In a dream, Enma found himself transported to a desert. As he looked around, he couldn't help but notice the arid landscape. Suddenly, he saw Jafar riding on a horse and talking to a man named Gazeem. Jafar scolded Gazeem for being late, but Gazeem apologized and claimed to have what Jafar needed. Jafar assured him that he would be rewarded.
A trail of lights appeared and flew through the desert, prompting Jafar to command his horse to follow it. Eventually, they arrived at a cave shaped like a tiger's mouth. Jafar gleefully proclaimed that it was the Cave of Wonders, while his parrot, Lago, echoed his words.
Jafar ordered Gazeem to enter the cave and retrieve the lamp. As Gazeem approached, the cave spoke and demanded to know who disturbed its slumber.
Enma's dream then shifted, and he found himself retreating from the mirror. As he woke up in the morning, he rubbed his eyes and wondered why he had dreamt of a desert.
In the hallway, Enma and his feline companion descended the stairs and encountered a trio of ghosts. Fit asked Enma why he looked tired, teasingly suggesting that he had seen a ghost. Enma dismissed their remarks, explaining that he was used to ghosts and not afraid of them. Skinny encouraged him to shine on his last day of the fall semester and not mess up.
The conversation turned to the upcoming winter holiday, which Enma and Grim seemed unaware of. Fit explained that it was a time when students went home to celebrate the new year with their families and enjoyed festive meals. The mention of food grabbed Grim's attention, and he expressed his excitement. The ghosts chimed in, mentioning that some ghosts also went home to the netherworld for the holidays.
Grim became intrigued by the idea of spending time with family and enjoying a feast. Enma, curious about Grim's family, asked about them. Grim revealed that he didn't remember his family and woke up hungry and alone. He described waiting for someone to come and get him but couldn't recall what happened next. Despite his murky past, Grim had a positive outlook and aspired to become a wealthy and powerful sorcerer.
The ghosts couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards Grim. Fit suggested that Grim join them by the fireplace for the holidays, and Skinny added that there would be delicious food. Grim enthusiastically accepted, eager to indulge in holiday cheer.
Meanwhile, outside on the streets, Tokaku was in the midst of her morning run. After completing a few laps, she decided to take a moment to catch her breath. It was during this short break that she coincidentally ran into her friend, Jack, who was also out jogging.
"Tokaku!" called the light silver-haired male, a smile on his face.
"Jack?" The girl looked at him in surprise.
"Are you doing a morning run now?" Jack asked, genuinely curious.
"Yes. It's been a while since I started." Tokaku replied, returning the question. "So, do you also go for runs in the morning?"
"Yep, I've always done my laps around the field near my dorm. But today, I felt like trying out a different place." The light silver-haired male explained.
Just as they were talking, a sudden cold wind blew, causing both of them to shiver.
"It's cold," Tokaku remarked, rubbing her arms.
"Yeah, winter is almost here. Tomorrow, the winter holiday begins. Hey, Tokaku, since you're not from here, how are you planning to spend your time off?" Jack inquired.
"Azul actually informed me about that. He and the twins won't be going back to their hometowns because the entire place will be frozen over. So they'll be staying in Octavinelle for the whole holiday." The girl shared.
"Ah, so you'll be spending the holidays with them then, I assume?" The light silver-haired male questioned.
"Yes," Tokaku confirmed with a nod.
Suddenly, the sound of a vibrating phone interrupted their conversation. "Sorry, that's my phone. Let me check it," Jack said, pulling out his phone from his pocket. He glanced at the screen to see who was calling.
"It's my siblings. I guess they're excited about the winter holiday and want to talk to me," the light silver-haired male shared. He then noticed an incoming video call notification. "Oh, they want to video call. Tokaku, would you like to join?"
"...I guess so," the girl hesitantly replied. Jack tapped on the video call, and on the screen appeared a girl and a teenage boy, both with wolf-like features.
"Hi, big bro. How's your morning?" asked the teenage wolf-boy.
"Are you coming home earlier after school, big bro?" the girl added, excitement evident in her voice.
"Hold on, you two. Let me answer one question at a time," Jack chuckled, amused by his siblings' eagerness to speak with him. Suddenly, his siblings noticed Tokaku beside their elder brother. "Big bro, who's the guy next to you? Is he your friend?" the boy asked.
