Chapter 76: Acceptance Of The Guilt

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After the chaos of the training camp, the surviving students were brought to the academy's healing center. Dabi sat quietly in the corner, his eyes distant and clouded. His heart was heavy; this was the first time he had taken a life. The weight of the event bore down on him, his mind replaying the moment when his blade had pierced Malakar's heart. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't shake the image.

Other students in the healing center were receiving treatment, their injuries being tended to. The atmosphere was somber, a stark reminder of the price paid in the battle. As Dabi stood, his body stiff but his will firm, he made his way to check on Zen. Zen had survived, though barely. His condition was critical, and his breathing was labored, but he was alive. Dabi felt a small sense of relief, though it did nothing to ease the turmoil inside him.

Without a word to his siblings, Dabi returned home that evening. He knew Mira and Eli were too young to bear the burden of what had transpired. He could not bring himself to tell them about the death of Elena or the horrors he had faced.

The next day, Dabi attended Elena's funeral. His eyes were wet with unshed tears. The entire academy was present, students and teachers alike, all paying their respects. Those students who had lost limbs during Malakar's attack were given rare points to regenerate their missing parts, but no magic or skill could bring Elena back. Her absence left an un-fillable void in the hearts of those who had known her.

Three days passed, but for Dabi, the world felt frozen in time. His mind couldn't escape the memory of what he had done, the life he had taken. No matter how many times he told himself that Malakar was a monster, the guilt gnawed at him.

On the third day, Dabi met with the headmaster. They spoke in the quiet of his office.

"You did what you had to, Dabi," the headmaster said softly, his eyes full of understanding. "There was no other choice. You saved your friend and stopped a man who had caused nothing but pain. You must accept that."

Dabi remained silent, but the words hung in the air. He knew the headmaster was right. It wasn't as if he had taken the life of an innocent. Malakar was evil, and he had acted to protect his friends. Dabi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In his heart, he began to find some semblance of peace.

It was not easy, but he realized that he had made the right choice. He had to live with it, and he would.

The chapter closed with Dabi quietly walking out of the headmaster's office, the weight still there, but just a little lighter.

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