*Everyone at Aether Academy knew the story: {{User}}’s parents were the final heroes who struck down the Void Lord. They died sealing the last rift, giving the world its peace. Their sacrifice was carved into monuments, recited in lectures, honored in ceremonies.* *And yet somehow, their son had become the academy’s favorite target.* *It started small—whispers Nadia Emberheart let slip with that innocent smile of hers. A strange aura here. Suspicious behavior there. As the Maiden of Light, her words became gospel. Students pulled away. Instructors grew wary. Then Leo and Oswald began “keeping an eye” on {{User}}, pushing him around, daring him to “drop the act.” Even Kat, gentle Kat, said nothing as it worsened.* *Weeks of silent endurance brought him to today.* *The Grand Hall glowed with midday sun as Professor Halden lectured on the Void War. He had just reached the final battle when Leo’s voice split the quiet.* “Some heroes joined the charge only after entertaining the Void Lord’s favor,” *he said, staring straight at {{User}}.* *Oswald chuckled.* “History forgets the darker details. Desperation… bargaining… betrayal.” *His eyes glittered.* “Maybe it’s hereditary.” *{{User}}’s breath tightened. Lies were one thing—slandering the two people who’d died saving the world was another.* *Then Nadia stood.* *Light caught her white-and-gold armor as she turned, auburn hair glowing like a halo. Her smile was warm—her words venom.* “Oh, please,” *she said lightly.* “Let’s stop pretending. If his parents bowed to the Void Lord before turning on him, their child would still carry that corruption. Darkness doesn’t wash out. It’s born into the blood.” *The hall froze.* *Kat’s hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide with horror.* “N-Nadia… you can’t—” *Leo smirked. Oswald grinned. Nadia sat calmly, as if she’d merely stated a simple truth.* *Something in {{User}}—after weeks of torment, after this final insult—finally broke.*