Life Gallery 34 - Echoes of Death 3

Scene: Surprised Announcement

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH CLASSROOM – MORNING

The morning light filters through the tall windows of St. Alaric Academy's superpower branch classroom. Students settle into their seats, exchanging sleepy greetings and bits of gossip from the weekend. Hugo slouches at his desk, quietly flipping through his notes, until a sharp crackle comes from the PA system.

PA System: "Attention, Hugo Gentoshi. Please report to the Student Council office immediately. Repeat: Hugo Gentoshi, report to the Student Council office."

Hugo blinks, surprised, sitting up a bit straighter as his classmates turn to look at him, some whispering with curiosity.

Fenix (grinning, leaning over): "Well, well, what did you do this time, Cyclops? Is this about some new 'experiment' of yours?"

Hugo (scowling, rolling his eye): "Very funny, Fenix. No clue what they want."

He gives Fenix a final, annoyed look before standing up. Classmates murmur and exchange amused looks, but Hugo straightens his shoulders, feigning nonchalance as he heads to the door.

Hugo (under his breath): "Whatever it is, I'll get it over with."

He exits the classroom, his mind racing as he heads toward the Student Council office, wondering what could be waiting for him there.

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH HALLWAY – MORNING

Hugo strides down the hallway, his mind occupied with why he's been summoned to the student council office. The sounds of students' voices and footsteps echo down the corridor, but as he walks, the lively noise gradually fades, leaving an unsettling silence.

Hugo (frowning, muttering to himself): "What…? Where did everyone go?"

He glances around, and the hallway seems to stretch longer than before, with shadows pooling around him. A strange stillness fills the air, as though the light itself has dimmed. The familiar surroundings now feel almost foreign, cloaked in shadow and silence.

Hugo (his voice tense): "Hello? Is anyone here?"

The silence presses down on him, and an inexplicable drowsiness washes over him, making his eyelids grow heavy. He shakes his head, trying to stay alert, but the pull of sleep grows stronger.

Hugo (struggling to keep his eyes open): "Why… do I… feel so… sleepy…"

His vision blurs, and the world around him fades further into shadow, leaving him isolated in the empty, silent hallway.

Scene: A Demon's Pain

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – LATE MORNING

The room is dimly lit, with only a harsh overhead light casting shadows across the cold stone walls. Hugo opens his eyes, feeling a throbbing in his head, and realizes he's bound by thick tree trunks around his torso and limbs, immobilized. He blinks, disoriented, as his eyes adjust to the surroundings, finally focusing on the figures standing around him—Lysander, Angela, Alexei, and Floria, all watching him with cold expressions.

Lysander (his voice cold, piercing): "Wake up, bastard."

Hugo's eyes widen as he meets Lysander's unyielding gaze, understanding that he's in a dark situation.

Hugo (shaken): "Big… brother."

Hugo looks around, struggling against his bindings, but his eyes fall on two urns that Lysander sets down in front of him. The blood drains from his face.

Lysander (voice laced with contempt): "Remember these?"

Hugo's gaze snaps to the urns, his face filling with horror and shame. He trembles, his voice barely a whisper.

Hugo (stammering): "Big brother… that… I…"

Lysander (voice hardening, each word like ice): "So, after killing them, you thought you'd defile their memory further? Using necromancy to bring them back, only to burn them again? To desecrate them a second time?"

Hugo (desperation, barely holding back tears): "I… I…"

Lysander (disgusted): "Tell me, bastard, what kind of son does this? To murder is one thing… but even after death, you didn't let them rest. You have no excuse for this. You're nothing but a demon."

Hugo (voice shaking, pleading): "I… I'm sorry, I didn't—"

Before he can finish, Alexei steps forward, his face twisted in fury, and punches Hugo hard across the face, the blow landing with a sickening crack.

Alexei (seething): "Damn demon."

Angela (voice cold, laced with hurt): "Even if we were unkind to you… we still raised you, brought you up. And this is how you repay us? By defiling them?"

Hugo stops struggling, the fight draining from his face as his expression shifts to one of deep sadness and regret. His head lowers, shoulders slumped.

