Chapter 376 - EASG 73

I ran down a corridor on the third floor of Trix Hall, shaking the blood from my arm.

The wind blew in through the broken windows. The stars and magic circles filling the sky were visible through the partially destroyed ceiling.

There was no time to worry about the battle between Velbrok and Lucy. I needed to quickly find a place with complex terrain and debris—somewhere that would make it difficult for Silvenia to pinpoint my exact location.

Whoooooosh.

However, there was no way someone like Silvenia wouldn't read my intentions.

I felt her gathering magic power downstairs as I clenched my teeth, bracing myself for her attack.

Boooooom!

Advanced Lightning Magic, Divine Judgment.

In an instant, a massive lightning bolt struck, destroying what little remained of Trix Hall.

Every part of the building was damaged as it crumbled yet again.

At that point, it was no longer a partially ruined structure—it was nothing more than rubble.

I ran across the debris and the shattered outer wall, doing everything I could to avoid her magic, but—

Hwaaak!

Advanced Spatial Magic, Space Leap.

Silvenia landed directly in front of me after casually using advanced spatial magic—something that consumed an astronomical amount of magic power in a single use.

"Kahahaha."

She let out an eerie laugh, as if her blood were boiling, and held her wand out toward me.

"I don't know how you blocked it the first time, but it's obvious that blocking it a second time would be difficult for you."

If she attacked me with Instant Death right then, I wouldn't be able to stop it with my Celestial Magic. That was why I immediately bent down and kicked her wand away.

However, Silvenia didn't care. She continued gathering magic power and fired two magic bullets straight into my shoulder.

I clenched my teeth, clutching my shoulder as I tumbled down the hallway. She began gathering her Celestial Magic Power again.

Normal magic could be dealt with.

Celestial Magic could not.

The most terrifying aspect of Celestial Magic Power was that it didn't physically exist—it couldn't be interacted with at all.

Unless you used Celestial Magic yourself, it was impossible to defend against.

"Whew…"

If I stayed there any longer, I would die.

I had to attack somehow—do whatever it took to prevent Silvenia from casting Celestial Magic.

I quickly gathered my magic power and manifested Mugg.

A burning flame suddenly took the shape of a bat as it spread its large wings. Mugg screeched, gathering fire magic as a blazing mass formed before him while he faced Silvenia.

Unlike ordinary elemental magic, the firepower contained within that flame was overwhelming. The attack rushed toward Silvenia, who was still focused on gathering Celestial Magic Power.

Silvenia frowned briefly before breaking into another eerie smile.

With a single swing of her wand, she released magic power and completely scattered the flames.

Then, she cast Celestial Magic on Mugg.

Clang!

The Celestial Magic Time Prison struck instantly.

Mugg floated in the air with his wings spread—but he could no longer move.

Once Time Prison was cast, time itself stopped for the target. They could not move until the caster canceled the spell or ran out of magic power.

Silvenia would never run out of magic power.

The moment you were struck, it was effectively eternal.

Still, I had succeeded in neutralizing all the Celestial Magic Power Silvenia had been gathering.

I felt guilty for using Mugg as a shield, but it bought me enough time to draw out more magic power. I used everything I had gathered to summon a massive wind wolf.

Merilda landed on the ground once more, ready to fight.

Whoooooosh!

Roaaaaaaaaaaar!

The flow of magic power completely covered the sky above Trix Hall.

Standing atop the ruins, Merilda let out a roar before looking down at the small magician.

[Silvenia…]

The friend who once sat beside her atop Right Mountain, gazing down at Acken Island… was now looking up at her.

Silvenia stared at Merilda absent-mindedly. Holding a wand larger than her own body and wearing a glorious robe, she murmured quietly,

"Oh my…"

There was no life in her eyes.

"This wolf is so big."

There was no time to grieve over the fact that Silvenia no longer recognized her former friend.

Before Silvenia could act, Merilda gathered magic power. The air around us fluctuated violently as it converged on her.

And just as Merilda was about to launch her attack—

Her body was pierced by a massive ice spear.

[...]

Merilda froze in shock. She hadn't even sensed the flow of magic power.

Ice Spear was an intermediate spell.

Yet the enormous spear that erupted from the ground and pierced Merilda's abdomen was far beyond what could be called intermediate magic.

Merilda's blood dripped down, staining the ice crimson.

[You… uh…]

"That poor spirit… She can't even die. If she were human, she would have comfortably met her death from that attack."

High-ranking spirits were incredibly powerful. Simply being able to summon one placed you among the greatest elementalists.

Yet even such beings could be erased with a single strike from Silvenia.

Still, it had cost her magic power.

That meant I had a chance.

Boom!

I smashed the floor with Point Explosion and immediately jumped down through the opening.

Silvenia looked irritated as she peered into the hole I had created, then gently jumped down after me.

The moment she landed underground, I emerged from her blind spot, dagger raised to stab her back.

It was a perfect surprise attack—completely outside her line of sight.

Yet, as if she had eyes on the back of her head, she instantly cast defensive magic and deflected the blade.

Clang!

The recoil knocked my hand aside, and Silvenia seized the opportunity to grab my neck.

Magic power erupted from her body as she slammed me into the floor.

She pressed her knee into my stomach, tightened her grip around my throat, and stared down at me with bloodthirsty eyes. Blood poured from my wounds.

"Did you think you'd win in close combat? Just because I'm a magician? Haha. Incredible. Truly fantastic. Even now, you're thinking about how to turn the situation in your favor. You should be scared. You should be running away in fear… and yet you're still thinking. Amazing. Truly incredible. It's a shame to kill you. If it weren't this world—if the future weren't so dark—you would have become someone remarkable."

"..."

"Sob… sob… How sad… So terribly sad… It's tragic that someone like you has to die. There must be so many wonderful people like you in this world… and yet everyone will one day wander into endless darkness…"

She shifted between smiling and sobbing, her emotions swinging wildly as she stared at me. The tears on her face hadn't even dried when the corners of her lips curled upward again.

"So I will kill you."

"I refuse."

Booom!

A massive shockwave erupted from my arms, engulfing the entire area.

Shock-Enhanced Wave Ball—a magic engineering item I had been saving. The crystal ball in my hand exploded, and Silvenia raised her arms to shield her eyes.

It didn't damage her due to her defensive magic, but it was enough to obscure her vision.

I scooped up dirt from the floor and hurled it into her eyes.

Silvenia screamed and staggered backward, clutching her face. She had lived her entire life with dignity and reverence—I was certain she wasn't accustomed to such filthy tactics.

I pulled out my dagger and gathered magic power, trying to activate its spiritual skill.

It didn't respond.

"Whew…"

I frowned and decided to stab her anyway.

With Mugg sealed in Time Prison, the spiritual skills I borrowed from him were unusable. Still, in this desperate moment, I had to seize even the smallest chance.

Even blinded, Silvenia focused on the flow of magic power to evade my attack. She should have been hit—but she had developed a terrifying combat intuition.

However, as she twisted her body to dodge, she lost her balance and stumbled backward, slamming into a broken column.

Thud!

With her back against the column, Silvenia took a deep breath and opened her bloodshot eyes, glaring at me.

"That's a ceremonial dagger from House Rothstaylor. Then you must be…"

Her eyes widened, lips trembling.

"Ed Rothstaylor. Yes… you must be Ed Rothstaylor."

"…So you do know. You've observed countless futures, after all."

"Yes… that's right… Let me think… Ed Rothstaylor… But he wasn't supposed to be like this…"

She muttered to herself before a grotesque smile spread across her face.

"Ahaha… HAHAHA…"

Blood dripped from her bitten lips, splattering onto the floor—proof of how deeply her mind had fractured.

"Alright… I think I understand now. You… are a byproduct of the mistakes I made long ago."

"What?"

"Back when I believed I could resist this hopeless world. When I thought there had to be a way out. Those foolish days… grasping at straws… even dragging an innocent victim into it."

Silvenia stepped away from the column, lifting her head.

The magic power in the air grew even denser—it had never truly diminished.

"I'm sorry… I truly am. You suffered because of me… without knowing anything, you kept struggling to extend that hopeless existence. You must have suffered so much… It's my fault… all of it…"

She broke down in tears, her emotions impossible to follow.

"I'll take responsibility and kill you. I'll let you rest in peace, so you won't have to suffer anymore just to live a pointless life."

Magic power flooded Trix Hall's lobby. The remaining columns collapsed.

Crash! Boom!

I sprinted away from the falling rubble—but just as I tried to brace myself, two ice spears pierced my left shoulder.

Before I could cry out, another magic bullet slammed into my lower back, sending me flying into the wall.

Slumped against it, I waited as the dust slowly settled.

