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"You are to report to the council administration right now," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I glanced at my friends, who exchanged quick, puzzled looks. This was unexpected. The council? Already? We had barely set foot in Merlin Academy, and I was being summoned to the higher-ups. This could be a problem—or an opportunity, depending on how I played it.

"What's this about?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. "I don't recall doing anything that warrants immediate attention."

Professor Elias arched an eyebrow, the faintest hint of amusement crossing his features. "You'll find out soon enough. However, I suggest you prepare yourself. It seems you've caught the council's eye sooner than anticipated."

Caught their eye? I could only guess whether this was because of the display of power with Lucian or is it about the head instructor I beat up and almost killed at selections?

My mind is leaning towards the latter one, so I presume they are going to punish me for breaking the rules even before entering the academy.

Well, it doesn't matter. Let's see what those old geezers got in store for me.

"Okay, Lead the way—"

Girls' eyes filled with worry and concern as I stepped forward, prepared to follow Professor Elias. Liliana's hand gently brushed my arm, and I could feel the tension radiating from her.

"Samael, are you sure about this?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with anxiety.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Whatever it is, I'll handle it. You all stay here and keep out of trouble, alright?"

Eveline chuckled lightly, though I could sense the worry beneath her playful tone. "Trouble seems to follow us around, but we'll do our best."

"But still, I will leave Nyxara for protection," I said, summoning the little panther cub. Nyxara materialized with a soft shimmer of dark energy, her glowing eyes locking onto the girls as she gave a soft purr. Nyxara padded over to Lily, and jumped into her awaiting arms snuggling with a soft purr.

Lily stroked Nyxara's fur, her anxious expression softening just a bit at the sight of the little panther.

"Take care of them, Nyxara," I whispered, giving the cub a gentle nod before turning back to Professor Elias who was looking at Nyxara with a raised brow.

"You got a peak Fifth Circle magical beast as a familiar already? Quite the accomplishment for someone new to the academy," Professor Elias remarked, his voice betraying a hint of surprise.

"Let's just say she found me," I replied with a casual shrug, trying to downplay it. I didn't need more attention than I was already getting. The last thing I wanted was for the council to focus on Nyxara too.

Elias gave a slight nod before turning on his heel, leading the way through the academy's sprawling corridors. The further we walked, the more regal and imposing the architecture became. Grand arches and intricate carvings adorned the walls, symbols of Merlin Academy's long and storied history.

Students whispered as we passed, their curious glances only heightening the tension I felt building inside me.

Finally, we reached a pair of large, ornately decorated doors. Professor Elias raised a hand, and the doors swung open with a silent but powerful force, revealing a large chamber. The council room. Inside, several figures were already seated around a circular table, their robes as regal as their bearing.

Each member of the council exuded an aura of authority, their gazes sharp and calculating as they observed my entrance.

At the head of the table sat an elderly man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. His presence was commanding, radiating the kind of power that came with centuries of experience. I immediately recognized him—Grandmaster Alaric, the head of Merlin Academy.

"Samael Ashwood," his voice was deep and resonant, filling the room with an air of gravity. "You've made quite an impression on your first day."

I kept my posture relaxed, though my mind raced with possible outcomes. "Grandmaster Alaric, Professors," I greeted, giving a respectful nod. "I didn't expect to be summoned so quickly. What is it that requires my presence?"

The Grandmaster's eyes narrowed slightly, as if assessing the weight of my words. "You are here because of two incidents that have drawn our attention. The first, was your altercation with a fellow student, Lucian Graves, which showcased a level of power beyond that of a typical newcomer."

"Lucian was the one who instigated the fight," I responded calmly. "I simply defended myself and my friends."

"Indeed," Alaric acknowledged with a slight nod. "The second matter, however, is more serious. During the entrance trials, you nearly killed an instructor. We do not take such transgressions lightly, regardless of the circumstances."

I expected this to come up. "With respect, Grandmaster, that instructor tried to kill my lover without provocation. I only acted in self-defence. If self-defence is a crime then I don't know what kind of justice system the academy is running." I spoke firmly but respectfully, maintaining eye contact with Grandmaster Alaric.

