chapter 117 : Escape part 5
『Perpective of amelia』
All was lost with no time to raise a barrier, I only thought of saying goodbye to Cyan. The wind blade was coming imminently towards me, at this moment I regretted not having trained hard enough.
I closed my eyes in contemplation, but at that moment....
-[Canceled.]
words rumbled with an invisible force that shook my body, it felt almost spiritual, as if something was piercing through me, almost as if reality itself was shrinking.
That burst of energy echoed like a heartbeat, and the blade of wind that was supposed to be inevitable disappeared in mid-flight, disintegrating into golden particles before it even touched me.
I opened my eyes, confused, trembling.
And there I was.
Standing in the middle of the corridor, her long coat billowing from the residual energy and her eyes glowing like two dancing embers: Alices Vonclear. Her presence was like a command impossible to disobey. On her forehead burned an unknown emblem, and on her lips danced her famous magic "Dragon's Tongue" that cursed and revered gift that could twist the fabric of reality with a single word.
-Ufff. I'm almost late. -He sighed with a mischievous grin, craning his neck as if he had just woken up from a pleasant nap. Are you all right, student? He said softly, then as if it were all a lie he turned his gaze to the gloom.
-I got here before you..." said Alices in a playful tone.
A figure emerged with a firm step: Veronica, the other teacher in charge of class A, with her usual dark gray cloak and a frown on her face as if she were dragging an eternal disappointment.
-You owe me a bottle of axil wine," added Alices without losing her mocking smile.
Veronica clicked her tongue. -Tssk...
Veronica looked at me and then at Cyan, her expression changed in the blink of an eye. Cold, analytical. As if a shadow fell over her face. The same change came over Alices as she leaned over and saw Cyan's state, covered by the magical fog that still enveloped him like a spectral veil.
-Alices..." Veronica murmured, her voice now low. Treat him quickly. I'll take care of the rest.
Alices nodded, kneeling gently. Her fingertips glowed a soft jade-green hue, and the mist surrounding Cyan seemed to yield to her touch. The Dragon Tongue needed no more than her intent and words to conjure.
-[Heal.]
The word burst forth like a heavenly command. Cyan's wounds began to close, and the trembling in his chest became more regular. However, he would not wake up, yet as I watched his expression steadily improve I knew it was only a matter of time, so I quickly turned to the teacher.
-Erwing is still downstairs! -I said, anguished, as if my heart could not bear another sacrifice.
Alices didn't look at me. His voice was still sweet, devoid of concern.
-I know," he answered simply.
-Then why are we here? We have to help him!
It was aziel who answered this time, without turning around. -He's already taking care of it.
My voice cracked. -He...?
Alices looked up, and for a second his face became completely serious. His smile disappeared, and in his eyes there was absolute respect... and something else. A slight, almost imperceptible uneasiness.
-The Director," he said solemnly.
***
『Perpective of erwing』
That lighthouse-like figure took a step toward me, and the light around him dimmed just barely, just enough to reveal his weather-beaten face, but still full of strength. His gaze was still the same: severe, deep, impossible to ignore.
-Brat, why are you making such a fuss? I'm going to have a heart attack if you keep running around like that," he growled, but his tone was charged with affection.
-Grandfather...? -I mumbled, hardly believing it. How come you're here?
-Did you think I couldn't be at my school? -He snorted, lowering the spear of light still burning in his hand. If you're going to do crazy things, at least do them with style. You made me cross half a continent and half a spiritual plane just to pick you up off the ground like a sack of potatoes.
I tried to laugh, but only coughed up blood.
He knelt down next to me, and without another word, rested his palm on my chest. A warm, firm energy enveloped me, calming my emotions, reminding me of how he always came to tease me for being so weak.
-You've done enough," he whispered, with a strange gentleness coming from him.
I felt the pain begin to subside, how the most serious wounds stopped burning. They didn't heal completely, but it gave me back my consciousness, my strength?
-I thought you were dead," I said jokingly.
-I was. For a while. But one doesn't get off so easily from duty... nor from such a stubborn grandson.
A rumble in the distance put an end to our talk.
Grandfather sat up with his eyes fixed on the shadows that trembled at the edge of the corridor.
- Did you come alone? -I asked with difficulty.
-Yes," his voice was low, determined. The council didn't want to intervene so I had to clean up. Who knew there were so many Djins right under our noses? -Don't worry, I am more than enough.
Almost immediately as he finished his words behind him other silhouettes began to emerge. A dozen, maybe more. Faces hidden under cloaks embroidered with ancient emblems, the insignia of the ancient Golden Circle.
-Grandfather...? -I asked, almost breathless.
-I didn't tell you," he replied, tightening his grip on his spear. I alone am more than enough.
The darkness stirred again. The witch, anyes hysterical, roared in the shadows, her distorted form seeming consumed with hatred.
-That's your enemy, isn't it? -he asked, pointing to her with his chin.
-Yes... and she's not human," I said, forcing my voice.
-I can see that.
He advanced toward her fearlessly, as if his whole being burned with a fire impossible to extinguish. She shouted a curse in an unknown tongue, but he did not flinch.
-Listen, brat," she said before walking away, "Don't close your eyes yet. You still have promises to keep. And worried friends up there.
-How did you...?
-I'm your family, you idiot. Of course I know who my grandson's friends are.
And without further ado, he launched himself into combat, wrapped in light.