Chapter 132 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (11)


    In the Rigved central za, in front of a grandiose ducal mansion owned by the principality, knights heavily d in armor stood in an ominous formation. This ce warranted the tightest security in all of Rigved, as it housed the heir to the principality, Lady Vivi Gainax.


    As the afternoon drizzle set in, a carriage pulled to a stop before the estate. Upon its arrival, the line of awaiting knights collectively took a knee.


    One servant scurried with a parasol to the carriage while another ced a step stool at its door. From within emerged a gorgeousdy with a wide-brimmed hat, her arrival as graceful as it was refinedit was none other than Lady Vivi Gainax.


    Her aide, Gerald, followed closely by her side.


    How was the party, Lady?


    Just the usual ball.


    Lady Gainax answered indifferently before striding into the mansion. Gerald dismissed the guards and servants with a wave of his hand as they walked through the corridor; there were sensitive matters at hand, and he intended to spare the innocent from potential bacsh.


    News has arrived from the capital.


    Speak.


    Theres been a dire cmity in the capital, prompting amand to reinforce the entire principalitys security measures. Consequently, arger detachment will apany your return, Lady.


    Is that so.


    And the principality has requested aid from the Order and Lady Silveryn for the cmitys investigation.


    Lady Gainax came to a sudden halt as she traversed the Great Hall, but she remained facing away, showing her back to the aide.


    Gerald clenched his eyes shut. He was all too aware of Vivis anger and feelings of inferiority towards Silveryn. For Vivi, who had inherited some imperial aspects from her father, Silveryns overwhelming authority was intolerable, even abhorrent.


    After a brief pause, Lady Gainax questioned,


    Who made that request?


    The Archduke directly petitioned the Holy City, Lady. Silveryn will be traveling straight to our principality after her duties at the Continental Congress.


    Without a word of acknowledgment, Lady Gainax moved towards the end of the hall and conjured a fire in the great firece with magic.


    Before her was a long dining table,den with food almost bending its legs under the weight. It was prepared for her dyed luncheon.


    Such an borate meal isnt necessary.


    Forgive me. Tomorrows post-party arrangement will be made far simpler.


    Lady Gainax took a bottle of wine and seated herself.


    Gerald made a motion to call a servant, but she stopped him.


    Thats enough. What about the matter I requested earlier?


    The guard duty assignment for Damian, the Archmages apprentice, was declined.


    At this, a dangerous glint flickered in the drinking Ladys eyes.


    Given the orders to reinforce the security force, the cement will be focused more on senior students who are avable for immediate deployment


    And as he spoke, tes from the table crashed down with a loud tter. Lady Gainaxs unrestrained magical energy was the cause, randomly bursting forth from her in a fit of emotion.


    Thats not what I asked for.


    Gerald quickly kneeled, apologizing profusely.


    Lady


    Vivi spoke in a cold, almost warning tone.


    I need that boy. Bring him here.


    Her resolution seemed unyielding.


    ***


    Tomorrow there was abat ss scheduled. This meant showcasing my skills in whatever form in front of everyone. The frighteningly powerful magic sword and the sharpest wooden swords were not allowed in the ss, to say nothing of Gryphon potions. Hence, familiarizing myself with more rudimentary techniques was necessary.


    During the training week, ntaras are released in Grace Mountain just like during the entrance examination. I nned to catch them today and improve my sensitivity to a basic sword.


    With my robe and sword in tow, I made my way to the Grace Mountain entrancewn, where during the entrance exam we had all gathered. There stood training ntaras, resolute even amidst the downpour.


    I had expected solitude given the weather but found to my surprise someone else was there  Lilith.


    She was fully concentrated on her training, her hair drenched and sodden, appearing as if she came here straight after art ss.


    She was engaged with two ntaras at once, as if in genuine battle, her incantations for magic echoing amidst the rainfall.


    She seemed not to notice my arrival.


    Even as the ntaras clubs threatened her, she showed no sign of fear. True, ntaras were merely for training and thus couldnt inflict fatal blows, but even the weight of their hits was enough to send her tumbling to the ground. Every time, shed shake it off and stand to fight again.


    After watching for a while, I enticed nearby ntaras, keeping my distance from Lilith as I began my training.


    My aim was not to catch them, so I focused on dodging attacks and gauging my strikes.


    I recalled Sions movements during our bout in the Circtory ss. Her re, her steps, everything was vivid. Lacking in basics, I had to make use of all the recollections I could muster.


    The pair of ntaras encircled me, swinging wildly.


