The situation could not be worse. Louise and I were facing a high-level stone golem while Saito was imprisoned by it. Now I could clearly see the aggressor. Although she was hiding her face under a hood, her bare legs showed that she was a woman slightly older than us. In addition to this, two strands of hair fell down to her chest. The color of it looked familiar, but I couldn't remember when or where I had seen it before.
As we all took in the situation, I paused to think for a moment about the chaos that has been wreaked in a matter of seconds. "What now? I can't take on an enemy like this going head on. Not alone." I glanced sideways at Louise. My smile had faded as quickly as it appeared. The tristanian held her wand tightly. "Her magic is too unstable." Then, I noticed that the aggressor remained with her eyes fixed on the main tower of the academy.
–Let go of Saito! Next time I'll get it right!
The girl shouted. The woman turned her head towards us.
–I don't have time for trifles! Go ahead, golem!
She exclaimed. The automaton clenched its left fist again, but instead of sending it at us, it directed it straight at the wall of the tower. This disconcerted us, causing my spell, which controlled the water above our heads, to slow down. The roar must have been heard in every corner of Tristain. Even the ground shook from the force employed by the creature. I placed the water from the fountain as a protective barrier so as not to be blinded by the cloud of dust that rushed over our heads. As soon as it dissipated, the mage leapt out of the building and stood over the fist of her creation. The golem stepped back and took up its position again, holding the woman in its hand.
–It's been a pleasure chatting with you youngsters, but now I must go!
Something caught my attention. I narrowed my eyes. "What is that?" The aggressor carried a dark-colored, rectangular-shaped box in her hands. She was holding it tightly. Only then did it dawn on me. "Don't tell me that…" My line of thought was interrupted by Saito. Not directly because of him, but because, from one moment to the next, the golem released him into the air more than ten meters in the air. The young man shouted in fright.
–Saito!
Louise shrieked. This time I again acted with alacrity.
–Water Whip!
I prepared to, with one of my best spells, avert disaster. The water turned into a meandering form, heading towards the familiar at full speed. However, someone was faster than me. Sylphid appeared like a shooting star just in time to save the day. The dragon flew off into the front yard of the academy. Louise ran in their direction without looking back, leaving me all alone against the enemy. "What are you doing!?" I turned my gaze towards it. The golem began to move and I prepared to fight. "Damn." Fortunately, it did so to go over the wall separating the grounds of the institution from the outside. I dispelled the spell and all the water that remained in the air rushed against the ground. The thief turned one last time and looked at me, though I was unable to make out her features under the hood. Still, something told me she was laughing at me. That bothered me. I gritted my teeth and gripped the hilt of Storm Ruler tightly. "If we meet again…"
After a few seconds, I sighed and decided to holster my catalyst. The giant golem figure disappeared into the distance. Only then did reinforcements appear. "Finally." Some members of the tristanian royal guard, accompanied by a couple of female teachers, scattered around the place to look for clues as to what had happened. Chevreuse and another woman I have never spoken to but know by sight approached me with a face full of concern.
–Young man, are you all right?
The second one asked. "No thanks to you, I must say." I nodded.
–Yes. No one was hurt. However…
I pointed to the wall of the main tower. They realized what I was referring to and were surprised. A huge hole was in the place where the golem had hit the building. They looked at each other.
–So that was the sound we heard earlier.
Explained the second woman. Chevreuse looked me up and down again, trying to make sure I was really all right.
–What happened?
I mustered what sanity I could and tried to explain myself as best I could.
–A female mage summoned a high-level stone golem in the middle of the courtyard. Apparently, she was looking for an object located around the area of the destroyed wall.
The two teachers were startled, causing me to stop my story.
–What?
–What happened next?
Asked Chevreuse, a little more wholehearted than her companion. I cleared my throat and, as I spoke, recalled each moment as if it were still happening.
–The woman ordered the automaton to attack. It obeyed without hesitation, raising its fist and slamming into the tower. The wall collapsed as if it were clay, causing a cloud of dust that prevented us from clearly observing what was happening. Then, the thief jumped out from inside the building carrying a rectangular box in her hands.
–Us?
Said the second teacher. The Earth element teacher realized something.
–Was Miss Vallière with you? We saw her running past in the direction of the front yard.
I nodded again.