Forcing my vision to focus, I saw Silvenia extending her palm toward me.

A vast amount of Celestial Magic Power had already gathered—faster than before.

Tears streamed down her face as she prepared the spell.

She was casting Instant Death again.

This time, I had no Celestial Magic left to resist it.

Once it was released, I would die.

Silvenia knew it.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry… It must have hurt. So much. But it's okay now. Everything will be fine. You've suffered enough… I'm sorry…"

I tried to move, summoning what little strength remained—but my body wouldn't respond.

Silvenia clenched her hand.

The advanced spell Instant Death was released—and struck me directly.

***

Thud!

Hwaaaak!

Ed Rothstaylor lowered his head, blood spilling from his mouth—and died.

He leaned against the wall, head bowed as if asleep. Silvenia watched, holding her breath.

The fire bat and wind wolf he had summoned—both pierced by ice spears—were released and returned to their spirit forms.

Another life faded into eternal rest.

Whoosh!

Roaaaaaar!

Velbrok continued to roar as if the world itself were ending.

And somewhere in the sky, a mysterious young magician was still fighting it.

Silvenia tilted her head as she watched.

Though she had dealt with Ed Rothstaylor, there were still far too many variables trying to stop Velbrok.

She had no time to rest—yet she didn't move.

Ed Rothstaylor's corpse lay before her, drenched in blood. His eyes were closed peacefully, but the scars covering his body testified to the pain he had endured.

"I'm sorry," Silvenia whispered.

"With only suffering ahead… this is better."

She closed her eyes, releasing the magic around her as tears welled up.

Her thoughts drifted to her first disciple—Glockt.

When he was young, he had asked her the same question she now faced.

Hundreds of years had passed. Only now did she understand the weight of it.

Was this what it meant when they said students taught their mentors?

She recalled the boy's empty eyes.

"When life is just an endless struggle, is there any point in living?"

She couldn't remember her answer back then. The memory was buried, hazy like an old photograph.

Then, suddenly, she remembered smiling brightly.

Silvenia opened her eyes, feeling as though she were falling into emptiness.

"For now, just keep living and tell me later, you brat."

At that moment—

Ed Rothstaylor, drenched in blood, stood up and lunged at her, stabbing her shoulder.

Stab!

She had already dismissed her magic power, believing the battle was over.

When she opened her eyes, what she saw was Ed Rothstaylor's blood-soaked face.

"K-Keuk… heuk…!"

No matter how great her magic, Silvenia's body was still fragile.

The dagger missed her vitals only because Ed's body had already reached its limit.

Clang! Clang!

Something fell to the floor—an hourglass, small enough to fit in one hand.

Silvenia whispered in disbelief, "Dell… Heim's…?"

A magic engineering device that harnessed the authority of Dell Heim, a god of restriction—granting one chance to overcome death.

She remembered it.

Before the academy existed, she had taught only three students: Teslin McLaure, Glockt Elderbane, and Philona Bloomriver.

Philona had studied alchemy and the gods.

Silvenia had dismissed her research as unrealistic.

Yet Philona had left behind blueprints. Difficult. Rare. Meaningless—or so she thought.

Until now.

"K-Keuk…"

Philona Bloomriver—the student who always smiled while buried in research papers.

Silvenia remembered the blueprints clearly.

"You…"

Yet something was wrong.

Silvenia had observed every possible future.

Not once had she seen Dell Heim's Hourglass completed.

Boom!

She blasted Ed's body away and clenched her teeth, staring at the dagger embedded in her shoulder.

With effort, she tore it free.

"Ke—keuk—Kyaaaaak!!"

Blood poured out.

She immediately cast Celestial Magic, reversing the wound.

"Keuk… ahhhh…!"

The wound vanished, but the pain remained. The memory of being stabbed lingered like a phantom.

As she trembled, Ed slowly stood again, blood spilling freely.

Until the very end, he had hidden his final trump card.

Calm. Calculated. Inhuman.

That strike had been everything he had.

It failed—but he still stood.

At that point, Ed Rothstaylor looked more like a zombie than Silvenia ever had.

His eyes burned with nothing but the will to survive.

"I hate people like you the most," he rasped.

"You think the future you saw is everything. You think you know it all. I was the same."

He alone knew the storylines of .

Yet nothing ever followed the script.

The world always betrayed expectations.

Life never went as planned.

There was much to lose.

Much to gain.

And death was always close.

In such a world, survival was all that mattered.

"That arrogance…"

Bleeding out, it was a miracle he still moved—but he was alive.

"That's something only bastards who survived get to say."

Ed Rothstaylor never promised things would get better.

He never clung to hollow hope.

That was how he lived.

"You… who are you…?"

Silvenia gathered her magic again. There was no more time.

Dell Heim's Hourglass had saved him once—but that was all.

She raised both hands. Dozens of ice spears formed.

Even one would kill him.

They launched.

Clang! Hwaaaak!

Whoosh!

A massive flame engulfed the area.

Spiritual Skill, Fire Flower.

All the ice spears melted instantly.

Ed recognized it immediately—an advanced spiritual skill borrowed from the high-ranking fire spirit Takan, engraved into the cosmos embroidery of Yennekar Palerover's cloak.

She landed in front of him, pink hair fluttering.

With a wave of her arms, countless spirits filled Trix Hall.

Silvenia blocked her barrage with ease—but that was enough.

Yennekar grabbed Ed, supporting his broken body, and summoned the mid-ranking wind spirit Calaques.

They mounted the massive Archaeopteryx-shaped spirit and fled.

Silvenia cleared the smoke, but they were already gone.

The spirits vanished.

Only rubble and silence remained.

"..."

Silvenia lowered her head.

What she had seen from Yennekar Palerover didn't match the futures she had observed.

Was she wrong?

Or had something inevitable changed?

Her fractured mind was sinking deeper into pain.

"Eugh… keuk…"

She clutched her shoulder, breathing heavily.

The pain lingered—but slowly faded.

"…There are still… variables… I need to deal with… There's still… so much to do…"

The madness continued to consume her.

-x-X-x-

A grand carriage bearing the engraved symbol of the imperial family lay toppled at the side of the road.

The once beautifully decorated carriage was now stained with dirt and blood, rendered utterly filthy. Its wheels had fallen off and were rolling through the grass, and the door rattled uselessly, barely clinging to its hinges. It was difficult to even call it a carriage anymore.

Holding up the hem of her dress, Selah Einer Kroel hid behind the wreckage of the fallen carriage.

Two of the five escorts assigned to Princess Selah had already died. The coachman had also met a tragic end after they were attacked by monsters.

Princess Selah frowned as she glanced at the remaining wheel still attached to the carriage. She then asked the escort knights who were still alive, "The royal residence was attacked? Then Father's safety is at risk."

"Yes. That's correct. Fortunately, there were few monsters near us, so we managed to survive. However, I've heard that a large number of powerful monsters are raiding the royal residence."

Princess Selah shut her eyes tightly, contemplating the situation.

All around her lay the corpses of various monsters. Though they had been relatively weak, the number alone would have been difficult for five escorts to handle.

Although she had somehow managed to survive, hearing that the royal residence had been breached felt like a heavy weight pressing down on her chest.

Her butler, Dest, cleaned his blood-stained rapier before sheathing it and bowing politely.

"Judging from the messenger pigeon we received, it seems they are somehow maintaining their defensive line. But… it appears that Princess Penia's head escort, Claire, has died."

"I see… Penia has lost a powerful ally. That knight was always on Penia's side… This will surely have a major impact on the race for the throne…"

After saying that, Selah looked up at the sky, which seemed like the very embodiment of hell.

She spoke again. "With things like this… I wonder if the race for the throne is even important."

"Princess Selah, what should we do? We've received word that several garrison camps have been established across the campus. One is in the student square, and another is on the east side of the commercial district. If we head to one of them and join forces, it will be safer."

"You're speaking nonsense, Dest. My father's safety isn't secured, yet you're telling me to run away to a safe place on my own?"

Selah grabbed his collar as she scolded him.

"You idiot."

"I apologize."

"I am a member of the royal family. Even if I bleed or meet my death, I must head toward the royal residence. I need to confirm my father's safety."

They had already traveled quite a long distance from the royal residence, even by horse-drawn carriage. However, it was still close enough that she could make the journey back on foot.

The real problem was whether they could break through the countless monsters they would inevitably encounter along the way.

Having barely survived once already, all of her escorts were exhausted. Her butler, Dest, was in relatively good condition, but there was no way he could deal with such numbers alone.

"Somehow, we need to come up with a way…"

Just as Selah scratched her chin and was about to sink into thought—

Boom! Kwaaaakakaka!

