The Unbreakable Will

"Based on the above magical opinion, the test subject, in other words, the person currently lying in the infirmary..."

Yongroe's report was presented.

"Shirone Arian cannot be definitively declared deceased."

"..."

No one in the protest group could open their mouths.

They were magicians themselves and knew that among the students, no one could refute Yongroe's analysis.

The one most shocked was Neid.

"Iruki, when did you even..."

Iruki smirked as he looked back at Neid.

"How is it? The method I found to bring the dead back to life."

Neid scratched his nose awkwardly.

So it was real—a way to bring someone back from the dead.

At the same time, he felt guilty, realizing how Iruki had fought alone while everyone else was drowning in sorrow.

"Here, check for yourself."

Amira received the report from Iruki and scanned only the first page.

Yongroe's seal was imprinted firmly.

"Hoo..."

Further resistance was meaningless.

The kingdom's highest academic institution had validated the teachers' judgment. Even if they filed a lawsuit, the court would rule in favor of the school.

"You've been through a lot, Amira."

Alpheas stepped out from the building entrance.

"Headmaster."

Amira's eyes wavered.

Even her steely resolve melted upon seeing Alpheas's face.

How could it not? He was someone she had followed since the days she was still wetting her bed.

"I'm sorry for putting you through this."

Amira bowed her head, clenched her fists, and struggled to hold back her tears.

"It's not about making things hard for you, Headmaster. The more respected someone is, the less these matters should be overlooked. And at this rate, even the school..."

"Of course, I understand. Do not be afraid. No one here harbors resentment."

Every student gathered here was, in a way, raised by Alpheas. Hurting them was the last thing he ever wanted.

Diamond Body (6)

"Headmaster..."

When Amira looked up, Alpheas was smiling at her warmly, just as he had when she was a child.

"Won't you trust me just this once? When Shirone's case is settled, I will handle everything transparently. No matter what punishment I receive, I will face my beloved students with dignity. I will never run away."

Amira eventually burst into tears.

"You'll really return? The person I respected so much..."

"Of course. There will be no deceit in my judgment. I swear it on everything."

Amira hastily wiped her tears. She couldn't go back to being the crybaby she once was.

"Understood. Since you say so, the student council will review the matter again. Please, do not dishonor yourself."

Alpheas was pleased.

The little girl who once ran to him crying out, 'Headmasher!' had grown into such a strong individual.

'Erina, perhaps my life wasn't in vain after all.'

With the student council president's decision, the protesters disbanded immediately.

The opposition also scattered, and in an instant, the area in front of the building became desolate.

Only Fermi remained, scratching his head awkwardly.

"Damn, I messed up at the last moment."

Alpheas chuckled heartily.

"Haha! It seems things didn't go your way this time, Fermi."

"Nothing I can do. Honestly, I think it's cheating when the headmaster steps in."

"You should graduate soon. You'll be twenty-two next year."

"I don't know. There's no better place to make money than here."

"Heh, is that so?"

Alpheas knew Fermi had played a significant role in escalating the situation, but he found it rather impressive that one of his students had become influential enough to stir the school.

"Besides, this place is still fun. Well then, I'm off."

Without further farewells, Fermi saluted and left.

After today, he probably wouldn't be involved with the student council anymore. Peace wasn't profitable.

Meanwhile, Iruki and Neid walked toward the infirmary in silence.

It was the first time since that incident five years ago that they had fought so seriously. The awkwardness still lingered.

But as always, Neid couldn't stand such an atmosphere.

"Hey! How can you not say a single word? You didn't have to deceive me too! You just wanted to look cool on your own, didn't you?"

"What nonsense. What was I supposed to strategize with a guy doing the butterfly stroke in a sea of grief? Besides, if our plan got leaked in advance, they would've countered it. Why don't you ever think ahead?"

"Yeah, I'm an idiot! You always have to act like you're the smartest!"

Whether they were yelling or cursing, the fact that they were talking at all melted away the awkwardness.

Iruki finally asked with concern.

"Anyway, are you okay? No matter how angry you were, did you really have to show your old temper?"

Neid, seemingly regretful, clutched his head.

"Ugh, I don't know. I didn't have time to think about anything else back then. At least we didn't actually fight."

"Well, I guess I was too impressive for you to even register in the moment."

"Screw you! So you really planned all of this?"

"Heh, so what? You should just bow down and thank me."

When they arrived at the infirmary, Amy was waiting for them.

Iruki, still somewhat awkward around her, spoke hesitantly.

"Well, anyway, that's how it turned out. At least we saved Shirone..."

Tears streamed down Amy's face.

"Thank you. Thank you, Iruki."

Iruki recoiled in horror.

"Tsk! Forget it!"

He dashed inside as if fleeing, only to find another emotional wreck waiting—Seriel.

"Iruki!"

She spread her arms wide and lunged at him. Iruki weaved to the side and hid in a corner of the infirmary.

'Ugh, this is why I hate dealing with girls.'

Meanwhile, the remaining three hugged and jumped with joy. Neid felt no discomfort in joining them.

"Whoo! He's alive! Shirone is alive!"

For the first time in a long while, Iruki smiled.

But soon, his gaze turned solemn as he looked at Shirone.

They had only postponed his death on paper. A miracle hadn't actually occurred.

The promise to stay together even after graduation was still fresh in his mind. Yet seeing Shirone lying there, not even breathing, felt surreal.

'Come back. No matter how long it takes, I'll be waiting.'