JP's POV
"For the students' sake, any Master here?" sigaw ko ng makarating na ako sa Faculty Office kasabay ng pagkatok ko sa pinto. Walang sumagot, masama ito.
'Teka, kung ang plano ng mga kalaban ay ang ipunin ang mga Masters sa timog na bahagi ng paaralan, mas mataas ang tiyansa na mayroon ng master sa South Wing.' sa isip-isip ko lang.
May ngiti sa mga labi at may determinasyon kong tinahak ang daan patungong timog. Nakakabahala ang damage na nakuha ng paaraalan, maraming mga craters at gusaling nagtamo ng mga pagsabog - pero hula ko, sina Drago at Kadaski ang may pakana ng mga iyon at hindi ang mga ninja na kalaban namin.
Umiling-iling ako ng ilang saglit upang maibalik ang konsentrasyon ko sa misyon na ibinigay sa akin ni President Zeky.
"Razor Spikes!"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa papalapit ng atake - mga patalim na nagmula sa gusali mismo ng mga Arcacia ang naporma bilang spikes at nagsimulang magliparan patungo sa akin.
'Tch, hindi ako makakailag! Pero kahit ganoon, susubukan ko pa rin!'
At sumirko-sirko na nga ako sa gitna ng field, minsan ay nakakailag at minsan ay nasasabitan ng mga nasabing patalim. "AH!" Napaluhod ako ng masaksak ako ng isa sa mga Razor Spike sa kanang hita ko. Hindi ko makita ang mga kalaban, at ang mas malala ay hindi ko rin maramdaman kung saan sila nagtatago.
"Earth Wall!"
"Nature Sprites!"
"Delajora Magnum!"
Sigaw nila, at nahanap ko na lamang ang sarili kong iniilagan ang mga spikes na gawa sa vines, samantalang ang Earth Wall magic naman ay naitulak ako patungo sa likod ng gusali dahilan para mawalan ako ng maaatrasan. Ikatlong kombinasyon nila ay ang pag-usbong ng malaking halaman na naglalaway ng asido sa bandang ulo ko.
"I'm so doomed." bulong ko sa sarili, 'ito na yata ang katapusan ko...'
Naririnig ko ang mga tawanan ng mga kalaban sa kabilang bahagi ng earth wall, at nakakairita ang katotohanang wala akong laban sa kanila. Makalipas ang halos limang minuto ay nagtaka ako sa kung bakit hindi pa rin bumubuga ng asido ang Delajora Magnum sa ibabaw ng ulo ko. 'Huwag nilang sabihing kinakaawaan nila ako ngayon?'
"Ugh!"
"Ah!"
'Anong nangyayari sa kabilang bahagi at mukhang may dumating upang patumbahin ang mga ninja na nag-trap sa akin?'
"Yumuko ka! Water Blades!"
Agad naman akong sumunod sa pamilyar na boses na iyon, pero sino bang linoloko ko, alam kong boses iyon ni Master Hegara. Lumuhod ako at saka naman nahiwa ang earth wall, ang mga spike at ang halaman na pumapalibot sa akin, sa wakas ay malaya na ako.
"JP! Ayos ka lan-,"panimula ni Master Hegara kasabay ng pagtalon niya pababa sa Hydra, ngunit nahinto siya sa pagsasalita nang lumapag sa pagitan namin si Virdjana.
'Teka? Bakit sila magkasama?...Asdfghjkl, ano ba naman ako, malamang ay nagkita sila ulit pagkatapos kaming paghiwa-hiwalayan ng mga kalaban kanina.' sa isip-isip ko lang.
"Jordan, I knew you're with Zeky when we got separated, where is she now?" seryosong tanong niya sa akin.
"Woah, what the heck happened to you?" I asked in surprised, seeing that her clothes were drenched in blood, and it's fresh blood!
Natahimik siya sa tanong ko at napalingon kay Master Hegara, na para bang may sikreto silang itinatago sa akin.
"Assassin, what happened to you?" I repeated my question.