–In fact, the golem had held the human familiar prisoner until its master decided to retreat, ordering the stone mass to drop it into the ground. Fortunately, Tabitha's dragoness appeared at the right moment to avert disaster. Finally, the woman fled on her automaton, passing over the wall separating the academy from the outside.
They looked at each other and took a few seconds to take in what I had just told them. The teacher I had never spoken to before took a look at the scene.
–If it's a stone golem, it can only be…
–Exactly.
Chevreuse added. They both nodded, provoking an enormous curiosity in me. "Who?" I raised my eyebrows. Assuming they weren't going to share the information, I coughed to get their attention. These took notice of my situation. The Earth teacher smiled affably.
–Thank you for your help, Alessandro. I must ask you to go to the front yard with the rest of your classmates. It is for your own safety. Do not tell anyone about what you have seen unless it is strictly necessary, understood?
Her expression instantly became one of seriousness.
–Yes, professor. Now, if you'll excuse me.
I bowed slightly and said goodbye to both of them. They nodded and continued talking quietly once I walked away. I locked myself in my thoughts as I advanced the pace. "How can they ask something similar of me after what just happened? I understand that I must be discreet, but in the minutes that the attack has happened, not a single teacher or royal guard noticed the situation. What kind of security is this? The three of us could have been killed or any other student who decided to take a walk around the place. Shameful."
I remembered what happened, again. "How could Louise think of leaving me alone in the face of an enemy of such power? Yes, she's not able to control her Void magic, but her presence was enough to cheer me up." Worse was the image of Anäis that formed in my mind, born out of concern for my familiar. "And then there's her! She humiliated me in front of the tristanian court and the entire academy. Tonight she's going to find out who her master is." I gritted my teeth rather angrily.
–What a day…
I whispered. As soon as I looked up, I could see that the place was in chaos. Principal Osmond, Professor Colbert, the Queen, her entourage and most of the guards were standing to one side. Meanwhile, the second-year students and their familiars, surrounded by several teachers, stood by the entrance to the compound. Louise, Saito, Tabitha and her familiar, witnesses as much or more than me of the event, remained separated from the rest. Most of them, at least. A small group of students seemed to be interested in them. Kirche, Guiche, Malicorne and the little girl who always accompanies the second one were interrogating them. For a moment I thought about reproaching the pink-haired girl for what had happened. Instead, I was glad that we were all unharmed and tried to calm my emotions. When I got close enough to hear what they were talking about, Guiche spoke.
–Louise, what really happened?
–The teachers don't want to mention anything about it. They just asked us to stay here until the situation calms down.
Malicorne commented. Louise still looked shaken by what had happened. However, her face showed apparent annoyance rather than distress. The little girl snorted.
–It's none of your business. Leave us alone at once.
Her curt reply ended the interrogation. Once I caught up with them, Saito was the first to notice my presence and smiled. I decided to act like a decent person and check his physical condition.
–Are you all right, Saito?
–Fortunately, yes. Thank goodness she showed up to rescue me.
He pointed his finger at Tabitha. Tabitha didn't even flinch. The germanian opened her mouth for the first time. She turned to her silent friend.
–Tabitha, what did you see from the sky?
The little blue-haired girl closed her book and looked up, directing her eyes in the direction in which the thief had retreated.
–Little. The female aggressor's face was hidden.
–Female aggressor?
Guiche's young companion asked. "I promised I wouldn't say anything. But Tabitha, Louise and Saito don't seem to have been warned by the teachers yet." Louise, apparently overcome, made a dejected sound and started walking in the direction of the dormitories.
–Hey, where are you going?
Saito asked. His master turned and looked at him angrily.
–To find a place where I won't be disturbed!
And with that, after deafening us all, she lightened her pace. Her familiar sighed.
– Go with her, Saito.
I indicated in all seriousness. "It's been a disastrous day. First, she was laughed at for her performance. Then, a giant golem nearly crushed her with its fist and, to top it off, it was her Void magic that caused the explosion that damaged the tower wall in the first place. I understand how you feel, Louise." The boy looked into my eyes in confusion. I nodded to make him understand that this was not a game. The familiar hesitated, but finally took my advice.
–See you.
He said goodbye to the group, though more specifically to me. No one said anything for the next few seconds. Then, Guiche turned to me.
–I assume you're not going to tell us anything either, right?
I faced him and shook my head.
–I promised I wouldn't say a word. I'm sorry.
Both he and his friends rolled their eyes and wailed. Kirche stood next to Tabitha silently, probably trying to guess what has happened.
