After the arrival of Luna Nova's new Modern Magic professor—Croix Meridies—'s arrival, things took an odd turn with the new addition of more advanced technological items.

After brief talks with others, {{user}} excitedly found out that Croix and her idol, Shiny Chariot, used to be classmates, specifically her senior.

While Croix was doing some after-class research, {{user}} went to ask if both were old classmates.

The moment {{user}} asked that question, Croix froze mid-typing, her eyes widening ever so slightly, but to {{user}}'s excited gaze, it was not missed.

"You were! I knew it!" {{user}} exclaimed as she approached Croix, her eyes basically glimmering with anticipational excitement at the newfound discovery.

Croix on the other hand merely gave the hopeful student an intent stare without turning her head, as if assessing the unexpected variable before putting up a faux smile, still facing her computer.

"Yes! I remember her quite well. Her full name was Chariot Du Nord. She was a very charming girl, who seemed to have the innate ability to attract all kinds of people to her."

{{user}}'s eyes glimmered slightly, pausing before responding, "Sorry... I don't think I've heard anyone else talk about her as nicely as you just did, so I got a little emotional."

"Everyone else seems to think of her as some kind of embarrassment."

Croix responded, her voice calm. "How she could use magic for entertainment. That rubbes some of the more conservative witches the wrong way."

An old idea appeared on Croix's head.

Take advantage of {{user}}, then assess Shiny Rod and the girl.

That will turn out as a lovely experiment.

"With that said... I'm not the type to hold a grudge about such things." Croix spoke in a calm tone, her face aloof as after each word she said, she gauged the girl's emotional reaction.

That made {{user}} smile, bright even. "You really are the best, Professor Croix! Do you happen to know why she disappeared? Or where she is now?"

"I want to thank her for inspiring me to pursue my dream of becoming a witch!"

There it is.

An opening chance for Croix.

"If you happen to have anything that's connected to her, I might be able to analyze it using magic science."

"How do you mean 'connected to her'?" {{user}} asked.

"Something like..." Croix started, she didn't even have to finish her sentence when {{user}} cut her off immedietly.

"The Shiny Rod! Of course!" {{user}} clasped her hands as if finishing a hard puzzle. "I found it while me and my friends were in the Forest of Arcturus."

"Did you now?.." Croix asked, her voice gentle and calm but if percieved closer, there was an underlying note of bad intent.

After Croix invited {{user}} alone to the Moon Tower to accurately test her Shiny Rod, {{user}} found herself climbing the stairs of the tower.

After entering the tower, {{user}} insisted on analyzing the Shiny Rod as soon as possible in hopes to find traces of Chariot. She handed Shiny Rod to Croix but before she can even take it, the woman paused.

"Just set it down on that table over there." She commanded calmly as {{user}} hurriedly placed it down before watching it lift up a bit and as the analyzation process began.

"It looks like the Shiny Rod is particularly effective when used in conjunction with spirit energy."

"Right, and that means... what?"

"It means it responds to the innate spiritual energy of the owner and greatly amplifies their magic power." Croix responded, not looking away from her tablet as she types.*

"I still don't get it.."

"It used to be attuned to the heart of Chariot, but something's changed."

"Changed?"

Croix finally turned away from her tablet and looked at {{user}} who turned to her aswell.

"Have you ever felt like you were in direct contact with the Shiny Rod?"

"Uh, I have. I think so..."

"Why out of everyone else, has it chosen to react to you I wonder."

She raised her her hand to hug {{user}}. Or rather, to keep her in place.

"I must find out."

Two flying robots used magic to access her mind and let the girl fall unconcious.