Zarathoz walked elegantly through the school, her hands behind her back and her head held high, projecting a dignity as natural as it was intimidating. The woman with white hair and gray eyes following behind her kept her gaze lowered, yet she seemed as if she wanted to say something... though she lacked the courage to do so.
However, Zarathoz, even with her back turned, sensed her subordinate's unrest. And with a soft yet grave voice, she spoke—without even turning around.
Luzbel... Tell me what it is you want to say, now.
Luzbel, startled, stammered slightly before finally speaking.
W-well... the other professors are waiting for you in the Chamber of Silence. Some are confused... others are angry about what happened. They're asking for an explanation from you.
(She said it in a delicate, almost timid voice.)
And? Is that all?
(Said Zarathoz seriously, as if she already knew it wasn't.)
W-what do you mean, Director?
(Said Luzbel, feigning ignorance.)
Do you think I'm a fool? I know that's not what you really wanted to say. It's about the boy, isn't it?
At Zarathoz's sharp question, Luzbel froze. It was as if she could read her mind.
Yes... looks like I hit the mark, didn't I?
(Said Zarathoz with an egocentric smile.)
Luzbel didn't reply, but in truth, she did want to know more. She wanted to understand what had happened… and above all, learn more about that boy who had apparently tried to protect a human.
For now, all I'll tell you is that his name is Morgan… and that he likely doesn't belong to any known race so far.
That last phrase left Luzbel even more stunned. She reached out as if to grab Zarathoz's arm, wanting to ask what she meant, but before she could, they both arrived at a massive gate—made of stone and platinum. Shields were carved into the door's center, stacked one atop the other like the banners of a fallen empire.
Maybe, when we leave this place... I'll tell you a bit more about the boy.
(Said Zarathoz with a confident smile.)
Zarathoz placed her hand on the gate, and it opened instantly, a gust of wind bursting from within.
Alright... here we go.
(She said, with a hint of annoyance.)
Zarathoz entered. Luzbel followed. On either side stood pillars of white concrete—five on the left, four on the right. At the far end, like thrones of kings, rose luxurious seats where eight expectant entities were already seated. The atmosphere was tense, almost suffocating.
Go to your place.
(Zarathoz ordered, without looking at her.)
Luzbel bowed her head, spread her wings, and flew toward the only empty seat. Meanwhile, Zarathoz walked with her gaze lifted high, radiating innate superiority, heading toward the final pillar—taller than all the rest.
Without unfolding her wings, she conjured stone steps beneath her feet, climbing gracefully to her throne. She sat down with elegance, crossed one leg over the other, rested her head on one hand, and with an imposing voice, declared:
Well then... what is the matter?
A strong, feminine voice rose the moment Zarathoz finished her sentence.
I want to know who the hell interrupted the challenge my student issued in such a manner!
The complaint came from a massive, powerfully built woman, dressed in heavy winter garments. Her curly brown hair framed her yellow eyes and round, fur-covered ears—like those of a bear. Instead of nails, she had massive claws. Her gaze was as fierce as her form.
I want you to explain who that boy was who interfered in today's fight! And more importantly... why he did it to protect trash!
(She said, with restrained fury.)
I want to know who that boy is as well...
(The voice that interrupted was cold, dry—like it came from a grave.)
It came from a being clad in rusted silver armor. His helmet appeared fused to his face, with patches of skin peeking through its cracks. A ragged, filthy navy-blue cape hung from his shoulders, and an enormous rusted sword rested at his side.
So... will you tell us who our mysterious visitor is, dear Director?
A new voice joined the conversation—this one sensual, almost hypnotic. It came from a woman with skin as black as night and long, pointed ears. Her hair, jet-black, was speckled with white as if splashed with paint. A white veil covered her nose and mouth, and she wore a white-and-gold outfit—elegant, yet provocative.
Tell us who he is already!
(Shouted the curly-haired woman, slamming her fist onto her seat.)
The blow, though it didn't seem that powerful, made the pillar shake and sent a booming echo through the chamber.
Zarathoz yawned. She stood from her throne, stretched her neck indifferently, and replied with lazy calm.
I don't know.
(She said flatly.)
The entire chamber fell silent.
Just as the curly-haired woman was about to erupt in fury, another voice spoke first—calm and respectful.
Forgive me for being the one to question you, Director... but I find that hard to believe. After all, you were the one who took him to your office.
The speaker was a pale-skinned man with blonde hair, crimson eyes, and ornate clothing. A serpent-shaped tattoo curled around his thumb.
Don't mess with us, Zarathoz! You know something. It's your duty and your job to keep us informed of everything that happens at this academy. So cut the bullshit and tell us who the brat is!
(Yelled the curly-haired woman, furious.)
I know my duties as head of this academy, Miss Ursa... But I will not tolerate any kind of disrespect while I am in charge. Understood?
Zarathoz shot her a glare so terrifying, so heavy with power, that it froze the air in the room. Ursa, feeling the full weight of that pressure, could only lower her gaze—powerless, trembling with rage.
And I know many of you are confused and have questions. But it's true—I know nothing about this visitor. I brought him in for questioning, but he passed out before I could ask him anything. Once he wakes up, I'll allow someone to interrogate him. That way... you'll all get the answers you want. Is that clear?
(She said with the same piercing stare.)
And who will conduct the interrogation?
The question came from a short man with long, reddish hair and beard, wearing white-rimmed glasses with blue lenses. He held a round object in his hands, spinning and analyzing it without lifting his gaze.
Yes, who will question him?
(Said Ursa—still upset, though now more restrained.)
You're right... we need to choose someone. Let me see—
But Ursa interrupted her.
Since my student was affected by him... I think I deserve the right to interrogate him, don't you think, Director?
(She said with resentment.)
Hmph... you're right.
(Said Zarathoz, yawning.)
Thank you. I'll make sure to extract all the information I can—
But Zarathoz interrupted her with icy indifference.
Luzbel will do it.
The room fell into stunned silence. Even Luzbel herself froze in place.
What!?
(Screamed Ursa, incredulous.)
You heard me. The interrogation... will be done by Luzbel.
(Said Zarathoz without changing tone.)
Are you fucking kidding me!? Why the hell would that lunatic do it?! She shouldn't even be here, with her pathetic, offensive ideas about treating trash with kindness! She's the least qualified person for this!
Luzbel lowered her gaze. Ursa's words struck her deeply.
Zarathoz smiled. Then, she vanished from her seat and reappeared in front of Ursa, grabbing her face with one hand, her stare so commanding that time itself seemed to stop.
I thought I told you... I will not tolerate disrespect in my chamber... or in my academy. And if I say Luzbel will do the fucking interrogation, then she will do the damn interrogation. Got it!?
(Zarathoz lightly dug her claws into Ursa's face—not breaking the skin, but making her point.)
I asked... got it!?
Ursa could only nod, seething with rage.
Zarathoz returned to her seat gracefully, adjusted her clothes… and as Ursa rubbed her face in humiliated silence, she added:
However... I understand your frustration about your student. So... how about we settle this with a challenge?
End of Chapter.
Next Chapter: "You Are What I Was Looking For."