Chapter 22
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tannnnnnng.
The clock on the tower rang.
The time was 8 PM.
The meeting hall was brightly lit.
Sevile shifted his posture uncomfortably.
He couldn't hide the concern on his face.
Albert lightly squeezed his foot.
He immediately straightened.
All the professors were present.
Cardinal Magnus was busy erecting a miniature version of the Sensitivity Barrier inside the hall. Four bishops were accompanying him.
They had received the orders earlier that day.
Theodore had briefly explained the meeting and the variables, assigning them tasks without providing any explanation.
Sevile's eyes narrowed. Whenever the principal acted in such a manner, it meant the matter required absolute secrecy — and they might have to put their lives on the line. That was the meaning of the signal they had received earlier.
But it came sooner than expected.
And that was hint to sheer urgency of situation.
Albert cast a fleeting glance across the meeting hall, ensuring everything was ready.
Mana stones which were prepared for emergency use were in place and radiated faint energy pulse.
Basic protection and silencing spells were all in place.
Students had been practically confined to their dorms since 6 PM, with strict orders not to step outside under any circumstances.
With the source of contamination still unidentified, they were unable to send the students home.
The research faculty had been pulled in, and personnel from the Magic Tower had also been requested for surveillance.
The Willowhearts were requested to wait for the outcome of meeting.
Although Adrian was reluctant, he chose to comply with instructions as azek was still infected.
Albert looked toward the front of the table. Methilia was seated at the forefront, directly across from Azek.
Bishop Elion stood beside her in close proximity.
After the Cardinal finished casting the barrier, Bishop Elion suddenly staggered. He tried to grab the chair's armrest, but his hand slipped, and he caught Methilia's shoulder in order to steady himself.
Methilia hurriedly stood up and helped the Bishop elion to a chair in the corner.
"Thank you," Elion said in a fatigued tone.
Methilia gently smiled, nodded, and returned to her seat.
The Cardinal and Theodore remained focused on the barrier, which showed no reaction. Then they cast a fleeting glance towards Elion in the corner.
"Are you alright?" the Cardinal asked with concern.
Elion nodded, and after a few moments pause subtly shook his head.
Theodore's expression changed. He had hoped to find at least a small clue — something to justify his suspicions — but nothing had surfaced.
Methilia looked at her hands.
She felt far more drained than usual. Earlier, when she had supported the Bishop, her hands had trembled.
Theodore cleared his throat.
"This meeting is being held today to discuss an urgent and important matter — contamination source verification."
He paused briefly.
"We have located five contamination points. Three students were affected; two have been contained. After investigation, we confirmed that there is an active contamination source. However, we still have no clue where it is located."
A dreadful sensation crept into the room.
Methilia's hand trembled slightly.
"To reach the root of the issue, I requested Cardinal Magnus to cast an advanced holy spell. The result still shows… nothing. Which leaves us with only one possibility."
The silence grew heavier.
"The source of contamination is a living individual — walking among us."
The air shifted. Whispers began but were immediately hushed.
"Under these circumstances, there is only one way left."
The atmosphere tightened.
"I will have possible suspects step forward to have their mana cores examined. If necessary, the entire academy will undergo examination."
Suddenly, all eyes turned to Theodore.
"Principal!!!" voices cried out.
It would be impossible without using a forbidden technique.
And for such a large scale — examining the entire school — it was beyond even the capability of forbidden techniques.
An artifact from Royal family would have to be requested.
And whether even royal family allowed the use of artifact was a whole different matter.
So the unease was justified.
"I know," Theodore said in a heavy voice.
he paused and then resumed.
"what you are all thinking isn't going to happen. No forbidden method will be used much less an artifact. There is another way."
He slowly turned his gaze in one direction.
"Methilia."
Methilia's entire body stiffened instantly.
And suddenly all the attention in room was placed on her.
Her hands trembled slightly but she could only suppress the dread spreading in heart.