The next day, morning after political pressure peaked
The grand sound of trumpets and fanfares echoed throughout the Grand Academy of Magic, waking all the students from their sleep. Carsel, who had barely slept due to nightmares, woke with a pounding headache.
"What was that?" Korgan asked, rubbing his eyes.
Vex, who, as usual, was already awake and reading a dark grimoire, smiled excitedly. "A royal procession. I can feel a very powerful aura of authority approaching."
Through the cracked dormitory window, they could see four luxurious ships docked at the academy's harbor. Each ship flew a different royal flag with magnificent colors and symbols.
"Why are they coming now?" Timmy mumbled in a small voice.
"Interesting timing," Vex said with a nuanced tone. "Right after the tragedy. I wonder if they're here to capitalize on the chaos that's happened."
Carsel felt something cold spread in his stomach. Instinctively, he knew that the arrival of these nobles wouldn't bring anything good for him, especially in the current situation where he was already an academy pariah.
MAIN HALL - ROYAL RECEPTION
All students were required to gather in the Main Hall to welcome the royal guests. Headmaster Aldeon stood on the podium with a tense expression—clearly unhappy with the timing of this arrival amidst a political crisis.
"Students," his voice echoed with amplification magic, "today we have special guests. The princes and princesses from four great kingdoms will be joining our academy as students."
Excited murmurs spread among the students. Royal blood at the academy was a rare and prestigious event.
"Let us respectfully welcome: from the Kingdom of Aethermoor..."
The large doors of the Main Hall opened, and the first figure entered with a commanding aura. A 12-year-old youth with platinum blonde hair and cold, ice-like silver eyes. He wore a white robe with gold embroidery that denoted his royal status.
"Prince Aldric von Aethermoor."
Loud applause greeted him, but there was something unsettling about the thin smile on Prince Aldric's face. His eyes swept the room with a calculating gaze, as if already assessing each student as a potential ally or threat.
When his gaze fell on the Onyx section where Carsel sat, the smile widened slightly—not with warmth, but with something predatory.
"From the Kingdom of Valdoria..."
A girl entered with a regal posture and sharp eyes. Her auburn hair was elaborately braided, and her burgundy dress showcased the Valdoria family's wealth and power.
"Princess Seraphina von Valdoria."
She moved with a calculated grace, every step showing years of royal training. Her eyes also swept the room, but with a more subtle expression—a perfect poker face.
"From the Kingdom of Elaren..."
The third youth to enter had a different aura—quieter but equally dangerous. Black hair, emerald green eyes, and a charming smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Prince Lucian von Elaren."
Polite applause greeted him. Prince Lucian nodded humbly, but there was something calculating in the way he observed the students' reactions to his presence.
"And from the Kingdom of Fenris..."
The last to enter was a girl with a vibrant yet controlled energy. Dark brown hair with golden highlights, sharp amber eyes, and an aura that was wild but refined.
"Princess Lyanna von Fenris."
The four royals stood before the podium in a formation that indicated hierarchy and alliance. Prince Aldric was in the center with a natural leadership aura, Princess Seraphina next to him with a supporting but independent posture, Prince Lucian in an observant position, and Princess Lyanna slightly separated—showing that the Fenris kingdom was indeed the most independent of the four.
"They will follow the standard academy program," the Headmaster continued, "and we expect all students to treat them with proper respect."
Proper respect, Carsel thought bitterly. While I'm treated like a monster.
PRINCE ALDRIC - THE MAIN ANTAGONIST
After the ceremony, the royals were given a private tour by senior prefects. But Prince Aldric, with undeniable authority, requested to "observe student life naturally."
Which meant: hunting for a target he could manipulate.
He walked through the cafeteria with a small entourage of Ruby students eager to curry favor. His eyes observed with sharp intelligence, noting the social hierarchy and power dynamics.
"Interesting," he murmured when he saw the quiet, isolated Onyx table. "And who's sitting alone at that back table?"
"Ah, Your Highness," Marcus said with a tone full of contempt, "that's Carsel Nightshade. The... murderer who recently killed three children with his dark magic."
Prince Aldric's eyes lit up with dangerous interest. "Murderer? Tell me more."
Marcus eagerly recounted a twisted version of the tragedy that had occurred, emphasizing Carsel's recklessness and completely ignoring context or good intentions. Prince Aldric listened with a widening smile.
"Fascinating," he said in a soft but chilling tone. "So we have a dangerous dark magic user who kills innocent children, and the academy still lets him stay here?"
"Many victim families are demanding his expulsion, Your Highness. There's significant political pressure."
"I see." Prince Aldric stared at Carsel with a thoughtful and predatory expression. "And he... has no allies? Family? Protection?"
"He's an orphan, Your Highness. No one cares about him. Even his roommates are avoiding him."
Perfect. An isolated target with no political protection and already hated by everyone. Prince Aldric couldn't ask for a better opportunity.
"How... tragic," Prince Aldric said with fake sympathy. "Perhaps I should... get to know him better. After all, as a future leader, I must understand all types of people in my kingdom."
Marcus and the others didn't catch the underlying threat in that statement. They only saw a wise and compassionate royal who wanted to care for an outcast.
