Desirs gaze was fixed on the Red Spider Lily for a while.

As he placed his hand on it, the reddish energy seemed to flow out, and there was a voice that he thought he would never hear again.

[-I am so sorry for reaching out to you this way. Desir.]

Desir softly closed his eyes, listening to the voice.

The image of a man slowly appeared, as though he were being painted into the world. The blue eyes that were gently staring at Desir were as deep as the open sea. His wavy hair looked as though it was the crystallization of all the wisdom this world had to offer. Though his presence was overwhelming, there was something disarming about his posture. His half-upturned lips outed his mischievous personality, like a rascal caught red-handed.

Zod Exarion.

He was Desirs companion, his greatest friend, and his mentor. They stood back to back up until the very end of the Shadow Labyrinth, always pushing one another to do their best.

I am sorry, Zod.

Though Desir struggled to let out words, there was no response.

His heart ached, wanting to have one last genuine conversation.

[-Its a shame. There were many things I wanted to do with you, and so many things I wanted to teach you.]

Desirs eyes started getting tinged with red.

He opened his mouth although he knew there would be no answer.

Youre treating me like a kid.

[-Do you think I treat you like a child?]

Of course. Im a fully grown man.

The thread of the conversation oddly matched. The two understood each other better than they understood themselves.

Desir could vividly recall what kind of looks Zod had on his face with just the tone of his voice.

The Zod in his imagination smiled tenderly.

[-But it cant be helped. If I had a son, I always hoped that he wouldve been like you.]

!

His gasp outpoured between his tightly sealed lips.

Desir could not say anything back this time. If he opened his mouth, even a little, Desir was worried the bitter baggage he held in his heart would gush out.

I also

Deep down he was of the same mind as him.

Zod was his companion, mentor, and something more than that at the same time.

The moment he was about to respond, Zod continued.

[-So I dont want you to overwork yourself.]

*Drip*

Zods last remaining mana, which had been imbued into the Red Spider Lily, began to coalesce around Desir. It swirled over his hair, as though it was trying to pat his head.

[-Thats what Im asking for the last time. Thats all I hope.]

*Drip*

Something kept falling from Desirs jawline.

Youre worried about other people until the end, you really are

Zod cleared his throat as if he was attempting to change the mood, and spoke with a playful tone.

[-Well, its not going to be easy. You always overdo it unless someone stops you.]

Ill try my best to fix that.

Desir wore a bitter smile, thinking back to when he chased after Priscilla without further thought.

[-I guess I should get to the point. By now, youve probably figured out what happened.]

From this point on, the message would go into the actual reason behind why Zod would go to such lengths to reach Desir like this.

[-Priscillas healing ability is a lot more powerful than we knew. Theres no magic from this time capable of matching her. I worry even your draconic magic might be bested.]

Desir paid attention to the message with a nod as he had already observed Priscillas ability.

[-In my last moments, Desir, I sacrificed my mana circles in order to temporarily exceed the Seventh-Circle. In that moment, I found something that could allow you to best her. I diverted some of my mana to encode this message and teleport my cane to you.]

There was excitement in his voice that he could not hide.

[-What I attained is the essence of magic.]

* * *

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There was a torrential downpour. It thundered nonstop in the pitch-black sky.

The war situation was as frustrating as the bad weather.

Dresden was completely encircled by the Artemis Churchs siege, and the Hebrion Empire found themselves in the worst crisis in their history. Across the city, high-ranking officials were scurrying about, doing their best to respond, and the Hebrion Academy was no different. The professors, single-rankers, and notable party leaders had all convened for an emergency meeting.The atmosphere feels heavy.

Ronde Fizzlebang was there, representing the Starling Party. He glanced around the auditorium with sunken eyes. Everyone else gathered wore their anxiety on their sleeve.

It was understandable. It was their first time experiencing a crisis like this after having had more favorable battles than unfavorable ones. Ronde, who considered himself to be rather bold after being on several life and death battlefields, also could not help but be slightly nervous.

The army led by the Artemis Church was mighty. The military force was unthinkable for a mere religious body. They knocked down the knights that the Empire was proud of, and kept advancing towards Dresden.

