AN: It's that time of the week again, a new set of updates for this story!
So, in the last chapter, the movements from different factions had started moving.
A bit of a spoiler, the next three updates will show the movements of the other factions.
As I said before, this arc is truly a headache and maybe a foolish idea for an first time amatuer writter like me, but I want to make this work, and definitely I won't regret this.
This is a really challenging arc for me, and well, if I'm going to be honest, this is a test if I can truly do and write my future volume plan.
I truly hope this arc will succeed!
Enough of my drama, I leave this chapter to you all.
Enjoy reading!
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Non-Administrated World #97, Star Rail Universe…
A soft pop sounded across the open grassland as Noah, Sirin, Hayate, Reinforce Zwei, Himeko, March 7th, Caelus, Nanoha-chan, Fate-chan, Hayate-chan, this world's Reinforce Zwei, Pandora, James, and Fleamont arrived through the Portkey prepared by the goblins.
Before them stood one of the sanctuaries the Peverells had prepared, the village where the Wales Magic Academy was built.
"…Wow," James muttered, staring at the scenery in awe.
"Such an… amazing sight," Pandora added softly.
"So this is where the rumored Wales Magic Academy is hidden," Fleamont said, his curiosity clear as he looked toward the large building standing not far from the village.
March wasted no time snapping pictures of the village, the distant academy, and the scenery around them.
Caelus let out a whistle. "I gotta admit, this place is pretty cool."
"Anyone can tell this place feels like a haven." Himeko held her hair as the wind brushed past them.
But Noah did not join the others in admiring the view. He stood still with his eyes closed, feeling the sanctuary's wards connect to him after sensing the arrival of the Head of House Peverell.
"Noah-san, are you alright?" Nanoha-chan asked after noticing him being silent.
Noah slowly opened his eyes. He didn't answer immediately. His attention went to the village, then moved toward the academy, not far away from it.
"I'm… fine," he finally replied. "The wards just recognize me."
"Recognize you?" Sirin turned to him.
Noah gave a small nod, still looking toward the village. "It feels like when someone welcomes the person they are waiting for."
Pandora's expression changed at that. "So the sanctuary really did accept you."
"Then the old Peverell protections here are still active." Fleamont squinted, his curiosity turning more serious.
"They are," Noah said. "But they're cautious. Very cautious."
"Wards can be cautious?" Caelus blinked.
"In a sanctuary this old?" Hayate answered before Noah could. She looked around, her own senses following the shape of the protections surrounding them. "Yes. They are not just barriers. They are closer to a house that knows when strangers enter."
"The structure of the barrier is quite complex," Reinforce Zwei said from Hayate's shoulder with a small nod. "It has concealment, repulsion, detection, emergency lockdown… and something I can't fully understand."
The alternate Reinforce Zwei blinked from beside Hayate-chan. "Something even you can't understand?"
Rein nodded at her alternate. "Hmm. But I can tell it is not harmful… at least not to us."
Before anyone could ask more, two people stepped out from the village ahead.
The first was an elderly man in formal robes, tall despite his age, with gray-white hair tied neatly behind him. His eyes carried both kindness and sharp awareness. Beside him walked a middle-aged woman holding a staff, her posture straight and dignified.
When they reached Noah's group, the old man bowed lightly. Not deep enough to make Noah uncomfortable, but respectful enough that the meaning was impossible to miss.
"Welcome to Meldiana Sanctuary, Lord Peverell."
Noah's cheek twitched at the title.
Of course, Granny March didn't miss the chance to raise her camera and capture the moment.
The elderly man lifted his head and looked at Noah's group. "I am Albrecht Crowley, Headmaster of Wales Magic Academy."
The woman beside him bowed next. "And I am Bronwen Maddox, village head of Meldiana. We received notice from Director Ragnok of Gringotts that the new Head of House Peverell would be visiting."
Noah looked mildly wounded by the title, but he still returned the bow properly.
"Noah Alden," he said. "Thank you for receiving us so suddenly. And… Please just call me Noah."
Headmaster Crowley's eyes warmed. "In ordinary conversation, I would be glad to. But for today, forgive an old man for his formalities. It has been a very long time since the sanctuary was visited by its custodian."
Custodian.
