Chapter #55
The yellow fireball in Sheshi's mouth kept growing, swelling to a size that could easily obliterate the entire chamber.
Hifung, Ray, and Yuita froze, unsure what to do.
Hifung: "What should we do!?"
Panic filled his voice as he looked for any solution. But Sheshi unleashed the spell before they could decide.
Yuita: "Quick! Counter it with water or ice!"
Without hesitation, the three of them raised their hands and released torrents of water magic to clash against the massive fireball.
The impact shook the chamber, the two elements colliding violently. But the longer it went on, the clearer it became—water alone wouldn't be enough.
Ray: "It's no use! Fire's pushing back—we need ice!"
Realizing he was right, Yuita and Hifung shifted their magic. Ice surged from their palms, clashing against the blazing orb. The balance shifted—the fire halted, frozen in place.
Hifung: "It's… even!?"
Ray: "Damn it! All we can do is wait for her chi to run out."
But Yuita's face hardened.
Yuita: "No… dragons are born with enormous chi reserves. She won't tire."
That revelation made Hifung and Ray's eyes widen.
Hifung: "Then what do we do!?"
Ray: "Shit!"
Yuita: "From the start, our only choice was to attack her directly."
Sheshi chuckled at their desperate plan, her voice echoing.
Sheshi: "How amusing. Mere humans, thinking to defeat me? Don't make me laugh—you are not Him."
The way she emphasized "Him" made Hifung's eyes narrow.
Hifung: "Teacher… let me attack her."
Yuita: "You?"
Yuita hesitated, but when he saw the fire in Hifung's eyes, he relented.
Yuita: "…Fine."
Hifung dropped his ice magic, letting Yuita and Ray hold the balance alone. He leapt high into the air, facing the dragon head-on. Sheshi actually looked surprised—and amused.
Hifung: "You've been sealed in here a long time, haven't you?"
His right hand flared, thick layers of crimson aura coating it. A blade of wind, wrapped in red aura, extended from his grip.
Sheshi's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the red aura—but Hifung didn't notice.
With a roar, he swung his sword.
Hifung: "HUAAA!"
The blade cut through the air straight at her massive form. But just as it should have struck, a violent gale erupted from Sheshi's body. Dust and debris filled the chamber, blinding them all. The giant fireball vanished.
Yuita: "Did it work!?"
Ray squinted, searching through the swirling sand.
Then— thud!— Hifung was flung backward, straight into Yuita's arms.
Yuita: "Ungh—! You okay? What happened?"
Ray: "Did you hit her!?"
Hifung pulled himself up, glaring into the dust.
Hifung: "No… my strike nearly landed. But her body… disappeared."
"What!?" Yuita and Ray readied their weapons, tense.
Through the settling dust, a silhouette appeared—not of a dragon, but of a girl.
A slender figure, long hair flowing, stepping forward.
Yuita: "…A woman?"
Hifung: "Who is she? Where's Sheshi!?"
As the haze cleared, the figure came into view. A beautiful, petite girl—sixteen at most—stood before them, completely bare.
Hifung & Ray (together, flustered): "Eh!?"
Both spun around instantly, faces red.
Meanwhile Yuita's eyes widened as realization struck.
The girl blinked, looked around, then spotted Hifung. Her eyes sparkled, and with sudden joy, she dashed toward him.
Before Hifung could react, she wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Girl: "Master!"
Everyone froze.
Yuita: "What!?"
Ray: "Did… did she just call you…?"
Hifung: "W-wait, what!?"
Flustered, Hifung quickly pulled off his black cloak and draped it over her. Yuita helped her fasten it.
Now clothed, she looked even younger, almost innocent. But her gaze never left Hifung.
Hifung (bewildered): "…What's going on here?"
The girl only hugged him again, whispering "Master" in a soft, devoted voice.
Yuita scratched his head, still stunned.
Yuita: "…We should… probably return to the academy first."
---
Back at Yuita's chambers, Hifung and Ray waited outside while Yuita helped the girl find proper clothes.
That's when Shelyn approached, confusion on her face.
Shelyn: "Hifung? Ray? What's going on?"
The two turned to her.
Hifung: "Shelyn?"
Ray: "It's… kind of a long story."
They explained everything.
Shelyn (wide-eyed): "So the dragon disappeared… and turned into a girl?"
Hifung: "Yeah. She's inside with Yuita right now."
Just then, the door opened. Yuita stepped out wi
th the girl—now dressed properly—at his side.
Yuita: "Oh, Shelyn's here too?"
Shelyn just smiled, though her eyes flickered with curiosity.