Capítulo 8: Commencing Investigation
[A Few Days Later]
Once again, it was time for the Joint Combat Training, and both the Alpha Students and Beta Students gathered in the same auditorium.
There were a few uncomfortable and begrudging glances from both sides, but neither said anything to the other. Instead, they remained in their respective east and west lanes, opting to watch the match playing out before them.
As all of this happened, Ash sat calmly and pretended to watch the match while thinking about something else.
'There's been a rumor floating around that the killer is most likely a Beta Class Student, since the first victims were Alpha Class students, and Betas aren't noble, so they're more susceptible to dishonorable violence…' A wry smile formed on his face. 'However, not even a majority of the Alpha Students believe this, since doing so would mean they acknowledge the power and potential of Beta Class.'
In the mind of the Alphas, there was no way a Beta Class Student could be the White Death, because an entity like that—one that eluded the authorities and caused so much fear and death—was far too powerful to be a Beta.
Still, the rumor had successfully driven a bigger wedge between the Alpha and Beta students.
'If this keeps up, things will only escalate and the barely surviving relationship between both classes will deteriorate.'
Ash knew what the consequences would be if that was allowed to happen.
This was because he had read all about future incidents, and with the storyline changing, things were escalating far faster than he initially expected.
'I can no longer be idle…' He sighed to himself, rising to his feet. 'It's time to make my move.'
************
The Joint Combat Training ended the same way it always did—with the victory of Alpha Class—and once the students were dispersed, much to their relief, they made their way to the dorms or the library.
Some even went to the Training Facilities to get even more attuned to their abilities.
Ash watched all of this happen, and instead of walking alone—as he always did—he approached a group of students.
They weren't his usual crowd, the Beta Class.
No, these were Alpha Students.
"Hey, guys… how's it going?" He asked, trying his best to make a friendly smile.
"It's you?"
"What do you want, Ashfelt?"
"Shouldn't you be hanging out with your Beta Class friends?"
The students chuckled as they stopped their walk and looked at him, their eyes filled with condescension, no doubt. Most students wouldn't dare to even make fun of him, but Alpha Class students were somewhat exceptions.
Since they were mostly from Noble Households, and they also held huge prospects for the Empire, they were largely untouchable.
Still… that didn't mean they were invincible.
"Haha! Very funny, guys." Ash joined them in chuckling. "I think Seth would like to hear what you jerks are saying about me."
Everyone's face turned pale instantly.
"Maybe I should bring him into this conversation and see what he has to—"
"Okay! Okay! You've made your point."
"Just tell us what you want… we're listening."
"As long as you don't bring him into this… we can talk like Noble men…"
Ash smiled and nodded at their words, happy they understood the situation and were happy to comply. As always, using his brother as a scare tactic was more effective than relying on convoluted manipulation.
'Back when Ashfelt was demoted from Alpha Class, these jerks made fun of him and nearly bullied him, but Seth stood in the way of that and put the fear of God in them with a threat.'
"If you ever trouble my brother again… I'll destroy you!"
That was what he said, and those words worked wonders! This was because Seth wasn't just a Noble, but he was also at the top of Alpha Class in terms of both potential and current ability.
No one could stand up to him, which meant Ash could ride on his coattails and use him as a source of authority.
'I should avoid using this too much, though… since that would attract Seth's attention.'
And that was the last thing he wanted at the moment.
"I don't need all of you idiots." He shoved the students aside and walked towards only one of them.
"Just you."
The person he spoke to was none other than the only witness of the White Death's first appearance—Justin Timberdrake.
**************
"... A-and, that's when Achibald fell to the ground, and his arms began to twist! It was horrifying… the scariest moment I've had till date."
As Ash listened to the boy's stories, he kept a calm face and internally processed everything he was listening to. For starters, he was now certain that the Beta Student that was the initial suspect was no longer the White Death.
Not only did he have an alibi for the nights when the Alpha Students and the Special Investigator were attacked, but his alibi actually checked out and was supported by one or more people.
'I also got closer to him—the Beta Student—so I could keep a close eye on him all this while, and so far he hasn't exhibited any suspicious traits.'
Last but not least, Ash was well aware of the student's whereabouts and actions during the night of the recent murders—the death of two Academy Instructors. The reason he was so certain about this was that he was in the boy's room and discussing with him when the killing happened.
In essence… he really wasn't the White Death.
'But if he isn't… who is?'
"U-um, Ashfelt… I was wondering… shouldn't the Academy cancel the rest of the Academic Session so we can return home… you know, to our families?" Justin whimpered as he looked at Ash.
His visage showed just how shaken he was, and even his trembling tone and stuttering voice was enough to give away his fright. All this time, he had been holding it all in, but the reality was that he wanted to leave the Academy.
"Unfortunately, it's not that simple…" Ash sighed.
"It seems pretty simple to me, though!" Justin barked desperately. "Students are dying! Shouldn't they inform our parents or something… shouldn't they take an action that fully guarantees our safety?"
Yet another sigh escaped Ash's lips.
To think that the Akashic Magus Academy, or any other Academy in the Empire, could release its students at the slightest inconvenience or the most disastrous circumstances was a very naive way of thinking.
It simply couldn't be done.
"Do you know why we're here, Justin?" Ash asked with a sad smile. "I mean… why we're really here—beyond learning about Spirit Arts and growing as Mages."
"U-um… to serve the Empire with our gifts and abilities?"
"Precisely!"
However, this service wasn't merely a flippant decision that could be opted out of at any time. It was the very essence… the sole purpose of the Academy.
"As students, we are being groomed to be the soldiers who will fight the wars of the Empire, so don't think of this as a normal school." Ash tapped the boy's shoulder. "This is more akin to a military academy… or a training camp."
It wasn't a place one could leave voluntarily, not even on the grounds of a strong apprehension of death.
"B-but our lives are in danger! Our families would never allow—!"
"Before we were enrolled here, our parents already signed an agreement with the Academy, which waives the liability of the Academy in the event of the death or permanent injuries on any of the students." Ash revealed. "They all understand the situation, and none of them are going to rush in here to rescue us, even if they are told the news."
In fact, Ash believed some of their parents already knew the truth, since they were well-connected with the Academy.
Despite their knowledge, they weren't making any moves for the obvious reasons.
'We are all adults by the Academy standards, and so even if we die—as long as it is within the Academy Walls—it is simply regarded as a contribution to the glory of the Empire.'
Nothing more… nothing less.
"But… that's just plain cruel."
"Well…" Ash chuckled and tapped the boy's shoulder before walking away. "Welcome to the Magus Academy, Justin."
He had gotten all the information he needed from the student, and while he felt bad about the boy's growing fears—one that would undoubtedly lead to despair at some point—Ash knew he couldn't do anything for him.
All he could do was try his best to unearth the true identity of the White Death.
'The only real clue I haven't really explored would be the Special Investigator's last words.' He thought to himself.
Even in the novel, those words were never fully explained..
'But, that is my only shot right now… and if I want to crack it, I'll need the assistance of another student.'
Someone who had an incredibly bright mind and would also become one of the best Mages in the entire continent—even growing to be the Protagonist's biggest supporting character in the Novel.
'She's also the one who beat me in the Promotional Exams and rose to Alpha Class.'
Of course, he was referring to none other than Elma.
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