CHAPTER 271: CHAPTER 270- SPLIT UP

[A few minutes ago]

"We need to split up," Adrian called out once Ariana finished off the ambushers.

Ariana frowned. "Don’t tell me you plan on going into the arena alone."

Adrian shook his head. "No—I’m sending you there alone, Ariana." His voice was firm. "I doubt the main force is inside, but there’s a high chance a core member is holding the students hostage. That’s why you need to go. You’re the headmistress. It’s your duty to protect them."

Elana had just relayed the words: I couldn’t find Brendon or Allen. And the students from the other academies... they’re gone too. That means they’re either dead—or taken.

Ariana clenched her jaw, but she didn’t argue. She already knew following Adrian would only sound irrational in this situation.

Adrian turned to Ruby. "Ruby, your people aren’t inside the perimeter, are they?"

She shook her head, frustration flashing across her face. "There were too many eyes on us, so I told them to stay hidden in the forest. Who could’ve guessed they’d throw up a barrier around the whole venue..." She bit her lip, anger lacing her tone.

"Then your role is even more important," Adrian said. He reached into his coat and pulled out a revolver. It looked almost identical to his own, only with a shorter barrel.

He pressed it into Ruby’s hand. "Six bullets. Each one does one thing—disrupts mana. You can use them to break a spell or weaken the barrier. But only for a few seconds, and only partially. Use them wisely."

Ruby’s grip tightened around the weapon. Her eyes burned with determination. "I’ll find that bastard."

Without wasting another second, she turned and disappeared into the distance, already knowing a few places where the barrier’s caster might be hiding.

Adrian turned toward his fiancée and offered his hand. She took it, and together the two leapt over the guard rail, landing right in front of the shimmering barrier that kept the administration staff out.

"Adrian?!" Sarah’s eyes widened when she spotted him so close. "What are you doing?!"

"Perfect timing," Adrian said with a nod. "Ariana needed some backup."

Ariana groaned. "Not her."

Unbothered, Adrian kissed Ariana on the cheek. "It’s about our students’ lives, love. You don’t get to be picky."

Sarah’s brow twitched. Seriously? They’re flirting at a time like this?

Adrian turned to the violet-haired woman. "Come here."

Sarah frowned, suspicious, but stepped closer anyway.

"Here," Ariana said, stretching out her hand. "We’re going inside."

Sarah reached for it, but froze the moment the words sank in. "Wait—what do you mea—"

THWACK!

Too late. Adrian fired a shot at the barrier. The bullet cracked against it, ripping open a brief gap just wide enough.

Before Sarah could react, Ariana grabbed her hand and yanked her through.

"Guh!" The violet-haired girl groaned as she stumbled, barely keeping herself from falling. "You’re a very rough woman," she complained.

Ariana didn’t answer. Her attention was fixed elsewhere.

Sarah soon heard it too—a thunderous crash echoing from the east.

"Let’s—" Sarah began, ready to suggest heading toward the sound, but Ariana cut her off.

"No. You should go that way." She pointed north.

Sarah frowned, confused, but followed her finger. Her eyes widened.

The trees in that direction were bent or snapped like twigs, the ground torn flat as if something massive had slithered straight through, crushing everything in its path.

"...I see." Sarah handed Ariana a flare. "Take this." And without another word, she dashed toward the north.

Ariana shook her head, slipping the flare into her pocket before sprinting west.

As she closed in, her eyes locked on a familiar figure—one of the boys from Aegis Academy. He was floating in the air, raw power swirling around him. The devastation in the area was clearly his doing, unleashed through independent magic.

’So... they’ve corrupted the students too.’

On the ground below, the two Runebound girls stood defenseless, their armaments missing. Elana was clutching an injury, while Aries looked on edge, unable to move.

Ariana’s gaze hardened. ’Let’s silence that chatterbox first.’

She lunged forward, her staff sweeping in a powerful arc. The mace at its end tore through the air with a shrill whistle before smashing into the boy’s skull, crushing it in an instant.

*CRACK*

Ariana landed before the two and heard Aries crying, "Headmistress!"

Ariana sighed, "Where are your armaments? Never thought I would be seeing you helplessly staring at your enemy like that." She sounded disappointed.

Elana lowered her head and bit her lip—ashamed of herself.

Meanwhile, Aries informed the Headmistress, "Our armaments suddenly melted as if someone cast a spell on them."

Ariana frowned—what was that supposed to mean.

Then, Elana informed her, "There was a second inspection at the entrance of the arena. That’s when, I think, they tampered with our armaments."

Ariana scowled, "Those damned creatures," Despite having the advantage of independent magic, they were unsure of their victory that’s why they rendered the students completely helpless.

After a brief pause, Ariana said, "Where are your supplies?"

Aries pointed towards the north.

They hurriedly headed towards the camp since Elana had received a few cuts and burn marks while dodging the chains of the Acolyte.

Aries helped tie a bandage around Elana’s wounded forearm, as the silver haired teenager asked, "What is the situation outside? Where is the Professor?"

Ariana informed them, "Sylvie is possibly abducted and Adrian had gone to find her. Ruby is after the barrier chanter. Once he is dealt with, we will leave this place and I will escort you two to safety."

Elana frowned, "Has he gone alone? The Acolytes might be baiting him. Headmistress, I think we should go after-"

"Listen, Elana. It isn’t just you who worries about him but have some faith in him. Adrian isn’t a child. He knows what he is doing."

Being scolded, she turned silent and just lowered her head.

Aries sensed the tension and soon suggested, "Shouldn’t we get going? The other students must be in danger."

Ariana nodded, "Yes, but before that," she pulled something from her belt before throwing it at the two.

"Ah...knuckles?" Aries tilted her head as she wore the steel knuckles in her fingers and noticed there were runes on them.

Elana was holding a small stick which had a thick band in the middle.

When she held it, the small stick turned into a javelin.

And there were runes on it too.

Ariana took her flail before telling them, "There is no time to explain. Follow me."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- We will explore the other worlds more in the next arc. Thanks for reading. Make sure you leave a comment.