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The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 52: Ms. Bella's Death
Vana's POV I made haste as I head to Professor Zander’s training ground, leaving the guidance office as soon as I can. I’d rather study and be taught by Professor Zander than be stuck getting lectured by Professor Isla inside the guidance office. Jerome also looked to be in a hurry as he went away and out of the room before I could stand up from my seat. He hates the lectures more than I do. He probably prefers Professor Zander’s study session that this as well, since he also have those for a week. I arrived at the training ground in time, not bothering bringing my weapons nor changing into my battle uniform. I won’t be training for a week so I might as well skip the whole “changing into battle gears” thing. I entered inside the training ground, halting in my step as my eyes caught glimpse of Jerome from a distant. I blinked. Why is Jerome here? He was seated on the bench and
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 53: Joint-Study Room
Vana's POV Ever since Jerome and I got our joint-study room passes, both of us have yet to managed to secretly meet. That was because of our schedules not lining or matching up for two weeks. Most of our days were spent in training and studying, with both of us rushing to finish our schoolworks that we were unable to accomplish while we were away from our mission. There were also the preparations for the graduation ceremony and graduation ball. It makes things extremely difficult for us to find time to meet for at least an hour or 10 minutes. Thankfully, we managed to get a free time in the third week, using our time with Professor Zander to head to the library and check out the joint-study room. My footsteps clang against the floor as I stroll down the halls of the library. I navigated my way through the halls of books, an assortment of titles lined up on each shelf. I located the wing whe
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 54: Practicals
Vana's POV I took in a deep breath, embracing my aura as I let it travel down my skin. I can feel the aura tingling in my fingertips, begging me to release it in the air. My brows crunched, keeping my eyes close as I keep my mind clear of any thoughts. I shut my eyes deeper, losing my senses as I focus my mind in controlling the aura coursing through my body. I am meditating, my legs crossed together, with my hands resting on top of my thighs. I inhaled, simmering the cool air inside the training ground. This is one of the ways I silently train myself to keep my control over my aura and magic. After a few minutes, I managed to balance my aura throughout my body, feeling it growing as it hopes to be released out of my body. I heaved a deep breath, slowly blinking my eyes open. My mind is clear, but as soon as my eyes opened, my attention snapped back to reality. My control became sha
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 55: Retaliation
Vana's POV “Good job fending them off,” Jamra chuckled as we walk out of class, heading to the cafeteria to grab our lunch. I finally got out of the classroom after our classmates ran over to me to ask me to be their partners. Unfortunately for them, Jamra and I had agreed to be pairs for the practicals, and have been thinking of a way for us to battle with both of us ending with a high grade. I had filled Jamra in last night about what I learned from Jerome and Professor Zander, excluding the part where Jerome is included in the conversation. Not to be paranoid and distrustful, but people knowing that Jerome and I are training together can flip the world upside-down. “Don’t get me started, Jamra, like seriously, don’t,” I growled, grunting as we fall in line at the cafeteria. I grabbed a tray near the counter, taking a plate and a bowl. I filled
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 56: The Partner
Jerome's POV I watched from the sidelines as the confrontation between Ezra and Vana took place in the middle of the cafeteria. I leaned against the wall near the exit, listening to their muffled voices that echoed across the hall. My brows knitted as I folded my arms against chest, my eyes intently staring at their direction. Not many people have noticed my existence near the exit; most of them attracted to the chaos happening at the center of the cafeteria hall. An unsettling feeling rose up my chest as I learn that the person who had been bullying Vana and her friend all this time, is Ezra. I clenched my fist, gripping my arm as I dug my nails down on my skin. What is this irritating feeling? Ezra nearly slapped Vana, but Vana stopped her from doing so. I know that Vana is the type to not hold back, but for her to finally snap after enduring it for three years. It meant wa
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 57: Who is the killer