"It doesn't matter. Where is Zeky?" balik-tanong niya sa akin habang pinupunasan ang bahid ng dugo sa kaniyang pisngi.
'Damn, she's eerie...'
Napalunok muna ako ng laway bago nagsimulang ikuwento sa kanila ang nangyari sa side namin ni President Zeky. Nagulat nga ako at hindi man lang nagbago ang mga facial expressions nila. Sumunod ay ang biglang pagsakit ng hita ko dahil sa nakatarak na spike rito.
"Ack..."
"JP! Miss Assassin, find a doctor immediately!" utos ni Master Hegara kay Virdjana.
"I believe they also evacuated in that Shelter. Allow me." sabi ni Virdjana at saka lumuhod para tingnan ang sugat ko, "it pierced through his leg, we should let a professional healer take care of him. If we pull it out, he might faint or die due to blood loss."
"About the enemy, given that this happened so suddenly, and began when the students were still sleeping. We have none, yet in terms of strength the Masters could easily overpower them." began Master Hegara in a calm tone.
'This old man, can't you focus on your injured student for now?' I complained in my head.
Master Hegara continued talking to himself, but I found myself zoning out in rage. As I felt that I had enough of his monologue, I tap on my wound drove me back to my senses. It was this transfer student that did it, making me frown as to why she did it.
"That hurts you know." I told Virdjana.
She ran her hand through her hair before meeting my eyes, "I am aware."
Jolts of electricity ran down my spine as I get more confused of what just happened.
"Miss Assassin, are you listening? I am telling you that the Bomb Relic could be used as a last resort of our enemies to began exploding themselves in case they fail to accomplish the purpose of this raid. Hostages, no, students' lives would be in danger." Master Hegara states as he rubs his temple.
"Those aren't hostages. All students were already evacuated in the Arcacian Shelter. Professor's Merca told me earlier before Zeky and I went to join the others to the battlefield." revealed Virdjana in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Is that so? That could only mean that they're fooling us. That could only mean that only the three of us knew that all students except the particular others that everyone has been safely evacuated" baling naman sa akin ni Master Hegara.
"Wait, then Zeky is in danger!"
Virdjana's POV
[A few minutes earlier]
"Master Hegara they're hiding in the shadows. How can we drive them out?" I asked, veering the subject to the bigger picture in front of us.
"Water Summon: Bubble Reflection!" enchanted Master Hegara, jumping down of his Hydra only to dismantle the creature into a large puddle of water above the trees that soon reflected the sunlight into the locations where the enemies are hiding, thus forcing them out.
"Amazing." I uttered under my breath. Not only the spell was helpful, it was also beautiful.
"MISS ASSASSIN!" exclaimed Master Hegara in an exasperated tone, "listen very well, I am giving you permission to kill the enemies. They all have a bomb relic on their bodies in within 60 seconds, it will explode. Can you make it?!"
'Is he really asking me to kill the SGNs? Earlier, he was just sternly warning me.'
"Miss Assassin!"
"Sure. I will." I spoke, a small smirk curving on my lips. I will kill as many SGNs as I want even without your permission Master.
And with that said, brings us back to the present situation.
- - - - - - -
When JP started talking about Zeky being in immediate danger, he tried going to a certain direction, probably trying to lead us to the girl.
"We need to go back to the Arcacian Shelter to give you proper treatment." I coldly stated.
"Hindi ka ba sasama sa South Wing?" tanong sa akin ni Master Hegara habang inaayos ang kaniyang salakot.
"Master, I believe you and the other Masters can very well manage." I spoke as I take JP's right arm, only to place it around my neck, "and to be honest, I don't think I have the power against these so-called Bomb Relic. It sounds dangerous."
I noticed JP giving me a frazzled expression, "Virdjana, I don't know how strong you are, but if Master Hegara isn't willing to go back for Zeky, then at least check up on her just real quick. She's a strong student, stronger than a couple thousands in fact, but she can be pretty reckless too."
