Meanwhile, inside one of the integration rooms, a massive man with forearms as thick as thighs sat across from the second-year student, Momo. The insignia on his shoulder marked his rank — General Duke King, head of the second-year division.
"Of all people, it had to be Faye who stopped us," Momo muttered, frustration clear in his voice. "I did what you asked, and now I'm the one who might pay for it."
"Relax," Duke said smoothly. "Nothing will come of this. You're students — these kinds of things happen. I'll vouch for you."
"Really? So this won't come back to bite me?" Momo asked, still uneasy.
Duke stood, walked behind him, and leaned close to his ear."Of course… as long as no one learns about our little secret," he whispered with a sly smile.
Momo exhaled, tension easing. Then, after a pause, he voiced what had been gnawing at him."There's something about that Quinn Talen…"
Duke raised a brow. "What about him?"
"I'm not sure what I saw," Momo admitted, lowering his voice. "But two of my men — level fours — went up against him. Afterward, they… lost their affinity to their abilities. Just like that. I don't understand it. If that brat really has an ability, it's not one I've ever seen."
Duke's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "That's troubling. I kept those boys in reserve for a reason… for a certain man. If what you're saying is true, and that kid stripped them of their power—" He clenched a fist. "—then Quinn Talen is going to pay for it."
The students were all interviewed and that included Quin and Vorden, and finally their restrictions were finally removed.
--
The next day was a weekend for students, and they were free to do anything they wished.
But for the leaders of the school a heated discussions were going on.
A vast table dominated the centre of the chamber; its polished surface divided into two distinct halves. At the head of the table rested four imposing seats, one larger than the rest. That throne-like chair was reserved for the captain of the academy, though at present it remained conspicuously vacant.
Flanking the captain's place were the seats of the three Generals. Occupying one was Duke, the formidable head of the second-year students, his broad shoulders and massive frame radiating strength and command. Opposite him sat Nathan, general of the first-years, a man who appeared Duke's complete contrast—slender in build, bespectacled, and dressed with a casualness that bordered on insolence. His deliberate disregard for formality never failed to irritate Duke, and the silent air between them was heavy with unspoken disdain.
The third chair, belonging to the head of staff and commander over the academy's privates and instructors, was conspicuously empty as well.
The two generals waited in silence, the tension in the chamber palpable, until at last the tall double doors creaked open. Eight figures entered in measured unison, each clad in the sharp attire of military uniform, each bearing the insignia of sergeant upon their chest. Among them was Leo, the beast weapon master whose very presence carried the weight of a battlefield; Fay, the commanding overseer of squad formations; and Hayley, the academy's physician, whose calm demeanour concealed a sharp and calculating mind.
The sergeants took their places opposite the generals, and the meeting began.
Fay rose first, her voice carrying steady authority."We convene today to deliberate on the matter concerning the second-year students involved in the incident with the first-year Vorden Blade, as well as members of Del's class and Leo's beast weapons division."
With a press of a control, a holographic dossier bloomed to life above the table, scrolling with detailed accounts and reports of the skirmish."You have all studied the contents, but the record stands here as reference. General Duke, your recommendation on their discipline?"
"Discipline?" Duke rumbled, his voice low but commanding. "I see no reason to discipline them. If one studies the report properly, it is clear Vorden initiated the conflict. The second-years merely retaliated. Such clashes are commonplace in this academy."
Nathan leaned back with an air of studied indifference, adjusting his glasses."Perhaps. But why then rally the rest of the first-years? To me it appears others were drawn into this deliberately. Fights, yes, we allow them to temper the students, but this—" his tone sharpened, though his posture remained lax—"this reeks of escalation."
Duke scowled but conceded. "Very well. Restrictions will be imposed. First- and second-year interactions will be limited strictly to necessity. Punishments for the second years shall be delivered under my authority. Does that satisfy you, Nathan?"
Nathan shrugged, a careless gesture, his eyes cool and mocking. He had raised his objection less from concern and more to spite Duke, and the satisfaction showed in the faint curl of his lips.
Fay's voice cut through the tension, crisp and precise."I urge all present to remain vigilant. We must remember—a student has already lost his life within these walls. Unlike Brandon, Vorden is an Original. Should his family be drawn into this, the consequences for the academy will be severe."
"Filthy scum," Duke muttered beneath his breath, his disdain clear.
The disdain was rooted deep. Within the military, Originals carried a tarnished reputation. In the early wars, soldiers had bled and died while the Originals remained in shadow, withholding their gifts. Only when humanity's extinction loomed did some step forward, reluctantly bestowing fragments of their power upon the people. Even then, not all shared. The bitterness of that betrayal lingered still.
After that discussion was over various school events were discussed
How are the preparations for the portal outing taking place Leo asked.
However, after hearing that the entire table went silent.