Returning to the hall, Enrico noticed that everything was in chaos—the place was completely destroyed, and the students had begun fighting the Nartheis alongside the guards. Many of his companions were nowhere to be seen, likely having split up to help more people. Seeing a Nartheis trying to strike Serenya, he moved quickly, landing a fiery kick to the creature's face and destroying its head.
'I guess she didn't need help—it was just a Rank Zara.'
"Subordinate, thank you for that. I was in so much danger."
Seeing her innocent look, he realized Serenya must have seen him coming and had let that Nartheis try to hit her from behind, trusting that he would intervene.
"Leader, please don't do that."
"Do what? I don't understand what you're talking about, subordinate."
Deciding to talk to her later, he observed how the Nartheis, even without intelligence, were acting in a way meant to make most mages waste time.
'And it's probably not just here—they must be after something.'
In Vesparello, there were many weapons, money, or rare items capable of giving anyone an edge, but he had a feeling that wasn't the reason they were there—since their leader was certainly Jago.
[What do you think he wants here? It can't be anything good coming from him.]
'If we think about it, he's been entering dungeons, right? What if he's interested in using the Shadow Dungeon?'
No, that wasn't just a thought—it was certain that he was there for that. Still, Jago must have wanted something more to risk attacking a place with three ninth-circle mages.
'There's no way he'd take such a risk unless he has a hidden card…'
Dodging an attack from a Nartheis, Enrico created his bow and fired five arrows in quick succession, taking down the one who attacked him and four others farther away who were trying to hit a civilian. Seeing that, Serenya decided to give orders to her subordinates.
"Caelan, help that civilian. Elian, search for more people on top of that large house."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Enrico, let's split up so we can help more people. Remember this point—it'll be our meeting spot."
"Of course, leader."
As they split up, Enrico noticed Serenya smiling proudly, showing a moment of leadership before him, which made a small smile appear on his face as he increased his speed, running through the streets.
[It seems Elaris's team was the first to move.]
'Looks like it. The traces of Valença and Kai's magic attacks were huge. After they acted, the others must have started moving on their own, not wanting to seem useless.'
[And because of that, the guards were probably forced to split up to protect them… today must be a tough day for them.]
Seeing traces of golden magic, Enrico was about to turn back to avoid meeting Elowyn—but then he noticed that the trace of Deymon's corruption magic was a bit strange.
"It's like they're fighting each other? Don't tell me that guy decided to mess things up now of all times?"
Following his path, his suspicion grew stronger. Among Elowyn's team's attacks, the only one that seemed to be against her was Deymon's, each strike more dangerous than the last. Among those marks, a guard's body lay dead against a wall, with claw marks and traces of Deymon's corruption magic.
"This level of attack… that bastard's trying to kill her."
[Enrico, you'd better hurry. If we lose her—]
"I know… charged impulse."
Five minutes earlier, Elowyn's team had been helping civilians—not out of the princess's kindness, since she didn't care about people outside her own kingdom, but because she had to uphold the alliance her father was forming with the other continents.
"Thank you so much, princess."
"Don't bother thanking me—just follow the guard with the others."
Giving a respectful bow, that civilian turned toward the rest of the rescued group, preparing to follow the guard and run with them.
"Princess, I know you're doing this for our good, but don't go too far—I'm the only guard left."
"Don't worry. I'm not stupid. We'll just rescue the last few people in this area before returning with you."
"Very well, princess. I'll make sure to protect you as best I can. And of course, I'd like to thank you for your help here in Vesparello."
'What a load of nonsense.'
Seeing the grateful looks from the civilians and guards, Deymon felt they were just wasting their time. Saving weak people instead of protecting the strong was idiotic in his view.
'When is that guy going to let me get my revenge on those two pieces of trash?'
He was referring to Jago. Deymon had been ordered to stay calm for now because Jago would send a Nartheis to accompany him before starting to fight alongside other humans who had agreed to follow him.
'I'm only following him because he promised me more power and revenge. I don't care about anything else—he'd better keep his promise.'
Hearing an explosion far from them, they turned around, and Deymon realized it was the place where his human allies were.
'Looks like it's started. I just need to wait a bit longer until that Nartheis shows up.'
Seeing the chosen Nartheis approaching in front of them, the guard stepped forward, ready to fight, while Deymon decided to weaken him with his corruption magic.
"A wolf-type Nartheis? Whatever—let's take it down quickly."
"Leave it to me, princess."
The guard approached the wolf, summoning fire magic in his hands. Raising his hand, he launched a large fireball, causing an explosion.
'I'd better not let my guard down—I don't know what'll happen—'
"Corruption Magic: Magical Weakening."
Hearing that voice, almost everyone turned around, except Velka, who kept looking forward—where the wolf was. The guard saw Deymon smiling arrogantly and immediately realized it was a betrayal. He took a step to strike him down, but the wolf Nartheis appeared behind him, its claw covered in darkness as it slashed the guard's back.
"Deymon, what are you doing!?"
"The same thing as a certain someone."
Sensing danger behind her, Elowyn dodged a dagger that grazed her cheek. Shocked, she saw that it was Velka, her expression trembling with nerves.
"Damn it, I missed—sorry, Deymon."
Jumping forward, Velka stood beside Deymon with her head lowered as he sighed, placing a hand on her head. Narisse, furious, and Grark, now serious, stared at the two people who had been their companions for so long that year.
"What are you two doing!? Velka, didn't you admire our princess?"
"Yes, I admire her—but I love Deymon, and I'll do anything he asks."
"You—!"
Deymon wore an arrogant smile, while Velka's eyes were full of determination, making several veins appear on Elowyn's face.
"You know I don't forgive betrayal."
"We don't need your forgiveness—because you're going to die today, princess."