Booooooom!

A thunderous crash echoed through the area.

It sounded as though something massive had fallen onto the grassy road leading toward the education district. Princess Selah and her companions could clearly see what it was. A massive Archaeopteryx spirit slammed into the ground, grievously injured.

"K-Keuk!"

Yennekar Palerover clutched Ed Rothstaylor tightly as they hit the ground.

She cradled Ed's head firmly in her arms. He was unconscious. Though she herself looked utterly exhausted, she forced herself to gather more magical power.

Only then did Princess Selah look back up at the sky. An overwhelming number of flying monsters were chasing after Yennekar.

At that moment, the sky above Acken Island was no different from hell itself. Thousands of monsters rained down from above, attacking people indiscriminately.

Yennekar Palerover had somehow fought her way through all of them. Even as an Elementalist capable of commanding hundreds of spirits at once, what she had done was reckless beyond reason.

The wind spirit that had crashed to the ground was barely breathing, its body riddled with wounds.

Even so, it struggled to lift its wings, desperately trying to shield Yennekar.

"Princess Selah! Monsters are attacking again! You must hide in the carriage immediately!"

"I'll break the glass! Please crawl inside!"

The soldiers shouted urgently. The number of flying monsters pursuing Yennekar was extraordinary.

Giant bats, gremlins, chimeras, and countless other grotesque creatures filled the air. Each one bore a horrifying appearance. Simply looking at them was enough to instill terror. Nevertheless, Yennekar raised her head without hesitation.

Holding Ed tightly with one arm, she stretched the other toward the sky.

A tortoise-shaped spirit with an enormous shell rose to its feet, unleashing a torrent of magic. A massive wave of light swept through the sky, blasting the monsters away.

After erasing dozens of monsters in an instant, Yennekar lowered her head, gasping for breath.

Perhaps because they had passed through a dense stretch of forest, no additional monsters pursued them.

One by one, the spirits vanished. All that remained was a girl bowing her head while holding a boy who had lost consciousness.

"Th-That…"

The soldiers watching the scene were struck dumb with disbelief. Judging by the school uniform visible beneath her shawl, she was clearly a student—yet her power was utterly unbelievable.

Yennekar, however, was completely drained. She could barely move her own body. With weary, bloodshot eyes, she kept one hand on Ed's head as she scanned her surroundings with the vigilance of a cornered beast.

That was when her gaze met Princess Selah's.

Princess Selah motioned for the guards to lower their weapons as she slowly approached Yennekar.

Yennekar glared at her fiercely, hugging Ed even tighter.

With all order having collapsed, it was impossible to trust anyone blindly.

In particular, Princess Selah was someone who had long been hostile toward Ed. Yennekar was not the type who easily harbored malice, but when it came to protecting the injured Ed, she could not afford to ignore even the smallest threat.

"That man in your arms… is that Ed Rothstaylor?"

Princess Selah herself was far from her usual state.

She was someone who would normally grow irritated by even a speck of dust on her clothes. Now, however, she was covered in grime from head to toe, struggling merely to survive.

Even so, she continued to speak with arrogance, showing no intention of lowering her royal dignity.

"I don't know what happened, but he appears to be seriously injured."

"D-Don't… come any closer."

"Don't come closer…? Hah… In a situation like this, even someone like you dares to act as though you hold authority. With order broken, I suppose it's a chance for someone as lowly as you to stand before me."

"Now that order has collapsed, it must be your chance, as a so-called genius, to measure yourself against me."

Princess Selah smiled incredulously, but Yennekar remained on guard.

"You're the plaything I saw at the Rothstaylor mansion. Unfortunately, it seems you still harbor feelings for him. He is an impressive man, but… you should have chosen someone more suited to you."

"..."

"It's unwise to act hostile toward me. Do you really think glaring at me improves this situation?"

Even as the world fell apart, Princess Selah's arrogance remained intact.

The pride engraved within her would not crumble so easily.

"If you truly wished to, you could kill me right now. With order on Acken Island gone, I no longer hold power over you. So, will you kill me? Will you harm me?"

"To be honest… I don't care about that."

Yennekar had never even considered such things.

She closed her eyes, lowered her head, and spoke quietly.

"At this rate, Ed will die."

Ed was bleeding profusely in her arms.

Yennekar was powerful, but she lacked any talent for treating wounds. With the academy thrown into chaos, she had no idea where to go to save him.

Even if she did know, there was no guarantee she could get him there safely.

Suddenly, Yennekar burst into tears.

"You may not know this, but after staying by his side for so long, I understand this well. Ed is deeply pessimistic about life. Yet when his life is truly at stake, he steels himself and somehow survives."

The hostility Yennekar had shown earlier vanished entirely, leaving Princess Selah slightly taken aback.

"For someone who struggles every day just to survive, it's too cruel for him to die like this. He can't die like this."

She could not afford to sit and cry while watching Ed bleed to death.

She needed to find a way to save him—quickly. That was why she clenched her teeth, holding herself together.

But human emotions could not be so easily restrained.

Even as she bit her lip and pressed down on Ed's wounds to slow the bleeding, her tears continued to fall.

"More than anyone else, Ed can't die like this. He's someone who survives by clenching his teeth through everything. That's why… he can't die."

Yennekar begged. She prayed that God would hear her and spare his life.

But the world was vast, and people were countless—like ants. She knew all too well that she was not a protagonist on that stage.

Like everyone else, she was merely an extra whose pleas would go unheard. More often than not, blood, sweat, and tears went unrewarded.

Not every wish came true.

Some were given everything, while others were denied the single wish they clung to their entire lives.

Yennekar understood that the world was unfair.

Even so, Ed Rothstaylor was not someone who should die so easily.

Yennekar Palerover knew how desperately he struggled to survive.

If God truly existed, He could not ignore such a wish. Ed had never asked for much.

Every night, he sat quietly by the campfire, staring into the flickering flames, whispering to himself, I hope I can survive another day.

Every night, Yennekar sat in her pajamas on her knees behind her cabin door, listening. And every time, she thought the same thing.

It wasn't a grand wish—just the natural desire to live one more day.

No one could say that Ed's wish was arrogant or excessive.

"Please save Ed."

Her lips trembled as she fought back sobs, but she still looked Princess Selah in the eyes and spoke as an equal.

"I don't care if you insult me or look down on me. But… right now… I don't know what to do. Nothing else matters…"

"..."

"Please… help Ed…"

As the princess of the empire, she might have a solution.

Ed Rothstaylor's blood soaked into Yennekar's uniform, but she didn't care as she held his head close.

Princess Selah swallowed hard, cold sweat breaking out across her skin.

She shook her head to steady herself, then looked down at Ed's battered body.

He was the boy who had always sat across from her, always speaking Penia's name no matter how much she tried to sway him.

Seeing that reliable, determined boy so broken stirred conflicting emotions within her.

It felt as though she was witnessing a side of him that should never exist.

Yet now… perhaps… she could become his savior.

She was surprised by the thought, but the fact that she could think so clearly in this situation meant she still retained her composure.

"Dest!"

At Selah's call, the butler rushed forward and examined Ed.

Yennekar loosened her grip, revealing Ed's bloodied face.

Dest quickly checked his pulse, examined his wounds, and assessed the bleeding before reporting grimly.

"Dark red Celestial Magic residue remains across his body. It appears he fought an opponent capable of advanced magic. His physical injuries are severe. If left like this, he won't last long."

At those words, Yennekar's face went pale.

Princess Selah, however, remained outwardly composed.

"From my perspective, whether this man lives or dies… means nothing to me."

She spoke bluntly.

Yet as she looked down at his blood-soaked face, unfamiliar anger and irritation welled up within her. She closed her eyes tightly before continuing.

"And with the academy in chaos, finding medical personnel won't be easy. With the royal residence under attack, there must already be hundreds of casualties in the student plaza and commercial district. It's unlikely there's anyone available."

"..."

"On top of that, a dragon is rampaging through the sky while monsters rain down and slaughter people. We can't move freely. To believe we could secure proper treatment under these conditions is nothing but arrogance. Even I, a member of the royal family, am covered in wounds… and yet you think it's possible to save him?"

She took a deep breath, forcing the words out.

"Give up on his life! Rather than clinging to a pointless hope, it would be better—!"

Phsssk!

Blood suddenly sprayed from Ed's wounds.

Though he had avoided the full force of the Celestial Magic Instant Death, the aftermath had left his body riddled with injuries. The cursed dark red magic lingering within him caused his wounds to tear open, blood pouring out.

Blood splattered across Selah's face as she leaned in.

"—!"

Her eyes widened in shock as she reflexively pressed her hands over the wound.

