As the battle intensified, his magic began to manifest. Two-dimensional circles formed in the air, once again proving the assailant's skill. The inscribed formula lit up under the effect of the magic.
— Aaah!
Dieh, who was running to my left, collapsed to the ground, trembling. I think he had unconsciously reduced his use of magic, deeming it useless… or maybe he simply didn't know how to use it yet.
"You're still alive? I asked, seeing him writhe in pain."
But it was the assailant who answered in my place, sniffing before speaking:
"The attack failed. He's still alive… This is becoming pointless. I'll finish it, we've wasted enough time."
He was slowly approaching me. The use of the seal engraved on his body was limited; he had clearly conserved the accumulated energy for this very moment. He really intended to finish things. He pulled out a wand and pointed it in my direction.
"Watch out, brother! It's dangerous! Dieh shouted, still unable to get up.
He tried to say something else, but I wasn't listening. I had already figured out how this would end.
I had no reason to keep him alive. It wasn't that I didn't want to know more, or that I wished to hinder the investigation that would follow… but I had a feeling this guy would end up like the other women.
"I must admit, I failed… but I'm taking you with me!
Madness gleamed in his eyes. His face was hard, resolute.
The moment I lunged at him to disarm him, I realized the wand was just a decoy.
The magic circle engraved directly onto his body lit up. I hadn't underestimated him… I just lacked information.
He had just activated a magic bomb.
My eyes widened as a reddish glow emanated from his entire body. My magic kicked in instinctively.
— BOOM!
I closed my eyes to shield myself from the light. I was supposed to be caught full force in the explosion.
But… after a few seconds, nothing happened.
When I reopened my eyes, I saw a scarlet sphere floating in the air. Inside, the assailant had been completely consumed, annihilated. Not even a speck of dust remained. The entire explosion had been compressed around him.
And then… nothing.
I got back on my feet, slightly dazed. How many times had I been reckless today? True, under normal conditions I would have gotten away… but I hated being caught off guard.
My sportswear was still immaculate. I only had to brush off a few pieces of debris that clung to me.
As I tried to understand what had just happened, a hand rested on my shoulder.
What? How did she get so close so fast? I didn't even feel her… Who is she?
"Protecting you from something like that isn't even worth undressing for, she said with a smile. But I see I didn't take off the top of my jacket for nothing! You gave me quite a show, kid!"
I understood. She had used the same protective layer that had been placed on me and Dieh, this time around the assailant. Naturally, the explosion had been contained.
She's dangerous…
"Oh, you don't need to be afraid of me. I may not look it, but I'm a professor at Xerx Academy."
That explains it… but what's the connection to the system quest? What exactly has she started?
Hmmm.
I'll figure that out later. Azimus should be done by now.
"By the way, who's with you? she asked.
She's talking about Azimus? She knew he was with me… Strange. I'm getting more and more intrigued by her abilities.
"My companion."
At that moment, the compartment door opened. Azimus entered.
He embodied the elite of the Khan family. The opponent he must have faced was certainly no amateur. Seeing him so calm, almost nonchalant, was… refreshing in a way.
"I think I won the bet! he said, giving me a discreet smile."
Then he turned his gaze to the woman behind me. By the way he looked at her, there was no doubt he knew exactly who she was.
"Lys FallenDawn, the Catastrophe… or should I say: 7th Stellar!"
And then, everything became clear.
That's why her face looked familiar. I had read reports about her several times in the past.
The youngest of the Stellars. A legendary fighter who had made her mark on countless battlefields. But what was she doing here, so far from the front lines?
Last I heard, she held the rank of lieutenant.
"Azimus… of Khan… If someone had told me I'd meet someone of your caliber here, I wouldn't have believed it! But I'd appreciate it if you didn't shout my name from the rooftops. You can call me Lys."
Dieh, who had barely gotten back on his feet, fainted from shock. I understood him.
"So… you're the 7th Stellar? I asked, a bit stunned."
It was the first time I saw her. She was beautiful, just like the rumors said.
And powerful. I had the feeling she had been toying with us from beginning to end. But it didn't bother me. She hadn't influenced my decisions at all.
She put her top back on, which had been lying there, then glanced at Azimus.
"What's a Khan doing here, if I may ask?"
Azimus glanced at me, then nodded before answering. Lys, attentive, didn't miss a single word of the exchange.
"It so happens I'm just a simple travel companion for the youngest member of the family."
Lys frowned. She, too, had just been caught off guard.
"Then what's your reason? And who is this kid?"
"I just met him. I found him amusing. I decided to give him a few extra lessons in advance. As it turns out, he's one of the students at Xerx Academy."
"This attack, unfortunate as it was, won't have been in vain. I think he has good potential. But I didn't think young master Alden Khan would pique my curiosity this much…"
She paused for a moment.
"I'm a bit too talkative today…"
Lys narrowed her eyes, thoughtful, then continued:
"I know you've gathered some results regarding this attack. The specialized teams will be here soon. How about we sit down and talk? In the meantime, allow me to introduce myself properly…"
She smiled.
"I'm Lys. New professor at the academy."
I wondered how someone so powerful had been able to leave the front lines to join Xerx…