Chapter 99: Grand Festival 2

Chapter 99: Grand Festival 2



In an empty wasteland where the days go by under the blistering heat of the sun and the wintry, wet colds of night touch your skin, I found myself in the same haunting dream again.

'This same scenario... this same sensation...'

Holding onto the metallic weapon, that kept me safe all this time my hands trembled with each explosion happening near me.

Remembering the faces of the fallen comrades near me.

I fully realized, that I had not forgotten about this past.

"Hey, what are you doing? Get up you idiot!" a voice barked.

"But C-captain Tony, he-"

"Just shut up and run, you bastard!" came the harsh command, cutting through everyone's hesitation.

Tossing the shocked man aside like a mere sack of empty rice, the man in front of me looked ahead, his face a mixture of deep rage, regret, and acceptance.

He was like a man walking through a dark tunnel, fully aware that he could never come back, his expression full of resolve.

"Take Tony with you and report back to HQ," he ordered. "I'll stay behind."

As the sound of blazing gunfire pierced through the destroyed building we were in, my feet moved first, my aching body flexing its muscles as adrenaline forced me to get out of that wretched place at once.

It was a wretched memory-a memory full of regret not just for me but for everybody else. But deep down, I knew I was at fault at that time.

'If only I made the decision to shoot....'

I remember the chaos vividly.

The scent of gunpowder filled the air, mingling with the acrid smell of burning debris.

The heat from the flames mixed with the cold sweat of fear on my skin, creating a sensation of feverish desperation.

My legs felt like they were moving through molasses, every step an arduous struggle against the weight of my guilt and the horror of the situation.

The sensation of flipping through the pages of a book wasn't that far off from that distant memory now.

'I used fantasy and games to forget all of it.... But why am I reminiscing about that time now?'

What was going on?

My body felt like it was in pain yet at the same time I felt like I was in heaven, as a soft, mushy cloud filled the back of my head.

But wasn't I supposed to land on the hard ground after the explosion of a random shell near us?

No... I remember now, this pain wasn't due to an explosion but rather through a streak of bright blue lights.

And the face of a girl that brought upon those lights.

[Hidden Blade 4th Form]

[ECLIPSE]

Ah.....

That's right, Seo launched all those sword strikes at me like a rain of lightning.... 'Did I pass out?'

It seems the damage I accumulated was too much for my measly endurance to endure.

This pain of deep regret reminded me of my life back in the military.

Did I pass out on the ground? No, this warm feeling... I'd felt it before. Only this time, it was much plumper and even a bit softer. This sensation was...

'Liyana?'

I opened my eyes slowly, trying to focus through the haze of pain.

The sterile ceiling of an unfamiliar room greeted me, along with the concerned face of Seo hovering above me. Her usual stoic expression was marred by a faint trace of worry.

"You're awake," she said, her voice as monotone as ever, yet I detected a hint of relief. She touched my head gently, patting me.

"Seo...?" I muttered slowly. I attempted to sit up, wincing at the familiar sharp pain that shot through my ribs, only this time with the added pain through my neck, head, and arms. She really got me good, huh.

"You've been asleep since yesterday.... I was really worried," she said.

Since yesterday? You mean to tell me I've been out for around an entire day? Looks like I really pushed myself a bit too hard.

Seo's hand was warm against my forehead, her touch gentle despite her usual stoic demeanor. "You shouldn't have pushed yourself so hard...."

"Sorry..." I could only turn my head back down on the soft pillows behind me. As much as I wanted to be careful, experiencing it head-on was the only option if I didn't want to get into a situation I might regret later on.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

Though Lucas wasn't on par with Seo in terms speed, he wasn't that far behind either.

He wasn't just a genius in aura control but also in swordsmanship.

I knew I had to be prepared in some sort of way in case things go south for me, but I guess this method was rather selfish of me.

"You always just apologize...." Seo grumbled quietly, but since she was close to me, I could hear the exact context of her words.

Not to mention the subtle signs of frustration.

I felt this before, but now I truly felt like I'd been taking too much advantage over Seo's kindness, ever since we first met. I'd never really done anything for her; all this time, I'm either asking for a favor or making her deeply worried about me.

'I'm a really shitty friend, huh...'

"I'm sorry."

"You're apologizing again..."

"Sorry..."

"....."

For the first time, I saw Seo's brows twitch evidently, a subtle sign of frustration creeping

It housed many academic staff, including department heads and the principal herself.

The hall served as the base of operations for the entire staff, offering a space for collaboration

and administration.

Additionally, it provided dormitories for graduate students who aimed to pursue careers in the magical academic field.

These students, driven by a desire to expand the boundaries of knowledge, saw [Chronos

Hall] as a gateway to completing their unfinished theses and advancing their careers.

