I created my own system

The destruction of the academy brought problems not only in terms of infrastructure but also the problem with students due to the emperor having to do something since it was he who orchestrated the entire situation.

Inside the headmaster's office, three figures sat in deep discussion.

Emperor Augustus rested his chin on his hand, his expression unreadable. Across from him sat the Headmaster of the Academy and Vice Headmaster. Both have disturbed expressions on their faces as they see the number of deceased students who sided with Nero. It was an amount they couldn't ignore.

The room was silent, save for the crackling embers in the fireplace. The cold air was approaching fast as snow slowly fell from the sky.

Then, the Emperor exhaled deeply. Knowing that the academy can't operate completely if the number of students is below the required operational number.

"This plan was far more taxing than I anticipated."

The headmaster nodded. "That much was obvious."

Replacing hundreds of students without arousing suspicion had required some of the strongest mages in the empire. The Mage Tower had to dedicate an entire division just to create duplicates that are genetically identical to the original, and relocate real students in secret.

The vice Headmaster sighed. "Not to mention the resources—mana crystals, teleportation spells, memory preservation enchantments… The cost was astronomical."

The Emperor's fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair."It was necessary."

Those words made the vice headmaster's brows furrowed. "Necessary to this degree? You even let Nero escape."

At that, the Emperor's emerald eyes narrowed."Are you questioning my decision, Vice Headmaster?"

A tense silence followed.

Acke took a slow breath before shaking his head. "No, Your Majesty. But we do wish to understand."

Emilio folded his hands together. "The Imperial House may not have absolute power within the academy, but this institution still serves to protect the empire. We will always support your decisions, whether or not we understand them."

The Emperor studied them both for a long moment.

Then, he leaned back, his gaze softening just slightly.

"There are things even you do not need to know."

Neither headmaster pressed further.

Instead, Emilio changed the topic.

"Regardless, Your Majesty, we require assistance."

Acke nodded. "The academy has lost a significant number of students. Many were involved with Nero and can no longer remain enrolled, while the others are now dead.

The Emperor's eyes darkened. "I will handle it."

But then he suddenly thought of something.

"Actually, headmaster, may I give a humble suggestion?"

Both the headmaster Emilio and the vice headmaster Acke look at each other wondering what that suggestion could be.

.

.

Apollo wandered through the academy halls, deep in thought.

The battle was over, and Nero was gone. But something still didn't sit right with him. He had an urge to make a move, but the emperor's command was making it hard for him to do so.

Suddenly, as he battled himself whether to wait or make a move, Jeremiah began to speak.

[Creator actually I planted a marker on Nero's soul]

"You did...WHAT!"

[While Creator was being influenced by the emperor's command, I took the liberty of putting a marker on our enemy, who seemed strong but was actually very vulnerable at that moment. I was able to mark on his soul as well as the other members of the imperial soldiers]

"Why them as well?"

[Aren't you curious why the emperor ordered you to let Nero go? With this, we will be able to hear their conversation since I also planted a bug. Your problem is solved, Creator]

Apollo suddenly felt tense, like something wasn't right; it felt like he was committing a crime due to what Jeremiah did.

In response to his emotion, the system immediately sends an energy that immediately calms Apollo's nerves.

[You aren't committing treason, Creator. You are simply searching for information. You simply want to understand]

His words, accompanied by the system's power, made Apollo's nerves calm.

[The emperor once gave a mission about gathering information just think of this just like that]

The artificial intelligence added that it wanted Apollo to calm down.

Finally, after three more breaths, he calmed down and couldn't help but say.

"Why do I feel like I am gaslighting myself"

That thought made him quite stupid, so wanting to change his thoughts, his mind flickered back to the disbanded lower class.

His seniors—the ones who should have been here but were forced to leave.

They deserved more. Then, as he thought of them, he remembered the times when he would read their entries in the diary they found in the abandoned shrine.

As he walked, the him scattered across the continent had tracked them down.

Some had gone into hiding. Some had started anew elsewhere. Some lived peacefully in their hometown and farms, and some even went to enroll in holy academies run by the legalized church of the empire. They were separated in places you wouldn't expect, but slowly, Apollo found them.

And he had a plan. Well, it wasn't grand but only a simple celebration he thought of that may help them all ease the pain they had suffered.

And that plan is...

A party.

Yes a party, not just any party—a gathering exclusively for the lower class. This was already mentioned before, but Apollo was having a hard time organizing it because he didn't really know how to approach them without looking suspicious. For him who had no experience in making friends, adding the fact that he lived most of his life inside a tower filled with mages who only had eyes for magic. As for his current friends, the circumstances brought them together. The danger and possibility made it possible for them to open up. As for meeting a new person and starting a friendship, that is something Apollo has no idea of. He never anticipated that making friends was harder than making spells.

The party they had in mind from the first years to the fifth years was supposed to start once he contacted all the previous first years. However, all he manages to do is stalk them and locate their address.

"Ah, seriously, now I totally feel like a criminal," he said as he walked even further into the forest.

[Creator after all the people you killed you are feeling that just now]

"Sorry but in my head their deaths are punishment just like how I used to help Grandpa in performing 'A res', but let me make it clear I never enjoy torturing people"

[The verdict that strips a person's identity as a human, 'A res'. That punishment must have dulled your sense of humanity]

"Please don't label it like that. However, I really can't deny that. Since one of the reasons I joined their team was to make sure I won't feel mercy towards other people"

[Other people? I thought it was your training for torturing your brother]

Apollo couldn't help but sigh at his words, "I really can't lie to you"

[Well Creator did share his memories with me]

Apollo sighed again before shifting his thoughts back to the party.

This would be their moment. A celebration to forge new beginnings and start a new one.

Just then, as Apollo thought of ways to approach the seniors, an idea suddenly came to him.

"Why not?"

This could work.

It was time to give back what had been taken from them.

As Apollo finalized his plans, a thought crept into his mind.

'How will I convince them to come?'

More importantly—

'Will they actually believe me?'

'Should I go to the'

The questions lingered as he finally arrived at the end of the densely pack forest. There, under the bright light of the sun, the dormitory of the seniors looks as majestic as ever.

"This place looks completely back but I still like it"

He made his way to the common room. His classmates were already there talking about their plans once they returned to their dormitory.

The senior dorm, once a forgotten place and mystery, now served as their ew place to hang out.

After more talks and stories about the recent attack Apollo and his friends decided to return back to their own dorm

"Sigh....I don't really mind the distance, but why can't we build a teleporter here?"

"Enough the chit-chat chat, just move, Brai," Arabella said as she kicked her friend on the back to get moving. Braiden, on the other hand, fell right into the teleportation portal set by Aaron.

A low thud came after meaning the lad fell into something.

Right after that, they take turns going inside until Aaron turns off the power of the blessing.

As they settled in for the night, Apollo stared at the ceiling.

He had already scheduled what he planned to do.

"Let's first talk with the headmaster I am sure he would agree....!?...wait now that I remember the president of each class before I wonder if they are still here"

He wonders wanting to pay a visit and know their current situation.

"I guess it won't be rude to visit my seniors, right?"

A mischievous smile painted his face as he finally closed his eyes to sleep.