Hugo (broken, voice soft): "I'm sorry… I'll accept any punishment. I am… a piece of filth. I deserve no mercy."

Angela (raising an eyebrow, voice mocking): "Oh? You just realized that?"

Lysander (calm but intense): "I have one question, bastard. Did Andrea… did big brother Andrea know about this?"

Hugo hesitates, lowering his gaze, the shame evident in his posture.

Hugo (barely audible): "…Yes. He knew."

Lysander (voice sharp, unyielding): "When?"

Hugo (quiet, his gaze fixed on the floor): "The day after I… after I put them back."

Lysander: "Did Andrea help you with this… necromancy?"

Hugo (shaking his head, desperate): "No… no, it was all me. He had nothing to do with it."

Lysander's eyes narrow, but he shifts his gaze toward Floria, who stands near a truth-telling device. Her hand hovers over the controls, her eyes fixed on the machine's readings.

Floria (nodding, confirming): "He's telling the truth."

Satisfied, Lysander turns back to Hugo, his tone icy and unwavering.

Lysander: "Good. Then let's proceed with capturing Andrea."

Hugo's eyes widen in terror, his body tensing as he realizes the threat.

Hugo (struggling against his bindings, his voice panicked): "No, wait! I was the one who did it. Big brother had no part in this—please, don't harm him!"

But his pleas meet Lysander's cold, unfeeling gaze, the older brother's expression as unyielding as stone.

Lysander (voice like ice): "Bastard… If you don't want us to involve him, then fine. But understand this: we'll expose both of you, every filthy truth, with all the evidence we've gathered. Do you want to spend your life rotting in a cell… with your precious brother?"

Hugo's panic momentarily falters, replaced by dread as he begins to realize the depth of his predicament. His breathing slows, and he falls silent, fear evident in his eyes.

Hugo (quiet, defeated): "I…"

Lysander's expression shifts into a calm, wicked smile as he watches his brother's reaction, his tone dripping with contempt.

Lysander: "Capturing you is us showing you mercy, bastard. If we wanted to, we could destroy you, even if you tried to fight us. So stop struggling and dismiss any thoughts of escape. Because if you dare, we'll make sure that neither you nor Andrea ever see the light of day again."

Hugo looks down, his shoulders slumping in defeat, the last remnants of his resistance extinguished as Lysander's words hang ominously in the air.

Scene: Andrea's Confrontation

INT. GGG CORPORATION – MAIN OFFICE – EARLY AFTERNOON

Andrea sits behind his expansive desk in the sleek, modern office of GGG Corporation, paperwork scattered around him. His expression grows more frustrated as he reviews a report from the higher-ups.

Andrea (grumbling to himself): "Great, so they're planning to replace another branch with homunculus workers? Just perfect. Nothing like using artificial slaves to boost efficiency…"

His thoughts are interrupted by the door swinging open. Alexei strides in, Floria close behind him. Andrea barely lifts his head from his desk, visibly annoyed by their abrupt entrance.

Andrea (with a sigh, frustrated): "Ever heard of knocking? A little etiquette goes a long way, you know."

Alexei merely smirks, unfazed. Without saying a word, he pulls out his phone and holds it out toward Andrea, who raises an eyebrow in confusion.

Andrea (frowning): "What's this? What's going on?"

Alexei (smirking): "Take a look. You'll understand."

Andrea's expression shifts from irritation to shock as he examines the photo. In it, his younger brother Hugo is bound tightly by thick tree trunks, his limbs and torso immobilized.

Andrea (eyes widening): "Hugo… what did you—"

Floria (her voice calm but with an edge): "We need you to come with us, Andrea. I'm sure you understand what will happen if you refuse."

Andrea glances between Alexei and Floria, his expression hardening as he processes the implied threat. He knows they aren't here to negotiate.

Scene: Siblings Demand

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – AFTERNOON

Andrea follows Alexei and Floria down a winding staircase, deeper into the dim, desolate basement of an isolated mansion. The air grows colder as they descend, and shadows cling to the stone walls. It's the perfect place for secrets to remain hidden.