Ed's blood soaked into the hem of her dress and her sleeves, yet she stepped forward without hesitation.

"Wh-What were you doing? Why didn't you dress his wounds?! Is this the time to be spacing out?!"

"…Ah—!"

Yennekar gasped as Selah tore strips from the edge of her own skirt and bound Ed's wounds, pressing down firmly.

The princess of the empire, clad in a dress worth countless fortunes, stained it with blood as she worked alongside Yennekar to stop the bleeding.

Yennekar stared at her, stunned.

Dest, watching nearby, was equally astonished.

For reasons she herself could not explain, Princess Selah continued to press down desperately.

As the situation grew more critical, her heart pounded and her eyes widened, yet she kept working with a confused expression—as though she didn't understand her own actions.

Yennekar looked at Selah, thinking the very same thing.

***

I needed to organize the information I had gathered, despite my blurred consciousness.

My body burned, as though set ablaze by the blood loss. But it wasn't over yet.

The fact that I could think meant I was still alive. And as long as I was alive, I needed to think.

Even as cursed magic wracked my body with pain, I clung to my sanity.

I knew that if I let my consciousness slip for even a moment, I might never open my eyes again.

I needed to think.

Why had Silvenia Robester—a figure from the distant past—suddenly appeared at the academy?

The first possibility was Celestial Magic.

Silvenia had reached the pinnacle of Celestial Magic, a power capable of manipulating time and space.

Yet I had never heard of it allowing someone to leap into the future.

Not from my game knowledge, nor from what I had learned after crossing into this world.

Still, it wouldn't be strange if Silvenia Robester, a pioneer of Celestial Magic, had discovered such a spell.

Not merely observing the future—but traveling to it.

If that were possible… then why had Silvenia feared the future so deeply? If she feared it, why not simply skip past it?

As I thought about it, the future she saw began to take shape in my mind.

A future of endless darkness.

That fear was said to be what drove her mad.

She had likely glimpsed a future drowned in absolute darkness.

But that fear… it was something she must have carried even back then.

The first time she peered into the future, that overwhelming dread must have weighed heavily on her.

Yet she hadn't been consumed by it immediately.

Instead, she spent years struggling to escape the promised apocalypse.

If that was the case, then why had she gone completely insane?

If Silvenia had leapt from the distant past to the present, shouldn't she still be the same woman—fighting against despair?

But the Silvenia who destroyed Trix Hall was utterly dominated by fear.

She screamed that instead of living in terror of inevitable death, it would be better to be slaughtered by Velbrok.

Something was missing.

Why had Silvenia gone mad?

Was it the influence of Celestial Magic itself?

Despite her mastery of it, was she still unable to escape the future she saw?

And now, what was her goal?

Was it truly just to fully release Velbrok and die together?

Then why were chains still bound around Velbrok?

Too many questions remained unanswered.

Yet even without all the answers, countermeasures could still be taken.

The fact that something remained hidden suggested there was still a solution.

So I couldn't give up on surviving.

Even as my body burned, I refused to die.

At last, this was the final obstacle.

There were only two conditions for victory.

Defeat Velbrok.

Defeat the Great Sage Silvenia.

I could leave the former to Taylee.

The latter… I had to face myself.

There were countless variables, but Taylee had somehow grown strong enough to cut through Velbrok's heart.

And the original members who subjugated Velbrok—

Ayla, Ziggs, Clevius, Elvira, Lortel, and Penia.

Seven individuals, each with their own role.

If those six gathered alongside Taylee, Velbrok could be defeated.

It would have been better to have more allies, but even assembling them would be difficult.

All I could do was trust Taylee.

Still, Silvenia remained.

Facing her alone again would be suicidal.

In Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster, the extras never stood on the final stage… but that didn't matter.

I had to gather allies—people I had met as Ed Rothstaylor.

Maybe every hardship I endured had been for this moment.

The thought made me laugh weakly, even through the pain.

It was time to gamble everything in this cursed world.

I clenched my teeth and focused.

Little by little, my consciousness returned.

"But… we can't… have to… commercial district…!"

Yennekar's faint voice reached me.

As my eyelids slowly opened, blood-soaked bangs blurred my vision.

My hearing returned just in time to catch Princess Selah's voice.

"It'll be difficult to head to the commercial district. I need to go to the royal residence immediately. With it under attack, I don't know what happened to my father or Penia. It's unreasonable to ask me to go elsewhere!"

"Th-Then… does the royal residence have medical personnel?"

"If they're alive… then probably. But nothing is guaranteed! Still—if you want my help, you'll have to come with me to the royal residence. If the medical staff are there, I promise to do everything I can to keep him alive!"

Yennekar held her breath.

I coughed.

"E-Ed…!"

I forced out the words.

"Go… to… royal… residence…"

That was my decision.

Princess Selah looked down at me, relief flashing across her face.

"Of course! Even like this, you made the right choice! Did you hear that? The man you claimed you couldn't live without said it himself!"

My head was foggy, but I understood.

If Selah was right… then I had to trust her judgment.

"Ed Rothstaylor! You've finally admitted I was right! Remember this—I'm the one who saved your life. Don't forget that you owe me!"

"P-Penia…"

"…What?"

Penia Elias Kroel was essential.

"We must… save… Princess Penia…"

"Still saying that name?! Are you serious?! Enough already!!"

Princess Selah screamed as she pressed down on my wounds.

My head throbbed from her shrill voice.

-x-X-x-

The magic circle located in Ophelis Hall's rose garden suddenly expanded, covering the entirety of Ophelis Hall.

Most monsters were unable to break through Ophelis Hall's defensive magic circle. However, monsters that possessed strong magic power were capable of doing so. Such monsters were rare, but due to the massive number of monsters falling onto the island, their presence could no longer be ignored.

Clang! Crash!

Whooooosh!

The sounds of swords colliding and magic being cast filled the entrance of Ophelis Hall.

The maids of Ophelis Hall were famous for being capable of almost anything. Naturally, they were all well-versed in combat, and there were even a few senior maids who could use intermediate magic.

Because Ophelis Hall was protected by such capable maids and a strong defensive magic circle, they were managing to defend themselves with relative ease.

Boom! Boom!

Not only that, but the majority of the students residing in Ophelis Hall had excellent grades. As a result, not only the maids but the students themselves were skilled in combat. In addition, Ophelis Hall was located some distance from the commercial district, so many of the monsters attacking the academy did not prioritize it.

Thanks to its location and defensive measures, the dormitory was even safer than the royal residence, which had already been attacked.

"There's a crack forming in the southern section of the defensive magic circle! The monsters are starting to pour in from there!"

"All sniper maids are already occupied! For now, mobilize anyone available to block them!"

In Ophelis Hall's central command room, Head Maid Bell Maya was issuing orders to the other maids. The room had been temporarily barricaded and repurposed from what had once been her personal workspace.

Not only the maids, but the students inside Ophelis Hall were fighting the monsters together under her command.

However, defense was everything.

They lacked both the manpower and the freedom to assist other areas. Traveling elsewhere was nearly impossible with so many monsters in the way, and even if they encountered survivors, escorting them back to Ophelis Hall unharmed would be unlikely.

In the end, all they could do was hold out and hope the situation would soon be resolved.

"Have we made contact with Lorail Hall or Dex Hall yet?"

"We've received word from Lorail Hall. They've suffered damage, but they're still managing to protect the students. However… Dex Hall hasn't responded."

Hearing the report, Bell Maya slowly closed her eyes. This was not a moment in which she could afford to waver.

Dex Hall housed a particularly large number of students. If something had gone wrong there, it would not be surprising if the entire dormitory had collapsed.

"It can't be helped. We already have our hands full ensuring the safety of the students under our protection…"

At that moment, Velbrok let out another roar.

Each time its thunderous cry echoed across Acken Island, the magic power imbued within it grew stronger. Though no one wanted to admit it, this meant that the seal binding Velbrok was weakening with time.

Lucy Mayreel was somehow holding it back for now. However, once the seal fully broke, even she would not be able to stand against it.

In truth, Lucy Mayreel was already at her limit.

"Kyaaaak!"

"Keuk!"

Several maids screamed as they collapsed from the aftermath of Velbrok's magic.

Bell Maya frowned as she looked out the window. Velbrok opened its massive jaws once more, gathering magic power.

Velbrok's target was Lucy Mayreel, who had been holding it at bay. Aside from the chains dragging its body back into the sea, Lucy was its greatest obstacle.

Even so, the residual shockwaves from its roar were enough to destabilize Ophelis Hall's defensive magic circle. Velbrok's magic power could neutralize defensive and anti-magic formations alike.

