Upon returning to the place where the students had gathered, Enrico immediately realized that everything had turned into complete chaos. The area was utterly destroyed, and the students had already begun fighting the Nartheis alongside the guards. Many of his companions were no longer there, probably because they had split up to help other people scattered throughout the city.
As he observed the situation, Enrico noticed a Nartheis about to hit Serenya. Moving quickly, he charged forward and landed a flaming kick directly on the creature's face, destroying its head with the impact.
'I don't think she even needed my help. It was only a Zara-rank Nartheis.'
"Subordinate, thank you for that! I was in serious danger!"
After observing Serenya's innocent expression, Enrico began to suspect that she had noticed his approach and allowed that Nartheis to try attacking 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 about it later, Enrico turned his attention back to the battlefield. Even though they didn't seem particularly intelligent, the Nartheis were acting in a way that appeared designed to make the mages waste as much time as possible fighting them.
'And this probably isn't happening only here. It's quite possible they're searching for something.'
Vesparello possessed various weapons, treasures, and rare items capable of making anyone stand out. However, Enrico didn't believe that was the real reason behind the invasion. After all, there was no doubt that Jago was the one behind everything.
[What could he want here? It can't be anything good, considering he's involved.]
'Come to think of it, he was entering dungeons, wasn't he? What if he's interested in using the Shadow Dungeon?'
That wasn't just some random possibility. Enrico was practically certain that Jago was there for that reason. Even so, it seemed unlikely that he would risk so much just to gain access to that dungeon. After all, there were three Circle Nine mages in that city.
'There's no way he'd take such a risk unless he had some hidden card...'
Enrico dodged an attack from a Nartheis and then created his Fire Bow. He fired five arrows in rapid succession, taking down not only the creature that had tried to attack him but also four others that were farther away and approaching a civilian.
Upon noticing what Enrico had done, Serenya decided to take the opportunity to organize her subordinates.
"Caelan, help that civilian! Elian, look for other people on the upper floor of the largest building in that area!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Then Serenya turned her attention back to Enrico.
"Let's split up so we can help as many people as possible. Remember this location, because this is where we'll meet again!"
"Of course, leader!"
Enrico noticed that Serenya was smiling proudly, apparently pleased to demonstrate her leadership skills in front of him. That made a small smile appear on his own face before he increased his speed and began running through the streets.
[It seems Elaris's team was the first to take action.]
'Apparently, yes. The traces of Valença and Kai's magical attacks are quite obvious. After they started acting, the others probably decided to move on their own as well, not wanting to fall behind.'
[And because of that, the guards must have been forced to split up to protect them... Today will be a difficult day for them.]
Upon spotting a trail of golden magic, Enrico was about to change direction to avoid an encounter with Elowyn. However, something caught his attention. The traces of Deymon's Corruption Magic seemed quite strange, as though they were being used against someone who should have been his ally.
'It's as if the two of them are fighting...? Don't tell me that guy decided to do something stupid right now!'
As he advanced, his suspicions began to grow. Among the traces of magical attacks left by Elowyn's team, the only one that seemed to be in direct confrontation with her was Deymon himself. Each of his magical manifestations seemed more dangerous than the previous one. Furthermore, among the marks left by the battle, Enrico found the body of a dead guard lying on the ground. There were claw marks and traces of Corruption Magic scattered across his body.
'With attacks at this level... That bastard is actually trying to kill her!'
[Enrico, you'd better hurry. We could lose her if we take too long.]
"I know... Charged Impulse!"
Five minutes earlier...
Elowyn's team was helping the civilians who were still in that area. It wasn't exactly out of the princess's kindness, since she didn't particularly care about people who didn't belong to her own kingdom. Her decision was related to the need to maintain the alliance her father was establishing with the other continents.
"Thank you very much, Princess!"
"There's no need to thank me. Just follow the guard along with the other civilians."
After bowing, the civilian turned toward the people who had already been rescued and began walking to join them. Meanwhile, the guard accompanying the princess approached a little closer, showing concern.
"Princess, I know you're doing this for everyone's sake, but please don't wander too far away. I'm the only guard left in this area."
"Don't worry. I'm not stupid. We'll rescue only the last few people in this area and then return with you."
The guard seemed relieved upon hearing her answer and gave a small bow.
"Very well, Princess. I'll do my best to protect you. I'd also like to thank you for your help to Vesparello."
'What a load of nonsense.'