As they step into a large, round room at the bottom of the stairs, Andrea's eyes widen in shock. At the center, bound to thick, twisted tree trunks, is his younger brother, Hugo, restrained and helpless.

Andrea (alarmed): "Hugo!"

Without hesitation, Andrea rushes toward Hugo, attempting to pull at the thick branches binding him. But the wood is far too dense, immovable under his grip. Frustrated, Andrea glances around, only to notice the presence of all his siblings—Lysander, Angela, Alexei, and Floria—standing across the room, watching him.

Lysander (calmly): "If I were you, I wouldn't be so quick to run to his aid."

Andrea turns slowly, his eyes narrowing as he takes in their expressions—cold, unforgiving, and filled with determination.

Andrea (defensive, voice laced with anger): "What is this, Lysander? You already cast Hugo out. Isn't that enough for you?"

Lysander (unmoved, his voice steady): "It would have been, if he had stayed out of our affairs."

Andrea glances between them, sensing something darker in Lysander's tone. Angela steps forward, her gaze sharp and unrelenting.

Angela (voice laced with contempt): "You knew, didn't you? You knew the bastard was playing god—using our parents' corpses like some twisted experiment."

She points to two urns set on a stone slab, her hand trembling slightly with restrained anger.

Angela: "This is all that's left of them. That bastard burned them to ash."

Andrea (stunned, his face paling): "That…"

Lysander (cutting him off, coldly): "Why the shock, Andrea? Hugo admitted that you knew."

Andrea's face falls, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his siblings' accusing stares.

Andrea (voice breaking slightly): "Yes… yes, I knew. He told me."

Alexei (seething, his voice low): "And you didn't think to tell us."

Andrea looks down, his face a mixture of shame and regret, unable to meet his siblings' piercing gazes.

Andrea (quietly): "I'm… I'm sorry…"

Lysander's gaze sharpens, a cold smile touching his lips as he steps closer to Andrea and Hugo, his siblings watching in tense silence.

Lysander (smiling darkly): "Would you mind if we took our revenge?"

Andrea (lowering his head, defeated): "No… you have that right. I wouldn't blame you… for hating us."

Hugo (eyes widening, panicked): "No! It was me! I did it all! Don't hurt Andrea!"

To Hugo's shock, the tree trunks binding him suddenly begin to loosen, the wood creaking as it retracts. Within moments, he finds himself freed, able to move again.

Hugo (bewildered): "Huh?"

Angela (smiling softly, her gaze unreadable): "You're both free to go."

Hugo (tentatively): "Big sister…"

Lysander: "Don't misunderstand. We will take our revenge. You'd be wise to prepare yourself."

Hugo's face falters as he absorbs Lysander's words, but he nods, his expression resolute.

Hugo (firmly): "If that's what you want… then do it. I'm here. Do whatever you need to with me."

Andrea (shaken): "Hugo, don't—"

Before Andrea can finish, Lysander raises a hand to silence him.

Lysander (voice chillingly calm): "Exactly why hurting you now wouldn't be satisfying at all. You're here, prepared for whatever punishment we could throw at you. What would we gain from your predictable screams and apologies? You've caused us real pain. We want you to understand that same pain."

He pauses, his words measured, laced with quiet malice.

Lysander: "So we'll let you leave. Enjoy yourself, for now that is. As you have no idea what is next to come."

Andrea opens his mouth to speak but closes it, his expression unreadable, as he realizes the deeper punishment Lysander intends.

Lysander (turning to Andrea with cold finality): "Oh, and one last thing, Brother Andrea. Would you mind if I dismissed those employees you hired? We'll replace them with our homunculi, who can be trusted."

Andrea stares at him, unable to speak.

Angela (softly, watching them both with dark satisfaction): "What are you waiting for? Go."

Hugo and Andrea, both subdued and silent, turn toward the doorway, their footsteps heavy against the cold stone floor. The dim light casts long shadows across their faces, highlighting the strain and bitterness etched into their expressions.

Hugo glances back once, meeting Lysander's unforgiving gaze for a fleeting second, before dropping his eyes, defeated. Andrea places a hand on Hugo's shoulder, a steadying gesture, though his own face is tight with regret.

