Later in the night, the Ramshackle Group and the Octavinelle group return to the vacant room to discuss the situation.

Azul says to Jade, "Good work, Jade. Did you have your 'talk' with Kalim?

"Yes, sir. It was just what you expected. It's likely that Kalim is being magically mind-controlled by someone who is making him do these things," Jade says.

"Mind control?!" Jasper and Tanzanite exclaim in shock.

"Someone's making him do it?" Sereia asks, shocked.

"Is that even possible?" Grim asks.

You know how Ruggie has magic that manipulates the body? There's also hypnosis magic that takes control of a target's mind. But it requires a far higher degree of skill and magical power than its bodily counterpart. Which means very few magicians are capable of using it," Jade explains.

"You gotta have skills and power on par with Azul for that," Floyd says.

But Azul says, "Even I would be hard-pressed to control living creatures with their own egos like humans.

But I don't think anybody in Scarabia is half as good as you, Azul. Even their own housewarden Kalim's big signature spell is just a glorified waterspout. And their vice housewarden Jamil was sayin' he got fives across the board outta the ten-level grading scale," Grim explains.

But Azul says, "I wouldn't be so sure. You know what they say—a clever hawk hides its talons,"

"So who's mind-controllin' Sea Otter, and why?" Floyd asks.

"I'm afraid I couldn't get any answers there," Jade answers.

Floyd replies, "You couldn't figure it out? Even with your signature spell?

"Wait wait wait," Grim speaks up and says, "Come to think of it, we've never seen Jade's signature spell. What's it do?"

"Floyd, what have I told you about blurting out the details about my signature spell in the presence of others?" Jade sternly questions.

"I don't see the harm in disclosing this to Briar and her group, actually. Knowing a signature spell's function wouldn't make a magic-bereft human any more susceptible to it than they already are," Azul says.

"So it's harmless 'cause WE'RE harmless. Great. That makes me feel waaay better. Tch..." Grim replies, unamused.

Then Briar asks, "If you don't mind me asking, what is your signature spell? We've already seen what Floyd and Azul's are, but what about you?"

Jade sighs and says, "Well, if I must. My unique power is one that would make most people guarded around me if they knew what it did. So I'm not a fan of revealing it, but... My signature spell is called Shock the Heart. It can be used once, and only once, on a target to make them tell the truth."

"Myah?! So they wouldn't be able to lie?!" Grim exclaims in shock.

Mind you, it can only be used once against a given target. Once I use it on someone, I can never use it on them again. And it often doesn't work at all on people highly resistant to magic, or wary types like Azul. It's only effective on those with loosely guarded minds, or people in a moment of mental vulnerability. Hence, my signature spell is very limited in scope," Jade explains.

"It works great on guys who're cowerin' in fear or bawlin' like babies, though," Floyd replies with a grin.

Jade chuckles, "Heh heh heh. So it does."

"The way they smile scares the daylights outta me," Grim says, shivering.

Anyway, Kalim has always been the type to open up to others. Thus, my spell worked on him flawlessly. Yet even so..." Jade explains.

Flashback: Storeroom

"That's it, look in my left eye... " Jade says.

He then opens his eyes and says, "Don't be afraid. I want to help you. Shock the Heart." and cast his signature spell on Kalim.

"...Huh?" Kalim reacts, but before he can say anything, Jade has Kalim under his magic.

Having Kalim under his spell, Jade says, "I'm going to ask you some questions, and you will answer them honestly. Do you know the name of the student using hypnosis magic on you?"

Character Kalim Dorm Uniform

"I do," Kalim answers, dazed.

"And what is his name?" Jade asks.

However, Kalim says, "I...can't say."

"...What?" Jade questions.

Kalim answers, "I must never tell anyone. I made a promise long ago. So I can't say."

"Hm... I see. All right," Jade replies.

Suddenly, Kalim regains consciousness from the spell, and asks, "Huh? Wha? What was I just—"

"Thank you, Kalim. You've helped clear the air a great deal," Jade replies.

"I-I have?" Kalim questions.

He then smiles, "I don't know what you're talking about, but, uh, I'm glad you're satisfied!"

"Indeed I am, my friend," Jade says.

Flashback Ends: Vacant Room

"...And that's the story," Jade concludes.

Azul simply laughs and says, "Ha ha ha! signature spell was thwarted by Kalim's strength of character.

"As much as I hate to admit it, that is an accurate assessment," Jade says.

And here I thought Sea Otter would sing like a canary. Just when you think you know a guy!" Floyd replies.

"It must have been a promise he keeps close to his heart," Jade says.

"A promise that's kept close to his heart," Briar replies.

"So so, then it must be someone who's been very close to Kalim," Briar says.

Then mutters, "Someone very close to him..."

Then Azul says, "Heh... Yet that same unwavering conviction has laid bare the truth behind the unrest in Scarabia. All that's left now are the finishing touches. It's time to catch this culprit by the tail and pull him out of the sand where he's lurking."

Briar listens to Azul as she still tries to think of who could have that spell that is enough for Kalim to make that kind of promise. Suddenly, Briar's eyes wide in shock and gasps in realization.

"Briar, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Sereia asks, concerned.

Just then, Azul says, "I suspect that you've come to the realization as well."

"I... I did. And I think I know who and how. And well, I think I know why my medallion is missing," Briar says.

"Your medallion? You mean your necklace is missing?" Floyd asks.

"Huh? What does that have to do with it?" Grim asks.

"It's only a theory right now, but I need to confirm it somehow," Briar says.

"Hmm, when did you realize your medallion is missing?" Jade asks.

"It was actually during the fight night we stayed at Scarabia. I thought it was strange because I remember putting it on before we left Ramshackle, and we came straight to the cafeteria," Briar explains.

"And since we ended up meeting with Jamil and the other students in the kitchen of the cafeteria and went straight to Scarabia Drom soon after, we never had time to go back to Ramshackle," Tanzanite says.

Then Jasper says, "And after being forced to stay here, Briar soon notices her medallion is gone. I remember her putting it on that morning before we left."

"And we never had a chance to find it. We asked Kalim and Jamil if they've seen it, but they said they haven't," Sereia adds.

"Interesting," Azul says.

Confused, Grim asks, "What does Briar's missing medallion have to do with it?"

"It might have no connection, but it's possible that it is. And if our deductions are correct, it's possible that the culprit might still have the medallion on them. We just need them to reveal it to us," Azul says, "I have a plan. First..."

And with that, Azul explains to the group the plan to catch the culprit in the act, and to solve all the mysteries. Still, Briar can't help that something bad is going to happen, especially on what she has figured out and witnessed back at the lounge.