461. The Vow
This sucks
I groaned as I massaged my shoulders. My body still ached, even after the duel. I had lost to Clayton Skyshredder despite using the Sword of Alexander and the Boots of Alexander to help . And if losing in front of hundreds of onlookers wasnt bad enough, the Headmaster of Mavos Academy promptly dragged into his tower after the battle was finished.
I trailed after him as he led down a long hallway. He glanced back as he reached a door at the end, before shaking his head.
You have only yourself to bla, Salvos. Your return to Mavos Academy was unexpected, and so was your challenge, but the outco is the only logical conclusion.
He spoke as he grabbed the door and pulled it open. Inside was a small box room. One that Id been in before. It would lead up to the top of the tower one that reached far above the clouds. He stepped in, gesturing at to follow after.
I just didnt think youd be so strong! I an sure, youre only the highest-leveled [Mage] in the Human lands. But still
I crossed my arms, harrumphing. He really was strong. However, I thought I had a chance against him. After all, I had fought plenty of people above my level before, so I thought this would go the sa way. As it turned out, Clayton was stronger than even Belzu.
He waited for at the other side of the doorway, and I followed him into the room. The door slamd shut. Clayton pressed his hand against so runes, injecting it with mana. The spell activated a mont after, before we began to rapidly ascend to the top floor.
What are we doing, anyway? If youre not going to help out, I have to get going, you know? Unlike you, I have a war to get to.
I spoke as I glanced out the glass panels of this lift, looking down as the rest of Mavos Academy rapidly grew smaller beneath us. Clouds eventually blotted my view, and Clayton Skyshredder answered my question.
While I am not enthused with the disrespectful manner you have elected to visit the academy, I am glad you did. For I have sothing to show you.
Sothing to show ?
I raised a brow. The room ca to a sudden stop as we reached the top of the tower. I blinked, and the door swung open. He stepped out, and I was right behind him.
What are you
I paused as I turned the corner. A woman stood just before us. A middle-aged lady with light orange hair wearing a long elegant dress. She was decorated in jewelry, and she looked rather familiar.
She looked happy. Almost too happy. She wore a cheerful smile on her face, even when she politely bowed her head at us.
Welco back, Headmaster Skyshredder. And it is good to see you again, Salvos.
Good to see again? Sorry, do I know you?
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. I really did think she looked familiar. But I couldnt quite place who she was. Clayton Skyshredder cleared his throat and walked past .
Centina, did you prepare it?
I have, Headmaster Skyshredder.
The woman raised her head, still smiling at the man. My jaw dropped.
Wait, Centina?!
I stared at her. She turned to and nodded.
Yes, Salvos. Are you surprised?
Huh.
If I wasnt mistaken, the last ti I saw Centina, she was a Centinel. An [Evolved Centinel] to be exact. Unless, sohow, she had evolved into a Human. Or maybe its an illusion. Kron was here too, after all.
That made more sense to . I raised a hand, prodding Centinas sides ruffling her clothes. I took a step back and touched her arm. I raised it, and it felt like I was actually touching Human flesh.
The smoothness of her skin the coldness of the touch. It felt real.
Krons illusion magic must have really improved since I last saw her, huh?
I continued poking Centina in awe. The woman coughed, pulling back her arm. She covered her mouth and shook her head.
Actually, Salvos, this is not an illusion. This is real.
What?
I froze. I slowly craned my neck to look up at Centina. She just nodded cheerfully.
Everything you see is real. I am currently a Human.
But how? Thats not possible, right?
I looked past her, turning to Clayton Skyshredder. The Headmaster of Mavos Academy was waiting for , but when he saw I wouldnt budge until I got an answer, he sighed.
It is thanks to a Potion of Transformation. I commissioned a bulk order from one of the highest-leveled [Alchemists] in the world. It works all the sa as a [Druid]s transformation, albeit temporarily.
He did. And I am truly grateful to you for it, Headmaster.
Centina was by his side in an instant. Clayton quickly shrugged her off, shaking his head.
Now if you will follow , Salvos.
Right, right.
I massaged my temples. I watched as Centina walked next to the Headmaster, still smiling as she stared intently at his face. He just looked straight ahead as he brought down the hallway. I passed a room with a cracked doorway and stopped.
I frowned, looking in. A figure lay strewn across a couch, belly up, food lain across the bloated stomach. Kron raised her head, turning to with a smile.
Salvos!
Hey Kron! Im glad to see that youre still a [Krokodis]. How are you doing?
I pushed the door open and waved at her. The alligator-like monster smiled at with a toothy grin. She looked almost like a Kobold, except with far rougher features. Her tail wagged behind her as she replied to .
eating! How you?
She gestured at the food on her stomach. I nodded, pointing at myself.
Im still Salvos!
Good!
Kron smiled at as she munched on a chicken leg. I stepped away from the door, starting to close it.
It was nice catching up with you, but I gotta go now! Clayton needs for sothing.
And continue eat!
