Chapter 362 Fourth Day
The sun rose once again, casting its warm golden light over the academy grounds as the festival entered its second day after everyone was allowed to participate.
It was a day that promised more exciting displays of talent, club competitions, and interactions among students and visitors alike.
However, the atmosphere within the academy remained charged with tension, primarily due to the shocking events of the previous day.
Word had spread like wildfire about Callius Augustride's display of power, and it seemed everyone had an opinion.
Groups of students huddled together, discussing the incident in hushed tones, their expressions a mix of fascination and apprehension.
"I heard he burned them alive," one student whispered to another, eyes wide with disbelief.
A nod of confirmation followed, "Yes, it's all anyone's been talking about. Callius went too far."
However, not everyone accepted his actions in a manner that was judging his motives and ethics. This was a world of professionals, and most people were here to do their work. If they could get whatever they wanted, they didn't care what kind of person the subject was.
Nearby, a cluster of visitors from other magic guilds and academies had come to the festival to scout for potential talents. They, too, couldn't help but join in the conversation.
"Did you witness that immense burst of magic?" a recruiter from a prestigious guild remarked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Callius Augustride is no ordinary mage. He might just be what we've been looking for."
However, a rival recruiter chimed in, skepticism in his voice, "Strength is one thing, but I heard he lost control of his magic. Such a lack of discipline can be dangerous for an organization."
"I don't believe such a thing. I am pretty sure it was just an excuse he made to justify his actions. How can a person with this quick conjuring lose his magic's control?"
"I think so, too. But there isn't any proof."
Within the academy, opinions were similarly divided among the students. Some staunchly defended Callius, arguing that he had been provoked beyond reason.
"From what I heard, that senior was trying to sabotage him," a student explained, her tone defensive. "Callius had no choice."
But there were those who vehemently disagreed, unable to justify the extreme use of magic.
"Even if he was provoked, burning someone alive is inexcusable," another student argued. "There are limits to how far one can go."
As the festival continued, showcasing a multitude of talents and clubs, the incident involving Callius Augustride remained a prominent topic of conversation.
Some praised his raw power and courage, while others questioned his judgment and control over his abilities.
The festival, meant to be a time of celebration and unity, had been overshadowed by the shocking events of the previous day, leaving everyone to wonder what the future held for the talented yet enigmatic young mage.
And the main cast of the game wasn't prone to these conversations either. Especially a certain red-haired girl who shared the same 'surname' with him.
"Tch….That bastard is doing this on purpose…." Emma mumbled, looking at the people talking about Callius. "They are even using the 'Augustride' family."
She couldn't help but get angry at what he did, as his actions somehow were connected to the family.
"It can't be helped….After the last scandal, everyone knows him as Augustride." Celia replied, also looking at the crowd.
In fact, both of them knew the reason why Callius was now mentioned with the name of Augustride. It was because of their stupid actions.
"Sigh….Why did we even do this?"
"Right….Though, it is a little late to regret it now."
Emma and Celia walked through the bustling festival grounds, the conversations about Callius and the repercussions of his actions still bothering them.
As they strolled past stalls offering magical artifacts, exotic cuisine, and various other attractions, just like they did yesterday, suddenly Celia asked.
"However, Emma. Don't you find it disturbing….."
"What?"
"I mean, we both watched the [Swordsmanship Parade], right."
Emma sighed deeply, her crimson hair swaying slightly with the motion.
"You're right, Celia. That [Swordsmanship Parade] was beyond disturbing. It was infuriating."
The [Swordsmanship Parade] was a special event where every club related to swordsmanship demonstrated their prowess.
The participants were meant to impress the audience with their skills and teamwork, with watchers grading their performances.
This was one of the most sought events of the festival, and those who wished to recruit some knights under their wing all watched it.
However, what had unfolded during the parade had been far from the intended spirit of competition.
"They singled out the commoners and targeted them specifically," Emma continued, her voice tinged with bitterness. "And the way they sabotaged their performances... It was as if they wanted to humiliate them."
Emma herself was also noble, and she knew nothing about the commoner life. However, the path she wanted to pursue was swords.
For her, swinging her sword was something sacred, and she couldn't stand what happened there. At the same time, seeing people suppressed like that, she was reminded of the times of the past.
The times she wanted to forget, but she couldn't.
"I saw one of the commoner clubs, the [Sword of Unity], being subjected to relentless sabotage. They were talented, but they didn't stand a chance against those dirty tricks. Tch….It was disgusting to watch…."
Celia also didn't like to see such a thing. No, she rather loathed it because it made her remember what her mother had told her about and what she had seen with her own eyes inside Blue Magic Tower.
As they recalled the events of the parade, both had their own reactions to what happened there.
But one thing was certain: the commoner clubs had been suppressed, and their members had been denied a fair chance to showcase their skills.
As Emma and Celia finished discussing the injustices of the [Swordsmanship Parade], a small sense of discomfort lingered, but they knew that dwelling on it wouldn't bring about immediate change.
Just like any other human would do, they simply closed their eyes and ignored the things that didn't concern them.
The academy had its own hierarchy and politics, and they, as individual students, were limited in what they could do.
"So, about the offers we got from the different clubs," Celia began, steering the conversation away from the unpleasant memories of the parade. "Have you decided which one you're leaning towards?"
Emma nodded, her yellow eyes shifting their focus to her sword. "I'm still considering the [Sword Saint Society]. Their dedication to perfecting swordsmanship aligns with my values. Plus, they seem like an honorable group."
It was quite ironic for her, who was the future holder of the [Sword Saint] class, to join that club, but at that exact moment, she didn't know about it.
Celia smiled, her blue eyes reflecting Emma's compassion. "That sounds like a good fit for you, Emma. As for me, the [Mystic Scholars] have made an intriguing offer."
"What offer are you talking about?"
"I mean, you remember I talked about what happened back then, right?"
"Back then?"
"The time when a demon appeared."
"Ah….." Hearing this, Emma's expression hardened for a second as she remembered a certain dog who was being punished by his father now. "What about it? You are still looking for that guy?"
"Of course. He is my savior, after all."
"Sigh…. So what did they offer?"
"To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, but you know about [Aristomagistum], right?"
"[Aristomagistum]? What is it?"
"A special circle where only high-ranking mages and their lineages can enter. I think I can find him here."
"Sigh….I hope you find him then…I really wonder who that senior was as well; if possible, I want to repay him for saving you back then."
"You don't need. I will pay him on my own."
"Yeah, yeah…"
As they discussed their potential club choices, their gazes swept over the festival grounds, taking in the colorful stalls and vibrant performances. It was a day of celebration and showcasing talents, and they wanted to make the most of it.
"YOU BASTARD! WHAT DID YOU SAY!"
However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a scene that unfolded before them.
It was the person that was the subject of their topic after all…..
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