Chapter 11
Years had passed since their last encounter. Evangeline, now fifteen years old, had experienced significant changes in her life. One of the most remarkable developments was her deepening friendship with the wolf she had met within her own mind. His name was Seiko, and thanks to Evangeline's parents, she had managed to free him from his seal. Now, he accompanied her as an adorable wolf cub, faithfully by her side, and even offering occasional protection, depending on his mood. The animosity from people had lessened over time, and they now regarded Evangeline as a mysterious figure, largely due to her consistent use of a face mask. Additionally, she had dedicated herself to mastering new spells, a wealth of which would be unveiled later.
Lost in her thoughts, Evangeline's reverie was abruptly interrupted by Seiko, who had scaled her head and perched there. His voice rang out, urging her to hurry as he reminded her of the important news her parents had to deliver.
"I don't understand why you're still on my head," Evangeline remarked, her hands moving swiftly to prepare herself before leaving the room in haste.
In the castle corridors, an amusing sight unfolded—a teenage girl with a wolf cub resting atop her head. Ignoring the odd looks, she made her way to the dining room, where she discovered her parents already engrossed in their meal.
"So, you're eating without me? Is that how it is now? You don't like me anymore?" Evangeline feigned offense.
"Indeed, she's right! You're traitors for eating without us," Seiko added, his playful voice betraying his mischievous nature.
Azumi, her mother, intervened, her smile radiant. "You weren't going to perish just because of that, and besides, we have something to tell you."
Curiosity sparked within Evangeline as she inquired, "What is it that you want to talk to me about?"
Misaki, her mother, couldn't contain her excitement as she shared the news. "Your mother and I have decided to send you to the newly constructed magic school. Isn't that wonderful?" she exclaimed, brimming with joy.
"Azumi, I don't see any issue with that. Why are you so excited, Misaki?" Evangeline questioned, perplexed by her mother's exuberance.
Azumi explained, her excitement matching Misaki's, "She's excited because this school accepts students from all species. It aims to identify the geniuses from each race and observe their strengths."
Misaki chimed in, highlighting the requirements for admission. "But remember, you can't simply enter the school. You'll have to pass the entrance exam, which starts tomorrow."
Evangeline's motivation waned as she responded with little enthusiasm, "I see. And what does this entrance exam entail?"
Azumi clarified, "Come on, Evangeline. There will be a written exam to evaluate your knowledge, followed by a practical exam, which I believe is a simple battle."
Confident in her abilities, Misaki chimed in, "That shouldn't pose a problem for you, my daughter."
Evangeline agreed, "Yeah, it shouldn't be an issue. But can I bring Seiko with me?"
Azumi granted permission but with a caveat, "Of course, you can bring him along, but he can't assist you during the fights, right, Evangeline?"
Evangeline nodded in understanding, ready to depart. However, before she could leave, Azumi held her hand and offered a cryptic remark. "I hope you'll excel and give it your all," she said, her eyes reflecting a hint of darkness.
Seiko and Evangeline shivered involuntarily at the intensity of Azumi's gaze. "Yes, don't worry, Mom. I'll do my best," Evangeline assured, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and trepidation.
Seeking to distract herself from the forthcoming challenges, Evangeline decided to take a stroll through the city. Engaging in conversation with Seiko, who remained perched on her head, she voiced her curiosity about the new school.
"I wonder what this new school will be like," she mused aloud, a tinge of excitement coloring her words.
Seiko, displaying his insatiable appetite, responded with a touch of drool, "I'm wondering the same thing. But I also hope there's plenty of food there."
Evangeline playfully chided him, "You're always fixated on food. However, this time, I hope to make friends."
Seiko scoffed, doubting her ability to form connections due to her eerie aura. "You, making friends? And how can they be so confident in someone they can't even see half of their face?" he teased, amused by the notion.
Evangeline, displaying a hint of pride, confidently replied, "I know, but wearing a mask has become a part of me. It's cool, like being a ninja."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by distant shouts, capturing their attention. "What's happening?" Evangeline wondered aloud as she instinctively moved towards the source of the commotion.
After a brief journey, she arrived at a dimly lit alley. There, she witnessed a distressing scene—a pair of bald men, one with a cross-shaped scar adorning his left eye and the other bearing a snake tattoo on his arm. Dressed as basic adventurers, they were mercilessly assaulting a teenager, seemingly around Evangeline's age, with fiery red hair and a school uniform.
Compelled to intervene, Evangeline drew closer, her eyes fixed on the unfolding violence.
"Release this person now!" Evangeline's voice pierced through the alley, commanding attention. The two bald men turned to face her, their laughter filling the air.
Bandit 1 sneered, mocking her, "You think a cub on your head can scare us? How amusing!"
Bandit 2 joined in the laughter, taunting her further, "What do you think you're doing, kid? Do you believe that mask makes you intimidating?"
Evangeline's anger flared, her voice dripping with determination, "Stop laughing at me! I could defeat you with just my little finger!"
Their laughter intensified, infecting even the teenager who had been the target of their assault. He joined in, taunting her in return, "I'd prefer to be saved by someone else. You seem even weaker than I am!"
Seiko, whispering to Evangeline, suggested a devious plan, "Let's teach them a lesson and leave them here. What do you say?"
A devilish smile crept beneath Evangeline's mask as she whispered back, "Yes, you're right. Let's get rid of these three idiots."
Bandit 1, pointing at her, demanded an explanation, "What are you up to, kid?"
Evangeline casually dismissed him, "Nothing special. Seiko, I leave the two bandits to you."
Seiko gracefully descended from her head, landing on the ground with a mischievous smile, "I haven't had a good fight in ages."
Bandit 2, eyes glinting with greed, observed Seiko and his potential value, "This cub seems to be a magical beast. It would fetch a handsome sum on the black market."
Bandit 1 rubbed his hands together in anticipation, his vile intentions clear, "Excellent. Two for one. Even if we don't know what she looks like, I'm sure this kid is worth a fortune." His gaze lingered on Evangeline's chest.
(Unbeknownst to these repugnant individuals, they had gravely underestimated their target.)
As the brigands approached, Evangeline's anger reached its peak. "Seiko, I've changed my mind. Let me handle them," she seethed.
Seiko consented, "Alright, but remember, next time it's my turn."
With the brigands mere meters away, Evangeline unleashed a fraction of her aura. Before they could even lay a finger on her, both bandits crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath.
Bandit 1 struggled to speak amidst his confusion, "How... is this... possible? Who are you?" He succumbed to unconsciousness, followed shortly by his companion.
"I expected them to be more resilient," Evangeline remarked, retracting her aura.
Seiko chuckled, finding amusement in the bandits' weakness, "They were as feeble as ants. Now, let's hurry. It's almost time to eat."
"You're right," Evangeline agreed, her focus now shifting to the teenager.
The teenager, tears streaming down his face, took a step back and stammered, "I'm truly sorry for what I said earlier."
Evangeline approached him, gripping his uniform collar, her expression stern. Suddenly, she noticed him crying even more, and an unpleasant smell filled the air as he involuntarily relieved himself. Repulsed, she swiftly threw him against the wall.
"You truly lack self-control. Disgusting. How could you soil yourself?" Evangeline scolded him with a disgusted tone.
Seiko burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by the situation. Evangeline had intended to teach the teenager a lesson, but before she could proceed, someone emerged before him—a young woman with fiery red hair and eyes that mirrored the teenager's. She wore the same school uniform.
"Release my brother immediately, you brigands!" she declared, conjuring multiple arrows of flames and launching them towards Evangeline.