Disciples?

The short-haired girl held her sword with a firm grip. Her eyes beamed with alertness, and her cheek was red with blood.

The pendant of her choker shone under the light; it was very noticeable. She looked at us with a straight face.

"Mateo is no more. I was the one who opened the gate for you," the tomboy said.

Iris gritted her teeth, "What did you do to him and the others?!"

My hands were trembling at the sight of lifeless human bodies scattered everywhere on the floor.

There was blood wherever the eyes gazed—on the floor, the walls, and the ceiling.

"I didn't do anything to them," the girl said resolutely.

"You are a liar... What happened to them? Are you not ashamed of yourself for what you did?" Iris's voice was full of rage. She looked at the tomboy with an expression of pure disgust.

The tomboy walked to us. Iris held her glass staff and tapped the floor with it. Suddenly, a shield came into view, blocking the three of us from the tomboy girl.

The girl stopped walking and sighed. She threw her sword to the floor and raised her hands.

"It wasn't me. I didn't kill them, I promise."

The girl looked at us, begging us to believe in her words. However, Iris was still enraged by the scenery.

"How can I believe someone like you? Who are you? Why are you here?"

It was such a tense situation to be in. I was afraid the short-haired girl might knock me out. She seemed strong, especially after tossing away her sword.

"I am Ray. I was the disciple of the temple's guardian, Simon. For some reason, I was away from the temple." She paused before continuing.

She sighed, and her face looked tired, "By the time I got here, everything was too late. But, I killed one of the shadow people before they left."

That would explain the blood on her sword. But, Iris didn't seem convinced by her words.

"Yes, I'm saying that the shadow people were the ones who slaughtered the people here. I don't have any proof, but please believe in me."

Then, the magical shield that was separating us from the tomboy girl vanished.

"Right, it doesn't make sense if you were the killer. The people here are the strongest mages; it's not possible to kill them..."

Ray picked up her sword and put it back in its place. Then, she walked past us, heading to the door.

"Where are you going?" Iris inquired.

Ray looked at Iris with a straight face. I couldn't even guess what Ray was thinking. She was so expressionless all the time.

"My master is dead, and so are the people I swore to protect. I have no reason to be here anymore."

"Then where are you going?" Arlo asked the tomboy girl.

"I'm heading to another temple."

Before Iris could say something, Ray continued talking.

"I will revenge all of them. I intend to eliminate all shadow people and eradicate their existence. That's why I plan to undergo training in a different temple."

Iris looked at us and nodded, "Is that so? If that's the case, you should come along with us."

"Why should I? I don't want to."

"We have a similar goal; don't you think it's better to team up? You can't do anything by yourself. You couldn't even prevent this from happening," Iris pointed at the dead bodies.

Ray flinched at the mention of her inability; she looked to the ground and caressed her hair.

Ray sighed, "Right, you're right... I'm weak,"

"I can help you improve your skills without going to another temple. You can be my disciple; I'm qualified," Iris said confidently.

"I know you. Master Simon used to talk about you. He always said that there was a strong mage who refused to join the temple because she wanted to protect a certain library somewhere."

"How do you recognize me?" asked Iris.

Ray shrugged, "Your glass staff. There's only one glass staff, and you're the one who possesses it. I know that much."

Iris laughed softly, and she smiled a little. "As expected from Simon's disciple. So, what do you say?"

Ray eyed Arlo and me, "Your other disciples are very weak. Are you sure you're qualified?"

I looked to the ground, feeling ashamed of myself. I was weak and couldn't do anything without anyone's help.

"Ah, these 2 people? I've just picked them up today. They have good potential; I'm ashamed that Simon's disciple can't detect the enormous mana radiating from both of them."

Iris smiled politely even though she had just attacked Ray with sarcasm. Ray didn't seem offended; she just nodded at Ray's world and said, "Is that so?"

"Mhm, try to feel their presence. You'll know what I was talking about."

I felt a little bit shocked. Was what Iris said about me radiating enormous mana true? Or was she just saying it for the sake of persuading Ray?

I wanted to think that it was true. Because that way, I could think that I have a chance to be stronger.

I walked closer to Iris. I have decided to ask her about it.

"Is that true? Can I be strong?"

I could see my fingers fidgeting the hem of my dress out of nervousness.

"If it wasn't true, I wouldn't have brought you along. Use your brain, sweetie."

Iris gently placed her hand on my head before resuming her conversation with Ray.

"Ray, what do you say about being my disciple?"

A voice was heard from behind, "Hey, we've never agreed to be your disciple!"