Chapter 98: Herecy
He stood abruptly, his presence loud in the quiet room. "I want to know why it is heresy? I’m sure some others also do wonder the same."
Rael’s head turned slowly, eyes narrowing as they landed directly on him. The room held its breath.
The instructor’s expression was unreadable. Stern, but not angry. He let the silence stretch before finally answering.
"There are two ways to gain divine energy," he said evenly. "The official method—the only one recognized by the Holy Kingdom—is to receive a blessing from the Goddess herself."
He paused, then inhaled, a heavy breath that hinted at the gravity of what he was about to say.
"The other... is to use the corpse of an angel."
Whispers rippled across the room. Vergil’s fingers curled slightly, but he didn’t speak. Not yet. He listened.
Rael stepped forward, the light catching the edge of his pale coat. "A person can refine the body of an angel into their own. Merge with it. Absorb its divine energy, and form a core capable of wielding holy might."
His tone darkened.
"But the moment someone does this, they are branded. The Holy Kingdom does not tolerate it. To them, such an act is abominable—defilement of a sacred being. They will hunt you down."
Vergil’s brows furrowed. He tilted his head slightly, his voice quieter now, but just as direct.
"What if an angel let them?"
Another ripple. A silence deeper than before. A few students turned to look at him. Others looked away. As if they knew the consequences already.
Rael’s gaze sharpened, flicking to Vergil’s like a blade drawn.
"Impossible," he said.
He walked slowly across the across. "Angels are known to be one of the most prideful beings in existence. They would disintegrate into light rather than give their body to a human."
"It’s also almost impossible to find one, and there are no records of anyone actually succeeding."
One thing that Vergil didnt know was that the Heaven refining Array would only work as long as the material accepts its master. If anyone else tried, they would be rejected and be swallowed whole — before dying a gruesome death.
"And..."
Rael stopped mid-step, his lips parted slightly as if deciding whether to continue or not.
"If one did, there may be some leniency depending on their rank and if there’s evidence to say they accepted."
Vergil gulped, taking in this newfound information.
Rank. I can use this to my advantage.
Rael’s eyes shifted, no longer just fixed on Vergil, but sweeping over the whole class.
’Why did he ask such a question?’ It couldn’t possibly be— but then again, nothing is impossible.’
’But theres no need to look into it, afterall this isn’t Aurelia or Thaelon. The rules are very different here.’
There was still one rule that Rael hadn’t mentioned to those who attend the academy or stay in Vaeloria.
’Lets see how this plays out.’
He exhaled. "That’s enough for today, you’re free to go and do as you wish. Walk the academy grounds; explore the Training Grounds, the main library or head back to your dorms. Your peers will arrive soon, if you wish to chat with them, you may do so."
His voice turned colder and quieter. "Because you won’t get the chance tommorow."
"Starting from tomorrow. You’ll have three sessions of each subject per day. Each an hour and half long. Those who show excellence may get bonus rewards such as credits and ’Special Privileges.’ Those who do not... well I won’t say"
He left the sentence unfinished, whatever he didn’t say, spoke volumes of the punishment.
"You’ll relieve your schedules, after your path decisions are finalized. I will also be reviewing all the papers myself. If I believe you’ve chosen poorly, I will call you. For a conversation."
His knuckles cracked. "And if your against it. A duel. Sometimes, my fist will tell you more than your mind ever will."
His eyes scanned the class one final time. "Any questions?"
The room remained dead silent. Even those that wanted to ask questions refrained after the lingering tension.
Vergil glanced around the room before settling on Yuna who remained motionless. Gaze forward. Face expressionless. Her hands folded on the desk with unnerving stillness.
Rael nodded, his hands clapped with an almsot thunderous sound. "Good. Your all dismissed."
The tension shattered instantly. Everyone moved, bags rustling. Voices returning in soft whispers.
Vergil didn’t move right way, he watched Rael collecting notes, his expression unreadable.
But he could see his emotions. There was definitely expectations on him. He had felt similar pressure multiple times in the past.
He knew those who expected him to fail, and even one who wanted him to succeed.
... what? Who was this? I can’t remember the person who told me to do my best?
The world went blurry for a moment. A sharp pain pierced inside before he returned to normal.
What was I thinking about? Oh yeah, about Rael.
Even if they had high hopes for him, he no longer gave a damn. He wouldn’t care what others would think about him.
All he wants to see, is where the path would lead him to.
Vergil finally rose, moving down the stairs to enter the open hallway outside. Eyes squinting from sunlight. His mind spiralled, forming ideas and bases for new plans from the newly acquired information.
He wasn’t smart. But that didn’t mean he could improve.
His footsteps echoed softly against the path. He rubbed his neck as he walked, still wondering where to go?
’Head to the cafeteria when your done.’ Vergil remembered Ray’s words.
I can’t concentrate.
Vergil exhaled through his nose.
[Don’t try to think too much for the time being.] The system chimed calmly.
[We still have more important things to deal with before that.]
Vergil didn’t respond, passing under an archway, the scent of food filling his nose had caught his attention.
’True, I’ve got a long way to go. Its only a small concern for now,’ he admitted.
’Time to find the cafeteria.’ His pace quickened. Determination returning to his stride to fill his stomach.