The Investigation:
The Academy was swarming with investigators. Because the "Alpha's" divine pressure had knocked out 99% of the population, the memory of the event was a blurred mess. The global broadcast had cut to static the moment Alex stepped forward, leaving only a few seconds of footage showing a tall figure with a shifting, pitch-black helmet made of smoke and shadows.
The Association HQ (Meeting Room):
The Grand Commander sat at a table, his head bandaged. He was staring at a frozen frame of the "Dark-Helmed Figure."
Grand Commander: "We've analyzed the mana signature. It's... empty. It's like a hole in reality. One second, the Alpha's beam was about to erase the city, and the next, this... thing... appeared, absorbed the attack, and neutralized the threats."
Staff Member: "Sir, what about the students? A few students were seen standing near the churro stand when the smoke cleared."
Grand Commander: (Scoffing) "They were probably just paralyzed by fear or lucky enough to be in a dead zone of the pressure. I don't care about students. Find me that 'Shadow Knight.' If he can catch a Level 8 spell with one hand, he's either the greatest ally we have... or the end of us."
Back at the Academy (The Aftermath):
The school was closed for "repairs" (mostly psychological). Alex, Allen, Serina, and Evelyn were walking through the quiet streets.
Alex: (Taking off his hoodie, looking at a small burn mark) "Man, that 'Shadow Helmet' trick is itchy. Note to self: next time, use a lighter mana density for headgear."
Serina: (Glaring at him) "You realize you're the most wanted 'Anomaly' on the planet right now? The news is calling you 'The Void Guardian' or 'The Midnight Executioner.' It's so edgy it's embarrassing."
Alex: "I prefer 'The Snack Protector,' but hey, the media loves drama."
Allen: (Busy checking his phone) "Guys, the internet is back up! And look—the Association is offering a 5-billion-credit reward for any information on the 'Shadow Figure'."
Alex: (Eyes lighting up) "Five billion? Allen, do you think if I turn myself in, they'll let me keep the money?"
Allen: "They'd probably put you in a cage made of holy silver and poke you with sticks for science, Alex."
Alex: "Fair point. Never mind."
The Awkward Tension:
Evelyn was walking slightly behind them. She was the only one (besides the siblings) who actually knew it was Alex. She had seen him summon that helmet. She had felt his hand when it wasn't covered in shadow.
Every time Alex laughed, she felt a weird "spark" in her chest, but she immediately suppressed it, her face turning stone-cold.
Evelyn's Thoughts: Stay calm, Evelyn. He's just a roommate. A lazy, annoying roommate who happens to be a world-ending deity. It's... it's basically like having a weird pet. Yeah. A very powerful, very handsome... no! Just a pet!
Serina: (Slowing down to walk next to her, whispering) "You're doing that thing again."
Evelyn: (Jumping) "What thing?!"
Serina: "The thing where you stare at the back of his head and look like you're trying to solve a complex math equation with your heart. Give it a rest, Evie. He's an idiot. A powerful one, but an idiot."
Evelyn: "I'm just... observing his mana recovery! For... safety reasons!" 😑
Serina: "Sure. And I'm the Queen of the Moon. 😑"
The Cliffhanger:
They reached their house, but something was off. The front door was slightly ajar.
Alex's playful attitude vanished. He stepped in front of the group, his shadow stretching out across the driveway like a hungry beast.
Alex: (Voice low and dangerous) "Allen. Get the girls inside the barrier. Now."
Standing in their living room was Lucian, but he wasn't wearing his school uniform. He was wearing the formal black-and-gold robes of a High Council High Inquisitor. He was holding a small, glowing crystal that was vibrating in harmony with the air.
Lucian: "Don't bother with the act, Alex. The helmet was a nice touch, but you forgot one thing..."
Lucian pointed to the floor, where a single, half-eaten glowing churro lay—the one Alex had dropped.
Lucian: "Only one being in existence can infuse an object with that much Primordial Mana without it exploding. I'm not here to fight you. I'm here because the Council wants to make a deal... Lord Alpha."
Alex: (Staring at Lucian, a dark smirk slowly forming) "Lord Alpha? Man, I told you... I hate that name. It's so tacky."
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