With the Sicarius Exams canceled, Avic and the others were able to make it out of the Forest Of Mortem safely. However, as planned they had avoided gathering at the Outer Yard like the other students. Instead, they had snuck outside of the school premises, out into the city.
Agni was slumped over Avic's shoulder, still in need of medical attention. However, not much could be done for him in the present moment. There were now even more pressing issues at hand.
The group of five had come to a shocking stop the moment they left the school premises. They knew things were bad but they had no idea that it had already escalated to such a devastating extent. They all gazed at the city before them, unable to comprehend the chaos in front of them.
"H-how did things already come to this..?" Stuttered Eliisabet in disbelief.
"This is beyond chaotic... Damn it all! Won't they stop until they've conquered all Seven Great Nations..?" Hissed Custos.
Discite City was caught in an inferno. Buildings burned and black smoke was cast high into the air in all directions. Civilians, Sicarius, Knights, and even small children alike laid bloodied and lifeless in the streets.
Destruction and chaos were all that were present. Some ran for their lives while others stood paralyzed by fear, crying for help. Some children sobbed in the streets, crying for their lost siblings and parents.
Lower-ranking members of the Umbra ran around, destroying everything in sight. They killed dozens by the seconds and captured others for slavery. It was nothing short of disastrous.
"We shouldn't remain here. We'll get caught up in this mess if we don't find a way to escape this place before it's too late," warned Chrono.
"Tsk! This is almost like that day... So much destruction and death..! Damn it all... I'll never forgive the Umbra for this!" Cursed Avic.
Eliisabet and Custos looked at Avic sympathetically. They understood his pain. The images before them were things that they were all familiar with. It was an unpleasant feeling like no other. However, they also knew that Chrono had a point. If they didn't get moving soon then they would surely get caught up in the fighting.
Unfortunately, before any of them could take the initiative, three enemies dressed in black and red cloaks confronted them. They were agents from the Umbra.
"I guess it's too late to run now. Seems we've got company," murmured Custos.
"Judging by your attire, you're students from the Sicarius faction, aren't you?" Queried one of the cloaked figures.
"And what if we are?" Asked Chrono as he moved his hand toward the hilt of his sword.
"Come with us. If you refuse then we'll be forced to cut you down here."
Avic frowned as he got his dagger in front of him, "None of us are quite in the mood to come with you jackasses. So just shut up and try to cut us down already if you can. I'll personally feed your bodies to the vultures when this is over."
The cloaked figures showed no signs of hesitation. Instead, they wasted no time, immediately commencing their attack. However, just before they could clash with Avic and the others, the ground opened up underneath them, sucking them in. A second later, it closed up again, locking them inside the earth.
Avic and the others stood bewildered. None of them had lifted a finger and yet their enemies had disappeared without a trace.
"What was that..?" Queried Eliisabet in confusion.
"I don't know... But whoever it was sure made short work of them," answered Chrono.
"It was me," answered a familiar voice from behind.
They then turned around in shock to see none other than Principal Palem standing behind them.
"Old Man Palem?!" Exclaimed Avic.
"Let's not waste time here. Quickly, come with me," he prompted.
Before following, they looked at one another in confusion. However, they didn't have time to debate. Instead, they quickly followed Principal Palem back onto the school premises. A few minutes later, they were led into a secret underground facility, located underneath the Principal's Office.
It was a large concrete structure that seemed perfect for emergencies. There were even a few other people present inclusive of students, Registered Sicarius, and Knights.
"This is an emergency shelter that I had prepared in advance for situations just like this one," began Principal Palem. "It can withstand explosions and even strong earthquakes. Best of all, it keeps us hidden from our enemies. But even so, we can't let our guard down. Despite everything I've told you, this place could be discovered by the enemy at any moment."
No one answered. They continued to look around as they followed Principal Palem. This was when he pushed a wooden door open that led into another room filled with at least a dozen beds. There were even a few doctors and nurses present inside.
"Come quickly. Put Agni down on one of these beds. The doctors will take care of him."
Avic then carefully did as Principal Palem instructed. However, he was still deeply upset. He couldn't help but gaze at Agni's pale face for a few seconds. To think that someone as lively as Agni would be reduced to such a sorry state pained him.
"Avic, I understand how you feel but please leave the doctors to do their job. We have more pressing issues at hand that requires our attention. To put it simply, we have a lot to discuss about the information you gathered on the Umbra."