Chapter 7: Duel.
The hallways of the Academy were quieter at this hour, the usual chaos of students either dying down or shifting elsewhere. Which was fine by me—I had enough noise in my head without needing more from outside sources.
Cassandra's assessment stuck with me. Puppet magic and mana sealing weren't things that just happened to people. Someone had done this to her, and whoever it was, they had enough skill to make sure it wasn't obvious.
The problem? I wasn't in a position to do anything about it. Yet.
I sighed, rubbing my temples as I made my way toward my office.
At least I'd earned a few moments of peace—
"Professor Drelmont!"
I stopped walking.
Of course not.
A second later, a familiar figure skidded around the corner, nearly slamming into the wall in his rush. Bright red hair, desperate expression, an aura of pure bad luck—yep. It was Felix.
"Help," he wheezed, looking like he'd just survived a battlefield.
I blinked. "You didn't even start your lap yet."