Chapter 197 - 197: More people to protect!

Words : 1270 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

The team finally arrived at Lunaria Academy, the wind bird descending gracefully onto the academy grounds. As they dismounted, battered, bruised, and carrying an air of heavy sorrow, two familiar figures awaited them. Captain Amir and Instructor Von stood outside, their gazes sharp with expectation. The moment Amir laid eyes on the returning group, he immediately knew. Their expressions—hollow, strained, grief-stricken—told him everything before a single word was spoken. "Captain!" Everyone saluted weakly, their voices barely holding strength. "Welcome back, proud magi—" Amir began, but his voice caught midway. His keen eyes swept over them, his heart skipping a beat. "Hold on. I sent out fifteen students, but I see only fourteen... Where is Kael?" A thick silence fell. Dante's shoulders trembled, and tears welled up before spilling down his cheeks. His throat tightened, words refusing to come out. Seeing Dante's reaction and the mournful faces of the others, Amir's heart sank. Reality struck him like a hammer. He exhaled heavily, his features contorting with silent regret as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the sobbing Dante. "Captain… I failed as a friend," Dante choked out, his voice raw with emotion as he clung to Amir. "You didn't fail," Amir said softly, gripping Dante firmly. "In our quest to protect the continent, death is an inevitable shadow we all face. I grieve with you... Kael was a brilliant student and, to me, like a son." A faint tremble crossed Amir's clenched fists. "Perhaps... I miscalculated," he muttered bitterly under his breath. Von, who had remained silent till now, stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "How… how did it happen? For Kael to die... you must have faced something far beyond your capabilities. How did the rest of you survive?" Every head turned toward Grey, who stood quietly among them, his expression unreadable. "I understand," Amir said, his voice low, stepping back from Dante. "Enough for now. Head to the clinic and get yourselves checked out. Rest. We'll take care of Kael's body." "Yes, sir!" the students replied, saluting once more, though the gesture was heavy with grief. Tears continued to slide down Dante's face as he trudged past Amir, his heart weighed down by guilt. The group moved towards the academy's clinic, the second years separating and heading to the upper floor reserved for more advanced students. The first years were ushered into a large room where healing mages swiftly tended to their wounds. The room was somber, each student's heart shackled by the memories of what had transpired. Silence reigned. Each lost in their own grim reflections. 'That could've been any one of us who died in that dungeon,' Scarlet thought, shivering as she recalled Grey being impaled by the monstrous ant beast. 'Our very first dungeon raid… and a second-year died,' Raze brooded, his fists clenching with silent fury. 'This is the reality of the path we chose,' Greg thought bitterly. 'There's no turning back.' 'I have to get stronger,' Vorden resolved, a dark fire igniting in his chest. 'No matter what, I won't fall.' The healing mages finished their work, giving gentle orders to rest and recover, when the door creaked open. Von stepped into the room, his presence hardly noticed until he spoke. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain you're all feeling after seeing one of your own fall in battle," Von said, his voice softer than usual. Only then did the students stir, lifting their gazes towards him. "But hear me clearly: in our duty to protect this continent and our kingdom, death is a bitter companion we must learn to endure. Do not let it break you." Grey's jaw tightened. His anger, sorrow, and confusion bubbling to the surface, he asked bluntly, "Why are you even here?" Von chuckled humorlessly, masking the ache in his own heart. "I'm still your instructor, you know?" he barked, before sighing heavily. "I checked with the senior healer. You're all cleared to return to your dorms." He paused, giving them a moment before continuing, "But before that, there's something you should know. The principal has heard of your achievement… and your loss. How you all completed your first dungeon raid successfully, and even lost one of your comrades. So he has decided to host a ceremony tomorrow." "Ceremony?" Vince scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Tch! We're in no mood to celebrate." "It's not a party, fools!" Von snapped, the usual sharpness returning to his voice. "It's a ceremony. We will honor the fallen, and yes, you will be rewarded for completing your first dungeon raid under such harsh conditions." Grey let out a long, weary sigh as he stood up. "The principal will be there?" he asked, his voice hollow. "Yes," Von confirmed with a firm nod. "Teleportation mages will come for you tomorrow morning. Be ready." "Fine," Grey muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked out of the room without looking back. Alone in the hallway, his footsteps echoed against the marble floor, each one heavier than the last. His mind was a turbulent storm of emotions. 'Why the hell is this bothering me so much?' Grey thought grimly. 'I barely knew Kael.' A quiet voice answered him inside his mind. "Because your heart keeps replacing Kael with someone else," Noir said gently. "You can't help but imagine one of your friends in his place." 'But... I don't even care about them that much, do I?' Grey thought stubbornly, his gaze fixed ahead. "No matter what you tell yourself, it doesn't change the truth," Noir replied. "You care more than you realize. Otherwise, why throw yourself in front of Scarlet to take that ant beast's strike?" 'I didn't think. My body just moved on its own,' Grey argued weakly. 'By the time I realized it, it was too late.' "You fool," Noir said, his voice laced with fond exasperation. "That's what caring looks like. Instinct. You couldn't stand to watch them die. Just like when you shielded Vince from his brother." Grey let out a slow, frustrated sigh, his boots dragging him toward a side staircase almost unconsciously. He climbed the steps in silence until a door appeared before him. Without hesitation, he pushed it open. The fresh night air greeted him. Stepping onto the academy's rooftop, Grey took a deep breath. Before him, the vast forest stretched out, endless and wild. A soft breeze rustled his hair, and for the first time since the mission, a fragile peace settled over him. He sat down heavily, letting the world fade away as memories of the dungeon flashed before his eyes. "I suppose you're right," he murmured into the cool night air. "I do care about them." His eyes, sharp yet weary, gazed out into the dark horizon. "I guess… I have more people to protect now—along with the Dawn family." --- {A/N} I hope you all are enjoying the book so far! If you are, please keep supporting with Power Stones, Golden Tickets, and Gifts to help the book grow! If you want a mass release, here are the goals: 500 Power Stones = 2 extra chapters (4 chapters total for the day) Searᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. 500 Golden Tickets = 2 extra chapters plus the normal release rate Magic Castle = 5 chapters! Spacecraft = 10 chapters! Golden Gachapon = 15 chapters! Let's keep pushing together!

Chapter 197 - 197: More people to protect!

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