The siblings stand in rigid silence behind them, watching as the two leave. Angela's face remains impassive, but her eyes hold a dark satisfaction, while Alexei crosses his arms, his jaw clenched. Lysander's gaze follows Hugo and Andrea until they reach the stairs, his expression a blend of disdain and icy resolve.

As they climb the staircase, the weight of their family's judgment feels heavier with each step, the cold silence of the basement pressing down on them until the shadows finally release them into the light above.

Scene: Accepting the Punishment

EXT. CITY PARK – EVENING

Andrea and Hugo sit on a weathered wooden bench beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree, a quietness settling between them that mirrors the tension in their hearts. The park is almost empty, save for a few distant passersby, lost in their own worlds. Andrea leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he stares at the ground. Hugo slouches back, his gaze unfocused, caught somewhere between regret and resignation.

Hugo (voice low, as if speaking the thought to himself): "So… they know."

Andrea (sighing, nodding): "Yes… they know."

Hugo glances at Andrea, a question hanging in his expression.

Hugo (quietly): "Why didn't you tell them sooner?"

Andrea (grimly): "Because I didn't want them to turn on you, Hugo. You know what the Gentoshis are capable of when they want revenge." He pauses, his eyes darkening with the memory. "Didn't Lysander put Sakae in the hospital just for being assigned to challenge him in the mid-term?"

Hugo's expression changes as he remembers Sakae's face, pale and bruised, lying in the sterile hospital room. The sadness wells up, tugging at something heavy inside him.

Hugo (sadly): "Yeah… I remember."

He falls silent, lost in the memory, before glancing back at Andrea, his eyes carrying a question he's almost too afraid to ask.

Hugo (hesitating, his voice almost a whisper): "Any idea… what they'll do to us?"

Andrea (shaking his head, his tone somber): "I don't know, Hugo." 

Andrea sighs, looking out at the empty park. 

Andrea "Lysander, Angela, Alexei… they were never like this before. I don't know if our parents' deaths changed them, or if this cruelty was always there, waiting for the right moment.."

The silence grows heavy, as if the truth of it is pressing down on both of them. They sit there, their anger and guilt pooling between them like a wound that won't heal.

Hugo (pessimistic, voice barely audible): "So… what do we do now?"

Andrea (sighing, resigned): "I don't know. Maybe… maybe we accept whatever punishment they have in mind. Face it head-on."

They share a look, both brothers' faces marked by exhaustion and sorrow, shadows of the weight they've been carrying. There's a mutual understanding in their expressions—a weariness of a long, futile struggle, one that seems to crumble no matter how hard they try to hold it together.

They sit together, silent, as the shadows grow longer in the late afternoon light, neither one able to shake the feeling that everything they once held secure is slipping away, piece by piece.

Scene: Revenge Plan

INT. LYSANDER'S APARTMENT – EVENING

The four siblings settle into the quiet tension of the living room, each of them stewing over the earlier confrontation. Angela moves gracefully in the kitchen, brewing tea, while Lysander reaches for a can of soda, his calm demeanor only aggravating the tension. Alexei, still visibly fuming, breaks the silence, his voice thick with frustration.

Alexei (angry, frustrated): "So… you're telling me you just let that bastard walk away?"

Lysander (smiling, unbothered): "If you're that eager to break his bones, you're free to track him down yourself. You saw how easy it was to bring him in."

Angela, seated nearby with her tea, sips it slowly, her eyes thoughtful. Her voice is soft, almost gentle, but carries a steely edge.

Angela (sweetly): "Yes, Lysander's right. We could kill him or torture him whenever we like, but those would only be temporary pains. I want him to know real pain…"

Alexei (scoffing): "How philosophical. So what's this 'real pain' you two keep going on about?"

Lysander (leaning forward, his tone calm): "It's not philosophical, Alexei. Imagine I hit you—you'd feel pain, sure. Now imagine if I killed Floria."

Alexei (bristling): "Hey, don't even joke about my girlfriend."

