On the translucent wall in the distance, the blue flame that had been burning for days finally went out completely today.
Although it was unknown where the flame came from, he guessed that the presence behind the blue flame should be on their side.
Yet, that powerful, fuel-less, enduring fire could not breach the wall at all...
"Hey, what do we do next?" The Paladin was somewhat at a loss.
As he was thinking, he felt a pair of cold hands gently rest on his shoulder.
The girl appeared beside him again, leaning lightly against him, saying, "It's okay, I'll stay with you..."
The Paladin was startled, and turned his head to look, opening his mouth.
"Angelica—"
He reached out to grasp her, but the figure disappeared like foam.
The Paladin couldn't help but grab his hair.
Aaaahhhh—
He was freaking out.
His mental state was getting worse and worse, and he was indeed having hallucinations; Angelica... was clearly already dead!
Unconsciously, he put down his deck, lay back in the chair, tilted his head, closed his eyes, and dozed off hazily.
Meanwhile, the deck he casually placed on the table began to slowly emit wisps of black mist without him knowing...
A sword, a frenzied sword, was slowly exuding evil energy!
While the Paladin managed to get some rest, the school was still bustling with many events.
Tenjo Hikari, Manjome, and Ed had been studying Professor Seraph's "artifacts" these past few days.
What pleased the three of them was that Professor Seraph had a habit of "recording apocalypses," so among his belongings were many valuable pieces of information for them.
Especially regarding the types and origins of enemy Spirits, which could adequately prepare Judai for "defection."
It seemed they might be able to uncover more useful things, and then, by following the clues, find the real "mastermind," Darkness.
However, at present, it seemed a bit troublesome.
Tenjo Hikari originally planned to visit the Gladiator Beast dimension these days, but because the Duel Academy was on lockdown, he hesitated to leave.
Last time, taking Judai around in a loop and then returning felt like the limit for Tenjo Hikari, and if they went to the Gladiator Beast dimension for a duel, they might not be able to return quickly and could be quarantined for a long time before reversing back to the academy.
This was something Tenjo Hikari found hard to accept.
But the good news was, everything at the school was thriving.
Indeed, even though it had reverted to "school routine," the long cycle of three fixed points still left students feeling oppressed, making them more prone to confusion and anxiety during Spirit attacks.
Conversely, however, it was because of these attack opportunities that the students' "Spirit Adaptability" grew much faster than through regular classes.
No matter how you looked at it, the "battlefield" was the best way to improve one's strength, even those who were too timid or like Maeda Hayato, who usually stayed in the dorm, had to learn to be strong in this pressing environment.
This was also an opportunity.
After all, he wasn't the students' nanny; everyone had their own responsibilities, and being able to protect themselves was unquestionably best.
For instance, currently, in the Fusion Department, a few students were excitedly bragging about how they stepped up at a critical moment and defeated a Spirit, receiving overwhelming praise.
Even Tenjo Hikari and the others couldn't help but applaud upon hearing such stories, as rescuing classmates in a pinch rather than choosing to flee was undeniably a heroic deed.
Yet, there were also some who weren't very sociable, like those being rescued; they felt somewhat awkward but were generally willing to boast for their rescuers, making themselves seem less embarrassing.
Others seemed somewhat out of touch with the situation.
Kagurazaka didn't even visit the Fusion Department today.
Many friends urged him to go to the Fusion Department, where the department head was, making it the safest gathering place. They could also play games together, which was rare in such an oppressive environment.
But Kagurazaka refused.
Not only did he refuse, but he also turned down a few classmates who wanted to accompany him.
In the current academy environment, whether returning to the dorm or going to the club, walking in groups was safer, with mutual support, but Kagurazaka firmly declined.
You don't have to accompany me back to the dorm and then return to the Fusion Department; just go straight to the Fusion Department. Walking a few extra steps in such a time might be one extra danger.
As for himself... there was no need; now, he should spend his time on more useful things!
This might be the most fulfilling time of his life, despite the enemies surrounding him, with visible daily growth in his Spirit Power. Just a few days ago, he successfully summoned an Archfiend and gained Spirit Power through dueling.
If this continues steadily, he believes that by the end of this semester, the growth results will surely help Professor Cobra pass the teacher qualification evaluation!
Excitedly, he ran toward the dormitory building to conduct the next experiment, but as he ran, he heard a groaning sound, which startled him. He stopped, searched along the sound, and found a classmate lying in the bushes. He froze, about to approach, but remembered what Tenjo Hikari advised the members, hastily putting on the glasses from the Activity Department.
Through the glasses, he saw...
A real person!
He stepped over the bushes, prepared to rescue, but just then, the person shouted, "Don't come over!"
"Be careful!"
He froze momentarily, seeing a dagger thrust from the darkness, hearing a 'crunch' as the "Protective Shield" he wore shattered. His eyes widened in terror, trying to summon a Spirit, but in this panic, his Spirit Power couldn't come out.
He realized that this was one of those "Fishing Traps"!
Professor Moushou had lectured about it...
"Call the professor, call Brother Hikari..." the classmate on the ground struggled to say painfully.
Kagurazaka swallowed hard, didn't respond, and turned to run, eager to get help, but the creature's attack followed closely, accompanied by a whistling wind, cursing in his heart.
It's over; I'm about to become the next trap, and even cause a classmate to lose their value...
Just as he thought this—
"Sapphire Swallow!" A female Kotori flew in from the sky, slamming into the attacker with a swoosh.
Then...
A mighty panda suddenly transformed from the side, punching the attacking Spirit, sending it flying instantly.
"Senior, are you okay?"
Two twin-like cute girls hurried from the other side of the forest; it was Serena and Ruri, who also heard the strange sound and rushed over.
Safe—
Kagurazaka and the classmate on the ground both let out sighs of relief.
But then...
Seated on the ground, Kagurazaka instinctively grasped the earth firmly with his right hand.
Serena could summon Spirits, which he understood since Serena was the department head's "disciple," but Ruri... how long had she been learning Spirit Power?
Why, why was he...
The failure to rescue a classmate, the humiliation of being unable to protect oneself, and the stark contrast...
His hand gradually crushed the soil, drawing a bit of blood.
And, the "Professor Cobra" he constantly thought of, what was he doing at that moment?
Professor Moushou and several teachers split into two groups, conducting explorations separately.
Recognized for his strength and formidable ability against Spirits, everyone trusted him.
To be honest, he himself felt exhilarated.
These days, he gradually rekindled the passion of the past, feeling an energetic urge to devote himself entirely once again.
The sense of loss from leaving the military and the regret of comrades' sacrifices seemed to be gradually fading away.
For the hope of protecting humanity's future—
"Long time no see, General Meng—"
Unexpectedly, when he reached another spot, a "mercenary" was already waiting for him.
It was a sturdy teacher, only slightly "slimmer" than him, with hands behind his back, quietly waiting.
"Cobra... tsk..."