Interlude: The Student (Part 7)

…

"What are the chances that Sensei is at the very center of this mess, Arde-senpai?"

"What do you think, brat?"

"…Guaranteed?"

"There is absolutely no chance he wouldn't be, so, yes."

Bells roared from every direction. Babel resounded with a chorus of brass. The rooftops were swarming with dozens of Adventurers. I worried for most of them. Did they know what they were heading toward? Sure, everyone heard the screaming and saw the massive tendrils and the great plume of dust which lurched into the sky, but did each person know what they were heading toward?

The last thing I'd heard roar that loudly had been the Asura. That monster had destroyed entire groups with a single opened maw. Its limbs tore apart stone and fortifications with ease. Pitch black tar had stolen weapons. It was only defeated by overwhelming amounts of magic. Even then, those who defeated it were almost claimed by its vengeance. It turned bodies of adventurers into puppets that retained their strength, durability, and speed.

Most that ran along the rooftops were armed with melee weapons. A few carried bows. Fewer still had staves. How many among them had Crozzo Magic Swords? Clothes that resisted magic? Weapons made of the Asura? Who even had their Endurance maxed out for their level? Those running with us weren't even of Rivira. Some could be Level 1s or 2s without much experience, unlike the groups of Level 3s and 4s which permeated the Safe Zone. Relying on them wasn't an option, the only ones who I could really depend on now were my own Familia.

As much as it hurt to say, I was also happy that I could finally say it.

"My, my, that's new." Belka was at the vanguard of the group, along with the rest of the Barbelas. The five of them were trained by Sensei while he'd been mad. They were scary to fight as they coordinated their assaults with one another. One, I was sure I could beat. Two would be a challenge. At three and beyond, I probably wouldn't get a word in. I was glad that Sensei dismissed them and sent them to my Familia. In his own way, he fought against his madness. "It seems, Liliruca-chan, that your wayward father right is where you expected him to be."

We stopped at the boundary of Old Orario. We looked upon the massive monster at the depths of the city's old heart. It was unlike any other monster I'd ever seen. It looked like a grotesque combination of a human and a plant. Like one of those flowers had tried to become a person, or the other way around. It was monstrous and immense beast that looked as though it could sweep through Orario and destroy everything in its path. There was no doubt in my mind that it was a Calamity.

"Neh, if Lili-chan's the daughter, what am I and Erisuis-chan?" Nelly gathered us since she was with the Hermes Familia. Just as the earth began to quake and shake, she arrived from the secret mission she had been on with Sensei. I was happy to see her, but we didn't have time to talk beyond getting basic information. Erisuis was already with her then. Laulos-senpai was the only one missing of our group. "Step-daughters? Nieces?"

"Not important right now. Focus." Lyon-nee-san headed our group. While I was sure that I should be leading, since most of our alliance was made up of my Familia, I knew better than to pick fights I wouldn't win. I'm sorry, Sensei, but you'll be facing Lyon-nee-sama's full might and anger when we find you. Ummm… ah, she's also more experienced than me in combat, so there's also that! I'm not leaving you to fight against her all alone, it's only due to circumstance! "Cranel-kun, Filvis-san, what are your current states?"

"I am ready for combat." Challia hadn't been present for our fight against Sensei, since she'd been doing something for Dionysus-sama, but she was here now. That was all that mattered. While I checked my state, the black-haired elf spoke. She had a Mage Gauntlet in one hand and a rapier in the other. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought she was trying to fight more like Sensei. Or, since she had the rapier first, was Sensei trying to fight like her? "I can engage within a moment and have plenty of Mind to spare."

"Haruhime-san's power is working." I gave my status as soon as Challia-san stopped talking. Haruhime's power, her ability to grant a Level Up, was incredible. Though Yama and I were the only ones she trusted to give it to at the moment, it was a great boost to our fighting ability. Two Level 5s was a great difference to a fighting force of mostly Level 4s and 5s. I made sure that Argonaut was ready to be charged. A few motes of light confirmed that I was close enough to a great threat that I could begin charging my skill. "And, I'm already starting to charge."