Not the owner or its lord, but the custodian. The distinction felt important immediately. Himeko noticed the relief in Noah's face and smiled faintly.
"So this place truly was under Peverell protection." Fleamont's expression turned thoughtful.
"Yes." Bronwen nodded. "Protection, not ownership. There is a difference, and our records are very clear about that."
"That alone already makes me like this place," Noah said, emotion slipping into his voice.
"Because it sounds less like administrative hell?" Sirin's lips twitched upward.
"Exactly!"
"Great. The sanctuary passes the first Noah inspection." March nodded with mock seriousness.
"Then I am relieved." Headmaster Crowley chuckled.
Himeko stepped forward, curiosity clear in her eyes. "May I ask… how long has this village been here?"
"Long enough that even our oldest records argue with each other," Bronwen said. "Meldiana began as a refuge for magical families who wished to stay away from the conflicts of old Britain. The Peverells did not build every stone here, but they strengthened the first sanctuary wards and left the right of shelter behind."
"So families could come here if they were being hunted?" James glanced around, impressed.
"Yes," the headmaster said. "Unwanted children, cursed families, broken houses, students without safe homes… This village was not created for politics. It was created so people could truly live."
That line left several of them speechless.
Noah closed his eyes and let the cool breeze brush over him. Himeko watched him carefully, but did not interrupt.
"Please, come. It is better to understand a sanctuary by walking through it than by listening to an old professor talk about it." Headmaster Crowley turned toward the village path.
The group agreed and followed the headmaster and village head along the pathways.
The village itself felt different from Diagon Alley. No loud shops fought for attention. No polished noble pride pressed against every wall. Meldiana felt lived in. Stone cottages leaned into green hills. Small gardens grew beside homes. A narrow stream passed through the village, crossed by wooden bridges marked with soft protective charms. Laundry swaying behind cottages. A cat with too many tails watched them from a windowsill, judged them, then vanished.
"This is wonderful." Pandora's eyes widened in awe.
James nodded. "It feels peaceful."
"Peaceful, yes," Fleamont said, glancing toward the boundary stones. "But not weak."
Headmaster Crowley looked pleased. "A sanctuary that cannot protect itself becomes a grave. Meldiana has survived this long because it knows how to hide, when to open its doors, and when to close them."
Noah looked toward him. There was something in the old man's voice. It sounded like someone who had spent a lifetime guarding a candle from the wind.
As they continued through the village, more people began to notice them. At first, it was only small glances from windows and half-open doors. Then a few villagers stepped outside. Some were elderly witches and wizards holding walking sticks. Others were young parents carrying children in their arms. A group of students in simple academy robes stopped near a stone wall and whispered among themselves, their eyes moving between Noah, Sirin, Hayate, and the others.
They did not look afraid. Cautious, yes. Curious, definitely. But not afraid. That alone told Noah a great deal about this place.
"Do the villagers know we are coming?" Himeko asked curiously.
Bronwen nodded. "Only the elders, teachers, and ward keepers were told in detail. The rest only know that important guests are visiting under Gringotts' notice."
"Ward keepers?" Nanoha-chan repeated.
"Every sanctuary has people who maintain the daily protections. They check the boundary stones, renew the concealment charms, guide lost children back inside the village, and ensure nothing dangerous slips through the boundary." Headmaster Crowley answered with glee.
Hayate-chan looked around, her eyes narrowing as she understood. "So it isn't only the old enchantments keeping the barrier active. The whole village helps maintain it too."
"Exactly," Bronwen said. "A sanctuary is not protected by stones alone. It survives because everyone living here understands what it means."
Fate-chan's eyes softened as she watched a mother gently pull her curious daughter back from running too close to the visitors.
"It feels… like home," she said. "Not like a fortress built only for protection."
"That is because it was never meant to be one," Bronwen replied. "A fortress prepares for battle. Meldiana helps people to live normally."
That made Noah glance at her, and Bronwen met his eyes.
"There are families here who came generations ago and never left," she continued. "There are children whose parents sent them here because their home was no longer safe. Old names and nameless people live on the same streets. Once someone enters under sanctuary law, their status beyond these wards no longer matters."
"Pureblood, half-blood, Muggle-born…" Fleamont's expression changed as he understood what that meant.
