Chapter 50

Report

A soft glow appeared before him, casting gentle ripples of light over the bloodstained ground, and Elara materialized. Her eyes widened the moment she took in the scene — the lifeless bodies of his fallen companions, the decapitated demon sprawled nearby, its twisted form still oozing dark blood. Her expression turned worried, immediately understanding something grave had happened. The air around them felt heavy, almost reverent in its silence.

– What happened here? – Elara asked softly yet urgently, her voice cutting through the hush like a thread of steel. – Are you all right?

– My patrol went into a demon trap. I am the only survivor. I don’t want to leave leaving their bodies. I thought I should take them to school but didn’t knew where. I thought that you as a prefect, will know better what to do. I can teleport carrying them. Just show me the way – Raphael said, his voice steady but dulled by exhaustion.

– Smart thinking – Elara approved, her voice low, touched by something like sorrow. – Follow me. We can’t let students see this. Teleport the bodies to the school’s hidden morgue. It’s below the infirmary.

Her eyes fluttered closed as she reached out mentally, guiding him with precise clarity, showing him the exact spot.

– How many are there?

– The whole patrol, with commander – Raphael replied, each word heavier than the last.

Elara’s expression darkened, her lips tightening as she processed the gravity of his words.

– I see. That’s… that’s a heavy loss – she said, pausing for a breath, steadying herself. – Teleport them directly there. I’ll meet you downstairs and make sure no one sees anything.

– Ok – he murmured.

Raphael crouched beside the bodies, his hands trembling slightly as he laid them out with care. The familiar feeling wrapped around him, and with a breath, he teleported directly to the hidden morgue beneath the infirmary. The cold, sterile room welcomed him with eerie stillness, filled only with the faint hum of preservation spells and the ghostly echo of silence.

Moments later, Elara arrived. She closed the door behind her with a quiet finality, her presence grounding.

The moment the adrenaline began to fade, the enormity of the night crashed into him like a wave. His limbs shook uncontrollably, breath shallow, mind spiralling under the weight of what he had just survived.

– I think… I think I should report to the headmaster – Raphael said, barely above a whisper.

Elara noticed the way his shoulders trembled and stepped closer, her voice soft but unwavering.

– Yes, you need to report this immediately – she said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. The warmth of her touch barely reached through the numbness creeping across his skin. – Come with me.

She led him out of the morgue and through the quiet corridors, each step echoing like a drumbeat in his ears, pulling him back to the present.

– Thank you for accompanying me – Raphael murmured, not meeting her eyes.

Elara offered him a small, reassuring smile as they stopped before the headmaster’s door. She knocked gently, then opened it and ushered him inside.

Headmaster Alexander looked up from behind his desk. His expression changed instantly upon seeing Raphael’s state — the blood, the tremors, the haunted eyes — and Elara’s silent support.

– What is it? Shouldn’t you be on the patrol right now?

– About that… I was on the patrol… – Raphael replied, his voice low and tired.

Alexander’s brows furrowed. His eyes scanned the boy’s shivering frame, the dark blood soaking his uniform. Tension filled the room.

– What happened to you? What happened to the patrol? – he asked slowly, each word weighted with unease.

Elara remained quiet at his side, watchful.

– We went into a trap. There were two demons. One who came somehow through the barrier and one local. I haven’t seen much, because the amaltean demon took me away from my team. When I manage to run back, everyone were dead – Raphael answered, his voice faltering only slightly.

The headmaster’s face turned pale. He leaned back, visibly stunned.

– Two demons… and your entire patrol? – he repeated, incredulous. – And you’re the only survivor?

His gaze pierced into Raphael’s, a blend of sorrow and urgency.

– I’ll send hunting team immediately.

– There’s no need – Raphael said. A heavy pause followed. – Both demons are dead.

The headmaster’s eyes widened. Silence stretched.

– Both demons are dead? How is that possible? You were alone… – he said, voice trailing into quiet realization. – Wait… You killed them both?

He turned to Elara. She gave a single solemn nod.

– I think he did – she said quietly.

– Yes. I think I was lucky, if I may use that expression, to be underestimated by them. And fortunate enough to be able to deal with one at a time – Raphael replied, gaze steady.

Alexander leaned forward, his tone sharp with curiosity and suspicion.

– Lucky… or skilled beyond your years? Or maybe something else?

The last question lingered, unspoken implications curling in the silence. After a pause, he spoke again, slower.

– Regardless, this is a grave matter. Demons working together, breaching our barrier… And you, a student, handled both alone.

– What now? Should I stay for some questioning or something? – Raphael asked, weary.

Alexander regarded him for a long moment.

