Xavier's eyes fluttered open to find himself in a private hospital room, the sterile white walls bathed in soft morning light. The pain that had consumed him was gone, replaced by a dull soreness that pulsed through his body like a distant memory. He shifted slightly, testing his limbs, and found he could move without agony.
His gaze drifted to the right where three men in black suits sat in a neat row, their expressions carefully neutral. The one in the middle smiled - a practiced, professional curve of lips that didn't reach his eyes.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Xavier?" the man asked, his voice smooth as polished steel.
Xavier said nothing. He didn't recognize these men, and didn't know why they were here. His silence stretched until the man sighed and brought up a holographic display from his wrist device.
"Perhaps this will jog your memory," he said, turning the display toward Xavier.
The first page showed the academy's official statement about the viral video.
[Astraeus Academy Emergency Statement
Subject: Immediate Response to Violent Incident and Viral Video Circulation
To: All Students, Faculty, and Staff
From: Chancellor Aldric Blackwood, Astraeus Academy Board of Governors
Official Statement:
The Astraeus Academy is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating across social media platforms, depicting an act of extreme violence against a student within our facilities.
The Astraeus Academy acknowledges the circulation of unauthorized footage depicting a student altercation. While we do not condone unsanctioned physical confrontations, we recognize that such incidents occasionally occur among competitive peers.
Immediate Actions Taken:
Investigation Launched: The Academy Security Division (ASD) is conducting a full investigation to identify all parties involved.Cybersecurity Response: Our IT Division is working to trace the origin of the video and contain its spread.Medical Support: The victim has been located and is receiving emergency medical care. Counseling services are being made available to all affected students.
To the Student Body:
If you have any information regarding this incident, you are legally and morally obligated to report it to ASD.
Sharing or engaging with the video further violates our Code of Conduct. Do not repost or comment.
Support resources are available through the Student Wellness Center.
Final Note: This incident does not reflect the values of Astraeus Academy. We will take every measure to ensure the safety and dignity of our students. The academy maintains its commitment to fostering an environment of excellence and competition. We trust our students to conduct themselves with the dignity expected of Astraeus scholars.
Signed,
Chancellor Aldric Blackwood
On behalf of the Board of Governors]
Xavier read it, his lips curling in disgust. The words were hollow, the academy's attempt to spin the incident as a misunderstanding. His eyes flicked to the next page where another statement awaited - this one supposedly from him.
It read:
"I, Xavier Cross, acknowledge that the altercation with Lucas Blackwood, Maximilian Hart, Ethan Sterling, and Leonardo Kane was entirely my fault. I provoked them without cause and accept full responsibility. I willingly accept a four-week suspension as punishment for my actions."
The man gestured to the display. "We just need your signature to finalize this."
Xavier's voice was flat. "I won't sign it. Do whatever you want."
The man's smile didn't waver, but his eyes hardened. He glanced at his companions before turning back to Xavier. "My associates are armed. If we kill you here, no one would know."
Xavier met his gaze without flinching, and bluffed. "There are cameras everywhere in this hospital. My people are already recording this conversation. Even if you wipe the hospital's data, the footage will still exist."
The man studied him for a long moment before sighing, as if disappointed by Xavier's lack of fear. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"The academy's statement mentions covering all your medical expenses. But if you don't sign this..." He tapped the second statement. "...they won't pay a single credit."
He sat back, his expression shifting to something almost pitying. "You're from a small village, Mr. Xavier. A scholarship student. Poor." The word hung in the air between them. "You can't afford to survive in this city without money."
The man's fingers danced across his device, bringing up a new display. "Sign this, and the academy will not only cover your medical bills but also provide you with $100,000 in cash for future expenses."
Xavier's eyes flicked to the offered amount. In his village, that would be a fortune. Here in Astraeus City? A pittance. Barely enough to survive a few months in the cheapest districts.
The man's voice softened. "It's a generous offer, considering the circumstances."
Xavier's gaze returned to the man's face. "Generous? You call this generous?"
The man's smile didn't waver. "It's more than you'd get otherwise."
Xavier's fingers hovered over the signature line, then withdrew. "I'll manage just fine without the academy's money."
The man's eyebrows shot up. "You? A village boy with no resources?" His gaze flicked to the medical monitors, the expensive equipment surrounding them. "Even if you brought your parents' entire life savings, you couldn't afford a week in this hospital, let alone survive in this city."
His eyes narrowed slightly. 'Does this boy have connections we don't know about?'
Just then, the door to the room slid open with a soft hiss. Oliver stepped through, his headphones still blaring music until he noticed the men in black suits. He froze mid-step, his eyes widening slightly.
Just behind Oliver, a fine middle aged young man with glasses, and suit walked in. And the three men's eyes widened.
Behind him, a distinguished middle-aged man entered, his tailored suit immaculate, his glasses reflecting the room's light. The three men's expressions shifted instantly - surprise, then something like recognition.
The newcomer placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder before turning his sharp gaze toward the men. His voice was smooth, carrying the weight of authority. "Well, well. If it isn't Darius Vexley. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
The lead man - Miller - nodded stiffly. "Senator Cassian Voss."
Aldric chuckled, the sound warm yet carrying an edge. "Please, Darius. We were classmates once. No need for formalities."
His gaze swept over the group before landing back on Darius. "Is there something you need from Mr Xavier?"
Darius stood abruptly, adjusting his jacket. "We were just concluding our business. Getting Mr. Xavier's statement to complete our investigation."
Cassian's smile didn't reach his eyes. "I see. Well, don't let us keep you."
The men filed out quickly, their earlier confidence replaced by tense professionalism. The door sealed shut behind them with a definitive click.