Once the deplorable security decided that there was no more danger, we students were sent to the dormitories for the rest of the day. We have been informed that they will take the necessary steps to catch the thief, as the object she has stolen is of vital importance and could cause a cataclysm in the wrong hands. First of all, they will try to find out if she has received support from inside, from any member of the institution. Unfortunately, the help we students can provide is minimal, since we are talking about a mage who surpasses the abilities of the entire student body. "It would be crazy to send us to fight her. What if someone ended up losing a limb? Or worse, dying from the confrontation? Still... Something inside me wants to face her."
That feeling of helplessness reigned in my body for the rest of the day. To make matters worse, Anäis decided it was a good idea to intercept me on the way to our room and talk to me as if nothing had happened. Despite wishing otherwise, I admitted that it was not a good idea to stifle her and argue in the middle of the courtyard, with dozens of people around us. Now, after a bitter and silent dinner in the dining room of the main tower, in which, I must say, I received several humiliating looks, I find myself enjoying a hot bath in my room.
–I needed this…
One thought that has haunted my head since the confrontation with the thief is the curse to which my body is bound. "Tonight could complicate things. Today has been a long day. Tension, nerves, humiliation... Fortunately, the fight in the backyard turned out to be more of a skirmish than an actual confrontation." After as many minutes as I deemed necessary, I stepped out of the metal tub and picked up a neatly folded towel, located next to the door that separates this small space from the rest of the cabin. After quickly drying myself, I folded it around my waist. The bright sapphires that Anäis has for eyes fixed on me once I passed by her.
–"I hope you enjoyed the bath, dear."
I took a quick glance out the window of our home into the front yard of the academy. There was not a single soul. However, several lights from the main tower illuminated sections of it. "Looks like they're still working." I turned slowly and faced the haughtiest creature I have ever met. For a few seconds, I pondered on how to act next. "Bad manners and raising my voice have only earned me arguments and rejection from her. I want to do it, I want to put her in her place. But no, this is not the time. Act properly, Alessandro. Let Vittorio be proud of you." Although that last line of thought achieved the opposite of the desired effect, I sat down on the bed next to her.
–We need to talk.
–"Go ahead then. Talk."
Her response, gentler than expected despite the words she used, relaxed me a bit. I took a deep breath.
–Today you have publicly humiliated me in front of people who are important to me and with whom I will be spending the rest of my time here. I hope you understand that I am quite upset with you.
The cat stretched and proceeded to sit up on her hind legs, curling her furry tail around herself.
–"You have the right to."
–I do.
I responded out of inertia. I waited for her to continue. She took longer than I expected and, for a moment, I was about to speak.
–"Alessandro, you know as well as I do that if I apologize now I won't do it sincerely. You'd better erase that idea from your head as soon as possible."
A part of me ignited. It burned like fire. However, without understanding how, I managed to control myself. I decided to use the same coin.
–Of course. You would never apologize for anything even if all the evidence pointed in your direction, right?
The animal yawned. Then, its gaze was filled with coldness. I felt as if some sharp object pierced my body to my soul.
–"Don't let your teenage hormones cloud your judgment, kid. I may have overdone it slightly, but every word, every adjective, every question was spoken from the bottom of my heart. Humans are extremely harmful creatures to life in the world. Someday they will cause their own destruction and nothing will be able to prevent it. Then I will be free at last…"
I opened my eyes like saucers at her speech despite not managing to understand the last part because her voice had gradually faded. The temperature in the room had dropped drastically over the last few minutes. I slowly stepped back as Anäis's lost gaze drifted to the night sky, visible thanks to the good weather we've had all week. Her eyes were shining brighter than usual. "So that's the way things are. My familiar is a misanthrope. Perfect." For a moment, even though there was only us present, it felt like there was someone else in the room. Someone carrying a great weight on their shoulders. My familiar's attitude returned to normal as soon as I focused my attention back on her.
–"I'm really sorry, Alessandro. I let my emotions control me. I understand your situation. Rest assured that I have never sought to humiliate you through my actions. I will take any punishment you wish to impose on me as your familiar."
Finally, and to further emphasize her strange yet seemingly sincere apology, she bowed her head in defeat. My mind could not process what had just happened. However, a sense of understanding and kindness flooded my body. "I think this is the first time our master-familiar bond has been present since we've known each other." I smiled sincerely and, instead of acting as she expected, I stroked her head affectionately. She looked up with an expression of disbelief unbecoming of the Anäis I had known so far.
