Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“Seryel has already informed us about everything. You won’t be attending this school any longer,” Sienna declared.

“Don’t be so hasty,” Jake shot back. “You may teach students, but you aren’t part of the school administration, now are you?”

“What did you say?”

“Do you have any idea how much House Ardius contributes to this school? We provide more support than ten first-class noble houses combined. Do you honestly believe they would expel me over this?”

Noble schools operated financial aid systems, but magic schools were particularly wealthy. Cutting-edge equipment has always been essential for academic improvement, whereas schools with outdated systems faced reduced competitiveness. The potential loss of prestige was a serious concern that could dissuade skilled students from enrolling at the Alpheas School of Magic.

Thad, an alumnus of the institution, understood the severity of this issue. The financial repercussions of losing support from Jake’s affluent family would indeed be catastrophic for the school.

“Professor Sienna, perhaps discussing expulsion is premature. Shouldn’t such decisions be made by the disciplinary committee following proper protocol?” he suggested cautiously.

“No, he deserves to be expelled. If not, I’d have no face to show the students who have suffered because of Jake. If I can’t enforce that, then I will resign as a professor,” she declared resolutely.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Thad was unsure how to proceed.

Sienna, despite her standoffish manner, was known for her exceptional magic aptitude and had a reputation that was recognized throughout the kingdom’s schools of magic.

Jake’s response came with a scornful laugh. “You’re going to quit? Bring it on! Let’s see which one of us leaves this school first!”

Even as frosty tendrils of ice surged from Sienna’s shoulders, his provocations persisted.

“Without noble support, where will your salaries come from? I’ve heard that professors’ salaries are significantly higher than those of certified mages. How will the school library acquire books? What about constructing the training grounds? And the costly magic devices? In the end, everything boils down to money. Money can do anything.”

At that moment, with a gesture from Sienna, a frigid circle expanded from Jake. The air cooled rapidly as formidable ice thorns hurtled toward him.

Jake grunted, narrowly avoiding the thorns as they rushed past, missing his body by inches as he shielded his face with his arms. The thorns shot past him, targeting his face, shoulders, and sides, and they even threaded through the space between his legs. Miraculously, not a single one made contact.

Sirone felt a chill run through him. Amazing...

Ice tornado was a spell that froze the wind itself. The fact that it hadn’t harmed Jake was a testament to Sienna’s precise molecular-level control over the freezing process.

Sienna stepped closer, her voice severe. “How dare a student lecture a professor. There are countless things in this world that money can’t buy.”

Jake’s nostrils flared defiantly. There is nothing in this world that money can’t buy. He had seen even the most noble individuals succumb to their basest instincts when faced with enough wealth.

“Like what? What can’t be bought?” he grumbled.

“Talent,” Sienna replied. “Integrity in action. The character to serve others. Unyielding convictions. Wisdom that illuminates the world. Bonds of friendship that endure through life’s trials. Relentless effort. The determination to overcome evil.”

Jake clenched his teeth. Why was she tormenting him so? He appeared willing to spend any sum to silence her, if only that were possible.

“Those foolish things—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Sienna’s quick flick of her finger unleashed the ice tornado. The Ardius boy cried out as the ice shards bombarded him, instilling a crippling fear that sealed his eyes shut.

“Do you understand now, Jake? Money can’t buy everything. That’s why you’re left with nothing,” the frosty professor said as she grasped his collar.

Jake emitted a strained groan, unable to articulate a response.

“Don’t be mistaken. The school is not a marketplace for education. It’s a place of learning for things money can’t buy. And you have just thrown away such a precious chance. Once you leave this school, no one will offer you these lessons again.”

Trembling, the troubled student could not find the words to reply.

“You’ll be remembered as someone who was expelled from this school for the rest of your life. Sure, your family’s wealth might afford you comfort, but you’ll be haunted by the stigma of being a loser, missing out on the immense potential you could have realized. Do you understand what I’m saying? The bright future you dreamed of here will never unfold for you.”

Jake’s heart raced as the color drained from his face.

“Jake,” she said, looking at him with an expression that mixed resolve with sorrow. “Your dream ends here.”

“N-no...” His expression, previously tainted by malice, began to soften, revealing hints of a boy’s innocence once again. Tears streamed down his face as he shook with a mix of fear and frustration. “N-no,” he whispered, the harsh truth settling in.

I can’t ruin my life like this... He had only dared to break the rules because he was sheltered within the school’s walls, but outside, in the real world, no one would empathize with him blaming the school. I’d just be a loser.

With a heavy thud, he collapsed to his knees. “I was wrong, Professor.”

A professor respected throughout the kingdom was ready to resign to ensure his expulsion. The verdict had long since been sealed. Jake’s emotional defenses shattered as he fell to the ground, his cheeks streaked with tears.

“I can’t be expelled. Please give me another chance. I promise I’ll never do something like this again. I’ll study diligently.”

Even Sirone and Amy were taken aback by this turn of events. The fear of having one’s dreams crushed was a sentiment that even the students at a magic school could grasp, even if they had not personally faced such a prospect.

Sienna extended her hand to Jake, helping him to his feet.

“When the disciplinary committee convenes, admit your mistakes sincerely. Show them your resolve to make amends. If you can promise that, I’ll support you.”

“Yes... I’ll do that, Professor.” he pledged, nodding fervently like someone grasping for salvation.

Watching Jake, Sirone had an epiphany. There were things in the world that money couldn’t buy. No matter how affluent one’s background, achieving one’s aspirations was dependent on personal strength.

Regardless of common or noble birth, the aspirations we hold dear and the dreams we reach in our hearts are priceless.

