Chapter 49: Time Ticking Away
Back at the academy, three distinguished professors stood in a solemn line beside the principal's imposing desk. Each of them held a reputation for imparting knowledge to the freshmen within the realms of history, magical theory, and crafting. Their collective presence was an earnest attempt to report a concerning incident that had happened over the past two days.
Professor Eveline, her voice tinged with anxiety, was the first to voice her concerns. "What course of action should we take, considering neither of them has attended any of their scheduled classes? They also seem to have vacated their dormitories."
Her agitation was palpable, but Professor Harrington, with an expression of calmness, sought to provide reassurance. "Please, Professor Eveline, let us maintain our composure. The situation is currently under investigation, and it's imperative that we remain patient."
Professor Stone's chimed in. "Indeed, we must not overlook the gravity of the matter. These students are among the brightest in their respective years, and their absence is akin to losing a formidable future army."
Principal Spellman, his gaze steady and resolute, interjected. "I understand the depth of your concerns, my esteemed colleagues. However, it's crucial to remember that there are variables beyond our immediate control. As I mentioned earlier, the investigation is already underway. We cannot simply conjure their whereabouts with magic. Let us have faith in the process."
The three professors exchanged apprehensive glances, their shared worry for the missing students present. They understood that, for now, their collective patience was the only recourse as the academy mobilized to uncover the truth.
*Creak*
The door behind them swung open without warning, and a man of considerable authority made his entrance. With a bald head and piercing, somewhat sinister eyes, Grandfeld, the esteemed council elder of the academy, appeared before the principal and the three professors.
Principal Spellman and the professors greeted Grandfeld with a mixture of respect and trepidation, knowing that his arrival signified the gravity of the situation.
Grandfeld's presence commanded the room as he began to address them. "Principal Roderick, I have been informed of the situation regarding the missing students. Their absence is a matter of great concern for the academy and the council alike."
He glanced at each of them in turn, his gaze unyielding. "I trust that you have already initiated an investigation into their whereabouts."
Principal Spellman nodded solemnly. "Yes, Elder Grandfeld. We have dispatched our most capable individuals to determine their location and ascertain the circumstances surrounding their disappearance."
Grandfeld's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information, his expression growing more focused. "Excellent. We must not underestimate the gravity of their absence. If those children were indeed kidnapped, it would represent a significant breach of our security and could potentially jeopardize the academy's future. However, if those young ones intentionally departed the academy grounds during the school year, we are left with no option but to take stringent measures."
'Hahaha! Those youngsters actually left the academy to protect their homes.' Grandfeld thought to himself with a sinister grin. 'I'm on a winning streak! Not only will they witness their homes engulfed in flames and their families mercilessly massacred, but they will also face expulsion from the academy for violating age-old laws. Hahaha!'
Elder Grandfeld continued, his voice measured. "I will personally oversee this matter. You shall keep me informed of any developments. It is crucial that we resolve this issue swiftly and discreetly.
"There's no need for that," a sudden voice resonated from just outside the entrance to the principal's office.
"The sudden voice behind the entrance of the principal's office drew everyone's attention. Elder Grandfeld's eyes narrowed as he demanded, "Huh? Who's there!"
The office door opened, revealing Alfred's presence. He stepped forward and with a composed demeanor the principal asked spoke out.
"It appears your subordinates have already informed you about the missing students," The Principal acknowledged.
"Regarding the whereabouts of Sven Thornfield and Ethan Hartfield, both of them left the academy two days ago with the intention of warning their family about an imminent horde of dark creatures advancing toward their home village." informed Alfred.
Elder Grandfeld's stern expression remained, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes as he considered Alfred's words. The implications of the situation were beginning to crystallize in his mind.
'Did those brats seek this bastard's assistance? Did they tell him that I was the one who informed them? If he's aware, what does he intend to do? What are your intentions, Alfred..." Grandfeld pondered silently.
"Really? How did this information land in their hands while we were sitting here unaware? Such news should have spread throughout the kingdom!" Professor Eveline exclaimed
"We're still looking into this, but there aren't many scenarios to consider. Either the horde advanced this far without anyone noticing, or... someone deliberately concealed it from the public." Alfred stated, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Grandfeld.
