Saw The Bait, Believe The Bait, Observed The Bait

"In a world saturated with magic, a wondrous gift has been bestowed upon humanity. Known as the Elemental Core, it resides within the depths of their hearts, pulsating with magical mana. When individuals come of age – typically around fifteen – their Core awakens, becoming imbued with active magical elements."

"The God Blessing Ritual is a customary event that takes place when an individual turns fifteen".

"During this ritual, the person's soul is transferred to a realm where time stands still and the surroundings are indistinct. It is in this realm that they encounter The Unknown Creature, which evaluates the depths of their heart and provides a glimpse into their soul's potential future".

" Based on this judgment, the individual is either blessed or not."

" In a realm of enchantment exists The Aetheria, a nation distinguished by its formidable military prowess".

"Over time, this country has emerged victorious in numerous conflicts, expanding its influence and now laying claim to a significant portion of the world's landmass."

" Confidently, the belief echoed that a formidable army required the birth of a powerful magician, and The Academy stood as the crucible where such strength was forged."

" The Aetheria had 3 academies that produced a great magician, and these 3 academies were under the influence of The Great Tower of Magician (TGTM)."

" Moreover, The Great Tower of Magician is where every genius amongst geniuses, prodigy amongst prodigies from every city of The Aetheria- City of machinery, Burge. City of mountains of volcano, Eldora. City of Elf, Duskwood Isle. City of Dessert, Emberfall. City of Light, Luminara Citadel. City of Glacier, Glacial Haven. City of Rainforest, Serpent's Coil. The Flying City, Azure Skyland. City of Moon, Night Reigns. Lastly, the City of Serene Wind, Whisperwind."

" Therefore, those three academies were the only academies that worked in this Country named The Aetheria".

"This academy is Harbult Academy, which is located in the City of Light, Luminara Citadel. Then, Celestria is located in The Flying City, Azure Skyland. Lastly, Frostholm is located in the City of Glacier, Glacial Haven."

" Maintaining a good reputation is challenging for the sole branch of a powerful country".

"Therefore, the academies are led by competent headmasters who are part of The Great Tower of Magician, a group of exceptionally talented individuals."

...

A person audibly exhaled, letting out a sigh.

This person, this boy was pondered silently.

His face wore the enthusiasm of a sloth on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Yet, His presence wrapped around like a warm blanket as the day bid farewell in the hues of sunset.

" Such a boring history book... not worth for my coffee... well, it is me the one that being curious about the book".

"Sighs... I wish it was raining on the outside, but this summer is suffering me... I hate, summer".

Savoring the last sips of coffee, he gazed out the window, captivated by the scenic beauty unfolding before him.

"Aetheria, a ritual, magical core... Sighs...". He was scratching his head in due to boredom.

"Others seem very exciting, well... it is a class works... I need to act like I don't know a damn thing about the historical...". He glanced to his left and noticed his classmates calmly engrossed in their books.

"I mean, how come someone doesn't know about their country's history, their kingdom's history...It is being thought when they reach the age of 10...". He shook his head slightly in small disappointment.

"Historical section was indeed making my eyelids heavy as the metal".

"How dare...Miss Lunar put me in the historical section...". With a deliberate grace, he completed his coffee, placing the cup gently on the right side of his table.

Let out a small sigh.

The boy has long black hair and is wearing a silver cloak. Underneath, he is dressed in a black classical shirt and matching pants.

He sat comfortably on the old chair, with his right hand resting on his cheek and shaping a knuckle. His elbow was propped up on the old table.

On the left side, there were neatly arranged books, ready to be read.

There are a few cups of coffee on his right, one of which is empty as it has been finished.

There was a candle on the wall in front of his table, with a big window on his right side offering a beautiful view outside.

The candle was put on a beautiful and lavish holder,

Which is, the holder has ornate details with intricate patterns made from brass.

"Why would a candle light up when the sun was radiating all the room, in each corner there is no darkness..." Lucian fixed his gaze on the candle.

"Oh... maybe due to symbolic or artistic reasons".

"Miss Lunar sure had a great taste...".

"Candle in the daylight...". Lucian let out a small smile.

A subtle crescent of joy played upon his lips, a small smile that whispered volumes in its quiet radiance.

"Resilience...hope...".

"Poor candle...being persistent light in the face of external brightness".

"Sighs...".

...

He smiled.

The imagery of his beauty likened to a daisy and the seriousness in his gaze compared to a sunflower is quite vivid. The changing atmosphere with the sunlight and dimming candles adds a layer of ambiance.

"Should I take another sip of coffee? Or should I read another book? Or should I turn to a new page? Maybe... I should fall a deep sleep, this sun...was comforting after all".

