at his surroundings. “What is this place, anyway?"

“A gallery, I think. The navigation app has it marked," I said, glancing at a vaguely incomprehensible abstract painting—or at least, I assumed it was abstract.

“There's a navigation app?" Aether laughed, so I pulled out my terminal to demonstrate how to connect to the Academy's intranet and download some practical apps.

“Didn't your senior mentor explain this to you?" I recalled how Kotetsu had assisted me in the cafeteria with authentication and other procedures.

“No," Aether shook his head. “Maybe there'll be a general briefing at tomorrow's gathering?" He lowered his ears, adopting a cautious tone. “Are you going?"

I guessed Aether was referring to the Senate wolves' gathering, so I shook my head in response.

“No need to make everyone uncomfortable," I replied in the most neutral tone I could muster.

“Hmm…" Aether murmured softly, lowering his gaze. “I thought the Academy's condition would be better."

“It is better—as long as I try to avoid interacting with the Senate wolves," I forced a smile, trying to swallow the bitterness in my mouth.

“Is that why you chose this place?" Aether turned his head, glancing up and down the empty corridor.

“Yes…" There was no point in hiding it. “I don't want to drag you into it."

This was entirely different from the situation at the Colosseum. Here, Aether was an outsider to the pack, and Nyx's presence was relatively low. Aether evidently understood this stark reality, so he didn't respond, merely lowering his gaze and the tip of his nose, his ears pressed flat against his head.

“What if…" He stepped closer, letting our foreheads touch. “I don't mind being dragged into it for your sake?"

My heart seemed to skip a beat.

Many images flashed through my mind, fleeting yet so vivid they felt like memories I had revisited countless times.

An elderly black wolf awarded me my diploma, and as I accepted the certificate, Aether ran up to the stage and hugged me tightly. Momus joined in with such force that we almost toppled over. The streets of the Lunar were bustling yet harmonious, as if every step matched a perfect rhythm. The lapis lazuli blue suit I wore, however, felt far too conspicuous, and the showy golden embroidery at the cuffs didn't help, making me slightly uneasy in the crowd. But when Aether took my hand, it all seemed so natural as he led me onto the moving sidewalks, merging into the rhythm around us. The whispers on the streets and polarized media opinions had grown so extreme that dialogue between differing stances seemed impossible, leaving only shouting matches to dominate the narrative. The future was a chaotic uncertainty; the only clear thing was that the Canine Empire would inevitably annex the Lunar. We had debated whether to head for Ceres or seek the Council's aid, but Momus refused to "run away with his tail between his legs." The Princeps* election—perhaps the Lunar's last—was set to begin tomorrow. Whatever the outcome, I believed that as long as we steadfastly supported each other, no hardship would be insurmountable. That said, preparing some contingency measures was clearly the logical choice. The adamantine longsword pulsed in my hand with a force capable of cutting through anything. I knew I could draw Gray Snow without hesitation when the time came, even though wielding a sword means I will hurt people.

Emerging from the overly detailed vision, the vivid sensation of warmth in my hand lingered.

Aether and I were so close our muzzles almost touched, and our breaths intertwined, trembling as if silently conveying the most genuine emotions. The beauty of it, something I wouldn't even dare to dream, almost made me surrender. But reality wouldn't bend to my wishes.

From Aether, I caught the scent of other gray wolves. The sound of tunica fibers rubbing against fur reminded me of the material's familiar texture. Slowly, I opened my eyes, meeting the yellow gaze of the black wolf.

What right did I have to make Aether give up everything?

"Or perhaps, we can observe the situation first before deciding?" I suggested softly, not wanting to strongly influence his decision. "The Academy is a... complicated and dangerous place. The Senate's support is an invaluable resource. It would be illogical to abandon it without sufficient understanding."

Aether opened his mouth trying to speak, but ultimately nodded in agreement. Though I caught a faint hint of reluctance, I trusted he understood the stakes.

"Oh, there's something I want to show you!" I remembered the reason I chose this secluded location. Aether tilted his head, folding his right ear, but let me lead him without objection.

We stopped in front of a massive oil painting after passing what I could only assume were more abstract artworks.

"Wow. If I didn't know that Master The-Wind-Weaves-Its-Dance-Amidst-Golden-Sheaves-Of-Wheat's work is in the palace, I might've mistaken this for the original," Aether said, stepping closer to the corner depicting Nyx. "'He shone in the chaos of ignorance, casting light upon our path.'"

"I've always thought the Coronation of Seven Nights had a very... dreamlike quality—at least the painting. The actual history is a whole different story," I said, looking up at the immense artwork beside Aether.

The composition of The Coronation of Seven Nights was simple: seven wolf factions knelt in a circle around a lone coyote, acknowledging his right to rule as emperor. Each wolf supposedly corresponded to a real historical figure, with every subtle expression, gesture, and accessory shrouded in layers of stories or conspiracies.

"'He leads the way through the impassable snow, walking ahead of us,'" I murmured, realizing my self-identity still defaulted to being a Snow. Perhaps out of some inner assertion or whim, I turned my gaze toward the spot where Gray was depicted. "'He stood firm amidst endless madness, bringing stillness to our hearts.'"

Aether and I stood before the painting for a long time, lost in our thoughts.

"Even after a thousand years, it seems like many people forget the first emperor was a coyote," I remarked, focusing on the central figure, adored by all. "It feels odd."

"Being forgotten is the destiny of history," Aether said, his gaze also fixed on the coyote. "And remembering what everyone has forgotten is Nyx's destiny."

"Are there any little-known anecdotes about the first emperor?" I asked, noting the coyote's eyes, brimming with confidence and ambition, fitting for someone who would establish a millennium-spanning empire. "Besides the ones involving venereal diseases."

"Well..." Aether chuckled softly and began recounting truths buried in legends and folktales.

We continued wandering the gallery for quite a while, chatting casually until it was nearly time for bed.

"Oh, I heard there's a beach party tomorrow that's open to everyone," Aether said before we parted. "Are you going?"

"Oh, yes," I answered instinctively, almost biting my tongue.

"Good. See you there then." Aether waved at me. "Goodnight, Richter."

"Goodnight, Aether," I replied with a smile, watching the black wolf disappear down the corridor.