Professor Sariel's funeral took place in the main square of the academy. All students were required to attend to honor his service to the Empire.
As Kael walked among the other students, he wondered if death was truly the end or merely the beginning of another journey.
The square was silent except for the faint rustle of uniforms and the whispering wind carrying the scent of rain. Just as Kael was about to take his place in the rows before the podium, he noticed Zaros standing apart from the others, looking grim and withdrawn.
Kael gently pushed his way through the crowd until he reached Zaros. "Yo," he said quietly.
Zaros turned his head, and despite the heaviness in his eyes, a faint smile crossed his face. He raised his hand, and Kael met it with their usual handshake. The familiar rhythm of it grounded them both for a moment.
Then, Kael's expression softened.
"I heard Professor Sariel was one of your instructors," he said quietly. "I'm sorry."
Zaros exhaled, the sound heavy with grief. "Yes, he was a good man. Always patient. Always ready to help. I still can't believe he's gone. Murdered... here, of all places."
Kael placed a steady hand on his shoulder. "I know," he murmured. "Some things aren't meant to be understood. Only endured."
Their conversation ended when a man stepped onto the podium. He was young, and his features were calm yet marked by authority. His presence wasn't loud or commanding, yet something about him demanded silence.
The murmurs across the square died instantly.
"The vice headmaster," Zaros whispered, letting out a low whistle. "Wow, he really is as young as everyone says."
"He doesn't look particularly strong or powerful," Kael murmured, studying the man on the podium.
"Don't let appearances fool you," Zaros warned in a hushed, serious tone. "That man handles nearly every internal and external affair of this academy. If anyone knows what truly goes on here, it's him."
The vice headmaster, Selen, as Kael recalled, stepped closer to the podium. His dark uniform gleamed faintly in the morning light, and his posture was composed—almost too perfect. When he spoke, his voice carried effortlessly through the air, calm yet commanding.
"Dear students and staff, we have gathered here today to mourn the loss of one of our most esteemed professors, Professor Sariel. His passing is a wound to this academy, to our Empire, and to every mind he helped shape."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The one responsible for this tragedy will be found," he continued, his tone sharpening like a drawn blade. "And when they are found, justice will be served. I swear this on my name."
Kael felt a strange chill. Selen's words weren't loud or dramatic, yet they carried an uncanny weight—persuasive and almost hypnotic.
For a moment, Kael found himself holding his breath.
Selen continued, his voice steady and unnervingly calm. "This academy stands for strength, adaptability, and honor. We are the hope this empire needs, and you are the seeds that will sprout and flourish under our care. This incident will not happen again. Not if I must eradicate the entire outer district to root out the rats rustling in the shadows."
"Eradicate the outer district?" The phrase hit Kael like a cold wind, breaking the trance that had overtaken him. He turned toward Zaros, whose eyes were fixed on the vice headmaster as if he were caught in a net.
"What did he mean by 'eradicating the outer district'?" Kael whispered.
Zaros blinked, coming back to himself. "That's where the Empire suspects the rebels are hiding," he replied in a low voice. "At least, they think so. But it hasn't been proven yet."
Interesting, Kael thought. Unease tugged at his gut. "Still, those words are harsh, aren't they?"
Zaros's face hardened. "No, he's right. Cowards who try to harm the Empire must be driven out. If that costs blood, so be it."
Kael's frown deepened. He could hardly hide his shock. "Even if innocents are losing their lifes?"
Zaros shrugged, almost impatiently. "Sometimes sacrifice is necessary to protect the many."
Kael stared at him, horrified. "I can't believe you're saying that."
"Don't look at me as if you're judging," Zaros snapped back defensively. "Aren't you one for logic? This is pure logic, like the way the vice headmaster sees it."
"Pure logic? No, that's indifference," Kael said sharply, pointing at Selen on the podium. "He doesn't care what happens to the poor as long as his precious academy stays intact."
He turned to Zaros, his face showing his hurt. "But I never thought you'd agree with him."
Zaros's expression twisted as anger and grief fought for control. "Then tell me about Professor Sariel's death," he snapped, taking a step closer until their faces were only inches apart. "He was a good man. He was someone I could talk to. He actually listened. How is it fair that he died and those rebels walk free?"
His voice cracked on the last words, trembling between fury and pain.
Kael watched him in silence for a moment. The rage in Zaros's eyes gave way to sorrow. He finally let out a quiet breath and lowered his tone.
"He's grieving," thought Kael, feeling guilty. I'd probably feel the same if someone close to me was taken away like that.
"I'm sorry, man," Kael muttered softly. "I didn't mean it that way."
Zaros said nothing, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. They stood in silence as the last words of the vice headmaster's speech echoed over the square like a lingering shadow.
Zaros gave a tired, bitter laugh. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. It's obviously wrong to punish the outer district. I'm just so angry. I'm angry at them and at myself. I have a good life while good people around me die.
He turned to Kael, his eyes burning with a hard, solemn promise. "I swear, brother. When I'm stronger, I will end them myself."
Kael saw the steel beneath the words and felt the weight of his friend's vow. "I know," he said softly. But I'm afraid that we might end up on different sides when that day comes.
Zaros opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Lia came running up to them, breathless and urgent.
"Lia?" They both asked, surprised to see her.
"I looked for you everywhere," she panted, trying to steady her breathing. She met their gaze, her face suddenly serious. "I found something. Meet me later."
"Uh...okay," Kael managed. Zaros only nodded.
"Good. Kael, your room. Sunset." Lia said sharply, as if issuing an order. Then she turned and hurried away.
Zaros watched Lia disappear into the crowd, one brow raised. "What was that about?" he asked, amusement creeping into his tone.
Kael chuckled and shook his head. "I guess Lia's enjoying her role as detective."
Zaros grinned. "Yeah, it seems like she's getting a bit too good at it."
Kael laughed quietly. For a brief moment, the tension from before faded, replaced by the easy rhythm of their long-standing friendship. Both of them knew, however, that the peace wouldn't last long.