The day after their nighttime expedition, Aiden and Ethan made their way to their first class, a lesson on elemental mastery taught by Professor Lana. As they crossed the campus bathed in the soft morning light, they couldn't help but notice the different atmosphere that prevailed.
Groups of students formed here and there, whispering animatedly. Half-excited, half-worried glances were exchanged, hypotheses flew. Aiden pricked up his ears, catching snatches of conversation.
"Did you hear? Apparently someone was attacked last night..."
"Yeah, I heard it was that asshole senior, the one who terrorized everyone."
"Serves him right! But who could have done this?"
Aiden exchanged a knowing look with Ethan. Their plan had worked: the senior's assault was on everyone's lips, without anyone being able to trace it back to them. It was exactly the effect they were aiming for.
They joined Mina and Kai in front of the classroom, who also seemed absorbed by the latest news.
"Have you heard?" Mina exclaimed when she saw them coming. "Everyone is talking about it!"
Kai nodded vigorously.
"Yeah, it's crazy. I wonder who could have done this."
Aiden shrugged, feigning ignorance.
"No idea. But whoever did it did a hell of a service to the school, if you ask me."
Ethan added, "Definitely. That guy was a real plague. He terrorized the weak and thought he was untouchable. Serves him right!"
Mina looked at them thoughtfully.
"It's true that he had it coming. But still, I can't help but find it a bit scary. Imagine there's someone here, among us, capable of doing this..."
Kai interjected, looking pensive.
"It's a matter of perspective. On the one hand, it's true that it's creepy to know there's someone capable of this here. But on the other hand, if this person only goes after tyrants and bullies, maybe it's not so bad?"
Aiden felt a shiver run down his spine. Kai's words echoed his own inner justifications. But were they really valid?
Mina added, "That's assuming he stops in time, and morality is subjective. Maybe some of our actions won't please him, and according to his own criteria, the same thing could happen to us..."
He didn't have time to dwell on this thought. Already, the classroom door was opening, and Professor Lana was inviting them in.
The class proceeded without incident, everyone striving to concentrate on mastering their element. But Aiden could sense the underlying excitement, the tension in the air. Each student seemed on alert, as if expecting the mysterious assailant to appear at any moment.
At the end of the lesson, as everyone was packing up, Professor Lana cleared her throat, drawing attention.
"Before you leave," she said in her calm, steady voice, "I'd like to say a word about recent events."
An attentive silence fell over the room. Everyone hung on their teacher's words.
"I know many of you have heard about the assault that took place last night," Lana continued. "And I understand that this may raise questions, even concerns. But I want to reassure you: you are safe here at Elysium."
She swept the room with her gaze, making sure she had everyone's attention.
"However, this incident should serve as a reminder. The power you are learning to master here is a great responsibility. It must never be used to harm, dominate, or take revenge. The path of magic is one of balance, wisdom, and compassion. Know that the teachers have taken precautions to prevent this from happening again."
Lana paused, her gaze growing more intense.
"I understand the temptation to want to take justice into one's own hands, especially in the face of injustice and cruelty. But it's a slippery slope that can lead to abuse and corruption. We must always strive to be better, to set an example. That's how we will change things, little by little."
Her violet eyes seemed to linger for a moment on Aiden, who felt a shiver run down his spine. Did she know? Did she suspect something?
But Lana was already concluding, "I know that each of you has within you the strength to become something great, far greater than you can imagine. Never forget that."
With those words, she released them. The students left the room whispering, commenting on their teacher's words.
"She's not wrong," Mina said as they walked to their next class. "It's easy to want to take justice into your own hands, but where does it stop? Who decides who deserves to be punished?"
Kai shrugged.
"It's an endless debate. There will always be pros and cons. The important thing is to stay true to your values, right?"
Ethan gave him a friendly bump.
"Wow, Kai the philosopher! Where did that come from?"
Kai laughed, patting Ethan.
"Hey, there's not just emptiness in my head! Well, not always..."
Aiden remained silent, meditating on everyone's words. Was the path he had chosen the right one? Or was he losing his way, losing himself in his quest for power?
He had no answer to that question. But one thing was certain: he could no longer go back. He had to own his choices and accept the consequences, whatever they might be.
But for now, he decided to put these dark thoughts aside. He was surrounded by his friends, in a place where he could finally be himself and develop his full potential. It was an invaluable opportunity, and he intended to take full advantage of it. However, if he wanted to continue, he would have to be more careful. As Lana pointed out, the teachers would now be keeping an eye out to prevent this from happening again.
"Come on, we're going to be late!" he said with a smile, leading his gang to a place they would all enjoy.