Chapter 164: Frist Act 33: Unheard Help...

"We need to get out of here..."

Bella's words hung in the air, a stark acknowledgment of the impending danger that loomed closer with every passing moment.

Without a word, everyone in the group nodded in unison.

The roars and unidentified screams grew louder, echoing through the rocky expanse, and the trembling ground beneath their feet foretold the arrival of colossal entities.

Whatever approached was not only numerous but gigantic in size.

The floor they occupied was shrouded in pitch-black darkness, with only the flickering flames of their bonfire casting feeble rays of light.

The obscurity heightened the sense of dread, as the unknown monsters advanced towards their haven.

Even Alex, known for his fearless demeanor in the face of monsters, felt a cold sweat trickling down his spine. The gravity of the situation compelled him to snap to attention, readying himself for the imminent confrontation.

"The barrier is slowly breaking"

Elena remarked, her eyes fixed on the intricate magic circles that were gradually fading around them. Despite not being as adept in magic as some mages, Elena possessed a natural sensitivity towards magical energies.

Her keen awareness allowed her to perceive the subtle shifts in the protective barrier that surrounded them.

As the saintess, entrusted with a divine duty, Elena felt a responsibility to safeguard those under her care. The waning magic circles signaled a potential breach, and a wave of concern crossed her features.

Her gaze remained focused on the fading enchantments, deciphering the intricate patterns and unraveling threads of magic.

As she slowly started praying and slowly casting several protective spells around them.

Princess Christine surveyed her surroundings with a discerning gaze, a momentary silence hanging in the air as she took stock of the situation.

In a decisive move, she snapped her fingers, and the tranquil ambiance within their safety zone was shattered by the abrupt sounds of clashing swords, powerful auras, and explosive bursts resonating from outside.

The unexpected cacophony startled the group, Aria tightening her grip on her staff, her senses heightened by the abrupt disturbance.

"What was that?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.

Princess Christine, however, remained composed as she walked towards Bella, her demeanor regal and unruffled.

"My knights. They will buy us some time"

"Isn't it illegal to bring personal guards to the exam?" Alex questioned

However, his words hung in the air, met with dumfounded looks from the rest of the group.

Then the realization dawned on him—Princess Christine De Alger Lumenia was not just anyone.

She was considered as the number one heir to the Lumenian Empire, a figure whose influence reverberated far beyond the exam hall, and authority of the academy.

The mere mention of her name conjured images of the opulent halls of the imperial palace and the political intricacies of the aristocratic circles.

The emperor's affection for all his children was well-known, but it was an open secret that Princess Christine held a special place in his heart.

Those in the know understood that cultivating a favorable relationship with her was a surefire way to navigate the intricate web of societal hierarchy and political maneuvering.

Having her own secret guards was not just a luxury; it was a necessity for someone of her standing.

In a realm where uncertainties loomed, especially during such crucial events as the exams, the princess's precautionary measures were not only justified but expected.

"It would be best if you make those templars move as well, Saintess," urged the princess, her eyes fixed on Saintess Elena, who stood in quiet prayer.

Elena's arms were clasped together, holding a necklace adorned with the symbol of the Church of Light—an emblem of divine power.

As she communed with the higher forces, an ethereal energy began to emanate, enveloping everyone present.

Elena opened one eye, meeting the gaze of the princess, and then nodded with a measured certainty.

With that singular gesture, the templars stationed a few meters away from the group stirred to life.

Abiding by the saintess's silent command, their white cloaks billowed in the darkness, and their swords emitted a radiant golden glow.

With purposeful strides, they advanced to join the knights who were engaged in a fierce battle against a monstrous black centipede looming in the distance.

The templars, much like the knights, exhibited a fearless determination.

They fought not for personal survival but for a cause greater than themselves. The chaotic scene unfolding before them did not deter their resolve.

They faced the grotesque creatures with unyielding valor, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to their saintess.

Not a single member from the group questioned the presence of secret bodyguards surrounding Elena. Similar to the princess, Elena held a position deemed invaluable and beyond reproach.

"Miss Bella, you're quite adept at celestial magic, right?" inquired Princess Christine, her expression revealing the urgency of the situation.

Bella, understanding the gravity of the request, nodded solemnly. "Yes..."

Bella began preparing to cast "Aethershift" a celestial magic spell designed for teleporting groups of people.

