Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 358: Questions

Chapter 358: Questions

"Good day everyone, I’m sure we are all aware of why I called this meeting." Headmaster Roland began solemnly, his gaze trailing over everyone present to gauge their reactions before continuing.

"Yesterday, Albus and an unknown helper came together to launch a terrorist attack against the school and if not for providence, who knows what could have happened?... Despite his illustrious years in the academy, Albus has proven himself as an enemy and if we do not band together to bring him down, we might as well prepare for his brilliant mind to be used to bring Farfouth to its knees."

Not a single person took the Headmaster’s words as a joke, their attention completely zeroed on him, hardly paying any mind to Alex as had been the case last time.

Sighing heavily, Roland added. "Due to the attack, I and the school administration board have decided to put classes on hold for the time being until we can deal with Albus. It’s the only way to ensure the safety of the students and professors tasked with imparting knowledge. However, we realize that just leaving the students to roam would have no positive effect and so wish to seek input on possible ways to help the students get over the traumatic events of yesterday."

The professors began to murmur amongst themselves, with some suggesting excursions while others suggested organizing parties.

After much debate, they finally concluded, deciding to hold a small banquet for the students with music, food, and a little bit of mysticism to reorient them.

"Thank you all for your attendance, you may return to your tasks and of course, even though there would be no classes, I do hope sufficient assignments are given to keep the students occupied until the banquet."

With that, the meeting came to an end with those in attendance taking their leave to head to their various destinations.

Alex sauntered over to where Cecelia parked the carriage, intent on heading to his office to compile a few assignments for the Finalists before continuing the task from yesterday.

However, they took a bit of a detour with Cecelia picking up the Headmaster as well, causing the two men to share a space on the ride back.

"I noticed the eyes on you today were lesser than the last time," Roland commented with Alex nodding.

"I guess the attack yesterday gave them reason to not consider me enemy number one."

"Perhaps. Regardless, how is your work on the thesis?"

"It’s going well. I should submit a draft for your perusal by next week."

"Fine then," Roland remarked before letting out a sigh. "Hah, due to all this, I’ve hardly had the time to delve deeply into my studies. So much trouble for a frail old man."

Alex chuckled. "You can consider taking a break."

"Unfortunately not. This is the life of a Headmaster and I was quite aware of it when I took the post. In any case, it pays the bills for my research so I hardly mind it."

"Aren’t the TruthSeekers capable of doing such?"

"Indeed, if your thesis is worthy enough to get a grant that is. Albus tried to get one but ended up getting rejected as his thesis on the Blight and possible ways to cure it was rejected by the review board. Even though the TruthSeekers were made to take care of scholars, if they don’t think your work would be possible, they won’t ever agree to finance it. A rather archaic method if you ask me. How many great discoveries were made on absolute luck yet... hah, forgive me, I find myself babbling out of frustration."

"It’s fine, sir. I can understand considering the relationship you share with Albus."

Roland let out a sigh, his gaze shifting to the sight outside, taking in the academic structures that dotted the landscape.

Seeing Roland so emotional, Alex decided to push a bit further. "Forgive my curiosity, sir, but considering everything that’s happened, can’t you just reinstate Professor Albus?"

"I wish I could but it’s impossible."

"Is it because of the Order?... Are they threatening you?"

Roland stayed silent for a moment before ultimately shaking his head. "The Order is indeed strong but not enough to force my hand like that."

"You know about the Order’s strength, sir?"

"Shouldn’t you be aware considering you are a part?"

"I’m only a pawn, sir. The intricacies of that great organization eludes me."

Knowing fully well that the green mist was currently still accompanying them in the carriage, Alex sought to find the balance between healthy curiosity for a man like Lucius while figuring out a bit more about this enigmatic opponent.

Roland chuckled. "You do indeed look like one. In any case, I don’t know much about the Order, only that the reason Farfouth is their base is due to its history and that though its headquarters is indeed in the academy, most of its members are scattered around the empire. But you already know this, don’t you?"

"Indeed, sir. I’m well aware." Alex muttered as he leaned back in his chair.

He could tell that Roland was not saying everything he knew which was understandable if he was the least bit aware of the green mist covering the entirety of Farfouth.

In any case, even though what Roland had said sounded useless, it helped to solidify a few ideas that Alex had already considered.

Firstly, Farfouth most likely had three lines of defense, one being the barrier, the second the Undead Wheel Mystic, and lastly, whatever little number of members they had lurking around the academy.

Considering they wouldn’t want to disrupt the workings of the academy as it had both the hands of the Crown and the TruthSeekers, it would be rude to have too many members loitering around the school grounds.

Secondly, the Supreme Order would need the means to transport its members for their meetings, which Alex was aware they regularly had due to Lucius’s memories but then the question remained.

Was the means of transport the mundane type or something more esoteric, perhaps the kind that could allow for reinforcement, in case of a breach, coming in within seconds?