Chapter 185. Finding a Lead
Following behind Kaelira, after what felt like a few too many slip-ups and nearly going off in the opposite direction, I finally returned to what was supposed to be the camp site.
Only... it wasn’t.
No tents, no formation, no semblance of order—just chaos. Total, irreversible chaos. The ground was torn, trees were scorched, and the scent of blood mingled with burning miasma hung thick in the air.
A crooked grin almost escaped me, but I reeled it in. Now wasn’t the time for amusement.
My gaze scanned the battlefield. Some students were shivering like wet leaves, huddled in corners behind debris and stones, clutching their arms or staring blankly into space. A few had bloodied limbs wrapped with makeshift bandages, their skin pale with fatigue. Others... they were still fighting.
Fools or heroes—it didn’t matter. Among them, Leon, Zyon, Art, and the rest of the usual maniacs were blitzing through the battlefield like devils with a mission. Mia was kneeling near a row of wounded, hands glowing faintly green with healing mana. Right beside her, as always, Verena stood tall, sword drawn, guarding her like a silent sentinel.
"Kael!" I called out casually.
She turned immediately, eyes wide. "What?! Don’t shout when I’m just beside you bastard!"
I brushed her off with a shrug. "No time. Tell me—how long has this mess been going on?"
Kaelira scratched the side of her head, frowning as she glanced toward the frontline. "I can’t give you an exact number, but I’d say three... maybe four hours? Give or take."
I nodded slowly, more to myself than her. "That long, huh? Good to know. Means they’re running on fumes now. Stamina’s going to drop, momentum’s gonna crack. After that..."
"Shit hits the fan," she completed grimly.