The Academy’s Secret

Chapter seven

The morning sun rose pale and weak, as if struggling to break through the heavy clouds still hanging from last night’s rain. Annie barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the red blinking light of the recorder, the men entering the room, her own file with the words: No special value.

By the time she stepped out of the hostel, her mind was already racing.

What should I do with the evidence? Who can I trust? What if they knew it was me in the records room?

Students filled the courtyard, chatting, laughing, hurrying to lectures. Annie, the world felt strangely different, brighter on the outside, darker underneath.

As she approached the library steps, someone fell into the step beside her.

Annie?

She flinched before recognizing the voice.

Daniel.

He wore the academy’s official uniform and carried a stack of textbooks, but his eyes looked sharp, as if he was searching for danger over her shoulder.

You were not in the hostel last night, he said quietly. I checked.

She stopped walking. Why?

Because I heard something, he whispered. Two officers talking near the west gate. They said a student was seen near the administrative block after hours. A girl.

Annie’s stomach sank.

Did they say a name?

No. Daniel hesitated. But they said they had review camera footage.

Her pulse quickened.

The hallway cameras.

She had not forgotten.

She swallowed hard and forced herself to stay calm.

Daniel, I need to talk to you. Somewhere private.

He nodded immediately. Follow me.

They entered a narrow corridor behind the science building, where few students ever passed. The walls smelled faintly of chemicals from the lab, but it was quite safe.

What is going on? Daniel asked.

Annie took a deep breath and opened her bag. She did not take out the photos, just showed him her phone screen for a second.

It was not the picture itself that made Daniel’s eyes widen, it was the fear in her expression. Annie, what did you find?”

A room, she whispered. Files. Notes. I was not trying to cause trouble. I just tried to understand why the system is unfair. He finished the sentence for her.

She nodded.

He lowered his voice. Then you need to be more careful. Once you get close to the truth, they do not just watch you. They test you.

Test me how?

By seeing who you talk to. What you ask. Whether you are scared enough to stop.

Annie’s heart thudded painfully.

Daniel stepped back a little, his eyes scanning the corridor. When he leaned closer again, his voice dropped even lower.

Listen. If they suspect you, they will not come directly. They will use people who look harmless.

Like who?

Before he could answer, footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.

Annie stiffened.

Daniel whispered: Stay calm. Don’t act like we are talking about anything serious.

Two students rounded the corner carrying backpacks. They did not look suspicious, but Daniel’s eyes followed them until they disappeared down another hallway.

Only then did he speak again. There is someone who might be able to help you. A professor. He used to work in the admissions council years ago. He left suddenly, and people say he disagreed with the director.

What is his name?

Professor Rami. He teaches ethics in the humanities block. He is strict, but he hates corruption more than anyone.

Annie considered it. Someone older, someone with experience, maybe someone who could tell her what the documents meant.

How do I reach him? She asked.

Daniel pointed toward the tallest building. He usually stays in his office after classes. Room 221.

Annie memorized it instantly.

But do not mention me, Daniel warned. And do not mention the evidence until you are sure you can trust him.

Annie nodded.

Before she could thank him, a voice boomed across the courtyard. ALL APPLICANTS FOR THE SECOND STAGE SCREENING, REPORT TO HALL B. Annie froze.

The second stage screening today?

Daniel’s expression tightened. Go. If you miss it, they will use it against you.

But go, he repeated firmly. We will talk later.

Her legs moved before her thoughts did. She joined the large group of applicants heading toward Hall B, her mind spinning.

As she entered the massive hall, she counted nearly a hundred students taking their seats. The air buzzed with nervous energy.

Then she saw someone at the front of the room.

Mr. Luan.

Her breath caught.

He walked slowly to the podium, his gaze sweeping the hall.

When his eyes landed on Annie, he paused only for a second, but it was enough to send a chill up her spine.

Good morning, he said, his voice smooth and cold. Today, we begin the second stage of your evaluation.

He smiled faintly.

A smile with no warmth.

One of you, he continued, has been interfering with internal documents.

Annie felt her throat close.

Students shifted uncomfortablely.

Mr. Luan’s eyes flicked over the room again. Rest assured we will find out who.

Annie stared forward, fighting to keep her expression steady.

She knew two things clearly. They were closer to catching her.

And she was closer to the truth.