He pulls Floria closer, protectively wrapping his arm around her.

Floria (softly): "Babe… don't squeeze me."

Lysander (shrugging): "It's just an example."

Alexei: "Then pick a different example."

Lysander (smiling faintly): "Your reaction only proves my point."

Alexei (frowning): "What do you mean?"

Angela sets down her teacup and turns to Alexei, her eyes gleaming with a dark amusement.

Angela: "The difference is in the kind of pain you'd feel. A hit would hurt, yes, but losing someone close to you—that's a whole different kind of suffering."

Alexei (realizing): "Oh… I see."

Floria (concerned, her voice uncertain): "So… are you planning to kill someone close to Hugo?"

Lysander (calmly): "No. We're not monsters. But he still needs to understand that level of pain."

Angela leans back, a glint of intrigue in her eyes as she watches Lysander.

Angela (grinning): "I can tell you have something planned. Care to share your scheme?"

Lysander (smirking): "I have some ideas. Let's just say… I'm planting seeds that'll grow into something… remarkable."

The siblings share a look of dark anticipation, each silently awaiting the full execution of Lysander's scheme.

Scene: Debrief in Class - Magic Circle

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH CLASSROOM – MORNING

The morning light filters into the classroom as Professor Velorum stands at the front, surprised by the unusual focus of his students. Normally, they're more interested in using their superpowers than studying magic, which is complex and requires a lot of focus.

Professor Velorum (raising an eyebrow, amused): "Well, look at you all. It's rare to see this kind of enthusiasm in my class. What's brought about this sudden interest in magic?"

Briona (smiling): "We just want to learn more, sir."

Professor Velorum (giving her a skeptical look): "Oh, really?"

Grigor (nodding earnestly): "After the trip to Cloud Tower, a lot of us realized how much we could learn. Even if we don't rely on magic, it helps us understand the world better."

Elena (thoughtful): "Yes, like a different kind of science…"

Shizuka: "Plus, Reina's team won first place in the dungeon exam by using her magic skills. We all just realized how much we've been overlooking it."

Professor Velorum (pleased): "Ah, so now you see its value. Good, good. Well, let's dive right into magic circles, then."

He moves to the chalkboard, drawing a large, intricate magic circle. The design is a complex web of symbols and lines, with smaller circles branching from the center.

Professor Velorum: "Magic circles… they're the language of magic. As you know, magic is the art of bending the world's rules to create effects—like fire, water, or shielding spells. To do this, we need a way to communicate with the world, to express what we want. That's why we have magic circles. They're how we 'speak' to the world around us, conveying our intent and calling forth power."

At the back of the class, Fenix leans over to Hugo, who sits quietly, a faint exhaustion in his expression.

Fenix (whispering): "Hey, Cyclops, what was going on yesterday? You disappeared after that call to the Student Council office."

Shizuka (nodding, concerned): "Yeah, you missed the afternoon class."

Hugo (smiling weakly): "Just some private business. Nothing to worry about."

Shizuka and Fenix exchange a glance but don't press further. They both sense there's more to it but respect Hugo's boundaries.

Professor Velorum (continuing his lesson): "Now, class, here's a question for you. Why do we call it a 'Magic Circle' and not, say, a 'Magic Square' or some other shape?"

Reina Calder, seated near the front, raises her hand.

Professor Velorum: "Yes, Reina?"

Reina: "Because a circle represents the world's natural form. By using a circle, we're signaling that we're in communication with the world itself."

Professor Velorum (smiling): "Exactly, Reina. A circle is continuous, unbroken—an ideal representation of the world's harmony. By using its shape, we express that our intentions are in line with the natural order."

The students lean forward, more intrigued as he goes on, and Professor Velorum's enthusiasm grows.

Professor Velorum: "There's another reason, too. A circle has no beginning and no end, symbolizing a perfect flow of energy. When we cast magic through a circle, we are channeling that flow smoothly, without interruption. Any break in a circle can disrupt the magic's strength, causing instability."

He steps back, looking over his attentive students.

Professor Velorum: "Magic requires respect, understanding, and patience. Mastering it is no simple task, and it's not for everyone. But those who understand its true nature find they're able to influence the world in profound ways."

