The sound of blaring sirens echoed across the boundary of the campus woods.Dozens of armed prison service soldiers, wearing heavy black armor and carrying tactical energy rifles, moved in tight formations around the shattered ruins of the Windgate Villa. Red and blue security lights flashed against the foggy night sky, illuminating the splintered wood, collapsed stone pillars, and scorched earth left behind after the battle.Stepping over a heap of broken stone was Commander Dustin, the State Chief of Security. He wore a long dark coat, his face hard as flint as he surveyed the total destruction of the estate. Beside him, armed officers swept the grounds with magical scanners, searching for any trace of dark Qi or survivors.A high-ranking prison service captain hurried up to Dustin, offering a quick salute. "Chief Dustin! We’ve swept the entire three-story main building and the underground wine cellar. The front gates were violently breached from the inside, and the structure is com

Judge Martins turned his cold eyes away from Baron and looked at Donald."Donald," the judge said softly, his tone completely changing into something gentle and understanding. "Let us hear your side of the story. Do not be afraid."Donald looked up. He pulled his dark hood back, exposing the glowing, jagged white scar on his left cheek to the entire room. Several students in the front row gasped in horror.Then, Donald started to cry.It wasn't just a sniffle. It was a full, dramatic, Oscar-worthy performance. Tears streamed heavily down his face as his voice cracked with fake terror."I was... I was just taking a walk, Your Honor," Donald sobbed, wiping his eyes with trembling hands. "I study so hard. I was just trying to clear my head in the fresh air! I didn't have any weapons! I don't even know how to use dark void energy!""Go on, Donald," Dean Collins encouraged loudly from his seat, smiling wickedly. "Tell the court the truth.""Baron jumped me from the shadows!" Donald cried o

Judge Martins looked down at his papers, a wicked, cold smile returning to his face."Now," the judge announced, his voice booming. "We will hear from those who wish to speak regarding Baron Colgate's character and history at Tuntadel University. Let the first character witness for the prosecution step forward!"From the second row of the faculty section, a young woman stood up.It was Kate—a senior student representative deeply connected to the administrative board and a known associate of the Windgate family. She wore a pristine scholar's robe, her face set in a stern, tearful expression as she stepped up to the center floor.Juliana’s eyes narrowed instantly. "Kate? What is she doing up there?!"Kate bowed respectfully to Judge Martins, then turned to face the gallery with a dramatically sad look on her face."Your Honor, members of the council," Kate spoke, her voice ringing clearly through the chamber. "I have known Donald for two years. He is a gentle, quiet scholar who spends a

Up in the high, arched balcony above the courtroom, Lydia stood behind the curtains, looking down at the dramatic scene unfolding below. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face as she watched her father, Lord Smith, stand in the center of the hall, flanked by his formidable Blue Bird Soldiers."Finally," Lydia whispered to herself, resting her hands on the brass railing. "It's about time these corrupt fools got what they deserved."Down on the main floor, Lord Smith slowly walked up the carpeted aisle, his long crimson coat trailing behind him. His heavy boots echoed loudly against the stone floor, adding to the suffocating silence that had fallen over the assembly.He stopped directly in front of the elevated administrative desk, staring straight into the terrified, pale face of Dean Collins."First of all," Lord Smith’s booming voice rang out, filling every corner of the room, "the hidden truth of the attack in the woods will be revealed right here, right now!"He reached out

Lord Smith looked at Baron’s hand, then looked into the boy's calm, fearless eyes. A look of deep approval flashed across Lord Smith's face as he reached out and firmly gripped Baron’s hand."Baron," Lord Smith nodded. "You stood your ground well.""I am really grateful for what you’ve done today, sir," Baron said, his deep voice full of sincere respect. "You saved us from a total disaster.""You're welcome, son," Lord Smith replied smoothly. "I didn't just do it for you. I did it for Tuntadel University, and I did it for peace in this province."Juliana stepped up beside Baron, tugging gently on her father's sleeve. "Dad... there’s someone else you need to meet. Look over there."She pointed toward Mike, who was leaning heavily on his wooden cane, sitting quietly on a front-row bench with Magret.Lord Smith walked over to them, his long crimson coat sweeping behind him. He stopped right in front of Mike, looking down at the pale, injured boy. Mike started to scramble to his feet to b