The weight of the room's attention pressed on me, but I wasn't about to back down. "I didn't ask for violence, but I won't apologize for protecting those I care about."

A murmur ran through the council members seated around the table. Some exchanged glances, while others remained stoic, carefully observing my every move.

Grandmaster Alaric raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "Regardless of the circumstances, such actions cannot go unexamined. We have standards to uphold at Merlin Academy, and you've disrupted that balance."

"With respect, Grandmaster, the instructor himself violated those standards first," I countered. "Had I not intervened, lives would have been lost. What would the academy have done if it were one of your students killed during the entrance exam?"

The Grandmaster's gaze remained steady, though I could see a flicker of consideration behind his icy blue eyes. He leaned back in his chair, studying me for a long moment before responding.

"Bring that wretched instructor here," the Grandmaster ordered, his voice carrying authority and finality. "We shall hear both sides of the story before we pass judgment."

A ripple of tension passed through the council as the doors swung open again, and the familiar face of the instructor I had fought during the trials entered the room. His appearance was slightly dishevelled, and there was an undeniable look of discomfort in his eyes, though he tried to maintain a semblance of dignity as he approached the center of the chamber.

He stopped a few paces from the table, his eyes flickering to me briefly before focusing on the Grandmaster. "Instructor Alderman, present as requested, Grandmaster Alaric."

The Grandmaster's piercing gaze settled on the instructor. "Alderman, you stand accused of excessive force during the entrance trials and endangering the lives of students. What do you have to say in your defence?"

Instructor Alderman swallowed, his composure faltering for a moment.

"Grandmaster," Alderman began, his voice controlled but lacking the confidence he had displayed during the trials. "I acted in accordance with academy regulations. The student, Samael Ashwood, attempted to murder my son Victor Alderman and his friends on the cover of the entrance exam, My son even lost his hand during the encounter.

I merely sought to ensure my students' safety and uphold the standards of the academy."

Every eye turned to me with doubt in eyes but no one spoke up. I could feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me, but I had to stand my ground.

I took a deep breath, carefully choosing my words. "You say I attempted murdering your son, but do you even know the reason behind it? I said to you that your son and his friend tried to force themself on my lover after leading her to more dark alleys."

I continued, "And if I wanted to kill your son and his friend, I would have done that when I had my chance, and don't try to deny it because when I can almost kill you, your son and his friends are trivial to me." My tone remained even, but I could sense the tension rising in the room.

Alderman's face flushed with indignation, but before he could respond, the Grandmaster raised a hand to silence him. "Enough, Alderman. You will have your chance to respond shortly."

I could see the other council members glancing at each other, some appearing intrigued, others skeptical. I pressed on, seizing the moment. "If it's a matter of protecting my friends, then I would gladly take that risk again. But if the academy's rules mean I'm punished for doing so, then perhaps those rules need reevaluation."

"YOU DARE BOY! MOCKING THE RULES OF THIS ACADEMY?" Alderman's voice rose, echoing off the chamber walls, his face contorted with rage. "You're nothing but a reckless child, thinking you can act however you please!"

"Reckless?" I shot back, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "I'm defending those who can't defend themselves. Isn't that what a true mage should do? Isn't that what you should be teaching?"

"Enough!" Grandmaster Alaric's voice boomed, cutting through the tension like a sword. He looked at Alderman, his expression a mix of disappointment and authority. "This council exists to maintain peace and uphold the values of this academy, but it seems some instructors forget their purpose. You're to address the accusations with maturity, not with baseless accusations and anger."

Alderman bristled, but he fell silent, his jaw clenched as he fought to regain his composure.

BOOOOM!

The closed door behind me swung open with a booming sound, drawing the attention of everyone in the chamber. I turned, with a mix of curiosity and amazement to see this iconic scene first hand.

"PROFESSOR LINCOLN! THIS IS NOT YOUR HOUSE!!!"

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

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