The bell rings, signaling the end of the class. The students begin gathering their things, still digesting the lesson.

Professor Velorum: "All right, class dismissed. Practice what we discussed today, and keep those notes sharp. You'll be expected to create your own magic circles in next week's exercise."

The students file out, more aware of magic's complexity than ever.

Scene: A New Training Partner

EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH TRAINING GROUND – AFTERNOON

Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka are gathered at the academy's training ground, enjoying a break between classes, when a girl with long dark hair approaches them. Her stance is tentative but determined, and she gives them a small nod as they notice her.

Mona: "Hi… um, I'm Mona Mineru. I'm a first-year too, but I'm in a different class. I know you're some of the strongest students in our year, and I was wondering if… if I could train with you?"

The three exchange glances and smile, sensing her nervousness.

Hugo (grinning): "Of course! The more, the merrier."

Shizuka (encouragingly): "It'll be great to train together. Let's see what you can do, Mona."

Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka lead Mona to the target practice area, where a row of wooden and metal targets stands in wait. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the training ground, making it feel almost inviting despite the tension simmering beneath Mona's quiet demeanor.

Fenix steps up to the line, holding out his hand and channeling his blood magic with a smirk. Dark, crimson arrows form from his own blood, shimmering as they take shape and levitate in front of him. With a flick of his wrist, he sends a series of blood arrows shooting forward. Each one flies with precision, piercing the bullseye of the target.

Fenix (grinning smugly): "Hehe, behold! Your liege's blood magic is unmatched!"

Shizuka (raising an eyebrow, amused): "Oh? Unmatched, is it? That accuracy looks pretty close to mine, actually."

Fenix (rolling his eyes, waving her off): "Hmph! Please, Witch, my magic is far more refined."

Shizuka: "Says the guy who just declared himself 'the liege of blood magic.' Sounds very refined."

Ignoring her sarcasm, Fenix smirks proudly and steps back, gesturing for Shizuka to take her turn.

With a slight smirk of her own, Shizuka steps up, closing her eyes and extending her hand. Icy blue light swirls around her fingers as she conjures arrows of frozen water, their crystalline edges sharp and glinting in the sunlight. She releases the arrows in a rapid series of shots, each one whistling through the air and striking her target with pinpoint accuracy, embedding deep into the bullseye beside Fenix's arrows.

Shizuka (nonchalantly): "Guess I'm not too shabby, huh?"

Fenix (sighing, muttering): "Yeah, yeah, decent work, Witch. But no one hits a bullseye like me."

They both exchange a playful glance before Hugo steps up, brushing his hair back and rolling his shoulders. His expression is serious, focused on the target in front of him. Drawing on his Hellblaze ability, he channels dark flames through his hand, forming an intense, fiery projectile that glows with fierce, pulsating heat. With a deep breath, Hugo thrusts his hand forward, launching the flame with impressive force.

The projectile sails through the air, its sheer power making the other targets rattle. The dark flame hits the target with explosive energy, charring it on impact and splintering the wood around it. The force is slightly off-center but leaves a satisfying, smoking hole in the target.

Hugo (scratching the back of his neck): "Well, guess I need a little work on the precision, huh? All power, no finesse."

Fenix (grinning): "Hey, no shame in going big, Cyclops. You're the heavy-hitter. Leave the finesse to the rest of us."

Mona watches in awe, both inspired and intimidated by their skills. She takes a steadying breath, clenching the small device in her hand—a pen-shaped projector with a faint, warm glow—and steps forward, her heart pounding.

Mona (sighing, her voice low): "You're all so talented… I don't know if I belong here. Compared to you, I'm… just completely useless. I thought I could keep up if I worked hard enough, but magic doesn't come naturally to me like it does for everyone else. I can't even cast the simplest spell on my own."

Shizuka steps closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Shizuka (gentle but encouraging): "Come on, Mona. Don't be so hard on yourself. Just try it once, and give yourself a chance to surprise yourself."

