The Binding Punishment
A week after the monster hunting system explanation
The academy's courtroom, usually used for ceremonial events, now felt cold and intimidating. Carsel sat alone on the dark wooden defendant's chair, surrounded by rows of people staring at him with deep hatred.
On the left side of the room, the three victim families sat with grim faces and fiery eyes. Thomas and Sarah Hartwell, Marcus and Catherine Brightwater, James and Martha Thornfield. Behind them, dozens of supporters from villages and merchant guilds demanding justice.
On the right side, the academy representatives sat with tense expressions. Headmaster Aldeon, senior professors, and several board members who were clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
Most striking were the rows of VIP seats at the front, where the four royal students sat with undisguised interest. Prince Aldric smiled thinly, as if enjoying the unfolding drama.
"The hearing for the case of Carsel Nightshade and the deaths of three academy students begins," the Headmaster announced in a heavy voice. "We are gathered today to determine the... appropriate consequences for the tragedy that occurred."
Victim Family Testimonies
Thomas Hartwell stood first, his body trembling with suppressed anger.
"Emma was everything to us," his voice hoarse but full of conviction. "A cheerful little girl, who dreamed of becoming a healer to help the sick. She never hurt anyone in her short life."
He pointed at Carsel with a trembling hand. "And she died because of this boy's arrogance. Because he thought he could play with dark magic he couldn't control."
"We demand a blood debt," he continued, his voice growing louder. "Our daughter's life cannot be repaid with money or apologies. He must pay with his life—working for us until the debt is fully paid."
Sarah Hartwell also stood. "We've already lost our future with Emma. Now he must lose his future too."
Marcus Brightwater took the podium next with the aura of a powerful businessman.
"Alexander was the sole heir of the Brightwater family," he said in a controlled but chilling voice. "He was to continue our merchant empire, to marry, to give us grandchildren. All of that is gone because of one child's idiocy."
He stared at Carsel with eyes as cold as ice. "The Merchant Guild has agreed—we demand compensation slavery. He will work unpaid for the victim families until the economic value of what was lost is repaid. Based on our calculations, that will take twenty years."
"Twenty years of his life for the three lives he took," Catherine Brightwater added, her voice trembling with hatred. "That's still too cheap."
James Thornfield, a simple farmer unaccustomed to speaking in large forums, stood nervously but determinedly.
"We... we are simple folk," he said in a voice that was almost a whisper but clearly audible in the silent room. "Lily was... was the sunshine in our lives. Every morning she woke with a smile, every night she said 'I love you Papa, I love you Mama' before bed."
Tears began to stream down his face. "Now our home is silent. The flower garden she tended is dying. And we... we don't know how to live without her laughter."
He looked at Carsel with a mixture of sadness and anger. "We don't need money or status. We just want him to feel some of the pain we feel. Every day. Until he understands how precious the lives he took were."
Political Pressure
After the family testimonies, various representatives from guilds and political bodies came forward to give statements.
"The Merchant Guild declares full support for the victim families," an official in luxurious robes declared. "We will boycott the academy if justice is not properly served."
"Village Councils from five villages declare the same," another added. "Our children are not safe if dangerous elements like this are allowed to go free."
"We have even prepared legal documents for a blood debt contract," said the lawyer brought by the Brightwater family. "Everything is ready—he just needs to sign and begin serving his sentence."
Prince Aldric raised a hand with an elegant gesture. "May I speak?"
The room immediately fell silent. Royal authority could not be ignored, even in a situation like this.
"As a future leader," he said in a smooth voice carrying hidden venom, "I am deeply concerned by this tragedy. Public safety must be the top priority."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"However," he continued in a thoughtful tone, "we must also consider the educational value of punishment. Expulsion or slavery would remove the opportunity for... redemption and learning."
What is he planning? Carsel thought with growing dread.
"Perhaps there is a solution that can satisfy both justice and educational purpose," Prince Aldric added with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Hybrid Solution Introduced
Headmaster Aldeon, who had clearly discussed this beforehand with various parties, stood with a document in his hand.
"After extensive deliberation with board members, legal advisors, and... royal consultation," he said with visible reluctance, "we propose a hybrid solution."
"Carsel Nightshade will remain a student at the academy, but with a special status as a Condemned Student under permanent probation."
Murmurs started spreading throughout the room.
"Details of the arrangement are as follows:"
DAILY PUNISHMENT DUTIES:
"Every day, from 4 AM to 6 AM, he will clean all academy facilities alone—dormitories, classrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, training grounds."
