The Verdict of the Magic Association

Amy raised her hand to stop the conversation. She had a feeling that they shouldn't go any further.

"But this is where it gets interesting..."

"Seriel, no matter how much you love novels, please don't confuse them with reality. Those books rely on sensational and provocative elements to capture readers."

"Hmph! You say that only because you haven't read them. If you read just one, you'd be hooked! Want me to lend you this one?"

As Seriel held out the book, Amy immediately turned her head away. If she accepted it, she would have to endure at least ten days of nonstop discussion about it.

Shirone leaned back against the cushion and spoke.

"Today is my last day in the infirmary. Thank you for visiting me all this time. And you too, Senior Seriel."

"Don't say such cold things. Honestly, studying as a senior is exhausting. Even when I try to take a break, others keep pushing forward, so I can't rest either... In the end, both Amy and I were glad to have a chance to breathe."

Amy didn't deny it. The constant ranking battles had pushed their stress to the limit, so the temporary school closure was like a blessing for the graduating class.

Seriel's expression darkened.

"I'm worried about Headmaster Alpheas. To be honest, I didn't expect this decision. This is something that the Creas Autonomous District could have handled, yet he voluntarily submitted to the Magic Association's inspection."

Given his high reputation across the continent, he could have silenced the issue. But Alpheas accepted the Student Council's opinions completely. In the end, the case was transferred to the most ruthless division of the Magic Association—Inspection Division 3.

"They say Inspection Division 3 is called the Special Investigations Unit even within the Magic Association. They follow the law to the letter, without any consideration for connections or influence. Even Headmaster Alpheas won't be able to escape disciplinary action."

Shirone spoke up.

"Headmaster Alpheas has carried this burden for forty years. If this process can lighten that burden, I don't think accepting discipline is necessarily a bad thing."

Nade added,

"For now, let's wait and see what happens. Who exactly are we worrying about here? Once the break ends, things will get hectic again, so let's rest while we can."

"Yeah."

Shirone glanced out the window. The warm afternoon sunlight streamed in.

The Capital, Baschka

Viewed from the Geojer Mountain Range, the Baschka skyline was striking. The royal castle towered into the sky, with key institutions spreading outward in concentric circles.

The citizens of the capital often joked that the buildings visible from the Geojer Mountains were the very institutions that represented the nation.

Among them, the Magic Association was the most imposing.

The towering 18-floor structure managed all affairs related to registered mages in the Kingdom of Tormia, oversaw inter-institutional relations, and handled intelligence and investigative duties—making it the nerve center of the magical world.

Every mage dreamt of visiting it at least once in their lifetime.

However, Saad, who was assigned as the escort for Alpheas and his group, felt like he was being dragged to an execution ground.

"Master, is this really the best course of action?"

"This is something I chose to do. My only regret is that I delayed it for too long."

Alpheas' determination was unwavering.

Saad hadn't expected a different answer. He simply wanted to confirm his master's resolve one last time before stepping into the Association, where there would be no turning back.

"Understood. Then I will wait until the trial concludes."

Alpheas' expression was light, unburdened.

Accompanied by Canis and Arin, he voluntarily turned himself in to the Inspection Division. The three of them were then each confined to separate solitary rooms for a day.

The following day, Alpheas was called in for questioning first.

Meanwhile, Canis and Arin waited in a facility filled with magical restraints. The devices not only blocked their Spirit Zones but even prevented the activation of Harvest magic.

After three hours, the order came.

"Canis, Arin. Come out."

Even though they hadn't been found guilty yet, the guards of the Magic Association were already treating them as criminals.

They had likely pieced together the general situation from Alpheas' testimony.

Canis and Arin followed orders without a word.

On the opposite side of the corridor, they spotted Alpheas walking toward them.

They intended to pass by without acknowledgment, but as their shoulders nearly brushed, Alpheas stopped and made a request to the guard.

"Could I have a moment to speak with the children?"

"Ah, yes. But not for too long."

The difference in the guard's attitude towards Alpheas made Canis scoff.

Alpheas was treated with respect not because he was strong, but because he was famous. The fact that he, who was weaker than Arcane, carried the composure of a victor annoyed Canis.

As the guard stepped aside, Alpheas approached them.

"There's no need to be nervous. Just answer their questions honestly, and you'll be fine."

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm not some naive fool like your student. I've fought countless battles. There's nothing I fear, no matter what happens."

Canis had lived through experiences that most children his age never faced. But because of that, there were also things he had lost.

Alpheas wanted to guide these two, who still had a future ahead of them, back onto the right path.

"That's exactly why I wanted to talk to you."

"What do you mean?"

"When this is all over, how about joining the Magic Academy?"

Canis felt like he had been insulted.

Did Alpheas know nothing about his life? Asking someone who learned magic through life-and-death struggles to study alongside sheltered students?

"Don't be ridiculous. Your disciple didn't lose because he was weak. If not for Abyss Nova—if we had fought properly—I could have crushed you in an instant."

"Perhaps so."

Alpheas acknowledged it without hesitation.

"But if things hadn't unfolded this way, I might have been the one to kneel and beg for forgiveness first."

Canis bit his lip.

"That is what it means to be evil. No matter how justified your reasons are, you will always be hated. You have the potential to rise higher. I want to offer you a future, not a path into darkness."

"Why do you even care? Pity?"

"I was once Arcane's disciple. That makes me your senior. Just as time cannot be reversed, fate also continues endlessly. If you truly want a new life, I will help you."

Canis remained silent.

A new life? It was far too late for that. The only thing he knew was battle. His fate was to survive on the battlefield.

As Alpheas walked away, the guards led Canis and Arin into the interrogation room.

It was unexpectedly neat and well-maintained—far from the infernal prison they had imagined.

A frail-looking man sat at the table with his back turned to them. The only detail visible from behind was his silver hair.

"Investigator, these are the suspects, Canis and Arin."

"Ah, please, come in."

A chilling voice, like metal scraping against stone.

It was the voice of Sakkiri, a field investigator from the infamous Inspection Division 3.