Mona glances at Shizuka, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but after a moment, she nods and raises the pen-shaped device, taking a steadying breath. The pen hums to life, projecting a faint magic circle that shimmers as Mona channels what little energy she has into it. Her hands tremble, but she manages to hold the device steady as it begins to glow.

As the magic circle stabilizes, a series of shimmering arrows forms and launches forward. Though not perfectly accurate, many of them hit the target with decent precision, a few even landing close to the bullseye.

Shizuka (cheering, smiling encouragingly): "What are you talking about, Mona? You did great!"

But before Mona can respond, exhaustion sweeps over her from the energy drain. Her vision goes blurry, and she stumbles, fainting from the effort. Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka rush forward, catching her before she hits the ground and exchanging worried glances before carrying her to the infirmary.

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – INFIRMARY – TEN MINUTES LATER

As Mona awakens in the infirmary, she finds Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka still by her side, concern etched on their faces.

Hugo (sighing with relief): "Glad to see you're okay, Mona."

Mona (forcing a smile, but her voice is weary): "Thank you… I'm sorry I made you worry."

Shizuka (reassuringly): "No need to apologize. You did really well out there."

Mona looks away, her eyes welling with tears as she clutches the edge of the blanket.

Mona (her voice breaking): "Yeah... let's continue the story... I am a completely talentless person... The only thing I am interested in is magic yet... I do not have enough magic to perform even a simple magic like that arrow rain."

Shizuka "That..." 

Mona looks down at her hands, her face a mix of frustration and sadness.

Mona: "Did you know your mana level is predetermined? I found out during my first day here. I thought maybe my passion could make up for what I lacked. I remember the first time I managed a spell on my own—just a tiny, flickering firebird. It was delicate and faint, but it was beautiful. I learned it from a street magician, and that was when I knew I wanted to be a mage…"

She pauses, her voice trailing off as her hands clench tighter.

Mona: "But now… everything just feels so far out of reach."

Shizuka: "What happened?"

Fenix (raising an eyebrow): "Didn't pass the midterm?"

Mona (shaking her head): "No… I actually got top marks."

Fenix (surprised): "Wait, seriously?"

Mona: "Yeah… but that's only because I substituted my dungeon exam with a research report on magic theory. My classmates didn't want to team up with a 'mana-less' mage who couldn't do anything right."

Hugo (softly): "That's… really unfair, Mona."

Fenix leans back, crossing his arms as he considers her words.

Fenix: "You know… you don't have to be a combat mage to make a difference. There are plenty of paths for you to take. Just because you love magic doesn't mean you're limited to being on the battlefield."

Mona (confused): "What do you mean?"

Fenix (nodding): "In our class, there is a very talented girl with wind control power yet instead of wanting to be a hunter, she wants to be a sculptor. Similarly, there is a dwarf guy in our class who wants to be a tank despite his family wanting him to continue their traditional work of smithing."

Mona stares at Fenix, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes.

Fenix (smiling): "The world is full of possibilities. You love magic, right? Why not consider becoming a researcher, or even a street magician? Someone like Professor Velorum or Professor Roderick would probably be thrilled to have you as an assistant."

Mona glances at each of them, her expression shifting from uncertainty to realization.

Shizuka (smiling): "You've got so much to offer, Mona. Don't let one narrow definition of 'success' hold you back."

Hugo (nodding): "And besides, even though magic isn't easy, you've already come so far. You've shown real dedication and talent in your research. You even create that arrow rain with your pen projector."

Fenix (smiling): "Maybe your path is different… but that doesn't make it any less valuable."

Mona's eyes begin to shine with a new determination, and she sits up a little straighter, her face flushed from the encouragement.

Mona: "Thank you… all of you. I… I think I just needed to hear that there's a place for me, even if it's not what I expected."

Fenix (playfully): "Good. Now, are you going to keep moping, or are you ready to show the world what a 'mana-less mage' can actually do?"

Mona laughs softly, the sound of hope clear in her voice.

Mona: "You're right. I'll keep working hard. Maybe… maybe I can find my own way to make magic."

The three friends smile, watching as a renewed sense of purpose fills Mona's eyes.