'Sounds like someone I know.' I heard Reggie commented inside my head.
Master Hegara took two steps towards us only to stare for a good three seconds, as if he was assessing me for something. "You know it could be a good experience to see a Master battling first-hand. Our techniques might help you in your future endevours." Master added with a small smile.
Jeez, why am I being forced to choose between these two? What's with the people in this academy and their obsession of making someone choose one from their offers?
'Why are you persistent?' I questioned inwardly while maintaining a neutral expression on the outside. Although, if I would be honest, I would like to see how powerful they are against these ninjas.
"Master Hegara, with utmost respect, please check on your colleagues in the South Wing. Your power would be very helpful." spoke Jordan while giving me a meaningful look, it was as if, he was helping me slip out of the awkward persuasive ted-talk of Master Hegara.
"I'll have to attend to the injured first, I was assigned to assist students to the Arcacian Shelter by Professor Jelina in the first place." I reasoned out.
"I see, although I'll be expecting you." smiled Master Hegara in a cheerful tone.
He proceeded to summon his Hydra, and then rides it to the direction of the South Wing.
"Thank you for siding with me, we need to check if Zeky is okay." said JP.
Almost half an hour later, we finally reached the Arcacian Shelter, landing behind a tree a few meters away from the locked entrance. There were security personels around the Shelter, and that includes Professor Merca and Professor Luke.
I was about to take a step to the light - where the teachers would be able to recognize me when JP Streamwave pulled me backwards.
"Are you really planning to go out there with all those blood on your uniform?" he asked seriously. "They might assume you're an enemy and attack you."
My eyes widened upon realization, and for some reason had lose my composure for a good few seconds, not until JP grabs both of my shoulder in attempt to calm me down.
"I can manage from here Assassin," he spoke reassuringly, "go to Zeky!"
I gave him a questioning look, wondering if it was a good idea to let him walk there by himself. But then again, I began pondering as to why I would go through such lengths just to ensure that this guy would be safe. Is this also a burden of being an Enchanted Elite?
"Sure you can. I know that. I was about to leave to catch up to the others."
JP flinched, putting his hands down and chuckling to himself. "O-oh? Sorry for assuming--."
I sighed. "I'll be going." and so, I turned around before running to the south of the Academy.
Ilang minuto pa lang ang nakalilipas ay nahanap ko ang sarili sa gitna ng sira-sirang center field ng akademya. Kaliwa't kanan ang usok at apoy, maging mga remnants ng iba pang kapangyarihang nag-clash sa paligid ko.
"It's so similar, I almost can't bear seeing all of this."
Grabbing a handful of dust, I started threading to the place he told me about. "You won't like the idea of owing me a favor, Jordan."
Kadaski's POV
"Drago, hindi ko inaasahang darating ang panahong walang magagawa ang fire elements natin." bulong ko sa kaniya.
"Kaya nga Aski, kaya nga tayo nag-aral ng hand-to-hand combat. Kailangan natin silang patumbahin nang hindi gumagamit ng mahika, para makapagbigay ng oras kay Master Shien at Master Zarrah upang macontact ang isa sa mga Hiding Masters ng Arcacia..." sabi niya naman.
"Aba Drago Arcedes, impressive. As expected mula sa isang top student, mukhang natunugan mo na ang tunay na plano naming tatlo nina Shien at Zarrah." nakangiting komento ng Recruiter.
Natahimik ako dahil, pinoproseso pa ng utak ko ang nangyayari, at sa kung anong plano ang tinutukoy nila. "Teka, huwag mong sabihing susubukan nilang makausap ang Time Walker?"
"Alerto! Andito na sila!" sigaw ni Master Shin.
Nagsimula na naming harapin ang mga SGN na sumugod sa amin. Mayroon silang advantage dahil maaari nilang gamitin ang kanilang mga kapangyarihan, katulad na lamang nang mga kaharap ko ngayon - ang isa ay may kontrol sa lupa at ang isa naman ay may kontrol ng halaman.
