Chapter 36: Terrorist

|I finally had proper sleep in like 50 hours, that's why I didn't write a chapter yesterday, sorry. |

3rd Person POV

The sun cast its golden rays over the grand courtyard of Centralia Academy of Light, where a mass of students and nobles had gathered for the long-awaited opening ceremony.

Among them was Prince Cedric, a candidate for being the heir to the throne of the southern empire, resplendent in his royal attire. Beside him walked his friend Henry, a boy his age, who had once been a slave in the prince's household until he was recently granted full freedom.

As they made their way through the bustling crowd, Cedric couldn't help but notice the curious glances directed their way. It wasn't unusual for the prince to attract attention, but today it seemed as though the scrutiny extended to Henry as well. 

"They say Cedric was chosen as the hero," one onlooker murmured to another, "But what about him? The white hair...the darker skin tone...it can't be, right?"

"I heard he's a former slave," their friend replied, "And with those features...it can only be from one bloodline."

Cedric's jaw tensed at the words, his gaze hardening as he felt the weight of judgment bearing down upon his friend. Henry, however, remained unfazed, his expression stoic as he walked beside the prince.

Ignoring the murmurs around them, Cedric and Henry continued their journey through the academy grounds. The air was charged with anticipation, the atmosphere crackling with magic as students showcased their talents and abilities.

*****

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, welcome to the Centralia Academy of Light," the headmaster announced, his words ringing out across the courtyard, "Today marks the beginning of a journey...a journey of discovery, of growth, and of mastery..."

Cedric listened intently, his eyes fixed on the headmaster as he spoke of the academy's esteemed history and its commitment to excellence. Beside him, Henry stood with quiet reverence, his gaze distant yet focused on the headmaster...as if he didn't want to acknowledge the words that were being spread around him.

"They let him in? Why would they accept someone like him?"

"I heard he's only here because of the prince. No way he passed the entrance exams on his own."

The words struck Cedric like a blow to the chest, igniting a flicker of anger within him. As he watched Henry walk through the crowd after the opening speech, Cedric couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. The students' skepticism was palpable, their distrust of Henry evident in their sidelong glances and hushed conversations.

"He's a descendant of Sam Wyatt, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he's probably meeting up with demon worshippers as we speak."

"What if he's a danger to us all? What if he's here to bring about the return of the demons?"

Cedric gritted his teeth at the mention of Henry's lineage, the weight of history bearing down upon them both. The descendants of Sam Wyatt were viewed with suspicion and mistrust, their very presence a reminder of a dark chapter in the world's past.

Cedric wants to change this perception, but it will take time, so he knows he can't do anything yet. They already lost Perseus to the world...even if some doubt his death, it still doesn't change that his life was spared, whether permanently or temporarily, only because he ran away.

How could they judge Henry based on nothing more than rumors and conjecture? How could they cast doubt upon his worth without even giving him a chance to prove himself? Even the few commoners who were there refused to meet his eye.

Isn't this a prestigious academy? Why does prejudice still continue to exist and be tolerated at such an institution?

*****

The Centralia Academy of Light was abuzz with excitement as students filled the halls, but then, without warning, chaos erupted.

A deafening explosion shattered the tranquility of the academy, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Students screamed and scattered in all directions, their panicked screams echoing off the walls as they fled from the source of the blast.

Cedric's heart hammered in his chest as he stumbled through the smoke-filled corridors, his mind reeling with confusion and fear. 

"Get out! We need to get out of here!" he shouted and grabbed Henry, his voice drowned out by the screams and alarms.

With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Cedric fought against the tide of panicked students, pushing his way through the chaos in search of an escape route. Smoke was everywhere around him, stinging his eyes and choking his lungs, but still, he pressed on, driven by instinct and desperation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cedric burst through the shattered entrance of the academy, gasping for breath as he stumbled out into the cool air. The courtyard was a scene of pandemonium, with students and faculty alike frantically searching for safety amidst the chaos.

But even as he struggled to catch his breath, Cedric's thoughts were consumed by one burning question: who could have orchestrated such a heinous act of violence?

His answer came sooner than he expected.

Amidst the chaos, a figure appeared with a microphone and stood on a spire of a nearby building, their face obscured by a mask as they brandished a weapon in the air.

"I am the voice of the forgotten, the one who was cast aside by this academy and left to rot in the shadows," the terrorist declared, their voice echoing across the courtyard., "You elites may have your fancy degrees and noble titles, but what about the rest of us? What about the commoners who were never given a chance?"

Cedric's blood ran cold as he listened to the terrorist's words, their voice filled with rage and resentment.

"I did everything for you!" the terrorist shouted, "And I was unfairly expelled for something I didn't do...well...I hope that you'll enjoy the rest of your days, because I will come back and finish you all."

Within a blink of an eye, the terrorist disappeared from everyone's sight as the teachers finally arrived on the scene after rescuing the students from inside the academy.