C102
"I don't want to hastily conclude on Shirone's case. We currently lack information about the Unlocker.”
Ethella, who agreed with Alpheas, added.
"Shirone entered the Immortal Function three months ago and dramatically opened it during the recent battle. The Holy Order recognizes the Immortal Function as a mental sublimation function. It could be a separate issue from life itself."
"What are you talking about? We're not here to listen to the Holy Order's perspective. We want to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible.”
Some teachers did not understand Ethella's words. The Immortal Function was a level beyond comprehension. Even the most knowledgeable teachers couldn't claim to understand it more than a layperson in the field of enlightenment.
The teacher who confronted Ethella spoke directly to Alpheas.
“Principal, please change your mind. To be honest, though with all due respect, it all started with Principal's love affair. There is nothing more important to us than this school. At this rate, the worst may happen.”
Alpheas looked around at the audience. Dozens of gazes were pressuring him with silent expectation.
“Worst case? What is the worst case you think of?"
"The school might be ordered to close."
"No, that's not the worst-case scenario."
A frustrated teacher spoke up, beating his chest.
“I can't understand Principal's will. What could be worse than the school closing?”
"The worst-case scenario for the school is when all students and teachers die."
The conference room was enveloped in silence. The gazes that were facing Alpheas diverged one by one.
"If it weren't for Shirone, none of us would have survived. And the list of casualties would have included all of you."
Alpheas was disappointed in the teachers who only sought to use the student's death to their advantage instead of honoring them.
"Isn't there a slim chance that remains? Even if it's less than a 1% chance, isn't it the child who gave up his life for us? Shouldn't we try until we've exhausted every possibility? Even if the school closes, isn't it our duty as teachers to do our best for Shirone's return?"
“But, Principal, what does the school mean to us? We feel sorry for Shirone, but if the school closes like this..."
"The school won't close. I will take all the responsibility. So please work hard for Shirone. Shouldn't we at least make this sacrifice for that child?"
The teachers could not refute Alpheas' words. Regardless of the reason, they couldn't deny the fact that they had their lives saved by a student.
After the meeting, the teachers left the conference room with dark expressions.
The Magic School Student Council.
Student council representatives from each class gathered in the massive conference room. Unlike the teachers who were worried about their livelihoods, the emotionally sensitive students felt betrayed by Alpheas's past.
"Hello, I am Amira, the student council president. I have called this meeting to discuss and resolve the current situation. I hope everyone will present constructive opinions."
Amira from Class 2 declared the conference from the podium. A twenty-two-year-old senior majoring in climate magic, she was ranked first among the graduating students.
As a representative figure of the student council's leftist inclination, the atmosphere of the debate could be predicted. As expected, the first to request the right to speak were the conservatives who criticized the school's stance.
“I am Cerielle from Class Three. I am aware that there is a serious public opinion criticizing Principal Alpheas within the school. However, I think we need to be careful. The school's honor is the same as the students' honor. Attacking the faculty in this situation could have negative repercussions for future graduates."
“I am Cass from Class Four. While I understand Committee Cerielle's point, this issue is related to the morality of the teachers. Even if it happened 40 years ago, it was a criminal act. I don't think there is a future for the school if they doesn't take responsibility for this part.”
Naturally, Amira agreed with Cass. However, as befits her chairman, she did not express her agreement outwardly but simply nodded.
“Olivia from Class Six. The main issue at hand is the death of Shirone. As you know, Shirone has died. However, a minority of students and teachers are distorting this fact. As a result, the school side missed two of the suspects who were aligned with Arcane, and Principal's accusation is also being delayed. I believe this is a clear case of responsibility evasion, and the student council should step up."
Amira was furious for the same reason. Currently, teachers were delaying the accusation of Alpheas on the grounds that Shirone's condition was uncertain.
Cerielle objected.
"Isn't it a bit of an overinterpretation of the teachers' intentions? Shirone's heart is not beating, but there is no decay either. I know that there is a lot of discussion about the opened Immortal Function even in Ivory Tower. Considering this, it's not unreasonable to understand the teachers' judgment."
The students reacted with disdain. It was the Immortal Function, which was difficult for even the teachers to understand, so there was no way they could accept it at their level. Some students didn't even know what the Immortal Function was.
It was the same with Amira. The highest level that a mage can pursue. But what about that?
Magic was a phenomenon based on knowledge. She couldn't feel the greatness of it being called the best while talking about something as intangible as a cloud.
"Um, this is Veronica from Class Ten."
An eight-year-old raised her hand. The student council selected representatives from each class, so regardless of their age, the weight of their words was the same.
"Yes, please go ahead, Committee Veronica."
“What did Grandpa Alpheas do wrong?”
At the sound of a voice that looked like she would burst into tears at any moment, Amira frowned and let out a sigh.
'This is why I suggested separating the classes.'
Veronica said with a sniffle.
Tags:
Infinite Mage (Novel)
