The Villain Professor's Second Chance

A contingent from the Magic Tower Academy, led by the Chancellor and accompanied by the Bishop of the White Church, entered the hall with a sense of urgency. Their expressions were a mixture of concern and determination as they made their way towards the center of the hall where the queen stood. Upon reaching her, they knelt in unison, their heads bowed in a show of deep respect and apology.

"Your Majesty, we are deeply ashamed of our lateness," the Chancellor said, his voice filled with regret. "We arrived as swiftly as possible, but it seems we are too late."

The queen, a figure of regal composure, regarded them with a neutral expression. Her eyes, however, betrayed a hint of disappointment. She took a moment to survey the scene, her gaze lingering on the damaged hall and the exhausted faces of her subjects.

"It is indeed a grave shame," she finally said, her voice carrying a calm authority. "However, the immediate threat has already been dealt with, thanks to the efforts of Earl Drakhan and the other nobles present."

Her words caused a stir among the assembled individuals. Murmurs of confusion and curiosity rippled through the crowd, and many furrowed their brows, puzzled by the queen's statement. The Chancellor, however, merely smiled, a knowing look in his eyes.

The queen continued, her tone firm. "I leave the rest of the investigation in your capable hands, Chancellor. I want a thorough examination of this incident. I demand to know the identity of the culprit behind this attack and the true reason for this assault that nearly harmed my brother."

The Chancellor bowed his head once more. "As you command, Your Majesty. We will uncover the truth."

The queen's gaze shifted to the Bishop, who had remained silent until now. "Bishop, I trust that you will provide the necessary support from the church in this matter. The spiritual well-being of our kingdom must not be overlooked."

The Bishop nodded solemnly. "Of course, Your Majesty. The White Church will do everything in its power to assist in this investigation and to ensure the safety of our people. Especially in a demonic case like this, we will do everything from our end."

With her orders given, the queen turned her attention back to the hall. The nobles and guards were beginning to restore some semblance of order, tending to the injured and clearing away the debris. The queen's composed demeanor did not waver, but there was an undercurrent of determination in her eyes.

As the Chancellor and the Bishop rose from their kneeling positions, they began to coordinate their efforts. The mages from the Magic Tower Academy spread out, examining the remnants of the demonic invasion and collecting any magical residues that might provide clues. The Bishop and his clerics moved among the wounded, offering healing and comfort.

Despite the calm exterior, the tension in the hall was palpable. The nobles whispered among themselves, speculating about the true nature of the attack and the identity of the orchestrators. Draven's absence was noted, and many wondered about the extent of his involvement and the reasons behind his swift departure.

Amberine, still shaken from the battle, watched as the investigation unfolded. She could feel the weight of the queen's gaze on her and the other nobles who had fought so valiantly. The sense of relief that had followed their victory was now overshadowed by the questions that remained unanswered.

Elara approached Amberine, her expression a mix of exhaustion and curiosity. "What do you think they're going to find?" she asked quietly, her eyes scanning the room.

Amberine shook her head. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it must be significant, don't you think? The queen wouldn't demand such a thorough investigation otherwise."

Elara nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Draven's actions tonight... they were extraordinary. I've never seen magic like that before. I guess the level of a professor is different so it's well expected."

Amberine glanced at Elara, noting the admiration in her voice. "I admit that was superb. But there's something more to him. Something... deeper."

Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of one of the Magic Tower mages. The young woman bowed slightly before speaking. "Excuse me, Lady Amberine, Lady Elara. The Chancellor requests your presence. He wishes to speak with those who were directly involved in the battle."

Amberine exchanged a look with Elara before nodding. "Of course. Lead the way."

They followed the mage through the hall, weaving around clusters of nobles and guards. The damage was more extensive than Amberine had initially realized. The marble floors were cracked and stained with dark residues, and the once grand chandeliers hung askew, their crystals shattered.

As they walked, Amberine couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety in her stomach. "Elara, do you think we'll get in trouble for anything?" she whispered.

Elara shook her head. "No, I don't think so. We did our best. Besides, the queen herself saw us fighting."

Amberine sighed, trying to steady her nerves. "I suppose you're right."

The Chancellor stood near the center of the hall, speaking with the queen and the Bishop. He turned as Amberine and Elara approached, his expression one of calm authority.

As they followed the mage through the hall, Amberine and Elara felt a powerful mana aura radiating from the Chancellor. It was a palpable force, an overwhelming presence that made their hearts race and their steps falter. The sheer strength of his mana was enough to make them nervous, a reminder of the incredible power he wielded.

As they approached the Chancellor, the intensity of his aura became almost suffocating. Their breaths quickened, and a sense of apprehension gripped them. But then, just as the tension reached its peak, the Chancellor raised his hand, and a soothing light enveloped them.

The healing spell was like a gentle breeze, washing over their bodies and easing their pain. The warmth of the magic seeped into their muscles, banishing the aches and bruises from the battle. Their nerves calmed, and a sense of tranquility settled over them.

Amberine closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of the magic. It was like being wrapped in a soft, comforting blanket, the pain and exhaustion melting away. When she opened her eyes again, she felt rejuvenated, her strength restored.

Elara glanced at the Chancellor, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you, Chancellor," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your magic is incredible."

The Chancellor smiled warmly, his presence now more reassuring than intimidating. "It is my duty to ensure the well-being of our defenders," he said kindly. "You have fought bravely, and you deserve to be healed."

Amberine nodded, feeling a newfound respect for the Chancellor. "We will do our best to provide any information that might help with the investigation," she said, her voice steady and confident.

The Chancellor's smile widened. "Your bravery and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Now, please, tell me everything you remember about the attack. No detail is too small."

As Amberine and Elara recounted the events of the evening, the Chancellor listened intently, occasionally asking questions to clarify specific points. The Bishop, standing nearby, offered his insights as well, drawing on his extensive knowledge of dark magic and demonic forces.

Through their combined efforts, a clearer picture of the attack began to emerge. The demonic invasion was not a random act of chaos but a carefully orchestrated assault with a specific purpose. The involvement of the orc mage and the dark spirit possessing the performer hinted at a larger conspiracy, one that reached deep into the heart of the kingdom.

Amberine's voice trembled slightly as she recalled the moment the orc mage appeared. "He was so powerful... I've never felt anything like it. It was like he was drawing strength from somewhere else."

Elara nodded, her face pale. "And that dark spirit... it was terrifying. I could feel its malice. It wasn't just trying to hurt us, it wanted to destroy everything."

The queen, observing the discussion from a distance, seemed to grow more resolute with each passing moment. She addressed the assembled nobles and guards, her voice carrying the weight of her authority.

"We will not rest until we have uncovered the truth behind this attack," she declared. "Our kingdom has faced a grave threat, and we must remain vigilant. I expect each of you to contribute to the investigation and to ensure the safety of our people."

Her words were met with a chorus of affirmations, the nobles and guards pledging their loyalty and support. The queen's determination was infectious, instilling a renewed sense of purpose in all who were present.

As the evening drew to a close, the investigation continued in earnest. The Magic Tower mages and the clerics of the White Church worked tirelessly, their efforts guided by the queen's unwavering resolve. Amberine and Elara, despite their exhaustion, remained at the center of the investigation, their experiences and insights proving invaluable.

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