"Pardon me, I no longer hate summer".

He reclined in the chair, arms lightened, hands resting on his stomach. Legs stretched, one above the other, he tilted his head slightly, embracing a moment of repose.

Slowly succumbing to drowsiness, his eyelids weighed heavily, and he drifted into a peaceful nap.

His existence exuded beauty and comfort, akin to flowers in full bloom basking in the radiant warmth of the sun.

Suddenly, the window opened a bit. As a result, it is allowing a wind breeze to enter the room, as Lucian is on the side of the window, he is hit by the wind peacefully, he won't wake as it is comforting. Yet, his hair flew freely, beautifully, gorgeously as it smelled like a flower too.

As the moment the candlelight instantly flickered, bowing out with a dramatic dance of shadow,

...

Back into the past few days.

The scene of Julius and Michael's interrogation.

The sound of the door being knocked.

As the door opened, a guy in a red cloak took a peek.

"Sir, the detective wants to meet you".

As Michael glanced at the door, he let out a small frustration.

"Tch!...".

Michael woke slowly and headed towards the door.

Julius, a young boy, was left alone in the room. His face showed signs of trauma, fear, and slight trembling as he overthought about his fate, reality, and the decision he had to make.

He sat on an old chair with an empty table in front of him, a place for interrogation.

His gaze was down in despair.

Julius pondered silently in regrets, he was scratching his head due to trying too much effort to remember something vaguely into vividly.

"I saw the killer...but I can't remember him... I saw his shadow, but it was vague...".

"But...why did I say it was him?.. Arghh! This is hurting my brain... I was confident it was him... But who is he?".

Julius was lost in deep contemplation, his mind awash with numerous vivid yet unreal images.

"Is he...him...me?".

"I killed those children...me...I'm a killer! Murderer!".

He shouted and repeatedly stomped his head on the table until it started bleeding.

"No...no...no...no...no, no, no, no! No! No!".

Now, he felt his mind race with false images, a consequence of Lucian manipulating his perception.

Yes, his mind was racing as fast as his heartbeat.

"Father...help...".

"Mom...forgive me".

It seems like he paused, resting on the chair, tears gently streaming down.

"Lord...please forgive me".

Sobbed.

He closed his eyes, tears fell like a light rain.

The conversation between the detective and Michael.

"Hello there, mr. Michael isn't it?".

"I'm Bryan Dwen".

The detective in his mid-30 years extended his hand lightly for a handshake.

Michael glances at his hand and does not respond to the handshake, he is impolite toward the detective.

"Oh...". The detective pulled back his hand as he was ashamed, and a bit disappointed due to his handshake being rejected.

"Tell me". Michael's tone was impolite, as his expression was serious.

The detective responded cautiously, his thumb scratching the side of his forehead in contemplation.

"S-sure...".

"Looks, for the evidence I've gathered for the first case...was none".

"But I was confident it was a genocide, but... The one who did it no longer exists in this world... He died alongside the other victims".

Michael's response conveyed a mix of disgust and fury. He held his forehead with his thumb and pointing finger, seemingly experiencing a headache.

"But still...there is no evidence"

"This is why... I asked for a noble detective! but a commoner... Sighs...".

"You just spouting nonsense!". His eyes widened, fingers clenched, and one hand pointed accusingly at the poor detective.

Despite the detective's attempts to persuade Michael, his deep-seated beliefs and disdain for commoners rendered the detective's efforts futile.

"Believe me...If you don't, you will move accordingly to the one who's behind everything".

"I've done with my research, I inspected everything...the background of those victims".

"The method of killing those victims, for a mere normal person that doesn't know where to look...it was a perfect suicidal, genocide".

"But for me, in my belief, there is no perfection in crimes, every crime has flaws, as you know where to look at it".

"The smallest details will be the largest details if you know how to use your logic".

The detective hardly tried to convince, yet... It was in vain, exactly like pouring water on yam leaves.

Suddenly, Michael clenched his hand into a tight fist, shaping a knuckle, then punched the wall beside the hallway, leaving a wide, big, and noticeable crack in the wall.

"This...that...this...that..."

"Evidence?".

"Nothing".

"You just overthinking!".

"Stop acting like you are a genius".

"A commoner, that not having a rank up in his career, spouting nonsense and acting like he was intellectual".

"Disappointment!".

"I asked for a noble detective that can guide me!... But, you? Why would you come?".

Michael shook his head in disappointment.

"The MIT must have a beef with me".

Michael's eyebrows curled down as he was furious, clenching his teeth tightly, as his eyes were glowing in flames.

Then, the detective spoke once again.

"But...the second case-".

Suddenly, a loud sound of heavy stomps echoed from the interrogation room.

"?!"

...