The morning sun shone brightly through the cafeteria windows, casting soft light across the bustling hall. The clinking of silverware and the murmur of voices filled the air as students of the academy sat at tables, immersed in their breakfast conversations. At one table, Tomas, Elara, and Selene sat quietly, their expressions somber despite the lively atmosphere surrounding them. The whispers from a nearby table caught their attention.
"Have you heard? Someone violated the academy's ban and killed someone in the duel arena," a male voice said, the words carrying a note of awe and disbelief.
"I heard it too. I heard that Alexander, a civilian, killed Roderick, one of Lucian's followers," another voice echoed, filled with a gloating tone.
"That Lucian? Alexander is definitely dead. I heard that students who violated the ban never had a good ending," a girl muttered, her words trembling with a mix of fear and uneasiness. "The lightest punishment is to destroy the magic circuit and then expel them to the ancient battlefield to fend for themselves! I don't want to go to this place in my life!"
"Then you're in trouble!" a male voice added, his tone matter-of-fact. "I heard the annual test this year is going to be in the ancient battlefield, only five months left—there's no way to avoid it."
"Don't be scared," the first male voice replied confidently. "When the time comes, just hide behind me! I'll protect you."
"Oh? It seems that our hero is going to show himself!" a girl teased, the others echoed, their laughter ringing out as they left the cafeteria. But Elara, Tomas, and Selene were left with furrowed brows, the levity of the conversation doing little to ease their concerns.
Elara sighed deeply, resting her chin in her hands. "Oh, what are we going to do? I heard today's the day of Alexander's final trial."
Tomas leaned forward, his brow furrowed with worry. "I wonder how Alexander is holding up. I don't know where Lira hid him after the duel."
"I still can't believe Alexander killed Roderick," Selene said curiously. "I heard the fight was intense. Was it really as amazing as they say?"
Elara's eyes lit up as she recalled the duel, nodding eagerly. "It was incredible! You should have been there. There were so many twists and turns, and Alexander... he won, but just barely."
The excitement in her voice faded quickly, and her face grew solemn. "But... it's because he lost control at the end. He didn't mean to, but he accidentally killed Roderick."
Tomas, who had been replaying the duel in his mind, spoke up. "You know, looking back, there were two strange things during that fight. First, during Roderick's final attack, his heart's magic power was out of control for just a moment—that gave Alexander the opening he needed. Second, that last fireball Alexander released... it didn't seem powerful enough to kill Roderick."
Elara nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Now that you mention it, I've been thinking the same thing. I've seen Alexander use fire magic before, and the power in that last attack was less than a tenth of what he normally uses. It doesn't make sense."
Selene, who had been listening carefully, leaned back in her chair. "Maybe there's more to this than we know. We should go to the trial court later and see what happens." With that, the three finished their breakfast, packed their things, and made their way toward the trial court.
Meanwhile, in a secluded part of the academy, Alexander stirred from sleep. He blinked groggily and smiled as he noticed Lira lying next to him, her soft breaths filling the quiet room. She was clad in a dark red vacuum nightgown, the collar having slipped down to reveal the roundness of her breasts. The sight was enough to make Alexander's throat tighten, and he leaned forward, his mouth capturing one of Lira's breasts, his tongue teasing the pink nipple.
"Hmm...Muh..." Lira woke up from her sleep, a moan escaping her lips as she noticed the unusual sensation on her chest. Alexander released her, moving up to capture her mouth, and the two began to kiss, their passion igniting despite the early hour.
Lira's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled softly at him, though her expression quickly turned serious. "Stop it. We have to go to the trial hall today," she fully woke up, her voice a little hoarse, patting Alexander's back and motioning for him to get up from her body. Lira, too, shed her nightgown and put on her clothes without hesitation. These days, the two had been able to be completely honest with each other, their relationship deepening to the point where only one step remained untaken.
The trial court was a massive, imposing structure located deep within the academy. Its dark stone walls loomed high above, casting long shadows across the courtyard as students and faculty members gathered outside, waiting for the proceedings to begin. The tension in the air was palpable—whispers and hushed conversations filled the space as everyone speculated about what would happen to Alexander.
Elara, Tomas, and Selene arrived early, finding a spot near the entrance. They watched as more and more people arrived, their faces filled with curiosity and concern.
Inside the trial court, the atmosphere was even more intense. The walls were lined with portraits of past students and faculty, their stern gazes watching over the proceedings. At the far end of the room, a panel of judges sat behind a large wooden desk, their faces unreadable as they reviewed the charges against Alexander. Opposite them, in a dim little room, Mistress Seraphine was sitting on a chair. From this angle she could overlook the entire courtroom, and of course the judges could also see her.
When the doors finally opened, Lira and Alexander stepped inside, their hands still clasped together. All eyes turned toward them as they made their way to the center of the room. The murmurs grew louder, but Lira's expression remained calm, her gaze fixed on the judges.
The head judge, an elderly woman with silver hair and sharp, piercing eyes, cleared her throat and spoke in a voice that carried throughout the room. "Alexander of House Noctis, you stand accused of violating the academy's ban on killing within the duel arena. How do you plead?"
Alexander opened his mouth to speak, but Lira stepped forward, her voice steady and clear. "Alexander pleads not guilty, Your Honor."
The judge raised an eyebrow. "Not guilty? The evidence is clear—Roderick is dead, and he died by Alexander's hand."
"With all due respect, Your Honor," Lira said, her tone respectful but firm, "there is more to this case than meets the eye. We request the opportunity to present our evidence."
.....
"....The above is my evidence." Lira ended.
The judges exchanged glances before the head judge glanced at Mistress Seraphine and nodded. "Very well. Read the final result."
"Alexander, you will be exiled to the ancient battlefield," the head judge intoned, her voice carrying the weight of his authority and the finality of his words. "Collect 50 red crystals within 3 months, otherwise you will be expelled from the academy. That's it." The result was clear and unequivocal, leaving no room for doubt or negotiation.