Supreme Magus novel Chapter 101

Linjos was very tired, his face seemed even longer than usual, with dark circles around the eyes caused by the worries and the lack of sleep.

When he heard what had happened, he only sighed, turning to watch at the forest below.

"I really envy magical beasts. Things are so simple for them, taking only what they need, without caring for petty things like gold or grudges."

Then he turned back again, looking at Yurial in the eyes.

"I’m really sorry for what has happened to you, partly is my fault. And what makes me feel even worse, is that despite all my brave talk and efforts, you are not the first victim, and likely not the last either.

The most basic move to get rid of a Headmaster, is to make the environment toxic through violence and intimidation. Academy’s life is already very hard and demanding, it doesn’t take much to make it unbearable.

When that happens, the number of graduates plummets, the academy’s reputation rapidly declines and a new Headmaster gets chosen. Usually, it happens during the last trimester. The timing of the events suggests someone really wants to get rid of me.

I guess they didn’t like me taking cheating off the table. You have no idea how many noble slackers have failed right off the bat." He sighed, again, taking no pleasure from their misfortune.

"As for the Ballots, I can’t. There is none left."

"Is it because Lukart and his goons? Did they take them all?" Yurial was worried, remembering his father’s words.

"Actually, no." Linjos replied with a smirk. "After what happened between Lith and Lady Hestia became the talk of the academy, a lot of first- and second-year students came for the Ballots. The ones I gave you two young ladies were among the last ones.

There were just about twenty to begin with, so I already ordered a new batch. The problem is that since their power source is the castle itself, the crafting method is quite complex. It will take some time."

Phloria swallowed a lump of saliva, regretting not having got one before.

"You have three Ballots and only five people." Linjos shrugged.

"You will manage somehow. In the meantime, I’ll do everything I can to ensure everyone’s safety. But remember, each floor is really big, and I have only Professors at my disposal, not an army of watchmen, so be careful."

Back in Quylla’s room, Yurial, Friya and Phloria felt dejected and stupid. The world as they knew it had collapsed under their feet, the peace that they had taken for granted seemed to be about to end.

All the dreams and expectations they had cultivated during all those years in the academy seemed so stupid and insignificant, compared to the idea of a civil war that could kill everyone they loved.

And then there was the feeling of being cast aside. Even if they did it out of love, their families hadn’t trusted them enough to tell the truth. Friya’s case was the worst, since she now knew to be considered nothing more than a tool to an end.

Yurial was so shocked that even the earlier aggression’s memory was already fading in the background.

"I can’t believe I have been so stupid! Warden and Healer are just useless specializations. What my father, my family need is a warrior, a leader. If only he had been honest with me, I would have chosen wisely."

Lith kept silent, letting him vent off his frustration. He knew by experience that when something that big happened, the words of a stranger would sound empty. Yurial needed time to accept the change.

"I’m sorry guys, I don’t feel like doing anything right now." Phloria said.

"I need some time to think. Most importantly, I need to make sure that my brothers are okay." Despite not having a Ballot, she darted out of the room before anyone could offer to escort her.

Yurial followed her so fast that he didn’t need to hold the door open. He walked in long strides, inwardly hoping for someone to attack him again. He really needed a way to vent all the pent-up frustrations.

As for Friya, she felt enraged for her mother’s condescending tone, but at the same time she was deeply scared. Too much to remain alone, she had no one to turn to for comfort, except the two that still remained in the room.

- "Dammit, this is the story of my life!" Lith inwardly cursed. "Everything that can go wrong, always does. Be it on Earth or here, nothing has changed. As soon as I fix a problem and try to get some peace, another one pops up.

At this point, these kids are just a burden. They have too much to lose, but I can’t afford the luxury of being depressed. I need to gather as much as I can, in case sooner or later I’ll be forced to leave this Country full of idiots." –

"If you need some time alone, I completely understand." He said to the two girls, while hiding his clenched fists behind his back.

"I’ll take my leave."

"What about the dimensional magic practice?" Quylla asked.

"I beg your pardon?" Those were the last words Lith expected to hear.