Lilianna was almost certain she was going to have nightmares about this tonight. And not just because of the monsters.

The horror show had finally ended as the hands dragged the last creature screaming into the depths. The only living things left in the training field were Lilianna’s class, Volmar and Cira, the headmaster, and the three professors. Miraculously, no one appeared to be seriously injured besides Rainer, albeit covered in black monster blood. With the threat gone, the battered shield flickered to nothing.

Lilianna jolted when Nadrina suddenly sprinted forward, making for Professor Aldric as she leaped over torn limbs and pools of monster guts. Lilianna reflexively chased after her. When Nadrina stopped in front of the kneeling professor, Lilianna saw he looked absolutely awful. His face was ghostly white through his sweat, and she could see the veins underneath his face.

Nadrina crouched down and grabbed the professor by both of his arms, staring into his face. Lilianna thought she would ask if he was alright, but she blurted, “Tell me how you did that!”

Even through his exhausted appearance, the professor chuckled. “Of all the things, that’s what you ask me? I’m fine, by the way.”

Nadrina blushed scarlet, obviously embarrassed, but stubbornly pushed on. “W-Well, of course you’re alright. You can do anything. Now explain!”

“Oh, Nadrina,” Aldric said, smiling ruefully. “You remind me a little too much of myself sometimes. Tell you what, I’ll tell the both of you if you do me a favor.” He pointed towards the incoming class, the headmaster, and Professor Glory. “Go get Kedrin for me. I’m going to... I’m going to need... need some...”

He didn’t get any farther. His eyes rolled up into his head as his body slumped forward into Nadrina’s arms.

Chapter 9

Aldric woke up to a plain white room full of beds. Well, “woke up” wasn’t really the right phrase. More like “stumbled his way into consciousness”. It had been a long time since he’d overtaxed his mana pool, and he was now remembering just why it was such a terrible idea. Every inch of his body ached something fierce. He tried to sit up, decided that was the worst idea he’d ever had, let out a pitiful whimper, and lay still again.

Moving his eyes to a nearby window, he noticed it was probably early morning. It had not been morning when he’d passed out, so either he’d been out for a while, or he was well and truly dead this time. Honestly, what did he expect? You cheat death too many times, and death will eventually catch up. He dimly noted through bleary eyes that there appeared to be a woman next to his bed. A gorgeous blonde woman. Well, if he was dead, at least he got a pretty angel, right?

“About time you woke up. Did you expect me to cover your class forever?”