First Act 5

'What's wrong with the professor?' 

As Aria observed Professor Dust's uneasy demeanor during the lecture, she couldn't help but wonder what might be bothering him.

His usual confidence seemed replaced by a sense of discomfort, making the lecture more intriguing than the subject matter itself.

In her hands, Aria held a broken crystal, intending to give it to Bella as a gesture to persuade her to join Aria's party for the upcoming dungeon explorations.

Meralda, the small spirit that had manifested before her earlier, had given her this unique spirit crystal.

It differed from the more common spirit stones, possessing a denser and more accurate resonance with spirits.

…..

Recalling the moment Meralda appeared, Aria noticed a hint of annoyance in the spirit's expression as it handed her the crystal before disappearing.