From the scattered debris of the Academy's once-proud structure, the dust began to shift. Aliana’s pale blue hair was covered with blood. She pushed herself up from the sand and rubble but was in a daze. Her body was bruised and her bones felt cracked. She winced while placing her hands against the ground.

  Beside her, Gaiza stirred. Though her body was battered and her uniform torn, she quickly crawled over to Aliana and helped her to sit up.

  “Aliana... can you hear me?” Gaiza’s spoke strained.

  Aliana’s gaze slowly focused on Gaiza. "Gaiza…What happened?”

  Gaiza’s eyes shifted nervously. "The Headmaster… she used… I don’t know exactly what, but it was more than even Extreme Magic. It… lifted everything into the air. It was like a storm of energy. Nothing was left untouched." She looked around at the destruction. "I think the crash brought us down… hard."

  Aliana’s eyes flickered toward the remains of the Academy. Her hand reached instinctively to her side, feeling the bruises and wounds.

  All of a sudden, the air in the ruins of the Academy felt thick with an impending storm and the soft haunting hum of a purplish glow. Gaiza’s knees nearly buckled as a the foot emerged from the shadows.

  Her mouth went dry, and she instinctively took a step back.

  Aliana’s mind was already working overtime. Her sharp gaze never left the foot. She could feel it now—the power radiating from the figure that cut through the air like a razor. It made the Headmaster’s power look like a child's play. She’d suspected something, but this?

  Her thoughts raced back to that moment in the office. The Headmaster’s growing strength, the strange silence, the missing mages and the odd links between all these pieces that never quite fit together. Now, in the rubble of the Academy, it made sense.

  ‘So this was what the Headmaster didn’t want us to find,’ Aliana thought nervously.

  Gaiza swallowed hard. “Aliana... Who—what is this? I don’t recognize this power...”

  Aliana had never felt anything like this before, not even when she was at her peak, not even when she challenged the Elite Mages. This power was... unnatural.

  Aliana spoke with her teeth gritted. “All this time... the Headmaster wasn’t the only one we had to worry about…”

  At the same time, Roselle and Risebelle stood with cannons locked and ready on the Mana Extractor, ready to end the Headmaster’s reign. The final shot seemed inevitable.

  But then... The energy in the air twisted. Roselle felt it first, like a pull deep in her core which was enough to freeze her breath in her throat. She glanced at Risebelle, whose eyes had already narrowed. The energy wasn’t just a blip—this was something monstrous.

  Risebelle’s spoke steady but urgent. "You feel that, don’t you?"

  Roselle nodded.

  Kintovar’s face hardened instantly as a warning ping echoed through her mind:

  [ALERT]

  New Threat Detected

  Threat Level: God-tier

  Recommended action: Avoid engagement

  The data sent a chill through Kintovar's body.

  Haras’ hand jerked to the side as her scanning device went off with an alarming shriek. Her fingers danced over the. The device blinked red, showing flashing alerts that her mind:

  [ALERT]

  New Threat Detected

  Threat Level: God-tier

  Recommended action: Avoid engagement

  Haras froze, staring at the screen. "Whaaat?! There's someone stronger than the Headmaster here?" She blinked rapidly. "Impossible. The Headmaster was…. What is this?"

  The headmaster, despite her weakened state, began to laugh maniacally. Her laughter echoed eerily through the beach’s air.

  Then, the source of that power stepped fully into view.

  A tall figure, bathed in an eerie purple aura. His long purple hair cascaded around his shoulders in waves. His sharp eyes—also purple glowed with an intensity that made even the debris around him tremble. He wore dark, almost obsidian robes with symbols that shifted and change.

  A glowing sigil pulsed faintly on his chest. His every step sent waves of energy coursing through the sand and ruins, leaving small cracks in the earth while moving.

  His face was calm. As soon as he arrived, the Headmaster spoke, "Allow me to introduce Mystimona, one of our academy's most powerful students. He hasn't really been allowed to play outside in long time."

  "That... power..." Haras whispered. “It’s beyond anything we've ever seen. Are we even supposed to fight him?"

  But before anyone could act, the sound of footfalls echoed from the distant rubble, and Aliana and Gaiza, battered and bloodied emerged on the scene. Gaiza’s eyes were wide. She clung to Aliana for support, but Aliana’s gaze was focused.