Kron waved at with the chicken leg as the door closed shut. I stepped away from the doorway, and turned to see both Clayton and Centina waiting at the end of the hallway.
Salvos.
He called for . I hurried after him.
Im coming, Im coming
That was sothing.
Jonas remarked as he sat down next to Valda. The young prodigy didnt look up at her friend. Instead, she had her hands on her knees as she stared at the ground.
I cant believe Salvos lost
The pair were sitting in the courtyard just before the Tower of Truth. Most of the crowd had scattered after the battle concluded, but there were still plenty of students lingering around. Especially after Clayton forced Salvos to follow him to his tower. They wanted to know what was going to happen with Salvos whether shed be punished for her challenge or let free.
I an, it only makes sense, doesnt it? Headmaster Skyshredder is the highest-leveled [Mage] after all.
Jonas shrugged, leaning back on the bench. Valda shook her head vehently.
But Salvos is a [Hero]!
Is she though?
The boy gave Valda a flat stare. She crossed her arms, nodding.
I know that Salvos is a [Hero]. But even if you dont believe , that doesnt matter. She had the Treasures of Alexander on her. Those are Mythical Grade artifacts! She should have at least been able to put up a fight!
The young prodigy hesitated. Lowering her head, she rembered how the fight went. The way it was resolved. And she tightly gripped the seams of her skirt.
But Salvos was defeated so easily. Headmaster Skyshredder didnt even break a sweat
That is true.
Jonas agreed, placing a hand on his chin. He glanced up towards the Headmasters tower the tall building that reached above even the clouds.
I didnt expect Headmaster Skyshredder to be that strong. Honestly, he was just leagues above Salvos. And [Dispel Magic] is there even a limit to that Skill? Can he just dispel any spell thats cast against him? Ive never heard of it before.
Valda furrowed her brows, looking back up.
I have heard about it before. I think I read it in a book once that lissa the Oracle of Light used [Dispel Magic] to stop the summoning ritual of a powerful Demon.
Seriously? Thats way too powerful. I cant believe it.
Jonas gasped. Valda paused. Her eyes narrowed as she looked towards the tallest tower of Mavos Academy.
I cant believe it either.
She abruptly got to her feet, starting forward. Jonas blinked and gave chase.
Wait, where are you going, Valda?
Dont you think that its weird that Headmaster Skyshredder, despite being that strong, is just sitting around in Mavos Academy while the rest of the Human lands are going to war?
Valda glanced back at Jonas. He pursed his lips.
It is a little weird. But we all knew that, didnt we? I an I always thought it was odd.
Its not just odd, Jonas. Its dangerous. Its harmful. To everyone in the world. To our friends and our family. They could die because he didnt help save them.
She shook her head before turning to face her friend.
Salvos couldnt even stand up to Headmaster Skyshredder. And shes Salvos maybe you dont believe shes a [Hero], but shes the one who killed that Prival Demon that razed Nixa to the ground!
Actually, shes only one of the
Jonas started. The young prodigy just rolled her eyes in response.
You get the point, dont you? Im saying that Headmaster Skyshredder couldve dealt with that Prival Demon before it ended up killing millions of lives.
...right.
Still, the boy remained unconvinced. He shook his head as he gestured vaguely towards the Tower of Truth.
But if Headmaster Skyshredder breaks his vow, hell lose his Title, wont he? Hes supposed to be the protector of Mavos Academy. He cannot participate in any wars or conflicts that are unrelated to the safety of the school.
The entirety of the Mortal Realm is being threatened right now, Jonas. And Mavos Academy is part of the Mortal Realm.
This ti, it was Valda to give her friend a flat stare. She crossed her arms as she spoke.
Im not saying that Headmaster Skyshredder should have done it all alone. But Im saying he couldve done sothing then, just like he can do sothing now.
Valda continued, turning away from her friend. He still looked apprehensive to the idea. But he was following after her as she marched across the courtyard.
Arent there like dozens of other Elites participating in the war? Even Archmage Warshade is going to be there. What can Headmaster Skyshredder even do that others cant, anyway?
[Dispel Magic].
The young prodigy snorted.
There is a grand ritual happening in the Inoria Empire that needs so stopping, isnt there? Even if his [Dispel Magic] cannot stop the whole thing, it would surely help with slowing it.
Jonas paused. He stared at Valdas back for a mont. She stopped, waiting for him. He stood there in deep thought for a second, before finally nodding.
I think youre right, Valda. But what are we even going to do about it?
He gave his friend a helpless look. He gestured towards the tallest tower of Mavos Academy.
Were just a couple of kids. Headmaster Skyshredder isnt going to be changing his mind just because two students said so.
He wont if its just two students. But who says its just going to be the both of us?
Valda grinned back at Jonas. He blinked. His confusion was evident. His friend sighed and stepped aside, gesturing towards a group of other students gathered at the courtyard. Finally, the implication settled in. His eyes went round in comprehension.
Oh
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