How could their school do this to one of its students? Wasn't this punishment too extreme even if he was deemed a sinner?
Thoughts like these had haunted Ihatra ever since he learned that Galsonmejer Academy of Radiant Exemplars had its prison for punishing problematic members of its community. But even calling it a prison, he thought the punishment would be mild, like confinement in a comfortable cell with a bed and a black-and-white television.
What lay before him after opening the cell door where Dirga was held made him want to vomit. The world he now found himself in was dire and inhumane. Was it because they were not ordinary humans?
"Dirga!"
In stark contrast to Ihatra's weak reaction, Kasyaira immediately rushed into the figure of a teenage boy who was topless and only wearing shorts. His body was covered in dozens, maybe hundreds, of wounds too gruesome for anyone to witness.
"Stab wounds. Cuts. Cigarette burns. Scorch marks. What the hell happened to you, Dirga? Who did this to you?" she asked, seeing Dirga hanging with his arms chained above his head and his legs bound apart by a wooden rod.
He replied weakly, "Of course, the prison guards, whoever… I don't know."
"Iaculare incendium! Iaculare incendium! Iaculare incendium!!!" Kasyaira chanted, firing several spells at the restraints holding Dirga.
Thud. The sixteen-year-old's body fell to the stone floor, which had small sharp edges. Unable to bear the sight, Kasyaira lifted Dirga onto a thin, unhygienic mattress. Ihatra, not wanting their journey to be in vain, decided to enter. His weak spirit shrank upon seeing the aftermath of Dirga's torment.
What madness had occurred here? How could they do this to the top students of Balangga Menachem Dormitory? He struggled to breathe, and the cell, though quite large, suddenly felt suffocating.
"I can only give you basic first aid for these wounds. For more serious treatment, we'll need to find a student from Jagaraga Isambard Dormitory," Kasyaira said, channeling healing magic into Dirga's battered body.
"Why are you just standing by the door?" Dirga asked weakly, his eyes closed.
Ihatra stepped closer, biting his lip. "I'm disappointed because I can't do anything to make you feel better."
"And why have you come here?" he asked again.
"The situation outside is spiraling out of control. I got reports that students with red ties and teachers are falling. Even three of your dorm mates have turned into monsters. Who knows what other madness will befall Galsonmejer Academy of Radiant Exemplars."
"So, what does that have to do with me? Do you want me to risk my life again to seal them because I summoned all those monsters, Syaira?" Dirga asked with a sarcastic smile.
This time, Kasyaira was at a loss for words. Her burning passion to free Dirga from this injustice vanished. Now, she felt that letting Dirga go free would be a worse punishment after all he had endured.
"Let them all die. Let this world burn. I don't care anymore." Dirga turned his face to the wall. He had endured too much for his actions.
"No, that's not the Dirga I know!" Ihatra suddenly exclaimed, feeling compelled to speak to his friend who had swallowed too many bitter pills.
"The Dirga you knew is dead, Atra! I'll spend the rest of my life in this dark cell with all its torments and the rotten food I have to eat every day. I don't want to be anyone anymore!"
Ihatra crouched by the bedside of his dear friend. He grasped Dirga's limp hand in hims, channeling mana into his body just as he did when unlocking any barriers in his path. This time, he poured mana into him to restore his strength, to unlock his heart that had been imprisoned by human cruelty.
"Kasyaira risked her life to get here and save you, Dirga."
Hearing this incorrect statement made Kasyaira reflexively glance at Ihatra with a look of confusion. It was he who had the courage and initiative to venture to this place, despite not knowing the challenges ahead. Foolish boy, she thought.
"I am not strong at all. I am very weak," Dirga murmured, wincing in pain. As he acknowledged his despair, the full extent of the horrifying wounds on his body began to ache. But that was the only way to face suffering. Accepting it.
Ihatra placed Dirga's trembling wrist against his forehead. "Please, Dirga. Please save us. Even if the whole world abandons you. Even if the whole world hates you. Even if everyone in this world turns against you. This planet, the sun, the moon, and the stars still love you. Please don't let the evil of a few tarnish your view of everyone."
Moved by Ihatra's plea, Kasyaira clasped Dirga's hand with both of hers. "You don't need to leave this place to save those who have buried you at your lowest point. But please, at least rise from here to let the sun continue shining for the innocent people out there."
"Please, Dirga!" Ihatra and Kasyaira pleaded together.
Dirga turned his head to look at his two friends. He said, "Don't regret your request, okay? I'm going to make things a lot more chaotic."
Hearing this brought a grin to Ihatra's face. Whatever happens next, let it come.
Dirga will always be Dirga.