  "This... can't be," Aliana murmured under her breath. “What kind of magic is this?"

  Mystimona cleared his throat and spoke.

  "Allow me to properly introduce myself," he began. "I am Mystimona. I am NOT a student of the magical academy. And it’s a pity you continue to mislabel me so.”

  "You always were good at making an entrance, Mystimona, but this is no time for your little rebellious phase," the Headmaster said with a touch of admiration.

  Mystimona’s gaze shifted briefly to the Headmaster with disdain. “Headmaster. I am not, and will never be, a part of your Academy."

  "You always have to ruin everything, don’t you?" The Headmaster’s words were sharp. “This was my vision, Mystimona. You were supposed to help me—help us achieve greatness. But instead, you chose to rebel and I had to lock you up. I give you one last chance and this is how you choose to repay my kindness?”

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  Mystimona’s lips curled into a slow, disdainful smile. "If you wanted to show kindness, Headmaster," Mystimona spoke with a deep voice, "you would have let me go to the city. But instead, you locked me up here... like some kind of experiment."

  The Headmaster’s eyes narrowed. "I did what I had to, Mystimona. You were far too dangerous. I needed you here, under my control to realize my vision."

  Mystimona’s gaze flickered with a hint of disappointment. "Your vision, huh? And look where it’s gotten you. Groveling on the floor for a savior."

  The Headmaster’s mouth tightened into a thin line, but she didn’t respond. Mystimona turned his attention away from her and scanned the wreckage. His violet eyes scanned each figure one by one, until they landed on the small group of people standing nearby.

  Roselle, Risebelle, Kintovar, Haras. All of them were seemingly as insignificant as the debris scattered around them. Mystimona's brow furrowed in confusion.

  "These are the people you fought? I don’t sense any magic from them," he muttered. "None at all."

  The Headmaster’s lips curled into a thin smile. "You see, Mystimona, they are not like us. They are not mages, nor are they anything close to what you would consider 'powerful.'"

  Mystimona’s head tilted slightly. "Explain," he demanded.

  The Headmaster gestured toward Kintovar and Haras. "These are scientists. And they," she emphasized with a glance at Roselle, "are creations. Artificial beings, created for a purpose. Their magic doesn’t come from the same source as ours. They are... anomalies."

  Mystimona’s eyes shifted toward Kintovar.

  “Creations,” Mystimona repeated slowly. “How fascinating.”

  Kintovar remained still. Despite his immense power, she didn’t flinch. Haras, standing beside her was pale and visibly trembling.

  Mystimona’s lips parted into a slow, sardonic smile. His violet gaze was cold. “Before we start having fun, there’s one thing I need to know.” He stepped forward. “I have a habit, you see, of getting to the root of things—of drawing out the reasons behind the fight. Call it... a personal touch. Some do it with words, others with fists. But either way, I always get the answers."

  He looked down at Kintovar, then Haras, before his eyes finally settled on Roselle and Risebelle. His smile widened. “So, here’s your chance. Tell me, why are you fighting against the Academy? What’s your reason?”

  "Allow me to introduce myself," Kintovar began on a high note. "I am Dr. Kintovar, a scientist who created these beings you see before you. Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle are my creations, and they are here to fulfill a mission."

  Mystimona's eyes narrowed with intrigue upon hearing the name "Roselle." He thought to himself. ‘Roselle… how familiar...’

  Haras’ hands trembled slightly, but she stepped forward. She could feel the heat of Mystimona’s stare, but there was something in the way Kintovar stood, unwavering that gave Haras the courage to speak. “I am Dr. Haras. The other half of the equation. Kintovar and I— we created these beings and gave them purpose. Roselle, Risebelle, Runebelle—they’re not just tools. They're... they're the future.”

  Her eyes flickered toward Kintovar for a moment, then she took a step closer to the imposing figure of Mystimona.

  “Things weren’t always like this,” Haras continued a little firmer now. “At first, scientists worked alongside the Academy. We built, we created, we researched together. We were a part of their... vision. But then—" Haras swallowed hard. "After the incident with out of control robots, everything changed."

  Kintovar’s lips pressed into a thin line. She remembered the day—the day they realized the Academy’s true nature.

  Haras continued with strength. “The Headmaster decided that scientists were too... dangerous. We were enslaved, and the Headmaster eventually ordered the execution of every single one of us.” She clenched her jaw. The words were sour in her mouth. “We were supposed to die. All of us.”

