The Morning Summons
Days bled into weeks until the morning of the summons. George awakened to the sun shimmering through his window, the light a sharp contrast to the weight in his chest. He dressed quickly, pulling on his uniform before heading to the courtyard fountain to meet Nana, Kayn, and Faust. To his surprise, Ren was already there, leaning against the stone basin.
"Ren? You're never up this early," George noted, eyebrows raised.
"Yeah, normally I'm not," Ren replied, adjusting his red-tinted sunglasses.
"Usually you're late to class," Faust muttered beneath his breath, his eyes fixed on a scholarly text.
Ren narrowed his eyes, casting a quick glare at him. "My Tele-stone ring was vibrating. When I touched the crystal, that August guy's projection appeared."
As if on cue, George tapped his own Tele-stone. The crystal glistened, and the shimmering image of August Goldcrest flickered to life. Clad in his matte-black suit reinforced with gold-plated armor, August looked as though he were carved from stern resolve.
"George, you are hereby summoned to attend Vincent Ferrara's court hearing to testify," August's voice was calm yet absolute. "An envoy will arrive later today to collect you."
The projection dissipated. The group stood in a heavy silence as the courtyard began to fill with other students heading to General Studies.
The Hall of Justice
In the lecture hall, Professor Log was deep into a dry dissertation on magical emblems. The air was thick with boredom until a heavy knock interrupted the room. Two members of the Order of the Law entered, their golden pauldrons shimmering. "George, Nana, Ren, and Kayn," the lead guard announced. They followed him out, leaving Log to continue his drone.
The ride to the courthouse was tense. When the building finally came into view, the students gasped. It was a grand, palatial estate with a central teal dome, surrounded by rows of vibrant pink flowering trees. Inside, the Grand Hall of Justice was a staggering rotunda of white stone and intricate wood, where the true weight of the simulation's governance was felt. At the far end, beneath a large golden scale crest, sat the High Judge, Barri Maelor. In the center of the room stood August Goldcrest. His black-and-gold armor caught the light from the high apertures as he stood at a podium, his expression immovable. Beside him, in heavy restraints, was Vincent Ferrara. George expected to see a man broken. Instead, Ferrara stood tall with a wicked, mocking grin. A jagged burn mark—Zorro's gift—marred the side of his face. His sharp eyes locked onto George, making him feel as if a needle was piercing his soul.
"High Judge Maelor," August began, his voice commanding the room without effort. "I stand before you to present evidence of the crimes of Vincent Ferrara. Kidnapping, murder, racketeering, and theft."
For hours, August dismantled Ferrara's organization with surgical precision. One by one, the students gave their testimonies. George spoke of the alleyway; Kayn spoke hesitantly, his yellow eyes darting to the exits; Nana and Ren stood tall, unfazed by Ferrara's predatory stare.
"I find Ferrara and his men guilty on all counts," the High Judge finally declared.
Return to the Academy
By the time they returned, General Studies and lunch were over. They slipped into Combat Studies, where Ironheart merely tracked them with a stern gaze before continuing his lecture on combat exercises. As the final bell rang, they were swarmed by their peers on the way to Aura Studies.
"What was the trial like?" Claudius asked, his bright blue eyes full of curiosity.
"Were you scared?" Faust added, adjusting his glasses as he walked alongside them.
"I bet it was exciting!" Onyx said, flanking George.
They entered Aura Control, where Professor Zorro awaited. He led them to the training field, presenting water-filled cubes with metal balls at the center.
"Channel your aura to move the ball without affecting the water," Zorro instructed. He demonstrated, the ball sliding smoothly through the still water.
The students struggled for hours. George felt his aura pushing against the water like a blunt instrument. Kayn looked disgruntled, his brow furrowed in self-criticism. Only Flynn managed to move his ball a few inches, though the water churned violently.
Night in the Dorms
That night, the group gathered in Kayn's room. The adrenaline had finally faded.
"I really thought my heart would stop," Kayn admitted, leaning against the wall.
"Yeah, I was pretty nervous too," George confessed, finally letting his shoulders drop.
Nana leaned back, a rare, genuine smile crossing her face. "At least it's over. After today, we'll never have to worry about Ferrara and his thugs again."
The trio shared a laugh, enjoying a moment of peace in the quiet of the academy.