Jerome's POV “The culprit might be someone closer than we think. Someone who knows both Master Sergois and Master Ashemere. Someone they trust,” Vana stated, imploring. “Yeah, if the murderer is not, it would be hard to think how the culprits got inside their private spaces,” I agreed, snorting. “The killer must know the layout of dad’s office and Master Sergis’ home.” “Which narrows down our list of suspects to people they are trust and are close with,” Vana said. “I thought we already established that?” I wondered. “Yes. Which is why we start with people we know that our close to both Master Ashmere and Master Sergis,” she implored, suggesting the idea. It is possible to head to that direction, but over the years, their close relationships and connections with other people have significantly decreased. And some ended. There’re also the instanc
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 58: A Recruit
Vana's POV My actions started to catch up to me and before I know it, I was starting to regret the actions and decisions I’ve made in front of Ezra. I swore to myself not to fight back at them, but after crossed the line, my body moved on its own and snapped. The memories of the incident flashed through my mind again, reminding me of the horrible actions I’ve caused. Not only did I lash out at the Cindre sisters, I also stopped Ezra from slapping me and went as far as declaring to expose her. “Isn’t bad luck always behind me,” I said, murmuring as I made my way to the training ground. I paused right at the door after arriving, Professor’s aura steaming out of the training ground. I cursed, realizing what it meant. His aura pierced through the air like his magic. He definitely has heard the gossips about the scene I made. No wonder why he’s in such a bad
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 59: Ice vs Fire
Vana's POV My eyes gazed through the opening gap of the gates that leads to the center of the arena. The small arena housed a tall wall circling the center like a cage, rows of seats for the spectators viewing the match of the day. The sun beamed directly on the open arena, heat scorching against my skin even before it touches me. Beads of sweat dripped down from my forehead, and I gulped, heaving a breath as I prepare to head out on the battlefield. Weapons armed. My sickles at arm’s length. My battle uniform tight around my skin like an armor. And my mind concentrating control and precision. “Would you really be okay?” Jamra worried behind me, a concerned look flashing over her face. A small smile pierced through my tense face. “I’ll be fine. Just watch me,” I stated, full of confidence. In truth, I don’t trust myself that I can
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- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 3:
Vana's POV“I do. I plan to return to Ashern after I graduate. I also plan to publicly leave the Shadows and remain its member in the dark. Then, I’ll open my own detective agency—”“You’re opening your own agency!” Jerome exclaimed, slamming his hands on the table, which startled me. “Seriously?”“Y-yes?” I stammered, bewildered. “Something wrong with it?”“Not really, but you’re going to do that alone?” Jerome scowled.“No, why do you think I’m telling it to you?”“It’s not what I think, is it?”“More or less. It’s what I need your opinion—or your answer, in this case. I can’t do it alone, and that’s a fact. That’s why, if you would like, I would like to have a partnersh
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 2:
Vana's POVI stared in front of Green Serpent’s guildhall as I arrive at their doorsteps, contemplating myself. I gulped, pursing my lips as I hesitate to take a step forward. Maybe it’s a wrong idea to be here.The last time I stepped foot in this place was when I left the guild. Since then, I never tried or dared to return or join any other guild. I have other plans for the future. None of them includes joining another guild, even if it is Golden Scorpion.“Vana, I thought you wouldn’t arrive,” a voice called, and I turned to face who it was. Cara plastered a smile on her face as she came up to me, her hair flailing on her bare shoulders.“Good afternoon, Cara,” I greeted with a thin line on my face.“Why haven’t you entered?” she wondered.“Well…” I hesitated, gla
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 1:
Vana's POV9 months laterI got off the train with my suitcase rolling on the ground, lifting my hands up in the air as the sun beamed above me. It’s been six months since the last time I was in Auregon. It’s been nine months since the Case of the Serpent and Scorpion came to an end.Many things happened in the past nine months. Many to be even count in my hands. I don’t even know where to start. After Chairman Zerondale’s arrest, he was jailed in the palace dungeons and was investigated for nearly a whole month by the royal investigators.He was put in trial the following month after the investigation, with all the charges we filed to him. It took almost two months for all his crimes to be verdicted, and in the end, he was sentenced to death.Lifetime of servitude or liftetime in prison wasn’t enough of a verdict for all
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 178: Conflict Resolved
