The Redo of a Novel's Villain: Moira - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Kayson kicked a pebble in his way, hands stuck in his pockets. The group was unsuccessful in prying information out of Kade. Despite spilling something important (judging by how he refused to elaborate), the prince was surprisingly good at keeping his mouth shut against peer pressure.
The Nevoid young master moped, his broody mood shared by Nicholas. Huey sighed; though they couldn't get Kade to speak, there were enough context clues to piece together the truth. They're going on an island––all of them––which would mean it's likely an academy event, but why? To help students relax? Though it may sound nice, considering many students were still mourning their friends or recovering from severe injuries, such an idea was insensitive! It's like taping a bandaid over an open wound, waiting to rot!
Oh, sorry about the casualties. How about we have fun at the beach and forget about all that?
Huey frowned. There was no way the academy would make such a stupid mistake. Still, possibilities are possibilities, even if they seem illogical. Huey stopped, turning to Kayson and Nicholas. After ' persuading ' Kade proved useless, they have long since separated from Sorin and the others (the prince even running away at the end).
"Stop being so mopey. Even without the details, His Highness practically revealed we'll be going on an island." Huey crossed his arms. Red eyes half-lidded in exasperation.
"I know that I'm not stupid." Kayson bristled. His arms crossed, irritation spreading onto his expression. "I just wanna know why. I gotta prepare!"
"Prepare what? Your three months overdue project?" Nicholas chimed in this time.
"You shut up! The school was closed, and I couldn't just saunter to my professor's house and say, 'Howdy sir, sorry I couldn't present because demonic monsters and explosions were destroying the school! Here's my project,' could I?!?"
The blonde just shrugged, holding his chin in 'thought.' "Last I recall, the project was due a week before the Winter Showcase."
"Both of you stop," Huey was content with letting the two banter, occasionally joining too, but he'd instead continue the conversation. "I don't think the school would let us go on an island getaway the moment we return anyway."
Kayson visibly (what could only be described as) deflated, then scowled. "So what other reasons to go on an island?"
Vacation's crossed out, then... exploration? Wilderness survival course? Maybe...
Huey paused, his finger tapping the side of his arm. That was a possibility, but... he shook his head.
"Nicholas," The blonde perked up at the mention. "Do we have any assemblies planned? Aside from the welcome-back one, of course."
"I do think we have one four days from now."
Kayson snorted, "You think they'll announce it there?"
Nicholas nodded. "Probably, the only reason Prince Kade knows is because he's the prince, and the whole thing needs royal permission. So, considering it's approved, we should hear news soon."
✦ ✧
Days went by exceedingly slowly, but it's finally reached the anticipated day. Kayson had gone around sharing their idea with the rest of Sorin and co, so now all six of them (Kade was nowhere to be seen) were glaring impatiently at the clock as though it was an extremely offensive sign.
"Assembly begins after this block." Sorin helpfully reminded though it was more of a low mutter under his breath. A reminder for himself, perhaps?
Celine whined. Her hands clenched into fists at her side. "Oh, what if they don't announce it today?"
"Time won't move faster with us just loitering around out here like a group of kids," Melissa complained before shooing them all to their respective classes. Travel time was coming to a close, and they were still gathered in the halls.
Waving goodbyes to Kayson, the group entered their homeroom. The block was history, with the class being a review of the tri-empires before moving on to the next unit. Surprisingly, Huey still remembered quite a bit about the history.
The tri-empires were three great empires that made up Evendale before the cataclysm and, subsequently, before the rise of the six kingdoms. The Eldoria Empire became what was now known as Qinhai and Querrie. The Nairis Empire spans over Nailo to a boundless mountain range known as Konshi (the northern dialect that roughly translates to shrouds of dread––quite fitting, the mountain was enshrouded by thick toxic fog and home to countless blood-thirsty creatures). Finally, the most prominent empire at the time existed where Ecrelyn, Aleumon, and Inensa now stand: the Empire of Kreinstadt.
Despite the millennia between the era of the tri-empires and the present, much is known of the tri-empires to the point it's become a required course in all history lessons across Evendale. Many ruins of that once prosperous time remain scattered throughout the continent. Ancient slabs, slates, and preserved scrolls spoke of legends, myths, creatures, and, most importantly, the emperors.
Excluding the obnoxiously long titles, the three great emperors: Catalina, Grigor, and Roderick––although he is more infamously known as the Blood Emperor, notorious for his tyranny.
Amongst the three, the Blood Emperor was far more well-known, with many preserved records. Written accounts detailed him as a man with insatiable blood-lust (hence his name), a war-monger, a maniac, and all sorts of colourful descriptions and monikers.
As for the reason why the tri-empire collapsed and sparked the era of the six kingdoms, it's widely believed to be a battle of good and evil. The result? The utter annihilation of three prosperous empires––alongside their kings.
Huey pulled out his textbook. There was much more to uncover about the tri-empire and collapse event (those were just things off the top of his head). He looked at the professor, but surprisingly, not Mr. Clark. The man was always punctual about attendance and hardly missed a class. What's the occasion?
The substitute was a far cry from the efficiency of Mr. Clark. The sub stuttered often, stopping his lecture occasionally to flip through the materials Mr. Clark left, and was just a nervous wreck overall. Still, it was just a review, so nothing important needed to be taught. The students mainly did their own thing, much to the ignorance of the sub.
