Chapter 5- Culprit

[A few minutes ago]

Inside the common hall, several students could be seen as the Headmaster walking through the corridor accompanied by a trusted staff member and the vice headmaster of the academy.

The grey-haired man went to attend a meeting with the King regarding some security concerns around the academy when he received a message that a Soulless appeared near the academy.

There were several factors which the Headmaster, who goes by the name of Brinswin Hector, had to discern regarding this case. How it was not sensed that someone was performing the ritual to bring an otherworldy creature near the school. Where were the patrolling soldiers, and why the Soulless was spotted so late?

However, for now, his focus was on discerning the main perpetrator behind the incident. Although Alex was captured and believed to be the main culprit, Hector knew that this could not be achieved by a single person.

Summoning Soulless requires sacrifice and some other necessary materials which, as a student, Alex couldn't have gathered on his own. That brings up the question of who was involved in this matter. Or if Alex was actually the one who did this?

"I tell you, Headmaster, it would be wise to end this trial soon and send the boy away. He is dangerous to other students." Hearing the Vice Principal Abeth's words, Hector raised his brows,

"Are you fearing him when I am around?" Hector asked, confident in his status as a Seven-star mage.

Abeth fumbled with his words but soon responded, "It's not like that, sir, but confrontation might harm the students, emotionally."

"They are potential warriors, aiming to become someone who can be a shield for their motherland. If they can't tolerate a few battles, then I guess the responsibility befalls us to teach them better." Hector's words silenced the green-haired man.

Hector didn't say anything other than that, and soon they both reached the common hall. The students have gathered here and it was Hector's decision to let them attend this trial.

If Alex is proven to be guilty, then the others could know the punishment they might have to face, in case they try imitating the crime. If Alex is proven innocent, then at least no one will treat him badly in the future.

"Good morning, sir." The familiar black-haired student and the pride of the Soulforge Academy greeted him.

"Edric, how have you been?" Hector was fond of this child because of his humble attitude and despite his strength, how modest he always sounded.

"I-I am good... um...can I know what will happen to Alex if he is proven guilty here?" Hector raised his brows as he looked at the boy in amazement. This much nervousness was something he expected from Alex's childhood friend. However, when he looked at Celestria he was thoroughly surprised to see her indifferently staring towards her front.

'Did she pass her judgement even before the trial?' He wondered as he responded to his student,

"He will be sent to Capital, and the King would decide the appropriate punishment if Alex actually did summon that beast." He spoke the last of those a little aloud for everyone around to hear.

It was then that the footsteps of two individuals rang inside the common hall, and Hector turned towards the entrance.

The silver-haired youth walked slowly a few meters behind the administrative officer.

Many from the crowd taunted and announced their displeasure towards Alex.

Hector didn't say anything regarding that and first allowed Alex to arrive before him.

The officer stepped aside, and Alex finally was standing in the middle of the room, looked at by several gazes.

Silence befell the common hall as the Headmaster began, "Today, we are holding this trial to ascertain the actual culprit behind the incident that occurred tomorrow. For fair judgment, I would ask you not to use any kind of spell during the trial."

With his gaze turning icy, he added, "Those who interrupt the trials would be seen as an accomplice, so beware."

No one responded, allowing Hector to start with the inquiry.

"First, sit down." Alex nodded and climbed the stairs to sit on the chair, resting on a raised platform so he could be seen by everyone in the hall.

Alex didn't look nervous, unlike what Hector expected from this student. He was aware of every student's behaviour pattern, and currently, Alex was not being himself. But, from the point of view of this trial, it was good.

"So, Alex, tell me," The oldest one in the hall began, ", were you the one who summoned that Soulless?"

"No," His answer was quick and something which almost everyone expected, "I was tricked into going there just at the moment when that Soulless appeared."

People began to murmur hearing that, but Hector's booming voice brought a halt to their whispers,

"Can you tell me why you went there and if there is someone behind the incident you suspect?"

Alex heaved a sigh, before nodding, "Yes, I do. But before that, I would like to tell you something that has been happening to me for the past few days and how it is related to the incident."

Hector was slightly surprised at how calm and composed Alex sounded. However, since he couldn't sense a lie from the boy, he nodded for him to continue,

"Go on,"

Alex took another big breath, looked at his fingers and started, "For some days...I have been stalked."

Many gasped, and scoffed; feeling that Alex was making up a story now, however, he continued,

"I have been stalked but the person didn't harm me...they were just keeping an eye on me. Reason, I came to know just two days ago when I found a book of dark rituals in my bag."

"Hmm?" Hector was astounded to hear that, and not only him but many had a similar reaction. However, many students still believe that Alex was weaving a story to find a way out—however, those students don't know that the Headmaster has the skill to detect lies. That's why, Hector didn't interrupt him.

On the other side, Celestria was frowning; she also had seen the book of rituals in his bag the day before yesterday.

'So...now he is going to blame Edric for it?' She couldn't help but clench her fist knowing Edric was going to get involved in this trial.

However, the moment Alex opened his mouth, Celestria's mouth parted in shock,

"The one who gave me that book...is none other than the Vice-Headmaster Abeth!"

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A/N:- Add the book to your collection.