Cursed Humans

Ashe's eyes squinted a little after hearing what Kallel said. It was clear that she was affected by the term he used. However, this only caused her attack to be even more ferocious. The Blue Runes she was gathering in her hands had tinges of violet in them, giving them an even more mysterious feel. At the same time, the sphere that was enveloping Ymmoya was showing signs of destruction.

"What is happening?" Lea asked Z.

"She is breaking through the illusion. I am not that powerful." Lea immediately became alert and moved away from the sphere. "Do not worry, Lady Ashe is on it," Z assured.

Ashe stayed true to what Z said and cast the spell.

|Law Disturbance|

The field that Kallel created to prevent the mass illusion of Umbra became unsteady and as the Tainted Runes flowed across the field, the less the effect of Kallel's skill became.

"You! How disgusting!" Kallel shouted in scorn after seeing the Tainted Runes flow across the field. Even Yndrei had a wary look on his face, unsure of how to feel after seeing Ashe's true nature.

Ashe's eyes wavered once more after hearing Kallel's comment. It shook even further after she saw how wary Yndrei became. Seeing this, Z could not help but sigh.

"You wretched anti-illusionist, that is no way to speak to a lady," Z said before calling Umbra back, releasing Ymmoya. "Umbra!"

|Nightmare En Masse|

Umbra flew way up and covered the entire battlefield with her shadow, creating deep fear in the hearts of the enemies. Kallel tried his best to make counter it, but the Tainted Runes were preventing him from spreading his authority. The only bright side for them was that the Tainted Runes were also limiting the efficacy of Z's illusion. However, this just prevented them from being completely annihilated.

The tide of the battle shifted in the Violet Class' favor for the first time. The army released by Lea and the effect of Henry's authority under the illusions proved too much for the enemy to handle despite Ymmoya being released.

"Damn it! I thought they were just students?" Ymmoya complained to Kallel.

"They are! Focus on that bastard casting the illusion," he responded. "Stop holding back your Authority as well. We will pay you handsomely."

Ymmoya's face lit up after hearing what Kallel said. Arcane immediately flooded her as she triggered the full might of her Major Authority. Her eyes glowed bright, allowing her to see through the illusion Z used which immediately triggered the bells on the heads of the students.

"Lady Ashe, can you disrupt her Authority?" Z asked after going beside Ashe.

Ashe hesitated a little before saying, "I can, but any more than this would affect everyone around as well."

'Aside from their history, this is the reason why cursed humans are not well-received. When they fight, everyone gets affected, even their teammates. Also, prolonged exposure to their abilities will lead to corruption of someone's Authority, which causes people to distance themselves from cursed humans. I hope she is okay,' Lea thought after seeing the look Ashe made.

"Do not worry about it," Z assured.

"But," Ashe still hesitated as she knew just how dangerous her powers are, but she was shocked when she saw Z cover her with his Arcane. "This is dangerous. You can get cursed," she said in worry.

"Do not worry. Is that not right, everyone?" Z asked the group. Lea brightly smiled alongside Henry while Gale was just innocently looking at them without any worry. "We are special in our own right, we can handle this. Plus, the academy will surely give us the best medicine," Z said with a teasing smile.

"Why do you have to ruin it?" Lea asked.

"Thank you, everyone," Ashe said with meaningful eyes.

|Cursed World|

"You are insane!" Kallel exclaimed after seeing what Ashe did. Runes of different colors flooded the entire battlefield, disrupting every existing Authority, from Lea's control over the Stelle Beasts to Ymmoya's power up. This created an utterly chaotic battlefield where Lea's Stelle Beasts were attacking indiscriminately. Thankfully, Dexter was more like Umbra where they have a bond with their masters more than just through Authorities.

"This is dangerous. Hey, I might get infected by this," Ymmoya complained to Kallel.

"The hell do you want me to do? Tsk! This is why I hate cursed humans," Kallel said with sheer scorn.

Ashe's eyes wavered once more as she was eaten inside by Kallel's comment. There was a reason why she was wearing an outfit covering her entire body. She was raised under the belief that she is dirty, so she covered herself up so as to not pollute anyone.

'I thought I had come to terms with this, but I guess not,' Ashe lamented.

Seeing this, Z ruffled her head which shocked Lea, Henry, and especially Ashe.

"You," Ashe said in utter disbelief. She did not know what to feel after seeing black and white strands crawl up Z's arm, almost reaching his shoulder.

"You are not disgusting," Z said with an assuring smile. For a second there, Ashe felt a warmth that she would never forget. "Stop being a crybaby."

Ashe's moment was interrupted by what Z said, causing her to smile widely and say, "You are right. I should stop, thanks."

"Your arm," Lea said after getting close to them.

"Do not worry about it," Z said before gathering Arcane in his other hand. It was different from the Arcane around as it was incomparably pure. It completely removed the curse from his other hand just by merely touching it which made Ashe smile in relief.

"Tsk! To think I was worried," Lea said while intently looking at Z. "I was getting amazed by how noble you are to curse yourself for Lady Ashe, but you had the answer all along."

"I am not that kind," Z said with a smile.

The three had a short laugh before they heard Henry say, "The fight is still ongoing," while repelling three enemies at once.

"Come on, Ashe. Show them your might," Z said which sparked something with Ashe.