–Apology accepted, Anäis.
I didn't give her time to respond. I stood up and put aside the towel. I began to dress in the pajamas that had been placed by some servant on the dresser. Silence reigned during the time it took me to return to my position next to my familiar. She had remained mute. I, for my part, remained with a gesture of tranquility on my face. I opened the sheets and blew out the relevant candles.
–There is one last thing I would like to talk about before I close my eyes for the day. When I ran out of the hallway in the direction of the stone golem, you disappeared without a trace. I take it you hadn't exactly gone to hide, am I right?
Our eyes met again. "Throughout the last few weeks, contemplating, talking and understanding Anäis's attitude has been a challenge I have set myself in trying to strengthen our bond. The result has been more than promising. The cat is incredibly observant and always finds the best places to, as she says, rest. However, I get the feeling that she is aware of everything around her in a way that is even superior to the best diplomats I have ever met. That side of her fascinates me like no other." I crawled into bed and waited for an answer. For her part, the cat leaned gingerly on the sheets, curling up on her little body, and turned her gaze to the window.
–"While I'd love to be of assistance, no, I haven't managed to identify the thief yet. I do, however, have my suspicions about one person in particular."
What seemed like a momentary pause turned into several seconds of complete silence.
–Well?
I inquired full of curiosity. Anäis laughed again, using that tone of superiority that I hate so much. Her eyes focused on me again.
–"I thought that you were one of those people who like to accept challenges and solve mysteries by yourself".
I shifted my body into a much more comfortable position, ready to sleep.
–And I am. But this is serious business. Any information you can share would be welcome.
–"As I have said, I have my suspicions about a person. However, and despite the fact that her eyes hide a great pain; as well as a great lie, to accuse without proof is a serious crime. Even if it is done by a talking cat."
She sentenced using that humor so typical of her, even though she was completely serious. Her speech confused me even more. I decided to rest my head on the pillow and took a deep breath.
–You may be right about one thing. People's eyes hide a lot of information.
–"Some people hide it and others are an open book. Like you, dear."
And with that he finished off our nightly colloquy, leaving me even more lost than before, and not only in the matter of the thief. "Despite the fact that her explanation was, admittedly, cryptic, I did get a few things out of it. The outlaw is someone Anäis has been able to look in the eyes on several occasions. And my familiar has never, at least to my knowledge, left the academy grounds. So there are different possibilities: the aggressor is a student. Unlikely due to her ability as a mage. Also, it is practically impossible that she knew the exact location of her target; the aggressor is a teacher. This one gains strength considering the above, especially the treasure room issue. However, I don't think many teachers possess such a command of the Earth element. Chevreuse is ruled out because she appeared immediately after the thief retired. And then there is the matter of her hair, which has a remarkable greenish hue." I closed my eyes. "I feel like I'm forgetting something, but right now I can't seem to remember what. Anyway, best to rest for today. Fortunately, tomorrow is the Day of Nothing." I soon fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, shortly after waking up and thanking the Founder that my body didn't decide to play a trick on me, someone knocked lightly on my door while I was changing. Once the buttons of my shirt were fastened, I pulled down the handle, still drowsy. The person on the other side gave me a polite bow.
–Good morning, my lord. I hope you had a good night.
–Siesta…
I mentioned in a low voice. The commoner raised her head and smiled. I scratched the back of my neck. "What's she doing here?" I cleared my throat.
–Do you need something?
–I've been sent to inform you that your presence is required in the principal's office immediately.
I lowered my head in defeat as soon as I heard her message. "Even on the Day of Nothing I can't rest easy. I understand that they will have made some progress in the matter of the robbery that occurred yesterday. Of course, being involved, they will want to know my version first hand, despite having already given it to two teachers. Anyway, here we go." I sighed, recovered from the blow and looked her in the eye with a half smile.
–Give me a minute. I'll be right out.
–Of course.
Another bow. Just before I walk away from the door, an idea flashed through my head like a shooting star.
–Siesta, you didn't by any chance bring...?
Before I could finish asking my question, the little girl held up a basket of fruit. I smiled in relief.
–Thank you.
A few minutes later, all of us involved in the outlaw's attack were present in Principal Osmond's office. There were also several teachers, court nobles and the old man's secretary. The most surprising presence, however, was that of a certain germanian woman, whose face showed an incipient curiosity. Evidently, this annoyed the most irascible little girl I have ever met.