What frightened the Empires people more was their cruelty. Slashing down those who surrendered was far from the ideals that the Artemis Church spread, namely, the virtues of mercy and generosity.

Is it their strategy to cause fear ?

If this was their tactic, it succeeded perfectly. They had successfully made the citizens of the Empire tremble with alarm.

What is the current situation like, Professor Platwick.

The evacuation is going smoothly, following the lead of the Red Dragon Party. Thanks to His Majesty the Emperor opening up the secondary palace, I think we will accommodate everyone without trouble.

Although everyone was inwardly anxious, they remained calm. Now that they helped the people into the Empires shelter, the imperial army could solely focus on their defense.

Hows the shield preparation going at the academy?

We are prepared to activate all the defensive facilities installed at the academy.

Were building traps in the invasion pathways and reinforcing the defense seals.

While helping people take shelter, the Hebrion Academy was also getting ready to defend the academy itself. Students who could not fight were evacuated and the parties that had enough military force were gathered.

The reason why they were getting ready to protect the Hebrion Academy instead of joining the imperial army was due to a single message.

Ronde grasped his communication pad tightly, thinking of the message.

Brother

The message was from Desir Arman.

His message was filled with unbelievable information. There were many things it talked about, but to put it simply, the Artemis Church was aiming for the academy.

People who received it were flustered, but they quickly began moving as though it were fact.It was hard to believe, but they trusted that man, Desir.

They acted on Desirs strategy written in the message.

If we want to follow Desirs plan, well need to reinforce the northern business district.

Ill take care of it. I know that area well, so Im the right person.

Ill be in charge of the control tower.

Thanks for volunteering. Youd be the perfect person for that, Professor Hersaint-Blanc.

Ronde felt his heart swelling while watching everyone work tirelessly to follow Des1rs instructions.

However, not everything was going perfectly.

I think Professor Pelstar should take the lead of the core part of this plan.

Im afraid I couldnt

What do you mean?

Professor Pelstar adjusted his glasses. He had a terribly bitter smile.

To make this work, wed need professional personnel and high quality equipment. Thats practically impossible with what we can do here. What were trying to do here is far more difficult than simply breaking out of an artificial Shadow World. This is its far beyond what I can do alone.

Pelstar spoke, his anger seeping out.

There was no other option when the foremost authority on Shadow Worlds studies said so.

Thats a shame. Then, well need to accommodate for it by reinforcing the east

Professor Lafon, would it be possible if I help?

That voice came from someone totally unexpected. Professor Pugman, who had yet to say anything until now, began to speak.

Do you know much about artificial Shadow Worlds?

Not directly, but I can be of enough help when it comes to magic stones.

Youre right, but

Pugman continued with a snort, as though he could read the apprehension in Pelstars voice.

One time I nearly lost my own flesh and blood.

Of course, everyone here was aware of that. No one present would forget the massacre brought forth by the Outsiders.

At that time, I was frustrated with myself, that I was so powerless. I realized how little knowledge I had.

As Pugman spoke about it, the entire auditorium grew silent, turning their attention towards him.

Hence I studied and studied endlessly. So that I could cope if the same situation happened again.

Pugman spoke to the applause of the people gathered.

Currently, I should be able to manage a Level Three Shadow World on my own. Do you think thatll be enough?

Pelstars eyes enlarged at this declaration. Pugmans self-proclaimed skill was not too far behind Pelstars.

With that I think we can try.

Thats good to know.

Pugman sat down again with a grin on his face, having left Pelstar in shock. Ronde felt like he met Pugmans eyes at that moment.

Has he always been like that ?

When Ronde entered the academy, Pugman Nifleka was an infamous professor. Though his notoriety had faded, it still existed in hushed rumors. The person before him was entirely different from what he had heard.

He was even left reassured for some reason.

I cant sit and wait.

*Clench*

Ronde clenched his fist and affirmed his determination.

It was right then.

Thatll be all for the basic announcements, everyone.

The meeting ended with Justin striking his hammer three times.

I will deliver the details through the communication pads again. So everyone, back to your positions!

That was how the Hebrion Academy set to work.

-