Huey was somewhat interested in the tri-empires, so he flipped through his textbooks rather than slack off like the rest of his classmates. Skimming through the text was mainly everything he knew but reiterated when something caught his attention. Something new.
Many archaeologists have uncovered stone slates in ruins depicting the kings, legends, and more, but not one about any religion or god has been discovered. No object or being of worship save for the emperors. The only descriptions of angels were scarce artworks portraying winged creatures descending madness onto the land––onto monstrous creatures (demons?). But that raises another question: If the gods and divine didn't 'exist' or perhaps exist in the way they are revered now, what was the battle between good and evil truly about, and who is Eelia, the Goddess of Creation?
Huey stamped down on his train of thought. His thoughts were sacrilegious, doubting the identity of the Goddess herself. He wasn't that religious in his first life or as Elijah because, well, why did the benevolent Goddess leave so many people to suffer? But now... Huey looked at his reflection in the window. His hair was ebony black and did not shine brown under the sun. His eyes were crimson red, like pools of blood collated together. Heck, Kayden turned pink!
All of this time travel, transmigration, soul switcheroo, or regression-whatever was surreal. How could this happen without otherworldly interference? And why him? Why now? Why pull him back?
Sighing, Huey glanced at the clock above the door, marking 10:45, fifteen minutes before the end of class. Fifteen minutes until the assembly.
The boy went up to Nicholas to pass the time.
✦ ✧
Though many students were absent, the auditorium was still crowded. The crowd rendered mobility to the pace of a snail. It's a good thing Huey always met up with Kayson and Nicholas before assembly. Finding the two in the crowd would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Eventually, the three managed to snag a spot near the centre––Kayson released a giant sigh when they sat down.
"Finally!" Finding spots wasn't hard, but finding three vacant spots beside each other was unnecessarily complicated.
Nicholas muttered something in agreement, but the crowd's peal drowned out the contents. "You think they'll announce it?"
Kayson nodded. "I hope they do; I haven't gone to sea in ages!"
"We went a couple of months ago." Huey piped, remembering the hellish trip Mr. Joseph forced them to do.
Kayson stuck his palm at Huey. "Don't, remind me. That was not a relaxing beach trip that was us almost getting killed!!" He screeched.
"Is this about that crazy coach you guys had?" Nicholas asked. The blonde, having been the unfortunate victim, the two decided to dump all their stories on.
""Yes."" They answered in unison.
Huey groaned, "You sure are certain we're going on a fun island getaway. What if, I dunno, it's outdoor education?" During his life as Elijah, their school's outdoor education sure enjoyed wilderness and survival courses.
Kayson tuts, wagging his finger. "I'm being positive, Huey, something you should do every now and then. It's good for you."
"I'm gonna punch you right here right now."
The other male gasped, "This is exactly what I mean!" He yelled, jumping out of his chair as Huey tried tackling him.
Nicholas snorted, long since used to the two's antics. However, the commotion was cut short when the lights suddenly dimmed, signalling the start of the assembly. Promptly, the two sat back down without a fuss, though they did pass hushed insults back to back.
The familiar figure of the headmistress stepped on stage, striding gracefully to the podium. Her long magenta hair bounced with each step as Mira regarded her students with a charismatic smile.
"Glory Academy, dear students, staff, and faculty. I hope this message finds you well. As we're all aware, last winter was a devastating tragedy for us all. Demons attacked the school, and sadly, we mourn the loss of three wonderful students." She paused, a moment of silence. "And with great concern, the kingdom has concluded the academy is a primary target of the demons, so the possibilities of another tragedy hang above us."
Instantly, the crowd burst into commotion, whispers of fear and outrage rolling off in waves. Why do we even bother to come back at this point?! Take responsibility! I'm scared! Mira cleared her throat, silencing the students though a layer of apprehension threatened to spill.
"And that is exactly why we must become stronger. The academy will do all it can to protect every single one of you, but as the future of this kingdom, the faces of Ecrelyn, all of you are responsible for protecting the land––and, by extension, yourselves." She inhales shakily. "We will not allow another tragedy to befall Glory Academy." The headmistress declares, her eyes filled with commitment.
"Today, it is with great expectations to announce a school-wide island training camp. The camp will last two weeks, alternating between each year. However, we will be combining the first and second years due to a lack of students—the first to go are the third years, then the rest. The trip is scheduled for the tenth of Veremum (03) at seven in the morning. I expect you all to gather at the front gates as we leave on the spot. News has already reached your families, and unless it is a health issue, the King and the kingdom's board of executives have made this trip mandatory."
"Detailed information, including packing lists, will be distributed after lunch by your professors. I am confident that this trip will be a highlight of your education, and I look forward to witnessing your growth. That will be all, thank you." The headmistress bowed and exited the stage, giving the podium to one of the academy prefects.
The assembly lasted another ten minutes before the students got dismissed to lunch. From all around, all any student and their friends talked about was the training camp, and Huey's was no exception.
Though...
Kayson whined, dropping his head against the table, muttering something along the lines of beach, why, relaxing, and trip.
Huey grinned slyly, "What happened to being positive?"
He jumped out of his seat when Kayson suddenly lunged at him. The two now engaged in a weird round-the-table stand-off. Nicholas, all the while, watched the commotion with wry amusement.