The academy returned to its former routine once again. The Soulless incident made a big impact on students' mental state about how near they could be brought to danger, and for that, they always needed to be prepared.
As such, after two days, it was announced that the duration of practical lessons would be elevating. The students with the current system of education would only become academically strong, not physically
It was the decision of the Headmaster after he realised how weak the students of this era had become that under the presence of Abeth, they were losing consciousness.
He regretted the decision to allow Abeth to regulate the education system.
As such, after two days of that incident, students could be seen currently gathered in the third training hall to sharpen their abilities and also, prepare for the tournament that would be taking place the next year.
Celestria was escorted back to her home, under the protection of Vermillion and the Headmaster. However, Edric was still worried about her, given how many things she had gone through.
"It's not your fault, you know." Hearing his lover's voice, Edric heaved a sigh.
The light green-haired girl who goes by the name Amanda Lockwood could sense how Edric was feeling concerned about his best friend; however, there was nothing he could and should do about it for now.
"She chose to not trust Alex, not like she should be forgiven easily," As blunt as ever, Amanda stated.
Naturally, being close to Celestria through Edric she knew what conversation Celestria had with Alex when she went to meet him. And that's why after witnessing the trial, Alex's indifference towards Celestria was quite understandable.
"I know ..but still, I feel bad for Alex and Cela," Edric sighed, "Only I know how much they adored each other and because of a third person, a massive crack appeared in their relationship."
Hearing those words, the green-haired raised her brows, "In a way, you also are responsible. After all, it is true that after meeting you Cela has been spending most of her time with you, and Alex mostly remained all alone. You know how shy he is, so it is understandable why he never made any other friends."
Edric slowly nodded as his eyes went towards the silver-haired youth who was running around the field without bothering to care about the numerous people murmuring about him.
It was strange that despite how many things happened he was willing to join the training. And his demeanour was different from the past as well.
...almost like he was looking at a different person.
Turning his gaze towards his girlfriend, Edric asked, "So do you think I should stay away-"
"Hey, look at that." Suddenly Amanda frowned and pointed towards the court.
Edric also turned his attention and found his gaze widening.
Alex, who was running around until a moment ago, was currently surrounded by students and faintly, Edric could see Alex being confronted by a female student about something.
'Isn't she...Celestria's roommate? What is she doing?' Edric walked forward to listen to the commotion, as he heard Alicia shouting,
"You are a murderer! Someone who should be executed right away! Not only are you jealous of Edric you even falsely accused the Vice-headmaster, forcing him to take such a risky step!"
Edric's eyes widened upon hearing that, and he instantly ran towards the crowd.
However, before he could have reached them, suddenly, a loud reverberation of a slap echoed; turning the whole crowd silent in an instant.
Edric slowly paused with his eyes widened, as the person who got slapped wasn't Alex—which one could expect given his usual attitude of being a submissive person—rather, it was Alicia who had her head turned to the right and a glaring red mark on her cheek.
Edric was flabbergasted and so was Alicia, as she slowly turned her eyes back on Alex with her eyes stretched wide as she asked, "What did you jus-
"Listen, girl, if you shout at me ever again, I am so gonna slaughter you just like your beloved sugar daddy, understood?" His voice held that edge which made Alicia instantly close her mouth and even nod in agreement. The other students have also stepped back seeing that ferocity in Alex's eyes.
Alicia then realised what she heard just now, making her eyes widen. However, before she could have said anything, Alex told her,
"If you are so angry about Abeth's death, then go on and challenge me for a battle. If you win, I will do whatever you want."
Alicia smirked; this was her chance.
Crossing her hand on her chest, she said, "Are you fucking nu-" However, she had to seal her lips instantly once she remembered what had happened in the common hall.
That attack Alex launched was not something that even Abeth could dodge...and here she was only a Two-star mage.
Taking a strong gulp, she glared at him and said, "You will pay for this one day "
Alex rolled his eyes and turned around to leave. Just as he thought, this girl can only bark. And not like she can offer much Soul points to him in the first place.
Seeing the crowd dispersing, Edric ran toward Alex, and while jogging beside him, he asked, "I never believed that you would ever hit a woman."
Alex already sensed Edric approaching him that's why he simply answered, "I got sensitive ears...someone shouts, I get pissed."
This was the first time for Edric to hear about it. Edric came into Alex's contact regularly, so it was no wonder he was surprised.
"Hey Alex, "Suddenly Edric brought his hand over the silver-haired's shoulder, urging Alex to pause as well before he heard the Protagonist asking,
"Can't you...forgive Celestria? I mean-" A hand which Alex raised, stopped Edric from continuing as the raven-haired heard the other one asking,
"Who do you care about the most in the world? Like you can't imagine a life without them?"
Edric blinked and absentmindedly responded, "My...mother..."
"Yes, so one day, what if she says that you no longer exist for her? And that you two should pretend to not know each other. Will you listen to her or try going against her wishes?"
Edric was speechless. Although he knew exactly what he was talking about, he couldn't say anything to make Alex forgive Celestria after hearing those words.
Alex nodded, "I think now you understand. So let's focus on ourselves from now on, since, at one point we would be standing all alone to deal with the devil."
Edric was taken aback hearing that, unsure why Alex said that last line. However, before he could have asked him, Alex turned around and strode away.
---------**--------
A/N:- Thanks for reading.