"Leon!" Seraphine cried out, rushing to his side and attempting to rouse him from his unconscious state. Her efforts, however, yielded no immediate results.

Ethan stepped forward, offering his insight to calm her worries. "Don't worry too much. He's only unconscious. I carefully controlled the voltage and limited the duration of the shock as much as possible. prompt medical attention is crucial, but he should be safe."

"Voltage?"

"We don't have time for details. Help me take him to the infirmary."

The arena hummed with a blend of feelings, the aftermath of the intense magical display etching an unforgettable memory in all those present.

"What was that?" someone asked.

"I've never seen anything like it."

"How is this possible from a first-year student?"

Ethan caught snippets of the hushed conversations among the spectators, but he couldn't allow himself to dwell on them for long. His immediate concern was ensuring Leon's complete recovery. He was well aware that electrocution was a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. The repercussions could span a spectrum, contingent upon factors such as voltage, duration, and more. From severe muscle pain and tissue burns to potential cardiac arrest or neurological aftermath, the risks were real.

Fortunately, it appeared that cardiac arrest had been averted, but Ethan remained cautious. This wasn't a mere game; it was the realm of reality where consequences held sway. His priority was to see to it that every possible precaution was taken.

"Seraphine, grab his feet. I'll support his shoulders. Let's take him to the infirmary."

"No need for that, young one."

"Huh?"

To everyone's astonishment, the voice belonged to none other than the principal himself. He strode over to Leon's prone form, lowering himself to kneel beside him. With a gentle touch, he placed his palm upon Leon's body, eliciting a radiant green light that emanated from his hand. The scars and burns on Leon's skin swiftly faded, leaving behind a serene expression on his features.

'The principal possesses healing abilities! Could he have an affinity for divine magic?' Ethan pondered to himself in amazement.

With the conclusion of the healing, the principal withdrew his hands and calmly stated, "There shouldn't be any lingering concerns. He merely requires some rest, and he will be good to go once he wakes up."

"Thank you, Principal," Ethan and Seraphine expressed their gratitude simultaneously.

The principal's gaze then fixed intently upon Ethan, his expression transitioning into one of both seriousness and intrigue.

"You've provided us with quite the spectacle, young man. Your unique brand of magic keeps captivating my interests."

"..." Ethan found himself momentarily silent.

"Your spell 'Dust Devil' during the trial was within the boundaries of comprehensibility and didn't necessitate a thorough explanation. However, today is an exceptional circumstance. Throughout my extensive years of magical knowledge and research, I have never encountered nor heard of anyone capable of conjuring clouds or summoning... lightning."

"..."

"You see, lightning holds a realm of fascination and intense intrigue for those who aspire to master magic. Do you know why?"

"Why is that?"

"That's because the Sorcerer King harnessed lightning to smite down malevolence. He stands as the sole figure in our history to have manifested such a formidable spell. Though its luminous hue led us to believe it was of divine origin, we have never managed to replicate his remarkable skill."

'Lightning! No wonder they thought it was divine magic. Depending on its formation, lightning can display an array of colors. But hold on... My understanding of magic tells me that it can't be conjured in isolation. Specific conditions must align just like the one i did during my duel with Leon, and only those well-versed in weather phenomenon could potentially achieve this. Could the Sorcerer King possibly be a...'

"For the first time in five centuries, a 12-year-old country boy has accomplished what was deemed an impossible feat of magic. I apologize for the imposition, but you must accompany me and provide a comprehensive instruction of how you achieved such a feat."

I apologize? Why should I reveal the details of my own magic? Wasn't it clear from our previous conversation during the trial that if nobles keep their magic secrets hidden, I have no motivation to tell mine? Do you really think I'll let you treat me unfairly because of where I come from? Keep hoping, old man!

"I don't think you fully understand where you stand, young man. This world operates based on power. Do you really believe you can behave like those from noble families? You need to acknowledge your actual position. Look, I'm not opposing you. I have no blame in this situation. Many people saw the spell you performed, and it won't be much time before those with even more authority than me step in. If you refuse to provide the information they're looking for, I must warn you that the consequences could be serious."

"Then so be it! I'll confront whatever challenges they throw at me! I won't yield to their threats!"

"You're displaying naivety, my boy. Do you presume that only your own safety is at stake?"

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"... What are you insinuating?"

"... Just listen to what I've told you. It won't be much time before you're called for an assessment by those who hold considerable influence in this world. Make sure to consider the well-being of your loved ones, not just yourself."

"!"

With his final words, the principal departed the arena, bidding farewell to the students one by one. Ethan remained rooted to his spot, his gaze lowered. As he stood there, a storm of emotions raged within him. Seraphine cautiously approached him, a worried expression on her face. However, she retreated a step as she caught sight of his countenance – a visage consumed by anger and exasperation. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. Blood trickled from his bitten lips, the physical pain serving as an anchor to his turbulent emotions.

'I've been painfully naïve! I believed that getting into the academy would put me on the same level as those privileged nobles, but I'm still just a small and unimportant figure to them. What should I do now? If I don't agree, my parents might be in danger. Yet, if I give in, I'll always be held down by their overwhelming influence.'

Ethan departed the scene, acutely aware of the envious and jealous gazes that followed him. He strode alone, with only his own self to rely on in a world fraught with adversaries. Deciding to forego the two remaining classes of the day, he retreated to his chamber to seek rest.

Dawn broke on the ensuing day, the academy filled with rumors that had taken flight. Before long, Ethan found himself summoned before a gathering of individuals whose authority surpassed even that of the principal.

