The night settles over the land, blanketing the nation with darkness. The darkness spreads, covering and embracing Jean's university—Asbranne National Campus—like a dense cloth. As the bright, white stars twinkle in the night sky, students head into their dorms and rest, seeking respite from the hectic day.

     Like an abandoned cemetery, the halls within the campus plunge into an eerie silence. The corridors hold no life—not even a tinge of light to be seen. Despite the faint oppressiveness resulting from the absence of sound, the air grows increasingly thick with a profound sense of tranquillity.

     Within a shared dorm of three, Jean, wearing a snug white shirt and shorts, settles on his knees before his bed and folds his hands. As his hands join, Jean gazes through the window, his eyes locked on the sparkling stars in the heavenly galaxy. The moonlight streams in, caressing Jean's face and casting a faint glow upon his brown orbs.

Jean took a deep, quivering breath, preparing himself. "Nues Haogarlie Dafuer," he began. "I implore you to shower your benevolence upon my father, the Remaining Podeshire, as he requires your healing touch. The passing days have only deepened my concern for his illness," he prayed earnestly, "and I—"

     As Jean prays, the sound of the swift, laughing hinges of a door resonates behind him, almost startling him. In walks Kevin and Gabriel with brisk paces, their energy lighting up the dark, unlit room. In Kevin's hands, he holds a piece of white mail, an object of intrigue.

"Jean," Kevin called out.

Jean quickly concluded his prayer, crossing himself before standing up to face his friends. "Oh, guys."

"There was a mail in our mailbox. And it says that it's for you," Kevin stated, passing the mail to Jean.

     Jean eagerly grasped the mail from Kevin's hands and tore it open. He then grabbed the letter inside and immediately perused its contents. However, as he delved deeper, his eyes widened, and his jaw quivered with apprehension.

"What's wrong?" Gabriel inquired, concern etched on his face.

     Jean looked into the eyes of his friends, and their gazes locked. While Kevin and Gabriel's faces reflected confusion, Jean's visage mirrored dread and worry. Swiftly, Jean hurried out of his dorm and burst into his brothers' shared room next door. Bertie and George, clad in their pyjamas, gasped in surprise upon seeing Jean entering unexpectedly.

"Jean??" Bertie gasped.

"Brothers," Jean called. "I have terrible news," he informed.

"What is it?" George wondered aloud, raising a curious brow.

Jean stepped between his brothers and unfurled the letter in his hands for them to see. "Look," he said, directing his brothers' gazes to the lettering on the paper. "It's a letter from our address," he told them.

"I wonder what it could be?" George contemplated.

"Perhaps Dad bought us a baby dragon?" Bertie guessed with a smirk.

"Or maybe he is healed, and our aunts and uncle are back in our mansion??" George added, winking mischievously.

"Oh! Oh! Or maybe it's an apology letter for me, as he has punished me for failing the previous school year?" Bertie giggled.

Jean let out a dismissive scoff. "Just read it," he urged, his eyes closing halfway through.

     Bertie and George sharpened their focus on the letter, their eyes darting across the paper. As they slowly comprehended the contents, their eyes widened with worry, their pupils shaking with terror. As they finished reading, Bertie and George glanced at each other in the eyes, conveying their concern to one another.

     The next day, as the sun rises to its peak in the ocean-blue sky, the wind blows towards the school, humming like meandering sirens. With the heat burdening those outside, students seek refuge indoors and congregate inside the library during their spare time. The chamber bustles with students, filling every remaining chair and bench. Among the students, Jean, Kevin, Gabriel, Bertie, George, and Scarlet sit.

     While Gabriel and Scarlet study, reading a book together, Kevin notices Jean, Bertie, and George's long faces, which makes him question why. Feeling the need to interfere, Kevin raises a fist to his lips and clears his throat, attempting to catch their attention. In response, Jean, Bertie, and George glance at Kevin, their senses heightened for a conversation.

"Are you guys alright?" Kevin asked in concern.

"Honestly, I'm uncertain how I shall answer that question. Our father's illness is getting worse, and we are worried. You know?" Jean responded, his brows arched with worry.

"Oh," Gabriel gasped, overhearing the conversation. "I'm sorry about that. But not to worry, I'm sure he'll get well soon!" he said, trying to add glee to the three brothers' faces. "He's quite strong, I know!"

"Mhm," Scarlet nodded in agreement. "Also, I suggest you tell your father to drink plenty of water. It will help him. And I heard from a study that tea has plenty of benefits," she said.

"But they told us they've tried everything already. They even had to use healing potions, yet my father is still sick," Jean sighed, leaning his forearms against the desk before them.

"Don't worry, Jean. Mr Oliver is a strong man, and I can attest to it. I've come across numerous articles and journals that highlight how he pushed through his struggles," Kevin reassured confidently.