"Magicals are magicals," Headmaster Crowley said simply. "No matter who their family is or what blood status they have."
James felt something stir inside him. For someone raised in a world that placed far too much weight on blood and name, the simplicity of that answer hit harder than any lecture.
A few villagers bowed lightly as Noah passed, not as subjects or servants, but more like people greeting someone tied to an old promise they had only heard about in stories.
Noah looked uncomfortable, but he did not reject it. He only nodded back.
That made Bronwen smile in appreciation.
"Many of the villagers grew up hearing about House Peverell as a line that disappeared into history," she said. "The family that helped make this place what it is today. The ones whose work could open the gates when the world became cruel."
"Great, no pressure, then." Noah gave a weak smile.
March leaned toward Caelus and whispered, "He says that, but he is absolutely feeling pressure."
"I can see his soul trying to escape again." Caelus nodded.
Noah's cheek twitched, and he glared at them. They answered with cheeky grins.
A few students nearby giggled.
"Our children are curious. Forgive them if they stare." Bronwen smiled as they passed.
Himeko laughed lightly. "It's fine. We understand children's curiosity."
They continued toward the academy.
Wales Magic Academy stood out in the village. It was not as massive as Hogwarts, nor as grand as some noble estates, but it carried a dignity of its own. Its towers were slim and weathered by the wind. Ivy climbed along the walls in careful patterns. Blue-white runes marked the main archway, and banners bearing the academy crest swayed lightly in the breeze.
"Okay, now this is definitely magical school material." March lifted her camera again.
"Yeah. But if this place starts giving homework, I'm leaving." Caelus looked up at the towers.
"It feels different from Hogwarts." James looked fascinated.
"Yes… It feels warmer. More welcoming, somehow." Pandora nodded in agreement.
"Wales Magic Academy is not large. Our graduating classes are small, but we take pride in every student we send into the world." Headmaster Crowley answered proudly.
"That sounds like a teacher's line," March said with a wry smile.
"Ahahaha! I won't deny that!" Headmaster Crowley laughed openly.
The headmaster led them through the archway.
The courtyard beyond was filled with quiet activity. Students gathered in small groups under teacher supervision. Some practiced wand movements. Others studied floating diagrams made of light. One group sat around a basin of water that showed weather patterns moving above the hills.
A young girl tried to levitate a stack of books. The books rose, wobbled, then gently dropped into her arms.
Her teacher clapped once. "Better. Try with less force and more intention."
Noah watched the scene, and for some reason, it affected him more than the grand wards. Maybe because this was what the Peverells' protections were actually for. Not the titles, not the money and lands, but people living together in harmony regardless of their status, without fear.
"Can you see it now?" Himeko stepped beside him.
Noah glanced at her. She did not need to say more. He understood what she meant.
"…Yeah," he replied after a small sigh.
Bronwen gestured toward the academy hall. "The headmaster prepared the old records room for you. But before that, we thought it best to show you what this sanctuary protects."
"Thank you," Noah said.
Something in his voice had changed. He was still tired, still uncomfortable with the title, but less reluctant than before.
Everyone noticed it and smiled.
James leaned closer to Fleamont. "He looks different."
Fleamont nodded faintly. "Because this is no longer only inheritance."
"It never was," Pandora said softly.
Noah looked back toward the village.
The wind moved over the grassland beyond the wards. Somewhere out there, families were afraid. Homes had burned. Voldemort had left his mark in the sky and called it power.
Here, families remained peaceful, away from fear outside.
Headmaster Crowley stopped before the main doors and turned toward him.
"Lord Peverell," he said gently, "before we proceed to the records, there is one thing the people of our village must ask."
Noah met his eyes.
Crowley's voice lowered, carrying the weight of every cottage, every classroom, and every person watching from the courtyard.
"Will the Head of House Peverell confirm Meldiana Sanctuary under his protection once more?"
Everyone who heard the question looked at Noah, then at the headmaster, then at Bronwen, and finally back to Noah.
"What happens if I do?"
After a moment, Noah answered with a question of his own, and Bronwen replied with equal seriousness.
"The sanctuary will wake fully once more. Its emergency rights will return. Refugees may be accepted under Peverell law, and the old wards can open to those fleeing persecution."
"... And if I don't?"
The headmaster's expression did not change, but his eyes saddened.