PRINCESS SERAPHINA - THE POLITICAL PLAYER
Meanwhile, Princess Seraphina was having tea with a select group of Sapphire and Ruby students. Her conversation was sophisticated and diplomatic, but she was constantly gathering intelligence.
"I heard there was a recent incident," she said with a concerned but curious tone. "Something about student casualties?"
"Yes, Your Highness," one of the Sapphire students replied. "Very tragic. Three children killed due to reckless magic usage."
"How terrible," Seraphina said, but her eyes were calculating. "And what measures is the academy taking to prevent future incidents?"
"Well, there are calls to expel the student responsible..."
"Ah, prevention through elimination." Seraphina sipped her tea delicately. "Sometimes necessary, though... harsh."
She paused, letting the statement hang in the air.
"Though I'm curious about... the political ramifications. Surely the victim families have... connections? Influence?"
"Oh yes, Your Highness. Merchant guilds, village councils, even some minor nobles are demanding justice."
"Interesting." Seraphina's mind was already working, calculating how she could use this situation to her family's political advantage. Chaos often creates opportunities for those smart enough to exploit them.
PRINCE LUCIAN - THE SUBTLE MANIPULATOR
Prince Lucian took a different approach. He joined a study group of advanced students, positioning himself as a humble learner eager to understand academic life.
"I've heard the academic standards here are very high," he said with carefully crafted modesty. "I hope I can keep up with the talent level here."
Students immediately reassured him, eager to impress royal blood.
"Oh, Your Highness is so humble. I'm sure the standards will be easily met."
"Though," one student said in a lowered voice, "recently there have been... concerning incidents. Makes some of us wonder about admission standards."
"Oh?" Prince Lucian's interest piqued, but he maintained an innocent expression. "What sort of incidents?"
The story about Carsel and the tragedy was told with dramatic details. Prince Lucian listened with a shocked and sympathetic expression.
"How horrible for the victim families," he said with a perfect tone of compassion. "And the student responsible... he's still here?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Many of us feel unsafe with him around."
"I can understand that concern," Prince Lucian said thoughtfully. "Safety must always be a priority in an educational environment."
The seed was planted with perfect subtlety. He didn't directly attack Carsel, but reinforced the narrative that Carsel's presence was a threat to student safety.
PRINCESS LYANNA - THE WILD CARD
Princess Lyanna took the most direct approach. She joined an outdoor training class, showing off impressive combat skills and physical prowess.
"I prefer action over politics," she said with a grin when some students complimented her abilities. "Court intrigue is boring. Give me an honest fight any day."
But behind her rough exterior, she was equally sharp at reading people and situations.
"I heard there was drama recently," she said casually while practicing weapon forms. "Someone died?"
"Three children," her training partner replied. "Killed by a dark magic accident."
"Accident or incompetence?" Lyanna asked bluntly.
"Well... both, probably. The kid responsible is apparently very reckless with dangerous magic."
"Hmm." Lyanna tested the balance of the sword in her hand. "Where I come from, recklessness that costs lives is a serious crime. Usually punishable by exile or worse."
"Many people are hoping for a similar punishment here."
"Makes sense," Lyanna said with a nod. "Can't have dangerous elements threatening innocent lives."
Her approach differed from the other three royals—no subtlety or manipulation. Just straightforward reinforcement that Carsel was a threat that needed to be dealt with.
THE CONVERGENCE
That night, the four royals met privately in their luxurious guest quarters. Although they represented different kingdoms with different interests, they recognized mutual benefit in certain situations.
"So," Prince Aldric said with a cold smile, "we're all aware of the... situation with the student named Carsel Nightshade."
"The child murderer," Princess Seraphina said in a neutral but clearly dismissive tone.
"Interesting timing for our arrival," Prince Lucian observed. "Right when the academic reputation is... vulnerable."
"Perfect opportunity," Princess Lyanna agreed straightforwardly. "Chaos can be used to establish dominance and influence."
Prince Aldric leaned forward with a predatory expression. "I propose we... take an active interest in ensuring justice for this tragedy. After all, as future leaders, we have a responsibility to protect innocent citizens."
"Agreed," Princess Seraphina said. "And if in the process we establish ourselves as leaders in the academic community..."
"Two birds, one stone," Prince Lucian finished with a satisfied smile.
"So what's the plan?" Princess Lyanna asked, always eager for action.
Prince Aldric's smile widened, and for a moment, his expression was almost demonic in the candlelight.
"Oh, I have a few ideas. Ideas that will ensure that Carsel Nightshade gets exactly what he deserves for his crimes."
"And what does he deserve?" Princess Seraphina asked with curiosity.
"Suffering," Prince Aldric answered in a soft but chilling tone. "Complete, absolute suffering. Until he's begging for mercy that will never come."
The four royals laughed in agreement, unaware that their conversation was overheard by a small shadow in the corner of the room—a shadow belonging to Vex, who was using necromancy skills to spy.
This is bad, Vex thought with genuine concern for the first time. Very, very bad for Carsel.
But when he tried to warn Carsel the next day, the damage had already begun. Prince Aldric had already started phase one of his campaign to completely destroy a child who was already sufficiently broken.
And with royal authority backing him, nothing could or would stop what was coming next.
The real nightmare had just begun for Carsel Nightshade, and this time, there would be no escape or salvation.
Only the systematic destruction of everything left of hope and humanity within a child who had already suffered too much.