Bella began gathering her mana.

Despite the considerable strain it placed on her for using celestial magic multiple times now, the perilous circumstances left her with no room for complaint.

Gigantic bats, their wingspan comparable to houses, and monstrous cockroaches swarmed the group.

The sheer number of assailants threatened to overwhelm them.

Aria, channeling the power of wind blades, and Alex, wielding his formidable flame arts, stood at the forefront of the defense, fending off the relentless assault.

"Phew...! That was rough"

Alex exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

The intensity of the encounter had pushed him to unleash most of his abilities. As the vanguard of the group, he bore the responsibility of clearing the way, confronting the horde of monsters blocking their progress.

As the group paused to catch their breath, Alex's attention shifted towards Aria, who was visibly exhausted in a corner.

Aria had been the primary force behind the barrage of long-range wind spells that effectively kept the monsters at bay.

However, the continuous use of her powerful spells took a toll on her relatively modest mana pool.

The only reason she could sustain such an output was due to the aid of "the staff of Estelle," a powerful magical artifact.

Concern etched on his face; Alex contemplated comforting Aria.

However, before he could act, Elena, always vigilant and caring, was already by Aria's side.

The saintess diligently provided healing whenever possible, her gestures filled with a sense of familiarity and genuine concern.

'When did they get so close?'

Observing the interaction between Elena and Aria, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship.

There was an unspoken bond, a connection that transcended mere companionship.

The two appeared like close sisters, their interactions blending a unique mix of affection and playful banter.

"Sorry, everyone, but we've got no time to waste; we should head back up now," said the princess urgently. With a determined expression, she swiftly began casting protective spells around the group, ensuring their safety in the perilous situation they found themselves in.

"Miss Aria, refrain from using spells for now. Your mana is close to exhaustion," the princess advised. "I'll handle your role for the time being. Miss Bella, please prepare quick spells. We don't know if some monsters have already climbed these stairs or not. And Mr. Alex, please—"

"I know, haah..." Alex cut her off, not even letting the princess finish her sentence. Without hesitation, he dashed right in front of them, his fiery aura surrounding him like a shooting star ascending towards the stairs.

Observing the impulsive man's actions, the princess could only sigh.

Despite not listening to everything she intended to say, she found Alex's behavior refreshing. In a world where most would fear offending royalty, his impetuosity was like a breath of fresh air.

"Let's go"

....

As they reached the 5th floor.

The princess's eyes widened in astonishment as Alex's aura expanded to its full extent, forming a protective dome around a certain handsome man.

The fiery energy emanating from Alex signaled a shift in his demeanor, indicating that he was no longer taking the situation lightly.

Drawing closer, the princess overheard the name of the fallen man, when the saintess quickly reacted and started healing the man.

As the saintess worked her magic, the princess inwardly nodded in approval, her gaze shifting to the smiling Tristan despite the severity of his injuries.

The harmonious synergy between Tristan's divine power and the saintess's abilities was a mesmerizing sight.

A curious thought crossed the princess's mind.

'Is there a deeper connection between the two?'

However, such questions would have to wait for a more opportune time, as a looming threat diverted her attention.

A colossal red giant stood menacingly before them, its grotesque smile, fuming red eyes, and four muscular arms striking fear into the hearts of everyone present.

The princess felt a chill run down her spine looking at the gigantic orc like troll in front of them smiling in the distance.

Christine gulped, her determination solidifying as she understood the gravity of the situation. She knew that taking things lightly would only lead to a catastrophic event.

With a resolute expression, she tightened her grip on her wand sword, a weapon that had been passed down through generations in her family.

Slashing her palms as her life force dripped onto the ground.

The crimson liquid shimmered with magical energy as it melded with the earth beneath her.

The surroundings seemed to respond to her plea, as if the very elements were attuned to her call

In a distant rocky mountain, a man's eyes widened, his green eyes dilating as if responding to an unseen force.

His pupils transformed into a sharp, reptilian glare, a manifestation of a power dormant within him. The forest surrounding him trembled as an unnatural energy surged through the air.

Green lightning roared in the skies, and the very mountains quivered as their icy peaks began to melt. As the earth shook beneath him, two gigantic wings unfurled, casting a colossal shadow that filled the skies.

A roar, one that hadn't been heard in centuries, echoed across the land.

'I need your help, Grandpa...'