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Solcrest Academy – Faculty Meeting Room
The air in the grand hall of Solcrest Academy was thick with tension. The meeting chamber, an elegant yet imposing room lined with enchanted glass panels that flickered with recorded battle footage, was filled with the academy's most esteemed instructors.
At the center of the room stood a long onyx table, where the core faculty members of the academy had gathered. Their expressions ranged from grim to thoughtful, all aware that the recent demon worshippers' attack had changed everything.
At the head of the room, Professor Elric Vaelthorne stood.
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Professor Elric Vaelthorne – Head of Strategy & Combat Theory
Elric Vaelthorne, an elderly high elf, exuded an air of calm wisdom. His silver hair flowed down to his shoulders, and his emerald eyes held centuries of experience. Unlike most elves, he had a faint scar across his left cheek—a reminder that even those with longevity were not immune to the brutality of war.
Elric had served as a strategist during the last Demon War, and his knowledge of battle formations, magical warfare, and enemy tactics made him invaluable to Solcrest Academy.
Now, he surveyed the room, his voice steady but firm.
"We need to address the situation. This was not a simple attack. The coordination, the targeted locations… It was planned."
His words made many of the instructors nod. They had already sensed it—this attack wasn't just a random act of terrorism.
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Instructor Reinhardt – Head of Mana Combat Training
A low huff came from the far side of the table.
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Instructor Reinhardt, the towering head of mana combat training, leaned forward. His graying hair was cropped short, and a jagged scar ran over his left eye. Even without speaking, his sheer presence commanded the room.
Once, he had been an S-Rank Knight, a warrior who had fought on the frontlines against monsters and invaders alike. Even in his current role as an instructor, his aura still radiated absolute dominance.
He crossed his arms, voice gruff.
"Planned or not, they failed. The students fought well. Some exceeded expectations."
Elric nodded. "That is true. But the fact remains that we were attacked within our own walls. That is unacceptable."
Reinhardt scoffed. "Then what do you propose? Strengthen security? We already have enough barriers in place to hold off a small army."
Elric sighed. "Not security—training. The next generation must be stronger than ever before."
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Professor Helena Faure – Head of Magical Research
A woman with long auburn hair and striking golden eyes adjusted her glasses before speaking. She was Professor Helena Faure, the head of magical research. Unlike the warriors in the room, she was a scholar first and foremost.
"There is something else that concerns me," she said, her tone analytical. "The attack was unusual in more ways than one. Some of the captured worshippers had mutations—something we have not seen before."
Reinhardt frowned. "Mutations?"
Helena nodded. "Enhanced physical traits, increased resistance to spells… some even displayed limited regenerative abilities."
A murmur spread through the room.
This was not standard. Demon worshippers were usually humans who had made pacts with dark entities, but for them to be physically altered…
Elric's gaze sharpened. "You believe they are being artificially enhanced?"
Helena nodded. "It's a possibility. And if that's true, then we are dealing with something far worse than a simple cult."
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Professor Darius Graves – Head of Weapons Mastery
A deep chuckle echoed from one of the farthest seats.
Professor Darius Graves, an older man with bronze skin and a thick beard, leaned back in his chair. A pair of battle-worn gauntlets rested on the table before him.
"Well, then," he said, his voice rough but amused. "It just means our students need to get stronger, doesn't it?"
Darius had once been a Grandmaster of Weapon Arts, a warrior whose expertise covered every weapon imaginable. Even now, he carried the aura of a battle-hardened veteran.
"If the world is shifting, then we adapt. Simple as that."
Reinhardt smirked. "Finally, someone who speaks my language."
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Professor Evelyn Dawnstar – Head of Healing & Support Magic
At the far end of the table, a woman with short platinum-blonde hair and gentle blue eyes sighed softly. Professor Evelyn Dawnstar, head of healing and support magic, was one of the few instructors who rarely lost her composure.
She looked at the recorded footage of the attack, her gaze lingering on the injured students.
"I agree with Graves on one thing," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Our students need to be prepared. But I must also remind you—there is a limit to how much we can push them."
Darius waved a hand. "Of course, of course. But we have to do something."
Evelyn turned toward Elric. "What do you propose, then?"
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The Proposal – A New Training Initiative
Elric exhaled slowly before looking at the gathered instructors.
"We increase their training. Starting immediately."
Reinhardt nodded. "I can arrange for more combat drills."
Helena added, "And I will begin researching these mutations further."
Evelyn looked hesitant but eventually nodded. "Then I will focus on endurance training. If we push them, we must also ensure their survival."
Elric met their gazes. "We will need to speak with the headmaster, but I believe we are in agreement. The future is shifting. We must be ready."
A silence settled over the room.
Everyone knew—this was just the beginning.
And if the world was truly entering a new era of chaos, then Solcrest Academy had to be prepared.
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To be continued…