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As Shione and I arrived at the designated gathering point set by the Headmaster, I noticed a few individuals who stood out despite their small numbers.

They consisted of the prominent figures currently involved with the Academy. Seeing the best talents from the kingdom gathering here in proper preparation made me feel reassured.

However, among such exceptional people, there was always someone with an even greater ability to draw attention.

Shione’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at those mixed in with the crowd.

‘They must be from the royal family.’

Could it be that the knights and sorcerers she prepared for were referring to them?

Anyway, it was clear from the symbol of the dragon, representing pride and authority, embroidered on their gear that they were the royal elite guards. Their weapons all appeared to be exquisite masterpieces crafted by outstanding artisans.

Though few in number, their presence was unmistakable.

“It seems like they are the royal elite guards… It’s been a while since I’ve seen those knights. I think it’s the first time since a few reinforcements from the Count’s House came.”

“Right? It seems the preparations Your Highness mentioned referred to those knights. As a rule, the elite guards usually stay in the capital unless something serious happens.”

Well, the royalty isn’t attending the Academy, and the Academy does maintain its own law enforcement squad. So, there’s really no need for the royal elite guards to be here.

“Indeed, the elite guard’s armor is striking. Surely, their skills must match their splendid gear.”

“Dioria is rumored to have received an invitation from the Royal Knights Order. Most of them likely possess skills on par with a captain.”

At the very least, they would be of expert rank. Having received specialized training and knocking on the door of mastery.

‘Though overshadowed by Shione’s rapid growth, Dioria is also an exceptional talent.’

Dioria, the knight who dives into the midst of monsters without suffering any wounds while slicing through foes.

There were knights of equal caliber by her side and even a sorcerer.

They certainly are living weapons. I was filled with anticipation that their impressive skills would swiftly turn the tide in our favor.

But that anticipation vaporized with the arrival of Epheana and the Headmaster.

“Lady, Deputy Commander, here you are. I’ve been looking for you, the main players of today.”

With the Headmaster’s bright, eager eyes and the mention of Epheana as a protagonist, he was adding pressure onto our shoulders. No wonder this didn’t feel too agreeable.

“I’ve heard much about the two of you. I wished to have a time for discussion, but I’m sorry that it could only happen like this.”

“I’ve also heard endless tales about you, Headmaster. Who else in the kingdom could match a sorcerer from the royal family who now holds the position of Headmaster at the Royal Academy?”

“Haha, hearing that from Lady, who is greatly cherished by Her Highness, makes me somewhat lost for words.”

The elderly man with wispy hair, tightly tied back, appeared quite aged, but there was a gleam of intensity in his eyes.

A brief, formal exchange with the most prominent aristocrat of the royalist faction ended smoothly. However, it was clear she genuinely liked Shione and me, and she seemed eager to continue talking. But, I couldn’t afford to linger too long.

The conversation with the Headmaster shifted back to the battle plans and the surrounding atmosphere.

“You remember the battle plan, right?”

“Of course. You mentioned we would split into encirclement and assault.”

“Correct. Especially, you and Shione will enter enemy territory with me.”

Since charging in loudly would make it easy for the enemy to notice us, we’d infiltrate quietly, proceeding to where covert joint training was underway to choke the enemy’s breath, while other troops move stealthily to envelop them and prevent any escape.

We would meet at designated areas and switch paths at the correct time to mislead their sight.

Meanwhile, the Headmaster, who had been quietly listening to our conversation with Epheana, spoke up.

“Your roles are primarily to control the unstable environment caused by magic. There’s no need to push yourselves too hard.”

Thinking of those who’d blown this situation out of proportion alongside the demons set my stomach to boil, and her voice dropped to a cynical tone.

“I’ll leave capturing and killing them to me and my younger comrades from the royal family.”

The Headmaster curled her lips into a crooked smile.

“Let’s move on.”

*

We gripped the reins of our horses, cutting through the wind as we advanced.

The voice blended with the wind brushed against my ears as the Headmaster began briefing us while we moved.

“After eliminating the traitors inside the Academy and extracting information, we caught the scent of the demons and found them converging to one location.”

“The training camp that the Academy has ambitiously arranged for joint training.”

“Precisely, it’s none other than the forest of the Ravelos Valley.”

