Chapter 78: After the Ashes.
Then he turned toward one of the professors. "Yulia," he said with urgency, "increased the strength of the academy’s barrier spells. I want double the defensive and enchantments active immediately."
Professor Yulia gave a firm nod. She rushed to the edge of the field, where a large magic circle had been carved into the ground.
Kneeling beside it, she pressed her palm against the glowing lines and began to chant.
Arcane symbols began to glow around Professor Yulia, etched in a large circle near the edge of the training field. Soft blue light flickered from her eyes as she chanted spell after spell, her voice low and steady.
With each word, a gentle humming filled the air, like the quiet sound of wind moving through glass. Slowly, the magical barrier surrounding the academy pulsed and shimmered, becoming denser and more vibrant—it was now far stronger than before.
Sylvia stood nearby for a moment and turned to look at Principal Aldric.
"It’s already late," she said. "They shouldn’t be walking around like this... not in that condition."
Her gaze shifted toward Edwin, Elysia, and Jin. The three stood in silence—bruised, covered in cuts, their clothes torn and stained with blood. Their bodies swayed slightly, barely holding themselves up after the brutal fight.
It was clear they were on the verge of collapse.
"They need rest," Sylvia continued gently. "Let them stay in the main academy quarters tonight. It’s much closer than the dormitories, and far more secure. Their wounds are serious—they need healing, not more walking."
Principal Aldric gave her a firm nod, agreeing with her judgment.
"You’re right," he said. "That’s the safest choice."