News of Kalver's death reached Duke Harold Bronwyn by nightfall. Enraged, he summoned his forces, vowing to destroy the principal who had dared to defy nobility.
Duke Harold, a towering man with a face scarred from years of warfare, mobilized a contingent of 100 elite knights, 30 battle mages, and magical artillery towards Academia Magnifica. His intent was clear: to remind the world that nobility should never be underestimated.
As the forces arrived at the academy gates at dawn, the skies were grey with foreboding clouds. Helena stood at the top of the academy's grand staircase, alone. Her black gown starkly contrasted with the surroundings, and her serene eyes betrayed no fear.
"Halt your advance," she commanded, her voice soft but carrying an unyielding authority.
Duke Harold stepped forward. "Helena Aurelia!" he roared. "You have murdered noble blood! Surrender yourself, or I will raze this academy to the ground!"
Helena tilted her head slightly. "If you feel justice has been denied, you may attempt to fight me. But I warn you: what you seek is not what you desire."
The Duke did not listen. With a gesture, his forces charged. Knights advanced with swords glowing from magical enchantments, mages unleashed fire and lightning. But before they could reach the gates, a massive magic circle appeared beneath their feet.
With a single utterance from Helena, an explosion of arcane energy sent the entire force flying. The finest knights lay lifeless, and the mages fell unconscious before they could counteract.
"Duke Harold," Helena said, stepping forward with a composed stride. "You led them to ruin. Now you stand alone."
Harold unsheathed his ancestral blade, swinging it toward Helena. But before the blade could touch her, he froze mid-step, his body ensnared by an unseen force. Helena placed a single finger on his forehead.
"Your son's death was a consequence of his arrogance. Your death is the consequence of your foolishness."
Frost began to envelop Harold's body, turning him into a statue of ice. With a simple gesture, Helena shattered the frozen figure into shards before addressing the remaining soldiers. Without a single word, they surrendered.