Vana's POV“You’re right. I made a mistake… a lot more than I could have ever imagined,” Master Sergis agreed, muttering.I flinched, my head tilting down at Master Sergis’ direction. His hands crumpled the letter, staring at it with his teeth gritting. A regretful gaze flickered in his eyes, raising it up at the ice wall’s direction.“From the beginning, I should have known something is going on when Zerondale enticed me against Ashemre. I should have… noticed that he fabricated it all,” he admitted, his voice full of sorrow and regret.“I knew Ashmere wasn’t that kind of person, and my wife would never betray me like that,” he mentioned, pertaining to the conversation between Ms. Madison and Master Ashmere that led to a cheating misunderstanding.“I should have… listened to t
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 177: Two Guilds
Vana's POV“And I have the evidence to prove it,” I boasted.Heads turned and raised up at me as I yell, jaws dropped and irritated looks carved out of their faces. I stood in front of them with my back straight, breath hitching as my actions sink into my head.What in the magic did I just do?“Now you’ve done it…” Jerome mumbled with a sigh next to me.Not only did I used my magic arbitrarily and unexpectedly, but I also revealed the journal right from the start without any prior explanation. It’s already a mess, and I think I only made things messier.“How are the two of you even here? Aren’t you supposed to be executed?” Master Sergis asked in a shout. “Wha—how—” That is exactly the reason why things got complicated.It was surprising
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 176: Unsettling Feeling
Vana's POV“Case closed…” I mumbled with an unsettling feeling in my chest.“Vana, are you okay?” Jerome asked as he ran towards me in concern.I blinked, flustered as Jerome took my hand as soon as he knelt next to me. My eyes widened, but I remained composed as I pick myself up. “I’m… fine. I just… felt underwhelmed by everything,” I said, standing up from my spot.A soft smile curled up my lips as I assure him. He held my hand gently and we walked down from the stage. The chaos was all over the place, but my gaze fixated on Jerome as we head down the stage together.I followed him from behind, my eyes going back and forth between his back and his bleeding hands that held mine. I paused on my step, unable to stop the urge to speak.“Are you satisfied? About your revenge?&r
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 175: Case Closed
Vana's POV“Do you see it now? We lured you in a trap, Chairman Zerondale. Do you think I would be stupid enough not to realize that you were planning to assassinate the king?” I stated, a smirk plastered on my face.Chairman Zerondale stepped back, horror and fury stirring in his eyes. His jaw clenched, gritting his teeth with his eyes glaring at me. The Shadows surrounded him at the back center of the platform, our weapons drawn.“You can’t run away from your crimes forever, Chairman Zerondae. It’s time for you to face it,” Jerome said, taking a step forward.A sharp curve cured on Chairman Zerondale’s lips, a hysteric laugh leaving his mouth. He laughed out loud, a grim atmosphere emitting out in the air. He raised his eyes at us, a grim smile plastered on his face.“You can arrest me all you want, but I will alw
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 174: Trap
Vana's POV“Can you do it?” I asked Gregory as I roam inside his room.Gregory, Jerome, and I gathered inside his chambers to cast the illusion spell as part of our trap against Chairman Zerondale. Thanks to the information Professor Zander provided from the Magic Council Tower, and with a bit of calculation, inferencing, and assumptions, we narrowed down the day the Chairman would assassinate the king.“Shall we start then?” Gregory implored, standing at the center of his chambers.He glanced at me, gesturing for me to move out of the room as he prepares himself to cast the spell. Jerome observed the scene from outside of the room, leaning against the doorframe with his injured body covered with gauze.It hasn’t been a week since we were treated, and his bruises aren’t healed with magic either.I moved ove
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 173: The Dragon Egg
3rd POVThe halls of Jasper Academy remained peaceful as the new academic year began. It won’t be long for Professor Zander to be asked to return to the academy, having to start teaching his new students. Unfortunately, he’s still in the middle of a mission.He made it an excuse that he’ll be having orientations with his new class, hiding his main objective of heading to the Magic Council Tower. Gregory already made arrangements with Angela about the Special Unit helping them, requesting Angela’s mother, Chairwoman Iris, to access the tower.Professor Zander lurked around the hallways near the Magic Council Tower, observing the people entering in and out of the tower. In the few minutes of his observation, only Chairwoman Iris entered the tower, with none of her assistants following her inside.It was the signal he’d been waiting for; one that Angela and Gregory menti