– Yes, there will need to be a thorough investigation. But first, let’s get you cleaned up and tended to.

He turned toward Elara.

– Elara, please escort him to the infirmary.

– Thank you, Sir – Raphael said quietly.

– Don’t thank me. You’ve just saved this school. Now let Elara take care of you.

He scribbled something hastily onto a note.

– And I’ll be needing your full report later. Every detail. From the moment you realized something was wrong until you killed the last demon.

After leaving the office, Raphael told Elara everything, with all the details.

– I’m afraid I’ll have to reveal everything to him this time. What do you think? – he asked.

Elara paused, her expression still and serious.

– I think Headmaster will be both impressed and worried. Not many students could’ve handled what you did.

She gently applied a healing salve to his wounds, her touch soothing.

– You fought two demons alone – it by itself is beyond impressive. But… the way you did it… – she hesitated, watching him.

– Yes. It seems like I will have to reveal all the skills and powers I used – Raphael said, his eyes shadowed by concern.

– Yes, I’m afraid – Elara confirmed. – You’ll have to reveal everything – your combat skills, any special powers you used… Headmaster will want to know exactly how you managed to kill two demons alone.

She lowered her voice further.

– And honestly? There will be no room for vague answers.

– You already know about my abilities. The only one new is growing horns. I discovered that during meeting with Malus. Few hours before patrol – Raphael admitted.

Elara’s eyes widened slightly.

– Growing horns… – she echoed thoughtfully. – That’s a really new and surprising one even for you.

She finished applying the salve and began bandaging his wounds with care.

– Headmaster is going to have a lot of questions about that.

– One more thing. Before the patrol I received two protecting gifts. Silver crescent pendant from Lyra and protecting crystal… from… unknown donor – Raphael said.

Elara paused mid-motion, her brows drawing together.

– A silver crescent pendant from Lyra and an unknown protecting crystal? – she repeated. She shook her head, puzzled. – That’s unusual. Lyra’s gift makes sense—he’s always been protective of others.

She lingered in thought.

– But the crystal…

– Yeah, strange. I even thought that you may know something about that – Raphael offered.

– Very strange – Elara murmured, resuming the bandaging. – A mystery donor, gifting you a protective crystal just hours before you faced two demons alone… But if you’re suggesting that it might have been from me – I have to disappoint you. And for the record – I would have signed that.

She looked him in the eyes, her expression steady.

– I think maybe you should mention this to Headmaster. It could be relevant to the investigation.

– Ok. I’ll do that – Raphael replied.

Elara finishes tending to your wounds and helps you stand up carefully. Her hands linger for a moment, steadying your balance with quiet care.

– Alright, you’ll reveal everything – your combat skills, the power used, Lyra’s pendant, and that mysterious crystal.

She pauses, looking concerned, her gaze lingering on your face as if gauging your emotional state.

– Headmaster is going to have a field day with all this information.

– I bet he does. I just hope he won’t lock me away for some tests of my abilities – Raphael said, a nervous edge creeping into his voice, his eyes flickering with unease. That would be the last thing I need right now.

Elara gives you a reassuring smile, though her eyes hold a hint of worry. She brushes a lock of hair behind her ear as she speaks, her voice low and thoughtful.

– I wouldn’t put it past him to want to run some more tests – she admits softly. – But remember, Headmaster is more about understanding and controlling supernatural abilities for the safety of everyone.

– And what about my safety? – Raphael asked quietly, a bitter note slipping in beneath the calm. Does anyone really care what I want?

Elara’s expression turns stern and protective in an instant. She meets your gaze without wavering.

– Your safety is my priority – she says firmly, with a conviction that brooks no argument. – I’ll make sure Professor Igneel keeps Headmaster understands that any tests or investigations must be conducted with your well-being and consent in mind. You’re not just a specimen to them.

– You’re very optimistic and have only others’ wellbeing in mind. I’m afraid not everyone thinks same way. And Headmaster… there’s something that doesn’t allows me to fully trust him – Raphael murmured, his voice lowering as a shadow passed through his thoughts. There’s something in headmaster’s eyes. Like he’s always seeing more than he lets on.

Elara’s eyes narrow slightly, sensing your distrust. She folds her arms loosely, her shoulders tense.

– You have a point – she admits quietly. – Headmaster has always been… complex. His methods can be questionable at times.

She pauses, her brows furrowed in thought, then straightens a little as if making up her mind.

– Listen, I have an idea. After second thought, we can modify your approach. It might help you feel safer.

– How’s that? – Raphael asked, something in him bracing for what might come next.