They could endure a few more attacks, but once Velbrok was fully revived and unleashed its full power, Ophelis Hall's defenses would inevitably collapse.

The only thing left to do was pray.

Boom!

Seizing that moment, a giant bat forced its way through the cracked defensive barrier and latched onto Ophelis Hall's outer wall.

"Kyaaaaak!"

"Don't panic! Gather your magic!"

Students screamed as others struggled to maintain their composure.

Bell Maya climbed onto a table and looked toward the window. The giant bat's massive eye filled her entire view.

Without hesitation, she drew her rapier and thrust it straight into the creature's eye.

Slash!

Craaaaaash!

Glass shattered as the bat shrieked in agony and fell from the wall.

Booooom!

It crashed into the rose garden, thrashing violently as it bled out and destroyed everything around it.

"Phew…"

The defensive magic circle was clearly reaching its limit. Even so, giving up was not an option.

Bell Maya steadied herself and issued new orders.

"Evacuate the students to the underground facility! The monster attacks will intensify from here on! To minimize casualties, we must hide the students!"

After shouting her orders, she grabbed another decorative rapier from the wall and opened the command room door.

"Our mission is to protect the students at all costs. Do not hesitate to sacrifice your lives to save as many of them as possible."

"W-We understand…"

"I'll relay the orders to the maids stationed further out!"

Bell Maya nodded and sprinted down the hallway.

It was not wise for the head maid to head toward the front lines. If she fell, the entire command structure would collapse.

However, the more extreme the situation became, the more desperately even a single additional fighter was needed. Bell Maya could not afford to sit still.

Running down the corridor with her rapier in hand, she spotted two giant bats clinging to the windows.

Crash! Crash!

Clang!

The windows shattered as one of the bats burst inside, screeching as it destroyed artwork and decorations in a frenzy.

"Keuk!"

As Bell Maya began to gather magic power—

Slice!

The bat let out a distorted screech as its neck was cleanly severed.

Bell Maya froze. After kicking aside the corpse, she turned toward the shattered window and saw a boy climbing inside.

Slice!

Using magic to scale the wall, he entered swiftly and decapitated the second bat without hesitation. His movements were sharp and decisive, devoid of confusion or fear.

Standing amid the shattered glass, wiping blood from his sword, was none other than Ziggs Eiffelstein.

"I'm glad to see you're safe, Miss Bell."

"Young Master Ziggs… When did you—?"

"I just arrived. Taylee and Ayla are here too. It seems Ophelis Hall isn't doing so well either."

He glanced at the unstable defensive barrier.

"I suppose this isn't the time for conversation."

"No. We're evacuating the students to the underground facility."

"We didn't come to evacuate. We came to pick someone up. Is Elvira here? She's probably in her room gathering her alchemy supplies and reagents."

They had been classmates long enough for him to know her habits.

Ziggs leapt onto the arm of the remaining giant bat, twisted his body, and sliced it clean off. The creature screamed as it crashed into the garden behind them.

"We need Elvira's expertise in alchemy to defeat Velbrok. The professors are unreachable, and she's the only advanced alchemist who would help us without hesitation."

"You're… going to defeat Velbrok?"

"Taylee can do it. We refuse to go down without a fight."

Ziggs wiped his blade clean.

"I wish we could help defend Ophelis Hall, but we have something more important to do."

"…Are you serious?"

"Too many people have already been sacrificed. Ed risked his life to save Taylee, and I abandoned the survivors at the student square to support him, even though Ayla stayed behind."

All of it was for one reason.

"We have to take responsibility… and defeat Velbrok."

Ophelis Hall was not the only place facing disaster.

The survivors Ziggs had left behind at the student square, led by Student Council President Tanya, had already suffered heavy losses. Without Ziggs, their strongest fighter, reaching the commercial district without further casualties would be nearly impossible.

Even so, Tanya pressed forward, determined to save as many lives as she could.

The garrison near the academy's cathedral, led by Saint Clarice, had also nearly been breached. The group defending the training grounds under the combat department had suffered severe damage. Elte Store, which had lost a third of its merchants with the collapse of Mexes Bridge, was struggling to protect its main building. Rumors even claimed the royal residence was on the brink of total collapse.

"Still, we fight back," Ziggs said firmly.

"That's why… I'm sorry, but we're taking Elvira with us."

***

"I'm going to get my alchemy supplies and reagents from Ophelis Hall, so stay somewhere safe and don't move!"

That was what Elvira had said before running toward Ophelis Hall.

Her entire life had been devoted to alchemy. Even when death loomed at any moment, protecting her research remained her highest priority. He had always known she was that kind of person, but he never expected her to act that way given the severity of the situation.

After separating from Elvira at the student square, he fled from the sudden monster hordes and eventually joined the nearest garrison.

That was how he ended up at the student training grounds, where the combat department had established a garrison under Daike's leadership.

Kneeling in a corner, trembling uncontrollably, was Clevius Nortondale.

A son of the prestigious House Nortondale and the top second-year student—yet he was shaking in fear.

Countless people were dying, and the sheer number of monsters falling from the sky was far beyond what anyone could handle. He knew that doing nothing meant certain death, but each time the Holy Blue Dragon roared overhead, terror tightened its grip around his heart.

A calamity far beyond his ability to confront was approaching, forcing him once again to face just how weak he truly was.

"That bastard… Why did he even come to our garrison…?"

"Even though he knows swordsmanship, he's running without fighting!"

"Everyone else is risking their lives—why hasn't Daike kicked him out?"

"Leave him alone. Daike must have his reasons. For now, focus on defending the outer walls!"

"Do you think… I want to… be like this…? Fuck… sniff…"

He was utterly pathetic. His hands trembled as he tried to hold back his tears.

He couldn't help it. He was afraid. Human emotions were not something one could control at will. Just because others fought bravely did not mean he could do the same. His reckless duel with Lucy, where he had once thrown away his life, felt like a distant memory.

A coward remained a coward to the very end. A momentary surge of courage could not fix what was rotten inside.

He no longer cared about the students whispering behind his back. He had lived his entire life being cursed at; this was nothing new.

Still, he was terrified.

"Why… why do I have to suffer like this…?"

He hugged his knees, shaking. Each time students passed him, they clicked their tongues in disgust. Even underclassmen openly called him a coward.

Anyone who could hold a sword was fighting on the front lines, yet he remained behind. Some demanded that Daike kick him out for dragging down morale.

But Daike refused. He would not cast someone out simply for being afraid.

Clevius knew the truth better than anyone: he was a selfish, cowardly piece of trash. He despised himself, yet he could never become someone like Daike.

He was a rat living in the gutter, unable to wash away the stench clinging to him. The contempt in others' eyes was familiar—enduring it was how he survived.

He was neither desperate like Ed Rothstaylor nor noble like Daike Elpelan. He was worthless.

Clevius stared at his trembling, empty hand.

"Ophelis Hall is on the verge of collapse! Their garrison is no longer safe!"

A student rushed in, shouting the report so loudly that everyone heard.

"What? Didn't Ophelis Hall have a defensive magic circle?"

"It seems Velbrok's magic power weakened it…"

"Then their students may flee here. Prepare to take them in."

"That's not the plan. They're evacuating to an underground facility—but there's no guarantee the dormitory won't fall."

Which garrisons survived and which fell was a matter of luck. Some faced fewer powerful monsters; others faced too many. That alone decided the fate of hundreds.

The training grounds had been fortunate. The royal residence had not.

Daike frowned, then steadied himself.

"We can only pray for their safety. For now, gather survivors from the combat department buildings!"

"In thirty minutes, we move to the northern training grounds. Those joining, prepare your equipment!"

He grabbed his knuckle dusters. No one complained. There was no room for hesitation.

At that moment, Daike noticed Clevius.

Clevius had stood up and was walking toward the exit, sword in hand.

Daike rushed over and grabbed his shoulder.

"Clevius! Where are you going?! It's hell out there!"

He knew how much pressure Clevius had been under. That was why he had kept an eye on him. Still, he never imagined Clevius would try to leave.

But Clevius calmly removed Daike's hand from his shoulder. His eyes were eerily steady.

"Where do you think you're going in this situation?"

Elvira had gone to Ophelis Hall. That thought scratched relentlessly at Clevius's heart. Fear for his own life was not the only thing haunting him.

Elvira might die.

That reckless alchemist who dragged him along, scolded him, shouted at him, laughed loudly—

"..."

Clevius met Daike's gaze and tightened his grip on his wrist for a moment.

"Just taking a walk."

Daike did not stop him. He simply watched as Clevius left the garrison.

Outside, Clevius drove his sword into his own shoulder.

The pain was unbearable. He screamed—then the agony subsided.

