Chapter 17: Unexpected Allies
The sound of battle echoed through the trees—grunts, sharp crashes, and bursts of magic cracking through the dense air. Noah crouched near a rocky ledge, his crimson eyes peering down into a small clearing just ahead.
There, in the center of the chaos, stood Amelie Valenhart. Her breaths came fast, her stance defensive, her green-and-yellow-streaked hair tied back hastily. The ornate staff she held glowed with residual heat, signs of recent fire magic, but her arm trembled slightly.
Surrounding her were three students, each radiating confidence and strength.
To her right, Nora, clad in black with her dark violet aura trailing behind like smoke, rolled her shoulders and whispered,
"Should we go?"
The other two didn’t hesitate.
Varek Drenor, with his heavy boots and brutal spiked gauntlets, cracked his knuckles and gave a nod.
Tirien Vale, still calm, pushed his glasses up and summoned a flicker of mana to the small golem perched on his shoulder.
All three stepped forward in sync.
’Tch. A 3v1? Seriously?’ Noah’s jaw clenched as he watched from above.
Amelie’s staff ignited once more, a spark of defiance in her eyes—but her footing was already faltering.