Outside the barrier stood approximately 50 mage soldiers. After discussing something, about half of them dispersed.
Together with Sepia and Mastema, I headed toward the academy’s entrance. While walking, another barrier was placed above the academy’s original one. Was this why they spread out?
“They plan to trap us…” Sepia said in a strained voice. Well, it’s a reasonable judgment. I felt relieved that we finally encountered someone we could have a proper conversation with.
The Empire would probably do something similar. Whether you’re surrounded by an army or enclosed by a barrier, it’s essentially the same.
As we approached, they also noticed us.
Unlike the academy’s instructors and students, the mage soldiers were fully armored. It was light yet clearly made of durable material.
As mages who needed to fly, it was something they couldn’t avoid, even if it was costly. The academy’s mages dressed as mages, but these were mages prepared for war.
If it came to a conflict, the academy’s mages would likely be defeated one-sidedly. This nation’s main military force was these soldiers.
I raised my opinion of the magic nation slightly, considering their previously low reputation. While each individual was inferior to Sena, their forces were probably capable of winning, albeit with some sacrifices.
A man who seemed to be the commander stepped forward, accompanied by someone who looked like his adjutant. Their coordination was evident.
“I’d like you to stop right there.”
Sepia halted at the sound of that voice. We were only a few steps away from the gate. The commander removed his helmet.
He looked like a battle-hardened warrior.
“Sepia Sladegemil, headmaster of the academy. What is the meaning of this? The situation seems quite different from the report.”
“Captain Gassai, this is… well…” Sepia stumbled over her words, likely trying to figure out what to say. She should be intelligent, and with the memories of her ancestors, she should know what to say. But clearly, she lacked experience.
In moments like this, if you don’t remain confident, suspicion only deepens.
I get it, though.
If you were to say, “The gates of hell opened, and I met the Demon King,” you’d be executed on the spot. And admitting that “students turned each other into zombies, and there were numerous casualties” is not something you could say yourself.
“The report said the situation was under control and that more time was needed. But the barrier activated within the day. This is a grave matter. You understand that, don’t you?”
The man named Gassai was wearing a red cape, distinguishing him from the others. His position was clearly significant.
“Uh, um…”
In contrast, Sepia was completely shrinking away. Normally, she would handle this better, but with everything that had happened, it was likely hard for her to keep up appearances.
Gassai let out an obvious sigh. I sympathized… with him.
Then Gassai looked over at us.
“And you are?”
“A student of the magic academy. So is she.”
Mastema waved her hand. Gassai ignored it.
She’s the most dangerous one here.
“From your appearance, that much is clear. I’m asking why you’re with Headmaster Sepia.”
Gassai spoke with remarkable calm. Inside, he was probably anxious to know what had happened, but he didn’t show it.
He likely understood that shouting wouldn’t solve anything.
“I was helping resolve the incident inside.”
“A student, you say. You certainly seem to possess magic power. But I’d like to know what happened inside. No one can leave until we understand the situation.”
Mastema reacted to his words. Demons don’t like being confined. She looked irritated and was about to move forward, but I stopped her with a hand gesture.
Sepia looked at me, essentially throwing the responsibility my way. You’re the one in charge, I wanted to say, but that wouldn’t help the situation.
Hmm. Let’s organize the situation.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I had a vantage point that allowed me to see the bigger picture, so I could explain.
I should take a cue from… the princess. No one is as skilled with words as her. If she weren’t royalty, I’d want to pull one over on her.
I’ll need to conceal the truth as much as possible, while ensuring that Gassai and the magic nation are convinced, and that Sepia faces as little blame as possible… not that it matters too much.
I couldn’t take too long either. There were likely injured people inside the academy, and they needed rescue.
The academy’s command structure was no longer functional, so we’d need Gassai’s cooperation for that.
The best cover story would be…
“There was a terrorist attack on the magic academy using malicious magic.”
“Hmm. So, no demon summoning occurred?”
“That was just a diversion. If even a trace of demon summoning had occurred, any nation would be in an uproar.”
“True. That thought crossed our minds as well. The culprit was incoherent, and we couldn’t get anything out of him. But the instructors should have been in charge while the headmaster was away.”
That’s why they were so well-prepared. I had wondered why they had such a large force for an initial response.
If Sena or Evans had been alive when they stormed in, it would have been the end of Sepia.
I glanced at Sepia, who looked like she was about to cry.
“One of the instructors was a traitor.”
Gassai glared at Sepia before placing his right hand on his head. I understand. It’s hard to accept.
“That’s why I opposed it. No matter how talented a young woman from the prestigious Sladegemil family might be, placing a child in charge as headmaster…”
“Ugh…”
Sepia couldn’t argue back and hung her head.
It seemed that Gassai had his own thoughts on the matter. His opposition suggested he came from a similarly distinguished background.
“The result of pushing for vested interests in the academy, Headmaster Sepia. Both you and your family bear significant responsibility. What’s the situation inside?”
“It’s been contained. I confirmed that after killing the ringleader, the magic used for the attack dissipated. However, I suspect there are still injured people.”
“…I didn’t get your name. May I ask?”
I wonder if my name will be recognized?
I suppose it’d make things easier if it is.
“I am Sky Knight Ahavain Orbst.”
“And I’m Mastema Orbst.”
We introduced ourselves.
For the first time, Gassai showed a hint of surprise on his face.
“I’ve heard of you. I see, a famous adventurer lent a hand.”
It seems my reputation as a Sky Knight came in handy. That’s one of the biggest perks of having climbed the ranks.
“We’ll have plenty to talk about, but for now, could you provide aid to the academy? There are injured people.”
“…Understood. Hey!”
Gassai gave instructions to his adjutant, and part of the barrier was opened as the mage soldiers who had been on standby entered.
“We’ll check and assist for now. In the meantime, I’m afraid I must ask you to stay put.”
“Understood. Oh, by the way, when it comes to this area, please just call out. There are mechanisms in place to ward off intruders, and they’re keeping us safe.”
“Hmm?”
Gassai looked puzzled but accepted the explanation for now.
It seemed my fame as the Empire’s former strongest adventurer was paying off.
It would be dangerous to recklessly enter that labyrinth right now, after all.
