Just like Iruca had promised, the students of Class-A, and some other students with similar opinion gathered at the front of the school building and began protesting.

This was a first in many years, and it made the instructors puzzled. In the end, it wasn’t their matter to handle.

It was the Student Council President who needed to answer to their protest.

Hazel, Liam, Kiera, Logan, and Astron walked over to the protest scene, watching their fellow first-year students protest.

It was a surprising sight.

"I... I’ve never actually witnessed a protest."

Logan smiled nervously, scratching his head.

Kiera glanced at him, her nose twitching as she took a step, increasing the distance between them.

Even though she hated the irritating scent of Logan, she had to agree with him.

She also hadn’t witnessed anything like this.

"Their protest is meaningless. The president was right to suspend Gaga for a week. He shouldn’t have killed him."

Hazel stated matter-of-factly, looking at the protesters with a displeased gaze.

Beside her, Liam smiled wryly.

"Don’t say that. It could have been an impulsive decision. Maybe he got really angry witnessing Ysabella being attacked."

Hazel wasn’t buying it. "Impulsive or not, such action is highly punishable. If it were up to me, he would have been expelled. But it seems President Anthony merely gave him a light punishment by suspending him for a week. It wouldn’t do him any real harm."

"That’s harsh." Liam whispered, baffled by her blunt words.

Catching his whisper, Hazel nodded.

"Yes, it is harsh. But that is the law. If he had killed the man outside the campus, there is a possibility he would have been killed too."

"That’s..."

Liam was stunned, unable to say a word. Although he didn’t want to agree with her, he knew she was right.

Killing was a crime, regardless of the cause.

Only wars, and perhaps conflict between Awakened humans in the Nirad Realm, could permit death. Even then, there would still be consequences like hatred and revenge.

"By the way, have you guys visited Ysabella?"

Astron asked, casting his gaze at the upper floors of the school building. That was where Ysabella was resting.

Hazel promptly answered. "According to Iruca, she was saddened by the suspension news and would perhaps need some time alone."

"Oh, alright." Astron nodded, rubbing his neck. "I hope she’s fine, though."

"She’s fine now. Merely resting."

Liam answered him, causing Kiera to turn curiously.

"Eh? How did you know?"

"I was with her all night. I only left this morning."

Liam explained, a weary expression on his face. It seemed he couldn’t stand leaving her alone in that state yesterday.

Kiera’s brows furrowed, a trace of jealousy finding its way into her voice.

"I heard you ’carried’ her to the infirmary yesterday. Thank goodness you were there at the right time."

Liam nodded hesitantly, feeling puzzled.

Why was there something wrong in Kiera’s tone?

Unlike him, Astron immediately read into Kiera’s jealousy.

"There were no emergency responders nearby. So I guess Liam could only rush her to the infirmary by himself. Right?"

Giving the brown-haired boy a subtle nudge, he explained.

"Ah, yes. Yes." Liam nodded quickly, catching onto the hint.

He was really glad that he had such a supportive friend.

Staring at them in confusion, Logan frowned.

"What’s wrong with carrying?" He shot a mild glare at Kiera. "Hazel too was carried to the infirmary by Kaiser when she was injured yester—ow!"

He turned to the person who had stepped on his toes, but couldn’t say a word when subjected to the girl’s glare.

"K-kaiser carried you?"

Kiera stuttered, surprised and disturbed.

By her side, Liam blinked, opening his mouth and closing it. He didn’t know what to say.

Only Astron remained composed, turning his head away to hide his smile.

Hazel shot them a glare, then said dismissively. "And what does that information help with? You should really think before talking, Logan."

The boy immediately lowered his head, ashamed.

The mood had turned awkward, and no one spoke.

Liam remained silent because he had nothing to say, while Astron was trying to suppress a laugh.

Kiera, on the other hand, was feeling conflicted.

’Why does the thought of Kaiser carrying her sting?’

It was faint, but she clearly felt that displeased itch in her heart when Logan spoke.

’What’s my business anyway? I have a boyfriend.’

Snorting, she folded her arms and looked up.

"Ah, look! It’s President Anthony."

Her red eyes lit up, and she called their attention to the blindfolded man that had appeared before the protesting students.

Instantly, the students went silent. This man commanded such authority.

Anthony turned his head, seemingly scanning them with an invisible gaze.

Then, he spoke.

"Why are you all causing a ruckus because of a suspension?"

His voice was deep and clear, spreading wide for everyone to hear.

The students glanced at each other, until Iruca stepped forward and expressed her opinion.

"I think suspending Gaga isn’t the right decision."

Anthony’s gaze turned towards her. "Why?"

His question was simple, but carried a weight that made the girl gulp.

Still, she steeled her resolve and answered him.

"Gaga only killed the man because he was defending Ysabella. It wasn’t just out of spite or something."

Her words made several students behind her nod, all agreeing with her.

Anthony shook his head, unconvinced. "Regardless of the situation, I believe that student could have handled it properly. There was no need to kill the man. The academy would have handled the man’s punishment if he had simply helped to apprehend him."

Iruca’s eyes flashed, a conflicted look on her face. "But... it could have been a mistake or something. Anyone could have made such a mistake."

Anthony remained unconvinced.

"Killing is killing, junior. There is no way around it. I’m already showing mercy by not making his suspension last longer, or even expelling him."

The students gasped, stunned by his blunt words. Expel him? Wasn’t that too much?

Seeing that none of them had anything to say, Anthony continued.

"No matter what your opinion is, I am not changing my decision. Gaga will remain suspended for a week."

He turned around, ready to leave. Suddenly, he paused. He turned his head slightly, directing his gaze at Iruca.

"There’s no need to be worried. The suspension wouldn’t heavily impact his academics. Instead, you should focus on enjoying your short break and staying guarded."

Then, he walked away, leaving the students to be shrouded in a heavy silence.