Ravelos Valley.

It was a location near the Academy where low-level monsters frequently emerged.

According to the explanation, the existence of thick forests and slopes on either side of the valley makes it a place where having a guide is essential when going deep in.

“Particularly, even our attempts to make contact through magical devices have gone silent. Only this area has lost communication.”

Moreover, the silence from those who have entered the maze of thick underbrush isn’t a good sign.

“There are shamans among our enemies, using spells different from our sorcerers. It’s crucial we enter with caution.”

Shamans, capable of conjuring annoyingly diverse sorcery due to contracts with demons by means of various offerings, can’t be underestimated.

After all, the cultists had aimed for this from the start. It’s clear this place has likely become their playground.

No matter how talented our knights and sorcerers are, they would still lose their lives if stabbed or hit directly by magic, so we had to stay on high alert.

Especially, Shione and I needed to be more vigilant.

“The forest is becoming denser than I expected. I think it might be somewhat difficult to practice archery; did you bring the right gear?”

“I brought my sword… and just in case, I also packed some thicker arrows. This should suffice for piercing as well.”

… Lately, I seem to have taken more fondness for throwing or stabbing rather than shooting arrows.

But this should be enough. After all, I wouldn’t be straying far from Shione.

“See? I can do this now.”

Saying that, Shione pulled an arrow from her quiver.

Whoosh!

Her arrow was ignited not with mana as usual but rather with a little flame dancing on the tip created by her magic.

Having learned a bit of magic recently, she seemed to be reveling in the way she’s combining it with her archery skill.

Well, even I now feel a bit dull shooting arrows without magic, so it’s no wonder Shione had such a proud expression.

“Ouch, hot…!”

Though, it seems she’s still a bit clumsy with controlling magic.

The flame, which had been resting at the arrow’s tip, drooped and singed the shaft, causing her to quickly douse the fire.

Her puffed cheeks deflated as the flame extinguished, and Shione smiled sheepishly, as if slightly embarrassed by her earlier display.

“Though it’s like this now, I think if I wrap some cloth around it, I could still use it properly.”

Epheana, who subtly approached Shione, spoke with a glint of interest in her eyes.

“There isn’t even a need to wrap it. Making the flame burst larger upon impact will be much more threatening. I’ll teach you that later.”

“… Can I really do that?”

“There’s nothing stopping you, Lady. This merely requires a slight variation on the magic you should master. You certainly have the talent for it, making it worthwhile to try.”

“……!”

Compared to the dazzling arrows I shot, while Shione’s arrows had power, their appearance was rather simple.

Having set aside the romantic notions of swords and picked up the bow, she still wished to wield a skill that stood out as specially hers, as befits a knight.

Shione was deeply admiring Epheana’s words, while Epheana shrugged her shoulders, enjoying it.

As we chatted, I lost track of how far we’d advanced.

We soon reached a path too narrow to ride any further, so we tied our horses to a nearby tree and entered the valley.

“From here on is the entrance to Ravelos Valley, so let’s remain on high alert.”

Heeding the Headmaster’s advice, we began searching the area with caution.

Lush greenery, radiant sunlight filtering through the leaves of tall trees, and the distant sound of a babbling brook—a peaceful and serene landscape, sadly incompatible with the sinister cultists.

However, that contemplation didn’t last long.

“AAAHHH──!!”

A blood-curdling scream erupted from somewhere within the forest.

Ominously, black birds took to the sky, startled by the horrifying cry, filling the air.

In an instant, Shione rushed to my side and pulled me into her embrace.

“Magic… and of the ferocious kind.”

In this underground world, where worms burrow and fertilize the soil, and seeds sprout forth life, something was amiss.

An uncomfortable aura began to gnaw away at our mana.

“Everyone, channel your mana to shake off that eerie energy as much as possible. Do not let that unnatural presence reach deep within your hearts.”

With the Headmaster’s sharp command and Shione’s complex expression, I focused on this energy, which carried a different characteristic than usual magic. It wasn’t difficult to uncover its identity.

‘It’s the same energy as the Gluttony Demon.’

This magic devours mana greedily, as if to fill its ravenous belly.

It was clear that the moment mana began to dwindle, it intended to feast on life as well, carrying merely a resemblance to that demon’s aura.

 

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