***

The Dark Magicians were held in the detention hall for treatment. The disciplinary committee was to meet the following day, and Sirone, Amy, and Seryel had gathered with the professors. While Thad drafted their statement, Sirone recounted how they had overcome the Dark Magicians. The professors listened, overwhelmed by the tale.

“What? You used your Spirit Zone to counteract anti-magic?” one of them asked incredulously.

“Yes. I was in Professor Etala’s class the other day and learned that anti-magic is like a mental tug-of-war for a mage. I instinctively used the defense Spirit Zone form to defend myself.”

The professors were rendered speechless. Though the Dark Magicians weren’t specialists in anti-magic, it was still astonishing to hear that Sirone had suppressed the attack of five of them simultaneously. This feat would have been impossible unless Sirone’s Spirit Zone was much stronger than the combined power of all five.

Suddenly, Sienna’s expression turned serious as she leaned in toward Sirone. After briefly observing his pupils, she let out a relieved sigh and said, “You must never do that again. Anti-magic is far more dangerous than you think. You were fortunate this time, but you could end up unable to use magic if you’re not careful.”

Even the strong-hearted Sirone felt a shiver of anxiety upon hearing such a stark warning from her. Admittedly, there was a sense of recklessness at the time, driven by his need to protect Amy.

She also seemed to realize how dangerous the situation could have been, as she discreetly avoided eye contact. I feel so guilty.

As the students showed signs of reflection, Sienna rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. “Hmm...” she murmured.

Nonetheless, suppressing anti-magic was an impressive feat. I already knew he had exceptional stamina from the entrance test, but to think it would be to this extent...

Thad was surprised as well, but he refrained from offering praise, especially in front of Sienna. After all, their actions, however impressive, were not without recklessness.

“Sirone, why didn’t you report this incident immediately? If something had happened, you should have informed a professor right away. Whether it was arrogance or recklessness, going alone to rescue an upperclassman, especially one in a much higher class than you, does not make any sense.”

This time, Sienna nodded in agreement. Since the matter was serious, they needed to clear up the suspicions and move on.

“Professor Thad is right. Why did you take such a risk?”

Sirone and Amy exchanged a glance, sharing a silent understanding. They had fought a battle to save each other, forming a camaraderie that they hadn’t experienced before.

Sienna pressed further, “Hurry and tell us. You mustn’t hide anything. Many students were hurt in this incident.”

Seryel, standing to the side, waited anxiously, her mind racing with possibilities of the secrets they held.

Amy let out a resigned sigh and finally blurted, “All right. I’ll tell you the truth.”

Sirone also believed it was the right decision. It would be easier for Amy to speak if she edited out the most crucial parts to avoid disadvantaging herself.

This might reveal my commoner background, but it’s bound to come out eventually. Though, I don’t know how much the headmaster has already shared with them.

However, judging by their reactions, it appeared that Thad and Sienna had not been informed yet.

“In truth...” Amy began, her words met by the focused gazes of those present, scratching her head with a bright smile. “Sirone and I are actually dating.”

“Wh-what?”

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. And while no shouts were heard, it was clear that Sirone was the most taken aback of all.

Thad, incredulous, demanded more information. “Since when? Everyone knows you’ve never shown an interest in dating. And Sirone is a freshman who just joined this school a few days ago.”

“We first met when we were kids. It seems fate has brought us back together at this school. It’s quite a common tale.” Amy laughed, casually trying to brush it off. Yeah, this will suffice…

She was about to move up to the graduating class, so the chances of bumping into Sirone would be slim. Although there might be some gossip for a while, no boys would bother her, so it wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

On the other hand, Sirone’s heart pounded. What is she thinking? He knew it was a lie to address the situation at hand, but he couldn’t even begin to imagine the backlash that would follow.

With a twinkle in her eyes and a forced smile, Amy turned to Sirone and asked, “Isn’t that right?”

Knowing her personality, he nodded with a feeling of impending doom. “Yes, that’s right.”

Seryel clapped her hands to her face, her shock turning into excitement. “Oh my gosh! No way! I’m completely shocked. No, I’m moved! So that’s what it has been all along?” Her speech quickened with her mounting enthusiasm. “I knew it from the first day you saw Sirone! It’s no surprise that you were solely focused on matters concerning him! When did you two start dating? Who confessed first?”

Seryel, Amy’s only confidante, inadvertently convinced the professors, who now cast aside any doubts they had.

The notion that Sirone and Amy had confronted the Dark Magicians to save one another as a couple seemed believable enough.

Thad, after processing the unexpected development, penned their official statement.

—Sirone and Amy, the victims of this incident, are, well, in a healthy relationship...

***

The rumors spread like wildfire throughout the Alpheas School of Magic. Not a single student was unaware of Sirone and Amy’s supposed romantic entanglement. While the posters contributed, it was really Seryel’s penchant for dramatic storytelling that captured everyone’s imagination.

Sirone had heroically infiltrated enemy lines to rescue Amy. Despite the Dark Magicians’ anti-magic, they were said to have prevailed through the power of love. The story claimed that even the villainous leader, Jake, was so moved by Sirone’s steely gaze that he broke down in tears and begged for mercy. The pinnacle of the tale was a moonlit kiss they shared in the mountains.

“Seryel! I’m going to kill you! What kind of rumors have you been spreading?”

Seryel chuckled mischievously. “Why? Isn’t it close to the truth?”

“It’s nowhere near the truth! When have Sirone and I ever kissed?”

“Oh, come on! If you’re in a relationship, surely you’ve kissed at least once, right? Stories need that level of detail for immersion!”

“Are you writing a novel? When has immersion ever been important in gossip?”

“Regardless, it all worked out for the best, didn’t it? Thanks to my ‘immersion,’ those bothersome boys have stopped bothering you completely.”