Patuloy kami sa pakikipaglaban at pag-ilag, at patuloy din ang pag-countdown ng mga Bomb Relic sa kanilang mga katawan.
"Hindi ito maganda. Hindi lang dahil sa mayroon silang mga bomb relic sa katawan nila, ngunit dahil magkakaiba rin ang countdowns!" anunsyo ni Drago sa akin at kay Master Shin.
"How are you able to determine that young Arcedes?" tanong sa kaniya ni Master Shin.
"Heat sensors. One enemies body heat differs as if their body's temperature are reaching its peak...if my inference is correct, they become slower as they get close to their demise." he gulped.
"Ha? Teka, ooff... walang suntukan kapag hindi ako nakatingin!" insulto ko sa kaharap kong SGN, dahil napatumba ko na iyong isa sa kanila.
"Ang bagal mo naman..." gatong ko pa.
Nang mga oras na iyon napansin ko ang paniningkit ng mata ng SGN at walang ano-anong bigla na lamang ako nitong niyakap. "Hoy! Hoy! No to bromance, pare!"
"Aski!"
"Nueva!"
Tawag ni Drago saka ni Master Shin sa akin, "oo, alam ko tatalunin ko itong hangal na ito!" giit ko sa kanila.
"Lumayo ka sa kaniya! Dalian mo!" sigaw ni Master Shin, at noon ko lang napagtanto ang ibig nilang ipahiwatig.
BOOM!
Or so we all thought.
3rd Person's POV
Isang segundo bago ang inaasahang pagsabog ng SGN kasama ang katawan ng isa sa mga mahuhusay na Fire Enchant sa Arcacia Academy ay ang biglaang paghinto ng oras.
Sa gitna ng labanan sa South Wing ay ang paglapag ng isang naka-maskarang indibidwal, sa kaniyang likuran ay sina Master Yoto at Master Shien na nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga halatang nag-ugat dahil sa labis na pag-aalala.
Tanging ang tatlong Masters lamang na ito ang nakakagalaw sa ng hibla ng oras at puwang ng partikular na panahong iyon. Ang dahilan kaya nakagagalaw sina Master Yoto at Master Shien ay dahil pinahintulutan sila ng caster - ang Time Walker.
"I'm a little disappointed. I believed that you can handle them easily." spoke the Time Walker.
Muli ay bumuntong-hininga si Master Yoto, ang kaniyang kulot, mahaba at ginintuang buhok ay biglang nagliyab ng todo-todo.
"Ahhh, kuha ko na Zarrah. Huwag ka nang magalit." nakangiting pahayag ng Time Walker.
"To think that academy's security was easily breached. We might want to discuss this seriously for the next EMC meeting." bungad naman ng Library Keeper.
Ang kalmado na ngayong Master of Flames na si Master Zarrah Yoto naman ang nagsalita, "I'm going to be busy."
"So am I." segunda ng Time Walker.
Lumukot ang noo ni Master Shien, "this is why we can't fix problems immediately. The Council was never complete in terms of attendance!"
A drop of sweat appeared visibly on Yoto's and the Time Walker's forehead.
"But, as always, it is understandable." dagdag ni Master Shien.
"I will have to leave now. I will unfreeze the Recruiter and allow him to apprehend the Shadow Glass Ninjas. As for the Bomb Relics--..." the Time Walker only took a single second to disable the powerful artifact. "there. Ciao." and with a blue zap the masked individual disappeared and at the same time unfreezing Master Shin.
"Nueva! Takbooo--...teka.. huh?" kinailangan pa ni Master Shin na iproseso ang nangyayari bago niya mapagtantong kaaalis pa lang ng Time Walker.
"Naks naman, hindi ko na naman siya nakita." reklamo ni Master Shin.
Isang batok ang kaniyang nakuha mula sa kaniyang kambal, at isang disgusted na ekspresiyon naman ang nakuha niya mula kay Master Yoto.
"Always aggressive ladies, I get it, I'll take care of the enemies." nanghihinayang pa ring sabi nito.