Esther was the first to sense that something was not right. Her instincts kicked in almost immediately, a sixth sense honed by countless encounters with the supernatural. She stiffened, eyes scanning the room with a sharpness hinting at her deep unease. Haruki and Charlotte followed closely behind her in this realization. Both had finely tuned abilities to detect Mana, rivaling even Esther's keen perception. Their expressions mirrored hers, filled with a mix of alertness and concern as they tried to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. Katia and Alan, less attuned to such energies, nonetheless felt the shift in the atmosphere and instinctively looked up, their reactions slower but no less wary.Alice was initially confused when noticing the sudden tension that had gripped her companions. "What? I don't understand what you're saying— I mean, what is it?" Her confusion was evident, and she stumbled over her words. But then she caught sight of Mr. Kenzo's fiery gaze, a look that c
The moment a raindrop fell from the sky and touched the ground, it heralded the onset of a fierce battle. The ground trembled violently as though an earthquake had struck under the onslaught of hundreds of synchronized footsteps charging toward the center of the building. The air buzzed with palpable tension and the synchronized rhythm of determined soldiers advancing with relentless precision. Esther stood momentarily paralyzed by uncertainty. The urgency of the situation quickly snapped her back to reality. Her friends' lives depended on her. With a deep breath, she summoned her resolve and invoked her Blood Magic, a powerful and ancient force that pulsed through her veins. This magic was her lifeline, and she intended to use it to transport her companions to safety. However, the task was anything but simple. The enemy forces, relentless and unyielding, bombarded them with elemental Mana orbs. The air around her crackled with the energy of blazing fireballs, sizzling with electric
"Phew... Are you t-two feeling b-better now?" Charlotte asked, her voice shaky and breathless as she struggled to catch her breath. Her chest heaved with the effort of drawing in air, and every exhale was accompanied by a slight tremor. She had pushed herself to her limits, which showed how her usually steady hands trembled slightly and how sweat glistened on her forehead like tiny jewels under the dim light. The divine energy she summoned had undoubtedly provided immense support, but it had also significantly affected her strength and Mana's reserves.Divine power, while incredibly potent and beneficial, has drawbacks. It demands a significant amount of the user's vitality and magical energy. Charlotte could feel the exhaustion creeping into her bones, a heavy weariness that threatened to overwhelm her. Yet, she remained resolute, her concern for her friends evident in her eyes, which sparkled with determination despite her fatigue."Thank you so much, Charlotte. I won't let your e
Magic operates through shadows rather than darkness. A shadow stands in contrast to light, marking its presence distinctly and sharply. On the other hand, darkness signifies the complete absence of light, a void that swallows everything within it. In this delicate balance between light and shadow, magic finds its mysterious and potent expression.Moments after this explanation, a figure began to materialize in the dimly lit surroundings. It was a silhouette with a human-like form, but there was something uncannily different about it. Its edges were unnaturally sharp, its presence defined with almost surgical precision as if carved from the very fabric of the shadows themselves. This shadowy entity exuded an aura that was both captivating and unsettling.In its hand, it held a Katana. The blade glinted ominously in the faint light. This was not just any Katana; it seemed to be an extension of the entity itself, imbued with the same enigmatic energy that animated its form. The sword's
"Form up in Alpha formation!" Alice Scarlet commanded, her voice carrying across the chaotic battlefield with an authority that brooked no disobedience. The clattering of armor and the synchronized steps of the soldiers followed as they moved into their designated positions with practiced precision. Within moments, they had formed a tight circle, the shield bearers at the forefront, creating a gleaming barricade. The sun reflected off their polished shields, forming a wall of light that stood as the first line of defense.Alice paused momentarily, eyes scanning the formation to ensure its perfection. Satisfied, she turned her gaze towards Kenzo, who stood still amidst the turmoil, his presence calm and unyielding. He seemed almost otherworldly, an island of tranquility in the storm of battle. Without a hint of hesitation, Alice propelled herself forward. Her body moved with an agility that blurred her form, making her seem like a phantom darting across the battlefield.Clutched tightl
The eldest sister, Cynthia Azure, had somehow managed to freeze Kenzo's legs without him noticing. It wasn't until he tried to lift his feet that he realized they were firmly encased in thick ice. The cold bit into his skin as he struggled, the ice creeping steadily higher, reaching up to his knees without any sign of stopping.Master Kenzo, maintaining his composure, glanced back at the two girls standing before him. He pondered the situation, his mind racing to understand how the ice had formed. 'But without water, how could she have frozen it...? Ah, that must be thanks to the second sister, Selene Azure, who is also adept in Water Magic.'"So, you've used Illusion Magic again, have you? Quite a comprehensive plan. Was this your doing, Student Scarlet? I award each of you 120 points, including the one hiding behind Cynthia and Selene," he said, his voice calm and measured.From behind the two older sisters, a younger girl slowly emerged. She appeared somewhat shy, her movements te
"Why is he only showing up now?" someone wondered aloud, their voice tinged with curiosity and frustration.The boy who finally appeared seemed almost different from his digital counterpart. He was a whirlwind of energy and audacity in the game, always quick to act and slow to think. In reality, he stood before them, a stark contrast—quieter, more composed, and decidedly less impulsive. His demeanor was calm, almost introspective as if he were constantly calculating his next move.With a steely determination set in his eyes, Ryan wasted no time on words. He moved with a speed and precision that left onlookers breathless. He had closed the gap between himself and the teacher in a flash, his fist igniting with a fiery aura as he launched a direct punch. The blow was powerful and unwavering, aimed straight at the teacher's face.But Ryan's Ryan's attack was far from over. With the agility of a seasoned fighter, he shifted his weight and delivered a cunning left hook that could shatter bo
The situation was becoming increasingly dire. Alice Scarlet found herself kneeling on the ground, her once beautiful and fair face now streaked with water droplets. The intensity of the recent battle had left her visibly shaken. The blinding light from Kenzo's sword had disoriented her, but she refused to forget her duty even in her dazed state.With a determined shout, she called out to her allies, "Beta formation!" Her voice, though strained, carried a note of authority and desperation. When the command left her lips, a coordinated barrage of attacks from mages and archers lit up the sky. The array of colors from the magical spells and arrows created a spectacular display. Under different circumstances, one might have mistaken it for a grand fireworks show at a summer festival.The vibrant colors illuminated the battlefield, casting an eerie glow on the chaotic scene below. Each spell and arrow was aimed precisely to overwhelm and outmaneuver Kenzo. Alice had put her faith in this