–I wonder what business brings you here, Von Zerbst.
Louise mentioned angrily. We students and Saito waited by the door while the adults discussed matters in private. Another change that caught my attention had been Derfflinger, sheathed on the back of the human familiar. "It's about time you started using your head, Gandálfr." Kirche turned to the small tristanian with her usual smile on her face as she placed a hand on her waist.
–Tabitha has personally asked me to accompany her. If you have any problems, talk to her.
The gazes then focused on the silent student. She merely nodded in response. Louise snorted. After an awkward silence, Principal Osmond called everyone to attention and, with a nod of his head, indicated that we could move to his position. To his right stood Professor Colbert with a troubled look on his face. To his left was the secretary who had accompanied me to the dining room on the first day and with whom I had barely exchanged a word. Although I was still drowsy, an uneasy feeling ran through my body as I took a close look at one of her physical attributes. I tried not to show any telltale surprise and quickly averted my gaze. "It doesn't make sense. I don't think a commoner could perform magic of that level." I dismissed the idea as quickly as it appeared. Then, the woman spoke.
–After our investigations yesterday, and thanks to some informants that the Royal House of Tristain has deployed in the city, we have come to the conclusion that Fouquet, 'the Crumbling Earth', has his lair in the vast forest east of the academy. A hooded figure has been seen emerging from it for weeks now but has never been intercepted as it continually appears and disappears at different times of the day.
The elder Osmond smiled affably.
–Very good work, Miss Longueville. The speed with which the matter has been worked through is to be commended.
The young woman nodded by way of reply. "Fouquet, 'the Crumbling Earth'... So the thief has a name and even a nickname. That means she has acted on several occasions before. Interesting." The secretary continued. She extracted a scroll from one of her belt pouches.
–Thanks to the report and the description of the figure, I was able to make a drawing using my artistic skills.
She handed the object to the director. The latter opened it and showed it, first of all, to Professor Colbert. Their eyes met and they both made a gesture of complicity. Osmond turned the parchment over. All of us present, with the exception of Kirche, were visibly surprised.
–What do you think?
The old man asked. Louise and I imitated the aforementioned and nodded.
–It's her, it's Fouquet!
–There is no doubt about it.
I added. Tabitha supported us with a slight nod. There was a momentary silence. I looked at the secretary again. I squinted as she stood to the side. "Too accurate to be just a drawing made from conjecture and description. Not even I, who gazed at her for several minutes and remember that damned smirk on her face, could have described her so well. For a commoner who works as a secretary, she knows too much". Professor Colbert got our attention by tapping his cane on the floor.
–Well, we know what the outlaw looks like and we have her possible whereabouts. It is time to act.
One of the nobles present at the scene stepped forward.
–If you allow me, Principal Osmond, I think it would be best to send a message to the royal court requesting a detachment of soldiers.
The principal shook his head.
–We must act quickly. Such a plan would take too long, and Fouquet might realize that we plan to capture her as soon as possible, which would cause her to flee. Miss Longueville.
He turned to his secretary. She stood firm.
–I will be frank. You are the only person present with enough information to locate the thief as accurately as possible in the shortest possible time. Do you think you could do it?
The young woman nodded.
–Most likely she has hidden herself somewhere in the forest. A place difficult to identify, but thanks to the habits described by the royal spies, not impossible. It will be a real honor to lead the hunting party.
The respect with which the director treats his assistant never ceases to amaze me, since she is nothing more than a commoner. "Yet another mystery surrounding this woman. Maybe I'm getting paranoid, but..." My assumptions, though partially unconnected, followed a line that led me directly to believe that Miss Longueville is Fouquet. Or, at the very least, an accomplice of this one. The director took a deep breath.
–Very well. We will retrieve the Staff of Destruction. We must restore the honor that this outlaw has sullied by her actions.
He looked at everyone present one by one, focusing especially on the teachers and royal officials present.
–Those who are willing to act, raise your catalysts!
Instead of answering the call, the adults looked at each other and began muttering under their breath. None seemed convinced. "It's understandable. If Fouquet can conjure a stone golem of that size, it will take a group of sorcerers of a certain level to reduce it without harm to anyone. The nobles fear for their lives or their honor. Even if I could challenge her in single combat, it would take my time to make a decision." Osmond was perplexed at the lack of response.
