Chapter 84

The mage soldiers brought in additional personnel and set up a makeshift aid station in front of the gate.

Sepia announced via broadcast that the incident within the academy had ended, instructing everyone to gather at the main gate. She added that those in need of assistance should either go outside where they could be seen or use wind magic to call for help, as the mage soldiers were already heading out to provide aid.

Students began gathering at the gate.

The mage soldiers created a passage through the barrier and confirmed each student’s safety as they exited through the gate. Students who were injured received treatment, and those seriously wounded were transported to the hospital on stretchers.

Students with no issues were relocated to a designated shelter. Everyone was exhausted, and some students were in tears.

However, the number of survivors was greater than expected. Initially, I had thought that at least half would have died or mutated, but it seems that even though they’re students, they’re still mages.

Other individuals besides the students also arrived at the entrance.

A little later, Noel and Arnella joined us. It appeared they had safely evacuated. Though visibly tired, neither seemed to be injured.

Several upperclassmen who had previously challenged me to a duel were also there. A few of them were injured, but none of their wounds were life-threatening.

Colgus and Lulise also appeared to be safe.

The anomaly must have prevented the zombie students from breaking in. Given that even Sena and Rucola were able to fend them off, it’s no surprise.

Gassai approached us. Sepia… was useless. It seemed she didn’t even have the willpower to put her mask back on.

The girl had been through too many intense experiences. It couldn’t be helped. Ideally, one of her guardians should have been present.

“Ahavain-dono, our work today will conclude with the rescue and transport efforts. I’m sorry, but we need you to remain at the academy. We must treat you as a key witness. Of course, this also applies to your companions and Principal Sepia.”

Well, that was expected.

It couldn’t be helped. If we were being treated as suspects, it would be a different matter, but from Gassai’s demeanor, there didn’t seem to be any reason to worry for now.

“Then I’ll return to my house on the academy grounds.”

“Understood. As for the location… I see. Until we’ve fully inspected the academy, I apologize for the inconvenience.”

“I get it. But make sure to bring some food. As you can see, there are quite a few of us.”

Including me, there are four people.

“Could you let me stay as well? It’s a bit scary staying alone in the principal’s office.”

“…Sigh.”

“Ugh, don’t sigh like that.”

Now there are five. Even though there are reserves, it’s definitely not enough.

“It helps us if you all stay together. I’ll arrange for food. Excuse me.”

With that, Gassai flew off to join the patrol of the academy using flying magic.

The mage soldiers continued to arrive, taking turns escorting injured students and staff members working inside the academy.

There was no point in staying here, so I decided to head back home.

Mastema seemed to be in a good mood, likely because she had met the Demon King. Earlier, she had looked a bit annoyed, but perhaps she realized that the barrier wasn’t strong enough to keep her trapped, so she quickly brushed it off.

Sepia trailed behind, her shoulders slumped. Despite her lovely appearance, she was utterly exhausted. Just days ago, she had stood at the top of this academy—hard to believe now.

No, that’s not quite right. Sepia had never truly stood at the top. She merely held the title of principal.

Was it Sepia’s fault, or was it the fault of the adults who made her principal in the first place? Sepia’s future might seem bleak, but from what I’ve heard, her family is quite prestigious in this country, so they’ll likely find a way.

…Come to think of it, none of Sepia’s family has come yet. If they had any vested interest in this academy, they should’ve been the first ones here.

“Hey, Sepia.”

I didn’t bother addressing her as principal. I doubted this academy would return to normal anytime soon.

“What?”

“Isn’t your family coming? I thought your family manages this academy.”

“I… don’t think they’ll come. They’re not that kind of people.”

Sepia lowered her head.

So she has some issues. This is why I dislike dealing with nobles and prestigious families. Power and influence come with all sorts of messy entanglements.

No need for a child to get so down about it. Honestly.

We arrived at the house.

“Oh wow, you managed to clean up this cursed house so well.”

“It was tough, you know. Of all the places to push onto me, you chose this house?”

“I thought a Sky Knight wouldn’t mind. Plus, it’s spacious, isn’t it?”

It was indeed spacious.

I opened the front door and invited Sepia inside.

“Pardon my intrusion…”

Sepia entered timidly.

I decided to have Noel and Arnella prepare a simple meal. I felt bad for asking since they were tired, but they would have to do one more task.

“This might be the first time I’ve been inside someone’s house.”

“What kind of life have you been living?”

“Well, before I became principal, I was always researching magic. I was also getting used to the memories I inherited. And once I became principal, it was just non-stop work, cooped up in the principal’s office.”

What a bleak youth. Even the common town girls probably had more fun than her.

With a life like that, it’s no wonder she didn’t understand the subtleties of human relationships. Sena and Rucola must have had a field day with her.

A girl with just enough power to be easily manipulated. If a cult wanted to expand its influence, she would be an easy target.

This whole incident was bound to happen sooner or later.

Noel and the others prepared the meal. Soup, bread, and a dish of stir-fried vegetables and meat.

I was impressed by how quickly they managed to prepare everything. And it tasted great, too.

The five of us started eating.

“It’s delicious…”

“Thank you.”

“It is good, but is it really that impressive?”

Sepia’s face brightened after just a few bites.

“I usually only ate cold bread or something, so it’s been a long time since I’ve had a hot meal.”

Behind her, Mastema was already getting seconds of bread and soup. She had finished her side dish, too.

Sepia also hurriedly ate. Despite her rush, her table manners were still refined.

Sepia asked for more soup as well.

Two children. Noel and Arnella seemed to find them endearing as they watched.

I don’t have any children myself, though.