– I think we should keep your horn growth a secret from the Headmaster for now – Elara says in a low voice, looking around to ensure no one is listening. – It’s a significant development in your abilities, and I don’t trust him not to exploit it or use it against you. You know – it’s little too demonic, so it might put you in the bad light, especially in this situation.

Her words hang in the air, the implication clear.

– Honestly I’m afraid of revealing him the blue werewolf stuff, as well – Raphael admitted, his voice dropping further, as if even saying it aloud might expose him.

Elara nods understandingly, her expression focused, her fingers curling slightly in tension.

– That makes sense. The blue werewolf aspect is honestly too mythical and powerful. If the Headmaster gets wind of it, he might see you as a threat or an asset to be controlled.

She leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper now, as if the shadows in the room could be listening too.

– Yeah, exactly my concern. That’s why I think  I’ll tell as much as I can omitting some details such as my fur colour – Raphael replied, trying to steady his breath. Keep it simple. Keep it safe.

Elara nods approvingly.

– That’s a smart move – she says softly. – Stick to the basics—your combat skills improvement due to training or natural growth spurts—and leave out anything specific. Maybe about Lyra’s pendant as well. It might suggest his involvement in this. And at this moment we can believe that it was only gesture of good will.

– Yes. You’re right. Thank you for your support – Raphael said with a weak smile, managing a small flicker of warmth. – Ok I think it’s time to face him. And probably some representatives of the Council as well.

Elara gives you an encouraging smile and a small nod. She touches your arm lightly before stepping back.

– You’ve got this – she whispers before allowing you to pass.

As the door closes behind you with a muted click, you find yourself facing Headmaster himself, along with three stern-looking ARC representatives seated around his desk. Their presence radiates authority and expectation.

– Sir, Honourable Council Members. – Raphael bows respectfully. – Here I am.

The Headmaster looks up from his desk, his eyes sharp and assessing, his expression unreadable.

– Ah, welcome – he says, his voice calm and measured. – We have much to discuss.

He gestures to the council members with a formal nod.

– These are representatives from the Amaltea Resolution Council. They have some questions regarding recent developments.

– I understand. I’ll tell everything I have witnessed – Raphael replies, keeping his voice even.

The Headmaster nods, his fingers steepled.

– Proceed – he says, leaning back in his chair with practiced patience.

The council members lean forward slightly, their eyes fixed on you. Silence falls, dense with anticipation.

– We were on the edge of Whispering Woods when someone spotted a demon. It was foreign and aggressive. Before anyone could inform Hunting Team, it attacked. At the same time another, local demon, grabbed me and separated me from the group – Raphael recounts, the memory vivid behind his eyes.

The council representatives exchange glances, their expressions serious and alert. One of them—a woman with silver hair—speaks up, her voice precise.

– And then what happened?

– Before I could do something, I’ve heard all the team being killed. When the demon, who was holding me, loosened his grip, I teleported to my group. Everyone were already dead. And the intruder came at me – Raphael says, the words clipped and controlled.

The Headmaster’s eyebrows shoot up, the silver-haired councilwoman visibly startled.

– You teleported? – she asks sharply.

– He can do that – Headmaster interjects, looking significantly at her and the others, as though confirming something previously classified.

Another council member—a tall man with piercing green eyes—interrupts, his voice carrying an edge.

– And then what happened with the intruder demon?

His tone is intense, almost suspicious, the weight of judgment behind it.

– I transformed into a werewolf form and use my claws to protect myself. I went straight for his eyes and got lucky. Then I took two sharp knives and pierced its throat – Raphael answers, his voice steady, the scene flashing through his mind with cold clarity.

The council members murmur approval among themselves. The silver-haired woman nods slowly.

– Smart move – she comments. – Most werewolves would have charged mindlessly.

The Headmaster watches you closely, studying every flicker of your expression.

– Yeah, but he’s not a werewolf – he says, his voice deliberate, his gaze now turned to the other council members, who stiffen in surprise.

– And after killing the demon? – he asks quietly. – Anything unusual happen?

– I had to face the other one. I have managed to use my Compelling Voice to slow him down, and I used someone’s sword to cut his head – Raphael says simply.

The council members leaned forward, clearly impressed by his actions despite their stern demeanours. The tall man spoke up again, his voice more curious than suspicious now.

– You used your Compelling Voice? That’s quite advanced. And I’ve heard that only vampires used that.

He glanced with a puzzled look at the Headmaster, who nodded slightly.

– And what happened next?

– Nothing. I thought that I should take our man’s bodies to the school, but didn’t knew where. That’s when I summoned Elara for help – Raphael answered.

The Headmaster smiled faintly at the mention of Elara’s name, while the council members seemed satisfied with his actions.