The hall's reputation as a gateway to a prestigious career path was well-deserved. Within its walls, students and scholars had access to unparalleled resources, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to the magical community.

The collaborative environment fostered innovation, encouraging students to push the boundaries of what was possible.

At the very top of its wide, open floors, a private room could be seen.

This room, secured by a large magical door, was the principal's office. It was a place of great

importance, where decisions shaping the future of the academy were made.

Touching the door, the principal of the academy, Leilah Grace, activated its magical mechanism, causing the door to vanish at her touch.

She stepped into the room, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Ah, Principal, you're here!" her secretary and granddaughter, Amelia Grace, greeted her warmly, swiftly moving to take off the dark, feathery cloak draped over her shoulders.

Leilah made her way to the far front of the large circular table and took a seat. She scanned the faces of the department heads and staff who had arrived before her, noting their anxious expressions.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, but I was investigating something important," Leilah said, her

voice steady but laced with an underlying tension.

"It's alright, Principal," Dean Gale, the head of the Knight Department, replied immediately. He could sense the stress and annoyance etched on Leilah's face. Everyone in the room noticed the change in her demeanor. Leilah's unique magic manifested

visibly; her usual light brown hair had turned a deep shade of black, and her blue eyes now glowed a luminous purple. This transformation was a clear sign of her agitation. Leilah was typically a kind and charismatic leader, approachable and understanding. But now,

the recent string of problems plaguing the academy had tested her patience. The staff knew this was not a time for levity.

"The recent incidents have already put us all on edge," Leilah began, her tone firm. "And now

two S-rank students have gone missing without anyone knowing why or how. I believe none

of you have any new information either, correct?"

The department heads could only nod in agreement, trying not to agitate her further.

Leilah looked disappointed but didn't press the matter. "Well, it matters not. I'm already investigating the issue, so I want you all to perform your roles meticulously as well, especially you two." She turned her gaze to Dean Gale and Dean Hanah.

"I want the two of you to increase the academy's security measures even further. Word has already spread about the twins' disappearance, and our image in the world is in shambles." "As you wish, Principal," the two deans said in unison with a slight bow. Judging from how

stressed Leilah looked, they both knew she was probably being roasted and questioned by high-ranking individuals from all around the world.

Even they couldn't imagine what it was like facing emperors, popes, and tribal heads from

across the globe.

"We'll do everything in our power to restore the academy's reputation," Dean Gale said, his voice resolute. "I'll mobilize additional patrols and ensure that our defenses are bolstered." Leilah nodded at his promise and sighed heavily, gradually the magic on her body lifted as her hair color returned to its light brown shade and the beautiful light blue covered her pupils

once more.

"Regarding the upcoming Grand Festival, is everything running smoothly?" Leilah inquired. "Yes, President Dorothy is handling things as meticulously and efficiently as last year," the

head of the financial department reported. "Judging from their constant reports, no problems have arisen so far."

Leilah nodded, finally feeling a bit of stress relief at the news. "Make sure to contact Dorothy

and assist her in preparing for any upcoming events. Ensure they have enough budget to finalize the event."

"Yes, Principal," the financial head responded promptly.

Just as Leilah was about to open another topic, a sudden hand was raised among the round

table.

The woman who raised her hand was Professor Rosa, the head of the foreign affairs

department.

"What is it, Rosa?" Leilah asked.

"I think we might have a bit of a problem regarding the Grand Festival," Professor Rosa

replied.

Her words sparked murmurs across the table as everyone waited for her to continue. "What problems are they exactly?" Leilah inquired sharply; her gaze fixed on Professor Rosa.

As the head of foreign affairs, Rosa's responsibilities heavily involved meeting, interacting,

and planning schedules for important foreign guests entering the academy.

If there was one thing that could potentially lead to a problem, Leilah knew it had to be

significant. "Did one of the visitors cancel their schedule for the event?" Leilah continued, mindful of the importance of the guests attending to watch the matches.

Any changes would require careful rescheduling to accommodate others joining as well.

"Ah, no... not exactly. It's more of like we had an upgrade?" Professor Rosa hesitated slightly before continuing.

"An upgrade?" Leilah raised an eyebrow, curiosity tinged with concern.

"It's the empire... They informed us that instead of the usual diplomat, Miss Bella, the Duke

himself will be coming to watch and visit," Professor Rosa finally revealed. "The.... duke?" Leilah's voice betrayed her shock.

"Yes, they say 'Duke Heavens' will personally come to watch the festival," Professor Rosa

confirmed.

"What?" Leilah's shocked words echoed in the room, sending a chill down everyone's spine. 'Why is that man coming here!!!???'