Chapter 21
There was a reason forbidden techniques were called forbidden. They placed an immense strain on the mana pathways, even damaging the mana core itself.
Those who attempted them often became crippled, unable to use magic for the rest of their lives.
It was like trying to see your own blood without cutting your vessels — it was still there, flowing and providing the vitality of life.
You could only feel it, to see it you will have to cut open the veins.
And unlike physical wounds, which could heal, mana pathways, once cut into, would never mend. They would remain unusable for the rest of one's life.
And the worst case scenario one could also end up becoming a deformed monster,the abomination they were supposed to eliminate. Although there was only one case reported of such incidence but it already sparked a dreadful investigation and strict rules and regulations were placed upon mana practice.
"And you claim you have seen your core, yet you are still fine and kicking, and there is no magic backlash observed."
Theodore spoke calmly, though speculation lingered beneath his tone.
"Any other person in your shoes would have become a corpse by now, not only you claimed to see it but also you are saying you expelled mana poison".
Theodore paused, contemplated about something and then continued.
"Is it related to your rewritten mana command spell?"
Azek's eyes widened in astonishment.
Theodore truly was remarkable — able to assess the information and connect the dots so quickly. He hadn't overlooked the detail that one of the students had rewritten a mana command spell, a fact known only to Professor Sevile.
He had thought that he would be facing a unilateral lashing and will be confined for indefinite amount of time.
But Theodore had proven his thoughts wrong. His attitude was surprisingly lenient.
He focused on truth more than to just execute authority.
Azek shook his head slightly. This was the person in charge of the Royal Magic Academy. Nothing less was expected.
or more like it would be cause for worry if they didn't know about their own students attempting new spells.
"That is correct. I don't know about the forbidden techniques others may have tried, but before this, I could only sense mana like any other mage. After I became infected, I attempted the new mana command spell to examine myself — and that's when I saw the root of the contamination."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
Theodore looked at him with cautious eyes, as if trying to discern the truth behind his words.
"Theo—" Adrian's voice echoed again.
Theodore sighed.
"Alright. I understand."
"But there is something you need to know,"
Azek interjected.
"I have not completely expelled the poison from my core."
Theodore paused.
Vivian looked toward Azek worriedly and nudged him subtly, trying to make him stay quiet.
But Azek ignored her warning and continued.
"Right now, I would say around seventy percent of the poison has been extracted.
Judging from my mana condition, I don't know when I'll be able to expel the rest."
Azek attempted to form a simple spell, but the mana crumbled. Only a few sparks flickered before vanishing.
"So, in other words, you are still infected,"
Theodore concluded.
Adrian sighed helplessly.
"Yes, that's correct," Azek replied.
Theodore contemplated for some time.
Azek was still infected. That alone was a fact which would warrant an indefinite quarantine.
A light flickered in his eyes.
He reached a conclusion and asked.
"Roughly how long will you need for your mana to recover enough to cast a basic spell?"
"I can't give an exact time, but it should be possible within a few hours."
"Mm."
Theodore stood. He had decided to take a gamble.
"Come to my office at eight tonight. There will be a meeting, and you need to attend."
Azek simply nodded.
Theodore walked out of the infirmary.
He reached into his inner pocket.
A few mana stones were crushed.
Signals were sent throughout the academy.
Sevile and Albert sensed mana ripple and immediately rushed to principals office.
Theodore was standing beside the window looking out.
"Are you sure about this principal?"
Sevile asked in serious tone.
"If this fails then....."
he swallowed rest of his words.
Albert and rest of professors wore grim expression.
"We are at the point where we have no choice but to take this gamble. If you have any other better option available, tell me."
A grim silence crept into office.
They didn't have the luxury of choice anymore because situation had become that much dire.
Ashvile who was looking out of window at time, nervously bit her lip.
Thoedore had shared some details with them.
And tonight they will have to get ready.
At that time she didn't know that it will be longest and most devastating night they will have to face.