The UnmaskedChapter 2
A single petal drifts from a leaf, falling onto a pool of blood on the ground. Nearby, Leon lies unconscious.
The scene shifts to a hospital where injured children and teachers are being treated. Doctors with green blood use their powers to heal the wounded.
Leon, covered in injuries, slowly opens his eyes. His vision is hazy as he tilts his head slightly, scanning the room. Around him, students who were with him on the school grounds now lie injured. Then, a sudden memory of Amelie flashes through his mind. Tears well up in his eyes, and he begins to cry uncontrollably.
His best friend, Finn, rushes to his bedside. Seeing Leon in tears, he embraces him and says, "Leon, you have to be strong."
Leon, still sobbing, looks at Finn and says, "Amelie is no more."
Finn grips his hand tightly. "I understand... This is hard for all of us. So many people here have lost their children and friends. Thousands of students are dead. We have to be strong, Leon. We have to become powerful so that something like this never happens again."
As Finn speaks, Leon notices the tears in his friend's eyes. A burning rage ignites within him. His sorrow turns into fury as he clenches his fists. "I will kill every demon. One by one, I will destroy them all," Leon declares.
Finn tries to calm him. "Leon, you're injured. You need to rest."
Leon takes a deep breath, trying to suppress his emotions, but the pain of Amelie's loss still lingers.
One Week Later
Leon, dressed in a black suit, holds a bouquet of flowers. It is the funeral for the children who lost their lives in the attack. Standing before Amelie's grave, he is lost in memories—her beautiful smile, the way she spoke, the way she made him feel.
His eyes are filled with sadness and grief.
Finn approaches, placing a reassuring hand on his back. "Amelie wouldn't want you to be this sad, Leon. Please… let it go."
Leon understands. He gently places the flowers on her grave and prays for her soul to find peace in heaven.
Elsewhere...
At Astralis Academy, Magnus Holloway, one of the academy's teachers, furiously confronts a knight responsible for the school's protection. "Why were all the knights removed from the school?! Because of your negligence, thousands of children are dead!"
The knight, maintaining his composure, explains, "We received orders from the king. Demons attacked the border, and we were commanded to protect it with all available knights. That is why we left. The attack on the academy during the Awakening Ceremony was completely unprecedented. In the last 500 years, no demons have ever attacked the school. We are investigating how this happened, but so far, we have found no clues."
Magnus, though understanding, is still frustrated. "And what about the thousands of families who lost their children?! What do we tell them?" His voice is filled with sorrow.
The knight, at a loss for words, lowers his head. "I... I'm sorry. But this was the king's order."
Magnus grits his teeth. "Will your sorry bring those children back?"
Before Magnus can continue, Darius Falken, another teacher and Magnus's friend, intervenes. "Enough, Magnus. Let it go."
Darius turns to the knight. "You may leave."
Once the knight departs, Darius tries to calm Magnus. "We all feel guilty for not being able to protect them. But we are teachers, Magnus. Our duty now is to focus on the students who survived. We must train them, make them stronger, so that something like this never happens again."
Magnus exhales heavily, nodding in agreement. "You're right."
Soon, Edric Vaughn and Selene Aldridge, fellow teachers of Astralis Academy, join them.
Selene sighs. "We need to do something to lift the students' spirits. They're all depressed after what happened."
Darius agrees, but Magnus disagrees. "No. We must use their rage. Their anger will make them stronger. This is the perfect time to train them. They are not just sad—they are furious. And that rage will push them to become powerful faster."
Selene is taken aback. "Are you sure about this?"
Darius and Edric nod in agreement, but Selene warns, "Just don't be too harsh. They've already been through enough."
Darius smirks. "I'll do as you say… but I can't promise the same for Magnus."
A Secret Meeting
Meanwhile, the heads of the four noble families and the king discuss the incident in a private chamber. Their words remain unheard.
Leon's New Beginning
Back at the academy, Leon arrives at his hostel room. To his luck, Finn is assigned as his roommate.
Both are amazed at how luxurious the hostel is. "This place is amazing!" Finn exclaims. "Let's go meet our neighbors!"
Leon, uninterested, shakes his head. But Finn insists, dragging him along.
They knock on the neighboring door.
A girl opens it. She is none other than Isla Beaumont, daughter of the head of the prestigious Beaumont noble family.
She is breathtakingly beautiful. Finn and Leon freeze in shock, not expecting to see her.
Isla raises an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
Then, her gaze falls on Leon. Recognition flashes in her eyes.
During the battle, Leon had saved her from a powerful attack.
She steps forward. "Thank you… for saving me."
Leon shrugs. "It's okay."
Finn's jaw drops. "S-She's talking to Leon…!" he mutters in disbelief.
Isla then lowers her voice. "I heard about Amelie… I know it must be hard for you."
Leon nods. "Yeah… but I'm recovering."
Hoping to lighten the mood, Finn grins. "Why don't we all have lunch together?"
Isla shakes her head. "No thanks."
Finn's face falls in disappointment.
Suddenly, a knight approaches them and hands over a letter.
They open it and read:
"All students must prepare for training and lectures starting tomorrow."
Finn gasps. "Already?! After everything that happened, they're starting classes this soon? We need more time to recover!"
Leon, however, smirks. His eyes gleam with determination. "No… this is perfect."
Isla nods. "The academy teachers want students to improve their skills quickly. Many students are filled with anger, and that will help them grow stronger."
Leon clenches his fist. "Then let's begin."
Written by Mubeen
Note: Let me know your thoughts so I can improve the next chapters!