Eight months have passed since Elsie and I began our studies at Lovril Academy. In that time, I've not only expanded my knowledge of magic but also brought my combat skills to a whole new level. It's incredible how much I've changed in just eight months stronger, faster, smarter.
"Mom, Dad, I'm heading into town for a bit," I say as I throw on my jacket.
My mother steps out of the kitchen, offering me a gentle smile. "Be careful, alright?" Her voice is warm, but there's a hint of worry in it.
My father, sitting in his armchair reading the newspaper, glances up briefly and nods.
I wave to both of them, a small smile on my lips.
"I will. Promise."
I step outside and take a deep breath of the city's fresh air.
I thought for a moment about where to go.
Since it was summer and the sun burned hot on my skin, I decided to head to the supermarket for some ice cream.
Inside, I picked a flavor and lined up at the register.
"That'll be 125 yen," the cashier said with a friendly smile.
I dug the money out of my pocket, handed it over, and gave a quick thanks.
Without hesitation, I stepped back into the warm afternoon sun, ice cream in hand.
Suddenly, screams ripped through the summer air. My heart skipped a beat, then began pounding. Without thinking, I ran toward the source of the noise.
As I turned the corner, my breath caught in my throat
My eyes widened in shock.
Ghouls.
At least a dozen of them were wreaking havoc on the marketplace, their twisted, gray bodies moving in unnatural ways.
How was this possible?
The city is supposed to be protected by a barrier! How did they get in?
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I ducked behind a cart, observing the chaos. This... this wasn't random.
The mages fought with all their strength, spells exploding in brilliant flashes of light but it wasn't enough. The ghouls deflected or overpowered every attack.
The townspeople ran in terror, their screams mingling with the thunder of magic and the ghastly howls of the ghouls.
Then I noticed something strange. The ghoul they were all coming from the same direction.
The same street I had just walked down.
Could the source of the attack be there?
Without hesitation, I sprinted in that direction. My heart pounded as I pushed through narrow alleys and panicked crowds, following the trail of destruction.
Finally, I reached an open square. In the center, a glowing purple portal pulsed like an open wound in the world. It flickered ominously, spewing ghouls into the city.
I stared at the portal in disbelief.
This wasn't an accident. Someone had created it deliberately.
But why? And more importantly: how could I close it?
Determined, I summoned my power, feeling fire and lightning ignite in my hands. I launched one attack after another at the portal.
But it didn't break.
It only pulsed more intensely, as if mocking me.
"Damn it...!" I whispered, sweat beading on my forehead.
Suddenly, I heard heavy footsteps behind me. When I turned, soldiers stormed into the square. Their armor clattered with each step, and their stern eyes locked onto me.
"There she is!" one shouted, pointing straight at me.
Before I could react, they surrounded me.
"What... what is this?" I asked in confusion as one of them approached with ropes.
"You're under arrest," he said coldly.
"What?! For what?!" I protested, refusing to back down.
"The portal. We saw you attacking it. You're suspected of having summoned it," the soldier replied.
I shook my head in disbelief. "That's insane! I was trying to destroy it, not create it!" I shouted, but they didn't listen. Their gazes stayed icy and suspicious.
Before I knew it, they had bound me with swift, practiced movements.
⸻
You're wondering where I am now?
In a prison cell cold, damp, and dark.
All because of a crime I didn't commit. The soldiers told me I would have to stand trial to prove my innocence.
But I was certain: I would do it. After all, I had no ability to create portals. I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Two soldiers entered the cell.
"It's time for the trial," one of them said shortly.
Without a word, I stood and followed them. My heart thundered in my chest as we walked down endless corridors.
Then we entered the courtroom.
I was speechless.
The room was vast and awe-inspiring. Magical runes glowed along the walls, and shimmering crystals hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden light.
It felt like I'd stepped into another world.
My gaze drifted to the raised platform at the end of the hall.
Seven old men sat there, dressed in robes embroidered with powerful symbols. Their eyes were sharp and penetrating.
The Seven Elders.
Professor Aria had told us about them guardians of the highest laws in the magical world.
My stomach twisted painfully.
Was this truly so serious that even the Seven Elders would judge my fate?