– You handled yourself very well – the silver-haired woman said. – Most students would have panicked or run. You protected yourself, and our people, perfectly.

Then, almost inaudibly, she added:

– Almost too perfectly.

– I wouldn’t call it “protecting our people perfectly”. Whole my team is dead – Raphael replied, his tone quiet but firm.

The Headmaster’s smile faded, his expression turning solemn.

– That is true – he said softly. – You lost your entire team.

The green-eyed council member leaned back in his chair, his intense gaze fixed on Raphael.

– And yet, you managed to kill two demons alone.

– That’s what I said – Raphael responded.

The silver-haired councilwoman nodded solemnly.

– Yes, you did – she acknowledged. – But let’s be clear — you survived a situation where most would not have. That speaks volumes about your abilities and composure under pressure.

The Headmaster interjected quietly.

– How do you feel about what happened?

– Honestly? Shaken. One reason is unexpected deaths of all these people. And another – demons’ behaviour. Local one who supposed to have good intentions helped the outsider. And he stated that with every day barrier is weaker – Raphael said.

The council members exchanged serious looks again. The green-eyed man asked sharply:

– Do you think the local demon was working with the foreign one?

He drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully. The silver-haired woman bit her lip.

– And do you think his statement about the barrier is true? – she asked softly.

– I’m sure they were working together. He even called him “brother”. He deliberately separated us. And he talked about the demons who should rule above all – Raphael answered.

– Classic demon hierarchy – the green-eyed council member muttered. – They answer to someone higher up.

He looked at Raphael.

– Do you think the barrier is weakening?

Before Raphael could answer, the Headmaster added quietly:

– And answer truthfully — no sugar coating.

– I don’t think it’s my thing to say. I’m still new to everything here. I know only that barrier exists and lets through only entities with good intentions. That’s all I’ve heard. Tonight I was first time so close to the Fog. But I don’t have a reason to not believe what demon stated under my Compelling Voice – Raphael said.

The Headmaster nodded approvingly at his honest response.

– Very wise – he murmured.

The silver-haired councilwoman smiled faintly.

– You’re right, you don’t know enough about the barrier to speculate.

She paused.

– But given what you saw and heard tonight — do you have any concerns?

– Seeing the deaths of all these people. You can be sure that I have a lots of concerns – Raphael replied.

The council members reacted professionally to his genuine answer. The Headmaster’s expression became grave.

– A fair reaction – he said quietly. – The deaths of your team members… were they familiar with you?

The green-eyed council member added:

– Did you have any… emotional attachments?

He asked carefully.

– No. I met them for the first time – Raphael answered, great sadness on his face.

The council members exchanged knowing glances. The Headmaster leaned forward slightly.

– Then their deaths affected you purely on a professional level – he stated more than asked.

The green-eyed council member nodded thoughtfully.

– That speaks volumes about your character – he said sincerely.

The silver-haired woman smiled softly again.

– On a professional level? Are you serious? Sorry for my disrespect, but how can you say that? Seeing death of any fellow human, or other being in that matter, affects me on a very personal level! You can be sure of that. I might not knew them, I am not an empath, but still… I am a human. At least that’s how I think of myself – Raphael said, slightly agitated.

The room fell silent. The Headmaster’s eyes widened slightly in surprise and… something else. The green-eyed council member actually smiled — genuinely impressed. The silver-haired woman’s smile turned warm and approving.

– Well said – the Headmaster finally broke the silence, his voice carrying genuine respect.

– Am I free to leave? – Raphael asked, his voice tired.

The Headmaster nodded solemnly.

– You are dismissed for tonight.

He glanced at the other council members, who also nodded in agreement. The silver-haired woman added kindly:

– Get some rest — you’ve earned it.

As Raphael stood up to leave, the Headmaster called out one last thing.

– Remember, we were not just testing your abilities tonight. We’re testing your heart.

He paused, then added quietly, his gaze intense:

– And I think… we’ve found something special here.

Raphael nodded and left in silence.

As the door closed behind him, the council members looked at each other.

– He’s everything we hoped for – said the green-eyed council member.

The silver-haired woman nodded.

– And everything we were afraid of… And he’s got no idea how powerful he truly is.

The Headmaster nodded.

Going to the room, Raphael realized that tears were rolling from his eyes, making his cheeks totally wet. As he walked through the hallways and corridors, he couldn’t stop the tears from falling.

– Why…? – he whispered.

The hallway became a blur as tears clouded his vision. His steps slowed, each one heavier than the last. The weight of tonight’s events was finally crashing down on him — the faces of those who had died, the weight of their deaths falling squarely on his shoulders.