"Cough… cough… That monster is this strong?"
Dragging Kamito and Claire along, Restia moved quickly through the depths of the hidden tunnel.
At this point, she had no retreat. She had to reach Greyworth and explain the situation—otherwise, by sunrise, they would all be finished.
...
"Tch, those bastards from the Holy Nation really have some skill. They even managed to find this place?"
Listening to Restia's report, Greyworth frowned deeply.
"So, you're saying we've completely lost all routes of escape and can only stay here and wait for their assault?"
"In a sense, yes," Restia replied. "I scouted the skies on my way back—the Holy Nation's airships are already en route. If we try to flee by air, we'll be shot down instantly."
"How hopeless."
Greyworth lowered her head, rubbing her hands together, as if searching for a breakthrough.
"There's no way left but a frontal battle."
"No, there is still a way." Greyworth looked seriously at Restia. "And that way is me."
"You?" Restia froze, then immediately understood. "Don't tell me… you plan to die here?"
"In this life, I've already had more than enough—power, prestige, and years as Headmistress." Greyworth's eyes softened with distant reminiscence. "At the very least, I'll do my final duty as Headmistress with pride."
"If I die behind my students, it would disgrace that title."
"You…" Restia began, but Greyworth cut her off.
"I have a favor to ask, Restia."
"I know you only care about Kamito and no one else. But once you escape, could you help the remaining students survive?"
"You don't have to protect them all. Just do what you can. Even if one more student survives… it's worth it."
The situation was dire—Greyworth knew full well it was impossible for everyone to escape unharmed.
All she could hope was that Restia would lend them her strength on the way out.
"…Fine. I promise you, Dusk Witch." Restia's expression was complicated as she looked at the woman. "But let me make one thing clear—if Kamito's life is in danger, I'll abandon everyone without hesitation."
"Haha, if in the end only you and Kamito survive, I'll consider that a success."
Greyworth let out a hearty laugh, then said, "Go rest while you can. We'll move at dawn. I'll handle the preparations."
"Goodbye, Dusk Witch…"
"Yes, goodbye."
Once Restia left, the air in the room grew cold again.
"So this is how it ends for me, huh?"
Greyworth had once been one of the Twelve Knight Generals of the Empire and the champion of the Blade Dance Festival.
But now, she was simply the Headmistress of Areishia Spirit Academy—and all she wished for was to fulfill her final duty.
"So, I too am reaching my twilight…" Greyworth murmured, gazing out the window at the starlit sky, then down at her busy students below.
"But you all… your twilight hasn't come yet."
"I wish you all a bright future."
Time passed slowly. As dawn approached, every student entered the tunnel once more, led by the Dusk Witch herself.
As long as Greyworth could hold off the enemy's strongest forces, the students would have their chance to escape.
The Headmistress' last instruction: If anyone falls behind, do not turn back. Run. Run as far as you can.
"If the old exit's useless, then I'll just make a new one!"
Greyworth swung her contracted spirit. With a single slash, the thick earth wall before them split like paper.
Within seconds, a new tunnel opened before their eyes.
"As expected of the Dusk Witch—her power is truly beyond question!"
"Headmistress, you're incredible!"
While the surrounding students praised Greyworth, Restia—standing near the center of the group—knew the truth. Greyworth could never be a match for Millennia.
Greyworth could have chosen to confront the enemy head-on last night or simply ordered the students to dig their own way out. Yet she chose this path instead.
Was it simply to let the students conserve their strength for escape?
Restia didn't know what that woman was thinking, but at this moment, she could only feel respect for her.
Kamito, on the other hand, remained silent. With his current strength, what could he possibly do?
Nothing—except clench his fists in helpless frustration.
"Restia, I…"
Kamito seemed to have the same idea as Greyworth, but before he could finish speaking, Restia punched him in the stomach.
"Kamito, they can make that choice," Restia said, gesturing toward the students. "But you can't!"
"If you try to do something that stupid, I'll stop you myself!"
At that moment, movement from the front of the line caught her attention. Greyworth's palm was slick with sweat as she gripped her spirit weapon, her expression tightening.
"They've locked onto us, haven't they?"
No doubt about it—the one targeting them had to be the Cardinal Restia mentioned.
"Everyone, listen carefully!"
Greyworth's voice rang through the tunnel as she issued her final command.
"I'll break through the ceiling in an instant. The moment I do, you must run—run as fast as you can! And whatever happens, do not look back!"
Without waiting for a reply, she swung her blade upward, slicing open the earth above.
Boom!
A thunderous roar echoed through the tunnel. The students looked up just in time to see their Headmistress vanish. Above them, a vast opening appeared, revealing the sky.
Captain Ellis gritted her teeth and shouted, "All students of Areishia Spirit Academy, obey the Headmistress' final command!"
"Now—run!"
Through the new passage, they could already see the stars above. The exit was close—they could reach the surface soon.
Boom, boom, boom—
A fierce battle raged nearby, but the students had no time to think. They could only run for their lives.
Only when the explosions finally stopped did they realize what had happened—that Greyworth was likely gone. A heavy silence fell, and despair spread among them.
"Why are you stopping?" Ellis roared. "The Headmistress sacrificed herself to buy us time to escape—are you going to waste it?"
"Get up! Keep moving!"
The night was fading, but dawn had yet to come. They had to reach their destination before sunrise.
The venue of the Blade Dance.
Once there, they could use the gate to enter the Elemental Spirit World—the enemy wouldn't dare follow them inside.
Hearing Ellis' words, the students forced themselves back onto their feet and pushed forward. But then…
Step. Step.
