Chapter 56. Another
Professor Avoor stood with his fists clenched, his orange hair rustling in the faint breeze. His gaze darted over the surface of the dome as frustration grew within him. "Why Leonhardt?" he muttered, half to himself. "This feels too elaborate. Too organized. It’s bigger for just one guy."
Gidon folded his arms tightly. "We already know there were assassination attempts on Leonhardt last month—disguised as bandits. We’ve suspected this was coming." His words struck a nerve, and the professors exchanged grim, knowing glances. They had all suspected the attack had been deliberate, but without evidence, they had remained quiet about it.
Vaelem adjusted his glasses. "Even if that’s true, this isn’t about one person anymore. There are fifty students inside, not just Leonhardt. Why trap them all if he’s the only target?"
Principal Veymoor, standing tall despite his years, stared directly at the dome’s surface. His long cloak shifted slightly in the wind as he spoke in a low, deliberate tone. "This isn’t about one target," he said.
"Its terrorism."
The crowd became silent, taken aback by the burden of the statement by the principal. Eyes popped in shock, and for the briefest instant, no one uttered a word. Even the wind hesitated.
"You’re right, Sir Principal."
All heads turned as Volkhardt approached. Beside him walked Erin, Secretary Liora, and several senior staff members followed closely, their expressions grave.
"This isn’t just an attack on a student," Volkhardt continued, his tone calm but cutting. "This is an attack on the academy itself. A statement, designed to terrify and destroy." His gaze sharpened. "And someone wants us to watch it happen."
Gidon stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "But who? What kind of organization has this kind of power?"
Liora spoke next, her voice brisk and direct. "Right now, that’s not our priority," she said. "Fifty students are trapped in there. Our focus is rescuing them and eliminating the caster of this ritual."