"Yep, and actually, he's a girl," Jack corrected, a playful grin on his face.
"WHAT?! Seriously?" the boy exclaimed in shock. "So Night Raven College actually allows girls to enroll?" the girl beside him asked curiously.
Jack laughed at his siblings' surprised reactions. "Hopefully in the near future. By the way, this friend of mine is named Tokaku. Say hi to her."
"Hi, Tokaku! It's nice to see you," the boy greeted the blue-haired girl.
"Nice to meet you, Tokaku," the wolf girl added with a smile.
"Hi," Tokaku replied, awkwardly waving as she lacked the confidence to introduce herself to the children.
"She looks pretty cool, especially for a girl," the wolf boy remarked, amazed.
"Hey! You should apologize for assuming gender!" His sister scolded him.
"Oh no! You're right! I'm sorry for mistaking you as a boy," her brother apologized to Tokaku.
"It's fine. It happens a lot," the blue-haired girl reassured him.
"But... I don't blame my brother. You're even cooler than any of the boys I've met, Tokaku," the wolf girl complimented.
"My friend here is truly impressive. She can do anything boys can do," Jack proudly told his siblings.
"Wow, that's really something!" the wolf boy exclaimed, clearly impressed.
"I want to be just like you, Tokaku!" the wolf girl declared enthusiastically, causing Tokaku to be taken off guard by their praise.
"Okay, our school is about to start soon. I'll catch up with you both later at home," Jack informed his brother and sister.
"Okay! See you at home, big bro."
"Bye, brother!"
After that, the video call ended. "They really miss me," the male said, placing his phone back in his pocket. "Your siblings seem really excited to see you," Tokaku commented.
"Yes, they are. As soon as I step foot in the house, they'll be bombarding me with invites, especially my middle school brother who wants to go skiing right away," Jack replied, a fond smile on his face. "Time's ticking. Let's go get ready for class."
The blue-haired girl nodded, and together, they headed towards their classroom.
# At Class A...
Crewel made a grand announcement to the entire class, commanding their attention. In a firm tone, he informed them that their holiday vacation would commence the following day. Knowing the excitement that filled the hearts of each and every student, he reminded them of the importance of completing their homework before indulging in leisure activities during the break. Crewel made it clear that he had devised severe consequences for any lazy individuals who neglected their responsibilities.
With the professor out of sight, the class erupted in a murmuring buzz of anticipation, as everyone eagerly anticipated their return to their respective homes. Among them, Ace expressed his relief at being able to escape the confines of the cramped dormitory and enjoy the well-deserved respite of the winter holiday season.
In contrast, Deuce let out a sigh of exasperation as he gazed upon the mountain of exercise books before him. Night Raven College clearly upheld its commitment to ensuring that holiday homework was taken seriously. However, Enma, ever the wise observer, reminded Deuce to be grateful for the opportunity to go home, as it indicated their commitment to their studies.
Shifting the conversation towards the topic of returning home, Ace directed his attention to Yuu, inquiring about the black-haired male's plans. Not yet finding a way back, Yuu admitted his dilemma. It was then that Deuce asked if both Yuu and his feline companion would spend the holidays in their dorm. Grim, the feline, expressed his excitement about feasting with the ghosts that resided on campus. The ginger-haired male chimed in, acknowledging the presence of numerous spirits that would keep Yuu and Grim company during their stay.
However, the dark navy blue-haired male raised a valid concern about the availability of food once the school closed for the break. Enma and Grim couldn't help but cringe at the realization. The feline, in particular, voiced his distress, wondering where he would find food for his feasts. Yuu, too, expressed his hopes that the head mage had accounted for this intricate detail, as he would rather not go hungry during the winter break.
Deuce, full of practical advice, suggested that it would be wise for Yuu to consult the head mage promptly. The question then arose as to where they could find Crowley, the individual who held authority over the use of the Dark Mirror. Ace suggested that Crowley was likely present at the Dark Mirror, as one would need his permission to utilize it. Determined to find out, they set off on a quest to locate him.
(The Headmage's Cheer)
Enma and his friends ventured to the Mirror Chamber after class, only to find it bustling with students ready to head home for the break, each carrying their luggage.
"Wow, it's already packed with students going home," remarked Deuce, taking in the scene.
"They all seem eager to leave," chuckled Ace. "Now, where's our head mage?"