Breathing heavily, eyes bloodshot, he looked at the monsters surrounding the garrison.

Gripping his sword, now stained with violent magic power, the Blade Demon went out for a walk.

When he finally came to his senses, the road behind him was drenched in monster blood.

***

Taylee McLaure was sitting in Ophelis Hall's rose garden, treating his wounds.

Ayla Triss searched frantically through the dormitory for Elvira.

Ziggs Eiffelstein had just finished explaining the situation to Bell Maya after killing the giant bat.

Lortel Kehelland defended Elte Store by firing ice magic toward the entrance.

Penia Elias Kroel guided Emperor Kroel through the corridors of the royal residence.

Elvira Aniston gathered reagents in her room.

Clevius Nortondale advanced toward Ophelis Hall, slaughtering monsters with pure bloodlust.

It would take time before all members of the Velbrok subjugation squad reunited—but the fact that they were all still alive was encouraging.

Meanwhile, the Silvenia subjugation squad led by Ed Rothstaylor had made little progress.

Those who no longer belonged to the original storyline of Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster, now existing in a diverging timeline, were the only ones capable of opposing Silvenia without disrupting the Velbrok subjugation's original composition.

Ed Rothstaylor, Yennekar Palerover, and Selah Einer Kroel had gathered together.

Lucy Mayreel was exhausted, nearly out of magic power after holding Velbrok back alone.

Saint Clarice refused to abandon the cathedral garrison.

Tanya Rothstaylor was occupied protecting her own survivors.

With the world teetering on the brink, the end slowly approached.

The Great Sage Silvenia watched it all with an eerie grin.

There were many variables that could disrupt Velbrok's descent—but the greatest of them stood before her.

Lucy Mayreel.

Boom!

Lucy was hurled into the academy's half-destroyed spire.

Through the settling dust, she lifted her head and looked skyward.

Floating before her was a woman holding a wand.

The Great Sage Silvenia gazed down at her, smiling grotesquely. Behind her, Velbrok continued struggling against its seal.

"…This is a bit much… dealing with two at once…"

Lucy removed her overcoat and let it fall. Blood stained her blouse, yet she stood tall.

Despite her injuries, Lucy Mayreel did not avert her gaze.

How much longer could she hold on?

She did not know.

-x-X-x-

Crackle.

The soft duvet tickled the tip of her nose, making her scratch her face a few times. Eventually, she would drift off to sleep, enjoying the crackling sound and warmth of the fireplace.

Lucy Mayreel, a small girl, was hidden beneath the blanket, with only her head peeking out.

In front of the warm fireplace—which felt as comforting as several fluffy blankets—sat an old magician.

As if wanting to tend to the fire before Lucy fell asleep, he poked the burning logs a few times with an iron poker.

Glockt Elderbane was old and had difficulty controlling his body. He had grown so frail that Lucy worried even the slightest bump might cause him to collapse.

He had already lived a fulfilling life. As he often said, there were few reasons left for him to continue living. And yet, he continued on.

When asked why, Glockt never gave a clear answer. Instead, he quietly served Lucy her meals.

"I've lived quite a long time."

As the flames flickered, the shadows dancing along the cabin walls swayed with them.

It was a night without stars. As if taking their place, a few fireflies clung to the windows, casting soft light.

Glockt's wrinkled hands tightened around the iron poker.

"A long time ago, I hated my teacher."

Perhaps because Lucy had taken many naps during the day, she was struggling to fall asleep. Noticing this, Glockt spoke in a gentle, soothing voice.

Telling old stories was the best way to lull a child into sleep.

Glockt Elderbane, who had lost his entire family at a young age, had once lost the will to live.

When he went to the Great Sage—the most knowledgeable person in the world—and told her he no longer wished to live a life filled only with pain, she slapped him across the face.

He couldn't believe that the pioneer of Celestial Magic, an unparalleled scholar, had resorted to using her fists. Yet upon seeing her bright smile and hearing the powerful words that followed, his despair faded.

"For now, just keep surviving. You won't know unless you try!"

After that, he became the first disciple of Silvenia, who had been exiled to Acken Island. Back then, his days were filled with constant activity.

He was dragged around as her assistant, helping with everything from research to dangerous experiments. Most days were spent grumbling or letting out deep sighs.

Without warning, she would grab his wrist and drag him to the peak of Right Mountain to show him the view. She would burst into laughter as Glockt trembled in fear before a giant wind wolf he had never seen before. She would scold him harshly for being careless when he got injured, only to become dejected over poor research results and then cheerfully lecture about magical theory the very next day as if nothing had happened.

Being swept along by her life, he eventually became a true magician himself.

As he continued working diligently, many people came seeking to become his disciples. His books, hastily written to help explain magical theory, were widely praised.

He mourned the lives lost unjustly on the battlefield.

He fought and defeated monsters and spirits that were no different from natural calamities.

He fell in love with a woman as if by fate. Like fireworks, their love blossomed into a family.

But the woman he loved died in battle, and with her death, he lost his family.

Realizing there were still things he wished to protect, he forced himself to stand again, even while drowning in grief and exhaustion.

He fought those who sought to harm him. He clasped hands with those who supported him.

He studied, taught, fought, ran, cried, laughed, grew angry, and reconciled.

And after all of that, he found himself in a cabin deep within the mountain range, where no one ever visited.

The prediction he made when he was young—that his life would be spent in solitude—had proven partly true.

After all, no one understood their own life better than the person living it. Even at a young age, he had possessed remarkable insight into his destiny.

However, there was one thing he hadn't considered. Not the destination, but the journey.

"Even though I was just living my life, people suddenly began climbing onto my shoulders and relying on me. They came to me without being asked. They applauded, laughed, worried, and got angry with me… There were times I wanted to push them away because they felt burdensome and annoying."

Perhaps it was too complex for Lucy, still so young, to understand. Even so, Glockt spoke slowly, hoping she might remember his words someday.

"But without them, life feels empty."

The image of the old man leaning back in his wooden chair with a gentle smile etched itself into Lucy's memory.

"Living isn't easy. Still, when you reach the end of your life, Lucy… I hope you can look back on it the same way I do."

Lucy gazed at him from beneath the blanket. Glockt, staring up at the ceiling, did not look back as he slowly drifted into sleep, reminiscing about the days he missed.

"I'm glad I kept living."

***

Boooom!

Did her life flash before her eyes? For a brief moment, Lucy recalled the distant cabin in the Lamelin Mountain Range. She clenched her teeth and snapped back to reality.

She was in the entrance plaza of the commercial district.

While exchanging elemental magic attacks with Silvenia, she had failed to block Velbrok's magic power bullets, which sent her crashing into the commercial district.

Though multiple layers of defensive magic protected her, every bone in her body screamed from the impact.

She placed her hands on the ground to stand, but the surface was slick. Blood poured from her wounds, dripping onto the floor.

Without hesitation, she gathered her magic power and sealed the bleeding. It seemed she had been flung straight into the traditional fountain in the entrance square.

Groups of monsters roamed the bloodstained ground. Survivors battling nearby glanced at her in shock, but Lucy ignored them, brushing off the water as she stood.

Silvenia reappeared in the sky, gathering magic power with her massive staff once more.

Lucy spat out the blood pooling in her mouth, pulled aside her torn blouse, and began gathering magic power.

"Are you the one maintaining that seal on Velbrok, Lucy Mayreel?"

Her disciple's disciple. As Silvenia looked down at her, there was no trace of reason in her eyes.

Even though Silvenia recognized her instantly, Lucy did not panic.

She merely shook her head.

"Don't do something so pointless! Please! Stop it! Don't! Don't do it! Just stop! Stop, please!"

Lucy's head throbbed as Silvenia's shrill cries echoed.

She was already exhausted from restraining Velbrok. Facing a master of Celestial Magic as well was far too much.

Still, Lucy Mayreel held her head high. She had no intention of running or collapsing.

Even as blood continued to drip from her body, her mind kept working.

"Since you cannot defeat Velbrok, you're forcibly maintaining the seal I created long ago, aren't you?"

The words made no sense. Lucy had done no such thing.

She chose not to respond.

"It's abnormal for a person to possess enough magic power to maintain such a massive magic circle. You… you must be the variable behind all of this… Lucy Mayreel… Haha… Yes… As long as I eliminate you, everything will be resolved. I only need to deal with you…"

Lucy closed her eyes as blood continued to flow.

She had heard about Velbrok's resurrection from Ed many times. Each time, she had told him she would help bear the burden with him.

Bleeding heavily, she continued to think until she reached a conclusion.

"It's a shame you've lost your sanity."

Lucy raised her blank gaze to Silvenia.