Upon observing the grateful looks from the civilians and guards, Deymon felt that everyone was simply wasting time on useless activities. To him, rescuing weak people instead of focusing their efforts on protecting the strongest was complete stupidity.
'When is that guy finally going to let me get my revenge against those two pieces of trash?'
Deymon was referring to Jago. Ever since he had agreed to follow his orders, he had been instructed to remain calm during that situation. Jago had promised to send a Nartheis to accompany him before he could start fighting alongside the other humans who had also agreed to ally themselves with him. Although he didn't like waiting, Deymon knew he needed to be a little patient.
'I'm only following that guy because he promised me more power and an opportunity to get my revenge. I don't care about anything else, so he'd better keep his promise.'
While watching Elowyn and the others move around, a distant explosion caught his attention. Deymon turned his head toward the sound and realized that the confrontation had begun precisely in the area where the humans who had allied themselves with him were located.
'Looks like it finally started. Now I just need to wait for that Nartheis to show up.'
It didn't take long for him to spot the creature approaching. It was the Nartheis Jago had chosen to accompany him during that mission. Upon noticing its arrival, the guard protecting Elowyn immediately stepped in front of the princess, assuming a defensive stance.
The Nartheis looked like a wolf, with a threatening presence that did not go unnoticed by the guard. Deymon, in turn, realized that this was the perfect opportunity to act. While the guard focused his attention on the creature, he began discreetly preparing his Corruption Magic, ready to weaken him.
Upon seeing the wolf approach, Elowyn began releasing her magic.
"A wolf Nartheis? Well, it doesn't matter. Let's defeat it quickly!"
"Leave this to me, Princess!"
The guard charged toward the creature, concentrating fire magic in his hands. Then he raised his arm and fired a large fireball at the Nartheis, causing an explosion that completely engulfed it.
'I'd better not let my guard down. I don't know what will happen...'
"Corruption Magic: Magical Weakening!"
Upon hearing that voice, almost everyone immediately turned toward its source. The only exception was Velka, who continued looking ahead, keeping her eyes fixed on the wolf Nartheis.
Upon noticing Deymon's arrogant smile, the guard immediately understood that he had been betrayed. Without hesitation, he took a step toward him, determined to eliminate him before he could do anything else. However, before he could reach him, the Nartheis suddenly appeared behind his back, one of its claws enveloped in dark energy. The creature delivered a quick and violent strike, tearing open the guard's back.
That combination of attacks was undoubtedly powerful. Immediately after the first blow, the Nartheis continued attacking, delivering several slashes with its claws while Deymon's Corruption Magic aggravated the guard's injuries. The creature and the traitor worked together to inflict even more damage, giving the man no opportunity to react. Since that guard had only recently become a novice Circle Four mage, he couldn't withstand that sequence of attacks for long.
The man let out a cry of pain and lost his balance, falling to his knees before collapsing onto the ground. Elowyn watched the scene with an expression filled with anger. Although she had already suspected Deymon for some time, seeing him finally reveal his betrayal in that manner still made her furious. There was no longer any room for doubt: he had truly chosen to turn against her.
"Deymon! What are you doing?!"
"The same thing as a certain someone."
Upon hearing Deymon's answer, Elowyn kept her eyes fixed on him. However, before she could say anything, she sensed danger approaching from behind and immediately reacted, dodging a dagger that passed very close to her cheek. Surprised by the unexpected attack, she turned toward the person who had thrown the weapon and found Velka, who was watching her with a nervous expression.
"Damn it, I missed! I'm sorry, Deymon!"
Velka jumped forward and positioned herself beside Deymon. Then she lowered her head, as though apologizing for her mistake. Deymon let out a small, irritated sigh.
'Useless.'
Narisse, consumed by anger, and Grark, with a serious expression, stared at their two former companions. After all, they had spent a good part of that year together, and even in the face of the betrayal, they still struggled to understand how things had reached that point.
"What are you doing?! Velka, didn't you admire our princess?"
"Yes, I admire the princess, but I love Deymon and will do anything he wants!"
"You..."
Deymon maintained an arrogant smile, while Velka displayed unmistakable determination in her eyes. He then lightly touched her back and released a small amount of magic, as though strengthening something.
Upon noticing that, several veins bulged on Elowyn's forehead. Her expression made it clear just how furious she was with the betrayal of those two.
"You know I don't forgive betrayal."
"We don't need your forgiveness. After all, you're going to die today, Princess!"