Excelium III: End Point

Kabanata 14

Malakas na bumukas ang pinto at mabilis na nagsipasukan ang mga sundalo. Rui used the commotion to surround Trois with threads. Responding to the clutching of his hand, his threads tightened around Trois' body instantly; locking his arms and legs. Following, a huge soldier rammed his shoulder against the known criminal. Trois crashed to the floor at mabilis na idiniin ng sundalo ang sariling tuhod sa likod nito habang idinidiin niya ang kaniyang kamay sa ulo nito. Despite the unfavorable situation, Trois' shoulders are quivering as his grin only gets wider.

Rui broke the momentary silence. "By threatening the headmaster's life along with illegal usage of your magical attribution, you have committed serious violations. You, Trois Oxen, will be taken into custody." Ibinaba ni Rui ang kaniyang kamay at inangat ang kaniyang mga mata sa sundalong nasa kaniyang tabi. "For now, lock him up in the academy's prison. He'll be under interrogation before he is transferred to the penitentiary." The soldier nodded.

Isang tawa ang lumabas sa bibig ni Trois habang paunti-unting nawawala ang kuryenteng nakapalibot sa nakaupong punong-guro. "For what? Sa pagtrespass? There's no need for that since I answered your question earlier and it's clear as that silver head of yours you were my objective. Or are you going to question me about some other matters?" He then grinned. "Zai's course of action for example."

"Take him away." ngumisi lamang si Trois sa pag-ignora nito sa kaniyang sinabi. The guards pulled him up to escort him to the academy's confinement facility. Trois chuckled his way out as soldiers harshly push him by the shoulder. Noong makalabas na ang mga ito, Rui turned to the headmaster who's silently staring at him. Rui reprimanded him for his neutral behavior earlier. "Your actions could start rumors involving your position. Being unresponsive to the situation is not a befitting character for a head educator."

"Hevrion," Tumalim ang mga mata ng binata sa itinawag nito. Isinawalang-bahala ito ni Wein at seryoso lamang na tinitigan ang mga pilak na mata nito. "Narinig mo yung sinabi ni Trois, we are indeed acquaintances pero wala siyang sapat na rason para hayaan akong humihinga. You should know, Trois Oxen is no ordinary man. Our difference in skills would only throw me in a coffin." Wein's eyes squinched. "Would you rather start rumors about how incompetent the headmaster's combat skills are? Dying pathetically in the hands of a person with no official title other than a former wanted criminal?"

Rui was unable to respond to his question, even if it was a rhetorical one in the first place. Bumuntong hininga si Wein at siya'y tumayo. Lumapit siya sa isang bookshelf at tiningnan isa-isa ang mga librong naroon. After the short quietude, Wein asked a strange question. "Captain, are you aware of the academy's purpose?"

Suspicious, Rui answered nonetheless. "To educate and to train individuals on protecting and maintaining the country's peace and order, Sir."

"Yes, that is the purpose of the academy but I'm certain you know the other side of the coin." saad ni Wein habang kaniyang kinukuha ang isang libro. Binuklat niya ito at ipinokus ang mga mata sa pahina nito. "For the nobles, the academy is a treasure trove. Isa itong lugar filled with opportunities na magkaroon ng koneksiyon sa ibang household. A place where they can gain honor due to its prestigious reputation. By graduating and earning achievements, their family names will attract attention from different parts of the continent. Like an exquisite flower for bees. Are you understanding what I'm saying?"