"Then that settles it! We must go retrieve those children! If the horde is indeed heading toward their homes, they'll be in grave danger." Professor Eveline urged.
"We can't." the principal replied.
"What do you mean, we can't?"
"Just like the students, no one can leave the academy's territory until the end of the school year. Departing the school could jeopardize your position within the academy."
"I'm well aware of this rule! But can't it be bypassed with your approval, as the principal?"
"It's not that straightforward. While I can grant authorization for a student, when it involves a professor of the academy, we would need to convene the council, inform them of the situation, and secure a majority vote in favor." the principal explained.
"How long would that process take? The distance between their village and the academy is roughly three days' travel. Alfred, how much time do we have until the horde reaches them?" Professor Stone's inquired.
"Based on the information the students provided, we have less than 24 hours remaining," Alfred responded.
"WHAT!" Professor Eveline exclaimed, clearly shocked by the urgency of the situation.
"It appears that even if you obtain the council's approval, you may be powerless to act. Those bra-Ahem... children may have no choice but to entrust their fate to providence." Grandfeld remarked, catching himself before uttering an unkind word.
"I..." Professor Eveline was momentarily at a loss for words, acknowledging the grim truth in Grandfeld's statement.
"We can, and we must, act to the best of our abilities. Let us proceed with summoning the council and seeking their approval. Even if we cannot make it in time to assist them, we should still monitor the horde's movements. We might even find some fortunate souls that might have survived the horde." Professor Harrington suggested, determined to do everything possible in this dire situation.
"Professor Harrington is correct, let us proceed this way." Said Alfred.
"I understand. Give me some time to convene the council. You may return to your offices, and I will notify you once the council has been assembled." the principal assured them.
As the Professors exited the principal's office, the tension hung heavy in the air. Their steps were filled with a sense of urgency, and the weight of the impending decision pressed upon them.
Meanwhile, Grandfeld, upon reaching his private office, muttered a few hushed words.
"Proceed to the village and gather every detail of the situation. Report back with thorough information."
With that, the shadowy figure swiftly vanished, effortlessly blending into the surroundings as they embarked on their mission to reach the distant village and provide Grandfeld with vital intelligence.
***
Deep within the dense, foreboding forest nearest to the village, an unsettling scene unfolded. The air was thick with an eerie miasma that choked the life out of the lush greenery, leaving behind a desolate, shadowy landscape. Trees became twisted, blackened bark loomed like grotesque sentinels as the miasma make content with them, their once-lush leaves now withered and lifeless. Even the wildlife had fled this cursed place, leaving behind an oppressive silence.
In the heart of this forest, a horde of dark creatures advanced with a terrifying purpose. The horde itself was a nightmarish amalgamation of grotesque shapes and forms, their hideous features twisted by their dark nature. Their footsteps echoed with dread as they trampled over the fallen foliage and decaying remnants of once-vibrant life. They were an embodiment of chaos, destruction, and insatiable hunger.
The horde consisted of a vast array of creatures, spanning various types and ranks, but amidst this chaotic amalgamation, one entity stood out as the epitome of terror. Its power surpassed that of the entire group, reaching a level so formidable that even a master mage would shudder at the thought of challenging it.
Their relentless march was led by this creature of malevolent aura, a being that emanated an outmost darkness that seemed to devour even the feeble rays of sunlight that managed to penetrate the dense canopy above. This ominous figure stood taller than the rest, its eyes burning with an unholy light as it guided the horde forward.
Meanwhile, the unsuspecting villagers continued their daily routines, their expressions blissfully unaware of the impending danger. Ethan and Sven hurriedly retraced their steps, believing they had plenty of time to reach the village and deliver the crucial warning.
But as they moved closer to their destination, the ominous leader, with its outmost darkness, stood as the harbinger of doom, driving the horde relentlessly toward its intended target—the unsuspecting Thornfield village.
Remaining Time: ~ 15 hours
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone