Back at the dungeon, Serestia was consumed by the newly awakened spatial energy and the space around her started misbehaving due to her lack of control.
Space is getting torn randomly around her, revealing a pitch-black world on the other side and then disappearing swiftly.
As soon as the experts saw it, everyone mumbled at the same time, "Spatial Tears." Their expressions weren't good at the moment.
Spatial tears are different from portals. In theory, Portals operates on the principles of advanced quantum entanglement and multi-dimensional geometry. They harness the extraordinary properties of quantum physics to create a network of interconnected gateways, allowing for instantaneous travel across vast distances.
On the other hand, a spatial tear is a mysterious and unpredictable rupture in the fabric of spacetime. It is something beyond the understanding of humans of the present.
According to the ancients, it is described as something like a curse from the deities.
However, what they know is that if one gets caught in a spatial tear, then, it is an end as there is no one yet to return home.
So far, it has been observed that spatial tears are temporary as the world's healing power will remove them in a jiffy.
The reason why spatial tears are known to mankind is because of their occurrence during the creation of long-distance teleportation cards by a 1 in 100 chance.
Everyone was worried about the potential casualties by Serestia's lack of control and even Azzy was the same.
He didn't waste a second and flew to the site where Serestia was seen struggling with the chains that captured her tightly. Navi was still under spatial paralysis and Raydon was unconscious on the ground.
"Missy, come to your senses, or else, I will be forced to destroy your soul orb," warned Archie in a determined tone.
"Raarrrr..." As a beastly roar escaped from Serestia while destroying a few energy chains and creating spatial tears around Archie, the latter jumped away from them and motioned his arm, "It is indeed a pity to destroy one's potential but you are one of the gifted individuals who are selected by the universe.
Destroying your soul realm right now probably won't have a high impact on your future anyway."
"Soul skill: Descend of the Styx."
Using the remaining amount of soul energy left in his soul orb, Archie unleashed his most powerful skill. The flames generated by this skill can penetrate through the target's body and directly attack the soul orb/ spirit core.
As long as the target has nothing to defend against this attack, it will surely destroy the soul orb. However, he also has to be careful with it as it could potentially damage the soul as well. That is why it was named after the River Styx.
An orb of flames, in the size of a fist, formed in front of his palm.
Just as he was about to release it, his view was blocked by the appearance of Azzy. The latter landed right in front of Serestia and raised his hand, "Stop it, student Archie."
"Ah, you are reading that book huh," Laura nodded in realization and then said, "Actually, we came here to say..."
Before she finished her sentence, Serestia interrupted her, "No need to thank me. I'm not the one who saved both of you. It was..."
This time, it was her turn to get interrupted by Bill, "Serestia, we heard it from the staff. It's not about that. We came here to reveal something you deserve to know. After almost facing death, I realized that I should be completely honest with you and myself."
"Hmm? Honesty? A secret? What are you saying?" Serestia couldn't understand what he was talking about.
Bill and Laura took a glance at each other and took a deep breath before they said at the same time, "We are in love with each other."
*tap*
Closing the book in force, she stared at both of them in silence for atleast ten seconds. Her facial expression was quite serious.
"Serestia, it is not her fault. It is..." Bill was trying to say something but Laura caught his hand firmly. He became silent.
After another few seconds of silence, she finally spoke in a calm tone, "Fine. I don't need any other explanation. However, my mother owes your family and our marriage is the one that fulfills that debt. Admit it to your family and cancel our engagement from your side. I won't report to my mom that you cheated on me.
Now, if you excuse me, I need both of you to leave me alone for a while." She then closed her eyes.
"Thank you for your understanding. Sorry once again. I..." Bill apologized again and again but couldn't hide his happiness as he left the tent.
After a few seconds, Serestia shyly opened one of her eyes. "They were gone."
In an instant, her expression brightened. With a big smile on her face, she started jumping with joy like a little girl, "Is this my lucky day or what... All of that bitter feeling of failing the exams disappeared in an instant. I'm now free to date anyone that I li.... aaa..."
Too much excitement caused her left leg to twist a bit and she lost her balance, falling on top of Raydon.
"Ugh..." As a painful groan escaped his face, she turned her head to look at Raydon's face, which was as close as a few centimeters.
His eyes were still closed but Serestia went into a daze for a couple of seconds and mumbled, "Now that I look at him closely, Raydon indeed has a handsome face. I wonder whether that white hair is natural like Vice Principal Aaron or dyed it..."
"It's natural," a small whisper escaped Raydon's mouth, taking her by surprise.
She immediately got up in embarrassment as Raydon slowly opened his eyes with a smile. He teasingly spoke, "I know that I'm handsome but don't fall for me okay? Raydon's fandom club already has too many members."
"Hmpf, dream on..." Serestia let out a snort and looked away with a reddened face.