"Then everything will remain as before. We will stay hidden. Safe, perhaps. But unable to shelter more than our own."
Noah fell silent.
Sirin stepped closer and held his hand. Hayate did the same with his other hand, watching him with gentle eyes. Reinforce Zwei, seated on Hayate's shoulder, said nothing.
Himeko did not push him to answer.
No one did.
Noah looked toward the academy courtyard once more and saw a small boy wandering near the fountain.
He looked no older than four or five, with messy hair and a training wand tucked awkwardly against his side. An older girl ran after him with the resigned expression of someone who had already chased him three times that morning.
"Negi, don't run too far," she called.
The boy turned back, cheeks puffed with innocent protest. "I'm not running, Nekane-oneechan! I'm investigating!"
"You were investigating the fountain yesterday, too."
"That was different!"
"How?"
The boy paused, then lifted one finger with great confidence.
"Today I have a theory."
Noah felt something through the Force. It did not fully reveal what it was. At least not yet.
So, for the moment, he simply watched Negi argue with Nekane near the fountain. A small, warm smile appeared on his lips.
Sirin looked at Noah. "Noah? Did Captain Tingle say something about that boy?"
Noah's cheek twitched before he answered.
"…Yeah."
Hayate's expression softened as well. "Is that boy… special?"
Noah watched as Negi tried to climb onto the fountain ledge, only for Nekane to catch him by the back of his robe with perfect older-sister precision.
"That's for sure," Noah said, then shook his head.
His curiosity about the boy could wait. For now, there was still something he needed to do. So he turned back to the headmaster.
"Please, show me the control ward stone."
The headmaster's face softened with relief.
"Then this way, Custodian."
The group followed the headmaster toward the old ward stone waiting under the academy. Behind them, Negi continued protesting to Nekane that he had not been trying to fall into the fountain.
Noah heard it, and for reasons he did not fully understand yet, he kept listening.
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Inside Lord Potter's study, Charlus Potter, Damien Greengrass, Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and the Wolkenritter were discussing the families from both the Light and Gray sides that had agreed to meet regarding the sanctuary plan, as well as how they would organize a fighting force against the Dark Lord and his followers.
The atmosphere inside the study was very different from the gentle peace of Meldiana. There was no wind, no grassland, no students laughing in the courtyard. Only maps, reports, names, and the heavy silence of people who understood that every delay had a cost.
Several parchments were spread across the large desk. Some carried the Potter seal. Others bore the Greengrass crest, while a few had arrived through Gringotts channels. Each one listed families who had either been attacked, threatened, or had asked whether the rumored Peverell sanctuaries were still open.
Charlus Potter stood behind the desk, one hand resting against the wood as he read through the latest report. His expression remained straight. In the way, older men became calm when anger had settled deep enough that they no longer needed to shout.
"Marchbanks survived," he said. "But he will not be standing in the Wizengamot any time soon."
"That was likely the point." Damien Greengrass closed his eyes briefly.
Welt stood beside the fireplace, arms crossed as he looked over the marked map of Britain. Small red pins had been placed across several locations. Marchbanks Estate was the largest.
Dan Heng studied the pattern silently.
Signum stood near the door, arms folded. Vita sat on the armrest of a chair. Shamal had several medical notes open in front of her, while Zafira remained beside the wall, silent but attentive.
"So these attacks were not random," Signum said.
"No," Dan Heng replied. "But they were not aimed at one direct target either."
"What does that mean?" Vita frowned.
Welt adjusted his glasses. "It means the Dark Lord is not trying to destroy one enemy right now. He is trying to remind everyone that going against his will has consequences."
Charlus nodded grimly. "Elias had spoken openly. Three other families gave their support to stricter action against the Death Eaters. Two gray-sided houses were warned earlier this week."
Damien placed another parchment on the desk. "And now their homes were attacked."
"Cowards," Vita clicked her tongue.
No one corrected her because deep down, they knew she was right.
Shamal looked down at the list of injured families. "These people are truly cruel… they didn't even spare the children in their 'lessons.'"
Charlus's hand tightened slightly against the desk.
"Which is why we can no longer wait for formal Ministry support," Damien said. "The Ministry will debate until another house gets attacked."
"Then the sanctuary system becomes important." Welt's expression sharpened.
