16 The Storm

Persephone was only just minding her own business in the academy's cafeteria when a sudden commotion started. While Kathina seemed somewhat surprised, Maximillian carried on with his lunch. Before Persephone can even ask Maximillian about his nonchalant attitude he spoke up.

"More likely than not another duel has been declared. You didn't notice it before because for the first few days you entered a trance state where you literally just ignored everything around you. The other days were mainly because you were so focused on your own troubles that you forgot that other people exist too."

Persephone was rendered speechless by Maximillian's explanation, she turned to Kathina to find that the latter confirmed that what he said was true. Maximillian only sighed lightly as if he was already used to this nonsense before continuing with his lunch. Before Persephone could do the same a professor suddenly burst into the cafeteria, shouting.

"All students are to proceed to the second courtyard and prepare for departure! We are currently facing an emergency situation! All students are to proceed to the second courtyard immediately!"

At this sudden announcement Maximillian's expression changed. His previous nonchalant attitude was immediately wiped away and replaced with a serious tone.

"Now this may actually be a problem."

Before Maximillian could even continue speaking the entire cafeteria was consumed with chaotic confusion.

"The hell's going on?"

"We're safe right?"

"Aren't there warhounds posted around the academy? What could possibly go wrong?"

As the shouts continued to fill the room, another student, Atticus entered the cafeteria shouting.

"CHAOS BEASTS! CHAOS BEASTS ARE ATTACKING! There's dozens of them already inside the academy grounds and dozens more behind the gates!"

The room was swallowed completely with silence. All eyes rested on the newcomer who just announced the terrible news. Only one sentence came out of Maximillians mouth.

"Oh shit..."

...

Bad.

That was the only word that Hans could think of at this moment that could describe this moment.

That it was bad.

It was very, very bad.

The Chaos beasts have flooded the courtyard and broke down the gates with their raw strength in a matter of minutes. His sword and armour was already stained with the black blood of chaos beasts.

"Where the hell are our reinforcements! Are you sure you that you activated the distress call in your emblem?"

"Of course I did! What do you think that help will come immediately? Be realistic for once!"

To Hans' desperate question, Sylvie replied immediately. Her bloody battered appearance didn't look any better than Hans'. Skylos was already dead, Han's was only able to watch in horror as a pack of Chaos beasts decsended upon Skylos and tore his body apart. The situation turned grim with every passing moment and they already suffered heavy casualties even with the assistance of the reserve warhounds and some professors.

Faced with insurmountable odds Han's could only fight on to the bitter end. The beasts surrounded him and his comrades on all sides, their bodies resembled animals except it was as if some cruel God has twisted their appearance into disgusting abominations. Some beasts had some of their bones sticking out while others had teeth so huge and sharp they can't even close their mouths properly, the only thing each beast had in common was their eyes which radiated a thirst for absolute bloodlust and carnage. While they were physically powerful they relied on nothing more than instinct which was what allowed Hans' and the surviving defenders to stay alive for so long.

Only by coordinating and manoeuvring in conjunction with one another was what allowed them to keep their current position. In contrast the chaos beasts had no need for strategic thinking for every beasts slain another would immediately take its place. Against the literal flood of monsters they could only barely hold their defensive position

[This is very bad] was the only thoughts that Hans could think of at that moment.

...

Amidst the chaotic crowds within the academy a single warhound woman was casually strolling through the halls. The rest of her 'comrades' were at the front and back gates trying to hold against swarms of chaos beasts that are trying to get into the academy but that was none of the woman's concerns. The only thing she was concerned about was finding the rumoured red-haired hatred magic caster within the academy. She wouldn't have disguised as a warhound and set the chaos beasts onto the academy if finding that magic caster didn't mean at least this much to her. All she knew is that she had to get to the magic caster and convince her to join the woman's side and save her from the same fate that the woman suffered.

After a while the halls soon became empty and there was no one to be found, perhaps the chaos beasts already pushed the back? That didn't matter, the chaos beasts won't disturb her anyway. It's a bit of an old legend that Chaos Beasts naturally target those with who give off the stench of fear, it was quite a helpful coincidence that this so-called legend was true. Normally she would have relished the looks of the fearful faces of the people she hated so much but her mission was so important that she ignored them. However, that did not mean that she wasn't happy. Her plan was coming all together after all. As long as there were no interruptions everything she's allowed to continue smiling brightly.

"Hey you! Hold it right there!"

Immediately regretting her naive thoughts, the woman cursed in her heart as she turned to face the owner of the voice that just addressed her.

"You're Lucia Vindicta aren't you."

Lucia immediately froze upon hearing her own name. This girl... no this bitch how dare she address Lucia this way? This is absolutely unacceptable! How does this bitch even know what her name is? From what she knew, the ones in charge made sure to censor every piece of information about her in order to save face. How can this random student even be aware of her name?

The bitch pointed her sword at Lucia, announcing;

"My name is Justicar Dizzent, and I am here to punish you for your crimes against humanity!"

Upon hearing those words a smile grew on Lucia's face. Perhaps fate smiled upon her righteous mission as it brought her another treacherous member of the 'noble' Dizzent family.