Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

The grand event was in full swing at Cledwarys Academy, with an air of anticipation hanging thick. The academy grounds, usually a haven of scholarly pursuits, were now abuzz with a different kind of energy. Important figures associated with the academy, including distinguished faculty members and prominent guests, oversaw the preparations for the Inter-Academic Summit.

Journalists from various magical publications had descended upon Cledwarys, their enchanted quills poised to capture every moment. Among them was Mabel, the latest sensation in the magical news world. With her quick wit and insightful reporting, she had become a favourite among the magical community.

The press area was a hive of activity, with reporters discussing potential outcomes, speculating on the prowess of participating students, and scrutinizing the tournament's organization. The academy's reputation was on the line, and the press was eager to capture every nuance of this extraordinary event.

Within the academy, students from different academies were gearing up for the first task. The air was charged with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The participants, selected from each academy, were preparing themselves mentally and physically for the challenges that lay ahead.

In the midst of the bustling atmosphere, Jaegar and his companions moved through the crowd, their expressions a blend of determination and anticipation. The stakes were high, and the eyes of the magical community were fixed on Cledwarys Academy.

They made their way towards the grand, colossal structure standing tall beside the academy. It was the place where the trials would be held now.

The grand hall of the colosseum buzzed with anticipation as students and professors from various academies gathered for the press meet. The air was charged with excitement, and the press was eager to capture every moment of the upcoming event.

Jaegar, Ewen, and Pierre, the chosen representatives of Cledwarys Academy, sat in a line, clad in their school robes, waiting for the questions from the press. The hall was adorned with the banners of different academies, and the magical atmosphere added an extra layer of enthusiasm.

Reporters, armed with quills and parchment, crowded around the trio, ready to extract every detail about the participants. Flashing cameras and magical recording devices filled the air with bursts of light.

Headmaster Ashfield stepped forward, his authoritative presence commanding attention. He began addressing the press, "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the magical community, welcome to the Inter-Academic Summit. Today, we stand united to witness the exceptional talents of our young wizards and witches."

As Ashfield continued his speech, Jaegar couldn't help but exchange glances with Pierre. The weight of the event, the expectations from their academy, and the eyes of the magical world focused on them – it was a moment that would be etched in their memories forever.

The press meet was a chaotic symphony of voices, quills scratching parchment, and the occasional flash of magical cameras. Journalists from various magical publications, including the renowned Mabel, had gathered to interview the participants of the upcoming Inter-Academic Summit.

As the designated representatives of Cledwarys Academy, Jaegar, Ewen, and Pierre found themselves at the center of attention. The journalists, with their enchanted quills ready, bombarded them with questions.

Students of elves, dwarves, and humans alike sat together, creating a diverse set, representing their academies.

Mabel, with her distinctive quill and notepad adorned with magical enhancements, couldn't resist the opportunity to dig into Jaegar's past.

Ever since she stepped into the hall, her gaze never left Jaegar, she was waiting eagerly to question him.

She raised her hand, and the host, recognizing her reputation, allowed her to ask the first question.

"Jaegar Ambrose," Mabel began, her eyes fixed on him, "you're no stranger to controversy. How do you justify your participation, given your recent... challenges?"

The question hung in the air, and a hush fell over the crowd, awaiting Jaegar's response. Jaegar, calm and composed, met Mabel's gaze without flinching.

"Well," he said, his voice steady, "challenges are a part of life, especially for those seeking to make a difference. My past experiences have only strengthened my resolve. Participating in this summit is an opportunity to showcase the resilience and capabilities of Cledwarys Academy."

Mabel, undeterred, pressed on. "Some argue that your involvement is a risk, considering your... unique encounter. What if your past comes back to haunt you during the trials?"

The past incident involving his assassination attempts. That's what the rumours had speculated about the forest incident.

Everyone knew what she was referring to, and Ashfield wanted to stop her questioning, but he couldn't do that as it would only add fire to an already heated discussion.

Jaegar raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Risk is inherent in any endeavour, Miss. It's what makes life interesting, don't you think? As for my past, I believe in facing challenges head-on. It's the only way to overcome them."

The other journalists joined in, asking questions about magical prowess, strategies, and the dynamics of the diverse team. Ewen and Pierre, with their own brand of charisma, fielded questions with enthusiasm, showcasing the camaraderie among the participants.

Various people asked questions to other students, and the turn again came to Mabel.

Mabel, however, couldn't let go. "Jaegar, rumours suggest that the imperial house has not accepted you, is it true? Care to comment?"

She was being so blunt with her questioning, and Jaegar squinted his gaze, preventing himself from bursting out. He didn't want to make a spectacle of himself with the mere words of an unknown person. He knew better than to get angry at these types of things.

Jaegar's expression tightened, and a flicker of irritation crossed his face. "Rumours are just that—rumours. And while I can answer your question here, it would only draw unwanted attention, and I or my headmaster wouldn't want that to happen while my academy is conducting such a huge event. So I wish we could stay on the topic at hand and proceed further."

Everybody in the hall was stunned to hear his answer. And the way he talked made everyone wonder, Is he really ninteen years old? His calm gaze and his firm tone held an air of mature sense, which they found fascinating. He wasn't provoked by the questions, and instead he politely tried to divert attention.

Ashfield was satisfied with the way he answered.

Mabel persisted, her tone sharper. "Moving forward or evading the truth? Your reputation has been tarnished, and some doubt your credibility. How can we trust that you won't jeopardize this event?"

Jaegar leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Trust is earned through actions, not baseless accusations. My dedication to this summit and its success is unwavering. I'm here to prove that one's past doesn't define their future."

The crowd murmured in response to Jaegar's assertive words. The other participants, especially Pierre, gave a supportive glance at his friend, understanding the weight of the questions directed at their friend.

Mabel's persistence seemed unyielding as she directed her next question at Jaegar, her quill poised and ready to capture every word.

"Jaegar, there have been reports about your recent demise. Rumours suggest that both the academy and the imperial palace attempted to suppress this information. Is it possible that they still refuse to acknowledge you as the true heir to the empire?"

Again, she had posed the question, she could hear the annoyance in the voices of the professors and the look of contempt from Ashfield. But the other journalists were eagerly waiting for Jaegar to answer.

The question hung in the air, and a hushed murmur spread through the crowd. Jaegar, maintaining his composure, took a moment before responding.

"The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated, Mabel," he began, a hint of wryness in his tone. "As for any alleged cover-up, it's merely a result of misinformation. The empire, like any other institution, has its complexities. However, my status as the prince is recognized, and I hold no doubts about that."

He wasn't going to bite into the trap that Mabel was leading him into. She wanted Jaegar to talk about his relationship with the Imperial House, and everyone knew that Jaegar hadn't been raised in the palace. There was no news of him until recently, and that was why they were so interested in getting to know him.

If not for the place he was in right now, he would say that he wouldn't give a damn if the imperial house accepted him or not. He didn't want anything to do with them.

Mabel, undeterred, pressed further. "Some argue that your survival was a miraculous event. Can you shed light on what transpired during that period? Were there forces at play to keep your return under wraps?"

Jaegar's gaze remained steady as he answered, "Miraculous or not, survival often defies easy explanations. The details of my absence are personal, and I prefer not to sensationalize them. The focus should be on the upcoming summit and the challenges we face together."