Charlus looked toward him. "Can Noah activate it?"
"Not all of it," Dan Heng answered before Welt could. "At least not immediately. The inheritance procedures are incomplete, and many sanctuary records are fragmented."
Vita groaned. "More procedures?"
"Unfortunately, old systems usually require old permissions." Welt sighed.
Dan Heng placed a finger against the map, where Meldiana had been marked in blue.
"But some locations still retain active ward structures. Meldiana is one of them. If Noah confirms its protection, it can begin accepting refugees faster than the dormant sanctuaries."
"So we start with the ones within our reach." Damien's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"That would be the best move," Welt said.
"Then we should avoid scattering our forces for now. If this sanctuary becomes known, it may eventually become a target." Signum looked at the map.
"The Dark Lord does not know about it." Charlus frowned.
"No," Signum said. "But the movements of the refugee could create trails. People will talk. Families desperate for safety may make mistakes. And most of all, people move toward one hidden place, someone will absolutely notice something is going on."
"The method of how we move those people matters as much as the sanctuary." Zafira gave a low nod.
Shamal looked toward Damien. "Can the Greengrass family provide discreet healers or potion supplies?"
"Of course. That is well within our capabilities as exporters of potion ingredients." Damien answered without hesitation.
"And the Potters can provide safehouses for transfer points." Charlus looked to the side.
"That would be the safest plan. We won't move the families directly into Meldiana. We create safe extraction points, use temporary safehouses, and allow sanctuary entry only after screening." Welt nodded.
"That sounds slow." Vita frowned.
"It is, but it is safer," Dan Heng said. "Not just for the escaping families, but for those already living inside the sanctuary."
Vita looked annoyed, but she didn't argue.
Charlus let out a breath and looked at the map again. "The Light families will accept Potter coordination. Some of the gray families will listen to Greengrass. But if Noah confirms Meldiana…"
"Then Peverell becomes the neutral roof." Damien finished the thought.
Welt looked at the marked map and spoke. "Noah will not like being placed at the center."
Dan Heng closed his eyes for a moment. "No. But he will accept it if the alternative is letting the innocents get hurt."
"He sounds like a Potter." Charlus gave a short, tired laugh.
"Or a Greengrass with less patience," Damien added with a smirk.
The study's mood lightened for only a second before the fireplace turned green. Everyone turned as a familiar goblin's face appeared in the flame.
"Lord Potter. Lord Greengrass. Mr. Yang."
Charlus stepped closer. "Director Ragnok."
The goblin's eyes scanned the room. "Confirmation has begun at Meldiana Sanctuary. The wards have acknowledged Lord Peverell's presence."
Damien exhaled in relief, but Welt's expression remained controlled, his eyes sharpening.
"And Noah?" he asked.
Ragnok's mouth twitched slightly. "I believe Lord Peverell is learning that not all inheritance is coin, land, or tormenting documents."
Vita snorted, and even Dan Heng looked mildly amused.
"That lesson may be the most useful one." Charlus smiled faintly despite himself.
But Ragnok's expression turned serious again. "Once Meldiana is confirmed, Gringotts can legally notify the remaining active sanctuaries."
Welt nodded. "Do it."
Charlus looked at him.
Welt met his eyes. "If Noah objects, I will take responsibility for explaining it to him. Because, based on the current attack pattern of Voldemort and his group, we can't spend so much time just preparing for it."
"I agree with Mr. Yang," Damien nodded.
Charlus looked back at the map. The red pins suddenly seemed much closer to the blue one.
"Then we start tonight," he said. "Potter safehouses. Greengrass contacts. Gringotts notification. And the moment Noah returns, we give him the full details."
Vita stood from the chair armrest with a fierce grin. "Finally. Something useful."
"Vita, this is still mostly planning." Shamal sighed.
"Planning to punch them later."
Signum's expression remained composed. "…Fine."
Welt removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Please do not phrase that in the final plan."
Dan Heng looked at the map once more. Meldiana in blue, the attacked homes are in red. And between them, the first lines of a response were beginning to form.
A way for frightened families to move without becoming another message in the sky.
Far away in Wales, Noah stood before an old ward stone. And in Lord Potter's study, the people around him began preparing the path his decision would open.
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