"Good. Everyone will be starting with Magic Swords first. Don't hold back, but save the last charges for Cranel-kun." Lyon gave me a nod. I took it as a sign to stay back and begin charging. With my Mind Potions, I could cast Argonaut seven times. Still, no matter what we did, Magic Swords always used themselves up completely when I used them with my Skill. We got around the issue by using ones that were about to break. A fully charged magic sword would do more damage, but scrounging another full blast from an almost broken blade was better than using up one after another with single shots. "Is everyone ready—"

Naturally, just as Lyon-nee-san was about to speak, the whole of the cavern filled with light and a storm of lightning surged towards the heavens.

…

No matter how much time passed, I doubted that I'd ever be able to comprehend how powerful my Sensei is. The Skills he had were double edged swords, as they could hurt him and his allies, but there was no denying that he was exceptionally blessed. Though I had seen many Mages fight and destroy entire groups of enemies, I doubted anyone could hope to match my Sensei in terms of power and ingenuity. As my grandfather always said, it's great to have power, but its better if you know how use it… and you're pretty much perfect if you had both!

My grandfather liked to say that a lot. Though, I still didn't get why he laughed so much when he said it. The saying was pretty great!

The very air was filled with power as Sensei's lightning was brought to bear. The massive cavern that the monster resided in became a sheer space filled with power. For a split second, everyone looked into a wall of light. Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, it surged upward in the sky as a single pillar. There were no stray explosions, or uncontrolled filaments of power; Sensei had a firm grip on his ability that was unmatched by any other mage. Even as the earth quaked, the air burned, and buildings collapsed, I knew better than to doubt my Sensei's approach to any opponent.

Not many had the same amount of trust. Most of those who didn't know Sensei ran away to seek cover. I was glad to find that none of my current group faltered at the sight of so much power.

Though, I must admit that I was plenty astonished when the Calamity began to rise from the cistern along with huge chunks of rubble. Like a prisoner held aloft by chains, the immense monstrosity was dragged into the air above Orario. The writhing monster, uttering roars and thrashing with its many limbs, was suspended in the sky by chains of light where it could not further damage the depths of the city… or anything else for that matter.

A figure landed by at my side.

"Bell-kun, I'm glad you're here."

Despite the situation, I felt heat rush to my face at Aiz's words. Despite appearing from battle, she seemed as graceful as ever. No. She actually seemed more graceful than usual. Was that even possible? How can that even happen? Eh, Aiz, I'm pretty sure it's not fair for you to look cooler than you usually are! The world has a limited amount of coolness, so you shouldn't use it all up for everyone's sake~.

A hand made contact with my head.

"Ah, Yama, why!?" My cry of pain went unheeded. The blow was a vicious one. Chills were going down my spine. Looking towards Yama, I could tell that she wasn't pleased with me. I know I should be paying attention during battle, but it's unnecessary to hit me so hard! "It hurts!"

"Stay focused, everyone." Lyon-nee-san, of course, was unperturbed as she took control of the situation and saved me from my partner's ire. Aiz turned to our group's defacto leader. Ah, so cool and composed! Ow! Stop that, Yama! "What is the situation, Wallenstein?"

Many others would've gone into a long winded explanation, but Aiz only pointed towards the monster suspended in the air as it was scorched by lightning.

"Hikigaya-sensei can only hold that beast up for three minutes. We must kill it quickly and decisively in that timeframe." As Sensei liked to say, the explanation was provided in twenty words or less! As expected of Aiz! Y-Yama, why are you holding your sword like that!? That's not your Magic Sword! Okay, okay, I'll be serious now, I swear! "It must be killed with magic as its blood can melt anything and anyone unprotected by Durandal."

"So long as it's bound in lightning, its blood will be destroyed without issue." Challia analyzed the situation with a nod. As expected of a great Mage, she was able to take stock of the situation with ease. "We need to attack immediately. We mustn't hold back. Killing the creature now will greatly limit damage to Orario!"

Aiz gave a nod and Lyon relayed the order. Magic Swords were produced. I felt the familiar power of Argonaut well up within me and into Crozzo's Magic Sword. The air about our group was filled to the brim with magic. I felt almost as though I could touch the ethereal power if I just stretched out my hand, but I focused and ignored the urge.

Rays of light surged from the cistern, Viridis's power burrowed into and ravaged the monster which Sensei held up. Everyone fired in concert with the fusillade of magic, even Aiz sent forward a slash of her sword which nearly bisected the monster, but I knew better than to do the same.

I waited until I caught a glimpse of its black heart before I swung.

It was better to be safe than sorry.

I dared not risk not destroying such a threat completely and utterly.

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