"No matter how exceptional you are with Celestial Magic, there are limits. A human alone cannot wield enough magic power to transcend time. Leaping across such a distant future to reach the present is impossible…"

Though Lucy often appeared absentminded, her insight was sharp.

She understood Celestial Magic far better than most.

There was no magic capable of true time travel—of jumping into the future. Even if such magic existed, the required power would exceed what any human body could withstand.

So how did Silvenia exist in the present?

The answer was simple.

She hadn't moved forward through time—she had stopped it.

Intermediate Celestial Magic: Time Prison. A spell that froze the target's time until the caster's magic power was depleted.

Casting it on oneself was dangerously reckless. Yet, in theory, it allowed one to reach the future.

In the past, when Silvenia arrived on Acken Island, she became obsessed with calculating magical flow.

She calculated the exact amount of magic power needed to reach the moment of Velbrok's resurrection. But magic power alone wasn't enough.

By casting Time Prison on herself, her own innate magic power would also be frozen, causing the spell to collapse.

That meant she needed an external source—something capable of sustaining the spell. A magic stone infused with her Celestial Magic, or another vast external reservoir.

That was the Substitute Magic Merilda had spoken of—the very research Silvenia conducted on Acken Island.

The pieces finally came together. Lucy lifted her head and looked toward Right Mountain.

At its summit—

During the first-year placement exam, Lucy had sat there watching over Ed. The Substitute Altar.

Its origins had long been unknown. In truth, it was the remnant of Silvenia's research into future traversal.

"You were trying to go beyond that cliff."

Like an explorer seeking an unknown land—crossing darkness, sailing an endless sea, enduring suffering—she wanted to see it with her own eyes.

The point Silvenia observed. Where all futures converged into endless darkness: the Cliff Point.

To reach and surpass it, Silvenia threw herself into the future. Observation alone wasn't enough.

But what awaited her was an unimaginably long imprisonment within Time Prison.

Though her body's time was frozen, her consciousness continued in the dark. Time Prison did not halt the mind.

Submerged in endless darkness, Silvenia endured countless years by sheer will.

But she was human—and human endurance had limits.

The innate fear of darkness gnawed at her. The same fear that drove Crown Prince Lindon to lock himself away in terror. She was exposed to it relentlessly.

For a long time, she endured.

She smiled and vowed to survive, resisting the whispers of darkness.

But in the end, her heart shattered.

Lucy didn't know every detail, but she understood enough.

Enduring unending suffering while fighting primal fear would break anyone.

Silvenia was not someone Lucy could dismiss. Her achievements were undeniable. Her research had improved the world.

Yet Lucy had no intention of bowing.

Because Lucy had something to protect.

Not the world's future. Not the darkness.

"I am sorry."

Lucy rarely spoke with such respect, yet she bowed to her teacher's teacher.

"I'm not an extraordinary person. I don't concern myself with the fate of the world or the future. You should know—disciples don't always grow the way their teachers wish."

The only thing Lucy wanted to protect was a single man.

The fallen noble who lived in the North Forest.

He had given her purpose. And she would protect him at all costs.

She didn't care about grand destinies or endless darkness.

She was merely returning what she had received.

Lucy clenched her fists as blood continued to fall.

Even knowing she risked her life, she did not hesitate.

All the stars above Acken Island vanished.

The sky itself disappeared, obscured by the thousands of elemental magic circles Lucy had cast.

-x-X-x-

Two one-eyed giants stood tall like mountains of muscle, their eyes level with the top floor of the royal residence.

They tore the royal residence apart with their slow but brutal movements, causing the outer walls to collapse. Soldiers on the roof fired arrows toward them, but the giants showed no signs of stopping.

While the two one-eyed giants were wreaking havoc in the central garden, Princess Penia ran down the first-floor hallway with Emperor Kroel.

Her body was already covered in cuts and bruises. The hem of her dress was torn, and after throwing aside the shoes that were uncomfortable to run in, her soft white feet were covered in bleeding cuts.

Princess Penia winced in pain as she continued to run. Suddenly, three giant bats began chasing them down the hallway.

Soldiers continued to jump out occasionally, sacrificing themselves to block the path. However, they were only able to buy a little time and were never able to completely gain distance from the monsters.

She began to wonder if there was even any point in running in the first place. The entire garden of the royal residence was filled with countless monsters. No matter where she went, she could hear soldiers swinging their swords.

There was no escape route, and her body was in agony.

When she had been trapped in a room with Emperor Kroel earlier, she had used most of her magic power just to escape from a giant bat that attacked them. In the process, she injured her forearm and suffered a deep cut to her right shoulder. However, she wasn't in any position to complain about the pain.

"Your Majesty! Please go out the back door! There is a carriage waiting!"

A brave knight stood in front of the giant bats, shouting.

"Please escape to a safer place. We Imperial Guards will do our best to stop them."

Even if they made it to the back door and boarded the carriage, they had no idea where to go.

The entirety of Acken Island was already overrun by monsters.

Still, it was better than staying there. Emperor Kroel nodded as he grabbed Princess Penia's arm and quickly dragged her along.

"Kaaaaaah!"

As they ran down the hallway, they heard the soldier scream behind them. In the end, it was far too reckless for him to try to block the monsters alone. Even so, the two of them managed to survive by sacrificing their loyal knights.

Emperor Kroel let out a sigh, his expression grave. Princess Penia closed her eyes tightly.

They escaped through the back door without even having time to catch their breath. The moment they stepped outside, the night air filled their lungs. However, when they saw the countless monsters filling the sky, they were immediately reminded of their dire situation.

Princess Penia steeled herself and quickly took the lead. They might be caught by the monsters flying overhead, but it was still far better than standing still and waiting for death.

Emperor Kroel struggled to find his courage as he ran after her, taking heavy breaths.

The monsters flying in the sky happened to glance down at the two of them. At a glance, it was obvious that they weren't fighters, only prey desperately trying to survive. They were the perfect targets. However, the moment those grotesque griffins spread their wings—

The sky disappeared.

Thousands of elemental magic circles covered the heavens, coloring the world in a blinding flash of light.

It was pure luck. There was no other explanation.

The moment Lucy cast the magic circles that filled the sky, every monster flying above turned its gaze toward them. Humans and monsters alike had never seen such an enormous number of magic circles before.

It was a scale of magic no one believed Lucy Mayreel could possibly control. The sight stunned everyone on Acken Island.

The countless magic circles enveloped the world in blinding light.

Booooom!

An explosion unlike anything before engulfed the world. Light faster than sound tore through the sky, followed by a deafening roar that made everyone's eardrums throb in pain.

Not only the countless monsters in the sky, but even Velbrok—still bound by chains—thrashed in agony.

In an instant, the monsters that had filled the heavens vanished completely.

Chunks of flesh rained down from above. Dismembered corpses covered Acken Island. From lush green forests to gray-white buildings, everything was dyed crimson.

Crash!

Fwoosh!

Blood coated everything, turning the island into a living hell. Even as Penia's skin crawled, she continued running behind the garden.

Nearly every monster that had been in the sky had been killed by the explosion.

Of course, since Velbrok possessed the power to continually summon more, it was only a matter of time before the island was filled with monsters again. Still, this brief moment created the perfect opportunity to escape to a safer area.

They needed to avoid the monsters already on the ground and reach somewhere secure. What Penia needed to do was protect Emperor Kroel's life.

Having made up her mind, she ran straight toward the exit. There, she spotted the large carriage the knight had mentioned. Penia clenched her teeth and rushed over, helping Emperor Kroel into the carriage.

After closing the door, she clung to the side of the carriage and shouted urgently toward the driver's window.

"Let's go! Right away! Quickly!"

After shouting, she looked toward the driver's seat—and suddenly held her breath.

Sitting there was the corpse of an old coachman.

While waiting for the emperor and princess, he had been attacked and killed by gremlins. A large sword was lodged in his shoulder.

A gremlin gnawing on the corpse suddenly made eye contact with Princess Penia. Goosebumps ran from her toes to her scalp as her entire body began to tremble.

The gremlin drew its sword and lunged toward Penia, who was clinging to the side of the carriage, letting out a shrill roar.

"Kyaaaaa!"

Penia twisted her body aside, but fell as the gremlin's arm burst through the carriage door and reached for her.

She rolled across the muddy ground just as the gremlin raised its sword to stab her. Barely managing to dodge, she found her entire body caked in mud.

Princess Penia paid it no mind. She stood up at once and gathered magic power. Water magic was her specialty, and she quickly cast Water Ball, hurling it at the gremlin.

The attack struck directly, sending the gremlin stumbling backward with a scream of pain. Steadying her trembling body, Penia cast another Water Ball, aiming straight for its eyes.