    The ng of des joined Liliths chants of casting as I read their movements, avoiding blows, and seeking vulnerabilities. Still, mybat disy was undeniably crude.


    I extended the fight to four ntaras against one, their misaimed swings excavating puddles around us.


    Midway, I felt a gaze on the back of my head.


    After felling the ntaras with cuts to their knees, immobilizing all four, I looked to source the stare.


    Lilith was watching from afar, soaked to the bone, her re intent. Wondering how she managed, even the natras beside her stood staring.


    Upon our eyes meeting, she quickly turned away to re-engage the ntaras in battle.


    ***


    Lilith departed first, having paled from intense training, leaving me to continue alone. I timed myself to arrive at the Magic Department building as Trisha finished her ss.


    Damian!


    Through the throng exiting the lecture hall, Trisha spotted me and bounced forward. Witnessing her approach felt like greeting a child returning from school.


    Shemented on my rain-soaked condition,


    You look like a lost puppy!


    Lets go. Im cold.


    Wait up. I just learned a new spell that should warm us up quick. Itll work wonders.


    Trisha recited an incantation and gestured a spell, but nothing happened.


    Its cold. Lets go.


    Ey, why didnt it work


    Its really cold. Lets go.


    Her face fell again promptly. It wasnt only I who needed relentless effort. How had she passed the Masters ss evaluation?


    Hold on, Ill give you my clothes!


    Trisha began unbuttoning her garment amidst everyone. Surely, she had something on underneath, but it was distasteful for a youngdy to undress in such a public ce.


    Enough. Your clothes are too small.


    I grabbed her fumbling hands and led her away.


    We left the lecture hall and headed towards the entrance of thebyrinth, out of others sight.


    Just then, a stray Stitch circled aimlessly before flying towards me.


    Recognizing it as possibly Silveryns, I snatched it hastily, knowing the initials could lead to misunderstandings.


    Whats that? Trishas eyes sparked with curiosity.


    It looks darker, luckily not Silveryns but Cecils.


    Theres a note toe to pick up a consignment at the Phion Magic Research Institute.


    It held a brief message advising a visit to the institute shortly. Apparently, the results of my crystal appraisal were ready.


    I handed Trisha the umbre,


    Go to the dorm first.


    ***


    With my face masked, I approached the Phion Magic Research Institute. Peering through the window, the first thing to greet me was a piercing scream.


    Hey! Calm down!


    Ahhhh! Back off!


    Where is the anesthetic? Where?!


    There was the sound of breaking ss and smashing furniture, as though someone was causing havoc inside. One girl rushed out the entrance, sobbing past me.


    I cant do this anymore. I just cant.


    It seemed to be no dire crisis, given the reactions; not so much danger as an overwhelmingly disgusted confrontation.


    Entering the building, I stealthily peeked through a crack into the noisyb, unable to discern the full situation from such a narrow view.


    A glimpse revealed the lengthy, furry leg of some creature.


    Soon, a girl emerged from theb, stretching, pushing the door with her entire bodyit was Cecil.


    Our eyes met.


    Oh, candy? Youre here already?


    Despite the ongoing chaos inside, Cecils face was the picture of tranquility.


    The Magic Department is always so lively.


    Cecil chuckled somewhat awkwardly,


    Oh, you heard? I was helping withbat ss prep. Wanna have a look?


    She swung the door wide, granting me a view inside.


    Then, cages came into sight, housing an enormous spiderrge enough to devour a bull. Its fangs, the size of a human hand, and a good eight eyes, adorned its face.


    Teaching assistants and a few students were removing some of its legs, sawing away at something.


    Definitely not suited as an ornamental pet.


    Cecilughed wryly,


    Its a fiend forbat practice. The freshmen have to deal with it tomorrow?


    That thing?


    Yes. Thank goodness the Magic Department is only assisting. How could one fight such a creature? I made the right choice not joining the Combat Department.


    Someones bound to get killed during practice.


    Of course, well remove its ws, fangs, and stingers. Thats what this trouble is all about.


    .


    Amid the chaos, Cecil noticed my drenched appearance andmented with faux concern,


    But Candy, why are you so wet? Did you get rejected or something?


    Just happened that way.


    Oh dear, your face is really pale. You might catch a cold.


    Look at her, acting like she can see through my mask with such cheek.


    Cecil feigned drying me off, slyly threading her fingers inside my mask.


    I politely lowered Cecils arm to stop her.


    Then, yfully, she replied,


    Come on, let me touch your cheek just once and Ill give you some interesting info rted to the practice.