  A grim silence hung over the group. Mystimona’s violet eyes narrowed while absorbing the revelation

  "You’re an interesting pair," Mystimona said. He looked between Kintovar and Haras. "You were fighting for survival... I can respect that."

  Mystimona’s gaze shifted onto Roselle with an intensity that felt like a cold wind sweeping. His violet eyes scanned her small body and took in every minute detail. He spoke with a tone like a velvet snare. “And you, little one… I’m curious—what is it that drives you to fight? What’s your reason?”

  The way he said her name, with that hint of interest, made Roselle’s heart thud loudly in her chest. Her eyes flickered briefly to Risebelle, who was standing behind her before back to Mystimona.

  She spoke softly. “I fight because I have to. Not because I want to make the world a better place... I don’t know if I even can do that somehow but... the people around me, they’re my family. They’re all I have.”

  She glanced at Kintovar, the woman who had created her. And then at Haras, the scientist who she may have just met but has seen glimpses of what she is like.

  Roselle continued with her eyes meeting Mystimona’s. “I fight because they’re my family. And they... they gave me a chance to exist. I am going to protect the things I hold dear with everything iv’e got.”

  Mystimona’s gaze softened for a fraction of a second before it hardened again. He nodded slowly.

  “A family…” he murmured. “A strange, fragile thing to fight for. But I think I understand.”

  Mystimona’s gaze went onto Risebelle. “And you…”

  Risebelle met Mystimona's gaze with a burning intensity in her eyes. "I am the older sister of Roselle. I hate humans," Risebelle declared without any hesitation. "I hate them for all the suffering they've caused to me and the world. I am sick of the human race and what they stand for. That's why I've eliminated so many mages, to rid the world of this garbage that’s infected it. "

  Riebelle continued speaking, but softer. “But... after some time, after everything we’ve been through...” She glanced at Roselle. “I’ve realized something. Not all humans are the monsters I’ve made them out to be."

  Her eyes shifted back to Mystimona. "But the Academy? It’s rotten to the core. The old hag lying on the floor—that’s a prime example of what it isothere’s no redemption for that.”

  Mystimona, for all the fury that had been laid bare before him let out a rich laugh. “That’s pretty strong," he said smoothly. “I like that. It’s raw. Honest.” He took a leisurely step toward her and leaned in slightly. "I respect that you’ve come to terms with the fact that not everyone is an enemy. That takes something.” His voice dropped lower. "But you’re still fighting to destroy, aren’t you?"

  Risebelle didn’t flinch. "Some things just need to burn."

  Mystimona nodded slowly. "Sometimes, destruction is the only solution. But be careful... there’s always a price for that kind of resolve. I’ll give you one thing, you’re not afraid to admit what drives you. That makes you interesting."

  With an irritated scowl, the Headmaster barked, "Enough of this foolish behavior! Mystimona, we don't have time for idle chatter. Deal with them and be done with it!"

  Mystimona turned to the headmaster with a cold glare. His purple eyes locked onto hers, with intensity. The headmaster fell silent and shrunk, but at that very moment, a shout rang out,

  "Headmaster!"

  Elena staggered into the area. Her body was battered and had deep cuts and bruises. She collapsed to her knees upon arrival.

  The Headmaster’s eyes widened. “E-Elena!”

  "I... I just realized something," Elena panted. She reached out and dragged herself closer to the Headmaster. "If I link you with Mystimona’s energy... if I can connect your mind with his power, we can control him. You wouldn’t need the Mana Extractor anymore. We could bend him to our will."

  The Headmaster's face darkened with skepticism. "You're not strong enough to handle him, Elena." She almost dismissed the idea before a shadow of realization crossed her features. Her lips pressed into a tight line. “Wait...”

  The Headmaster’s breath caught in her throat. A slow, wicked smile crept across her face.But before she could act, Aliana drew her sword from its sheath. The blade held a cold, silvery light. “Not happening,” she spat in a tone as sharp as frost.

  Gaiza, standing just a few paces behind her stepped out to face Elena. Elena’s eyes locked onto Gaiza’s. Gaiza’s spoke Elena’s name with a bitter strain, "Elena..."

  Elena said her name with equal coldness: “Gaiza.”

  For a moment, neither side moved. Each of them stared across a chasm of unspoken tension.