Distinct footsteps echoed behind them. Everyone summoned their weapons, standing ready.
Only Restia's face showed a strange mix of emotion.
When the approaching figure came into view, the students' expressions lit up with joy—they almost ran to her.
It was Headmistress Greyworth!
"Headmistress?" Ellis froze, then smiled brightly. "Did you defeat the enemy?"
She started to rush toward her—but Restia stopped her.
"Be careful! There's someone behind her!"
Restia's warning made everyone look closer—and there they saw it. Behind Greyworth stood a small blonde girl with her left eye covered by an eyepatch.
"The one in front is indeed the Dusk Witch," Restia said gravely, "but the girl behind her—she's from the Holy Nation! Our enemy!"
"What is the meaning of this, Dusk Witch?!"
"Why are you standing with the enemy?!"
Millennia stepped out from behind Greyworth. The enemy's face showed no emotion, but the Dusk Witch herself looked utterly cold.
"Greyworth once had a contract with the Sacred Queen," Millennia said indifferently. "I thought her willpower would make it troublesome to control her—but it turned out to be surprisingly easy."
Yes, Greyworth had once formed a contract with the Sacred Queen. For certain reasons, she had forgotten it long ago.
But now, through Millennia's interference, that contract had been reactivated—allowing her to seize control of Greyworth completely.
In other words, the students' strongest protector was gone.
"The Sacred Queen…"
"So she's behind all of this—the leader of the Five Elemental Lords?" Restia asked sharply.
"'Behind it all?' Don't make it sound so vile," Millennia replied with disdain. "The Sacred Queen is the architect of this magnificent plan."
Her voice grew harsh when she heard Restia refer to her master in such a tone.
"Now then, Dusk Witch," Millennia commanded coldly. "Eliminate all those who defy the Sacred Queen… ah, but leave the man and the Dark Elemental alive. Her Majesty specifically requested them."
"Yes, Lady Millennia," Greyworth answered in a low, controlled voice.
"For the Sacred Queen!"
With a flash of black light, Greyworth's spirit weapon appeared in her hand—a blade every student recognized. Its crimson edge exuded a chilling, almost bloodthirsty aura.
The sight broke many of their hearts. Some students fell to their knees, unable to comprehend what they were seeing.
"How… how could we be forced to fight the Headmistress…?"
"If she's our opponent, we don't stand a chance…"
"No—I'll face her."
A man's voice rose from behind the students. They all immediately knew who it was. After all, there was only one man among them.
Kamito Kazehaya.
Rumors whispered he might be the Headmistress' illegitimate son…
"Kamito!" Restia shouted, seeing him trying to stand. She moved to stop him—and aimed to jab him in the stomach again.
But this time, Kamito caught her arm.
"Restia, I'm not running this time!"
His expression was serious. "Every time before, I've run away—found some excuse to escape. But not this time."
"I have my pride too, Restia!"
"That old hag… she's always been annoying, always scheming—but even so… I've always seen her as a mother!"
"Now, I just want to save her. Will you help me one more time?"
And just like that, the rumor of the Headmistress' secret son was confirmed.
"…You really are hopeless, Kamito," Restia sighed. "I literally told the Dusk Witch last night that I'd retreat if things got bad… and now look at me."
Still, she smiled faintly. "Very well. Let's settle this, Dusk Witch."
"Students of Areishia Spirit Academy," Restia called out, "get as far away as you can! I don't know how long we can hold her off, but…"
"Until I lose consciousness, I won't let them reach you!"
Kamito clasped Restia's hand, standing with his back to the students.
"Let's go, Restia!"
"I've been ready for this, Kamito!"
—Dark spirit that pierces through truth, demonic blade of reality!
—Awaken from your slumber!
—Restia Ashdoll!
For the first time in three years, the jet-black demon sword manifested once again in Kamito's hand. A familiar sensation welled up within him—it was unmistakable.
He gripped the sword with both hands and faced the Dusk Witch—his teacher, and in a way, his mother.
"Watch closely, old hag!"
"This is the bond between me and Restia!"
Watching from behind, Millennia's lips curled slightly in amusement.
"Dusk Witch, toy with him for a while. And make sure not to kill him."
As for the students… they wouldn't get far anyway. She'd deal with them later.
Millennia knew Greyworth's strength well. Once the Empire's foremost among the Twelve Knight Generals—one of humanity's absolute strongest.
There was no way she'd lose to a mere boy.
Kamito and Greyworth faced each other, blades ready, eyes locked. In the same instant, black and crimson swordlight clashed in the air.
Ultimate Sword Technique—
Sixth Form: Shattering Sword!
Both unleashed their strikes simultaneously—a technique meant to break weapons, not flesh.
Clang! Clang!
Their blades collided, neither gaining the upper hand. With their near-equal physical power and spirit weapons, it was impossible to tell who was stronger.
Kamito understood—his only chance lay in skill.
"Looks like I'll have to go all out."
Crimson sparks flew as he spun his sword.
Breaking Form—Blazing Spiral Sword Dance!
Nine Consecutive Strikes!
Slash! Slash! Slash!
Nine massive arcs of swordlight burst toward the Dusk Witch. It was a technique designed for large spirits—overkill for a human foe.
But Kamito knew Greyworth well. Weaker strikes would do nothing!
She blocked seven, but two slashes struck the ground, sending up thick clouds of dust.
"Restia—now!"
"Understood, Kamito!"
Drawing his blade back into a stance, Kamito felt the surge of Divine Power around him. He took a deep breath.
Ultimate Sword Technique—
Final Form: Celestial Absolute Flash Thrust!