megumin 😼

ᅠ It was rather unfair, this abrupt order to depart, and none more so than the few who had stood arguing moments before. However, the reality of the situation was quickly sinking in. They were not being asked, but ordered, and was there really anything left to say? ᅠ

ᅠ Agott clicked her tongue in frustration, shooting a withering look at the Wardens. She hated having her actions dictated thus, as if she was some unruly child. However, she knew arguing further would serve no purpose. The tension in the room was palpable. There were mutterings and gasps all over the hall, as the apprentices turned in unison to look at the Wardens before them. ᅠ

ᅠ Soleum gave a most unpleased look at the Wardens. “A breach two days ago doesn’t warrant an immediate, forced evacuation now unless you expect another strike,” he said flatly. “Sending us away this abruptly, it feels like you’re just pushing us out to keep us from seeing whatever comes next.” ᅠ

ᅠ “Your safety is our foremost concern,” said Asra firmly. “In light of this incident, we have taken time to identify all of you to the authorities, so that you may return home safely and under the utmost secrecy. No one, save for those present here, will know you ever came at all.” ᅠ

ᅠ “If there’s an investigation, then let us study while you handle it. Running away the moment something goes wrong isn't how a proper witch acts—and it certainly isn't why I came here. Do you really expect us to just pack our things and pretend nothing happened?” ᅠ

ᅠ “Go home...” Remlin gasped, clutching her sleeve as if her hand alone kept her upright. March and Meg exchanged a perplexed glance, while Phainon tensed visibly at the very suggestion of it. “Return home? After keeping us in the dark for two whole days?” Agott crossed her arms, glaring directly at Qifrey without a flinch. ᅠ

ᅠ “Wait, what—” Mimi all but shrieked, her usual cheery demeanour gone in an instant. She marched up to the front of the group, waving a finger accusingly. “What do you mean, return home? Like, right this very moment? But we’re in the middle of our training! You can’t just make us go!” ᅠ

ᅠ A hush had fallen over the group, save for the odd, fretful mutterings. “Thankfully, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 failed to breach the defenses of the Atelier. However, an in-depth investigation is currently underway, and with some deliberation on our part, we have come to the conclusion that it would be in your best interests to temporarily return home.” ᅠ

ᅠ He stopped there, giving a measured look over the group of apprentices before heaving a sigh and continuing. “As you may all already know, the disturbance at the front gate and the defenses raised yesterday were not expected. Two days ago, it seems, the Atelier suffered an attempted intrusion of an unwelcomed visitor. The combat capabilities of the Knights Moralis had, apparently, been put to rather unexpected use against that.” ᅠ

ᅠ Qifrey, flanked by Asra and Mornye at either side, seemed somehow less energetic than usual, the exhaustion around his eyes was hard to hide. “Thank you for gathering, everyone,” Qifrey began. “I know these past two days have been quiet, and I am aware that what happened two days ago left many of you with lingering questions.” ᅠ

ᅠ Ever since the disturbance at the front gate, the practice tables had remained quiet, and the main hall felt entirely hollow. Qifrey, Asra, and Mornye had been shut away in the upper study chambers, only sparing the apprentices occasional glimpses through the heavy doors of their work. That was, until the evening of the seventh day, when the long shadows had taken over the stone floor. The three wardens emerged, calling to all present to assemble at the main hall. ᅠ

ᅠ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟. ᅠ