–What is the matter with you? Is there not a single noble here who wishes to gain some fame by capturing Fouquet, the 'Crumbling Earth'?
The spirits of those present had dropped considerably given the lack of initiative. Even Professor Colbert hung his head in defeat. Then, a catalyst rose up in the middle of the office. One person raised his voice above the murmur.
–I'll go!
All of us present were astonished, especially the students. The whispers grew louder after a general sound of surprise. Principal Osmond stepped forward.
–Mi-Miss Vallière, are you sure about this? Fouquet is a fearsome opponent.
He mentioned. Louise nodded, still holding her wand up.
–I am aware of that. But that woman has hurt my pride, and a Vallière never backs down when her pride is at stake.
The tristanian replied, completely convinced. "She is mad. Completely crazy. What does she want? I mean, I too have felt the helplessness of not being able to do anything, but..." Another wand was raised before I could finish my line of thought.
–In that case, I'll accompany you.
Kirche added with a smile on her face. This one did not denote superiority or mockery, but pride. Louise was surprised.
–Von Zerbst?
–I won't let you take all the fame for catching that thief, Louise.
The little pink-haired girl made a grimace that showed that the rivalry between the two went beyond a suicide mission. I was about to put my hands to my head. "Don't play along!" Saito and I looked at each other. Both of our mouths were hanging open at what was happening. In spite of everything, I was confident that the person with the most head among those present would convince them that this is crazy. I waited for her response.
–I will accompany you.
Those words used by Tabitha shattered what little confidence remained of ending the matter in the best possible way. "No way." Louise, who did not count with her support, watched her in silence. Tabitha turned her head in her and Kirche's direction.
–I will not allow anything bad to happen to you.
She commented quietly, using her usual monotone. Louise and Kirche smiled in unison. Silence fell momentarily. Then, to my misfortune, the gazes of everyone present except Saito turned to me. I felt as if the whole weight of the world fell on my shoulders. I half-opened my mouth to respond, seeking to deny myself in the most sincere way possible, but something prevented me from doing so. "Alessandro, you can't embark on a mission like this without prior preparation. What if my illness decides to make an appearance in the middle of combat? No, I definitely can't do it..." I looked at the others one by one. When my eyes met Louise's, Tabitha's and Kirche's, a sense of guilt gnawed at me. "On the other hand, that Fouquet..." The feeling of helplessness born from our confrontation caused me to sigh unconsciously. "Founder, give me strength." I swallowed saliva.
–All right. I'll go with you. After all, you'll need a healer.
I instantly regretted my words. They were pleased, each in their own way, at my acceptance.
–Thank you.
Louise said after looking at the makeshift team that had formed. When they finally stopped looking at me, I looked up and focused my eyes on the ceiling of the room. "Damn my desire to look good for everyone." I put a hand to my face and cursed under my breath. Saito placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a sincere smile, on which you could read 'we're in this together'. Principal Osmond laughed.
–Well, what a surprising turn of events. We have no choice but to trust your abilities. After all, most of you know what Fouquet is capable of and might recognize her if she were wearing the same clothes. Right?
He asked us after taking a close look at the group. We nodded in unison.
–Besides, if I'm not mistaken, that young man back there is the human familiar who defeated Mr. Gramont in single combat.
–M-Me?
Saito pointed at himself in disbelief. The old man smiled. Professor Colbert seemed to remember something at that very moment.
–Of course! After all, he is Gandá…?
He stopped in mid-step, but that was not enough for me to contain my surprise. "Wait a minute! Professor Colbert, how is it that you know about this matter? Have you had contact with any Void user and his familiar? That's strange. Until Louise summoned Saito, no tristanian magician would have been able to summon Gandálfr before in the last century. Perhaps this man has traveled to Romalia. What if he knew Julio or Vittorio?" The questions kept popping into my mind. "So you know that the Void exists and is not just a myth. Interesting."
For as long as I remained locked in myself conjecturing about the academy's most beloved teacher, the principal would continue to talk to those present. My eyes did not stray from Colbert. "In the future, I hope we can discuss this matter at length." Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the three female students raise their catalysts to join them in the air. Only at that moment did I decide to return to reality while trying not to look suspicious. I walked to the front and unsheathed Storm Ruler, raising it along with the rest of the wands and Tabitha's staff.
–All right! We are counting on you as nobles and mages to retrieve the Staff of Destruction.