"Every weekend, he will serve as a test subject for experimental magic research—with appropriate safety measures, of course."
"For monster hunting expeditions, he will be assigned as a frontline scout—meaning he will face danger first to ensure the safety of other students."
ACADEMIC RESTRICTIONS:
"He may not advance to a higher class without the unanimous approval of the faculty and the victim families."
"Access is limited to the library, equipment, and resources. He may only use basic academy supplies."
"Must earn 'redemption points' through exemplary behavior and service. Each violation will result in a point reduction."
FINANCIAL COMPENSATION:
"The academy will provide significant financial compensation to the three families, which will continue as long as Carsel remains a student."
"When he eventually graduates and earns income, 60% of his earnings will be automatically transferred to a fund for the victim families—for life."
FAMILY VISITATION RIGHTS:
"The victim families will have monthly 'visitation rights'—an opportunity to... express their feelings directly to Carsel in a controlled environment."
That sounds like sanctioned revenge sessions, Carsel thought with horror.
ROYAL SUPERVISION:
"As senior students with exemplary records, the royals will have the authority to assign additional tasks and punishment to Carsel as part of his rehabilitation."
Prince Aldric's smile widened significantly when this part was announced.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY:
"One more mistake—of any kind—will result in immediate termination of this arrangement and automatic transfer to the prepared blood debt slavery contract."
Reactions
Thomas Hartwell consulted with his wife and family supporters in intense whispers. After a few minutes, he stood.
"We... accept this arrangement," he said with reluctance. "But with an additional demand—we want weekly reports on his suffering. We want to know that he's truly paying for what he did."
Marcus Brightwater nodded with satisfaction. "Financial compensation plus a lifetime earnings cut is acceptable. And visitation rights will be... useful."
James Thornfield merely nodded with sad acceptance. "If this is the only way to get justice... so be it."
Prince Aldric stood up with an elegant movement. "On behalf of the royal families, we pledge to ensure that the rehabilitation process will be... thorough and effective."
They're planning to torture me, Carsel realized with absolute horror. This isn't justice—this is systematic cruelty with legal protection.
The Signing
A heavy contract was brought to the table in front of Carsel. Thick documents with complex legal language, but the bottom line was simple: he would become an official victim for the satisfaction of others.
"Sign here," the lawyer said in a business-like tone.
Carsel's hand trembled as he held the quill. He glanced at the audience—hundreds of faces staring at him with a mixture of satisfaction, hatred, and anticipation.
If I don't sign, they'll force blood debt slavery, he thought with despair. If I do sign, I'll become their official punching bag.
But at least this way, I can still stay at the academy. There's still a chance to become stronger, to prove myself.
Maybe... maybe I deserve this. Maybe this is the price I have to pay for my mistake.
With a heavy heart and a hand that couldn't stop trembling, Carsel signed the contract that would bind him to years of systematic suffering.
Sarcastic applause echoed in the room when the signature was complete. Not a celebration—but the satisfaction of seeing justice (in a twisted form) finally served.
Immediate Implementation
"Contract effective immediately," the Headmaster announced. "Mr. Nightshade, your new duties begin tomorrow at 4 AM. Report to the maintenance wing for equipment and instructions."
Prince Aldric approached with a predatory smile. "And don't worry, Carsel. We will personally ensure that your rehabilitation process will be... comprehensive."
"Looking forward to working with you," Princess Seraphina added with fake sweetness.
Carsel stood with trembling legs, feeling the weight of the contract in his hands. Around him, people slowly dispersed, conversing about the satisfaction and justice finally served.
The victim families stared at him one last time with a mixture of satisfaction and lingering hatred before leaving.
This is my life now, Carsel thought with a numbness spreading through his body. Years of serving people who hate me, being tortured by royals who enjoy my suffering, and living with guilt that will never fade.
Maybe death would have been kinder.
But as he walked back to Onyx Dormitory in shame and despair, a small part of him—a part that refused to give up completely—whispered with defiance:
I'll survive this. Somehow, I'll become strong enough that they won't be able to hurt me anymore. I'll prove that I'm worth more than just being their victim.
I have to. Because if I don't... I'll truly become the monster they think I already am.
In the shadows, the mysterious organization member who had been observing the proceedings smiled with satisfaction.
Phase two of their plan couldn't have gone better. The target was now officially isolated, systematically broken down, and under constant stress that would make him perfect for manipulation when the time came.
Soon, the figure thought in the darkness. Very soon, the broken boy will become the perfect weapon for our purposes.
And when that happens, the real chaos will finally begin.