CHAPTER 153 - Move Against the Teachers 1.
Alex strode into the council chamber, his boots striking the polished marble floor with a deliberate rhythm. The soft murmur of conversation among the members halted abruptly, leaving a charged silence in its wake. All eyes turned toward him, their expressions a tapestry of disbelief and relief.
All of them knew that Alex was severely injured due to the assassination attempt. He had been unconscious every time they went to see him.
The only one who knew something about what had happened was Zahara, but other than telling them that Alex fought someone at the star connection realm while being a star-formation real expert, she didn't tell them anything else.
So, of course, they would be shocked to see him walking into the council hall.
"Alex!" Zahara's voice shattered the stillness, trembling with urgency and joy. She moved before anyone else could react; her steps were quick and purposeful. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders in a fierce embrace, her relief palpable in the way she held him as if afraid he might vanish again.
She was the only one who knew what kind of pain and struggle Alex had been through. Zahara had seen how much Alex had pushed himself and heard from Alenia that his body almost broke. She had been worried sick since then, especially when Vanessa had asked her to not come looking for Alex often.
Sophie did tell her that Alex was fine, but she could tell from her tone that even Sophie didn't know anything.
Zahara had tried to look for Alex in the dream world, but he was nowhere when usually he was supposed to be in the dream space when asleep or unconscious. The only place she couldn't check was the dream space, but since Sophie didn't let her in, she couldn't do anything about it.
So, after being anxious for so long, now that she could finally see him, she couldn't control herself.
"I was worried," Zahara whispered, her voice barely audible but heavy with emotion. "They said you needed rest... after everything."
A faint smile curled Alex's lips as he patted her back gently. "I'm fine," he assured her, his tone calm but firm. "There's too much at stake to stay away."
The rest of the council quickly gathered around, their faces a blend of concern, curiosity, and thinly veiled relief. Theron, ever composed, crossed his arms and regarded Alex with a measured gaze.
"You should be resting," he said, his voice level but carrying a hint of approval beneath the formality. "We didn't expect you to return so soon."
Alex's gaze turned to Theron, an inspecting glint passing through his eyes as he glanced between Fenna and him.
'Looks like things haven't blown between them yet,' he mused before his lips moved.
"I appreciate the concern, Senior," Alex replied, his eyes steady and confident. "But this situation demands attention. I couldn't sit idle."
Fenna, standing with her arms on her hips, tilted her head, her straightforward nature evident. "Are you sure you're okay? You look better than I expected after... everything you've been through."
'Hm, she seems bothered by something,' Alex concluded, his gaze scanning her expression, perceiving the things she was trying to hide with ease.
"Better than ever," Alex replied with a faint smirk, his words carrying an ease that seemed to lighten the atmosphere. "Trust me, I'm ready for this."
Rodeus stepped forward, his boisterous presence filling the space. He gave Alex a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Knew you wouldn't let something like this keep you down. Good to have you back, Vice Prez."
Aelora lingered slightly apart from the group, her hands clasped in front of her as she offered a tentative smile. "It's good to see you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Good to see you too, Aelora," Alex replied warmly, nodding in her direction.
Gurrak leaned casually against the table, his playful demeanor failing to mask his genuine relief. "I hate to admit it, but we might actually need you this time," he said, his tone light but carrying an edge of seriousness. "Things have gotten... interesting."
Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire
Gurrak had been to the dream world as well, and not getting any news about Alex from Sophie or Zahara, he had been quite tense as well. But now, after seeing Alex walking fine, he relaxed.
"That's why I'm here," Alex said simply while nodding at him, his calm assertion drawing a collective nod from the group.
They talked about things for a while before all of them settled back into their seats.
Theron leaned forward, his hands clasped and his expression grave. "Let's address the matter at hand. Lilia's disappearance isn't random. The timing and the lack of evidence point to something deliberate."
This matter wasn't something they could take lightly.
Fenna's voice cut in sharply. "It's the teachers' union. They've been biding their time, and now they're making their move. Undermining us wasn't enough—this is them escalating."
Fenna wasn't the best one to understand schemes, but she still came to that conclusion.
Gurrak's usual flippancy was absent as he chimed in. "They've been watching us, waiting for a moment like this. This 'abduction'... it's a message. They want to show us they're still in control."
Alex leaned back slightly, keeping his expression unreadable. He knew the truth—that Lilia had orchestrated her disappearance—but revealing it wasn't an option. Instead, he allowed the council's conclusions to take shape.
He hadn't even told Zahara about it, but he would... soon.
"I agree," Alex said evenly, his voice calm and measured. "If the teachers' union is behind this, we must act decisively. But we can't do so without proof. Baseless accusations will only weaken our position."
Zahara, seated close to Alex, nodded thoughtfully. "He's right. If we're going to confront the teachers' council, we need more than suspicions. We need undeniable evidence."
She supported Alex as she already knew what Alex would say next.
"I've already gathered enough evidence to justify our claims," Alex added, his tone carrying quiet confidence, making Zahara nod to herself. "It's more than sufficient to present to the teachers' council."
Theron raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "You've been busy."
Alex inclined his head slightly. "Always."
The members exchanged glances, their resolve solidifying. Even Aelora, typically hesitant, appeared resolute.
"Then it's settled," Theron declared, his tone firm. "We confront the teachers' council. If they're responsible, they'll have to answer for it."
The group rose in unison, their unity a force that radiated strength. They moved as one, their shared determination evident in every step.
.....................
After a while.
Outside the fourth-year teachers' building, the air crackled with tension. The council stood at the forefront, their weapons drawn and their resolve etched into their features. Behind them, a small contingent of loyal students waited, their expressions a mix of trepidation and determination.
Rodeus adjusted his grip on his weapon, his voice low but fierce. "Time to end this."
Alex stepped forward, his gaze locked on the imposing structure before them. The fading sunlight cast long shadows across the courtyard, giving the scene an almost cinematic quality. The quiet murmur of the students behind them faded into an anticipatory silence.
"Let's make this right," he said, his voice carrying a calm intensity that steadied those around him.
With that, the council advanced, their footsteps resolute as they approached the building. The time for justice had come.