Just then, a familiar voice boomed through the hall. "Alright, everyone! Tell the Dark Mirror your destination and hold onto your belongings tightly. If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will vanish into thin air. If you have anything valuable you can't bear to lose, make use of the school store's postal service." Crowley appeared amid the crowd, sporting a yellow Aloha T-shirt.
"He's in total party mode!" Ace, Deuce, and Grim exclaimed simultaneously.
"He's clearly prepared for a tropical vacation, wearing that Aloha shirt in the middle of winter!" noted Ace.
"He's not even trying to hide it," sighed Deuce, sweatdropping.
"Hey, Headmage! We need to talk!" called the feline wearing a crow mask.
"Why, hello there! What brings your merry little band here?" responded Crowley, intrigued.
Enma looked at Crowley intensely. "Are you actually trying to find a way for me to get home?"
"Ah... Ahh! Ahh, yes! Of course! I'm putting all my efforts into it! In fact, during the winter break, I'll be expanding my investigation to a tropical land I've never visited before. That's how dedicated I am." Crowley exclaimed.
"You don't look like you're dressed for an investigation," muttered Ace.
"Exactly! You look like you're ready to soak up the sun!" added Grim, agreeing with Ace.
"How could you suggest that? I'm simply dressed appropriately for my venture. When in a foreign land, one must embrace the local culture. Especially during winter, it's the perfect time to relax in a hammock, sipping coconut juice, and admiring the tranquil ocean waves... I definitely don't have any extravagant vacation plans like that, I assure you." protested the crow-masked male.
Deuce interjected. "That's an incredibly specific denial."
"It's not fair for you to have all the fun! I want to go on a tropical vacation too! Take us with you!" protested the feline.
"What? But that would ruin my delightful getaway... Ahem! This investigation will be dangerous, very dangerous. It's best if I handle it alone. Besides, I have a critical task for you. The very survival of Night Raven College depends on it." Crowley said to Enma and Grim.
The black-haired male sighed. "Here we go again."
"If you take on this task, your holiday provisions will be fully taken care of. I'll even arrange a holiday feast. Roast turkey, pies, and a ham as big as your head... Heck, I'll even throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten the deal. What do you say?" proposed the crow-masked male.
"Meow! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma! H- hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least," exclaimed Grim.
"Dude, you're such a soft touch," complained Ace.
Enma could only squint at the feline while sweatdropping.
Crowley cleared his throat and continued. "Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are sustained by fire fairy magic. They have resided in the cafeteria for many years... However, if we don't provide them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. If the fire fairies disappear, the entire campus will be engulfed in cold during winter."
"You know, I've always wondered how the school manages to stay warm without central heating," interrupted Deuce.
"Well, it's all thanks to magic. It seems obvious now," added Ace.
"Usually, our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during longer school breaks... But this year, he's gone to visit the netherworld to meet his newborn grandchild. Hence, I would like the two of you to handle the task in his absence." explained Crowley.
"Ghosts can have grandchildren?" Enma questioned.
"Look, it was a miracle of love, alright? Don't overthink it. More importantly, someone needs to take care of the fires if you want to stay warm over the holidays. By simply adding firewood to the fireplace every day, you'll stay warm and well-fed. It's a win-win situation. What a generous offer!" said the crow-masked male.
"You know, this actually sounds easier compared to the usual chaos you throw our way," conceded Grim, satisfied with Crowley's proposal.
"Doesn't it, though? You might be surprised by how kind I can be. Oh, and since I'll be gone for a while, I'd like to give this to you." Crowley handed Enma a smartphone.
"Ooh, a smartphone!" Ace exclaimed.
"You can use this to contact me in case of emergencies. It's strictly for emergencies, mind you. Try not to use up its data cap browsing Magicam or anything like that. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I leave the rest in your capable hands." Crowley advised Enma as he walked away, muttering to himself. "Ah, I better pick up some tourist pamphlets before I set off. Goodness gracious, I'm so busy..."
"Meow haha! Now I get to enjoy a fancy feast over the holidays!" exclaimed Grim happily.
"I still feel like you made a deal with the devil, but hey, whatever floats your boat," sweatdropped Ace.
Just then, Ruggie approached the trio and the feline. "Hey, guys! You can't keep standing in the middle of the hall, blocking the traffic!"