"Let's begin today's meeting!"

"Ethan Hartfield! You're to appear before the academy's council today to give a full account of how you conjured lightning during your duel with Leon Ember."

"..."

Facing Ethan was an assembly of dozens of figures, including the principal seated to his left. The speaker, a stranger to Ethan, commanded attention with a robust presence. Marked by age, the individual possessed a bald head and emanated an air of seasoned authority. His posture exuded confidence, and his eyes held a sharp, unwavering gaze that seemed to pierce through any pretense.

"Headmaster, Grandfeld. Can we be certain this young one conjured lightning?"

"According to Principal Roderick's report, it appears he did indeed manifest lightning. It varies somewhat from historical records, but unmistakably lightning."

Whispers rippled through the council members.

"Now, Ethan. Explain yourself! How did you achieve this feat?"

As Ethan faced the watchful gaze of the council, his mind raced like untamed horses. Unjust treatment tugged at his thoughts. This trial was imposed upon him, a tempest he hadn't called forth. Their expectations bore down on him, a shroud of doubt he hadn't deserved. His hands tightened at his sides, his knuckles turned white from the intense strain coursing within him.

Unnoticed waves of frustration surged through him, every murmur, every look, sparking a burning anger of injustice. His heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm of resistance echoing loudly. He had been forced into this trial without his consent, a mere piece in a power struggle.

The gallery of faces around him, stern and inquisitive, seemed to close in like shadows creeping from all directions. Was it a sin to be born outside the echelons of privilege? Were his aspirations, his dreams, to be forever eclipsed by a system that favored lineage over merit?

Ethan stared at the floor, hiding his inner struggle behind a determined expression. He sensed the council's anticipation, their hope that he would reveal his secrets. Emotions churned within him, yet he had no choice but to comply. His parents' safety hung in the balance because of his actions. He had no alternative but to give in to their persistent demands. In the tense quiet, he took a calming breath, prepared to respond to their unfair questions.

"I-"

"Now, now..."

"Huh?" Ethan's response was abruptly halted, as a figure materialized at his right. Before him stood an elderly man, his long black hair cascading down. Ethan's gaze met the man's face, and he couldn't help but be taken aback by this unexpected appearance.

"I understand the council's wish to uncover his techniques, but pressuring the young individual to expose his own spells appears somewhat misguided. Would that not weaken the core principles of our respected institution? Regardless of noble ancestry, he has the privilege to protect his magical knowledge, just like everyone else. After all, doesn't our academy strive for fairness? Don't you agree, weather boy?"

"You..." Ethan's voice caught, his astonishment mirrored in his widened eyes.

Standing before Ethan was the very person who had paved the way for his journey, the individual who, six years ago, had handed him the very book that had shaped his magical destiny.

"Alfred! How dare you attempt to undermine the council's decree!" protested one of the council members.

"Oh, spare me the drama. How am I undermining the council? Am I not merely upholding the principles set forth by our founder? Are we entitled to coerce this young man into surrendering his secrets? Do we not possess a methodical approach to glean insights into one's grasp of magic and spellcraft?"

"Are you proposing that he willingly shares his comprehension by undertaking the Hierophant's Knowledge Evaluation?"

"Isn't that evaluation designed precisely for such scenarios? Once he reaches his third year at the academy, he'd have the option to petition for the Hierophant's Knowledge Evaluation. If the knowledge he imparts proves substantial, he would be granted the appropriate title and degree of authority. From where I stand, it seems like today's events are trying to take away this chance from the young man's future. Aren't you burdened by shame?

"How audacious! Do you understand how long it has been since someone last undertook the Hierophant's evaluation? It is no trifling matter, one cannot simply waltz in. In particular if it's someone of low birth!"

"An individual's place of birth holds no relevance within the realm of the academy and the Hierophant's evaluation! Your grasp of the academy's long-held principles seems greatly mistaken. Do I need to use my power as the enforcer to make sure your position is taken away?

"Y-YOU!"

"Enough!"

"Ahem..."

"Alfred, I recognize that your roles as the Regulation Enforcer and the head of Scholars impose certain responsibilities upon you. However, must we truly await the young man's final years at the academy to unearth his method of spellcraft? Could we not instead offer him a fitting recompense for his contribution? What say you, Ethan Hartfield?"

"I-I..."

Sensing Ethan's unease and reluctance, Alfred swiftly intervened, prioritizing the young man's well-being and interests.

"This shall be my final statement. We are guided by values, and corruption has no role within the boundaries of this respected institution. Am I making myself understood, Headmaster Grandfield? Or do I need to exercise my authority to veto?"

"Alfred..."

"..."

"Very well! We shall bide our time until Ethan Hartfield reaches his culminating year at the academy, and he shall partake in the Hierophant's Knowledge Evaluation. Yet, let it be clear that this is not a matter of his discretion whether to attempt it or not. He is duty-bound to undertake this endeavor!"

"Headmaster!"

"Quiet!"

"..."

"I express my gratitude for your comprehension, Headmaster and esteemed council members. We shall now take our leave. Ethan, accompany me."

"Y-Yes!"

As Ethan and Alfred exited the chamber, the previously hushed council room buzzed with whispered reactions, the unexpected turn of events leaving an indelible impression.

"Headmaster! We cannot permit this matter to lie dormant! This is our first clue in understanding how the Sorcerer King used lightning for ages!"

"I understand... Don't worry. I won't let this stall. I won't wait for three years to learn his techniques from this young man. Trust me with this... I'll uncover the truth from him... No matter what!"