As the gremlin clutched its face, she followed up with the intermediate water magic, Drowning.

A pool of water enveloped the gremlin's head, cutting off its breathing.

The gremlin struggled against the spell, but Princess Penia never lost focus despite her bleeding wounds. After maintaining the magic for some time, the gremlin finally lost consciousness and collapsed.

It wasn't a strong monster, yet it had taken far too long to deal with. Worse, it felt as though she had used nearly all of her remaining magic power.

Still, she clenched her teeth and staggered back to the carriage. Seeing the coachman's body—his intestines spilled onto the ground—nearly made her lose consciousness.

Even so, she somehow managed to drag the body from the carriage, despite being on the verge of collapse.

The coachman's corpse hit the ground like discarded refuse. Princess Penia felt a pang of guilt that she couldn't properly pay her respects. She offered a brief prayer before grabbing the whip. Thankfully, the horses were still unharmed. Escape was still possible.

Her body was drenched in blood and mud, a far cry from her usual dignified appearance.

Suddenly, both horses were crushed beneath the foot of a one-eyed giant.

It happened in an instant.

Crush.

Blood splattered across the giant's feet.

Her eyes met the giant's single eye as it looked down at the carriage. It seemed it had misstepped, killing the horses instead of crushing her. The giant grinned grotesquely, as if promising it wouldn't miss next time. Its massive foot rose into the air once more.

Death.

Crushed beneath its foot.

There was no way to fight it.

She had struggled just to defeat a weak gremlin. There was no way she could defeat a monster like that.

As the giant prepared to deliver the final blow—

Crash! Slam!

A blond man landed atop the carriage, crashing awkwardly into its side as if he had misjudged the landing. He rolled, recovered instantly, and grabbed Penia's arm, yanking her free.

The man who tumbled to the ground with her, holding her tightly—

Was Ed Rothstaylor.

"Heub…!"

At the same moment, a lioness made of water burst from the carriage, carrying Emperor Kroel away.

One second later, the carriage was crushed beneath the giant's foot, exploding into fragments.

Crash!

Dust billowed through the air. Penia, barely able to steady herself, stared at the man embracing her.

Her breath caught.

His injuries were far worse than hers. Blood soaked his clothes, and though the bleeding had slowed, his body was riddled with wounds that looked as if he had been pierced repeatedly by sharp spikes.

Despite barely being able to breathe, he had still saved her.

"Ed… Rothstaylor…! You…!"

Before he could respond, the one-eyed giant turned toward them once more. Penia snapped back to her senses. They were still in danger.

But the giant never raised its foot again.

Whoosh!

An enormous fire lizard—larger even than the giant—crashed into it. Monsters clashed violently.

Takan's fire magic proved fatal. Lacking any magic resistance, the giant was instantly engulfed in flames spewing from the lizard's jaws.

Riding atop the lizard's head were Yennekar Palerover and her sister, Princess Selah.

"Wh—What…?"

"Princess Penia."

Enduring the agony, Ed forced himself upright and met Penia's gaze.

"I'm so glad… you're still alive."

Covered in blood, he had risked everything to ensure her safety. Penia was speechless. It was clear he had fought his way through chaos to reach the royal residence just for her.

Blood dripped from Ed onto Penia's cheek. Her eyes trembled as she stared at him.

"Treatment… Shouldn't we get you treated? Right now, we need to—!"

Whoosh!

After defeating the giant, Takan lowered its head, and Yennekar and Princess Selah jumped down.

Selah rushed to Emperor Kroel. Yennekar ran straight to Ed.

"Father! You're safe!"

"My daughter Selah! You're safe as well! Thank the heavens!"

"I'm relieved you're unharmed…"

Selah exhaled deeply, her tension finally breaking.

Meanwhile, Ed released Penia and managed to stand with Yennekar's support.

"Ed! You're already hurt! How can you jump in like that?! With this much bleeding, you could collapse at any moment!" Yennekar cried.

Ed lifted his head.

"There's no time to explain. Princess Penia, you must go to where Taylee is right now."

"What…?"

"We need to kill that dragon. If we don't, this disaster will spread across the empire."

Emperor Kroel, supported by Selah, spoke up.

"You're… Ed Rothstaylor…"

"Your Majesty, I'd like to explain everything, but there's no time."

Enduring the pain, Ed continued.

"Taylee is gathering allies near the Trix Hall garrison… Ophelis Hall. You must head there. It will be safer."

Blood continued to seep from his wounds. Yennekar clenched her eyes shut, then looked at Penia.

"Treatment. Is there anyone who can treat him? He needs help immediately!"

"T-That's… The royal residence has been completely breached. I don't think there's anyone left… Everyone may already be—"

"We came all this way, and you're saying he can't be treated?" Penia's eyes shook as she looked at Ed's injuries.

"But… even simple first aid—there must be something—"

"It's fine. I can get treated at Ophelis Hall."

Ed's consciousness wavered, but his purpose was clear.

"Now that I know Princess Penia is safe, that's enough."

Penia stared at him, confused. Their relationship had been bound by a contract. She had never imagined he would risk his life solely to protect her.

He had run through hell itself just to confirm her safety. That alone required incredible resolve.

"Ed Rothstaylor… You…"

Ed turned toward Emperor Kroel, clenching his teeth.

To defeat Velbrok, Princess Penia was essential. Yet asking the emperor to place her in the subjugation force would not be easy.

"Your Majesty."

Ed bowed deeply, blood dripping from his face.

"What is happening now may become a catastrophe for the entire empire. If we fail to act, casualties could reach tens of thousands—perhaps even cause the empire's collapse."

"That is… true."

"There is a way to defeat Velbrok. It won't be easy, but we must try."

Ed stepped forward under his own power and bowed once more.

"I need Princess Penia. Please allow me to take her."

Penia's face flushed, her shoulders trembling.

"Ed Rothstaylor!" Princess Selah exclaimed. "The way you're saying that sounds strange!"

An awkward silence followed.

Unintentionally, Ed's words did sound improper. Even Penia wore a flustered expression, and Yennekar looked oddly irritated, fidgeting in place.

However, Emperor Kroel was a man of sharp insight. The more desperate the situation, the faster he grasped its core.

"Do not confuse recklessness with courage, Ed Rothstaylor. Velbrok is a mythical monster that even the first swordsman, Luden, nearly died fighting."

"But if we don't try, it will never be defeated. We must end this here before the damage spreads across the continent. I have a plan to unite the garrisons across Acken Island."

"You intend to cross an island in ruins, gather scattered forces, and lead them through monster-infested territory?"

"I can persuade their leaders."

The top student of the Combat Department, Daike Elpelan.

Deputy Director of the Elte Company's Silvenia Branch, Lortel Kehelland.

Silvenia Academy's student council president, Tanya Rothstaylor.

Saint Clarice of the Telos Religious Group at the Holy Father Building.

The head maid of Ophelis Hall, Bell Maya.

Each was a leader with distinct values and authority.

The one common thread linking them all was Ed Rothstaylor.

Yennekar had already dispatched spirits carrying letters across the island. Thanks to Lucy's magic clearing the skies, it was the perfect chance to deliver the messages.

"I asked them to gather at Ophelis Hall. They know that holding out alone will only lead to annihilation."

At the Elte Company store, Lortel defended the building with ice magic as screams echoed outside. A wind spirit shaped like a sparrow landed on her shoulder, a letter tied to its foot.

Reading it amid the chaos, she glanced at the sky filled with magic circles and smiled faintly.

It was a gamble worth taking.

The same was true for Daike Elpelan, who was organizing survivors at the Combat Department grounds. After reading Ed's letter, he barked orders to the students.

The road to Ophelis Hall had already been partially cleared by Clevius. It was risky—but viable.

Tanya Rothstaylor read the letter while heading toward the commercial district. Since Ziggs had already gone to Ophelis Hall, following made sense. With Ed at the center, safety was more likely.

Saint Clarice, already gathering clergy at the cathedral, wasn't surprised by the message. She had been waiting for Ed to contact her.

She immediately began issuing orders.

"I am confident everyone will gather at Ophelis Hall."

"Ha… Haha…"

Emperor Kroel laughed in disbelief.

Even he struggled to command such influential figures. And yet—

Ed believed he could unite them all.

There were only two kinds of people capable of that: a master politician, or a true hero.

Which was Ed Rothstaylor?

The emperor studied the bleeding young man silently.

Whatever the answer, it didn't matter.

If the garrisons would follow Ed, then perhaps the emperor should as well.

Was this a new spark within House Rothstaylor, long thought ruined by Krepin?

Whatever its past, Rothstaylor did not seem to be a house rotten to its